Listen Up Home Buyers · Episode · August 20, 2026 · 16 min

Learning the loan process with mortgage broker Paul Nowachek

Victoria Ray Henderson and Paul Nowachek of Mission Mortgage walk through what changes between a loan estimate and a closing disclosure, how interest rates are really set, and how to shop a rate without losing the house.

Chapters

  1. Introduction to the podcast and guest
  2. Loan estimate details and what can change
  3. Down payment requirements and mortgage insurance
  4. Factors influencing mortgage interest rates
  5. The importance of the closing disclosure
  6. First-time homebuyer programs and research responsibilities
  7. Shopping for mortgage rates and the importance of timing
  8. The impact of market shifts on interest rates
  9. Proactive communication and building your team
  10. Closing remarks

Show notes

In this episode, host Victoria Ray Henderson talks with mortgage broker Paul Nowachek, who explains the ins and outs of mortgage applications, interest rates, and how buyers can move through the home-buying process with more confidence.

  • The difference between a mortgage broker and a lender
  • How interest rates are determined and projected
  • Reading a loan estimate and a closing disclosure
  • Down payment requirements and mortgage insurance
  • Why your credit score matters, and how to check it
  • Timing and research for first-time home buyer programs
  • Shopping for rates, and why timing matters
  • Keeping your lender and your agent talking to each other

Transcript

A full searchable transcript appears here on the production site, generated when the episode is uploaded and reviewed by the host before publishing.