Other Thomas Miller
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I do not understand how Kamala Harris has moved up the political chain. No brand name and very unlikeable. Does anyone have the latest updates on Jill Biden being charged with elder abuse for not disclosing Joe Biden’s mental illness and the deterioration of his mental acuity? Jill Biden liked the prestige of being crowned the First Lady. Kamala Harris should have known Joe Biden’s deteriorating mental acuity, and so should Joe Biden’s close advisors, especially Karin Jean Pierre, Barack Obama, and all members of his staff. What type of charge will those who hid Joe Biden’s mental deterioration face?
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Doing some research on whether to install solar panels, buy a mobile solar generator, or buy and have an electrician install a whole-house fixed power generator. What are the pros and cons of each choice, and how much will each type of generator system cost?
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Compliance Information Relating to Partnerships With Real Estate Practitioners
Summary
Navigating the compliance world is a complex journey for mortgage loan originators (MLOs). Important issues related to compliance can be addressed with improved digital marketing initiatives that better serve real estate experts and expand education-enhanced outreach partnerships.
Important Compliance Issues
Physical Office Requirement
MLOs must conduct business from a fully equipped office with an outside entrance, ensuring a distinct professional space.
Flexibility of Office Location
While MLO offices may be placed next to a common reception area, a separate identity needs to be maintained for compliance.
Market Rent Standards
MLOs must comply with fair market rent regulations for their office space, which validates their business.
Common Facilities
The lease must specify joint use of reception and waiting areas as part of the agreement.
Realtor Office Participation
MLOs are permitted to attend realtor offices for submission of loan applications, thus promoting teamwork within the real estate community.
Permanent Presence Positioning
A permanent presence in a realtor’s office must have suitable lease documents to comply with regulations.
Content Strategy for Education
To address the compliance concerns, we recommend developing a comprehensive series of compliance articles, webinars, and social media content that:
- Clearly explains each compliance requirement step by step.
- Elucidates the advantages of endorsing partnerships between MLOs and real estate professionals.
- Offer strategies for collaborative compliance-centric partnerships.
Execution
Website Content:
Create a distinct section on the corporate GCA Forums website that addresses partnership compliance in the real estate industry.
Lending Network Portal:
Add compliance-related materials and a resource bank of relevant compliance-oriented questions and answers for MLOs collaborating with realtors.
Social Media Campaigns:
Publish compliance summaries in infographics and short videos to enhance interaction and sharing among industry professionals.
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Federal and state law, primarily the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act), govern the operation of a real estate office with an NMLS mortgage office and its branches. Licensing and operational prerequisites vary from state to state. This article highlights the most important aspects, including general rules and relevant state-specific details.
Federal Guidelines Established by the SAFE Act
The SAFE Act goes further by incorporating regulations related to the NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System) as it sets minimum standards for mortgage loan (MLO) officers and mortgage companies, including standalone mortgage offices and those housed within a real estate agency. Some of the key federally regulated provisions are:
Mortgage Loan Originators’ (MLOs) Licensing:
A centralized repository within the NMLS has to track all MLOs, each registered and possessing an NMLS number. You can find further information here.
The prerequisites for applying for the license must be fulfilled:
Attending 20 hours of NMLS-sanctioned pre-licensing courses on federal law, ethics, and unconventional mortgage products.
Achieving the national and state-specific components of the SAFE MLO Test with a minimum mark of 75%.
Undergo an FBI criminal background investigation along with a credit screening.
Showing proof of financial obligation by providing a surety bond or net worth caps.
MLOs must also undergo an annual 8-hour educational update to keep their license.
The Company License:
Similarly, a mortgage company located in a real estate office must be registered with NMLS in every state where it operates.
Compliance supervision is restricted to only one qualifying individual registered per company (usually an MLO).
The minimum net worth varies by state, and in some cases, like Montana, mortgage brokers must have up to $100,000 in net worth. A surety bond is also needed.
Consumer Protection and Transparency:
As per the NMLS regulations, mortgage lenders and companies are required to maintain proper record management and disclose their NMLS IDs. This ensures that consumers can reconcile the licensed identifiers of entities tied to their loan, ensuring accuracy while maintaining privacy. Licenses can be verified on NMLSConsumerAccess.org.
Furthermore, MLOs are bound by strict ethical standards regarding fair lending and conflict of interest, especially when colocated with a real estate office.
Key Regulatory Issues for Consumers and Compliance for Mortgage Breakers in the Estate Office
Having a mortgage office in an estate office subjects the location to further rules and regulations to eliminate conflicts of interest and protect the consumer while complying with federal and state laws. Federal and state laws would apply, but the conflict of interest scrutiny from the clients above was most relevant. The following constitute these key matters.
Operational and Physical Separation
Several states demand operational demarcation of boundaries between mortgage and real estate dealings to avoid chance conflicts and to give the consumer choices. A delineated boundary, such as:
- Distinct banners for the mortgage office differ from those for the real estate offices.
- Office delineation, which includes separate rooms or partitioned areas wherein privacy is guaranteed during mortgage conversations, demonstrates distinct office space.
- Distinct phone lines, email addresses, and marketing materials to prevent the impression that mortgage services are packaged with real estate services.
- As an illustration, the DRE and DFPI in California may examine colocated offices for compliance with the separation requirement.
Licensing Prerequisites for Dual Positions:
Office-based real estate agents functioning as MLOs must have a real estate agent and an NMLS MLO license or endorsement. For example:
- As Mentioned Above, through its guidelines, the DRE grants MLO license endorsements to register real estate agents, making it mandatory for them to bear an active registered real estate license in addition to NMLS requirements.
These licensees shall be subject to the mortgage and real estate dual compliance regime, which includes continuing education requirements for both professions (for example, 45 hours every four years for real estate and 8 hours annually for MLO).
Licensees providing independent contractor services as loan processors or underwriters must possess an active MLO license or endorsement with an active NMLS ID.
Prevention of Interests Overlap:
Federal and state law and RESPA violations include kickbacks, referral fees, and any other contracts that funnel customers to a specific mortgage company. Colocated offices must avoid scenarios where clients are solicited to use proprietary in-house mortgage services. They must:
- Guaranteed freedom of choice for clients when selecting a mortgage provider.
- Steer clear of exclusive contracts between the mortgage and real estate companies that restrict consumer choices.
- Affiliation descriptions between the mortgage and real estate offices should be distinctly included in advertisements and client communication.
State-Specific Regulations
Each state has its own set of regulations concerning the merged branches of mortgage and real estate offices. For instance:
- California: The DRE demands that a real estate licensee participating in MLO functions submit an Individual Form (MU4) through NMLS and report mortgage activity via Form RE 866 within thirty days.
- Depending on the license type, the mortgage office must comply with DRE or DFPI rules.
- New York: The Department of Financial Services requires that MLO applications be filed via NMLS with accompanying surety bonds and annual renewal.
- Colocated offices must keep distinct operating lines to avoid crossing regulatory boundaries.
- Oregon: The Division of Financial Regulation requires an attempt at separating mortgage and real estate activities to prevent consumer harm, but it can add education or bonding requirements.
- Monitor your state’s guidelines on NMLS licensing requirements.
Employer Sponsorship
A licensed mortgage company, bank, or credit union must sponsor MLOs. In cases where the mortgage office is a branch of a larger mortgage company, the sponsoring entity must ensure regulatory oversight over the branch. It must be able to access the MLO’s NMLS profile.
The real estate office cannot act as the sponsor unless it is also a licensed mortgage entity.
Compliance and Recordkeeping:
The mortgage and real estate offices must retain precise records, including client files, communication logs, and licenses, subject to the NMLS and state regulators’ requirements.
Under the SAFE Act, су independent annual audit may be necessary to validate compliance within the scope of state and federal legislation.
Any tweaks about the licensing details (e.g., MLO designation and office address) must be revised in the NMLS system within 30 days.
