In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Todd Feager, Co-Founder of Haven Home Equity, to explore how lenders and borrowers alike can harness the untapped power of home equity. With over 23 years in the mortgage industry, Todd brings a deep, hands-on understanding of what today’s consumers actually need—especially in the evolving consumer-direct lending landscape. At Haven, Todd has helped pioneer a structured and strategic approach to using home equity, designed not just to pull out cash—but to build long-term financial stability. This episode centers on what Todd calls “The Haven Framework”, a tri-fecta strategy that focuses on three essential outcomes: Cash-Out Reserves – Creating liquidity for emergencies, life expenses, or future investments. Lower Total Monthly Debt Payments – Combining higher-interest debt into more manageable mortgage-based solutions. Shortened Mortgage Terms – Helping borrowers pay off their homes faster and smarter. This conversation goes beyond generic advice. Todd offers real-world insight into how loan officers can reframe conversations with borrowers—from selling rates to creating strategic equity plans that maximize both immediate relief and long-term impact. He shares the mindset, tools, and scripting that Haven loan officers use to help clients move from uncertainty to clarity—often in a single call. Whether you're a lender looking to modernize your offering, or a borrower trying to understand your best path forward, this episode will leave you with tactical takeaways and a renewed sense of what's possible in home equity lending. Key themes: – How to succeed in a consumer direct environment – Making home equity work for borrowers in a high-rate market – Building scalable lending strategies that actually deliver value – What it means to offer advice-driven lending—not just products Brought to you by our sponsors: Mortgage Connect Aidium Floify