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Welcome to Thought Leadership, your resource for insights and expertise in the mortgage industry. Explore articles, analyses, and interviews covering the latest trends, regulatory updates, and market dynamics. Whether you're a lender, broker, investor, or industry professional, Chrisman Commentary's Thought Leadership aims to provide the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving mortgage landscape.
Rob Chrisman
9 hours ago4 min read
Understanding the Calculation of Tangible Net Worth and Adjustable Tangible Net Worth for Mortgage Companies
In the mortgage industry, accurately assessing a company’s financial strength is crucial for both regulatory compliance and effective...
Robbie Chrisman
9 hours ago4 min read
Economic Challenges Across Income Groups and the Impact on Consumer Spending
In recent years, workers in lower-paid industries have faced significantly tougher economic conditions than their higher-income...
Rob Chrisman
10 hours ago2 min read
California, Insurance, the Fair Plan, and Money
I would be surprised if those homes in Southern California that have burned have paid enough premiums to insurance companies to cover...
Brian S. Levy
10 hours ago6 min read
The Spirit of DOGE
Let’s go DOGE! Now that the Inauguration is over ( and Vivek Ramaswamy has apparently resigned ), I owe Elon Musk and the Department of...
Marvin Chang and Jeremy Potter
Jan 145 min read
Beyond the "Innovation Thing.” It’s time to deliver.
As we celebrate Jimmy Carter’s life, thoughts turn to another underappreciated one-termer, George H.W. Bush and infamous “vision” gaffe....
Rob Chrisman
Jan 132 min read
Navigating 2025: Building Success in Uncertain Times
Predicting the future is always a challenge, and no one has the crystal ball to foresee exactly what will happen in 2025, especially when...
Ruth Lee, CMB
Jan 134 min read
Not Just Another AI Hype Train: Agentic AI
Buzzwords are like that random cousin at Thanksgiving—they crash the party, dominate the conversation, and leave you wondering if they're...
Robbie Chrisman
Jan 64 min read
Mortgage Company Strategy 2025: Preparing For the Year Ahead
As we embark on a new year, it’s essential for decision makers at mortgage companies to focus on setting clear goals and aligning...
Rob Chrisman
Jan 64 min read
The Agencies Have Been Recapitalized Somewhat… Now What?
No one expects conventional conforming rates to drop if & when they leave conservatorship which they’ve been in for over 16 years. The...
Rob Chrisman
Dec 31, 20244 min read
Lock Extensions: How/Why They Cost Money
When a borrower locks a rate with a lender, the lender promises to hold that rate for the borrower until the loan closes. But there is a...
Rob Chrisman
Dec 30, 20244 min read
Treasury Auctions: Who Cares? You Should. A Primer
There are many different ways to sell things: a lemonade stand, a flea market, through Target, or at an auction, to name but a few....
Marcus Lam
Dec 30, 20243 min read
Mind the Gap and FX Risk
My wife and I took the kids to London for their winter break. As the English would say, the trip was “just lovely,” filled with trips to...
Rob Chrisman
Dec 27, 20243 min read
Tariffs: A Primer
There is obviously no tariff on lenders (lord knows we have enough financial hurdles), but tariffs do impact the supply and demand of...
Brian S. Levy
Dec 27, 20248 min read
CFPB Sues Rocket on RESPA
Happy holidays from CFPB? With the holidays falling mid-week, I had expected a quiet year end where I could put these Musings away for a...
Rob Chrisman
Dec 26, 20244 min read
The ABC's of Mortgage Securities: A Primer
What’s the difference between government bonds and men? Bonds mature. Don’t worry… I won’t make your eyes glaze over. The question always...
Michael Metz
Dec 20, 20241 min read
The Week Before Christmas: Mortgage Edition
'Twas the week before Christmas when all through the States, The market was slower, buyers wary of rates. Santa Powell made an...
Robbie Chrisman
Dec 19, 20242 min read
The Improbability of GSEs Exiting Conservatorship: A Structural and Political Analysis
The prospect of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) being released from U.S. government conservatorship and restored to their former...
Rich Swerbinsky
Dec 12, 20242 min read
🔮 Mortgage Industry Predictions for 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, the mortgage industry is poised for significant shifts driven by economic conditions, policy changes, and...
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