Ensuring Compliance: Practical Measures
To have a mortgage office under a real estate office with an NMLS number, do these steps:
Confirmation of Licensing:
Check that each MLO and mortgage company are registered with the NMLS and operational within the state. You can verify their licenses through NMLS Consumer Access.
Consult Regulatory Authorities:
You can check the state’s unique requisites via the NMLS Resource Center or contact the state’s regulatory body, such as California’s DRE/DFPI or New York’s DFS.
Effective Separation:
Implement physical and functional separation systems between the mortgage and real estate offices, including branding and client interaction.
Compliance Policy Framework:
Establish internal policies to circumvent violations of RESPA, enforce consumer choice, and safeguard ethical benchmarks while meticulously training staff on these policies.
5. **Secure Bonds and Insurance**: Ensure you have obtained the required surety bonds or net worth qualifications for the mortgage company and individual MLOs.
Engage Professionals:
Obtain the services of professionals such as compliance firms CT Corporation and other legal practitioners to assist with licensure and other continuing obligations.
Challenges and RisksRegulatory Scrutiny:
Colocated branches are often investigated for conflicts of interest and/or violations of RESPA, which may result in monetary penalties, loss of license, or litigation.
Consumer Perception:
Clients may feel that they are being coerced into purchasing the mortgage products from the subsidiary, which damages the reputation of both agencies, even when not actively promoted.
Compliance Costs:
The costs associated with holding dual licenses, bonds, and maintaining separate operational structures can be high and restrictive for small offices.
State-Specific Example: Illinois
Considering that the user’s last search was regarding Illinois, let me add a few remarks on Illinois regulations:
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) administers mortgage licensing in Illinois using the NMLS system.
MLOs must comply with the usual requirements of the SAFE Act (20 hours of pre-licensing education, PASS the SAFE MLO Test, background checks, etc.).
Companies offering mortgages must have a Residential Mortgage License and a surety bond, which ranges between $25,000 and $150,000, depending on the volume of loans offered.
Colocated offices are prohibited from branding their mortgage and real estate services in a manner that suggests interdependence.
Regarding the Illinois MLOs, these professionals must notify the IDFPR of any mortgage activities and abide by state-specific consumer protection regulations and requirements.
While an NMLS mortgage office may be operated within a real estate office, doing so requires compliance with various federal and state guidelines, notably the SAFE Act and RESPA. Important factors are complete operational separation, MLO and mortgage company licensing, conflict of interest terms, and state-specific regulations. Additional terms like endorsements or operational limits exist in California, New York, and Illinois. For such states, it is best to consult the NMLS Resource Center, state regulatory agencies, compliance experts, and periodically assess licensing and operational guidelines.
Should you have questions regarding a certain state or navigating the NMLS requirements, feel free to reach out!
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What type of trades do you need, Jimmy? I have many good guys. Please remind me to to introduce you to Mario Maceo. He and his brothers and family are experts in many trades. Also, let me know when you are available to hook up. If you are slow, I can refer jobs to you.
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Jimmy, Gustan has told me a lot about you. I am a good friend of Gustan Cho and the big boys and upper management of Gustan Cho Associates. My wife, Lisa Marie Jones, and I have worked for Gustan Cho Associates for over twenty years. Gus and his team have helped Lisa and me so much that no words express our gratitude. I was instructed to help you if you need anything done, so why don’t you reach out to me, Lisa, or any management and marketing staff member? Looking forward to working with you, my friend. I have many subcontractors for whom I can vouch. They are great, talented workers, and Lisa and I have a working relationship and a personal and family relationship with them. I am helping Gustan Cho and his team promote his online community and business; he is doing the same for me. I look forward to developing a lifelong, lucrative, mutually beneficial relationship with you.
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Mike Lindell is one of the most despised people in America. The reason? His involvement in politics. He also divides public opinion due to his great business success with MyPillow and his spending millions on conspiracy theories. He’s what one would call a breacher implode and ‘the face of chaos.’ His life is packed with drama and disengagement. Below each paragraph, there will be a biography of him and everything that’s known publicly.
