Power House

PennyMac’s mortgage playbook and how to scale over time

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 -0000

LIVE from Austin, Texas at The Gathering, this conversation with David Spector, Chairman and CEO of PennyMac, is all about timing, scale, and playing the long game in a consolidating mortgage market.

Spector walks through the company’s pivot from a purely organic growth mindset to a strategic acquisition of Cenlar—not as a change in philosophy, but as a response to reality. Building subservicing from scratch would’ve taken years. Buying scale? Immediate impact. The move accelerates PennyMac’s position in servicing while setting the stage for deeper investment in technology.

But this isn’t just an M&A story—it’s a culture story. Spector makes it clear: deals don’t fail because of numbers, they fail because of people. His approach flips the script—don’t force culture down, build alignment across. Integration, in his view, is about listening, not dictating.

Zoom out, and the bigger strategy comes into focus: convergence. Production and servicing are no longer separate lanes—they’re one ecosystem. That’s why PennyMac is physically consolidating teams (like in Dallas) and operationally aligning around recapture—owning the customer relationship from first loan to refinance.

And then there’s AI. Not hype—execution. Spector is pushing a decentralized model where business leaders own efficiency, supported by embedded AI talent. No “big bang” transformation—just constant iteration: build, deploy, refine. Over and over.

Through it all, the thesis is simple: in a market where margins are tight and capacity is high, efficiency wins. PennyMac isn’t betting on rates to save the business—they’re building a model that works no matter where rates go.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Are we there yet? The end of innovation in mortgage and real estate

Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this solo episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe explores the possibility that housing is moving out of the innovation era and into the predictive turn.

For years, the industry has focused on speed, automation, and better user experience. But perhaps the next real competitive advantage is no longer innovation. It’s calibration. In a business built on forecasts, probabilities, and expectations, the professionals who win will be the ones whose instruments are closest to reality.

The episode explores why housing has always been a prediction business, how AI is changing the way borrowers gather information, and why human interpretation matters more than ever in high-stakes financial decisions. Zeb also offers practical guidance for loan officers, agents, and executives looking to improve forecast accuracy, communicate uncertainty more clearly, and build trust in a market increasingly shaped by predictive tools.

At its core, this episode is about a simple idea: in the next phase of housing, accuracy will matter more than speed.

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Educate, Empower, Elevate: Laura Brandao’s Leadership Blueprint

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Laura Brandao to discuss the mindset, habits, and leadership principles that help mortgage professionals win in any market cycle.

Brandao shares the philosophy that shaped much of her career growth: saying yes to opportunities before the full path is clear. She explains why curiosity, momentum, and adaptability are critical in an industry where conditions can change quickly.

The conversation also explores the daily disciplines behind long-term success — structured routines, consistent communication, and building cultures centered on education, trust, and accountability.

From recruiting and team development to leadership at scale, Brandao offers practical insight for professionals looking to grow their influence and build something that lasts.

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The business of access: LaTasha Waddy on leadership, the future of NFM, and inclusive lending

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with LaTasha Waddy to discuss leadership, homeownership, and the future of mortgage lending.

Waddy shares her path from real estate law to leading NFM Lending, and why her first priority as president has been listening to the people closest to the work. She also discusses Lucas Home Loans, a mission-driven effort focused on expanding access to homeownership through lending, education, and technology.

The conversation explores why financial literacy may be a bigger barrier than credit access, the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how lenders must become more intentional about attracting the next generation of talent.

This episode is about playing the long game: building people, widening opportunity, and strengthening the future of homeownership.

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People-first leadership in mortgage

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Patty Arvielo to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the role mortgage executives play in shaping the future of the industry.

Arvielo shares how she leads at scale by humanizing leadership — meeting people where they are, understanding different perspectives across teams, and taking full accountability when things break down. She explains how the culture at New American Funding was intentionally built over time, drawing inspiration from customer-first organizations like Zappos.

The conversation also covers her advocacy work in Washington and why mortgage professionals need a stronger voice in regulatory decisions that directly impact borrowers. Arvielo highlights her Thrive and Lead mentorship program and her commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, particularly women in mortgage.

From navigating market cycles to building durable teams, this episode offers practical insight for professionals focused on long-term impact and leadership.

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Patty Arvielo on leadership, housing access, and industry change

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Patty Arvielo to discuss her journey from a teenage data entry clerk at TransUnion to one of the most influential leaders in mortgage.

Arvielo shares how she learned every layer of the business early on and ultimately built New American Funding into a nationally recognized lender. What began as a business opportunity to better serve Latino homebuyers evolved into a long-term mission to expand access to homeownership for underserved communities.

The conversation also explores the realities of today’s housing market, from supply constraints and affordability challenges to the outsized role of local policy in shaping outcomes. Arvielo breaks down her leadership philosophy of putting people over profits, and why protecting culture, even at the expense of production, has been central to building a durable organization.

This episode offers a candid look at leadership, advocacy, and what it takes to create lasting impact in housing.

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Process over hustle: Building a high-performance team

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In part two of this conversation, Matt Weaver breaks down the systems, structure, and discipline required to build a high-performing mortgage team.

He explains how scripted processes and clear standards create consistency, enable delegation, and allow teams to scale—even in flat or declining markets. Central to his approach is the “single lane” strategy, where each team member focuses on what they do best while eliminating distractions that limit production.

The discussion also covers the difference between branch and team models, the role of mentorship, and why staying aligned with a defined purpose drives long-term success.

For originators and leaders looking to improve performance and build scalable teams, this episode offers a practical playbook grounded in real-world execution.

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Back to Finish the Mission: Mike Detwiler on the Future of Mortgage Manufacturing

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:45:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins speaks to Mike Detwiler about his return to the industry as CEO of Mortgage Cadence more than a decade after selling the company to Accenture, offering a rare perspective on how mortgage technology has evolved and where it’s headed next.

Detwiler reflects on founding Mortgage Cadence in 1999 and his early vision of “manufacturing mortgages” through data, workflow, and automation. Now, with AI, intelligent automation, and advanced analytics reshaping the landscape, he argues the industry is at another inflection point.

The conversation explores the competitive LOS market, the rise of new technology entrants, and Mortgage Cadence’s growth strategy with PartnerOne. Detwiler also shares leadership insights from his experience as a founder and investor, emphasizing team empowerment and long-term thinking.

Looking ahead, he connects technology innovation to a broader challenge: restoring confidence in homeownership for the next generation.

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Who’s your real customer? Matt Weaver’s playbook to build an empire

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Matt Weaver to discuss his unconventional path from high school dropout to top-performing real estate agent and mortgage originator.

Matt shares how an early mentorship opportunity set his career in motion and the lessons that shaped his approach to serving clients and building relationships. At the center of the conversation is one of his defining philosophies: understanding who your real customer is—and why, in many cases, it’s the real estate agent.

The discussion explores how treating agents as customers, building clear processes, and maintaining consistent communication can transform performance in both real estate and mortgage sales.

For originators and agents looking to build durable, high-performing businesses, this episode offers practical insight rooted in real-world experience.

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Dave Savage: Why trust is the real barrier to homeownership

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Dave Savage, co-founder of FirstHome IQ, to discuss a challenge that could shape the future of housing: preparing the next generation for homeownership.

Drawing on insights from the NextGen Homebuyer Report, Savage explains why many younger buyers feel both overwhelmed by the process and disconnected from the mortgage industry. He argues that the solution isn’t more marketing—it’s education, storytelling, and leadership from housing professionals willing to guide buyers earlier in their journey.

The conversation explores how lenders can engage Gen Z before they’re ready to transact, the growing role of parents in homeownership, and why rebuilding trust will be critical to expanding access in the years ahead.

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The housing problem no one is talking about

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with developer Austin Tunnell to explore a bigger question than housing itself: how the built environment shapes the way we live.

Austin shares his unconventional path into real estate, from accounting to the Peace Corps to hands-on construction, and the realization that much of modern development is optimized for efficiency, not human connection. He argues that today’s neighborhoods often prioritize cars, uniformity and short-term returns at the expense of community and daily life.

The conversation explores an alternative approach: building walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods designed for long-term value, human interaction and quality of place. But that approach comes with real tension—because traditional financing models, comps and investor expectations don’t naturally reward it.

For professionals in housing, the takeaway is clear: what gets built isn’t just real estate—it’s the foundation for how people live, connect and build their lives.

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Trust (not scale) wins: Jeremy Davis shares how to bridge “the gap” in mortgage lending

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Jeremy Davis to discuss a leadership philosophy rooted in community trust, culture and long-term relationships.

Davis shares how growing up in public housing shaped his understanding of how trust actually forms within underserved communities, and why lenders often miss the places where those relationships begin. He explains his concept of “community institutions of trust,” including barbershops, churches and neighborhood gathering spots where reputations and recommendations carry real influence.

The conversation explores Davis’ “barbershop to browser” framework, which connects real-world community engagement with digital strategy. Instead of using online platforms to introduce lenders to new audiences, Davis believes digital presence should reinforce trust already built through authentic relationships.

Inside Southern Bancorp, Davis has built a culture-first operating model that prioritizes service, consistency and community presence. The results include strong first-time homebuyer growth, deep rural market penetration and rare loan officer retention in today’s competitive mortgage environment.

For leaders thinking about the future of lending, Davis offers a simple principle: trust can’t be scaled, but it can be built intentionally.

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Dave Savage: The next “great divide” in mortgage is already forming

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with mortgage coach and industry veteran Dave Savage to discuss what separates the industry’s top originators from the rest and why that gap is likely to grow.

Savage explains how shifting from a rate-focused sales approach to an advice-driven process transformed his own career and why consistent systems and repeatable customer experiences are the real differentiators among top producers.

The conversation also explores the industry’s ongoing challenge with technology adoption and why investing in tools alone isn’t enough. Real competitive advantage, Savage argues, comes when technology becomes embedded in daily workflows and company culture.

Looking ahead, Savage believes artificial intelligence will dramatically reshape how borrowers find loan officers and receive guidance. Rather than replacing originators, AI will amplify those who position themselves as trusted advisors.

For mortgage professionals navigating a changing market, Savage offers clear guidance: build a personal brand, experiment with AI, and focus on delivering advice—not just transactions.

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Bob Hart on AI, security, and the next phase of mortgage tech

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

As the mortgage industry prepares for one of its largest annual gatherings, Diego Sanchez sits down with Bob Hart to preview what professionals can expect at Experience 2026, hosted by ICE Mortgage Technology at the Wynn Las Vegas.

The event will bring together more than 3,000 industry leaders, hundreds of companies, and a full agenda focused on innovation, strategy, and the future of mortgage technology. Hart explains how the conference is designed to give attendees practical insights and tools they can immediately apply to their businesses.

The conversation explores key themes shaping this year’s event—including artificial intelligence in mortgage operations, cybersecurity and fraud prevention, market conditions affecting lenders, and leadership development across the industry. Hart also previews new technology investments aimed at creating a more connected ecosystem linking originators, servicers, and consumers.

For professionals navigating a rapidly evolving market, this episode offers an inside look at the conversations and innovations shaping the next chapter of mortgage technology.

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Why data is the real estate agent’s edge

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, Dave Crosby, Chief Data Officer at Compass, joins the conversation to discuss how data and technology are reshaping the real estate industry.

Crosby explains the role of a Chief Data Officer and how organizing data into actionable insights can help agents make better decisions in a rapidly changing market. The discussion explores the growing influence of AI, why its effectiveness depends entirely on data quality, and how companies must build cultures of accountability to successfully adopt new technologies.

The episode also highlights Compass’s entrepreneurial approach to supporting agents, the importance of market insights, and why professionals who combine strong networks with data-driven decision-making will have an advantage in the years ahead.

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From charts to closings: What you should be watching in the market

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Recorded at the HousingWire Housing Economic Summit at the George Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, this episode shifts the conversation from forecasts to practical application: what should housing professionals actually do with economic data?

Odeta Kushi, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains why housing economics behaves less like a machine and more like a living organism shaped by labor markets, demographics, inventory dynamics, and consumer psychology.

She breaks down the small set of indicators that explain most of the market story — mortgage rate drivers, inventory trends, affordability fundamentals, and demographic demand. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions about down payments, market timing, and the “date the rate” narrative.

For loan officers, brokers, and agents trying to make sense of a shifting market, this episode turns economic signals into practical insight.

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The 80/20 rule of housing economics: Understanding today’s market

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Zeb Lowe speaks with Dr. Jessica Lautz about framing housing economics not as a machine, but as a living organism shaped by human behavior, demographics, and local dynamics.

She breaks down the “80/20” of housing fluency (inventory and affordability) and explains why professionals don’t need to be economists, but must clearly understand what’s available and whether buyers can afford it.

Dr. Lautz outlines the biggest structural forces shaping today’s market: a persistent inventory shortage, pent-up millennial demand, rising down payments, delayed first-time buyer entry, and shifting household formation patterns. She also challenges national headlines, emphasizing the importance of local data and reminding listeners that affordability extends beyond rates and prices to total cost of ownership.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027, she highlights the key signals to watch: construction activity, existing inventory, mortgage applications, and demographic demand.

For housing professionals seeking clarity in a noisy market, this conversation turns macro trends into practical insight.

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Why mortgage marketing fails (Hint: It’s leadership)

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, host Zeb Lowe sits down with mortgage marketing strategist Bri Lees to tackle one of the industry’s biggest tensions: how to create marketing that’s authentic, effective, and still compliant.

Bri argues that bland mortgage marketing isn’t a creativity problem; it’s a leadership problem. When executive teams fail to define their compliance philosophy or brand identity, loan officers default to “safe” messaging that feels forgettable. With clear guardrails and alignment, she explains, companies can build marketing that feels human and differentiated without crossing regulatory lines.

The conversation reframes compliance not as a creativity killer, but as a strategic constraint that, when clearly defined, can sharpen a brand’s message and strengthen trust.

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Trapped equity and the next mortgage opportunity

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

HousingWire brought leading housing economists and capital markets experts to Dallas for the Housing Economic Summit with one goal: translate charts and forecasts into what actually matters for professionals trying to close deals every day.

In this episode, John Toohig of Raymond James breaks down whole loan trading—the buying and selling of unsecuritized mortgages—and explains why understanding liquidity on the back end is now just as important as originating the loan itself. As originators adjust to life after the 2021–2022 refinance boom, John outlines where the real opportunities are today: HELOCs, second liens, ARMs, and purchase loans—especially in a market full of “trapped equity.”

He also explains why mortgage credit is historically clean (perhaps too clean), why banks are re-entering the ARM market, which loan types are hardest to sell in the secondary market, and what separates lenders who consistently move loans from those who struggle with due diligence.

For originators, capital markets teams, and executives navigating 2026, this episode turns macro signals into actionable insight.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Whole loan trades are faster and simpler than securitization
HELOCs and second liens represent major opportunity amid trapped equity
Banks are returning — especially in ARMs
Credit is extremely “clean,” perhaps tighter than necessary
Organized files and disciplined underwriting drive repeat investor demand

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The Dane Cook window: How to win the AI land grab

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this solo Power House episode, Zeb Lowe breaks down a quiet but powerful shift happening in mortgage marketing: AI is becoming the place consumers go for recommendations, not just information.

As traditional search behavior evolves, Zeb explains why loan officers and agents must think beyond SEO and start positioning themselves inside AI recommendation engines. He walks through the economic forces behind the shift, why early adopters have a finite window of advantage, and the practical steps professionals can take now to become the name AI suggests when buyers are ready to decide.

If search is changing from browsing to delegating, this episode explains what that means and how to stay ahead of it.

Download the AI Visibility Guide

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Zeb Lowe's LinkedIn

Why most content fails: How to create content people remember

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

Zeb Lowe sits down with Rick Grant to unpack why “more content” isn’t the answer and why clarity, authenticity, and narrative structure matter more than ever. They dig into what actually makes content stick, why audiences are tuning out polished but hollow messaging, and how brands can define thought leadership without sounding like everyone else.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Good content is memorable and impactful.
Stories are more effective than bullet points for retention.
Simplifying messages helps break through content noise.
Authenticity is key to effective communication.
AI can be a valuable tool for content creation.
Thought leadership is accessible to anyone passionate about their knowledge.
Understanding your audience's journey is crucial for content strategy.
Leverage personal experiences to craft unique narratives.
The basic brand promise is foundational for effective messaging.
Helping others is the best way to establish expertise.

Related to this episode:

Rick Grant's Linkedin

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire's Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Diego Sanchez & Zeb Lowe: Inside HousingWire’s next chapter

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, Diego Sanchez and Zeb Lowe discuss the transition of hosting responsibilities and Zeb’s perspective on where housing and mortgage conversations need to go next.

Drawing on his background in origination and content creation, Zeb explains why storytelling, collaboration, and community matter more than ever in a crowded, fast-moving industry. The conversation explores HousingWire’s evolving content strategy, shifting generational attitudes toward homeownership, and the importance of education in addressing affordability challenges.

They also unpack the role of AI in housing, making the case for technology as an amplifier of human judgment rather than a replacement, and why empowering teams with the right tools is key to productivity and engagement.

This episode sets the tone for Power House’s next chapter: focused on people, perspective, and practical insight.

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire

What comes after automation and AI: Designing for the human in the age of the machine

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0000

In this special Power House episode, host Zeb Lowe previews the conversations coming to the show and unpacks a core challenge facing the industry today.
As automation and AI continue to accelerate productivity, the industry’s cost problem isn’t a technology issue, but an economic one. He explains why human judgment, trust, and accountability have become the most valuable (and expensive) parts of the mortgage process, and what that shift means for leaders heading into 2026.

The episode also offers a look ahead at upcoming Power House guests, setting the stage for conversations focused on building with intention, not reaction.

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The long game of mortgage success: Leadership lessons from Anthony Casa

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Anthony Casa, President and CEO of UMortgage, for a candid conversation about what actually drives long-term success in the mortgage business.

Anthony reflects on his decades in the industry, sharing why mentorship remains one of the most critical (and most overlooked) factors for loan originators. He explains how building early relationships with real estate agents compounds over time, why consistency matters more than short-term wins, and how earning trust is still the foundation of every successful career.

The conversation also takes a personal turn as Anthony opens up about his own transformation, including sobriety and renewed focus on health and wellness, and how those changes reshaped his leadership style. He connects personal discipline to professional performance, arguing that sustainable success in mortgage lending starts with how leaders take care of themselves.

Anthony and Zeb also dig into the industry’s structural shift from retail to broker channels, discussing why compensation, flexibility, and culture are driving that movement—and how marketing strategies must evolve to support it.

This episode is a grounded look at mentorship, leadership, and why the long game still matters in mortgage.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Why mentorship is essential for new loan officers
How early agent relationships compound into long-term success
What Anthony’s personal transformation taught him about leadership
Why health and wellness matter in high-pressure careers
How the broker channel is reshaping mortgage competition
Why culture and autonomy attract top talent
How marketing strategies should match individual sales goals
Why consistency beats intensity over time
How to succeed in today’s market conditions
Why earning trust still matters more than tactics

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Why first-time buyers don’t trust the system

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Clayton Collins sits down with Kristin Messerli to unpack one of the most persistent challenges in housing: why first-time homebuyers feel overwhelmed, underprepared, and increasingly distrustful of the financial system.

They explore the role of education in bridging the knowledge and trust gap, emphasizing the importance of empowering loan officers to build relationships within their communities. The discussion also highlights the impact of the ambassador program and the goals for 2026, focusing on sustainability and advocacy in the housing market.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Why first-time buyers often feel overwhelmed and uncertain
How trust in lenders has declined over time
Why education is the foundation of buyer confidence
What loan officers need to become effective educators
How ambassador programs strengthen community relationships
Why financial literacy is missing from traditional education systems
How personal stories help buyers see themselves as homeowners
The sustainability challenges facing housing nonprofits
Why advocacy matters for loan officers and their clients
What the future of homeownership depends on

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Building better communities and battling the sprawl: David Kooris on transit oriented developments

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Zeb sits down with David Kooris, Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority, for a wide-ranging conversation on how urban planning shapes the long-term success of communities.

David explains why urban planning is no longer just about zoning and land use, but a holistic approach that balances infrastructure, housing, climate resilience, and economic development. He shares insights from his own unconventional path into the field (spanning architecture, archaeology, and planning) and how that perspective influences his work supporting municipalities across Connecticut.

The conversation explores why demand is shifting away from sprawl toward walkable, compact communities; how climate risk is reshaping development decisions; and why community engagement has become central to successful projects. David also offers practical guidance for investors and developers interested in transit-oriented development, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the public and private dimensions of place-making.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Why urban planning is becoming a holistic community strategy
Why walkable, compact communities are gaining demand
How community engagement shapes successful development
Why investors must consider the broader neighborhood context
How climate risks are influencing planning decisions
What best-in-class community engagement looks like today
Why successful developers actively curate amenities and public space

Related to this episode:

David Kooris LinkedIn
Connecticut Municipal Development Authority

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Why dedicated rental communities are reshaping housing

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this conversation, Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, discusses the evolution and significance of dedicated rental communities in the housing market. Richard explains how dedicated rental communities differ from traditional build-to-rent models, why they are purpose-built specifically for renters, and what years of real estate experience have taught him about shifting housing preferences. He also breaks down how COVID accelerated demand for single-family rentals, changed renter demographics, and reshaped expectations around space, privacy, and community.

The conversation digs into why the average resident in these communities is 38 years old, how thoughtful community design and longer lease structures foster stability, and why outdated perceptions of renting continue to hold back policy progress. Richard also makes the case for regulatory reform as a necessary step toward solving the country’s housing shortage.

This episode offers a grounded look at where rental housing is headed—and why the future of housing won’t be defined by ownership alone.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

What separates dedicated rental communities from traditional build-to-rent
Why today’s renters prioritize community, amenities, and flexibility
How COVID permanently shifted rental demand and preferences
Why the average renter age is older than many assume
How community design drives satisfaction and retention
The role of long-term leases in creating stability
Why renting is increasingly a long-term lifestyle choice
Common misconceptions that frame renting as “second class”
The scale of the U.S. housing shortage
Why streamlined regulation is critical to expanding supply

Related to this episode:

Richard Ross – Chief Executive Officer at Quinn Residences
Quinn Residences

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Mainstream, not meme-coins: Inside the rise of crypto-backed home financing

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:03:00 -0000

Crypto isn’t a side bet anymore; in this episode of Power House, Milo CEO Josip Rupena sits down with Zeb Lowe to discuss how Milo built the leading crypto mortgage model. How did they accomplish this? By solving a problem traditional lenders ignored: how to borrow against Bitcoin without giving it up, while addressing volatility, capital markets, regulatory clarity, institutional interest and the long-term implications of quantum computing on crypto security. The two also discuss misconceptions that are hindering traditional financing.

This episode discusses:

Why Bitcoin volatility can be structured as a strength, not a risk
How crypto mortgages allow borrowers to finance homes without selling their assets
What makes Bitcoin different from other crypto assets when used as mortgage collateral
How Milo underwrites crypto-backed mortgages and manages risk during market volatility
What traditional lenders and capital markets need to understand before entering crypto mortgage lending
Where regulation, institutional adoption, and emerging risks like quantum computing intersect with crypto-backed home financing

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

From Bitcoin to the balance sheet: Crypto in mortgage lending

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this conversation, Tyler Hodgson shares his journey into the mortgage industry and discusses the emerging role of cryptocurrency in mortgage lending. He details a unique case involving a $4 million crypto asset depletion loan, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by this niche market. The discussion covers the verification of cryptocurrency ownership, the volatility of crypto assets, and the future of crypto lending in the mortgage industry. Tyler emphasizes the importance of curiosity and continuous learning for loan officers to stay relevant in an evolving market.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Tyler's journey into the mortgage industry began after serving in the Marine Corps.
How Tyler’s path from the Marine Corps to mortgages shaped his approach to lending
Why asset depletion loans matter for nontraditional borrowers
How cryptocurrency can be used to qualify for a mortgage
What “proof of Satoshi” means and why ownership verification is critical
How volatility changes risk calculations for both lenders and borrowers
Why crypto is slowly gaining recognition as a valid mortgage asset
The role curiosity plays in solving complex loan scenarios
Why loan officers must continuously learn to stay relevant
How edge-case loans often preview mainstream adoptionWhat the future may hold for crypto-backed mortgage lending

Related to this episode:

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

From Stocks to Starter Homes: The New Front Door to Homeownership

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Powerhouse, Diego Sanchez interviews Mike Malloy, CEO of Sage Home Loans, and Sakhi Gandhi, Director of Partnerships at Robinhood. They discuss the partnership between Sage and Robinhood, aimed at simplifying the mortgage process for homebuyers. The conversation covers the seamless experience provided to Robinhood Gold customers, the competitive mortgage rates offered, and the strategic focus of both companies on enhancing consumer finance accessibility. The episode highlights the importance of technology and efficiency in the mortgage industry and the future growth strategies of both organizations.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Sage Home Loans aims to revolutionize the mortgage industry by simplifying the process.
Robinhood's mission is to democratize finance and make investing accessible.
The partnership between Sage and Robinhood focuses on creating a seamless customer experience.
Sage offers competitive mortgage rates due to operational efficiencies.
The collaboration is designed to enhance the value for Robinhood Gold subscribers.
Sage's proprietary technology enables a digital-first mortgage experience.
The branding experience integrates both Sage and Robinhood for transparency.
Robinhood Gold has no minimum balance but an annual fee for access to benefits.
Sage is focused on growth and plans to expand its market presence.
The ultimate goal is to create a financial super app for consumers.

