The Road to 300 | Ben Bell Marks a Milestone of Families Served

Coppell, TX – May 31, 2025 — Building on the momentum of its debut earlier this month, UMortgage hosted the second installment of its LO-V8 workshop on Friday, May 30. Once again, 10 loan officers committed to an intensive, 10-hour day of hands-on development and transformative leadership training led by Tyler Hodgson, EVP of Growth at UMortgage and Founder of NXT Mortgage. LO-V8 (pronounced “elevate”) continues to set a new standard for professional growth in the mortgage industry. The workshop series is designed to push loan officers beyond surface-level strategy and into a deeper exploration of mindset, sales execution, and personal accountability. “This is where growth happens,” said Hodgson. “Not in the easy moments, but in the uncomfortable ones—where we uncover our own barriers and learn to push past them.” The May 30 workshop delivered another powerful experience, filled with breakthrough moments and team connection: Amanda Bisig described the event as more than just a strategy session. “It wasn’t just about sharpening skills—it was about connection, collaboration, and surrounding ourselves with people who challenge us to be better every day,” she said. In a follow-up message, she added, “Tyler Hodgson—you sir, are a unicorn. Great leader, person, originator… I am truly lucky to be on your team and can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Zach Martin reflected on the emotional intensity and lasting value of the day: “Bonds were deepened. Laughs were had. Tears were shed. And our businesses were transformed.” Josh Reed, NXT’s Director of Engagement and co-facilitator, echoed the significance: “This is an example of what makes NXT special. Ten loan officers gave nearly 10 hours of their day to sharpen their value propositions and lay the foundation for next-level success.” LO-V8 remains a small-group experience by design, capped at 10 participants to maximize depth, coaching, and connection. With two workshops now completed, the program is gaining traction across UMortgage’s national platform—with the next event scheduled for June 20 in San Antonio, Texas. “We’re not just building better originators,” said Hodgson. “We’re building leaders. We’re building culture. And we’re just getting started.” If you’re a Loan Originator looking for the kind of leadership, community, and culture that prioritizes your growth—both personally and professionally—this is your sign. Programs like LO-V8 are just one example of what it means to be part of Loan Originators Powered by UMortgage. Want access to opportunities like this? Learn more and join the movement.

Coppell, Texas – May 10, 2025 — UMortgage has officially launched LO-V8, a transformative new workshop series built to challenge, inspire, and elevate loan officers in both business and life. Led by Tyler Hodgson, EVP of Growth at UMortgage and Founder of NXT Mortgage Powered by UMortgage, LO-V8 debuted with its first intensive session on Friday, May 9, welcoming 10 participants for a full-day experience focused on mindset, action, and leadership. The name LO-V8 (pronounced “elevate”) reflects the workshop’s mission: to raise professionals to their highest potential through immersive coaching, accountability, and connection. Designed for small groups to ensure deep engagement, each session equips loan officers with the clarity, confidence, and tactical skills they need to thrive. “My passion is helping people elevate,” said Hodgson. “This workshop is about giving loan officers the space, structure, and support to break through what’s been holding them back—and step into the next version of who they’re becoming.” The May 9 workshop included 9 hours of hands-on sessions, self-reflection, and live challenges designed to get participants uncomfortable—in the best way possible. At the close of the day, each attendee made a personal commitment to execute on a specific sales activity in the following week, reinforcing the program’s focus on action and accountability. “Education without action is a waste,” said Hodgson. “Accountability makes action easier.” Loan Originator Christopher Brownstead shared how one of the workshop’s exercises helped him push through hesitation and grow his confidence. “It was intimidating,” he said. “But because of Tyler’s motivational analogy, I made the call—and now I feel more confident continuing. Just like lifting weights, it’s all about the reps.” Brian Pollard, another May 9 participant, called the day “an intensive LO-V8 experience,” and praised the culture that made it possible. “We learned about ourselves and our business. We connected and shared a lot about our motivations, our struggles, and our relationships to each other. This is the kind of workshop people pay thousands to attend. Our leadership gives it to us for free—because they genuinely care.” LO-V8 is part of UMortgage’s broader mission to build a people-first culture rooted in growth, excellence, and long-term success. Workshops are being held monthly, with the next session already planned for May 30th. “We’re just getting started,” said Hodgson. “This isn’t just a training—it’s a launchpad.” If you’re a Loan Originator looking for the kind of leadership, community, and culture that prioritizes your growth—both personally and professionally—this is your sign. Programs like LO-V8 are just one example of what it means to be part of Loan Originators Powered by UMortgage. Want access to opportunities like this? Learn more and join the movement.