Lindell was born in the Journal of Garrison on June 28, 1961. He worked towards a pillow’s precise nature before the bed, contrary to old Mankato, as Lindell’s attache. He spent his later childhood and teenage years in Chaska along with Carver. These places are smaller towns exhibiting more of the suburban lifestyle.” This gives us the midwestern charm that he possesses.
In pure Living as Suburbs, little metered domains do arise without issues of addiction and accouterments being so wide for is with recognizable concern, jer queries, parents: It is shared by Lindell, who may have two non-family sides. Thanks to how Lindell has kept all his documents private on social media, people outside the family have no essential information.
To which the later part of addiction exclaimed missing simpler said personally unenhanced, Lindell had proceeded on to admit that by integrating flexible mindset to poverty new age granted unusual rational drugs, film the younger age with tougher for reasons highly side busted describes indicating formed with his later Lindell and shuffle gamble all collaboratively compulsory progressively compulsively through life stage.
Education
High School and College:
Lindell attended high school in Minnesota but described himself as mediocre. He attended the University of Minnesota for a short time. Still, he did not remain enrolled for long, as he had a lack of focus and was struggling with gambling issues. He did not complete a college degree and later claimed this was part of a narrative he created around himself.
Honorary Recognition:
Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian school, bestowed upon him an honorary Doctor of Business Administration in 2019, describing him as “one of the greatest Christian businessmen on the planet.” This was largely satire and tied to his financial contributions, including a donation of 12,000 pillows, an estimated $600,000.
First Steps into Work and Early Career
Varied Ventures:
He pursued a series of entrepreneurial ventures, which subsequently landed him in trouble with the law, including these:
- A hog farm
- Food trucks
- Bar, which he operated for a short time before it shut down
Pillows
Gambling and Addiction:
In his early twenties, around the 1980s or 1990s, he worked various jobs, even trying to make money at a card counter in Las Vegas. Lindell found himself falling deeper and deeper into the hole of his gambling addiction, which later on progressed to alcohol, cocaine, and crack cocaine usage. Due to these addictions, he suffered a lot, both financially and personally, such as losing his house.
Marriages and Personal Life
First Marriage:
Lindell’s first marriage was to a woman in his twenties, and he produced two children. In 2008, they mutually agreed to separate, which resulted in his first divorce. During the marriage, due to Lindell’s addiction and financial hardships, they opted for separate ways.
Second Marriage:
In June 2023, Lindell Yocum entered his second marriage with his new wife, Dallas. This marriage was short-lived, as in July 2023, Lindell filed for divorce, stating that she had left him. Lindell said they created a prenup, which could add volatility to the split.
Third Marriage:
Last month, Trump announced at a rally that Lindell had recently married again. “Kendra” is reported to be Lindell’s new wife. However, very little is known about her.
Sobriety and Faith:
Lindell credits sobriety to a prayerful moment in 2009 when he claims that fighting the desire for drugs vanished overnight. As an evangelical Christian, Lindell has framed his recovery as a story of divine intervention.
Career and Finding MyPillow
Inspiration for MyPillow:
In 2004, Lindell’s battle with poorly designed pillows led him to attempt to craft his own from foam. This ultimately led to the prototype of MyPillow, which he claims solved many of his sleep issues.
MyPillow, Inc. was founded in 2004 by Lindell as a local vendor selling at fairs and selling MyPillow infomercials. By 2018, he claims MyPillow made around 300 million dollars in direct sales and retail from their formerly sought-after commercials.
Current Issues:
MyPillow is often mentioned with conservative airtime, such as Fox News. Still, its advertisement integrity has been called into question. In 2016, MyPillow lost BBB accreditation due to overly aggressive advertising standards or “buy one, get one free” offers.
Relationship with Donald Trump
Initial Connection:
Lindell’s relationship with Trump began when he branded himself MyPillow during the 2016 elections. As a businessman and evangelical, Lindell was captivated by Trump’s carny showmanship. He attended Trump’s election night watch party and met him at Trump Tower on 8/15/16.
Public Support:
Lindell became a prominent Trump loyalist, rallying, attending White House functions, and serving Trump’s 2020 campaign as Minnesota chair. He publicly stated, “He’s the greatest president in history,” and maintained he was “chosen by God.”
