What Are Temporary Buydowns? & Why They Sound Better Than They Really Are

We Tried Talking Business, But Got Distracted

In this bonus episode of Mortgage Cowboys , Mark and Todd step away from the usual mortgage conversation and get into the real stories behind who they are. From tattoos to favorite movie houses like The Goonies, The Sandlot, and Breaking Bad. This episode is less about mortgage advice and more about getting to know the personalities, memories, and stories of Mark and Todd.  00:00 Welcome to Mortgage Cowboys 04:53 Tattoo Stories 20:00 Favorite Movies Debate 26:26 Movie Houses and Breaking Bad 29:54 Goonies Debate 32:25 The Sandlot 34:11 Idaho Things to Do 36:01 River Float Scare 52:54 Shorts Getting Shorter 55:56 Closing

20 Years at One Job… Here’s What It Taught Me | Mortgage Cowboys #8

In this episode of Mortgage Cowboys, we sit down with Jay who shares what it really takes to build a long-term career, earn trust, and stay relevant in today’s fast-changing market. From working their way up over decades to navigating real estate, business, and personal growth, this conversation breaks down the reality behind success that most people don’t see. We dive into: * Why staying in one place and mastering your craft can outperform constantly chasing new opportunities * How trust and consistency create long-term success in business and real estate * The mindset shift needed to survive market changes and economic uncertainty * What people get wrong about success, loyalty, and career growth today * How relationships and reputation compound over time into real opportunities * Why problem-solving and adaptability matter more than titles or experience * What it actually looks like to build a life and career that lasts If you’re asking questions like “Is loyalty still worth it in today’s job market?”, “How do you build long-term success in real estate or business?”, or “What separates people who last from those who burn out?” this episode is for you. 00:00 Welcome to Mortgage Cowboys 00:53 Walmart Career Path 03:05 People of Walmart 05:11 Meeting Shaq 07:12 Freezer Essentials 15:33 Idaho Growth Debate 18:06 Married to Realtor 20:41 Flipping Before 2008 23:21 Top Idaho Restaurants 29:28 Retail Growth In Idaho 31:00 How Stores Choose Locations 33:59 Roads Versus Rapid Growth 42:41 Boise Needs More Comedy 46:39 Wrap Up And Farewell

Want More Real Estate Deals? This Is the Skill No One Teaches You | Mortgage Cowboys #7

In this episode of Mortgage Cowboys, we sit down with real estate broker, auctioneer, and all-around powerhouse Janelle Anderson to break down why relationships, trust, and personal brand matter more than anything else in real estate. From growing up in a real estate family to building a referral-only business in a brand new market, this conversation reveals what actually separates average agents from top producers in today’s industry. We dive into: * Why relationships and referrals outperform marketing and cold leads * How personality and presence can become your biggest competitive advantage * The truth about what real estate agents actually do behind the scenes * Why solving problems is more valuable than just closing deals * How to keep clients engaged even when they’re not ready to buy yet * What most people misunderstand about buying a home today * Why trust and consistency lead to long-term success in real estate If you’re asking questions like “How do real estate agents actually get clients?”, “Why do some agents close more deals than others?”, or “What really matters when choosing a realtor?” this episode is for you. 00:00 Welcome to Mortgage Cowboys03:18 How growing up in real estate shapes your career06:54 What is a solution oriented mindset in business10:44 Common myths about buying a home explained12:30 Lessons from the 2008 housing market crash22:24 What real estate agents actually do behind the scenes24:55 How to keep real estate clients engaged long term30:26 What caused the 2022 real estate market shift33:33 How to build a referral only real estate business34:42 What real estate agents do for clients beyond buying and selling38:28 Crazy real estate stories from agents41:56 Why people expect instant results in today’s world46:52 How to build a long term real estate career48:53 How real estate agents win listings consistently51:05 How to coach real estate clients effectively54:52 When to fire a bad real estate client01:00:35 How to build a strong real estate team01:04:24 Real estate contract mistakes to avoid01:07:11 How to choose the right real estate team01:09:21 How to find money leaks in your business01:12:27 How credit scores affect home buying01:15:10 Entitlement vs effort in business success01:20:10 How to deal with difficult clients in real estate01:21:28 Why relationships matter in real estate business01:32:48 Why you should not trust social media referrals01:35:10 How self worth affects business success

First-Time Home Buyers: The Real Process, Hidden Programs & Common Mistakes | Mortgage Cowboys #6

In this episode of Mortgage Cowboys, we break down the real first-time home buyer process and why so many buyers get stuck, overwhelmed, or misinformed before they ever make an offer. From pre-approvals and credit myths to down payment assistance, seller credits, and local Idaho programs, this conversation explains what first-time buyers actually need to know before starting their home search. We’re joined by first-time buyer specialist Taylor Lee, who shares her hands-on experience working with young buyers, navigating today’s high interest rate environment, and helping people buy homes sooner than they thought possible. She explains why social media and national real estate advice often miss the mark and why education, local knowledge, and face-to-face guidance matter more than ever.We dive into:Why the first-time home buying process starts before house shoppingHow pre-approvals and lender conversations actually workThe most common first-time home buyer mistakesWhy skipping education keeps buyers stuck on the sidelinesHow down payment assistance programs work in IdahoUsing seller credits to lower interest rates and reduce closing costsThe difference between national housing advice and local market realitiesWhy affordability is misunderstood by most first-time buyersHow younger buyers can buy a home sooner than they thinkIf you’re searching “How do I buy my first home?”, “First-time home buyer steps,” “Do I need pre-approval to buy a house?”, or “Can I buy a home with low money down?”, this episode cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, realistic roadmap from people who do this every day.00:00 Welcome to Mortgage Cowboys00:53 First-Time Home Buyer Process02:28 Navigating the Real Estate Market05:53 The Role of Social Media in Real Estate07:53 The Golden Ticket Campaign08:48 Challenges for First-Time Buyers20:02 Taylor's Journey and Advice44:56 Personal Health Journey52:56 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

What Are Temporary Buydowns? & Why They Sound Better Than They Really Are

In this clip, we break down temporary buydowns, one of the most misunderstood tools in today’s mortgage market, and explain how options like a 2-1 buydown really work. We walk through the difference between temporary vs permanent mortgage buydowns, how a temporary buydown lowers monthly payments for the first one or two years, and why the interest rate always returns to the original note rate afterward. We also explain why buyers are not allowed to pay for their own mortgage buydown, how seller credits and lender credits are used to fund temporary buydowns, and why paying for one yourself would simply mean paying your own payment in advance. You’ll learn how the 2-1 buydown structure works year by year, how payment reductions are calculated, and why temporary buydowns are often used in high interest rate environments to help buyers ease into higher mortgage payments. 00:00 Temporary Buydowns 00:44 Types of Buydowns Explained 02:18 Understanding the 2-1 Buydown 04:14 Cost Breakdown of Buydowns 05:23 Who Pays for the Buydown? 06:18 Practical Uses and Benefits 09:27 Closing