In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet sits down with mortgage veteran Cristen Carver, a powerhouse with nearly four decades of experience in lending, real estate cycles, and consumer finance.
Cristen shares how the mortgage world has evolved—from the wild, unregulated days of the ’80s and ’90s to today’s highly structured, compliance-driven industry. She breaks down the truth behind interest rates, the real causes of foreclosures, what first-time buyers should realistically expect, and why Southern California’s housing market is unlike anywhere else.
You’ll hear:
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How mortgage lending has transformed over 40 years
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What really drives housing affordability
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Why buyers often get in trouble—and how to prevent it
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The rise of 100% financing and alternative qualification programs
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How remote work reshaped where Americans can live and buy
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Cristen’s top advice for becoming a successful loan officer
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Why networking and honesty matter more than ever in this industry
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a real estate professional, or someone trying to understand this shifting market, Cristen brings clarity, honesty, and decades of wisdom to the conversation.