The rules have changed over the years and you have to be sooo careful nowadays.

HELOCs do have lower closing costs but the rate is adjustable and it changes to a different product after 10 years.  

If they can't steer you right - change your CPA! 

I do not believe I qualify for Section 121 as I have not had any life changes that would fall under this category - they all seem like they are beyond one's control.

So while a Fannie/Freddie loan will be a 30 year fixed rate that is pretty low...a portfolio loan might be an Adjustable Rate (which will make your payment change), or only a 15 year term (which will make your payment higher), or have a higher rate all together...and I have seen many a portfolio loan that has all 3 of those features. 

Maybe that is true, but I don't see enough data to support that as true or false.Keep in mind the changes over 30 years make any historical chart irrelevant. 

Something has to change to increase the value.

It may work for many but I decided it wasnt for me and I had to change my mindset. 

Seriously :)   Your episode changed my life in a lot of ways - so I'm putting it on my "Mandatory Listen To" list for everyone! 

@Rachael Britton You do not need a realtor to submit an offer for a property, but if you are dealing with the Seller's Agent directly, understand that unless/until their status changes to Transaction Broker, they will continue to be the Seller's Agent, meaning they are only working in the Seller's best interest and owe you basically nothing besides fair and honest treatment.