Related to this episode:

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The Business of Mortgage Risk: David Finkelstein on Capital, MSRs, and the Next Cycle

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Powerhouse, Diego Sanchez interviews David Finkelstein, CEO of Annaly Capital Management. They discuss the company's position as a leading mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT), its growth strategy, and the importance of subservicing partnerships. David shares insights on the current mortgage rate environment, the challenges faced by the Federal Reserve, and the future outlook for the housing market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Annaly Capital Management is the largest mortgage REIT.
The company has $15 billion in permanent capital allocated to housing.
Annaly's portfolio consists of $100 billion in assets.
The focus is on managing interest rate and prepayment risk.
Partnerships with subservicers create operational efficiencies.
The company is targeting 20% capital for its MSR portfolio.
Mortgage rates are expected to remain in a stable range.
The Federal Reserve faces challenges with inflation and employment.
Annaly aims to grow its Resi and MSR portfolios significantly.
Technology and data analytics are crucial for future growth.

The broker advantage: Rocket Pro’s 2026 strategy with Dan Sogorka

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Dan Sogorka, GM of Rocket Pro, for a forward-looking conversation about the tools, technology, and strategic shifts Rocket is deploying as they move into 2026.

Dan offers an inside look at how Rocket Pro is investing in AI-driven efficiencies, reshaping its broker support model, and strengthening its position through recent acquisitions. He also dives into the story behind the Broker Manifesto and how it fits into Rocket’s broader mission to build trust and choice for brokers nationwide.

From competition to technology, narrative change to partner support, this episode breaks down how Rocket Pro is positioning itself to lead in one of the industry’s most dynamic and competitive segments.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why Rocket Pro is energized heading into 2026 with a renewed innovation roadmap
How new AI tools elevate broker efficiency and streamline everyday workflows
The strategic role of recent acquisitions in strengthening Rocket’s market position
Why the Broker Manifesto is central to reshaping industry perception
How Rocket Pro plans to support business growth for broker partners
What more events and in-person engagement will mean for brokers in 2026
Why Rocket’s strategy emphasizes tools that enable choice—not constraint
The value of stronger, more intentional broker partnerships
How Rocket’s narrative is evolving as the company reinvests in the broker ecosystem
Why innovation remains Rocket Pro’s north star for 2026 and beyond

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Beyond the 30-year plan: How reverse mortgages are reshaping financial longevity

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:24:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Kristen Seifert, President of Finance of America, for a candid and forward-looking conversation about the evolution of reverse mortgages and the growing role home equity plays in retirement planning.

Kristen breaks down why reverse mortgages still face widespread misconceptions, how Finance of America is investing in education to change the narrative, and why partnerships and proprietary products are shaping the next chapter of the industry. She also opens up about her personal leadership journey, the importance of mission alignment, and what it means to navigate mergers and acquisitions while scaling responsibly.

From growth strategy to women’s leadership, from product innovation to industry perception, this episode offers an inside look at the forces redefining reverse lending—and how Finance of America plans to lead the way.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Why mission alignment unlocks innovation and long-term growth
How mergers and acquisitions support Finance of America’s market strategy
Why education remains the strongest tool for combating reverse-mortgage misconceptions
The role home equity plays as a retirement-planning pillar
How strategic partnerships expand capabilities and reach
Kristen’s perspective on women in leadership and developing future talent
Why personal development fuels professional momentum
How reverse mortgages should be integrated into traditional mortgage conversations
The rising importance of proprietary products in a competitive landscape
Why expanding the market is essential for the future of reverse lending

Shaping an industry: Susan Milazzo’s legacy at the California MBA

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Susan Milazzo, the outgoing CEO of the California Mortgage Bankers Association, who reflects on two decades of transformative change in the mortgage industry.

Susan shares her insights on the massive tech adoption that has reshaped every aspect of the loan lifecycle and how AI is becoming integral to mortgage processes while regulators keep a close eye on consumer protection. She also talks about her proudest advocacy achievements, discusses the smooth transition to Paul Gigliotti and her plans for retirement after dedicating over 20 years to leading the California MBA.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How technology integration became the biggest change in mortgage over the past 20 years
Why compliance costs have multiplied despite technological advances
The role AI plays in streamlining processes while maintaining regulatory oversight
Susan's legislative victories during COVID-19 and beyond
How the Urban Institute study proved IMBs already serve minority and low-to-moderate income borrowers
What the future holds for the California MBA under new leadership

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Why the broker channel is winning with Rob Pieklo

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Robert Pieklo, the president and CEO of eLEND, formerly known as American Financial Resources. Rob is a passionate advocate for wholesale and has led eLEND in a 900% growth period in the wholesale channel.

Robert talks about why he believes the broker channel creates the ultimate competitive environment that benefits consumers, how eLEND competes with giants through nimble execution and superior capital markets strategies, and why he thinks current MSR valuations are built on unrealistic assumptions. He also shares how eLEND has managed to scale dramatically without significantly increasing their headcount.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why competition in the broker channel drives down prices and spurs innovation
How AFR rebuilt its culture into customer-obsessed service
Strategies for competing with wholesale behemoths
The reality behind MSR valuations and recapture rate assumptions
Scaling operations through technology, AI, and high-performance team building
AFR's approach to capital markets execution and pricing strategies

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Grassroots in action: How the BAC turned broker voices to law

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, Zeb sits down with Rachel Clark, Executive Director of the Broker Action Coalition (BAC), a grassroots advocacy network that's been advocating for the mortgage industry since 2022. Rachel is also a co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, a Houston-based brokerage that specializes in serving first-responders, veterans, and minority homebuyers.

Rachel breaks down how the BAC took on abusive trigger lead practices, their work that led to the Home Buyers Privacy Protection Act, explaining how they turned a complex legislative process into wins that brokers could understand.

They also talk about what goes into sustaining grassroots movements, why showing up matters more than most small business owners realize and what's next on BAC's radar.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How the BAC transformed from a small advocacy group to a legislative force in just three years
Why trigger leads were poisoning broker-client relationships and how the industry fought back
The coalition strategy that brought together brokers, bankers, and consumer advocates
How to sustain momentum in grassroots movements when progress feels slow
Why bipartisan messaging around data privacy made all the difference
What policy battles are coming next for the mortgage industry
Practical steps for small business owners who want to make their voices heard

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

From flames to financing: Firehouse Mortgage is serving heroes and the underserved

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House we are bringing you a conversation between Zeb Lowe and Aaron Clark, a firefighter and co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, a Houston-based mortgage brokerage that is owned and operated by first responders and veterans. Aaron shares his journey from fighting fires to becoming a loan officer and how a layoff led to the creation of Firehouse with his wife — who will be joining us on the show later this week!

Aaron discusses their approach to serving veterans, minorities, and low-income borrowers, his concerns about AI's impact on personal relationships in mortgage, and the challenges of staying competitive as a smaller, relationship-focused company.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Aaron transitioned from firefighter to real estate agent to loan officer
Why Firehouse Mortgage's team of first responders creates unique trust with clients
The community-focused business model that prioritizes giving back over profit maximization
How they serve veterans, minorities, and low-income borrowers with transparent pricing
Aaron's perspective on AI threatening personal relationships in mortgage lending
The organic growth strategy that built their business through community connections

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

How non-QM and smart securitization are reshaping lending with Jennifer McGuinness

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

On today’s sponsored episode, HousingWire CEO and returning Power House host Clayton Collins sits down with Jennifer McGuinness, the CEO of Pivot Financial. With her extensive Wall Street background and her experience at Deutsche Bank, CoreVest, and WinWater, Jennifer brings unparalleled expertise to today’s conversation about non-QM products and the future of mortgage securitization

Clayton and Jennifer dive deep into product diversification strategies, the importance of prudent underwriting, and the innovative securitization framework that Pivot is developing to level the playing field for small and mid-sized lenders. They also tackle persistent non-QM misconceptions, explore the untapped potential of first and second lien HELOCs, and discuss how VantageScore 4.0 could reshape credit evaluation.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why non-QM products are essential for lender survival in today's market, not risky subprime lending
How first lien HELOCs can serve as game-changing cash management tools for borrowers
The real story behind VantageScore vs. FICO and what bond markets aren't telling you
Pivot's revolutionary securitization framework could democratize liquidity for smaller lenders
Why product innovation — not just rates and asset prices — holds the key to housing affordability

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Why Gen Z thinks homeownership is out of reach and what we can do about it

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Zeb sits down with Kristin Messerli, a strategist and speaker on millennial and Gen Z housing trends and the founder of FirstHome IQ. Kristin talks about the 2025 NextGen Homebuyers Report, which surveyed over 8,000 millennials and Gen Z consumers to uncover the financial literacy gaps when it comes to homeownership.

Kristin dives deep into why financial myths persist despite widespread information availability, how AI is rapidly changing how young buyers research homes, and how community partnerships can bridge the trust gap in an age of information overload.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why 92% of next-gen buyers are wrong about down payment requirements and how this myth persists across all education and income levels
How information overload is causing young buyers to delay major financial decisions and shut down completely
The surprising correlation between confidence levels and actual financial literacy test scores
Why building relationships and empathy is becoming more critical than knowledge sharing in the AI age
How First Home IQ is partnering with high schools and community organizations to tackle financial literacy at the source
The broader community impact when entire generations feel priced out of homeownership

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The industry’s best-kept secret with Sarah Middleton and Scott Everett

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Scott Everett, President of Supreme Lending, and Sarah Middleton, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer of Supreme Lending. Scott, who recently made his LinkedIn debut after years of behind-the-scenes leadership, discusses why Supreme Lending is no longer the industry's "best kept secret." Sarah shares her strategic approach to growth and the famous 26-point checklist she used to evaluate Supreme before joining the team.

The conversation covers Supreme's debt-free, tech-first approach to business, from building their own PPE 20 years ago to preparing for AI disruption in the mortgage industry. They also discuss their successful M&A strategy and how they've achieved a 97% retention rate on recent acquisitions.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Supreme Lending built a 26-year track record of fiscal stability without debt or private equity
The tech decisions that positioned them ahead of industry disruption
Sarah's 26-point evaluation framework for choosing the right mortgage company
Why Supreme's "enrich each other's lives" core value drives everything they do
How they're preparing for AI transformation while maintaining their competitive edge
The M&A approach that prioritizes cultural fit and employee retention over pure growth

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The death of the LO with NEO Home Loans' Ryan Grant

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Zeb sits down with Ryan Grant, the president and co-founder of NEO Home Loans. Originally trained in martial arts from age four under his father, Ryan brings the unique disciplined thinking of a martial artist to the table to revolutionize mortgage.

Ryan talks about how his background shaped his approach to business and leadership, teaching him emotional consistency and the compounded effect of disciplined training. He also discusses NEO's partnership with Better.com's tech stack to transform LOs into true mortgage advisors who provide lifelong value to clients.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How martial arts discipline translates to sustainable business success
Why the traditional LO model is dead and the mortgage advisor era has begun
How NEO's AI-powered tech reduces team size while increasing meaningful client interactions
Why financial literacy and holistic wealth planning are essential for modern mortgage professionals
How to create proactive, long-term client relationships that extend 30 years beyond closing

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The virtual brokerage revolution with eXp CEO Leo Pareja

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, the world's fastest-growing, cloud-based brokerage with over 83,000 agents across 27 countries. Leo discusses his transition to CEO during the NAR settlement announcement and how eXp has evolved from a bootstrapped startup to a major industry player.

He shares how eXp built a distributed workforce and why transparency in real estate data benefits everyone. Leo explains eXp's strategy of attracting entrepreneurial agents who build their own brand and how their virtual-first approach creates competitive advantages in today's hyper-localized market.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How eXp scaled from just a startup to a global brokerage without physical offices
Why 2026 will be a hyper-localized real estate market and what that means for agents
The importance of transparency sharing versus private listing strategies
How eXp's distributed workforce model creates operational advantages over traditional brokerages
Why sellers think it's 2021, buyers think it's 2008, and the reality is neither
Leo's approach to innovation and staying curious about AI and emerging technologies

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The playbook to serving the underserved with Panorama Mortgage Group

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Hector Amendola, the president of Panorama Mortgage Group, formerly known as Alterra Home Loans. In 2022, Panorama rebranded from Alterra to what we now know as Panorama, with Alterra remaining as their retail arm. Panorama focuses on specifically serving underserved and underrepresented communities now through their brand new wholesale channel, Travisa Financial.

Hector shares his journey from loan officer assistant to president and discusses Panorama's post-COVID pivot that included establishing their Mexican operations and launching their wholesale division. He explains the business opportunity in serving black and brown communities and why they believe in finding the "yes" rather than the easy "no" when it comes to lending.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Panorama transformed from retail-focused Altera into diversified lending
The strategic advantages of establishing back-office operations in Mexico
Why Travisa Financial targets wholesale lending to underserved communities
How Panorama maintains a 50% servicing retention rate on payoffs
Hector's career journey from LO assistant to president and the power of mentorship
How the company's "find the yes" philosophy drives their underwriting approach
Panorama's 2026 growth strategy balancing retail and wholesale expansion

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Building “walkable billboards” with Amy Stockberger

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Amy Stockberger, the broker, owner, and team leader of Amy Stockberger Real Estate. Amy has built a powerhouse operation that dominates 10% of her local market share in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, earning RealTrends' #33 national ranking by sides. Her secret weapon? A revolutionary "lifetime home support model" that transforms clients into walking, talking billboards through authentic human-to-human connection.

Amy shares how she identified a critical gap in her business: clients weren't returning for repeat business or referrals despite excellent transaction service. This led her to develop a comprehensive support system that extends far beyond the closing table, creating genuine lifetime value for clients while helping her agents build referable, scalable, and sellable businesses.

She also dives into the massive opportunity ahead with the "silver tsunami" and how smart agents can capitalize on mini mergers and acquisitions to acquire profitable market share through relationship-based leads.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Amy's lifetime home support model helped her team achieve 10% market share and 7+ year agent tenure
Why the future belongs to agents who embrace "H2H" (human-to-human) connection over pure tech solutions
The four pillars of future-proofing your business: systemized, automated, delegated, or deleted
How to turn exiting agents' books of business into profitable market share with 80-90% capture rates
The strategic framework for evaluating lender partnerships in an advisory-focused market
How relational tech and AI can unlock hidden monetization opportunities in existing databases

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Sapiens' secret to faster decision-making in just 12 weeks

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s sponsored episode of Power House, Diego chats with Rafael Goldberg, the Head of Sapiens Decision, about the role of AI decision-making in all facets of housing.

Rafael talks about how AI has the power and potential to blend business rules and data analytics to make decisions faster and more accurately, all while fitting smoothly into existing systems. He also discusses how AI decisioning can transform personalized mortgage processes like product eligibility and underwriting, and how Sapiens' AI platform can be up and running in just 12 weeks.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why AI decisioning is a game-changer for lenders
How Sapiens' platform integrates with existing systems without massive overhauls
The role of AI decisioning in product eligibility and automated underwriting
How the platform can be live in just 12 weeks, offering cost savings and increased revenue
The benefits of AI decisioning for compliance and localized decision-making

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Becoming a sales master with Todd Duncan

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Zeb Lowe chats with Todd Duncan, founder and CEO of the Todd Duncan Group, and the co-founder of FUEL Inc. He is also a NYT bestselling author with over 17 books, and was a top 1% Loan Originator, financing over 5,000 transactions in 12 years.

Todd joins us this week to talk about the power of prioritizing relationships over transactions and how his high-trust selling system builds genuine connections. He also talks about easily implementable strategies for LOs and discusses the upcoming Sales Mastery event, which is happening October 14-17 at the Dallas Hyatt Regency.

Find out more at www.salesmasteryevent.com and use the discount code HW25.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Todd transitioned from nearly failing college to becoming a top mortgage originator
The importance of relationships over transactions in business
Todd's journey to becoming a professional speaker and author
The role of coaching in achieving success
Insights into the upcoming Sales Mastery event and strategies for loan originators

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Solving the coordination conundrum with WFG’s Pat Stone

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s sponsored episode of Power House, Diego interviews Patrick Stone, chairman and founder of Williston Financial Group.

Patrick talks about regulatory challenges and the need for greater efficiency in real estate transactions, especially amid demographic shifts in homebuyers. He also talks about focusing on data sharing and process alignment to enhance the customer experience and reduce transaction fallout.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why the housing industry hasn't seen much disruption despite technological advancements
How regulatory challenges create inefficiencies in real estate transactions
The impact of reducing closing times on affordability and home ownership
Why younger generations expect more automation and education in the home buying process
The role of industry associations in fostering cooperation and progress

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Bridging the LO/C-suite gap with TLOP’s Dustin Owen

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, Zeb Lowe chats with Dustin Owen, mortgage veteran, SVP of Growrth at Lower and the host of The Loan Officer Podcast. After joining the industry in 2004, Dustin went from funding over 100 units annually to managing seven branches with $70 million in monthly production.

Dustin joins us today to talk about why an “opt-out” model should be the future of AI adoption in mortgage lending. He also talks about leadership’s role in retention and solving the disconnect between executives’ wants and LOs' needs.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Dustin's career trajectory and achievements in mortgage
How AI is revolutionizing mortgage lending, with examples like UWM's AI, “Mia”
The disconnect between executives' enthusiasm for AI and loan officers' practical concerns
Strategies for loan officer retention, including creating a supportive work environment
The future of mortgage lending and the role of AI in transforming the industry

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

New name, same Fairway with Haley Parker

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Haley Parker, the CMO of the recently rebranded Fairway Home Mortgage. With 25 years in the industry and over a decade at Fairway, Haley has a unique perspective on the intersection of mortgage and leadership.

Haley talks about Fairway’s recent rebranding and how maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit has always been key to Fairway's growth. She also talks about her secret weapon for recruiting and the fine balance between organic growth and M&A. Haley will be joining us on stage at the upcoming HousingWire MBS Summit (previously the HousingWire IMB Summit), alongside Fairway’s Jon Tobias and Rick Schnautz.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Haley Parker's personal motivations drive her success at Fairway
The significance of Fairway's culture in recruitment and retention
Insights into Fairway's rebranding to Fairway Home Mortgage
Marketing strategies focused on simplicity and efficiency
The balance between organic growth and M&A for cultural fit
The importance of connection and community in the mortgage industry
What to expect from Fairway at the upcoming Mortgage Banking Summit

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

When mortgage meets AI with Ruby Zabran

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s sponsored episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe, HousingWire’s Senior Director of the Content Studio, chats with Rudy Zabran, the COO of Consolidated Analytics, to do a deep dive into AI’s role in mortgage, specifically when it comes to automation and data normalization.

Rudy discusses his role in transforming Consolidated Analytics into a 700-employee powerhouse, the transition to a data-first mortgage approach, aligning technology with company culture, and insights on the build vs. buy dilemma in AI technology.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Rudy ended up in mortgage after a career in fashion
The role of fractional components in automation and AI
The specific challenges and opportunities present in adopting AI in mortgage
The importance of aligning AI tools with a company’s culture and goals
Rudy's hands-on approach to staying connected with industry challenges

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Advocacy in action with the American Property Owners Alliance

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez chats with Colin Allen, Executive Director of the American Property Owners Alliance (APOA), about their housing advocacy efforts in Congress through digital and grassroots efforts. Before his role at APOA, Colin spent over a decade working on housing legislative efforts at the National Association of Realtors.

He discusses the impact of the recent boost in the state and local tax deduction (SALT) cap and shares how initiatives like the More Homes on the Market Act and the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act tackle the housing crisis by boosting supply and making homeownership more accessible.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How the APOA is tackling housing supply issues with innovative solutions like the More Homes on the Market Act and the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act.
The role of federal and local partnerships in driving meaningful change for homeowners.
How grassroots advocacy is reshaping the legislative landscape for property rights.
The impact of recent tax reforms on homeownership and the broader housing market.
Strategies to support first-time homebuyers through financial education and awareness initiatives.

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Creating “a place to call home” with Radian’s Elizabeth Emmons

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this sponsored episode of Power House, Diego chats with Elizabeth Emmons, the Chief Marketing Officer of Radian, to give a behind-the-scenes look into Radian’s vision for affordable and sustainable homeownership.

Elizabeth tackles the challenges and misconceptions around the home-buying process and explains how Radian's wide range of products, from mortgage insurance to real estate services, all work together to support home buyers.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why private mortgage insurance is a game-changer for first-time buyers
How Radian's diverse offerings support a holistic approach to homeownership
The role of trust and collaboration in building lasting customer relationships
Why breaking down homeownership barriers is more urgent than ever
Radian's vision for the future is all about creating possibilities for a place to call home

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Turning NIMBY to YIMBY with Wendover’s Jonathan Wolf

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego chats with Jonathan Wolf, the CEO of Wendover Housing Partners, about affordable housing — specifically in their local Florida market — and how they’re working to combat pervasive NIMBYism.

Jonathan also dives into Wendover’s recent legislative victories on the affordable housing front and the role of major employers like Universal and Comcast in tackling NIMBYism.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why collaboration with employers is essential to overcoming NIMBY challenges
How Wendover Housing Partners plans to double its community management in the next two years
The importance of integrating services like healthcare and education into affordable housing communities
The potential for replicating Wendover's successful model nationwide
Jonathan's insights on engaging mortgage and real estate executives in affordable housing initiatives

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Mastering mortgage with top originator Matt Weaver

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House we have a special interview that we recorded live at the G13 Assembly back in May, between HousingWire’s Senior Director of the Content Studio, Zeb Lowe and Matt Weaver, the nation's top loan originator in 2023.

Matt answers some of the top questions from lenders and originators across the nation, including how to avoid complacency, how to properly script yourself, how to handle buyer objections and much more!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Matt maintains his top ranking in a competitive market
The role of a scripted process in delivering consistent results
Strategies for training agents to handle buyer objections effectively
The importance of creating "wow" moments to boost referrals
Insights into the future of AI in the mortgage industry and the value of mentorship

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Everywhere all at once: Automating engagement with Ryan Young

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this sponsored episode of Power House, Diego sits down with Ryan Young, the CEO and Co-Founder of Fello. Ryan shares his transition from a professional chef to leading the number one real estate team in Ohio, and how trying to solve the pain points of that team led him to create Fello.

Ryan talks about how Fello is revolutionizing real estate and mortgage sectors by turning stagnant databases into usable, dynamic assets using AI-driven automated processes. This approach not only enriches CRM data but also identifies valuable prospects, sets appointments, and much more. Tune in to learn how to harness the full potential of your data and stay ahead in the digital age.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How Ryan Young transitioned from a professional chef to leading Ohio's top real estate team
Why solving his team's challenges led Ryan to create Fello
How Fello revolutionizes real estate and mortgage sectors by transforming stagnant databases into dynamic assets
What sets Fello apart with its AI-driven automated processes that enrich CRM data and identify valuable prospects
Inside Fello’s approach to setting appointments and maximizing data potential in the digital age

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The future of housing is in your own backyard with Samara CEO

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Mike McNamara, the co-founder and CEO of Samara, a company that focuses on building pre-fab housing products and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Originally born inside the Airbnb space, Samara is trying to revolutionize housing by providing flexible living spaces that serve a diverse set of needs, from generating rental income to accommodating multi-generational families.

Mike talks about how ADUs might be an unexpected solution to some of our housing shortage problems, especially in dense areas like California. He also talks about what the future looks like for diverse households and the community work that they’re doing to help wildfire victims in Southern California.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why backyard ADUs are becoming the go-to option for housing flexibility and supplemental rental income
How Samara handles the entire ADU process in as little as 7 months
What sets Samara apart from other traditional prefab builders
Why California’s zoning laws have helped ADUs take off, and what other states can learn from that
Inside Samara’s $15M initiative to donate homes to wildfire survivors

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The secret to scaling success with Justin Bailey

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, Diego sits down with Justin Bailey, the CEO of Realty Executives Associates. Founded in 1977, the firm quickly grew in the East Tennessee market and now has over 1,000 agents. As a fourth-generation realtor, Justin shares how his time in the nonprofit world helped shape his leadership style and why relational leadership remains central to his approach even as REA continues to scale.

Justin walks through his journey to brokerage CEO, highlighting the challenges of scaling from 50 to 1,000 agents and the systems necessary to support sustainable growth. He also shares his views on Clear Cooperation, the role of the MLS, and what he sees as a turning point for NAR under its new CEO, Nykia Wright.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How nonprofit values shaped Justin’s leadership in real estate
What it takes to scale a brokerage while preserving culture and connection
Why creating a strong core leadership team is critical in large firms
How identity and self-awareness impact leadership effectiveness
Why Justin is optimistic about NAR’s direction under Nykia Wright

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The Four C’s of leadership with Randell Gillespie

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, we are bringing you another fantastic conversation recorded last month at The Gathering. This one is between Diego and Randell Gillespie, the President of LeaderOne Financial. Founded in 1992 and now with over 300 loan officers nationwide, LeaderOne is still forging its path forward through an interesting collaborative ownership model.

