In this episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, host Maria Quattrone is joined by Fobby Naghmi, a 30+ year mortgage industry veteran and senior leader in lending. Together, they unpack the real story behind mortgage rates, housing inventory shortages, buyer psychology, and what’s actually coming in 2026.

This is not surface-level market commentary. Maria and Fobby dive into:

• Why rates are moving (and why it’s not the Fed)
• How inventory shortages are the real housing problem
• Why waiting for lower rates may cost buyers more
• The mindset shift buyers, agents, and lenders must make
• Why execution, certainty, and fearlessness matter more than forecasts

If you’re a homebuyer, seller, real estate professional, or mortgage professional, this episode delivers clarity in a market full of noise.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why Mortgage Rates Are Falling (and What Most People Get Wrong)
• Why “Shopping for the Lowest Rate” Is a Mistake
• The Real Housing Crisis: Inventory, Not Rates
• Why Buying Now Can Be a Strategic Advantage
• Front-Loading the Process Removes Friction
• Why Mindset Is the Ultimate Asset
• America Still Offers Unmatched Opportunity

Words for 2026: Certainty & Fearless

• Fobby’s word: Certainty — controlling mindset and perception
• Maria’s word: Fearless — feeling the fear and doing it anyway

Growth requires discomfort. Staying small is the real risk.

Best Quotes

Fobby Naghmi:

Maria Quattrone:

Guest Information

Fobby Naghmi
Senior Mortgage Executive | Lending Leader
📍 Washington, DC Metro Area
30+ years in the mortgage industry

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, host Maria Quattrone sits down with longtime partner and trusted lender Deanne Katsaros, widely known as “The Mortgage Mom.” With more than 15 years in the mortgage industry, Deanne has built a reputation for guiding buyers through complex lending scenarios with confidence, clarity, and care.

This conversation goes beyond interest rates and loan programs. Maria and Deanne unpack the mindset, planning, and discipline required to succeed in real estate and mortgage lending, especially in challenging markets. From branding and leadership to financial planning and emotional resilience, this episode is a masterclass in being the guide — not just the service provider.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why “Mortgage Mom” Is More Than a Brand
• People Don’t Need a Rate — They Need a Plan
• Mindset Is the Differentiator in Tough Markets
• Brand Power Comes From Authenticity
• Why Growth Requires Getting Uncomfortable
• Financial Discipline = Emotional Stability
• 2026 Outlook: Confident, Strategic, and Optimistic

Best Quotes

Deanne Katsaros:

Maria Quattrone:

Guest Information

Deanne Katsaros — The Mortgage Mom
📍 Pennsylvania
🏦 Green Tree Mortgage https://mortgagemom.net/

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this special episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, host Maria Quattrone is joined by Sharra Mercer of the Gary Mercer Team at LPT Realty for an open, transparent conversation about why Maria made the move to LPT Realty and what this transition means for her team, her agents, and her long-term vision.

This is not a sales pitch. It’s a real conversation about growth, alignment, scalability, and leadership—and what happens when a top listing agent decides she’s done playing small.

Together, Maria and Sharra break down:

• Why Maria left the traditional franchise model
• What makes LPT Realty different from legacy brokerages
• How listing-centric tools change the game
• Why agent-centric models matter now more than ever
• How personal growth drives business decisions

If you’re a real estate agent, team leader, or broker questioning the future of your business, this episode will give you clarity and perspective.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why Maria Left the Traditional Franchise Model
2. What LPT Realty Stands For (and Why It Matters)
3. The Power of Listing-First Tools
4. Agent-Centric vs. Brokerage-Centric
5. Why This Move Was About Personal Growth
6. From Playing Small to MQ 2.0
7. Building a Community Without Forcing a Team Model
8. A Look Ahead: LPT, Aperture, and the Future

Quotes

Maria Quattrone:

Sharra Mercer:

Guest Information

Sharra Mercer
Gary Mercer Team | LPT Realty
📍 Pennsylvania

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535