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Buyer payments didn’t spiral because people forgot how to shop; they spiraled because the inputs changed overnight. We sit down with builder leader Tommy Fryer to talk candidly about what kept new construction moving when rates doubled—and why transparency beats shiny incentives every time. From the DR Horton headlines to the realities of “payment shock” letters, we lay out how improved taxes, real insurance quotes, and honest monthly numbers safeguard buyers and reputations.

Tommy walks us through the rollercoaster: 2019 optimism, 2020–2021 mania, and the 2023 slowdown that forced everyone to reset. The answer wasn’t gamesmanship. It was forward commitments—rate lock buckets that buy down payments without inflating prices or risking appraisals. That choice to take margin pain instead of hiding costs stabilized affordability, protected backlogs, and kept trades working. We also get into inventory discipline, smarter cycle times, and how to avoid a return to metered chaos that leaves buyers waiting months for a chance to sign.

If you’re an agent or lender, you’ll hear a playbook for true partnership: full 3 percent commissions, Agent Rocks lead sharing, CE, and even builder-provided listings—plus a clear path for outside lenders to serve clients with meaningful closing cost credits. For buyers, especially VA borrowers, we map out the “rent it, then rebuy” strategy that turns relocations into stepping stones and builds long-term wealth through lease offsets and entitlement reuse. The throughline is simple: align around the monthly payment, tell the truth early, and choose programs that help families stay in their homes.

Subscribe for more real talk on mortgages, incentives, and market timing. Share this with a friend who’s considering new construction, and leave a review with your biggest question about buying in a high-rate market.

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Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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In this unfiltered and highly educational episode of the Key Factors Podcast – Real Estate AF, host Mark Jones is joined by San Antonio’s top real estate professionals: Moses Thatcher, Cesar Amezcua, and Josh Boggs.

This episode dives into hard truths about the current new home sales market — truths that many agents are too afraid to say out loud.

Topics covered:

• How builders use inflated pricing and temporary buydowns to trap buyers in negative equity
• The fiduciary failure of realtors who chase commissions and skip due diligence
• Why veteran agents are seeing a rise in pre-foreclosures and short sales
• How builder incentives mask the true cost of homeownership
• Why some new homes are built with lower-quality materials to protect profit margins
• The problem with TikTok agents: Are dancing videos replacing actual expertise?
• How improper pre-qualifications and unimproved tax rates are misleading buyers
• The upcoming risk of payment shock as 2-1 buydowns begin to expire

These industry experts hold nothing back, calling out what needs to be said — from poor leadership at brokerages, to shady builder practices, to agents who can't write a contract but know how to “go viral.”

Whether you’re a homebuyer, realtor, lender, or industry leader, this episode will challenge your perspective, sharpen your edge, and reinforce the value of true expertise in a crowded market.

💥 Must-watch moment: Josh Boggs drops stats on how many short sales he’s working right now—and why that number is about to explode.

🎧 Take notes — this is real talk with real consequences.

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Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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In this video, we discuss the importance of roof maintenance and how to protect your home from costly repairs. Our experts share valuable roofing insights and practical roofing tips to help homeowners avoid common mistakes. Plus, we dive into gutter maintenance and its crucial role in home improvement. 🏠✨

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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Join host Mark Jones in this insightful episode of the Key Factors Podcast, where real estate experts Sandra Rangel and JJ Garina share their extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the San Antonio real estate market. This episode delves into the current market dynamics, personal growth strategies, and the evolving landscape of real estate. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this discussion offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you thrive in today's challenging environment.

Link to Google Doc with Q&A - Value Add Sheet
docs.google.com/document/d/1yan-cwffvpvixk...


Key Topics Discussed:
1. San Antonio Real Estate Market Trends:

• Current market conditions and neighborhood insights.
  
  
• The impact of affordability and buyer mindset on market dynamics.
  
  

2. New Construction vs. Pre-Owned Homes:

• Pros and cons of buying new construction versus pre-existing homes.
  
  
• Interest rate considerations and long-term investment strategies.
  
  

3. The Role of Social Media in Real Estate:

• The influence of TikTok and social media on new agents and market perception.
  
  
• Balancing personal branding with professional expertise.
  
  

4. Personal Development and Growth:

• The importance of mentorship, coaching, and continuous learning.
  
  
• Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and building a successful career.
  
  

5. Industry Challenges and Opportunities:

• The rise of part-time agents and its implications for the industry.
  
  
• The potential impact of major mergers and acquisitions on market dynamics.

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

Send us a text

In this episode of Key Factors Podcast – Real Estate AF, we dive deep into the power of social media and digital media — how it’s programming society, shaping desires, fueling division, and even impacting real estate and finance.

