On this episode of Lending Forward, we’re joined by Joe Marsocci, Sr. Director of Mortgage and Capital Markets at FICO, to break down credit scoring misconceptions, explore risk modeling in lending, and uncover how mortgage professionals can better guide and empower today’s borrowers. With decades of experience in the financial industry, Joe brings a data-backed perspective on everything from the truth about FICO score versions to the role of consumer behavior in lending decisions. We discuss the importance of educating clients early, how score migration impacts risk, and why tools like MyFICO.com are essential for preparing first-time homebuyers. This episode is packed with actionable insights for loan officers, real estate professionals, and anyone looking to better understand the mechanics behind credit scoring and consumer risk management. What You’ll Learn:-Why consumer education should start before a loan application-How behavioral trended data affects credit models-The importance of refreshing and managing scores over time-Why portfolio scoring and early risk detection matter more than ever- and more! Whether you're helping a client build credit or looking to stay ahead of the industry curve, this conversation with Joe Marsocci will elevate your approach. And a big thank you to our friends at Informative Research for sponsoring this episode! Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending. So tell us, how are you lending it forward?