The Paper Trail

2026 Real Estate and Non-Performing Notes PredictionsIn this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Chris shares his top 10 predictions for the real estate and lending markets in 2026. He discusses tighter lending standards, rising defaults, and the importance of being a disciplined operator. Key trends include the tightening of investor space lending conditions, challenges in the multifamily sector, struggles for sponsors operating outside their expertise, a slowdown in fix-and-flip activity, the rise of build-to-rent, increased defaults on investor loans, the complexities of judicial foreclosures, potential declines in home prices in booming states like Florida and Texas, and the predicted growth of 7E Investments. Chris emphasizes the necessity for consistency, strategic focus, and disciplined underwriting in navigating the year ahead.00:00 Introduction and Recap00:12 2026 Real Estate Predictions Overview01:05 Trend 1: Tightening Lending Conditions04:07 Trend 2: Multifamily Market Challenges05:42 Trend 3: Struggles of Inexperienced Sponsors09:01 Trend 4: Decline in Fix and Flip Activity10:15 Trend 5: Build to Rent Opportunities13:31 Trend 6: Rising Defaults on Investor Loans15:59 Trend 7: Owner-Occupied Market Insights19:10 Trend 8: Judicial Foreclosure Challenges23:52 Trend 9: Home Price Declines in Key States26:18 Trend 10: Growth Projections for 202627:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Paper Trail podcast, Chris reviews his 2025 predictions and evaluates his accuracy, covering essential aspects such as interest rates, home prices, mortgage defaults, and the overall economy. He reflects on the media's portrayal of real estate, assesses the impact of interest rates and home pricing, and provides an in-depth analysis of mortgage defaults and delinquencies. The episode also predicts future market trends and emphasizes the importance of real estate experience. Additionally, Chris touches on short-term rentals, multifamily properties, seller financing, and the economic pressures facing households. This reflective analysis sets the stage for understanding current market dynamics and future forecasts in real estate.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:42 Reflecting on 2025 Predictions02:01 Interest Rates Analysis04:08 Home Prices Trends07:38 Mortgage Defaults and Delinquencies11:41 Economic Pressures and Household Impact15:58 Short-Term Rentals and Market Shifts23:34 Fix and Flip Investor Loans27:24 Macro Observations and Real Estate Trends31:43 Conclusion and Future Predictions

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, Chris Seveney breaks down the most common misconceptions surrounding DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans. Whether you’re a first-time real estate investor or looking to scale your portfolio, this no-fluff episode is packed with insights that could save you time, money, and frustration.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:04 Understanding DSCR Loans01:55 Myth 1: Credit Score Doesn't Matter04:13 Myth 2: 100% Financing05:56 Myth 3: Only for Commercial Properties07:55 Myth 4: No Documentation Required10:06 Myth 5: Funding Rehabs or Fix and Flips11:59 Myth 6: Quick Closures13:31 Myth 7: Prepayment Penalties18:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Understanding Recent Changes in Credit Scores and Mortgage TermsIn this episode of the Paper Trail podcast, Chris discusses two significant topics affecting the note investing space: the potential for 50-year mortgages and changes in the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac credit score requirements. The host explains how the removal of the 620 credit score floor could impact loan qualification and why the idea of 50-year mortgages may not gain widespread traction. Emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'rules of the game,' the host advises investors to stay focused on their business fundamentals and not get distracted by industry hype and external chatter.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:01 Credit Score Changes and Their Impact03:18 The 50-Year Mortgage: Pros and Cons06:03 Focus: The Key to Successful Investing11:15 Understanding the Rules of the Game19:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Paper Trail Podcast, host Chris shares insightful stories from his years of experience in note investing. He reflects on his journey since rebranding from the Good Deeds Note Investing Podcast and delves into two detailed case studies involving complex loan situations. Chris discusses the importance of patience, direct involvement, and the value of understanding both consumer and investor laws. He also emphasizes the necessity of proactive management and communication with borrowers to protect investment interests. As always, listeners are encouraged to interact and learn more about investment opportunities with 7E Investments.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Rebranding00:29 Early Podcast Days and Lessons Learned01:51 The Slow Pace of Note Investing02:21 Case Study 1: Investor Loans and Extensions09:24 Case Study 2: Builder Loans and Foreclosure12:39 Dealing with Difficult Borrowers18:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts