Real Talk Real Estate with David Greene: Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The David Greene Show
• Host: David Greene
• Episode: Mortgage Monday - Interest Rates Down | Episode 73
• Release Date: July 14, 2025
• Description: Real Talk Real Estate with David Greene delves into the dynamic world of real estate business and investing, offering unfiltered stories, insider details, and expert insights to help listeners build wealth, pivot careers, or simply understand the behind-the-scenes action in the real estate industry.

Introduction

In Episode 73 of Real Talk Real Estate, titled "Mortgage Monday - Interest Rates Down," host David Greene welcomes his guest, Christian Bashelder, affectionately referred to as "Big Brain." The episode focuses on the recent decline in mortgage interest rates and its implications for homeowners and potential buyers.

Housing Market Update

David kicks off the discussion by highlighting the improvement in the housing market:

"The freaking housing market. And it is about time..." (00:44)

He notes that after enduring high interest rates and economic challenges, the market is showing positive signs. Specifically, tariffs are beginning to bring in significant revenue, and inflation has slowed considerably. This shift has prompted President Trump to urge Jerome Powell to consider reducing interest rates, leading to a noticeable drop in mortgage rates.

Refinancing Surge

Christian shares insights about the increased demand for refinancing:

"We got a lot of applications going right now... you guys... it's how David and I can do content like this and support ourselves and the team that we've been fortunate enough to build." (01:48)

David references a CNBC article stating that mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest since April, resulting in a 7% rise in refinance applications compared to the previous week. Additionally, demand is 40% higher than the same week a year ago. This surge is particularly beneficial for homeowners looking to reduce their mortgage payments amidst rising insurance and taxes.

Understanding Mortgage Rates and Points

A significant portion of the episode demystifies the relationship between interest rates and closing costs, specifically focusing on basis points:

"There are points that are sometimes, not always, but sometimes included on a loan... they're both a measurement of the cost of a mortgage, the interest rate you pay over the lifetime of the mortgage, the points you pay up front." (05:06) – Christian Bashelder

David seeks clarification on how a 24 basis point drop affects borrowers:

"So for a, you know, $500,000 loan, 1% is $5,000. You'd be at a quarter of that... saving about $1,200 on the mortgage." (06:14) – Christian Bashelder

This explanation underscores the tangible savings homeowners can achieve through refinancing.

The One Brokerage Advantage

David and Christian delve into the operational efficiencies of their brokerage, One Brokerage, highlighting how their lean structure allows them to offer lower interest rates compared to competitors who rely heavily on marketing budgets and virtual assistants:

"We make an active effort at the one brokerage to run very lean... pass the savings on to the borrowers." (12:35) – Christian Bashelder

David emphasizes the value of personalized service and the advantages of avoiding high marketing costs, which often translate into higher rates for consumers.

Advice for Homebuyers and Refinancers

The duo provides strategic advice for listeners considering buying or refinancing:

• Stay Pre-Approved and Updated: Keeping pre-approval current can unlock better purchasing power as rates fluctuate.

  "Keep your pre approval updated if you're in the market... you could potentially access your qualifying ability to get a more expensive house..." (12:47) – Christian Bashelder

• Consult a Loan Officer: Personalized quotes based on individual financial situations can reveal opportunities not apparent through average rate reports.

  "Unless you're asking the question, you can go on to like Mortgage News Daily or... but once again, you're going to get the average." (07:36) – Christian Bashelder

Political and Economic Context

The conversation touches upon the broader economic factors influencing mortgage rates, including political pressures and national debt:

"When rates are high like they are now, the US has to spend more money to pay back the people we've already borrowed money from..." (15:39) – David Greene

They discuss how lower interest rates can stimulate borrowing and spending but also contribute to the national deficit. The interplay between economic indicators and political actions, such as presidential interventions, adds complexity to the mortgage landscape.

Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

Christian provides a nuanced view of how interest rate changes affect housing prices:

"Decreasing these rates, yes, it will increase demand... but there will be another factor as well, potentially balancing that out..." (16:55) – Christian Bashelder

He explains the concept of "golden handcuffs," where homeowners locked into previously low rates are hesitant to sell and move, which could stabilize housing prices even as demand rises.

David echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that lower rates are just one factor among many that influence the housing market:

"Lower interest rates were a part of what allowed housing prices to go up, but they were not what caused the housing prices to go up..." (18:50) – David Greene

He attributes the previous surge in housing prices to limited investment options and high demand driven by real estate's attractiveness as an investment.

Call to Action

Towards the end of the episode, David and Christian encourage listeners to engage with their services:

• Contact Information:

  • One Brokerage: onebrokerage.com
  • Christian on Instagram: @theonebroker
  • David Greene: davidgreen24.com

• Opportunities:

  • Join David's weekly mastermind sessions.
  • Participate in the faith-based Spartan League mastermind.
  • Reach out directly for personalized loan officer consultations.

Conclusion and Takeaways

Episode 73 of Real Talk Real Estate offers a comprehensive overview of the current mortgage landscape, emphasizing the benefits of declining interest rates for refinancing and home purchasing. David Greene and Christian Bashelder provide valuable insights into navigating mortgage applications, understanding the nuances of rates and points, and leveraging a brokerage's operational efficiencies to secure favorable terms. Their candid discussion also sheds light on the broader economic and political factors influencing the real estate market, empowering listeners to make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Mortgage rates have decreased, leading to increased refinancing applications and potential savings.
• Understanding the relationship between interest rates and closing costs is crucial for maximizing savings.
• One Brokerage offers competitive rates through a lean operational model, prioritizing personalized service.
• Staying pre-approved and consulting with a knowledgeable loan officer can unlock better financial opportunities.
• Economic and political factors play a significant role in shaping the mortgage and housing markets.

For those looking to gain an edge in real estate investments or navigate the complexities of mortgage financing, this episode serves as an invaluable resource.