White House Presence:
Lindell was a regular at the White House during Trump’s first term (2017-2021) at events such as the “Made in America” showcase and the 2020 COVID-19 briefing, during which he declared MyPillow would manufacture face masks. His politeness of the place gave rise to the notion of him “making himself at home.”
Controversial Actions:
In 2020, he organized a meeting for Trump with Phoenix Biotechnology, a company Lindell invested in, specifically to market the toxic plant extract oleandrin. They provided no research to support their activities. Overall, Oleandrin lacked any genuine medical efficacy advertising, which gave rise to narrow nepotism.
The Period After the 2020 Election:
After Trump’s 2020 election loss, Lindell became famous for pushing crazy voter fraud theories that had no factual basis. He overspent an estimated $25 to $40 million on his pet ridiculous ideas, including a legal bus tour, a “Cyber Symposium” in 2021, and numerous court skirmishes. His spending efforts were directed towards trying to change the election results and paying for a manipulated voting machine narrative that experts and courts have thoroughly dismantled.
MyPillow’s Financial and Legal Troubles
Retailer Drubbing:
Lindell claimed election fraud long before facing Dominion and Smartmatic’s lawsuits. As a result of these claims, MyPillow’s stock took a nosedive as retailers such as Walmart, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Costco ceased to sell MyPillow products due to scant demand. As of 2022, those losses had amounted to $80 – $100 million, which he attributes to laws imposed due to “cancel culture.”
Lindell and MyPillow were sued for a whopping $1.3 billion lawsuit with Dominion for claiming the 2020 election was rigged by using their machines. Lindell’s frivolous countersuit became infamous, facing relentless pursuits of litigation he claimed was grandma’s law.
Smartmatic:
In a left move, Smartmatic sought more than 1 billion from Lindell. As a result of Schumann’s garbled theory, Frank Lindell became liable for the fees of honorary Schumann during the late payment due date.
Eric Coomer:
Lindell became notorious for accusing Coomer of labeling him a traitor, thus making it a fact he can’t technically deny. He claimed Coomer mocked his words, labeling him a “defender.”
“Prove Mike Wrong” Challenge:
In 2021, Lindell posted a bounty of $5 million for anyone who could disprove his “election fraud” data. Computer forensics expert Robert Zeidman disproved the data, and an arbitration panel ruled that Lindell would have to pay the $5 million. Lindell has claimed an appeal, stating that he has been financially ruined.
FedEx Lawsuit:
In February 2025, MyPillow faced a nearly $9 million lawsuit due to unpaid shipping fees. FedEx alleges that MyPillow breached the contract. The case results from an agreement outlined in 2021, where MyPillow is said to have not complied with payment obligations despite multiple collection attempts.
Other Financial Woes:
Lindell has claimed that MyPillow set back hundreds of millions because of his election activism. In 2023, he auctioned off equipment and subleased manufacturing space. In 2024, he claimed to a court that he was in ruins, having $70 million in debt, only a house and pickup truck, and 70 million dollars in debt. AmEx reduced MyPillow’s credit line by 90% in 2023, crippling the company’s financial situation.
What Happened Between Lindell and Trump?
Close Alliance:
During Trump’s first term, Trump had a loyal supporter in Lindell, who used every available platform to promote Trump’s policies. In return, Trump brought Lindell to public events and spoke positively about his businesses. Their common status as outsiders and evangelical voters made them allies.
Post-2020 Strain:
Lindell faced a major financial fallout after personally and publicly asserting his support for Trump’s election fraud claims. Due to his burdening legal and financial complications, he appeared to have been ignored by Trump and other Republican-leaning lawmakers at the time, with one user stating, “Trump doesn’t have a nickel to pay for Lindell’s legal expenses.”
Lack of Campaign Involvement in 2024:
Lindell requested an appointment as the US election supervisor in the second Trump cabinet and did not actively participate in the Trump 2024 election run. This may be due to:
Legal and Financial Restrictions:
The lawsuits and lack of finances might have made it much harder for Lindell to participate in the 2024 elections.
