podcast, our Data Reports, the "A Tale of Two Mortgages" webcomic, and LodeStar Report Newsletter.
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Data Reports
2025 Purchase Mortgage Closing Cost Data Report
The national average total closing costs for a purchase mortgage transaction were $4,661. This amount consists of a national average of 1.06% of the home sales price.
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Full Disclosure
Alayna’s Homebuying Journey
Ever wonder what the homebuying process looks like from an insider’s perspective? We’v highlighted Jim’s homebuying process in the past. Now it’s Alayna’s turn!
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A Tale of Two Mortgages
CRM Revisited
Horace and Octavia continue their protracted conflict over the use of the CRM (or lack thereof).
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Deeper Thoughts
The Secret to Customer Success
LodeStar’s commitment to the core value of clarity starts and ends with offering impeccable customer service to our client users, who have done us the honor of making our Closing Cost Calculator a vital aspect of their lending process.
Full Disclosure
Still Holding
How are things at LodeStar, you ask? Really, really good, actually. For this week’s episode of Full Disclosure, Jim and Alayna give an update on all things LodeStar.
Full Disclosure
Pumpkin Spice and Conference Food
It’s time for “What Grinds My Gears”… Alayna insists that people with dietary restrictions who attend mortgage conferences deserve to eat, too. Meanwhile, Jim shares his true thoughts on pumpkin spice…
A Tale of Two Mortgages
Doomed
Octavia regrets her engagement with expert economic analysis.
Full Disclosure
Fall Market Vibes
Welcome to the fully rebranded LodeStar podcast, Full Disclosure. Join Jim Paolino and Alayna Gardner, AMP, on this new chapter of the LodeStar podcast.
A Tale of Two Mortgages
Dual Roles
Horace isn’t sure where he stands on the *potential* September rate cut.
Deeper Thoughts
Rethinking Network Prep
How you prepare for a networking event makes a huge difference when it comes to what you get out of it. So, I’ll be sharing what I’ve found works for me. By no means is this list all-inclusive or definitive, but it’s a good place to start.