First-time home buyers: mortgage rates just moved fast, and understanding what’s driving them could help you make a smarter home buying decision.

In this episode, Jeb Smith and Josh Lewis break down what happened to mortgage rates, why inflation, Treasury yields, and global events are impacting affordability, and what first-time buyers should watch before buying a home in today’s housing market.

You’ll learn what higher mortgage rates mean for your monthly payment, how to think about timing the market, and the key signs that could point to rates improving in the future.

✅ Ready to become a homeowner? Start your stress-free journey today: http://www.theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start

If you’re a first-time homebuyer in 2026, chances are you’ve been told now is the worst possible time to buy a home. Between headlines about high interest rates, affordability challenges, and a “frozen” housing market, many buyers feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and unsure where to start. But the truth is far more nuanced — and far more hopeful — than what the media wants you to believe.

In this episode of The Educated Homebuyer, mortgage expert Josh Lewis and real estate agent Jeb Smith break down the biggest myths keeping buyers on the sidelines in today’s market. From the misconception that you need perfect credit and a 20% down payment to buy a home, to the false narrative that “nobody is buying,” this conversation uncovers what’s really happening in the housing market right now.

The reality? Buyers are still buying homes every single day. Purchase applications are increasing year-over-year, FHA loans continue to dominate the first-time buyer market, and many successful buyers are purchasing homes with low down payment options and strategic financing solutions. Josh and Jeb explain why affordability is more than just a headline, how inventory shortages continue to impact competition, and why understanding your local market is more important than listening to national fear-driven media coverage.

You’ll also learn:

• Why first-time homebuyers are still a major force in today’s market
• How FHA and low down payment loan programs are helping buyers succeed
• Why waiting for the “perfect” market could cost you more in the long run
• The truth about multiple offer situations and buyer competition in 2026
• How local market conditions impact your negotiating power
• Why working with experienced professionals matters more than ever
• The costly mistake many buyers are making by sitting on the sidelines

Whether you’re actively preparing to buy your first home or simply trying to understand what’s really happening in today’s housing market, this episode delivers practical advice, real-world insight, and honest conversations designed to help you buy right, borrow smart, and build long-term wealth through homeownership.

✅ Ready to become a homeowner? Start your stress-free journey today: theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start

Shopping for a mortgage lender sounds like the smart move—but if you’re only chasing the lowest interest rate, it could cost you more money, more stress, and even your dream home.

In this episode of The Educated Homebuyer, Josh Lewis and Jeb Smith break down the top 5 reasons you should not shop for a lender the wrong way. They explain why rate shopping without a full pre-approval, loan program clarity, and accurate cost comparisons often leads homebuyers into confusion instead of confidence.

• Why the lowest mortgage rate is not always the best deal
• How discount points can make a lender quote look better than it really is
• Why you should not compare mortgage quotes from different days
• How talking to too many lenders can create analysis paralysis
• The right way to shop for a mortgage lender in 2026

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, refinancing, or preparing to buy a home in 2026, this episode will help you understand how to compare lenders the right way—without getting misled by teaser rates, hidden fees, or incomplete pre-approvals.

Josh also shares the smarter approach: start with a complete mortgage pre-approval, understand your loan program, compare zero-point pricing, and work with an experienced mortgage advisor who can guide you from application to closing.

✅ Ready to buy a home in 2026? Start your stress-free journey today:
theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start