From algorithms that amplify polarization to the normalization of behaviors online, we explore how the digital age is influencing not only our culture but also how buyers, sellers, and investors make decisions in today’s market.

👀 What you’ll learn:

How algorithms are shaping human thought and financial behavior

Why social media’s influence extends into housing markets and consumer confidence

The paradox of digital media: division vs. connection

What realtors, lenders, and investors need to know to navigate this new digital landscape

This isn’t just a conversation about technology — it’s about mankind, money, and the future of trust.

🔑 Join us as we peel back the curtain on the hidden power of media, and uncover what it really means for real estate and finance.

👉 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on real estate, finance, and the forces shaping our world.

#RealEstateAF #KeyFactorsPodcast #SocialMedia #Finance #RealEstate

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the profound impact of social media on our lives. Our hosts and guests delve into how algorithms shape our perceptions, the importance of self-reflection, and maintaining spiritual and moral values in a digital age. Discover practical tips for curating your social media experience and fostering positive interactions. Whether you're seeking personal growth or understanding the broader societal effects, this discussion offers valuable perspectives.

#SocialMedia, #PersonalGrowth, #Spirituality, #SelfReflection, #Algorithms, #DigitalAge, #Empathy, #Community, #Influence, #Mentorship, #PositiveMindset, #RespectfulConversations, #SocialMediaImpact, #Faith, #MoralValues, #OnlineInfluence, #DigitalWellbeing, #SocialMediaTips,

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

Send us a text

Support the show

Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

Send us a text

Is the Fed About to Make a Huge Move? How does it effect you as a homebuyer?

In this eye-opening episode of the Key Factors Podcast – Real Estate AF, host Mark Jones is joined by John Hudson and Brianna Jones to dig deep into the current mortgage climate, financial literacy, and buyer behavior in a volatile market. The trio explores how fear of rejection, lack of trust in lenders, and financial misinformation are keeping 85% of potential homebuyers on the sidelines—even as rates drop.

They break down the true relationship between Fed rate cuts and mortgage rates, challenge the house-poor mindset, and share how tools like LoanBot empower consumers through transparency and options. From the generational wealth gap and 40-year mortgages to the failure of schools to teach basic finance, this episode delivers hard truths and helpful guidance in equal measure.

🧠 Discussion Themes / Talking Points

Fed Rate Cuts vs. Mortgage Rates
Why a Fed cut doesn’t guarantee lower mortgage rates—and how media confuses buyers.

Fear, Trust, and Financial Literacy Gaps
Generational distrust in lenders, fear of rejection, and lack of education are massive hurdles.

LoanBot as a Solution
A tech-driven approach that empowers buyers and gives realtors and LOs a sticky tool to stay top-of-mind.

Expanding Term Lengths & the Case for 40-Year Mortgages
The market may be shifting in term length expectations due to affordability and age.

Buy Now, Not When Everyone Else Does
Encouraging buyers to act before another market frenzy hits.

Guest Info
📇 John Hudson

Owner & Sr. Mortgage Advisor
🏦 H&M Mortgage Group
📍 San Antonio, TX
📧 john@hmmortgagegroup.com

📇 Brianna Jones

Licensed Realtor®
🏡 JBGoodwin REALTORS®
📍 San Antonio, TX
📧 brianna.jones@jbgoodwin.com

Mark Jones | Branch Manager | Sr. Loan Officer nmls# 513437
iThink Mortgage
Founder and Co-Owner of LoanBot & ReviewMyMortgage.com

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

Send us a text

Are You Leveraging or Just Taking Advantage -Talking Real Estate

In this high-energy episode of the Key Factors Podcast – Real Estate AF, host Mark Jones welcomes back Dylan Shively and introduces Carlos Puckerin, a dual-citizen entrepreneur from Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, now based in Houston. Together, they dive into the hard truths about real estate, entrepreneurship, scaling systems, authenticity, and marketing. Carlos unpacks his journey from fix-and-flip investor to founding Loaded Realty and LLGS (Loaded Lead Generation System)—a full-stack business-in-a-box platform for realtors.

They tackle why most agents fail, the psychology behind sphere-of-influence vs cold lead generation, and how Carlos and Dylan are teaming up to help first-time buyers through education, credit restoration, and down payment readiness. The trio drops nonstop gems on mindset, branding, habit formation, delegation, social content strategy, and navigating the “Matrix” of modern marketing. You’ll laugh, rethink your hustle, and walk away ready to delegate, automate, eliminate—and regulate.

Support the show

Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.