Targeted Approach:
The Trump campaign ignored Lindell entirely to avoid his idiosyncratic legal past and controversial reputation, which also helped it avoid politics.
Business Shift:
Diverting energy away from political campaigning, Lindell focused on saving MyPillow and amplifying his media business.
Current Relationship:
Lindell no longer gets Trump’s endorsement. His reduced visibility suggests this shift means a pragmatic causal cooling rather than a falling out. On November 5, 2024, he claimed to have accompanied Trump and reported that Trump was in a “great mood” about the election results. This shows some mixed contact despite Trump appearing to lack the projection of support.
Why Has Lindell Remained Silent About Trump?
Legal Factors:
Lindell is currently dealing with many defamation lawsuits that might make him shun any comments related to Trump or the 2020 election in a public forum to mitigate legal risk. It has been suggested that he tone it down, and he has lost legal counsel in certain matters due to the nonpayment of retainer fees.
Economic Factors:
Considering MyPillow’s current struggles, it is reasonable to assume that Lindell has set his sights on recovering the company rather than engaging in political discourse. His continued focus on direct response marketing and sales television (including Lindell TV) indicates a diversion of his resources.
Social Factors:
Due to his outlandish fraud claims, Lindell has been ridiculed and boycotted, making him an easy target of satire and reducing his platform’s effectiveness. His removal from Twitter (after briefly attempting a return) and Fox News has severely restricted his access to audiences.
Political Factors:
It may be that Lindell is hoping to rebuild credibility with Trump supporters by toning down endorsements instead of high-profile ones or being apolitical, particularly after controversies such as the $14.88 pillow, which critics have linked to a form of neo-Nazi dog whistle (a claim Lindell denied).
Is Mike Lindell okay?
Examining his finances, Lindell is in rough shape. He has claimed to be “in ruins,” with MyPillow facing lawsuits, retailer pullouts, and him acquiring significant debt. He no longer retains a $50 million net worth and claimed in April 2025, “I have no money to pay sanctions,” and “my company’s credit line was cut.”
He retains the same persona publicly, but erratic behavior in depositions, like shouting and storming off, showcases his stress. His supporters seem to think he is a martyr, while his critics believe he is a person who has lost touch with reality. There is no proof showcasing issues from a physical standpoint. Still, he unquestionably is facing a maximum amount of mental pressure.
Lindell is getting support from the Trump base and Conservative media. Still, the wider Trump media considers him to have a bad reputation. Lindell is now a highly disputed public figure. Some call him a patriot, while others say he is a conspiracy theorist.
What is Mike Lindell working on nowadays?
Lindell focuses on keeping MyPillow afloat by selling directly and introducing new items like mattress toppers. He is also pushing his right-wing news network, Lindell TV, further expanding it with new hosts like Lou Dobbs to counter mainstream media.
Legal Conflicts:
Lindell is appealing the $5 million arbitration award to Zeidman while battling defamation lawsuits from Dominion, Smartmatic, and others. He has struggled to produce financial documentation, straining due to deadlines and raising the risk of contempt consequences.
Political Involvement:
It is not as visible, but still persistent in issues such as election integrity. Lindell is a proponent of using paper ballots and hand counts. He went to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where he contested the issue of election fraud with a twelve-year-old influencer, showcasing that he is participatory, albeit in a low-key manner.
Recent Controversies:
MyPillow’s $14.88 pillow sale in September 2024 thrusts the company into neo-Nazi accusations Lindell vehemently denies. Steadfast in election control scrutiny, Smartmatic seeks to impose contempt charges for violating the sanction order.
Analysis of Conflicts Within Stories
The 180-degree collision of contradictions within Lindell’s tale arises out of his distracting deeds and opposites of media:
View of Supporters:
Lindell is a self-made hero with an addiction who turned to recuperate and build a business empire. He is a voracious supporter of Trump and election integrity. He used to complain about financial problems due to “cancel culture” and “political persecution.”
Midpoint Analysis:
For many, Lindell is another reckless conspiracy theorist whose wild imagination election claims single-handedly ruined his business and credibility. His legal and financial challenges are not made, and depending on one’s view, boundless devotion to Trump.
Reality:
The answer is a combination of self-deception and overreach. Lindell was driven to take gambles that ended poorly by a passionate conviction rooted in his evangelical belief system. He suffered financially, partly because of his political activism, which alienated retailers and consumers, and stagnant market conditions associated with low demand. Trump’s not reciprocating support could be political pragmatism rather than personal betrayal.
Mike Lindell’s life story comprises a dramatic rise and fall. From a struggling addict to a multi-million dollar entrepreneur, only to emerge as a Trump-adoring election fraudster on the verge of financial ruin. Trump seems to be strategically cooling off Lindell, who was once a fan, maybe due to his legal troubles and Lindell’s disturbing loyalty toward Trump. Withdrawing from Trump reflects realizing that legally and financially surviving means going quiet while critically reducing his political presence. He’s not “okay,” as one would interpret, navigating a landscape riddled with debt and lawsuits, but in his way, incredibly defiant with attempts to turn his media presence and loyal followers into relevance. MyPillow is the focus of his current activities, which include saving the company and fighting legal battles while quietly advocating for election reforms. He’s lost influence compared to during Trump’s first term.
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As of April 2, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the United States is around 6.72%, an increase of 0.07% from last week.
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate is approximately 6.01%.
Overview of the National Housing Market
- The national housing market is undergoing a period of moderation.
- CoreLogic predicts home prices will grow 2% in 2025, compared to 4.5% in 2024.
- Existing home sales are also expected to increase by 6% in 2025 and 11% in 2026, per the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
- However, mortgage rates and home prices remain challenging for most buyers.
- According to the $2,800, the average monthly mortgage payment is $2,800, which is a record high. This is based on a median sale price of $384,000 and a 30-year mortgage rate of 6.67%.
Chicago Housing Market
- Home prices in Chicago were $372,223, and the median home sold price in March 2025 was 7.7% higher than the previous year.
- This marked a moderate growth in the housing market in Chicago.
- The Chicago metropolitan area expects the sales of single-family homes to increase by 57.7% between January 2025 and April 2025.
- Furthermore, the home value in Chicago is projected to increase by 1.2%.
Housing Industry Experts
Mortgage Loan Officers:
- According to research, the number of job openings for Loan Officers is projected to increase by 1% from 2023 to 2033
- This is lower than the average for all other professions.
- Although employment growth remains minimal due to replacement demand, approximately 22,900 loan officer openings are estimated yearly.
- As of March 2025, mortgage loan officers earned an average of $79,825 annually in the United States.
Real Estate Agents:
- The employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is estimated to rise by 2% from 2023 to 2033.
- This is also slower than the average growth rate for all occupations.
- Despite sluggish growth, about 46,000 openings are projected annually due to workers changing occupations or retiring.
- In 2025, numerous full-time real estate agents in the United States are expected to make between $50,000 and $100,000, while top performers in high-demand, high-demand markets earn six figures or more.
In general, both mortgage loan officers and real estate agents work within an industry that offers consistent opportunities, even amid challenges with housing affordability and interest rates.
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I’m really sorry to hear about this incredibly painful situation you experienced. That kind of betrayal, compounded by walking in on them, would be deeply traumatic for anyone.
Without knowing your current circumstances (whether you’re still together, separated, or divorced), I can only share some general thoughts on how someone might process such a difficult experience:
Many people in this situation would consider:
- Taking time and space to process their own emotions
- Seeking individual therapy to work through the trauma
- Possibly couples counseling if both parties want to attempt reconciliation
- Consulting with a lawyer to understand their options
- Leaning on trusted friends or family for support
The age difference you mentioned adds another disturbing dimension to this situation, as it involves a very young person.
It’s completely understandable that this experience still comes to mind occasionally, even if it happened some time ago. Traumatic memories often resurface periodically.
Would you feel comfortable sharing where things stand now or what specific aspects you find yourself thinking about most?