Since the September Federal Reserve meeting which gave us the first cut to the Federal Funds Rate in more than 4 years, the housing market has been moving. Bookended by a 0.50% cut in September and a 0.25% cut on November 7th, we’ve seen a plethora of conflicting economic data, a tight election that will see the balance of power shift greatly, and mortgage rates that shot from the high 5% range to nearly 7%. With so much in flux and plenty of questions about where mortgage rates are heading in 2025, UMortgage partnered with Barry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway, to share insider expertise with our Loan Originators and enable them to help their clients and agents navigate next year’s market with ease. Where are Mortgage Rates Heading in 2025? To understand where mortgage rates are going in the new year, we first need to take a look at where mortgage rates currently sit and the events that got us here. In September 2024, the Federal Reserve cut the Federal Funds Rate by 0.50%—marking the first Fed rate cut since March 2020. The week of that meeting, rates sat in a range between 5.8% and 6.2%. Since then, we’ve had an array of labor market and inflation data that indicate a strong U.S. economy and a presidential election; this data made mortgage rates rise to, as of November 13th, the high 6% range. On November 7th, the Fed cut rates by another 0.25%. Speaking to UMortgage LOs shortly after the news of this 0.25% cut broke, Habib said, “Based upon what we see from the Fed, they might continue cutting maybe another 0.25% in December. But next year, they anticipate another 1% to 1.25% in cuts. That's going to filter its way into the 10-year treasury, and as the 10-year treasury declines, mortgage rates will decline.” Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home? The first question that most prospective homebuyers ask as they prepare to buy a home is, “is now a good time to buy?” Habib emphasized that, in today’s market, answering this question requires a clear understanding of rate trends, inventory constraints, and broader market conditions. While it might sound most sensible to wait until rates drop to buy a home, it could actually benefit many homebuyers to buy now while demand remains relatively subdued. “[As mortgage rates drop], we think that a buyer’s investment in their home is probably very sound,” continued Habib. “You have a lot more demand when rates go down. In the tight inventory environment, that typically means prices go up.” The S&P Case-Shiller National Home Price Index indicated that home prices increased by an average of 4.5% from 2023 to 2024. While rates might currently be higher than desired, buying now could help clients lock in the property they want in a market where home values will appreciate even faster with demand compounding with the standard rate of home price appreciation. And when rates come down in the coming year, they can work with their UMortgage Loan Originator to refinance to that lower rate that they identified after closing the initial mortgage and enjoy the benefits of equity and appreciation while increased demand drives prices higher. So, if you’re a homebuyer who’s financially ready to buy a home and comfortable paying the quoted monthly mortgage payment, the best time to buy is likely right now! Anticipating Market Trends by Working With an Expert Loan Originator Prospective homebuyers shouldn’t need a background in economics and a subscription to the Wall Street Journal to buy when the time is right. That’s why, in a market shaped by shifting rates, tight inventory, and rising demand, working with a knowledgeable Loan Originator is invaluable. Choosing to buy a home with a UMortgage Loan Originator provides homebuyers with value that extends far beyond their initial home purchase. They’ll receive a trusted mortgage advisor who will be proactive to help them maximize the investment they’ve made in their home, save money when mortgage rates drop, and build generational wealth through real estate. UMortgage has LOs licensed from coast to coast and based in a town near you to provide guidance specific to your homeownership goals. With an expansive portfolio of lenders to get you the lowest rate, thorough knowledge of loan guidelines for specific loans like VA loans and more, and a dedication to providing you with a mortgage that prioritizes your needs first, there’s never been a better time to start your homebuying process. Follow this link and fill out the form to connect with an LO near you!