Randell shares his growth philosophy, which includes prioritizing organic expansion and cultural alignment over M&A, and how flexibility, transparency, and tech are shaping the next generation of mortgage leadership. He also talks about how top producers create their own verticals and the growing importance of servicing in client retention.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

How the Four C’s of capital, care, creativity, and collaboration guide LeaderOne’s strategic vision
Why collaboration beats M&A in today’s lending landscape
The role of referral relationships in market resilience
How technology is used to deepen—not replace—client engagement
Why flexibility and local leadership matter more than ever

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Rewriting the VA playbook with Rate’s Jennifer Beeston

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, we are bringing you a fantastic conversation between HousingWire’s Senior Director of the Content Studio, Zeb Lowe, and Jennifer Beeston, the EVP of National Sales at Rate and a veteran loan originator. Jennifer took the stage last month at The Gathering to talk about reviving the American Dream, and we caught her right after to dive a bit deeper into her work in the VA space.

Jennifer and Zeb talk about the moment that led her to specialize in VA lending and the why behind her mission to educate people about the product’s true value. They also talk about the misconceptions around VA loans, why social media alone won’t build a lasting business, and how AI is reshaping the mortgage space, including where it falls short.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why VA loans are still misunderstood and how Jennifer is changing that
Why originators should focus on clients, not just real estate agents
How Jennifer built a personal brand through social media
Social media is a fantastic tool, but not a strategy in and of itself
AI can streamline tasks, but it can’t replace trust and human connection

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Staying ahead of the digital shift with Radian’s Mark Wai

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s sponsored episode of Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Mark Wai, EVP and Group CTO at Radian, to talk about the innovation that Radian is doing in mortgage.

Mark shares how generative AI is reshaping operations, why digital transformation takes more than just a quick fix, and what’s at stake for companies that don’t adapt to new market trends. He also talks about how Radian is using tech to make homeownership more affordable, accessible and sustainable.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why innovation means reinventing people, processes, and technology — not just new tools
How generative AI is transforming mortgage operations and decision-making
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to digital transformation
Customer expectations must evolve alongside technology
Companies that resist innovation risk falling behind or disappearing entirely

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Guild CEO Terry Schmidt breaks down their $1.3B deal to Bayview

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Last week, Guild Mortgage made headlines with its $1.3 billion acquisition by Bayview Asset Management. This week, Diego welcomes Terry Schmidt, the CEO of Guild Mortgage, to talk about how Guild plans to innovate, scale and deepen customer loyalty, without losing its retail identity.

Terry and Diego dive into the synergy between Guild’s distributed retail model and Bayview’s $700 billion servicing portfolio. They also talk about Guild’s investment in AI and tech, ongoing M&A ambitions, and how cultural alignment and local relationships will still be their secret weapon.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why Bayview’s acquisition of Guild was a strategic move, not just financial.
Guild’s "customers for life" strategy delivers strong recapture performance.
How Bayview’s capital unlocks new proprietary loan products for Guild.
Cultural alignment is central to Guild’s M&A and growth strategy.
AI and tech will play a major role in Guild’s next chapter.

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

David Spector talks Pennymac’s growth plans for 2025 and beyond

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, Diego Sanchez interviews David Spector, Chairman and CEO of Pennymac, for an inside look at the company’s growth strategy and expansion in the wholesale space.

David shares how Pennymac is investing over $250 million annually in tech, backing broker partners without competing, and targeting a 10% market share by 2026. They also discuss Pennymac’s $700 billion servicing portfolio, non-QM market plans, and their involvement in the 2028 Olympics.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why TPO and correspondent lending are central to Pennymac’s 2026 goals
How Pennymac is building tech that empowers brokers, not competes with them
Why a balanced model helps them thrive in fluctuating rate environments
What’s ahead in the non-QM market for Pennymac
How Olympic sponsorship fits into their brand evolution strategy

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Inside the Lower and Movoto deal with Dan Snyder and John Berkowitz

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Last month, HousingWire covered the breaking news of mortgage lender Lower acquiring real estate portal Movoto from parent company OJO Labs. Last week, Diego got the opportunity to chat with Dan Snyder, the Founder and CEO of Lower, and John Berkowitz, the CEO of Movoto and now the President of Real Estate at Lower, live and in person at HousingWire’s The Gathering 2025. Today, we are bringing that conversation exclusively to our Power House audience!

Diego, Dan, and John give a behind-the-scenes look into the acquisition and how Lower is building an end-to-end housing platform that fuses powerful lead generation with localized real estate expertise. Dan and John also talk about the strategic integration of Movoto’s 50 million annual visitors, the cultural alignment between teams, and how their retail and tech playbook is designed to rival giants like Zillow and Rocket.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Lower acquired Movoto to own the lead funnel and scale nationally.Culture fit is key in merging teams and tech platforms.
Real estate agents remain central to the buyer experience.
Movoto brings high traffic and lead value to Lower’s ecosystem.
Lower OS uses AI and mobile tools to streamline transactions.
Dual-brand strategy positions Lower as an industry leader.

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Mike Brennan talks NMB with relationships, tech & talent

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Powerhouse, Diego sits down with Mike Brennan, President of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers (NMB), to discuss his recent move from Movement Mortgage and what drew him to NMB.

They dive into how NMB is navigating a slow housing market, the role of technology in client engagement, and why personal relationships matter more than ever. Mike also touches on growth strategies, new product offerings like reverse mortgages and non-QM loans, and his goal to double the company’s size over the next year.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

The power of strong relationships and leadership in driving mortgage success.
NMB’s focus on organic growth through talent and selective M&A.
How a lean, efficient structure supports agility and scale.
Using tech and servicing to create a customer-first experience.
Growth opportunities in reverse mortgages, home equity, and production expansion.

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Inside Beazer Homes' Mortgage Choice program with CEO Allan Merrill

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, Diego sits down with Allan Merrill, the CEO of Beazer Homes, for an inside look at how they are rethinking mortgage lending and energy-efficient living. Beazer is a NYSE-listed builder that operates in 16 markets across the U.S. and aims to blend traditional homebuilding with innovative ideas.

Alan explains their Mortgage Choice program and how this model empowers buyers with real choice and transparency when choosing a lender. He also talks about building with energy efficiency in mind, their commitment to smart customization, and their focus on making homes more attainable in today’s market.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Beazer’s Mortgage Choice program lets buyers choose from multiple competing lenders for better service and rates.
The company leads in energy-efficient homebuilding and offers customizable options at no extra cost.
Beazer takes no marketing fees from lenders, ensuring unbiased competition.
Its growth strategy is focused and cautious, targeting specific geographic markets.
Real estate agents are key partners in guiding the homebuying journey.
Beazer is committed to improving housing affordability through smart design and financing solutions.

Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Control what’s controllable with EmpowerHome CEO Sarah Reynolds

Sat, 31 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, we have a crossover episode with the RealTrending podcast. Host Tracey Velt sits down with Sarah Reynolds, CEO of EmpowerHome with Keller Williams.

Sarah and Tracey talk about how to keep real estate fun, why focusing on controllable factors fuels success more than anything else, and the strategies that EmpowerHome uses to stay ahead of trends She also talks about how agent gratitude is at the heart of her leadership and how EmpowerHome is evolving to serve over 100 families a month.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Focus on what you can control, not market conditions.
Making real estate fun again boosts individual and team morale.
Hiring with a growth mindset is key to innovation.
We’ll start to see new, emerging agents in response to market changes.
Client needs should always be the true north when driving industry policy changes.
Empower Home aims to serve 100 families a month.

Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Building an affordable future with NeighborWorks CEO Marietta Rodriguez

Thu, 29 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, Diego sits down with Marietta Rodriguez, President and CEO of NeighborWorks America, to talk about their mission to expand affordable housing across the nation. NeighborWorks America is a congressionally chartered nonprofit that supports a network of community organizations that develop rental and homeownership opportunities for low-income households.

Marietta shares how the organization ranks among the top 100 homebuilders across the US, talks about the dynamics of urban vs. rural housing, and why solutions like modular construction should be popularized. She also talks about building community trust to overcome NIMBY challenges and how NeighborWorks maintains bipartisan support in a politically divided landscape.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

NeighborWorks America was created to combat urban disinvestment.
The organization supports a network of nonprofits focused on housing and community development.
They provide grants, training, and technical assistance to local organizations.
NeighborWorks is a significant player in the affordable housing market.
Community trust helps overcome NIMBY challenges in housing development.
Rural housing issues require different strategies compared to urban challenges.

Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The secret to recruiting top talent with NAF CEO Patty Arvielo

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, Diego sits down with Patty Arvielo, the co-founder and CEO of New American Funding to talk about what it takes to thrive in a challenging housing market.

New American Funding has grown 60% organically over the last year, has had significant market expansion over the past two years — all white maintaining a 98% profit retention rate over the past two decades. She walks through her 44-year leadership journey, from teenage data entry clerk to CEO, and how her partnership with co-CEO (and husband) Rick Arvielo drives their strategic edge.

They also dive into the importance of company authenticity over flashy sign-on bonuses, and how Patty is paving the way for more women to step confidently into leadership roles in mortgage.

Patty will be joining us on stage this year at The Gathering. Dont miss out — register ⁠here⁠!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Anticipating market cycles will always be key to growth.
Steady, consistent organic growth beats out acquisitions.
Genuine culture, not quick incentives, will attract top talent.
Empathetic leadership matters more than you think.
End-to-end platforms should be seen as opportunities, not threats.
Women should be open to taking career risks.
Strong relationships are the foundation of strong companies.

Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Behind the scenes of “Own the Dream” with Rocket and Mr. Cooper

Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, Diego sits down with two big names in housing: Varun Krishna, the CEO of Rocket Companies, and Jay Bray, the CEO of Mr. Cooper. They discuss combining powerful brands and redefining what it means to own a home in the U.S.

Varun shares how the “Own the Dream” campaign has been a complete marketing revolution for Rocket. He also breaks down the strategy behind acquiring both Redfin and Mr. Cooper, and how they’re building a fully integrated experience across the entire homeownership journey.

Jay dives into the shared vision that drove the Mr. Cooper deal and discusses how Rocket’s AI-driven platforms will transform mortgage servicing and broker partnerships.

Varun and Jay will be joining us on stage this year at The Gathering, alongside Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman. Dont miss out — register here!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Own the Dream is a revolutionary marketing strategy for Rocket.
Mergers and acquisitions are key to achieving growth.
Homeownership is the core focus of Rocket's strategy.
AI will play a significant role in optimizing the mortgage process.
The future of servicing is about growth and integration.

Related to this episode:⁠

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Answering 2,000 agent questions a day: Inside The Real Brokerage playbook

Sat, 10 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, we have a crossover episode with the RealTrending podcast. Host Tracey Velt talks to Tamir Poleg, CEO of The Real Brokerage.

Tamir and Tracey talk about using AI to optimize daily operations, including the automation of thousands of inquiries with an AI assistant. He also talks about how Real scales without losing its culture, the shifting dynamics between agents and clients, and why brokerages must shift to a consumer-first mindset.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Real is both a technology and a real estate company.
AI enhances operational efficiency and client service.
A strong company culture attracts like-minded agents.
Leadership will always involve taking responsibility for failures.
Automation can replace many tasks traditionally done by agents.
AI will play a significant role in decision-making for real estate transactions.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The future of housing is local with Reframe’s Vikas Enti

Thu, 08 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, Diego chats with Vikas Enti, the CEO of Reframe Systems, about how micro factories can reshape the future of home building in America.

After a decade at Amazon Robotics, where he helped deploy over half a million robots, Vikas is now using his engineering background to create climate-resilient, affordable housing with Reframe’s localized micro-factories.

Vikas talks about how local-focused construction and zoning reform can make homebuilding faster and cheaper. He also discusses how Reframe plans to partner with developers and what the next 12 months have in store for the company’s growth.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Reframe aims to build climate-resilient homes efficiently.
The home building industry has not significantly changed in 100 years.
Construction is fundamentally a logistics problem.
Reframe is developing micro factories to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Local customization is key to meeting regional housing needs.
Affordable housing is a critical issue in the current market.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

People, policy, and preservation with Community Preservation Partners’ Seth Gellis

Thu, 01 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, Diego chats with Seth Gellis, the president of Community Preservation Partners, about the critical role that affordable housing plays in the US housing market.

Having built over 16,000 units across 19 states, Seth shares CPP’s mission of preserving and developing affordable multi-family housing. They plan to do that by advocating for pro-housing policies, providing support to low-income populations, and getting involved in communities in need. Seth also talks about housing demographics, CPP’s future initiatives and where we go from here.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

CPP focuses on affordable multifamily housing.
75% of Americans can't afford the median price of a home.
Accessible, affordable housing is essential for upward mobility.
CPP uses low-income housing tax credits for financing.
It’s important that community members get the chance to live where they work.
CPP is involved in multifront policy advocacy for affordable housing.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Beyond the customer: Partnering for progress with Polly's Jesse Decker

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s sponsored episode of Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Jesse Decker, the newly appointed Chief Customer Officer at Polly, for a conversation all about innovation and customer success strategies in mortgage tech.

Jesse shares her journey from consulting to leading customer experience at Polly, how new tech is sweeping the mortgage landscape, and how Polly is constantly innovating to meet the needs of their customer partners. They also talk about some exciting new developments happening in Polly’s roadmap and what it really means — and takes — to listen to customers.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

The mortgage industry, as a whole, is on the brink of a technology shift.
Understanding customer needs is crucial for product development.
Polly's technology is highly configurable and innovative.
Artificial intelligence integration is a key focus for Polly's future.
Building partnerships with customers is essential for success.
Polly wants to transform the vendor-lender relationship model.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

UWM is all-in on wholesale with COO Melinda Wilner

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, we have a fantastic conversation between Diego and Melinda Wilner, the COO of United Wholesale Mortgage. Today’s episode is all about what it really takes to thrive in today’s market.

Melinda talks about her journey from mortgage broker to UWM executive and how her leadership has supported UWM’s position as the top mortgage originator since 2022. They also talk about company initiatives like their TRAC Lite program and All-In Agreement, and how these are central to their mission of protecting the wholesale channel.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

UWM focuses on growing the wholesale channel to enhance broker experiences.
In-house technology and innovation are key to UWM's competitive edge.
The All-In Agreement protects the wholesale broker channel.
The TRAC Lite program significantly reduces title costs for consumers.
The wholesale channel is gaining market share in the mortgage industry.
UWM aims to create a community among mortgage brokers.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

LPT CEO Robert Palmer on how they became a top 10 brokerage in three years

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on Power House, Tracey Velt sits down in person with Robert Palmer, founder and CEO of LPT Realty, at LPT’s studio in Orlando.

Robert and Tracey talk about LPT’s remarkable journey from a simple marketing tool to a top brokerage in just three years. He discusses the importance of self-funding, agent empowerment through dual brokerage models, and how to maintain an agent-first philosophy.

Robert also discusses upcoming initiatives like ASCEND University, the Aperture luxury brand, and Leads Connect, along with future growth plans including a public IPO and expansion into new markets.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

LPT’s transition from a marketing tool to a brokerage was driven by a desire to support agents.
Self-funding allows for greater control and prioritization of agents' needs.
The brokerage model should empower local agents to make decisions about mortgage and title services.
Navigating industry challenges requires a commitment to agent choice and autonomy.
Understanding and balancing both business logic and technology for successful software development.
LPT’s growth strategies include expanding training programs and launching a luxury brand.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

What it takes to be a “branchpreneur” with Supreme Lending’s Sarah Middleton

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Sarah Middleton, the newly appointed Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Supreme Lending.

Sarah walks through her journey to Supreme Lending and what it takes to succeed in mortgage — from strong leadership to Supreme’s tech-forward mindset, AI-driven marketing, and diverse product lineup. She also touches on M&A, the “branchpreneur” model, and her passion for training, onboarding, and helping loan officers grow, especially in difficult times.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

A diverse product offering is essential for competing in mortgage.
The importance of technology and AI in streamlining many processes.
M&A is currently a key growth strategy at Supreme Lending.
Understanding the aspirations of loan officers enhances recruitment efforts.
There will always be opportunities in the market, even during tough times.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

Bonus episode: Unpacking housing market uncertainty with Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this bonus episode, we’re tackling the big question on everyone’s mind: What is happening with the housing market right now? Between tariffs, mortgage rates, jobs data and general uncertainty, it’s hard to understand how to make sense of it all.

HousingWire is joined by experts Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer to cut through the noise. Originally featured in a HousingWire exclusive event, this panel is now available for the Power House audience.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

Data-driven decisions and digital-first solutions with HousingWire’s Clayton Collins

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez chats with the CEO of HousingWire and the former host of this very podcast: Clayton Collins!

Clayton dives into HousingWire’s journey—from steady organic growth to smart acquisitions—and why in-person events like The Gathering are more essential than ever for the industry. They also talk about the relaunch and rebranding of our new data-licensing business, HousingWire Data, and the kinds of granular housing market data it can provide for companies all across the housing ecosystem.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Balancing organic growth with acquisitions is key to strategic business development.
HousingWire Data tracks over 110 million properties and provides valuable insights.
The ideal clients for HousingWire Data are innovators across the housing industry.
Accurate and diverse data is essential for decision-making in a digital-first world.
Listening to client needs drives product development and innovation.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

Suzy Lindblom: Abandon the “factory line” of brokers to win market share

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Suzy Lindblom, the new COO of Sierra Pacific Mortgage! Suzy stepped out semi-retirement to consult for Sierra Pacific before joining their executive team full time.

Suzy and Diego talk about Sierra Pacific’s growth and winning market share strategies, including their entry into the non-QM space after 40 years in the conventional mortgage space. She also talks about embracing AI without replacing humans, rolling out new broker tools, and more.

We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Sierra Pacific offers a wide range of mortgage products, including non-QM options.
Sierra Pacific focuses on building relationships with brokers to win market share.
They are methodical about hiring and aligning staff with its culture.
AI is seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, human roles in the mortgage process.
The company is preparing for various market conditions by being nimble and adaptable.
Sierra Pacific is not actively seeking M&A but remains open to opportunities.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

The low down on mortgage with industry veteran Dave Lykken

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House we are talking to the one and only Dave Lykken! Dave has over 50 years of mortgage industry experience under his belt and is likely a name familiar to many of you. He also hosts his own weekly podcast, Lykken on Lending, where he talks all things mortgage.

Diego sits down with Dave to get his take on what’s happening in mortgage. They talk about where he thinks rates will stabilize in the next year and what’s on the horizon for cost reduction and data tools. He also talks about the importance of executive coaching and the strategies top agents are using to connect with consumers.

We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Coaching plays a crucial role in helping executives stay motivated.
Economic uncertainty always presents both challenges and opportunities for growth.
Cost reduction is going to be essential for survival in mortgage
AI and technology are streamlining and transforming the way business is done.
Understanding and predicting market trends is vital for success in housing finance.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

Habitat for Humanity’s building solutions for our housing crisis

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego has the pleasure of being joined by Jonathan Reckford, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity has helped over 62 million people in over 1,000 U.S. communities and 71 countries.

Diego and Jonathan dive into Habitat’s complex role in both the federal and local level of the US housing market and their work to help the affordability crisis, including their involvement in local zoning campaigns and advocating for federal pro-housing programs. They also talk about their collaboration with banks, builders, and local governments, and why this cooperation is the key to solving the housing crisis.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

There is a significant supply gap in the U.S. housing market that needs to be addressed at a larger scale.
Nationwide NIMBYism is a challenge to building affordable housing in communities.
Collaboration with local governments is essential for effective, boots-on-the-groud housing policy.
The housing crisis is a national issue that affects all demographics.
Creating more starter homes is crucial for improving access to homeownership.
Habitat believes that a mixed-income community benefits everyone.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

Why M&A will boom in 2025 with Anywhere CEO Ryan Schneider

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, we are welcoming guest host Tracey Velt as she sits down with Ryan Schneider, the CEO of Anywhere Real Estate, formerly known as Realogy. Anywhere is the parent company of many other notable real estate brands, such as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran Group and Sotheby’s International Realty.

Ryan and Tracey talk about Anywhere’s rediscovered focus on the luxury market and what’s on the horizon for M&A activity as the market shifts. They also talk about AI’s current and future impacts on operational efficiency, and the value of seeking mentorship from your own agents.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Settling litigation early provided a competitive advantage for Anywhere.
Investing in luxury markets has led to significant growth.
M&A opportunities are expected to increase as the market shifts.
Market predictions indicate a potential recovery in home sales over the next year.
Mentorship from agents is important for leadership development.
Proactively embracing change is crucial for success in the industry.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

Jason Bressler: UWM levels the playing field with Sphere LOS

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with a familiar face to the HousingWire audience — Jason Bressler, the Chief Technology Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage. UWM recently announced its partnership with Sphere LOS, and today’s episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what that means for the UWM team and beyond.

Diego and Jason talk about the decision-making behind Sphere’s integration, as it’s both free and is not limited to UWM’s ecosystem. Their goal is to provide free technology to level the playing field in the mortgage space. Jason also talks about AI breakthroughs, his philosophy of failure for team members, and gives a sneak peek of upcoming UWM announcements in 2025.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

UWM's integration with Sphere is aimed at enhancing broker workflows.
The mortgage industry lacks a seamless end-to-end system, which Sphere aims to provide.
AI is revolutionizing the mortgage industry, whether you realize it or not.
Creating a feedback loop within your company’s ecosystem brings ideas to fruition.
UWM's innovation focus can be seen in their large tech team and devoted resources.
Failing is the most important part of taking risks and innovating.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

Fifth Third Bank is all about the (mortgage) lending life

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Jay Plum, a 35-year banking veteran and the EVP of Consumer Lending at Fifth Third Bank. As the 10th largest bank servicer in the country, Fifth Third Bank has over a thousand branches and $200 billion in assets.

Today’s conversation is all about mortgage lending. Jay and Diego talk about Basel III and its impact on warehouse lending, and the important role that the affordability programs like downpayment assistance play in increasing homeownership. They also talk about Fifth Third’s focus on MSRs and home equity products, and what they’re doing to increase market share in a high-rate environment.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Fifth Third has many mortgage channels, including retail and correspondent.
Regulatory changes, such as Basel III, significantly impact the mortgage industry.
Affordability remains a key concern for potential homebuyers in a high-rate environment.
Fifth Third engages in community initiatives to promote homebuyer education and assistance programs.
Servicing mortgages allows Fifth Third to offer additional consumer lending products.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Marketing automation is the future — and Fello wants to help

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, we are bringing you a special sponsored conversation between HousingWire’s Director of the Content Studio, Zebulon Lowe, and the CEO and co-founder of Fello, Ryan Young. Founded in 2022, Fello is a marketing automation and lead-generation CRM attachment that uses public and MLS data to enrich your database and improve engagement and listings.

Zeb and Ryan talk about exciting things happening in Fello in 2025, including their 30-Day Listing Challenge and their expansion into mortgage. They also talk about the current state of real estate technology at large and Fello’s vision for using their tools to empower small businesses across various sectors.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Marketing automation processes can significantly enhance database engagement.
Technology should be used to simplify processes for real estate agents.
Fellow’s 30-Day Listing Challenge aims to empower agents and foster community.
Focus on controlling what you can control.
AI can enhance marketing strategies if used effectively.
Fello’s plan to expand into the mortgage sector presents new opportunities for growth.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

How daily accountability and coaching is fueling Windsor Mortgage's growth

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego chats with Windsor Mortgage CEO Chris Vinson. After his company, Journey Mortgage, was acquired by the South Dakota-based Plains Commerce Bank, Chris joined the Plains Commerce team to head their growing mortgage division.

He and Diego talk about how Windsor is differentiating itself from other wholesale competition by personalized and localized coaching and tech services. They also talk about Windsor’s daily accountability strategy for account executives, their focus on community banks, and how they maintain growth amid a high-rate environment.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Windsor focuses on the wholesale channel, primarily conforming agency and jumbo loans.
They pride themselves on personal customer service with a small team of account executives.
Chris emphasizes the importance of coaching and support for originators.
The company leverages personalized technology to enhance the closing experience.
Chris believes in accountability and metrics for account executives to drive success.
Windsor Mortgage aims to be the best fit for brokers and originators, not the biggest.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

NAR’s plan to build back trust with Sherry Chris

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of Power House, Diego talks to Sherry Chris, the special advisor to National Association of REALTORS CEO, Nykia Wright. Sherry retired from her role as Anywhere Expansion Brands president and CEO in 2023, but now she’s back to offer her unique perspective and advice on some of the current challenges that the industry is facing.

Diego and Sherry talk about NAR’s work to rebuild relationships with stakeholders and consumers and she shares her thoughts on controversial dual agency and clear cooperation policies. She also discusses some of the ongoing advocacy efforts they’re working on amid the presidential administration transition.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

NAR is focusing on rebuilding relationships with key stakeholders.
Dual agency requires transparency and full disclosure to benefit consumers.
NAR membership offers ethical standards, advocacy, and comprehensive support.
The clear cooperation policy is under review based on member feedback.
NAR's advocacy team is actively engaging with new Congress members.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Discovering non-QM’s potential with Deephaven’s Tom Davis

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Tom Davis, the chief sales officer at Deephaven Mortgage. Deephaven has been a pioneer in the non-QM space since its founding in 2012, and Tom joins us today to talk about all things non-QM and 2025 market growth.

