{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Aksarben Podcast - Mortgages, Home Financing and more","title":"Ep. 1 Nick Zwiebel - Owner Aksarben Mortgage","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1253,"description":" Nick Zwiebel, founder and owner of Aksarben Mortgage, discusses the current mortgage market landscape and how his brokerage differentiates itself by working with 20+ national and local lenders. With 23 years of industry experience, Zwiebel explains how today's balanced market—where homes sit for months rather than days—benefits buyers who can take time to make informed decisions. He addresses common misconceptions about mortgage rates, emphasizes the importance of factors beyond interest rates (property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI), and provides guidance for first-time homebuyers navigating the complex purchase process.Episode Highlights 00:02:15: Origin of \"Aksarben\" name—Nebraska spelled backwards—and company location in Omaha with seven licensed employees operating across seven states 00:05:30: Current mortgage market characterized as \"balanced\" compared to pre-COVID chaos, with homes sitting 2-3 months instead of receiving multiple offers within days 00:08:45: Explanation of broker advantage: working with multiple lenders with different guidelines allows qualification opportunities unavailable through traditional banks 00:12:20: Critical insight that monthly mortgage payment depends on more than interest rates—property taxes, homeowners insurance, and PMI significantly impact affordability 00:16:50: Common misconception that online mortgage rates apply to average borrowers; reality requires excellent credit, 25%+ down payment, and specific loan types 00:22:10: First-time homebuyer programs including low/no down payment options and grants that don't require repayment, contingent on income limits 00:26:40: Refinancing signals—even 0.5-0.75% rate reduction combined with PMI elimination can save $100-200+ monthly 00:31:15: Insurance challenges in Florida with carriers pulling out; state-funded programs available; Nebraska carriers still covering but with increased premiums 00:35:00: Critical pre-purchase step: obtain mortgage credit report early, as...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/TNe7pCSQpArfYrItbrwCK6Nlkjk7ikDn9rJyk8Yfo9M/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yMjU4/ZWUzYzVhYzNjNmUy/ZTgxMzY0MDFkYTNj/MjNjZi53ZWJw.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}