Is buying a home still the American Dream—or has the market changed the rules?
Mike Domangue, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer, breaks down what today’s housing market means for buyers, from interest rates and rising insurance costs to affordability, debt, and the future of homeownership.
Are 3% mortgage rates coming back? Should you wait to buy? How much house can you really afford?
Mike shares why homeownership can still build stability, equity, and long-term wealth—and why getting approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend it all.
He also explains the three steps every future buyer should focus on: reduce debt, save money, and pay your bills on time.
But this conversation goes beyond mortgages. Mike opens up about fear, purpose, family, and why helping people become homeowners has become more than a career—it’s a calling.
Because buying a home isn’t just about getting the keys.
It’s about making informed decisions and building the life beyond the closing table.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 — Preview
02:40 — How Mike became a mortgage lender
05:25 — Are today’s mortgage rates actually high?
08:15 — Renting vs. buying and building wealth
13:10 — Growing up blue-collar in South Louisiana
22:00 — Leaving mortgage lending—and realizing it was his purpose
30:20 — Helping people become homeowners
34:30 — What really happened during the 2008 housing crisis
43:30 — Why mortgage rates dropped below 3%
47:30 — When a buyer isn’t ready yet
50:45 — Will 3% mortgage rates ever come back?
52:30 — Should you wait for a better time to buy?
55:00 — 100% financing and no-PMI mortgage options
57:15 — Why homeowners insurance is getting so expensive
59:40 — The biggest financial mistake homebuyers make
1:07:35 — What separates a trusted loan officer
1:08:55 — Why money can’t fix everything
1:11:45 — 3 things future homeowners should do now
1:16:00 — What 27 years in finance taught Mike about people
1:19:10 — Homeownership and long-term wealth
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