Deephaven’s non-QM focus accounted for $70 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to over $80 billion in 2025. Tom talks about specializing in lending, market opportunities in a high-rate environment, and growing a second-lien product line. He also talks about focusing on investor and realtor relationships to unlock and capitalize on market share opportunities.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

In a high-rate environment, there are still opportunities for growth.
Home equity and second lien products are new key areas for growth.
Building relationships with investors can lead to multiple loan opportunities.
The supply-demand imbalance in housing presents opportunities for growth.
Targeting the top 5% of realtors can yield better results.
There is a significant need for renovation loans in the current market.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Newrez’s roadmap for client retention with Baron Silverstein

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Baron Silverstein, the president of Newrez. Baron joined the Newrez team in May of 2020 and has over 30 years of industry experience with senior roles at Bear Stearns, JP Morgan Chase, Merrill Lynch, and Bank of America Securities. With a total unpaid principal balance of $750 billion, Newrez has seen significant growth under Baron’s leadership.

Baron talks about past, present, and future growth and acquisition strategies, the 2025 roadmap for customer experience and retention in the tech and AI space, and their continued focus on third-party servicing and owned MSRs.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

M&A will continue to be a priority for Newrez's growth strategy.
Servicing is a core focus, with a strong emphasis on special servicing.
Customer retention is key: leverage technology to enhance homeowner experience.
Newrez aims to balance servicing and origination efforts based on market conditions.
Community engagement is a priority, especially in response to natural disasters.
AI initiatives are part of a broader technology strategy, not the sole focus.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Inside Lower’s landmark year: Dan Snyder reflects on 2024

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Dan Snyder, the CEO of Lower. This past year was a busy year for Lower amid their acquisition of both Neat Labs and Thrive Mortgage.

Back in July of 2024, we welcomed Lower’s Chief Strategy officer, Craig Montgomery, to give us the low-down on Lower’s plan to become a top-five mortgage lender. Today, Dan continues that strategy conversation with Diego by discussing how the acquisition of Neat Labs is bringing Lower toward their 2025 goal of developing an end-to-end proprietary tech platform. He also reflects on the success of their Thrive Mortgage acquisition and discusses the challenge of integrating teams while also supporting your producers.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

The acquisition of Neat Labs is a strategic move to enhance Lower's technology stack.
Lower aims to develop a proprietary tech stack rather than becoming a software provider.
Cost efficiency is a key focus, and they expect to see significant reductions post-acquisition.
Transparent leadership integration is essential for successful acquisitions and team cohesion.
Effective communication can alleviate fears at all levels during the acquisition process.
Coaching and support for producers are central to Lower's growth strategy.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Varun Krishna shares Rocket’s plan to “become the Apple of homeownership”

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Varun Krishna, the CEO of Rocket Companies. Prior to joining Rocket in 2023, Varun came up on the personal finance and enterprise software side of the tech space, with roles at Intuit and Paypal.

Rocket has a growth plan to make home ownership easier, enjoyable, and sustainable for homeowners. Diego and Varun talk about how Rocket aims to achieve that by using AI tools to optimize the origination-servicing flywheel and by building long–term relationships with clients, not just one-time transactions. They also talk about recent hires to Rocket, their 2025 brand transformation plan, and whats next in-store for the company.

Here's what you'll learn:

Buying a home is an emotional process that should be simplified.
Building long-term relationships, not just transactions, with clients is essential for success.
AI is being leveraged at many points during the homebuying process to enhance operational efficiency and customer service.
Rocket has an 85% recapture rate due in part to its customer-centric approach.
The TPO channel is a significant priority for Rocket's growth strategy.
Rocket’s new marketing strategy aims to position Rocket as the 'Apple of homeownership.'

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

How Prosperity Home Mortgage Became #1 in Customer Satisfaction

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Justin Messer, the CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage. Prosperity was recently ranked at the top mortgage originator for customer satisfaction by JD Power.

Today — with that top ranking in mind — Justin and Diego talk about Prosperity’s strategic shift from refinance to purchase and their unique real estate affiliated model, which allows them to focus on better borrow communication and expectations. They also talk about recruiting in a competitive market and what he predicts will happen to rates as we head into 2025.

Here's what you'll learn:

Effective communication with borrowers is crucial for improving customer experience.
The company's unique realtor affiliate model significantly impacts their business strategy.
Prosperity aims to balance purchase and refinance opportunities strategically.
Servicing partnerships are vital for maintaining customer relationships post-transaction.
Market predictions indicate stubborn mortgage rates in the short term.
The focus on home ownership extends beyond just mortgage lending.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Happy Holidays from Power House!

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Happy Holidays from Power House and the entire team at HousingWire! We have some exciting conversations planned for 2025, so we'll see you in the New Year!

If you have any feedback or comments about the show, please reach out at diego@hwmedia.com.

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Frank Martell talks loanDepot’s journey to profitability

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, HousingWire President Diego Sanchez sits down with loanDepot president and CEO, Frank Martell. Frank, who was a 2016 and 2023 HousingWire Vanguard Awardee, brings to the table over 30 years of mortgage and executive leadership experience.

Today’s conversation is all about loanDepot’s return to profitability in Q3 and a behind the scenes look at the launch of Project North Star and their Vision 2025 strategy.

Here's what you'll learn:

Loan Depot achieved Q3 profitability through directed team effort and strategic focus.
loanDepot’s Project Northstar aims to achieve differentiation and profitable growth.
Technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction in lending.
Understanding and working around customer life events can drive better service.
Maintaining a strong company culture is crucial during leadership transitions.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Behind the scenes of Guild’s “customer-for-life” strategy

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego chats with industry veteran and Guild Mortgage CEO Terry Schmidt. Terry joined Guild in 1985 and she stepped into the CEO role in 2023.

Terry and Diego talk about Guild’s proprietary AI system, Guild IQ, and how Guild’s recent acquisitions are a step toward growing their reverse presence. They also talk about how they’re managing through a high-rate environment while keeping up with their customer-for-life strategy, and high employee retention through company culture.

Here's what you'll learn:

Guild Mortgage has a strong focus on finding cultural fits during acquisitions.
They aim to provide a comprehensive customer experience throughout the entire homeownership journey.
Listen to your employees, even when you might not like what you hear.
Guild is expanding their reverse mortgage channel.
The Hispanic community is a key target for future homeownership initiatives.
AI integration is enhancing Guild's origination processes and customer service.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Building balance with Mr. Cooper’s Jay Bray

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Jay Bray, the CEO of Mr. Cooper. Jay joined Nationstar in 2000 and brings over 25 years of mortgage serving and origination experience. They discuss Mr. Cooper’s growth and acquisition strategy, specifically the Flagstar acquisition, which brought Mr. Cooper's servicing book up to $1.5 trillion from $1.2 trillion at the end of Q3.

They also talk about finding a sustainable balance between their servicing and origination business, how banning trigger leads would — or rather, wouldn't — affect their business, and what AI advancements they’re looking at as we head into 2025.

Here's what you'll learn:

Mr. Cooper’s servicing business has performed well in a rising rate environment.
Flagstar's acquisition brought Mr. Cooper's servicing portfolio up to $1.5 trillion.
AI is enabling revenue growth without increasing headcount.
Long-term customer relationships will mitigate potential trigger lead bans.
The industry needs to be ready for higher rates, for longer.
The future of our business is all about enhancing customer experience.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Humans over homes with NextHome CEO James Dwiggins

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with James Dwiggins, the CEO and co-founder of national real estate franchise, NextHome. Guided by a “humans over homes” philosophy, the brand focuses on quality over quantity, with 600 offices and 6,000 agents across the country.

James has a lot of experience in the real estate world, and with that comes a lot of strong opinions — namely on clear cooperation policies, legal issues with dual agency, and MLS practices. He also shares why, despite its issues, NAR’s advocacy work shouldn’t go unnoticed by agents, and what NextHome is doing to grow in the face of industry challenges.

Here's what you'll learn:

NextHome operates under a 'humans over houses' philosophy.
40% of growth comes from referrals and they don’t require franchisees to recruit aggressively.
The NAR settlement is just the beginning of changes in real estate commissions.
Many agents lack training on new compensation structures post-NAR settlement.
Dual agency presents significant conflicts of interest.
NAR plays a crucial role in advocating for real estate professionals.
Clear cooperation policies benefit the marketplace and consumers.

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The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.

Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024.

Real value: How Class Valuation is redefining AMCs

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the Power House podcast, we are bringing you a special sponsored conversation between Zeb Lowe, the director of HousingWire’s Content Studio, and Andrew Bough, the COO at Class Valuation.

Andrew is joining us today to share how Class Valuation is setting new quality standards for appraisals through approaches such as their appraiser scorecard system and creating specialty panels for unique property types. He also talks about tackling industry challenges like an aging workforce and regulatory changes, and how they’re shaping the market with their Appraisal Diversity Initiative.

Here's what you'll learn:

Class Valuation's scale allows for consistent quality in appraisals.
Choosing the lowest-paid appraisers is a common misconception about AMCs.
Performance scorecards help appraisers improve their services.
Creating specialty panels enhances the quality of appraisals for specific, niche needs.
The appraisal industry, like many other facets of the housing ecosystem, is undergoing significant change.
Diversity initiatives and embracing new technology are essential for the future of appraisals.

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Chad Smith: Making Better, better

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Power House, Diego chats with industry veteran Chad Smith, the president and COO of Better, who stepped into the role earlier this year from Mission Loans.

Chad and Diego talk about Chad’s decision to join the Better executive team and what they’re working on to help grow Better in 2025, which includes a focus on customer engagement and hiring more experienced LOs and industry experts. They also talk about Tinman, their proprietary platform, and a brand new AI loan assistant tool.

Here's what you'll learn:

Better’s Tinman platform and AI loan assistant are helping to improve mortgage processing and customer engagement.
Chad Smith joined Better to drive innovation despite the company’s PR challenges.
Hiring experienced loan originators is key to Better's growth strategy.
Better aims to make homeownership more accessible through innovative products.
The company is focused on driving down fulfillment costs to benefit consumers.

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Daren Blomquist: Rethink your post-pandemic benchmarks

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Daren Blomquist, VP of Market Economics at Auction.com. Daren is a friendly face to many of you, and was last on the show in early 2023 to discuss his 2023 forecast. He’s joining us again to talk about what he expects to see in the market post-election and into 2025.

He and Diego talk about a potential market uptick as rates stabilize, how the mortgage rate lock-in effect is still impacting low inventory across the nation, and Auction.com’s plan to expand into non-foreclosure property sales.

Here's what you'll learn:

We’ll see a ‘Trump bump' in housing data.
The certainty of the election results will encourage market activity.
The current bidding activity indicates a sluggish spring market.
The lock-in effect is keeping inventory low across the country.
Auction.com is seeing interest from sellers outside of traditional foreclosure.
Many sellers are turning to auctions as a viable selling option.

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Ginger Bell and Fobby Naghmi’s guide to leading through tough times

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with the co-authors of the recently published real estate and mortgage guidebook, “Leadership Matters.” Fobby is also the SVP of Homecomings Mortgage & Equity, and Ginger is the founder of Edumarketing.

In today’s episode, they talk about why top performers don’t always make the best leaders, — especially in tough times — and discuss the critical role of training and communication in scaling leadership success across organizations.

Here's what you'll learn:

Leadership is fundamental in all aspects of life, not just professional ones.
Leaders are forged in challenging times, not in easy ones.
There is a leadership deficit in the mortgage industry.
Top performers are not always effective leaders.
Effective, prepared communication is key during times of change.
Giving back to the community enhances leadership impact.

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Inside FirstTeam’s billion-dollar growth strategy with CEO Michele Harrington

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Michele Harrington, CEO of FirstTeam Real Estate out of Orange County, California. Michele initially started her career in the Marine Corps, but after being stationed in Orange County, she not only fell in love with the beauty of Southern California, she also got bit by the entrepreneurial bug. Now, she leads California’s largest independent brokerage.

Michele and Diego talk about what sets FirstTeam apart from other brokerages and the recruitment strategies that are helping them surpass their goal of $1 billion in recruited teams. They also talk about empowering women in leadership positions and their plans to expand outside of California.

Here's what you'll learn:

Women hold only 26% of leadership positions in real estate, despite being a majority of agents.
Empowering women to pursue leadership roles is crucial for the growth of the industry.
Their recruitment strategies focus on training new agents and placing them in existing teams.
FirstTeam is on track to surpass $1 billion in recruited teams this year.
The company aims for organic growth by expanding into adjacent markets.
Michele's upcoming book emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in achieving success.

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Jeff Bell: Four pressing topics as you prepare for MBA Annual

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House Podcast, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins sat down with loan originator turned software executive: Jeff Bell, President at Uplist. Jeff joins us to talk about four really pertinent topics in today’s market: leadership, learning, loan monitoring, and recapture.

Uplist just launched what it says is a killer new tool that will help loan officers automatically generate refinance options for their clients. The technology, called “Recapture,” is integrated with the leading pricing engines, and it provides LOs with timely, accurate data that identifies multiple refi opportunities for clients.

Unlike rate alert tools, Uplist’s product fully automates the refinance analysis process. This includes property ownership checks, automated valuation models (AVMs), loan amount amortization and financial benefit calculations.

Those four topics (leadership, learning, loan monitoring, and recapture) discussed in this episode are going to be hotly discussed at this year’s MBA Annual in Denver. Listen in for insightful discussion about streamlining the loan monitoring process, competing in a refinance mortgage market, coaching and more!

HousingWire will be hosting a happy hour on Monday night at this year’s MBA Annual. You can register here.

Here's what you'll learn:

Coaching can significantly impact personal and professional growth.
Knowing how to use the right technology correctly is more important than just having technology.
Prioritize proactive communication with clients instead of reactive.
Understanding the nuances of a competitive landscape is key for originators.
Leadership development should always be ongoing.

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The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024.

The art of giving back with Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House Podcast, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Steve Jacobson, CEO of Fairway Independent Mortgage to talk about what it takes to build a company culture centered around humility and loyalty.

Diego and Steve also talk about Fairway’s retail growth after their decision to exit wholesale, their plan to sell the business back to its employees, and their commitment to helping communities in need.

Here's what you'll learn:

Increasing the speed of service gives you a competitive advantage
Community engagement and giving back are responsibilities of all mortgage leaders
Succession planning is crucial for long-term success
Growth strategies should prioritize organic development over M&A
Relationships between originators and servicers will continue to evolve

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Greg Schwartz: A love letter from the salt mines

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House Podcast, Clayton sat down with Tomo CEO and co-founder Greg Schwartz to talk about what’s transpired in his business over the last two years — both the good and the bad. They dive into recovery indicators and the investments they’re making in technology and AI.

They also talk about how embracing accountable leadership and having a genuine love for the mortgage business is more important now than ever.

Here's what you'll learn:

Tomo’s approach and belief in building a purchase-focused mortgage company
Focusing on health and a work-life balance are essential for effective leadership
Why market dynamics should be accounted for, but not be used as excuses for performance
How the Pinterest effect influences first-time homebuyers' expectations
How to look for leading indicators for market recovery

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Key Themes Emerge at HousingWire IMB Summit

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Power House, we welcome back Rick Roque, Corporate VP of New Growth at NFM Lending. Clayton Collins and Roque sit down during the HousingWire IMB Summit on October 1, 2024 at the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, TX to discuss key themes from the stage and evaluation of top sessions.

Coverage of the event is available on HousingWire, and select session videos will be released for on-demand viewing in the coming days.

The HousingWire IMB Summit is part of HousingWire’s Summit series which include events on AI, mortgage banking and housing economics. The next summit will be the Housing Economic Summit on February 26, 2025.

The Housing Economic Summit is designed to give mortgage and real estate leaders a comprehensive understanding of the economic factors driving the housing market in 2025 — and what it all means for business. Topics include the mortgage rate outlook, housing demographics, home-price trends, housing affordability, the impact of the election and more. HousingWire is gathering the best housing economic experts in one place for this one-day event that will provide you with the freshest data available and the insights you need to meet the opportunity of the 2025 housing market.

Registration is now open. You can register here.

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Post-acquisition tech, capital markets and origination strategies with Rob Pieklo and Adam Carmel

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton sat down with Robert Pieklo, COO of American Financial Resources (AFR) and Adam Carmel, Founder & CEO of Polly to talk about current mortgage market dynamics and growth strategies amid changing rates. They also discuss prioritizing the customer experience, effectively scaling your operations, and how to develop an adaptable product mix as we go into 2025 and beyond.

Here's what you'll learn:

Cost to completion is a key metric for lenders.
Forward-looking technology for effectively scaling operations.
Staying ahead and adapting to changing interest rates.
Changing of the guard in the mortgage world.
Win one customer over at a time.

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When to compete and when to complement with Marc Trachtenberg

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez interviews Marc Trachtenberg, CEO of Silk Title Co. They explore the dominance of the "Big Four" in the title market and how Silk Title's model complements rather than competes with them. Marc also shares insights from the recent RealEdge conference and discusses adapting to new technologies, fostering collaboration, and educating consumers about the title process.

Don't miss Marc at the upcoming IMB Summit on October 1 in Dallas, where he'll delve into Silk Title's vision for the future of the title industry.

Here's what you'll learn:

Collaboration, rather than competition within the industry can lead to better outcomes for everyone.
Diverse perspectives and consumer education are crucial for the industry's success.
There is a significant lack of consumer education regarding the title process and its costs, and that needs to change.
The title industry needs to redefine its approach to remain relevant in a changing market.
Understanding risk and title alternatives is essential for both consumers and industry professionals.

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Sharpening the axe with mortgage education expert Nathan Knottingham

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:10:00 -0000

Today we are bringing to your feed a great conversation with an even greater guest: Nathan Knottingham. Nathan wears many hats within the mortgage space, including being the co-founder and CEO of the newly launched mortgage education company, MLO Force, the COO of Vetted VA, and the COO of Be My Neighbor Mortgage.

Clayton and Nathan originally scheduled this podcast to talk about MLO Force and the exciting things they’re doing in mortgage education and C.E. but Nathan had a surprise in store this past Monday when he posted a picture of him and his partners on the floor of the NASDAQ. Be My Neighbor and real estate software firm reAlpha are joining forces in the hopes to bring the mortgage industry a step forward in an end-to-end homebuying process.

Nathan offers great insights into MLO Force’s goal for continuing education across the larger workforce. He also shares what makes intellectual curiosity so special, even for those who consider themselves subject matter experts.

Here's what you'll learn:

Be My Neighbor Mortgage’s acquisition by Realpha highlights the importance of technology in the real estate transaction.
Continued education and always being a willing learner is crucial for mortgage professionals to stay up to date on industry regulations and best practices.
MLO Force offers mortgage education courses for individuals and enterprise-level clients, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience.

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Mortgage banking strategies and insights with Sarah Wheeler

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

If you are a mortgage banking executive or leader, you will want to listen to this episode to hear what Sarah Wheeler has to share. In this episode of Power House, HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler joins HW Media CEO Clayton Collins to discuss critical themes and knowledge for mortgage banking leaders.

Sarah discusses major stories related to LO compensation, servicing, and refi dynamics and her recent interview with Barry Habib. She also shares how HousingWire communicates this type of knowledge to readers via articles, podcasts, and events.

These topics and a group of amazing executive speakers will be front and center at the HousingWire IMB Summit on October 1st in Dallas, Texas.

Code: LABORDAY (expires 8/30/24 on Labor Day)

Act now, this will be the lowest available price for tickets to the 2024 event!

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HousingWire | YouTube

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Austin Allison: Cracking the co-ownership code

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins sits down with Austin Allison, the CEO and co-founder of Pacaso, a co-ownership marketplace for luxury vacation homes with over a billion dollars in transactions across 40 destination markets.

In this episode, Austin shares the lessons from building and scaling successful real estate businesses. Clayton and Austin also discuss the hard-to-sell mortgage model behind co-ownership and how, even in a complicated macro environment, Pacaso is addressing the growing affordability problem by offering fractional ownership of high-end vacation homes.

Here's what you'll learn:

How surrounding yourself with the right people drives success
Why understanding your Total Addressable Market (TAM) and a strong monetization strategy are crucial to survive and thrive
How the co-ownership model addresses affordability challenges in real estate
How Pacaso is working to make the American dream accessible to more people

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Randell Gillespie: The Future of Lower and Rise of Authentic Leadership

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins speaks with Randell Gillespie, the chief production officer at Lower.

With over 30 years of mortgage lending and leadership experience, Randell was named chief production officer in March of this year upon the completion of Lower’s acquisition of Thrive Mortgage. Praised for his leadership style, Randell received the 2023 HousingWire Vanguard Award.

In this episode, they discuss culture, leadership, technology, margins, recruiting, and even hamburgers. Randell shares how he’s navigating this transition to Lower and his plans for the future of mortgage lending at Lower.

Lower boasts an executive team with diverse expertise and a strong commitment to supporting LOs. The recent recruitment of The Loan Officer Podcast host Dustin Owen as their SVP of Growth is a key part of that strategy. Randell also highlights how technology is redefining the mortgage experience and how Lower adapts to the current rate environment to maintain strong margins.

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Jason Mitchell: Relentless focus on mortgage partnerships that drive value for agents

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins sits down with Jason Mitchell, founder of the Jason Mitchell Group.

With over $4 billion in annual transaction volume, 8,500 sides, and 800 agents, Jason Mitchell leads one of the largest real estate teams in the country according to RealTrends Verified.

But it isn’t all about scale. Jason shares that he doesn’t need 5,000 agents across the country to win. He only needs about 1,600, and he’s halfway there. He’s in 150 MSAs today, and the episode reveals how Jason thinks about recruiting, M&A and developing new markets.

What’s unique about Jason’s business? He’s building at the intersection of real estate and mortgage with a highly differentiated b2b referral and lead strategy which hinges around partnerships with top mortgage lenders. And while many mortgage lenders are trying to cozy up to real estate agents for referral business, JMG has flipped the model and gets his real estate leads directly from over mortgage partners who trust his team to deliver a high-quality client experience.

Jason shares how he’s built a successful real estate brokerage and team using a unique B2B strategy, partnering directly with mortgage lenders and other lead sources to drive business into his brokerage. He also unpacks the importance of prioritizing the needs of the average client to build a strong book of business while also discussing the challenges of growth and the need for strong leadership in market opportunities.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Mortgage partnerships and lead funnels
How building a successful brokerage requires a focus on providing business opportunities to agents through partnerships and referrals
Why strong leadership is crucial for growth
The importance of agents focusing on serving the average client and building a strong book of business, rather than exclusively chasing luxury listings
How success in the real estate industry lies in the individual agent's work ethic and dedication, regardless of the brokerage they are affiliated with

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Joe Tyrrell: Leadership and market innovation and Optimal Blue

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins sits down with Joe Tyrrell, the CEO of Optimal Blue. With over 25 years in mortgage, finance, and technology, Joe shares his wealth of experience about value-driven leadership, innovation, and the mortgage tech space.

In their discussion, Joe talks about the significance of capital markets for mortgage lenders and how secondary market executions can drive profitability in 2024 and beyond. He also delves into Optimal Blue’s autonomy and technological advancements as part of Constellation Software, referencing a previous conversation with Bonnie Wilhelm of the Andromeda Group and Perseus.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Optimal Blue focuses on delivering value to lenders and maximizing profitability.
Trust and operationalizing technology as keys to driving efficiency and overcoming resistance to change.
AI’s crucial role in providing real-time data and insights to help lenders make informed decisions and improve profitability.
Optimal Blue’s plans to deliver value to customers without additional costs, accelerate innovation, and foster partnerships within the mortgage ecosystem.

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Buyer advocacy and beyond with Realtor.com CMO Mickey Neuberger

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House Podcast, we are bringing you a sponsored interview between Clayton and Mickey Neuberger, the Chief Marketing Officer at Realtor.com. Before joining Realtor.com, Mickey was VP of Global Marketing at eBay for 9 years, where he built the company’s CRM platform from the ground up. He also has extensive experience in marketing, CRM, product and technology from previous roles at Travelocity, Loyalty Lab, and 24 Hour Fitness.

Clayton and Mickey start by discussing Mickey's career journey, his expertise in data management, and how he got into the marketing landscape. But, the real meat of this conversation is about one of Realtor.com’s biggest current initiatives: their buyer advocacy campaign.

The campaign spans several advocacy initiatives, including the development of a self-serve tool kit for buyer’s agents. This kit features tools and assets that can be customized and shared with one’s network to highlight everything agents do for consumers before, during and after the home-buying process. They’re also working on highlighting and empowering underserved and underrepresented buyers to ensure equitable opportunities in the housing market.

Clayton and Mickey dive deep into this campaign and its vital importance in today’s industry, Realtor.com’s efforts to bring together housing professionals, home buyers and policymakers to understand the power that housing and real estate hold in the larger American economy.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Mickey's career path from computer science to marketing has helped his experience in driving results at scale,
The importance of brand presence and the use of strategic data and analytics in marketing.
The why behind their buyer agency advocacy campaign, the Buyer's Agent Tool Kit and the efforts to educate consumers and policymakers.
Where the future of Realtor.com is headed and their marketing objectives for the second half of 2024.

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Craig Montgomery on Lower’s journey to becoming a top-five lender

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, we had the pleasure of speaking with Craig Montgomery, the Chief Strategy Officer at Lower. Craig joined Lower this past June with plans to drive the company towards the goal of becoming a top five national mortgage lender.

Today’s conversation is all about Craig’s vision for building Lower’s ambitious plans for growth, including a focus on an originator-first mindset and platform, as well as finding real value in strategic partnerships. Lower is also ramping up mergers and acquisitions to help achieve this goal with two different acquisitions within the past year. He shares their unique growth plan for today’s higher-rate, low volume environment.

Enjoy this episode with Craig Montgomery, Chief Strategy Officer at Lower!

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Providing originators with the tools, resources, and support they need is crucial for their success.
Listen to originators to truly understand their needs and shortcomings.
Transparency and communication are key in successful M&A integrations.
A coaching program can be a game changer in elevating originator performance.
Becoming a top-five lender requires aggressive recruiting and a focus on providing a platform for originator success.

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Anthony Lamacchia: Entrepreneurial leadership pumping through his veins

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Anthony Lamacchia shares his journey from working in his father’s landscaping business to building Lamacchia Realty. He discusses the importance of marketing, branding, and consistent content creation in attracting clients and media attention. Lamacchia emphasizes delegating responsibilities and hiring experienced professionals for growth. He delves into his M&A strategy, market expansion, and his approach to marketing and recruiting agents using billboards and other methods. He addresses industry challenges, like the commission lawsuit and changing market conditions, and shares how he prepares his agents for success, concluding with his optimistic outlook for the future of real estate.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

•The importance of marketing, branding, and consistent content creation for attracting clients and media attention.

•Strategies for delegating responsibilities, hiring experienced professionals, and executing a successful M&A strategy for business growth and market expansion.

•Effective marketing and recruiting techniques, such as the use of billboards and other advertising methods.

•Insights into industry challenges like the commission lawsuit, changing market conditions, and how to prepare agents for success, along with Anthony’s optimistic outlook for the future of real estate.

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The secrets to unlocking data efficiency with Rocktop Technologies’ Jason Pinson

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the Power House podcast, we sat down with Jason Pinson, the founder and CEO of Rocktop Technologies, a suite of fintech applications driven by AI and machine learning designed to manage risk on behalf of its clients and partners.

Rocktop — and Jason himself — are on a mission to tackle two significant issues in housing: the influx of poor and poorly managed data, and the error-prone processes that undermine asset quality and value. Today we are delving into Jason's career journey and thesis, starting from his days at Bear Stearns to his multi-decade crusade to enhance efficiency and returns for investors in the mortgage industry.

Clayton and Jason talk about Rocktop’s efforts aimed at preventing the errors and inefficiencies that reduce mortgage investors’ yields, a problem that ultimately makes housing less efficient and more expensive. They also talk about data standardization, the role of organizations like MISMO, and the expertise and talents behind successful AI and machine learning implementation.

Rocktop Technologies will be joining us on stage in Dallas on July 23rd for HousingWire’s AI Summit to explore even more of their focus on machine learning and how they plan to revolutionize the industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The mortgage market is hindered by poor data management and manual error-prone operations.
Data standardization is crucial for improving efficiency in the mortgage market.
A strong data strategy is essential for implementing AI and machine learning.
Combining domain expertise with technical talent is key to success in the mortgage industry.
Leading from the front and investing in employee upskilling are important for growth in a volatile market.

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Sierra Interactive CEO Peter Maglathlin talks real estate tech in a post-settlement world

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week, we welcome Peter Maglathlin to the Power House podcast. Peter is the CEO of Sierra Interactive, an end-to-end real estate platform developing software and services for residential real estate agents, teams and brokers. Originally founded in 2007, it was acquired by Alpine Software Group in 2022.

Today’s conversation with Peter is for all the real estate tech, entrepreneurship and investing nerds out there. Clayton and Peter geek out together about Peter’s entrepreneurial journey and the ins and outs of running and developing a successful SaaS business in the real estate and mortgage ecosystem. They also talk about the changes on the horizon for housing now that the NAR-settlement is close around the corner.

Listen to gain better insight into how those changes are not only directly affecting real estate professionals, but also the technology and investing spaces that have built the industry’s foundation.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Entrepreneurship involves a willingness to sell and the ability to meet customers where they are.
The cyclical nature of the real estate market is managed by holding assets for long durations, which typically leads to better performance.
Customer segmentation is important for prioritizing KPIs, as different segments have different needs.
The NAR settlement raises the bar for professionalism in the industry and may lead to a decrease in agent count.
Real estate software should focus on generating seller leads and creating connectivity between agents and consumers.

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Constellation’s Bonnie Wilhelm on their “buy and hold forever” strategy

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, we have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation with a guest who has an amazing perspective and depth of knowledge in investing and business operation strategy, Bonnie Wilhelm. Bonnie is the CEO of the Andromeda Group and COO of Perseus inside of Constellation Software. Constellation acquires and operates Vertical Market Software (VMS) throughout a broad target of industries, including housing.

In 2023, Constellation acquired two of the most important technology assets in housing: Optimal Blue and Dark Matter, which was formerly Black Knight. Their influence spans far and wide across many facets of the housing and mortgage ecosystem, even if the name isn’t one that you may recognize at first glance.

Bonnie’s conversation with Clayton gives us a glimpse into the intricate investing and operating strategy at Constellation, where they strongly believe in holding acquired businesses into perpetuity. She also talks about decentralizing operations down to day-to-day minutia and how they’re leveraging artificial intelligence to do things such as reduce loan origination time.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Constellation follows a buy and hold forever strategy, investing in businesses for the long term and understanding customer needs.
The company focuses on acquiring businesses in vertical markets and adjacencies, allowing management teams to run autonomously.
The company is particularly interested in the mortgage space and is investing in AI to reduce loan origination time.
Constellation emphasizes the importance of patience, being prepared for different scenarios, and making rational decisions in cyclical businesses.

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Using AI in all the right places with Rick Roque and Andrew Maas

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we welcome two wonderful guests to the Power House podcast: Rick Roque and Andrew Maas. Rick is the EVP of Retail Growth and Strategy at Sierra Pacific Mortgage with 20+ years in retail mortgage banking, acquiring, managing and growing production volume & market share in companies across the US. Andrew is the Co-Founder & CEO of Pointable, focusing on large-scale deep learning for spoken and written language tasks and has previously worked on data-centric deep learning approaches at Apple.

Both Rick and Andrew are going to be joining us as speakers in July for HousingWire’s AI Summit.

Clayton’s conversation with Rick and Andrew focuses on the adoption and use cases of artificial intelligence in the mortgage space. According to Rick, current mortgage boardroom sentiment toward AI is “complete confusion” and full of worry about how it will affect the bottom line. They want to demystify that. Strategic AI adoption will split lenders into two groups: those who leverage efficiency tools and those who don’t.

They also discuss practical use cases for AI in lending spaces, including streamlining lending workflows, time spent coaching and training, and even how consumers can benefit in discovering and understanding their loan options and application processes.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

AI's impact on the mortgage industry is significant, offering opportunities for efficiency and profitability.
The confusion of implementing AI in mortgage is rooted in confusion and a lack of focus on future demands.
AI has the potential to revolutionize the mortgage industry by addressing systematic inefficiencies and streamlining processes.
There is a need for a shift in executive mentality and budgeting to incorporate AI into critical business needs.

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Phil Defronzo on how to maintain a multi-decade mortgage legacy

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Today we are chatting with Phil DeFronzo, the founder, president and CEO of mortgage wholesaler TPO Go. Phil, who has been in the mortgage business since 1989, was the former CEO of Norcom Mortgage before he sold the retail business to CMG Financial and pursued the wholesale business.

Phil and Clayton talk about his career journey over the past three decades, how he got to where he was today, and the interesting people he met and learned from along the way — including the mentorship of the late Dave Stevens. They also talk about TPO Go’s strategy to differentiate itself and where he sees growth for the industry in the coming years in spaces like renovation loans and automation processes.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Opportunities for growth often arise in challenging times.
Focusing on profitability is key to weathering market changes.
Renovation loans offer significant market potential, especially in aging housing stock.
Brokers with strong product knowledge have a competitive advantage.
Automation can improve turn times and enhance the customer experience.

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Tom Ferry on the keys to building a people-first business

Thu, 30 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with an extraordinary guest you might already know. Since 2014, he has consistently been ranked as the number one real estate educator by the Swanepoel Power 200. Tom is not only a prolific author, but also the Founder and CEO of Ferry International. With a massive following on YouTube and social media, and over 30,000 hours of one-on-one coaching with agents and industry experts under his belt, we are thrilled to welcome Tom Ferry to the Power House podcast.

Tom and Clayton’s chat is all about entrepreneurship, personal branding and marketing, and building a strategic approach to business growth in a changing market. He has had a lot of successes — and just as many failures. Now, Tom has a strong focus on building a client-first approach to sales and also has some really interesting thoughts to share about AI, the rise of artisan agents, and scaling a new business through personalized team-building.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

A client-first sales and marketing approach is crucial.
Coaching involves understanding the psychology of clients and helping them overcome barriers and mindset shifts.
AI can play a significant role in the real estate industry, from coach-client selection to improving customer success and providing valuable insights.
There is a rise of artisan agents who focus on providing a high-quality experience for clients, even if they don't do a high volume of transactions.
Continuous learning and staying relevant are crucial in the industry, and technology adoption done right can be a game-changer.

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Anthony Casa on the journey to success

Thu, 23 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, Clayton got the chance to sit down with the president & CEO of UMortgage, Anthony Casa, who joined us in person last month in Scottsdale for The Gathering.

During their conversation, Anthony talks about how he went from dropping out of school at only 13 to being the president and CEO of UMortgage, and how his experience during the financial crisis carefully shapes how he approaches his business today. They also talk about finding growth in a shrinking market and the craft of walking a fine line between competition and a consumer-first approach.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Building relationships and providing a great customer experience are key in the mortgage industry.
The housing crisis taught Casa the importance of focusing on relationships rather than transactions.
Transitioning from one business to another requires developing a strong team and passing on the reins.
Casa believes in putting the consumer first and creating a personalized experience.
Competition and balance are important for the mortgage industry to thrive.

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Chris Heller’s insights into the evolution of real estate

Thu, 16 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week we are sharing an exclusive conversation recorded live at The Gathering in Scottsdale, this time with the esteemed Chris Heller, current president at OJO and former CEO of Keller Williams. Chris has worn many hats with over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry in multiple leadership and advisory roles under his belt.

In today’s conversation with Clayton, they talk about OJO’s consumer-facing rebrand to Movoto and their recent acquisition of The LEAD Syndicate to launch Lever, a platform delivering an all-in solution suite for agents. They also talk about anticipated changes on the horion as the commission changes take effect, such as an industry-wide shift of fewer, more experienced agents and a downward trend in commissions.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The Lead Syndicate acquisition aims to enhance services for solo agents and provide support in areas such as database management, marketing, and transactions.
The upcoming changes in the real estate industry will require agents and brokerages to focus on higher-value services and adapt to new market dynamics.
The industry is likely to see opportunities for consolidation and M&A as companies look to combine resources to navigate the changing landscape.
The Department of Justice's ongoing scrutiny of the industry and potential consumer impacts should be closely monitored.

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Legacy Group Capital on their recent acquisition and future plans

Thu, 09 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week we are bringing you a sponsored episode recorded live in Scottsdale at The Gathering 2024. Our wonderful guests are Scott Rerucha, the CEO and co-founder of Legacy Group Capital, and Ed Messman, the CIO of Legacy Group Capital. Legacy Group Capital is a private lending company that helps builders and real estate investors acquire property more easily than traditional bank financing.

Scott brings over three decades of industry experience from several financial institutions throughout the Puget Sound Region. Ed has over two decades of executive leadership experience with venture capital and private equity-sponsored technology companies.

Legacy Group Capital recently announced its acquisition of Rook, a home equity investment company that focuses on providing innovative financing solutions for homebuyers. They discuss the rationale behind the acquisition and their hopes to focus on a group of homebuyers they call the “missing middle.” They also discuss housing affordability issues at large, the state of the market for real estate professionals, and Legacy Group Capital’s model to create solutions for young professionals with fractionalized mortgages.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Legacy Group Capital helps builders and real estate investors acquire property more easily than traditional bank financing.
They specialize in finding real estate deals that can produce affordable housing.
The company recently acquired Rook, a home equity investment (HEI) company, to offer innovative financing solutions for homebuyers.
HEI products reduce down payments and monthly payments for more affordable housing options.

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Pat Dodd on data-driven problem solving

Thu, 02 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In today’s sponsored episode of Power House, we’re excited to chat with Pat Dodd, the CEO of CoreLogic. Pat brings decades of experience in data and analytics with various roles at Nielsen before joining CoreLogic in 2020 and being named President and CEO in 2022.

During their conversation today, Clayton and Pat talk about CoreLogic’s data-driven approach to solving clients’ technology needs and how their Discovery Platform is providing unique granular property insights to help clients make informed decisions when predicting homebuyer behaviors and property risks. They also talk about the wave of different generative AI tools and how they’re fine-tuning their “truth set” to help professionals optimize their day to day.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Pat Dodd's diverse background in various industries, including data analytics, technology, media, marketing, retail, and package goods, influences his leadership at CoreLogic.
CoreLogic focuses on providing B2B solutions and leveraging acquired data sets to drive growth in the housing industry.
The importance of industry expertise and access to information and data for professionals to navigate challenges, particularly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Discovery Center platform offers valuable data transparency and insights, requiring collaboration and providing tools for better decision-making.
Utilizing AI, machine learning, and data analytics is crucial for addressing practical needs, improving efficiency, and staying competitive in the real estate industry.

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Steve Capezza: Communication in a post-settlement world

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In today's episode of Power House, we're excited to have Steve Capezza, president of Side and former SVP of Business Operations at Zillow Group, where he spent nearly a decade shaping the future of real estate.

According to 2023 RealTrends Verified data, Side had 23,000 transaction sides last year, equating to 22 billion in volume, making them the ninth largest brokerage in the country by volume and the third independent.

In this conversation, Steve and Clayton discuss brokerage teams and teamerage-specific models, and the impact of the proposed NAR settlement on the real estate ecosystem. Steve also shares communication and coordination strategies between agents and lenders, explaining how those strategies lead to excellent consumer relationships.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The future of real estate is being held up by the best practitioners who provide the best service to consumers.
The proposed settlement by NAR may accelerate the off-boarding of hobbyists from the industry.
Buyers and sellers still need guidance and representation from professionals in the real estate industry, regardless of market conditions.
Coordination between agents and lenders is crucial, especially in a tight inventory market.
The focus should be on providing excellent service to consumers and staying attuned to the facts and proactive communication.

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Liz Gehringer: Communicating with confidence

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, we welcome Liz Gehringer, the president and CEO of Anywhere Franchise Brands. She brings with her a depth of industry knowledge as she’s responsible for strategic growth, marketing and operations across Coldwell Banker Affiliates, Coldwell Banker Commercial, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, CENTURY 21, and ERA Real Estate.

Clayton and Liz’s conversation today dives deep into the core themes of this show: business growth, leadership, and operational strategy. She talks about her path to leadership, helping others grow through challenges, and approaching the continuation of professional education. In a post-settlement landscape, Liz sees real value in being a generalist and developing a wide range of skills as agent’s roles continue to evolve.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Seek new challenges and take on stretch assignments to grow as a leader.
Develop a wide range of skills to become a strong generalist.
Trust and brand reputation are crucial in the real estate industry.
Agents need to communicate with confidence and clarity, focusing on transparency and building trust with consumers.
The role of agents is evolving in the post-settlement landscape, and they need to adapt to changing consumer needs and expectations.

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Cory Vasquez: The Power of Leading with Calm

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, Clayton sits down with Cory Vasquez, the chief marketing officer and most recently promoted to co-president, alongside Vinnie Tracey, at Realty ONE Group. Cory is 20-year communications veteran and joined Realty ONE Group in late 2018 bringing along with her years of experience in a host of communications fields.

During their conversation, Cory talks about her unique background in marketing and communications and how that fits into the world of leading a real estate brokerage at this really unique time for the industry. They also discuss Realty One’s 100% commission model and some of the 2023 performance stats that landed them on the RealTrends Verified Brokerage Rankings.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Realty One Group has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with over 400 locations throughout the US and 20 countries.
The 100% commission model at Realty One Group attracts agents who want to keep more of their commission and offers comprehensive coaching and training programs.
The company focuses on creating a unique culture and giving back to the community, which attracts agents to the brand.
Effective communication and transparency are crucial during leadership transitions and in times of market change.
Real estate professionals need to demonstrate their value and communicate their efforts to clients to combat misconceptions about their work.

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Leo Pareja: Squashing misinformation in the real estate industry

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week, we are bringing you a conversation with Leo Pareja, the Chief Strategy Officer at eXp Realty, recorded live with HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins.

eXp was reported as the largest brokerage in the county by sides with 355,000 transaction sides in 2023, according to RealTrends Verified 2024 broker rankings.

This discussion with Pareja aims to bring clarity to chaos by squashing misinformation about the recently proposed real estate commission lawsuit settlement. Collins and Pareja discuss the proposed settlement's impact on the home purchase processes, compensation and home prices. Pareja provides guidance for agents and other housing professionals on communicating with consumers and partners and staying focused on servicing home buyers and sellers.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Agents should focus on operational strategy, clear communication, and adapting to the changes in the industry
Buyer representation contracts and compensation structures will likely still see changes in the future.
The settlement may lead to changes in the industry, but the demand for real estate transactions and the need for professional representation will remain.
Agents and brokers should focus on articulating their value proposition and adapting to the new rules of engagement to thrive in the changing landscape.
Mortgage professionals play a vital role in supporting agents and consumers by providing easy financing and facilitating successful transaction.

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Logan Mohtashami: The man behind the charts

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 19:30:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, we are dropping a fantastic conversation with the myth, the legend: Logan Mohatshami, lead analyst at HousingWire. Logan gives a glimpse behind the curtains of his life and his transition to writing about real estate and economic data.

In a previous life, Logan was a high school basketball coach, but has since built his housing career on his passion and obsession for timely and accurate economic data and analyses. He and Clayton talk about the challenges that come with managing a market that never sleeps, the impact of inflation, and the potential for a housing boom in the coming years.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Accurate and timely data analysis is crucial in the housing industry.
Storytelling is essential for conveying complex economic concepts to a broader audience.
Managing a 24/7 market requires passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic.
The housing market has the potential for a boom in the 2020s.

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Mike Tassone: Evolving customer acquisition and lead gen

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of Power House, we are bringing you a fantastic conversation with Mike Tassone, COO and co-founder of Own Up. Own Up is a concierge mortgage marketplace that allows consumers to access customized data and a network of vetted lenders. Prior to his current role, Mike co-led the residential lending business for Leader Bank, which he helped grow to a top 40 lender in the US during his tenure.

During their conversation, Clayton and Mike talk about the mortgage lender growth strategies, tactics to recruit high-quality loan originators, and the pros and cons of being maniacal Fed-watchers. They also discuss the pricing ecosystem in the mortgage industry and how the NAR settlement may impact mortgage lead gen and the order-of-operations of the homebuying and financing journey.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The recent Fed meeting had no surprises and the market responded favorably to the expected rate cuts.
Own Up was founded to solve the frustration of mortgage shopping and provide a better consumer experience.
Recruiting high-quality loan originators and focusing on their strengths contributed to the growth of Leader Bank.
The lead generation market has shifted from refinance to purchase, and lenders have had to adapt to the changing landscape.
The future of real estate agents and loan officers depends on their ability to prioritize their time and provide value to consumers.

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Odeta Kushi and Sarah Wheeler on the surge in women's homeownership

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today's episode of Power House, we're bringing you a special feature in honor of International Women's Day, which was last Friday, March 8th, and Women's Month, which is the whole month of March. This special feature spotlights two industry powerhouses. HousingWire editor-in-chief Sarah Wheeler leads a conversation with First American Financial Corp. Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi.

During their conversation, Sarah and Odeta talk about home ownership among single, female heads of households, other demographic trends, and what's in store for the spring housing market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Single women home ownership has been on the rise, driven by higher educational attainment and earning power.
The pandemic had a disproportionate impact on women's employment, but single women have shown resilience and financial growth.
The spring home buying market is expected to be more moderate due to the lack of significant decline in mortgage rates.
Inventory levels remain low, but even a slight increase can provide more options for potential buyers.
Timing the housing market is challenging, and buyers need to focus on their own needs and affordability.

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Frank Martell: Coming through the cycle as a winner

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In October of 2023 we invited Frank Martell to the stage at HousingWire Annual to chat with Clayton Collins about his new role as CEO of loanDepot and progress toward his Vision 2025 plan. Today, we are bringing you that conversation to your feed as a glimpse into what we call "Battlefield Playbooks” and to preview the amazing interviews that you’ll experience on stage at The Gathering coming up on April 21. Frank and Clayton discuss his vision for loanDepot's future, market trends, regulatory challenges, and more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The strategic plan that loanDepot is implementing that emphasizes adaptability to current realities while exploring future opportunities
The importance of focusing on balancing near-term ROI with long-term infrastructure investments, particularly in technology
The benefits of having different but complementary leadership styles within your organization, and how Frank thinks about his strengths and experience in contrasts to founder Anthony Hsieh

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Brian Vieaux & Kyle Draper: Rethinking Everything (about loan origination)

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Today, we are bringing to you a conversation with two wonderful guests: Kyle Draper, speaker, author, and video marketing therapist, and Brian Vieaux, the president and COO at FinLocker.

Kyle and Brian have combined their industry knowledge and networks to co-author a book titled “Rethink Everything: You ‘Know’ About Being a Next Gen Loan Officer” which features a lot of valuable insights and knowledge of what you need to know about next generation loan origination from 37 different industry voices and leaders.

“Adopting an educator-first mindset, coupled with a willingness to reach, assist, engage and nurture early-journey first-time homebuyers, are the defining attributes of a next-gen loan officer. This book aims to empower mortgage professionals to cultivate these essential qualities,” Vieaux said.

They share a lot of that knowledge today during their conversation, including the importance of having a social media presence and strategy, how the different methods and platforms can be utilized to reach the next generation of homebuyers, and how loan originators should be looking to adapt in a rapidly changing market.

Learn more about the book and learnings in this article by HousingWire.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Loan originators need effective social media strategies to reach new home buyers.
Educate, address misconceptions, and add value to engage mortgage audiences.
Personal branding and trust are vital for digital-age loan originators.
Positive mindset drives loan originators' success and business growth.

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Joe Welu: Prioritizing customer journeys for better business outcomes

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest is Joe Welu, founder and CEO of Total Expert. Since launching the business in 2012, Joe has led the business from startup to industry leader – trusted by more than 200 leading financial institutions. Total Expert is a five-time recipient of HousingWire’s Tech100 award and Joe is a multi-year recipient of the HousingWire Vanguard Award.

During today’s conversation, Joe explains the early lenders and partnerships that helped shape Total Expert's platform and success, as well as his strategic approach to building and evolving the leadership team. Joe shares his insights on AI not as a trend, but as a tool used to increase productivity and better enhance customer engagement. He also discusses generational trends in homeownership and the opportunities that he sees for lenders to nurture future homeowners.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Delivering the perfect customer journey is key to success in the mortgage industry
Prioritizing excellence and making necessary changes to the leadership team are crucial for growth
Nurturing and educating potential homebuyers can lead to long-term success for lenders
AI has the potential to revolutionize the mortgage technology ecosystem, but it must be used strategically and with a focus on outcomes.

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Victor Ciardelli: The Power of Focus (...on customers, LOs and agents)

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest is Victor Ciardelli, the President and CEO of Guaranteed Rate. Over the last 24 years, Victor has led the independent mortgage bank to be positioned as a top-10 national lender that produced over $34 billion in 2023 production volume.

During the conversation, Victor Ciardelli shares his mortgage journey, from selling loans in a call center to founding Guaranteed Rate, and to their acquisition of PHH Home Loans. They also discuss the partnerships with real estate brokerages, technology, compliance and the evolution of loan officer compensation.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Building a successful mortgage company requires a strong focus on customer experience and trust.
Developing relationships with top-performing real estate agents can drive business growth.
Maintaining control over the mortgage process and providing a clear value proposition to customers and referral partners is crucial.
Manifesting success and staying focused on long-term goals can lead to significant opportunities and partnerships. Bringing the real estate and mortgage sectors closer together is crucial for the housing industry's future success.
Compensation in the mortgage industry has evolved, but new challenges and potential risks have emerged.
Dodd-Frank has had a significant impact on compensation practices, but there are still areas of concern.

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Bob Broeksmit: Playing to your strengths in business and on Capitol Hill

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins talks with an industry leader who is well known to many of you: Bob Broeksmit, the President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). With over 35 years of senior finance and mortgage executive experience, Broeksmit brings a depth of knowledge across many facets of the industry, including marketing, sales, operations, secondary marketing, and loan servicing, to his role at MBA.

Prior to joining the MBA in 2018, he held executive roles at Treliant, Chevy Chase Bank, Prudential Home Mortgage and The Money Store.

This compelling conversation charts Broeksmit’s journey through mortgage to his transition leading a trade association and how he measures success at a nonprofit. Collins and Broeksmit also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing leaders amid difficult housing market conditions and the top priorities he sees for mortgage in 2024.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Leaders in the mortgage industry should focus on understanding the objectives of their board and members and effectively communicate and align their organization's efforts with those objectives.
Building relationships and credibility is crucial for trade associations to have a seat at the table and influence policy decisions that impact the industry.
Success in a nonprofit trade association is measured by delivering value to members, advocating for their interests, and effectively addressing industry challenges.
Leadership styles and approaches should adapt to different housing market conditions, and leaders should focus on areas they can control or influence to support their members.
Collaboration with other trade associations and stakeholders in the housing industry is important to present a united front and advocate for policies that benefit the industry as a whole.
Top priorities for the mortgage industry in 2024 include increasing mortgage demand, addressing supply constraints, and optimizing servicing operations.
Mergers and consolidation in the mortgage industry are driven by various factors, including strategic focus, scale, and personal considerations of the leaders involved.

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Brett Ludden: mortgage bank M&A, originator retention, tech stacks and deal structures

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins interviews Brett Ludden, the co-head of Financial Services at Sterling Point Advisors, an M&A advisory and financial consulting firm. Brett has worked at various roles in leading M&A transaction-related analytics and strategies, overseeing teams at Capital One, and consulting for Fortune 500 financial institutions.

Collins and Ludden discuss the current market conditions and the outlook for 2024 and beyond. The conversation goes deep on the differences between asset deals and mergers, the importance of originator retention in M&A transactions, and the qualities that make a company an attractive acquirer. They also touch on the significance of technology integration and the impact of compensation on alignment in M&A deals.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

M&A advisors in the housing industry play a crucial role in providing industry insights and helping CEOs and owners make strategic decisions.
The mortgage industry is experiencing a period of pain, and many companies are considering strategic options such as mergers and acquisitions.
Companies that have a strong cash position, a well-integrated tech stack, and M&A experience are well-positioned to be attractive acquirers.
Originator retention is a critical factor in M&A transactions, and companies should focus on identifying key people and creating a value proposition to ensure a smooth transition.
The market outlook for 2024 and beyond is cautiously optimistic, with expectations of margin improvement and more strategic decision-making by lenders.

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Diego Sanchez: HousingWire President shares the full picture

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0000

HousingWire President Diego Sanchez joins Power House to discuss his new role, executive partnerships and communication, and HousingWire strategy for 2024 and beyond.

Clayton and Diego explore the dynamics of how executive team structures work best, including the differing roles of CEO and President. Diego shares his journey of learning about the housing industry and the fascinating ecosystem it encompasses. They discuss the vision for HousingWire in 2024, which includes integrating data and insights to provide a comprehensive view of the housing market. The focus is on delivering value to the audience and helping housing professionals make informed decisions faster and more effectively.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

CEO / President partnerships require solid communication and a clear division of responsibilities.
Managing a distributed and hybrid workforce requires constant vigilance and effective use of digital tools.
The housing industry is a complex and fascinating ecosystem with various verticals and disruptive forces.
HousingWire aims to provide a comprehensive view of the housing market by integrating data and insights.

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Phil Shoemaker: Building a startup mortgage bank

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the Power House Podcast, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins chats with Phil Shoemaker, CEO of The Loan Store. Phil joined The Loan Store as CEO last June after a five-year stint at Homepoint and has also held various positions at Caliber Home Loans during his 28-year mortgage career.

Today, Phil emphasizes the importance of always focusing on providing excellent customer service rather than relying solely on technology and maintaining a startup growth mindset as the organization scales. They also discuss volume growth strategy as we head into 2024 and the industry’s need to bring more brokers into the wholesale market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The story of The Loan Store.
Where the business stands today in terms of production volume and scale.
Why are you uniquely prepared as an executive to build and scale this business?
Unique strategies or approaches that separate TLS from competition.
Strategy for winning market share in 2024.
Strategy for helping brokers grow volume in 2024.

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Chad Roffers: Accelerating outcomes in all business environments

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the Power House Podcast, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins talks with Chad Roffers, founder of Concierge Auctions. Chad discusses the early stages of his career in real estate sales and brokerage leadership, his launch of SKY Sotheby's, and the difficulties of building a technology business during the 2009 Financial Crisis.

These early entrepreneurial ventures set the stage for the massive success Chad has found with Concierge Auctions, a business he founded in 2008 and continues to lead today. Chad’s entrepreneurial journey includes multiple launches and exits, and he shares the wins and losses that developed him as an entrepreneur and executive.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The challenges and dynamics of operating a real estate brokerage, specifically during declining volume markets
Chad’s entrepreneurial method of working on multiple ventures
The impact of a career of emphasizing technology and adopting innovative processes and solutions early
Behind the scenes look of selling Pulse Realty Software to Lone Wolf, and Concierge Auctions to a joint venture formed by Realogy and Sotheby’s in 2021
Strategic partnerships can provide credibility, resources, and expanded reach for a business, while still allowing for autonomy and independence

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The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. We want to showcase how CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.

INTRODUCING: Power House

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

We started the Housing News podcast five years ago to cover and spotlight the housing industry’s top weekly news and newsmakers. The show has evolved to executive discussions focused on interviewing mortgage, real estate and finance leaders – bringing forward incredible knowledge about business strategy, innovation, housing data, and some amazing conversations that we will never forget.

As we look forward, the show formerly known as Housing News continues its evolution with an emphasis on building the housing industry's boardroom – spotlighting the powerhouses of real estate, mortgage, and technology.

So where does Housing News go from here? Starting today, you may have noticed a brand new show title and new logo in your podcast feed.

If you clicked on this show, you already know the brand – Power House. And that's exactly what you can expect from this podcast 52 weeks a year. Power House will bring you the full picture of housing market knowledge through the stories of the most impactful executive leaders of innovative and growing companies in mortgage and real estate.

Here's to an incredibly powerful and impactful 2024 and beyond!

See you next week!

Sarah Wheeler: A behind the scenes look at the stories that made headlines in 2023

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000

In the last episode of 2023, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins interviews Sarah Wheeler, the editor-in-chief of HousingWire, to discuss the most impactful topics and trends we've covered this year. Clayton and Sarah recap the year, highlighting the volatility in mortgage rates, commission lawsuits and the innovation we're seeing rapidly change the industry. They also touch on the challenges of forecasting mortgage volume, rates and the upcoming election year.

Stay tuned for the announcement of exciting changes to the Housing News podcast in 2024!

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

2023 was a volatile year in the housing industry, with significant fluctuations in mortgage rates
Commission lawsuits have been a major topic, with multiple class action lawsuits challenging the practices of the National Association of Realtors and large brokerages.
Innovation has been a key theme, with advancements in tech and the use of data to improve processes and customer experiences.
Forecasting has been challenging due to the rapid rate of change in the market.
The upcoming election year will have significant implications for housing policies and regulations.
HousingWire has exciting plans for 2024, including expanding coverage of local housing markets and enhancing our content studio.
Despite the challenges, there are silver linings in the housing market, such as lower mortgage rates and opportunities for growth and innovation.

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The Housing News podcast explores the most critical topics in mortgage, real estate and fintech. A new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show each week to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

2023 Recap: Our top guests and favorite segments

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000

With 2023 coming to a close, our host Clayton Collins and our podcast producers looked back at our most impactful and popular episodes of the year to bring you a very special, knowledge-packed recap episode. Today, we feature seven of our most popular guests from 2023 and spotlight their most insightful commentary.

These guests include: Jay Bray, CEO of Mr. Cooper Group, Lee Smith, President of Mortgage at Flagstar Bank, Dave Lykken, Founder and President of Transformational Mortgage Solutions, Marina Walsh, VP of Industry Analysis at the Mortgage Bankers Association, Chris Mayer, CEO of Longbridge Financial, Brian Hale, CEO of Mortgage Advisory Partners, and — finally — Jay Promisco, the Chief Production Officer at Sierra Pacific Mortgage.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Industry learnings on servicing and origination tactics
Leadership and corporate strategy
Housing market data and intelligence

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Building cohesive teams in intense environments with Jay Promisco

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins sat down with career mortgage banker and HousingWire Vanguard Jay Promisco, the Chief Production Officer at Sierra Pacific Mortgage. Jay has spent over 20 years in the financial industry as a former top originator, branch manager, and account executive. He is responsible for increasing the company’s national presence in all production channels.

This conversation is all about building cohesive teams in challenging times. Promisco discusses the current cultural challenges, how this market provides an opportunity to align sales and operations, and create effective communication by empowering teams. The conversation explores financial transparency, building an ownership mindset, and demonstrating long-term commitment. Promisco emphasizes the need for a customer-centric approach and a singular focus on consumer experience. He also discusses the role of leadership in shaping company culture and provides insights for the future of the industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The mortgage industry is both impactful and stressful, requiring teams to work together to help consumers achieve their homeownership goals.
Sales and operations alignment is crucial for success, and both teams should support and understand each other's challenges.
Effective communication and conflict resolution are essential for building cohesive teams in intense environments.
Leaders should empower their teams, provide transparency, and create a culture of ownership and long-term commitment.

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Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most critical topics in mortgage, real estate and fintech. A new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show each week to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Empathy: The missing ingredient in digital mortgage innovation with James Robert Lay

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000

For today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins had an opportunity to chat with a phenomenal guest: James Robert Lay, a digital anthropologist and the founder and CEO of the Digital Growth Institute.

Today’s conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of marketing, sales, technology, and human behavior in the mortgage industry. James emphasizes the importance of addressing consumer confusion and negative emotions, building trust through empathy, and lenders shifting their positioning from heroes to guides. He also highlights the role of individual brands and the need for continuous learning in digital transformation.

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Flipping the future with Anchor Loans CEO Ray Mathoda

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000

For today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins had the pleasure of chatting with Rayman Mathoda, the CEO of Anchor Loans and a 2023 HousingWire Women of Influence honoree. Ray brings more than 25 years of experience across the real estate, finance and technology sectors to the conversation. Prior to her work at Anchor, Ray was co-founder and partner at Emerge Life Sciences and before that served as CEO at Xome.

Clayton and Ray talk about the current state of the fix-and-flip market, barriers for builders and where she sees migration happening across the U.S. amid inventory problems. They also chat about the market shift toward nonbank landers and what Ray has in store for Anchor in 2024.

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Mortgage Advisory Partners CEO Brian Hale talks M&A, executive mindset and 2024

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000

For today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins recorded with Brian Hale, the founder and CEO of Mortgage Advisory Partners, in person at HousingWire's Dallas headquarters.

Brian and Clayton dive into mortgage fragmentation, the need for industry consolidation, and the importance of a properly structured financial analysis team for mortgage operators. They also talk about executive mindset, staying on course during challenging market conditions, and the future of the mortgage industry.

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Marc Davison – Discovering differentiation in an undifferentiated market

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins speaks with Marc Davison, co-founder of 1000watt. Since 1998, Marc has dedicated his career to refreshing and authentic branding in real estate. He launched 1000watt in 2007 with Brian Boero after collaborating together at Inman News; now they’re working with companies across the real estate ecosystem to discover their unique and fresh brand messaging.

In this live interview at HousingWire Annual in Austin, Texas, Clayton and Marc talk all about branding and strategic marketing in housing. They discuss how to best utilize branding as a business strategy, where a lot of companies get it wrong and how to differentiate yourself in a market where the product is undifferentiated.

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Closer to the peak than the trough with Polly CEO Adam Carmel

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins interviewed Adam Carmel, the founder and CEO of Polly. In this live interview at HousingWire Annual in Austin, TX, Clayton and Adam discuss mortgage pricing, capital markets, and the data that provides a glimpse into what to expect ahead.

Adam talks about how the team at Polly is working to transform their platform to be multidimensional and relational for client needs and how predictive analytics and machine learning are the future. They also talk about the trouble with forecasting mortgage rates, what the next quarter will bring, and why it sometimes pays off to be a contrarian.

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Nate Levin: Accessing Capital and Doing Deals in 2023

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins speaks with Nate Levin, a seasoned investor in the fintech and real estate technology space, as well as a 2023 HousingWire Rising Star. Nate has advised Fortune 500 C-suite teams in mortgage, real estate, and financial services on digital strategy and new business creation. This episode was recorded at our recent HousingWire Annual event where Nate spoke about the future of proptech.

In today’s episode, he and Clayton talk about Nate's path to becoming an investor, advice for those trying to raise capital and the current market dynamics he's seeing in the venture capital and private equity investing space as the market undergoes massive evolutionary changes.

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Tech innovation and mortgage manufacturing with OPX-America founder Henry Santos

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins speaks with OPX-America founder and partner Henry Santos. Henry has served as the global director of Housing Finance and Real Estate Services at Infosys, the head of Housing Finance and Lending Solutions at IBM and has also had roles at Fidelity National Information Systems, Capco, and Accenture. He is joining us this week with a particularly unique perspective of diverse sectors of the economy, from athletics, higher education, manufacturing, banking, and, currently, housing financial services.

In today’s episode, he talks to Clayton about building global workforces, the struggle of old architecture in mortgage manufacturing, and how using AI-powered solutions could be the key to industry evolution.

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EquityProtect CEO talks M&A, hunting elk and solving deed fraud

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins speaks with. Ryan Marshall, the founder and CEO of EquityProtect. Ryan’s journey is an interesting one, starting as an 18-year-old living in his car to being one of the region's most esteemed real estate agents. He eventually found his way into the dynamic realm of cybersecurity fintech with the launch of EquityProtect this past May.

In today’s conversation, Ryan and Clayton start out talking about a very interesting and unexpected side of his life as he’s about to head off into a 45-day totally off-grind hunting trip. They then dive into Ryan’s journey that started with selling real estate out of his car in Orange County, the impacts of the great financial crisis on his professional life and what led him to the business that he is operating today.

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Home equity investment’s growing opportunity with Hometap’s Sarah Dekin

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins speaks with Sarah Dekin, the president and chief operating officer at Hometap and a 2023 HousingWire Women of Influence winner. Sarah joined Hometap in 2017 as their chief marketing officer, following her previous roles at many notable brands, including Zipcar, House of Blues, California Pizza Kitchen and Virgin. She brings a powerful combination of strategy, product and marketing expertise in both the consumer and B2B spaces.

During today’s conversation, she and Clayton explore the home equity investment space, the different business models that consumers and homeowners are tapping to access their home equity, and some of the opportunities that lie ahead.

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Vadim Verkhoglyad: Housing is massively undersupplied and there’s no refi-boom in sight

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

80% of U.S. homeowners are not incentivized to refinance until rates fall below 4.0%. 38% of homes are owned outright without a mortgage. We haven’t built enough homes to outpace household formation in 13 years. These are some of the data points we discuss in today’s episode of Housing News.

Vadim Verkhoglyad, Head of Research at dv01, reveals proprietary research on mortgage and real estate market trends. Vadim is one of the only housing researchers who understands the housing market from end to end – with a career experience spanning from capital markets to fintech. Clayton and Vadim explore supply and demand imbalances, the impact of volatility on pricing, and how demographics will impact housing in the coming years.

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A lender, a realtor and a CEO on industry relationships, housing markets and clients for life

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins had the chance to sit down in person at our Dallas office to record with two fantastic guests: Kyle Baugh and Dan Carson. Kyle is a top-producing agent with Compass Real Estate in the Dallas area and Dan is the SVP and Producing Partnership Area Manager at OriginPoint.

During their conversation, the three chat a lot about the realtor and agent partnership, what they expect from each other and how they can drive success and business for each other. They talk about the local Dallas housing market and the national market and the kinds of Altos Research data they want to bring to the table. Kyle and Dan also get into what they expect in the coming year and how they're preparing their businesses to be successful in Q4 of 2023 and into 2024.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power-packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

The Housing News podcast explores the most critical topics in mortgage, real estate and fintech. A new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show each week to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Jay Bray: The Path to Building a $1 trillion Mortgage Servicing Rights Business

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins sits down with the CEO of Mr. Cooper Group, Jay Bray. Jay brings more than 25 years of experience to the table, including his time at Mr. Cooper as well as with both Arthur Anderson and Bank of America.

Today, he and Clayton reflect on mortgage servicing rights and the two major acquisitions Mr. Cooper has announced so far in 2023: HomePoint Capital and Roosevelt Management Company. They get into why the Roosevelt deal, specifically, might be a game changer for the servicing space, and the current trends they’re seeing that are worth watching as independent mortgage banks and depository lending institutions are retaining and selling MSRs.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power-packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Parvesh Sahi: Capital markets agility and the power of “not standing still”

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins has another chat with a guest you might remember from earlier this year during our Secondary Market Master Class Series, Parvesh Sahi. Parvesh is Polly’s Chief Revenue Officer and brings experience with corporate strategy and business development in the B2B and B2B2C financial services software industry to the table. Before joining Polly, Parvesh spent over a decade at ICE Mortgage Technology in various executive roles, leading sales, strategy, client management, and business development teams across the Ellie Mae, MERS, and Simplifile brands.

Today, Parvesh and Clayton quickly recap Polly’s master class, industry leadership, and being technologically agile. They also chat about what Polly’s doing to revolutionize the mortgage capital markets, the importance of building well-oiled vertical integration flows, and how other niche data points of the larger mortgage market affect the mortgage-backed securities market in unsuspecting ways.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power-packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Building a mortgage aggregation business with Jennifer McGuinness

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins had the opportunity to interview a really phenomenal leader in the housing finance sector, Jennifer McGuinness. She is currently the CEO of Pivot Financial, previously president of Invigorate Finance, and her 25-year career spans from origination to tech to asset management. Jennifer built the first hedge fund issuer of AAA-rated RMBS securities collateralized by a newly originated loan. She was also a HousingWire Woman of Influence in 2023 and a HousingWire Vanguard back in 2019.

In this episode, Jennifer shares some of her expertise about the jumbo prime securitization market and the crazy experience she had back in 2014 heading the deal team responsible for becoming the first hedge fund issuer of AAA-rated RMBS securities. They also talk about careful economic decision-making that’s done with imperfect information, what she’s seeing in this rate environment and recent mortgage consolidation trends.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power-packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

BREAKING: René Rodriguez speaking at HousingWire Annual

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This morning we’re dropping a special episode into your feed because we have the pleasure to announce a new keynote speaker for our HousingWire Annual lineup!

This speaker is someone who many of you are probably already familiar with, bringing with him 27 years of experience of applying behavioral neuroscience to solving some of the toughest challenges in leadership and sales. We are excited to announce that phenomenal couch and speaker René Rodriguez will be joining us next month at HousingWire Annual in Austin, Texas.

In this episode, Clayton had the opportunity to speak with René about some of the insightful topics and great advice that he’s bringing to the stage at the event, including leadership strategies, branding and making personal connections, and the delicate art of controlling a room as a speaker. René also gives a bit of his perspective on current real estate and mortgage trends as well as advice on leadership perseverance during challenging market conditions.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power-packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Chris Mayer: Housing policy, securitization and building the nation’s largest wholesale reverse mortgage lender

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins sits down with Chris Mayer, CEO of the fastest-growing major reverse mortgage lender, Longbridge Financial. Chris is also a professor of finance at Columbia Business School, has held positions at the Federal Reserve and has spent his career publishing his writing on housing and mortgages in top academic journals.

Today, he and Clayton talk about his experience working in the Federal Reserve and how he is interpreting some of the Fed’s messaging regarding our current market. They also talked about building a reverse mortgage lender and his thesis behind why Chris started Longbridge — and whether that thesis still holds true today.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power-packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Fueling HELOC growth with consumer data featuring Joel Rickman of Equifax Workforce Solutions

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins sits down with Joel Rickman, the senior vice president of verification services at Equifax, where he serves as general manager for a $1 billion line of business. He has more than 20 years of experience with leading teams and previously served as the vice president of sales and marketing for Katabat.

Today, we’re talking all about verification services. Clayton and Joel discuss the behind-the-scenes work of income and asset verification in today's environment, the cybersecurity and fraud risks that lenders need to be paying attention to and the products that Workforce Solutions is focused on rolling out right now.

They also discuss the innovation and product improvement that lenders feel they need to move their mortgage lending business forward.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power-packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

BONUS: UMortgage's Corie Meredith to speak on the Future of Marketing

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today we are dropping a special mini-episode into your feed!

Clayton sat down with UMortgage's VP of Marketing and 2023 HW Marketing Leader Corie Meredith to talk all things HousingWire Annual. Corie is joining us in Austin for this year's HousingWire Annual for a pretty power-packed session focused on the future of marketing, along with Marc Davidson from 1000watt, Amory Wooden from Anywhere Brands, and Debbie McGriff from Freddie Mac.

She gives us a little sneak peek of what great marketing insight she's bringing to the stage in October, including some interesting thoughts on the future of AI and automation in mortgage marketing.

See you in Austin!

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The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Malte Kramer: Real estate pros are clamoring for AI as Luxury Presence drops new product in beta

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins sits down with Malte Kramer. Malte, who was a 2021 HousingWire Rising Star, is the founder and CEO of Luxury Presence, a marketing platform for real estate agents and teams. Luxury Presence is a 2021 HW Tech100 winner and one of the fastest-growing prop-tech companies in North America.

This episode follows on the heels of an exciting fundraising announcement for Luxury Presence, as well as the launch of a new product. Their conversation focuses on their fundraising, the product, the rationale behind it, and the problem that Malte and Luxury Presence are trying to solve for agents when it comes to marketing and design strategy. Clayton and Malte also venture into use cases for artificial intelligence and how professionals across the housing ecosystem should be thinking about AI in today's environment.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power-packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Building a $124 billion bank and mortgage powerhouse with Lee Smith

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media’s CEO Clayton Collins sits down with Lee Smith, the senior executive vice president and president of mortgage at Flagstar Bank. At Flagstar, Smith is responsible for the direction and oversight of all aspects of mortgage, including mortgage sales and originations, secondary and capital markets, mortgage fulfillment operations and mortgage servicing, as well as the strategic growth of the mortgage and servicing businesses.

Today, he and Clayton’s conversation is all about the banking industry, including discussion of increased regulatory oversight that could potentially start an even stronger consolidation wave, as well as current market dynamics and recent Fed actions. They also talk about the new Flagstar as it has evolved quite a bit in the last year through its merger with New York Community Bancorp and acquisition of some assets of Signature Bank.

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Mastering your brand with Corcoran CMO Christina Panos

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media’s CEO Clayton Collins sits down with Christina Panos, chief marketing officer at Corcoran. Christina is the architect of the company’s marketing and advertising program as well as the steward of the Corcoran brand. She is also a 2022 HousingWire marketing leader.

Their conversation today focuses on all things branding, marketing and building businesses in the real estate brokerage industry. She and Clayton discuss her role with Corocan, maintaining agent relationships through different channels and how to avoid the risk of forgetting fundamentals of professional relationships amid turbulent market conditions.

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Building a sustainable future in housing with Aro Homes CEO Carl Gish

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media’s CEO Clayton Collins sits down with Carl Gish, co-founder and co-CEO of Aro Homes, a company that engineers and builds intelligently designed and sustainable carbon-negative homes faster and more efficiently than conventionally built homes. He brings to the table deep product, marketing and general management experience across leading brands and Fortune 500 companies as well as early-stage companies, including Dyson, eBay and Amazon.

Their conversation today is an opportunity to explore the role and the need of sustainable housing within today's housing crisis. They also talked about how Aro seeks to bring sustainable, design-driven homes to market that will save more than 11 tons of CO2 annually per home.

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MBA’s Marina Walsh on mortgage origination profitability and forecasts

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, HW Media’s CEO Clayton Collins sits down with an industry figurehead who leads analysis, surveying and forecasting for the Mortgage Bankers Association: Marina Walsh. Marina is currently serving as the Vice President of Industry Analysis of the MBA and has served there for 22 years. As her career has spanned through multiple economic and housing cycles, she offers incredible insight, industry knowledge and analysis.

The conversation today focuses on profitability, homebuilders, and the mix between market share for depositories and independent mortgage banks. They also unpack the market for the remainder of 2023.

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Capital markets innovation: the evolution and optimization of mortgage technology (Secondary Market Master Class Episode 4)

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

HousingWire presents The Secondary Market Master Class, presented in partnership with Polly. This four-part series is focused on all things capital markets and the role that the secondary and capital market teams play within their organizations and in the larger mortgage ecosystem.

Over the last three weeks, we've done a deep dive into the structure and complex relationships between the mortgage banking ecosystem and the secondary market. We talked about liquidity, team structures, technology stacks, and remaining agile. We even spoke to capital markets desk leaders to get a sneak peek into the role and strategic responsibilities of their teams inside of a mortgage bank.

Today, we bring you the final installment of the Secondary Market Master Class, featuring Adam Carmel, the founder and CEO of Polly. This final episode rounds up our series as HW Media CEO Clayton Collins explores Adam’s professional journey founding Polly, how the evolution of tech optimizes the agent experience, and what Adam thinks about the current state of the mortgage market.

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The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

NAR CEO Bob Goldberg: Housing market impact on agent productivity and strategic priorities

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today we welcome a special guest to the Housing News podcast, and someone whose name you might recognize: Bob Goldberg, the CEO of the National Association of REALTORS. He joins us today to chat about his retirement from NAR and show us a glimpse behind the scenes of that decision.

He and Clayton talk about the current housing market, some of the tough changes we’ve seen in the last year and a half and how that's impacting Realtors and home buyers alike. Bob also unpacks some of the ideas that he has for the housing ecosystem to make our industry even more resilient, sustainable and accessible for consumers.

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The capital markets desk: supporting liquidity and enabling growth (Secondary Market Master Class Episode 3)

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

HousingWire presents The Secondary Market Master Class, presented by Polly. This four-part series is focused on all things capital markets and the role that the secondary and capital market teams play within their organizations and in the larger mortgage ecosystem.

For this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins had the pleasure of chatting with two subject matter experts: Caroline Payne, Co-head of Capital Markets at Movement Mortgage and Greg Richardson, the Executive Vice President of Capital Markets at Primis Mortgage.

Last week, Polly Head of Product Jon Foy taught us that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to capital markets roles and strategies. This week, we focus on first-hand testimonials while doing a deep dive into Caroline and Greg’s roles and their respective organization’s origination models, liquidity strategies, and quality control initiatives. They also talk about current market dynamics, technology, and partnerships with investors.

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Mortgage Banking: A game of 6-inches with David Lykken

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today we welcome to the show 50-year mortgage veteran David Lykken. David is the founder, president and chief transformational officer of Transformational Mortgage Solutions. He has been a frequent guest speaker on esteemed shows such as FOX Business News, CNBC and CBS Evening News, and hosts his very own “Lykken On Lending” podcast.

Clayton’s and David’s conversation focuses a lot on executive mindset, media strategy and the unusual similarity between mortgage banking and golfing. They also chat about being able to learn through and translate data to clients and audiences through narrative-driven storytelling, and even venture into the strange world of mortgage memes.

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The lender experience: Capital markets, tech and innovation (Secondary Market Master Class Episode 2)

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

HousingWire presents The Secondary Market Master Class, presented by Polly. This four-part series is focused on all things secondary and the role that the secondary and capital market teams play in the larger mortgage ecosystem.

Today, we bring you the second installment of the Secondary Market series with a conversation between Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media and Jon Foy, Head of Product at Polly.

Their conversation focuses on process optimization, helping lenders be more successful with tech tailored specifically to them, the larger capital markets technology stack, and why it is so important to be agile in today’s market.

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Building a hybrid mortgage lender with Carrie Gusmus of Aslan Home Lending

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today we welcome Carrie Gusmus, the president and CEO of Aslan Home Lending. Carrie, who is a 2022 HousingWire Women of Influence Award winner, founded Aslan four years ago — just six months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

In this conversation, she and HW Media CEO Clayton Collins explore the vision behind Aslan’s hybrid lending model. Carrie describes how she will build her team through recruiting loan originators and increasing production volume. They also chat about technology, marketing strategies and the importance of mentorship.

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Intro to the secondary market: The structure of mortgage banking (Secondary Market Master Class Episode 1)

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Throughout this series, listeners will develop a deeper understanding of the lender and investor relationships, how lenders can become more agile with optimized tech stacks, and the impact of innovation on the broader housing market and stakeholders.

Today’s episode is the first installment of the Secondary Market series and features a conversation between Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media and Parvesh Sahi, Chief Revenue Officer at Polly.

Their conversation looks at the mortgage lender and investor relationship, how they work together to fund the housing market, and the technology they are using to help eliminate gridlock and make the industry increasingly efficient.

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The rise of manufactured housing with Havenpark CEO Robbie Pratt

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today we venture into the manufactured housing space with guest Robbie Pratt, the CEO and co-founder of Havenpark Communities, an operator and developer of manufactured housing communities since 2016.

During the conversation, Robbie talks through the types of communities that Havenpark is investing in and helping build, the difference between manufactured and stick-built housing and overcoming the stigma of manufactured homes. He also chats about housing trends at large and why he thinks affordable, manufactured homes are important in our current market.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices, and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with the industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

Wolters Kluwer VP Simon Moir talks AI regulation and fintech

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today our guest is Simon Moir, the VP of Banking Compliance Solutions at Wolters Kluwer, where he is responsible for overseeing the growth and development of the segment’s banking compliance product portfolio as well as their open digital lending platform and expert solutions ecosystem. Simon has more than 20 years of experience delivering innovative, highly scalable solutions to the banking and financial services industry.

In today’s conversion, Clayton and Simon chat about AI and the somewhat tense relationship between this innovative technology and regulatory powers. They also talked about the fintech world and the changing dynamics with valuations in the M&A space, including the way that investors are thinking about investing in and backing these tech companies in the future.

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Wholesale Opportunities: Helping New Brokerages Get Off the Ground (Wholesale Market Master Class Episode 4)

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

HousingWire presents The Wholesale Market Master Class, presented by BeAMortgageBroker.com. This four-part series is focused on all things wholesale and the role that the wholesale market plays in the mortgage ecosystem.

Our expert this week is Mike Walton, Director of Wholesale Development at United Wholesale Mortgage. Mike works to grow the wholesale mortgage channel to new heights by engaging consumers, financial institutions, and budding entrepreneurs with the hopes of bringing awareness and support to those who want to explore opportunities in wholesale.

In today’s conversation with Mike, we cover common paths and professional backgrounds that lead to becoming a mortgage broker, the decision between opening a new brokerage vs. joining an established and scaled broker shop, the business model of running a brokerage and the vibrant community of brokers coast to coast.

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Maxwell CEO John Paasonen talks market health and innovating the mortgage experience

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest is John Paasonen, the CEO and co-founder of Maxwell, a venture-backed startup focused on making the mortgage experience simple, human and intuitive. Dedicated Housing News listeners might recall John’s appearance on the show back in December 2022 to have an entrepreneur-to-entrepreneur conversation with Clayton about Maxwell and his business strategy.

In today’s conversion, Clayton and John discuss a lot of the fascinating data and client interactions that John sees across his business, the capital markets challenges in the current housing market, and the struggling interest rates and inventory relationship. The two also dive into somewhat of a niche topic — defects in loan quality.

And in light of their previous conversation, they revisit leadership strategies and how the best executives in housing can lead their organization to achieve great things even as they navigate tough housing cycles.

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Technology and Digital Adoption: Leading the Broker Channel into the Future (Wholesale Master Class Episode 3)

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This week we have the pleasure of speaking to Jason Bressler, the chief technology officer at United Wholesale Mortgage. With 24+ years of IT experience, Jason leads more than 1,300 information technology professionals and manages the strategy and implementation of technology to increase information accessibility and integrated systems management.

Today’s conversation focuses on technology and digital adoption in the mortgage industry, the innovation and adoption wave in wholesale for brokers, the strategic mindset to building a broker tech stack for new and existing brokers and the role AI is playing in building a more efficient and elastic origination ecosystem.

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Rental Market Insights with Azibo CEO Vikas Gupta

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking to Vikas Gupta, a longstanding entrepreneur and the CEO of Azibo, a unified financial and property management platform for independent real investors. Vikas has over 15 years of experience in the development of early-stage tech startups, including Nodabl, the Baby Box Co., Factual Inc., and many more. Now, through Azibo, he’s helping landlords and investors and holding impactful real estate conversations on his own podcast, Hacking Real Estate.

Today’s conversation is all about the rental market. Clayton and Vikas work through rental data trends that his team at Azibo are seeing through their platform. The platform tracks transactions being made and gives them a glimpse into the health of the rental market.

This episode offers vital information about building a technology software and financial services solution in the housing industry. It also offers incredible insights from the CEO of a software platform in the housing sector to help better understand the health of the rental market.

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Gathering of Eagles will bring together the nation's top residential real estate CEOs, Presidents, and C-Level leadership teams to grow, network, and set the pace for what's next in our industry. 2023's Gathering of Eagles is at Omni Barton Creek Resort in the rolling hill country of Austin, Texas from June 18-21. Click here to learn more and register your spot!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Career Building: Launching and growing a wholesale brokerage (Wholesale Master Class Episode 2)

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

For this week’s installment, we welcome two separate guests, Justin Brown and Jennifer Gormer, to discuss building successful careers and businesses in the wholesale mortgage arena. Justin Brown is the broker/owner of the NuHome Team doing business in the Los Angeles market. Jennifer Gormer is the president and CEO of Integrity Home Lending in Dallas, Texas.

During their conversations, Jennifer and Justin go into their respective career launch points into the mortgage industry and some of the impactful decisions — and mistakes — made along the way. They also talk about how to best use the right technology and tools to maximize brokerage growth and how they get outside of the brokerage walls to get involved in their communities.

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Kristin Messerli on the state of Gen Z homebuying

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, our guest is the co-founder and executive director of FirstHome IQ, Kristin Messerli. She is also the founder of Cultural Outreach, which is now part of the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAMMBA), and is a leading strategist and keynote speaker on the topic of next-gen housing and the psychology of money.

Clayton and Kristin’s conversation for this episode is focused on her most recent 2023 Gen Z Homebuyer Report. They also talked about the 2023 NextGen Women's Homebuyer Report which talks about some of the challenges and opportunities of female homeowners and homebuyers in today's housing market.

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Intro to Wholesale Lending: Understanding wholesale’s vital role in the mortgage ecosystem (Wholesale Master Class Episode 1)

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

HousingWire presents The Wholesale Market Master Class presented by BeAMortgageBroker.com This four-part series is focused on all things wholesale and the role that the wholesale market plays in the mortgage ecosystem.

Throughout the series, listeners will develop a deeper understanding of the role that wholesale plays in the mortgage ecosystem, how to build your career in the wholesale channel, tech adoption in the industry, and more.

The first installment of this series features a conversation between Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media and Desmond Smith, Chief Growth Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage, where he spends his time focusing on innovative ways to advance the independent mortgage broker channel.

In today’s conversation, the two discuss the role that wholesale plays in the mortgage ecosystem, recent and historical trends, and some of the common myths and misperceptions about becoming an independent mortgage broker.

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WFG CEO Steve Ozonian on balancing organic and acquisitive growth plans

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 21:00:00 -0000

For today's episode, Clayton is joined by Steve Ozonian, the CEO of Williston Financial Group. Steve is a longtime real estate executive with a range of entrepreneurial and leadership experience, including board involvement at LendingTree, Attom Data Solutions, Inside Real Estate, and most recently, LoanDepot.

In this conversation, they discuss some really important topics, including leading through the inevitable cycles in the housing industry and connecting the housing sector across mortgage origination, real estate brokerage, and title. They also talked about planning long-term growth strategies while also weighing the options between organic and acquisitive growth.

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What Homebuyers Want from Lenders: Consumer Expectations in the Mortgage Process (Mortgage Master Class Episode 4)

Tue, 30 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

HousingWire presents the Modern Mortgage Origination Master Class, a four-part educational series presented by Zillow Home Loans. This educational series features four classes designed to bring the HousingWire community expert-level knowledge on modern mortgage origination and how today’s homebuyer navigates the homebuying process.

This final installment of this series features a conversation between Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media and Tim Swank, Zillow Home Loans’ Vice President of Mortgage Sales and Real Estate Partnerships. Tim has more than 15 years of experience in the mortgage and lending industry where he has held a variety of positions from his early days as a mortgage banker to executive roles focusing on sales and partnerships.

In today’s conversation, they recap what we’ve learned in the past three master class episodes and then discuss what homebuyers want from their lender and how consumer expectations are changing — or not — throughout the modern mortgage process.This includes some of the current needs and expectations from a consumer perspective, how lenders can best engage with borrowers, and how Zillow’s tools and resources can make it easier to get started.

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Forecasts and Key Learnings from MBA Secondary featuring Sarah Wheeler and Mike Fratantoni

Thu, 25 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler joins Clayton Collins to discuss and digest primary takeaways and learnings from the Mortgage Bankers Association Secondary and Capital Markets Conference hosted this week in New York City.

The episode shifts to an exclusive interview between Sarah Wheeler and Mike Fratantoni, MBA's chief economist and senior vice president of research and industry technology. Mike shares his forecasts for the remainder of 2023, as well as insights on mortgage rates, inflation, home prices, origination volume and more. The full interview initially with Mike Fratantoni aired on the HousingWire Daily Podcast.

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The Lender & Agent Partnership: How agents and lenders partner to win for their clients (Mortgage Master Class Episode 3)

Wed, 24 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This week’s episode features a conversation between Tracey Velt, Senior Director of data and content for HW Media, and two guests: Racquel Russell, Zillow’s Vice President of Partner Strategy and Operations, and Jason Mitchell, founder of the real estate team brokerage The Jason Mitchell Group.

In today’s conversation, they focus on how agents and lenders should be partnering to win for their clients, including how and where prospective buyers should start their homeownership journey, where consumers should start with financing, and some tips for agents selecting a lender. They also unpack some of the benefits and common misconceptions surrounding digital lenders, and how agents can best help prep consumers for the transaction process.

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ResiShares' co-founder Alex Villacorta on what they can bring to the future of valuations

Thu, 18 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we welcome Alex Villacorta to the Housing News podcast. Alex is currently the Chief Data Officer and co-founder at ResiShares, a residential real estate investment management firm. Before ResiShares, Alex held positions focusing on data and analytics at both HouseCanary and Clear Capital.

Clayton and Alex cover a lot of ground during their conversation, including Alex's professional background, how he's developed his valuation and data expertise over the years, and how he's currently working to apply that data to the investment decisions at ResiShares. They also talk about how other companies in the housing ecosystem should be viewing ResiShares's innovative model and some of the predictions that Alex is making for 2023 and beyond — including how AI is emerging as a dominant technological force in valuation.

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Home Shopping Trends: How first-time and repeat buyers are approaching the market (Mortgage Master Class Episode 2)

Mon, 15 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This episode features a conversation between Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media and Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s Home Trends Expert. Amanda works to translate Zillow's housing market data into actionable advice for homeowners, prospective homebuyers and housing professionals.

The conversation focuses on current home-buying trends informed by data from Zillow, including demographic trends around age, stage of life and gender. Amanda shares data and expertise on what the modern homebuyer expects from their lender, strategies real estate agents and loan originators can employ to better serve clients, how homebuyers are confronting affordability challenges and some surprising tactics home sellers can deploy to maximize the value of their home.

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Side's Steve Capezza on the evolution of the real estate sales model

Thu, 11 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we're bringing you a crossover episode to your feed straight from the RealTrending podcast hosted by Tracy Velt, Senior Director of Data and Content for Housing Wire and RealTrends. This is a conversation between Tracey and Steve Capezza, the president of Side Real Estate. Steve joined Side earlier this year after a several years-long career with Zillow.

We wanted to highlight this episode this week because the conversation really lifts the veil on how the real estate sales model is evolving and how top participants and professionals and real estate are consuming more market share each and every year. Steve also talks about the power behind a teamerage and what brokers should understand about the model. And — he gives a sneak peek into what he'll be speaking about at this year's Gathering of Eagles on June 18-21st in Austin, Texas.

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The Affordability Crunch: Navigating Volatile Mortgage Rates in a Changing Housing Market (Mortgage Master Class Episode 1)

Mon, 08 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

We are dropping a special episode in your feed — the first of a four-part master class series presented by Zillow Home Loans. This series will feature experts from Zillow and across the housing industry who offer insights and strategies you can use today to best navigate today’s rapidly evolving mortgage market.

Today’s episode is a conversation between Clayton Collins and Orphe Divounguy, Ph.D., a senior economist for Zillow Home Loans and a member of Zillow’s Economic Research team. Orphe’s research focuses on housing and labor markets, and quantitative methods for policy evaluation.

Orphe and Clayton unpack the current dynamics that buyers and sellers are seeing, some of the common public misconceptions about rates, and how affordability challenges and other driving forces are impacting the average homebuyer. They also chat about creative alternatives to traditional financing — and how agents should be seeing these alternatives as an opportunity to better serve consumers.

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Altos President Mike Simonsen brings some truth to common housing data misconceptions

Thu, 04 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Housing News, we welcome a reoccurring HW Media face — Mike Simonson, the founder and president of Altos Research. During the conversation, he gives Clayton a glimpse into the data that he is seeing during this really pivotal first week of May 2023, shares his summer 2023 forecast, and talks about where he thinks will end the year in terms of total active listings.

He also gives Clayton some lessons on how we can best use data to understand what's happening in the housing market for agents, LOs and investors and also shed some light on some misconceptions and ways that people often use real estate and housing data incorrectly.

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Leigh Brown talks lessons learned in over 20 years in real estate

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we welcome Leigh Brown, President of the NC Association of REALTORS® and the Broker/Owner of One Community Real Estate. She's been in the real estate industry for over 20 years and is involved in a lot of facets of the industry and is probably a familiar face and voice to many of you, including those who listen to her Crazy Shit in Real Estate podcast.

In today's conversation, Clayton focuses on some of the expertise that Leigh has built through her years as a real estate broker, what she's learned from her podcast, and some of her learnings as being involved in the National Association of Realtors and other trade organizations and events across the industry.

Leigh is a great speaker and delivers information in a very entertaining and informative way — that's why we're bringing her to the stage this summer at the Gathering of Eagles in Austin, Texas. You can find out more info about RealTrend's Gathering of Eagles here to learn more and register your spot!

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UMortgage CFO on growth investments and mindset in a recessionary market

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This week, we have the pleasure of welcoming Gil Arbitsman, the Chief Financial Officer at UMortgage, to the Housing News podcast. For those of you that aren't familiar with the UMortgage, it's Anthony Casa's new mortgage origination shop — which Clayton got the chance to chat with Anthony about back in December of last year. Gil is also a 2023 HW Finance Leader Awardee.

But this week, the conversation with Gil takes a different approach to look at a lot of the overlooked operational considerations of business development and marketing. Clayton and Gil talk about the financial considerations of growing, acquiring and recruiting in a tough market, really getting a glimpse into it from a top-notch finance leader who has a true focus on growth.

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RE/MAX CEO Nick Bailey on the most important step after an acquisition

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, Clayton had the pleasure to speak with Nick Bailey, the CEO and President of RE/MAX. They talk about the record-low inventory we've seen in March and April, recent happenings in the M&A space, and the importance of moving quickly on integrations in decisions shortly after an acquisition, both on the tech side as well as in the real estate brokerage ecosystem. They also get into how we should be viewing the national housing market versus the local markets, and why it is so important to focus on attracting productive agents.

This episode is also coming to your feed shortly after the launch of this year's RealTrends brokerage rankings, where REMAX had 63 firms in the top 500 nationwide brokerages with over 255,000 sides and a sales volume exceeding $111 billion. Be sure to check out the full RealTrends 500 Brokerage Rankings here!

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MBA Chairman Matt Rocco on how the rapidly changing market influences banks

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This week's episode follows right on the back end of the Mortgage Bankers Association's Technology Solutions Conference, so we couldn't think of a more appropriate time to drop Clayton's great interview with the chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association and President of Colliers Mortgage, Matt Rocco.

Clayton and Matt talked about how quickly the market is changing, how that flows to impact banks, and how that then flows to impact loan officers. Given Matt's strong background in multifamily and commercial real estate, their conversation takes an approach that connects what's happening in the rental market and how that impacts the single-family homeownership market.

They also take a look at the MBA's current role in the real estate market, and current commercial real estate outlooks with specific consideration of the recent news about GSE credit loss preparation.

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Dave Savage of Mortgage Coach on what new LOs just don't get

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, our guest is a mortgage industry veteran and entrepreneur who might be familiar to many of you: Dave Savage, Chief Innovation Officer at TrustEngine & Co-founder of Mortgage Coach. Dave has joined us many times over the years in a variety of HW Media content, including being a 2022 HW Vanguard and being a recurring awardee on our Tech 100 Mortgage List.

Clayton and Dave's conversation hopes to bring a fresh, new angle of Dave's usual expertise. They talk about some current market dynamics, about how some new loan officers don't get it — and how the seasoned ones forgot it. They also go into dissecting the modern sales process and building trust in the type of information that LOs should be sharing at different points in the origination process.

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Keller Williams' President Marc King on their 30-year growth plan

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This week, we are bringing a phenomenal guest to your feed: Marc King, the president of Keller Williams. Marc has a long history in the real estate industry, with his previous role as director of growth for Keller Williams, and as a top-producing sales associate when he joined a Missouri-based Keller Williams franchise as a team leader all the way back in 2003.

Clayton and Marc talk and discuss an array of topics, including how realtors fulfill roles comparable to financial advisors, why agent count matters in a cyclical business, and how to balance technology among differing agent preferences. They also give a sneak peek into the soon-to-be-released 2023 RealTrends brokerage rankings, where Keller Williams fell on that list, and unpack some of the data released on Keller William's 2022 Year-End Results. Additionally, Marc gives listeners some insight into where he hopes to bring the company in the coming years.

Related to this episode:

Non-QM Market Dynamics with Tom Davis of Deephaven

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Clayton had the pleasure of sitting down with Tom Davis, the Chief Sales Officer of Deephaven Mortgage, where he works very closely with wholesale and correspondent sales leaders, as well as clients. Prior to joining Deephaven, Tom served as Executive Vice President, Head of TPO Production at First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation.

During their conversation, Clayton and Tom do a deep dive into the housing market, inventory, inflation, and a brief conversation about the health of the US banking system, including the recent debacle at Silicon Valley Bank. They also talk about the non-QM dynamics that Deephaven has learned from the capital markets disruption over the past three years.

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Kurt Carlton of New Western on "The Great Renovation"

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today's episode is all about "The Great Renovation" that is happening in 15 million vacant homes in the US, and the investors — particularly Gen Z — that are buying these properties, adding value, and bringing them back to the market for sale or as rentals.

Clayton got to sit down with Kurt Carlton, the President and co-founder of New Western, a real estate investment marketplace that helps investors find homes to rehab. Kurt unpacks all the activity that he's seeing from investors that are buying and adding value to homes all across the US. They also talk about the related problems that investors are facing that are plaguing the larger housing ecosystem, including increased labor and material costs.

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Neel Dhingra on building and growing your social media presence

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today's episode, we have a really great conversation between Clayton and Neel Dhingra, the Chief Executive Officer at Forward Academy, mortgage banker at All Western Mortgage, and social media extraordinaire.

Neel talks about how he grew his business using social media and how he went from being 35 and drowning in debt with a failed business to now being a millionaire with a successful business at 40. He also explains why the company we keep can affect your success and also what he learned as an originator in 2022.

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Brian Webster of NotaryCam talks all things leadership and corporate strategy

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today's episode features a great conversation with Brian Webster, the president of NotaryCam. Brian goes into his incredible background that starts from Freddie Mac to the CFPB to Wells Fargo and then, finally, into the FinTech ecosystem.

Clayton and Brian also talk about the impact that Brian has had on the industry through his role in the development of TRID, his thoughts about M&As, corporate strategy and how the right leadership approach can accelerate growth and business outcomes for tech and lending leaders.

Also, tune in to hear Clayton geek out over his passion for innovation in deal-making!

Related to this episode:

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel here for special behind-the-scenes content and video versions of HW Media podcasts!

Kevin Parra, CEO of Plaza Home Mortgage on 2023 Strategy and the Capacity Curve

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today's episode of the Housing News podcast, Plaza CEO Kevin Parra shares how his career as a mortgage lending executive has shaped the actions he is taking to prepare his business for 2023 and beyond. The conversation focuses on cost-efficient lending, focusing on single-channel strategies and building cultures that support recruiting and retaining the best people.

Kevin addresses some of the industry's biggest challenges including reducing headcount to match the volume and capacity curve, mortgage rate lock-down issues, and homebuyer affordability. Clayton and Kevin also uncover opportunities in buydown programs, renovation lending, and adjusting strategies to win market share.

The conversation with Parra spotlights the benefits of experience and a steady hand when economic indicators are opaque.

Related to this episode:

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel here for special behind-the-scenes content and video versions of HW Media podcasts!

Housing Market Update: Slowdance or Great Resetting? Volume, First-time buyers, CX and Rates

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

This week we are bringing you an extra special episode of the Housing News podcast! Earlier this week, HousingWire hosted a virtual economic summit which we dubbed the Housing Market Update. We brought together a handful of the most forward industry thinkers and analyst to share some of the most relevant and thoughtful data and insights we should all be looking at as we head into 2023. They unpack rising mortgage rates, housing inventory, the biggest threats to the housing market and much more.

This episode brings you the most important points from this session from housing folks you probably recognize, including HousingWire Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami, Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant, Altos Research President Mike Simonsen, First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi, and Salesforce Global Head of Mortgage & Lending, Geoff Green.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode, and be sure to check out the full session for a more in-depth update on the market!

Gathering of Eagles will bring together the nation's top residential real estate CEOs, Presidents, and C-Level leadership teams to grow, network, and set the pace for what's next in our industry. 2023's Gathering of Eagles is at Omni Barton Creek Resort in the rolling hill country of Austin, Texas from June 18-21. Click here to learn more and register your spot!

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel here for special behind-the-scenes content and video versions of HW Media podcasts!

Todd Carpenter on how the CoStar and Move, Inc. deal impacts the larger real estate industry

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today's episode of the Housing News podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Todd Carpenter, who has had an extensive and successful career in real esate technology. Most recently the Director of Strategic Investments at NAR, Todd now writes his own blog at todd.re and works freelance with real estate and technology firms.

Clayton and Todd talk about how the rise of artificial intelligence like ChatGPT might disrupt the real estate industry in the future and also dive into the rumored deal that News Corp may sell Move, Inc. to CoStar. They also talk about some of Todd's writing on trends that he's seen over the years in both technology and proptech in real estate.

Enjoy the episode!

Gathering of Eagles will bring together the nation's top residential real estate CEOs, Presidents, and C-Level leadership teams to grow, network, and set the pace for what's next in our industry. 2023's Gathering of Eagles is at Omni Barton Creek Resort in the rolling hill country of Austin, Texas from June 18-21. Click here to learn more and register your spot!

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel here for special behind-the-scenes content and video versions of HW Media podcasts!

Apartment List's Igor Popov looks back on the 2022 rental market

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today's episode, Igor Popov is joining us to dissect and discuss trends in the rental market. Igor is the Chief Economist and Head of Analytics over at Apartment List and he and Clayton talk all things rental housing market data derived from the most recent national rent report by Apartment List, including rent growth data in 2022 and how remote work will most impact the rental market in specific spots across the country.

They also dive deep into the rental pricing and demand trends that began to form in Q3 of 2022 and how these trends are shaping Igor's predictions for 2023.

Enjoy the episode!

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel here for special behind-the-scenes content and video versions of HW Media podcasts!

Daren Blomquist of auction.com on his 2023 housing outlook

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today, Clayton had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Daren Blomquist, the VP of Market Economics at auction.com. Daren has been around this space for quite a while and analyzes and forecasts complex macro and microeconomic data trends, with his works being cited in major publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

For this episode, we invited Daren to talk about a really unique and not often talked about perspective derived from the auction.com platform to help us better understand buyer behavior and what we anticipate will happen in the retail housing market.

Related to this episode:

Enjoy the episode!

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel for special behind-the-scenes content and video versions of HW Media podcasts!

Dan Sogorka on the impact of mortgage tech M&A

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Our wonderful guest today brings to the table 23 years of experience in operating businesses in the mortgage technology ecosystem. In this episode, Dan Sogorka, the president and CEO of Sagent, sits down with Clayton to talk about private equity, venture capital and some of the current opportunities for dealmaking and consolidation in the mortgage tech space.

They also talk about the impacts of fintechs, technology's relationship with mortgage servicing, some of the trends that have happened over the last few years and much, much more!

Enjoy the episode!

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel here for special behind-the-scenes content and video versions of HW Media podcasts!

Stay up to date with QC Ally's web series, Conversations about QC, by checking them out here.

CoreLogic data experts talk all things climate risk

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today's episode of Housing News, we have the pleasure of welcoming two great guests from CoreLogic: John Rogers, the Chief Innovation Officer, and George Gallagher, a Principal of ESG & Climate Change, Natural Hazard and Spatial Solutions.

This episode is focused on all things climate and climate risk. The three unpack all the things that lenders, businesses, homeowners and other real estate owners need to understand about climate risk, both now and in the future. They also share where in the US they would not live based on some of the risk profiles based on CoreLogic's data.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Victoria DeLuce of Delmar Mortgage on the data to watch for 2023

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

To close out 2022, this week we are bringing you a fascinating, in-depth conversation with Victoria DeLuce, the Senior Vice President of Business Development and Capital Markets Thought Leader at Delmar Mortgage. Victoria does an incredible job at bringing her capital markets expertise and her understanding of rates data to originators to help interpret where the market is going.

She and Clayton also talk a lot about hedging works, recent Federal Reserve news, and some of the data points that Logan Mohtashami and Mike Simonsen are watching very closely as we go into 2023.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Brian Covey of Revolution Mortgage talks how to build high-performing teams

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

For today's Housing News episode, we are bringing you a crossover from the HousingWire Daily podcast featuring Brian Covey, the EVP of Strategy and Development at Revolution Mortgage and a regular face at HW Media engagements. After his professional soccer career, Covey was a high-profile vice president at loanDepot who left the company after five years to join Revolution Mortgage.

Brian joins HW Media Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler to talk about Revolution’s lending model, how LOs and brokers can succeed in this market, and how he builds high-performing teams. And, most importantly, Brian also shares some of his perspectives on the World Cup and the incredible match that we saw this past weekend.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team

UMortgage CEO Anthony Casa on their most recent acquisition

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today's Housing News guest is Anthony Casa, the president and CEO at UMortgage to talk in-depth about an acquisition that UMortgage announced this very morning.

Clayton and Anthony also talk about their communication and M&A strategy, the way that he has evolved and attracted people as a leader over the years, and shares some strategy tips about how to recruit the next generation of talent in the mortgage industry.

Enjoy the episode!

Rick Palacios on what headlines are getting wrong

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today we have the pleasure of bringing you a crossover episode from our recently acquired Altos Research's Top of Mind Podcast. On the show, Mike Simonsen, Altos President, interviews experts from across the real estate ecosystem on housing data trends and other happenings in the industry.

For this episode, Mike interviews Rick Palacios, the Director of Research and a Managing Principal at John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Rick was an incredible Housing News guest this past spring, so we are really excited to bring you this episode from the Top of Mind podcast. Mike and Rick talk about trends from the latest builder survey by John Burns, what surprised Rick in 2022, home price projections for 2023, what headlines are getting wrong, and much more!

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Katherine Campbell of Assurance Financial on the industry's transition to consumer-direct

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

On today's episode, Clayton has the pleasure to speak with Katherine Campbell, the Chief Digital Officer at Assurance Financial, a veteran in the financial services industry and a core part of the HousingWire community as one of our 2022 Marketing Leaders.

Clayton and Katherine do a deep dive into the digital roadmap that she's been running since 2018, including the different iterations and what it has enabled for the culture and efficiency at Assurance Financial. They also talk about the industry's transition to the consumer-direct model.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

HW acquires real-time housing data business

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

For today's episode, we are bringing to the Housing News audience first a very special announcement about an acquisition that we've made at HW Media that is going to be really transformative across the HW Media brand and the housing news industry. We are really excited to bring on the CEO of the business who is joining our leadership team to help build out this mission, Mike Simonsen of Altos Research.

This episode is a very special behind-the-scenes look into a conversation between Mike and Clayton about Altos's housing data and analytics and how the partnership will help housing professionals be more impactful and more efficient.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Josip Rupena of Milo on the intersection and future of housing and crypto

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

For today's episode, we have Josip Rupena, the founder and CEO of Milo, a mortgage lender that's focused on serving foreign buyers in the US as well as offering a crypto-backed mortgage product.

Clayton and Josip talk about the background of crypto-backed mortgages and exactly how they work with backing the purchase of real estate. They also go into some of the crypto risks that are created and intersected by the rapid changes in the US housing market amid the downfall of BlockFi and FTX.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team

Maxwell CEO John Paasonen on the company's evolution

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In today's episode, Clayton had a fantastic opportunity to talk with fellow entrepreneur and operator in the mortgage ecosystem, John Paasonen, the co-founder and CEO at Maxwell.

Clayton and John do a deep dive into the evolution of Maxwell over the years, from the strategies that were involved on day one and the parts where his clients helped pull the company forward. With Maxwell being at the forefront of a lot of mortgage ecosystem innovation and adoption, he also shares a handful of tips on how to end up on top during an industry cycle.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant on her 2023 market forecast

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today, Clayton interviews Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, the chief economist of Bright MLS. They cover everything from economic data to innovations in mortgage lending, valuation trends in the real estate brokerage industry, and market data local to Bright as well as national trends.

But, most importantly, we hope you'll tune in and stay for the whole episode as Lisa provides her predictions for the 2023 market, including her forecast for interest rates and home prices.

Enjoy the episode!

Check out the CMBA's webinar, "Fannie Mae Calibrations Overview & How to Prepare," featuring Kristin Broadley, the Chief Innovation Officer at QC Ally, here.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Rook CEO ED Messman on solving the housing affordability crisis

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

For today's episode of the Housing News Podcast, we're bringing you the audio version of an interview featuring Clayton and the CEO of Rook Capital, Ed Messman, who talks about some of the innovative solutions to the home affordability crisis.

Clayton and Ed's conversation helps lay a great backdrop to the affordability challenge that our country is currently facing and how that challenge impacts both mortgage and real estate professionals across the country. They also go into some of today's innovative market solutions that are not only helping homeowners afford homes but also helping mortgage and real estate professionals best serve their borrowers and referral partners.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Scot Rose of Class Valuation on the future of appraisal innovation

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

On today's episode, we sit down with Scot Rose, the Chief Innovation Officer at Class Valuation to talk about the way that some lenders are adopting technology around their appraisal evaluation processes that will prepare them to innovate on the other side of this turbulent market.

Clayton and Scot unpack some of the things that Class Valuation is building that'll help drive business, as we're seeing market uncertainty put a lot of people on the sidelines, and only the most strategic players are still focused on the horizon.

They also talked about some of their inorganic strategies of how they're looking at other AMC and tech acquisitions to propel the business forward. Scott gives a real glimpse into how he thinks the future appraisal will look and how the term "appraisal modernization" might become less prominent in the future.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Homepoint's Willie Newman talks building a more resilient mortgage bank

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today, we welcome Willie Newman, the president and CEO of Homepoint, to the Housing News podcast!

In this episode, Clayton and Willie talk about navigating market cycles, building more resilient mortgage banks with better technology and workflows, and ensuring the IMBs are staffed and resourced properly and efficiently for today's lower volume.

Listen in to this playbook conversation for industry executives and professionals that have their eye on the horizon and aren't afraid to use a housing market cycle to win in the long term!

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Eddy Perez on advocacy work and getting involved in the housing industry

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today we're joined by Eddy Perez, the CEO and president of Equity Prime Mortgage and committee member and board member of the Mortgage Bankers Association. Eddy brings to the table some really great information about how leaders can get involved in the MBA and other organizations across the industry and how they can really make an impact in the broader housing economy outside of their own operations.

Clayton and Eddy also unpack some of the challenges that come with running your own business or team, having KPIs you have to meet —especially in a market like this — all while still finding the time and resources to get back to building long-term careers in the housing industry.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Thomvest Ventures' Nima Wedlake on their 2022 real estate technology market map

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today's guest Nima Wedlake, a Principal at Thomvest Ventures, Board Observer at LoanSnap, recognized as one of the 2020 Rising Stars of Fintech VC by Business Insider, and much more! As a man who wears many hats in the industry, Nima brings a ton of value to this conversation by talking through the Tomvest investment strategy and the portfolio that he is currently betting on in the real estate tech, proptech and fintech markets.

Clayton and Nima also hit on a few other really important topics happening in the wake of the current real estate and mortgage ecosystem, including a potential wave of rapid new company formation and how that can impact fintech and proptech strategies. They also talked about the bifurcation of capital and this new development of thinking about both Opco capital and propco capital.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

How to turn quality control and audits into a profit center with QC Ally

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today's episode focuses on the entrepreneurial side of loan quality, quality control and audit services. We welcome to the show some of the leadership behind QC Ally, formerly known as Inco-Check, including Nicole Booth, the Chief Marketing Officer, Donna Gibson, the Chief Operating Officer & President, and Mike Detwiler, a partner at QC Ally.

Clayton talks to the group about Inco-Check's recent acquisition and the subsequent rebrand to QC Ally, some of the different growth drivers that they're currently seeing — including M&As — as well as what's next for QC Ally and how they intend to shake up and innovate in the quality control ecosystem.

We hope the episode shines some light onto some of the important topics that might make you change your view on QC and audit as not a cost center but potentially more of a revenue center for your mortgage banking businesses.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Artificial intelligence innovations in correspondent lending with Black Knight and US Bank

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today we have two phenomenal guests talk about a collaboration on artificial intelligence in the correspondent lending world: Rich Gagliano, the President of Origination Technologies for Black Knight and Tom Wind, the Executive Vice President of Consumer Lending at U.S. Bank.

Rich and Tom sit down to talk with Clayton about this collaboration that aims to build more efficient origination processes, but they also talk about their own unique challenges and opportunities as they build both their respective businesses forward.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Cenlar's Dave Miller on the importance of servicing in today's market

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Dave Miller, the Executive Vice President of Business Development at Cenlar, to the Housing News podcast to talk about servicing and just how important it is in today's market.

Dave and Clayton talk about how Cenlar has evolved over the decades to become the largest sub-servicer in the country. They also discuss some of the dynamics that originators and real estate professionals need to understand about the servicing world, and what services are going to be better for partners and provide a better experience to homeowners and their origination clients.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

UWM's Desmond Smith on innovating in the mortgage broker channel

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today we give a very warm welcome to Desmond Smith, the Chief Growth Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage to the Housing News podcast!

Clayton and Desmon talk about how his career — which has spanned multiple institutions across the mortgage industry, including Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Fannie Mae — has shaped the way he currently operates as a mortgage executive at UWM. He also jumps into how the past year has shaped both his personal and professional goals, how he leads day-to-day and how his strategy to grow the broker channel is coming to fruition.

Enjoy the episode!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Equifax's Craig Crabtree on how today's market impacts credit reporting

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today, Clayton welcomes the SVP and GM of Equifax Mortgage and Housing, Craig Crabtree, onto the Housing News podcast. Craig has an incredible background as a mortgage lender, which led him to his career as a GM at Equifax.

Clayton and Craig spend a lot of time talking about different credit data sources — from rent data to utility credit data — which Equifax is currently bringing to market as a new and unique data field that lenders can leverage outside of their traditional credit reporting box. They also go into how Equifax and other credit bureaus are leveraging automation to help lenders be more efficient amid the margin tightening that is happening all across the industry.

Enjoy the episode!

Help HWMedia support those affected by hurricane Ian in Florida

Our mission at HWMedia is moving markets forward. Natural disasters like Hurricane Ian have an impact on homeowners and housing professionals alike.

HW is running a fundraiser to make a donation to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund. Please check out this link to purchase a t-shirt or sweatshirt. Proceeds will go directly to support disaster relief in Florida.

HW Media Fundraiser Link --> https://www.bonfire.com/hwmedia-hurricane-ian-relief-fund/

The proceeds from each item will be donated to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Movement Mortgage's Montell Watson on building community-specific strategies

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

We are back for the third and final part of our three-part series focused on affordable housing and increasing accessibility of homeownership!

Today, we welcome Montell Watson to the show! Montell is the Director of Diversity Lending and Strategic Partnerships at Movement Mortgage. He and Clayton walk through his career in mortgage lending and helping Movement launch their Consumer Direct division. They also go into some of the initiatives that he has spearheaded over the years, including Grab the Key, some HBCU partnerships, and other community-based lending strategies.

Montel also gives a glimpse into some other of the challenges and opportunities happening right now at Movement Mortgage, including originator recruitment, acquisition of a mortgage brokerage, servicing loans during COVID, and much more!

Help HWMedia support those affected by hurricane Ian in Florida

Our mission at HWMedia is moving markets forward. Natural disasters like Hurricane Ian have an impact on homeowners and housing professionals alike.

HW is running a fundraiser to make a donation to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund. Please check out this link to purchase a t-shirt or sweatshirt. Proceeds will go directly to support disaster relief in Florida.

HW Media Fundraiser Link --> https://www.bonfire.com/hwmedia-hurricane-ian-relief-fund/

The proceeds from each item will be donated to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Ribbon CEO Shaival Shah on how the "cash buyer model" helps unlock homeownership

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

This week we're back for episode two in our three-part series focused on expanding access to homeownership, the impact on potential homeowners and homebuyers as well as the economic benefits for our broader economy.

And on today's episode, Clayton sits down with Shaival Shah, the co-founder and CEO of Ribbon. They do a deep dive into the power buyer business model, or as Shaival likes to say, the "cash buyer model" and how this cash buyer model is helping to enable new families and new homeowners to access and unlock homeownership and create wealth.

Help HWMedia support those affected by hurricane Ian in Florida

Our mission at HWMedia is moving markets forward. Natural disasters like Hurricane Ian have an impact on homeowners and housing professionals alike.

HW is running a fundraiser to make a donation to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund. Please check out this link to purchase a t-shirt or sweatshirt. Proceeds will go directly to support disaster relief in Florida.

HW Media Fundraiser Link --> https://www.bonfire.com/hwmedia-hurricane-ian-relief-fund/

The proceeds from each item will be donated to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

BONUS: A look inside the Florida insurance market amid Hurricane Ian with Ryan Letzeiser of Obie

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

We are dropping a special —and very timely — bonus episode looking at the state property of insurance in Florida in light of Hurricane Ian that hit Florida this past week.

Today, Clayton is joined by Ryan Letzeiser, the CEO and co-founder of Obie, to talk about all the challenges that the state of Florida has when it relates to property and flood insurance and how hurricanes and other coastal weather patterns are currently impacting and going to impact the insurance market in the future.

Help HWMedia support those affected by hurricane Ian in Florida

Our mission at HWMedia is moving markets forward. Natural disasters like Hurricane Ian have an impact on homeowners and housing professionals alike.

HW is running a fundraiser to make a donation to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund. Please check out this link to purchase a t-shirt or sweatshirt. Proceeds will go directly to support disaster relief in Florida.

HW Media Fundraiser Link --> https://www.bonfire.com/hwmedia-hurricane-ian-relief-fund/

The proceeds from each item will be donated to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund.

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For more information how how mortgage servicers should prepare for hurricane season, check out this white paper from ServiceLink.

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Bank of America's AJ Barkley on expanding homeownership to underserved communities

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week we are kicking off a three-part series that's focused on helping mortgage originators and mortgage banks better serve historically underserved communities and expand access to homeownership. The series is going to cover both the impact on these potential homeowners and homebuyers as well as the economic benefits for the mortgage lending market and our broader economy.

For the first installment, Clayton got a chance to sit down with AJ Barkley, the head of Neighborhood and Community Lending at Bank of America during our HousingWire Annual event. They talk about the state of housing affordability and AJ's path to helping mortgage banks expand access to underserved communities.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Altos Research CEO Mike Simonsen answers the age-old housing question

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Clayton sits down with Mike Simonsen, the founder and CEO at Altos Research to discuss the age-old housing question: how's the market? They go into the leading data points to better understand what to expect in terms of housing inventory, how mortgage rates impact home sales and some of the data that is often misunderstood.

They also talk about the relationship between the rental market and the home sales market and how professionals across the ecosystem can build their businesses to be successful in this very challenging market.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here and use code "podcast20" for 20% off tickets!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

From Shark Tank to HousingWire Annual: Bill Lyons talks entrepreneurship

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Clayton had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Bill Lyons, the CEO at Griffin Funding and an incredible entrepreneur in the real estate and mortgage and space, even appearing on Shark Tank with Revestor, a real estate search engine for homebuyers and investors.

They discuss Bill's entrepreneurial ventures, his founding and building of Griffin Funding, and how his experience on Shark Tank has impacted his journey as a mortgage executive. Bill is going to be speaking at our Vanguard Forum as HousingWire Annual, which is a C-suite gathering of mortgage real estate and technology professionals across the housing ecosystem, so be sure to check it out!

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Important takeaways from Blueprint with Nate Smoyer and Rick Sharga

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Clayton is coming to your feed live from the Blueprint proptech and real estate conference in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada. He had the opportunity to sit down in person and talk to Rick Sharga, the Executive Vice President at ATTOM, and Nate Smoyer, the Head of Marketing at Obie as well as the host of the Tech Nest Podcast.

The three of them talk about what they learned and took away from the Blueprint conference, and how the market is impacting the decisions being made by prop-tech, mortgage tech, and real estate companies.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Talking tech adoption and blockchain with Radian

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today, on this sponsored episode, Clayton is joined by two product and technology leaders from Radian: Mark Wai, the EVP & Group CTO and Sawan Tivakaran, the SVP of titlegenius by Radian.

The three of them talk about how technology adoption innovation has drastically changed in the housing industry in the last several years. They also discuss blockchain, some of its real-world applications and what types of innovations titlegenius by Radian is bringing to the market,

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here and use code "podcast20" for 20% off tickets!

Tyler Okland: what can we expect from iBuyers in the coming months?

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode, Clayton is joined by Tyler Okland, a facial reconstructive surgeon by day and an Opendoor analyst by night. He's also the founder of Datadoor.io a real estate analytics platform that focuses specifically on iBuyer data.

Clayton and Tyler go deep on all things Opendoor, from their business model, their Zillow partnership, and their interactions with the Federal Trade Commission. They also dive into what the industry and investors can expect in the coming quarters from both iBuyers and Opendoor.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Rick Arvielo: a glimpse inside running a mortgage lender

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode, Clayton is joined by Rick Arvielo, the CEO of New American Funding. Rick runs New American Funding along with his wife, Patty Arvielo, who is the president; between the two of them, they have almost 60 years in the mortgage industry, 20 of those running New American Funding.

Clayton and Rick talk about all things mortgage banking, the background of New American Funding, and what Rick has learned over the two decades of building this business with the call center model. They also discuss launching distributed retail, retaining servicing, building in-house technology, working with partners, and much, much more! Rick really gives a full glimpse as to the behind-the-scenes of running New American Funding, so be sure to stick around.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here and use code "podcast20" for 20% off tickets!

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team.

Courtney Thompson: managing servicing through difficult market cycles

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode, Clayton is joined by one of the most well-versed individuals in mortgage servicing, Courtney Thompson. Courtney, who is also one of our 2022 Women of Influence, is the founder of Consigliera and currently resides as the chief product officer at Sagent. She has spent the majority of her career on the "inside" of mortgage servicing, but now she has found herself in the fintech and proptech space.

During their talk, she provides some excellent perspectives on managing servicing and technology through multiple market cycles They also talk about MSRs, the relationship between origination, servicing, and secondary markets, and, finally, the hurdles to incredible technology adoption.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here and use code "podcast20" for 20% off tickets!

Amy Moses: eClosing adoption and getting the most out of conferences

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode, Clayton is joined by the VP of Marketing and Communications at EscrowTab, Amy Moses. Being one of our 2022 Marketing Leaders, Amy is also somewhat of an "eClosing influencer" by being one of the first marketers to develop substantial thought leadership and education for eClosings and eNotes, increasing their popularity by over 150% across many parts of the industry.

Clayton talks to Amy about her journey for advocacy and education work for eClosings over the years, the current state of adoption, and where the industry still has to go to overcome the many knowledge barriers that eClosings still face. They also delve into her "Moses' Musings" about the industry and her top tips on how to best maximize your time at conferences.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here and use code "podcast20" for 20% off tickets!

Logan Mohtashami: can lower rates bring housing out of a recession?

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week features a special crossover episode of our sister podcast, HousingWire Daily, which is hosted by our Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler and features HousingWire Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami. They talk about the broader housing economics, mortgage rate volatility and whether or not he thinks lower rates will bring housing out of a recession.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here and use code "podcast20" for 20% off tickets!

Lucas Haldeman: understanding rental trends in the larger housing ecosystem

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0000

For this week’s episode, Clayton is joined by Lucas Haldeman, the CEO of SmartRent. In a bit of a turn from our usual content, this episode dives into all things rental market. Clayton and Lucas discuss rental trends and market health across the United States and how it reflects in the overall housing ecosystem.

They also talk about Lucas’s entrepreneurial journey and how SmartRent was able to go public in the four short years since its founding.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here and use code "podcast20" for 20% off tickets!

John Burns: how to prepare your business to excel in a housing cycle

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0000

For this week's episode, Clayton is joined in the studio with industry veteran John Burns, the CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Before founding John Burns Real Estate Consulting back in 2001, John worked for several years at a national consulting firm and several more at KPMG.

During the episode, two dive into how his consulting business got started, the types of clients being served, and some of the research and consulting work that's driving change in the housing ecosystem. They also go into some of the economic insights that John and his team are advising people on to prepare their businesses to excel through the upcoming cycle.

Enjoy the episode!

Join us for HousingWire Annual October 3rd - 5th, 2022 in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Register here!

Real estate listings on the blockchain

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins is joined by the President of Incenter Appraisal Management, Mark Walser, and the President of Incenter Agency Solutions & Enterprise Business Strategy, TJ Harrington. As well as the CEO for Real Estate Consortia, Teresa Grobecker.

The quartet discuss the partnership between Incenter and Real Estate Consortia, the blockchain, certified listings and more.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by Elissa Branch and Dalton Johnson

Dave Savage and Kristin Messerli discuss the current state of the mortgage industry

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0000

On today's episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by the Chief Innovation Officer at Mortgage Coach and Sales Boomerang, Dave Savage, as well as the Experience.com VP of Strategy Kristen Messerli. The three dive into a discussion on the current state of the mortgage industry.

Dave and Kristen discuss their recently released "half-time report" of 2022, some of the trends the industry is seeing this year, the challenges the industry has to overcome and more.

Sarah Wheeler shares a look behind the scenes of the HousingWire newsroom

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Coming to you from the Gathering of Eagles conference in Colorado Springs, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins sits down with HousingWire and HW Media’s own Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Wheeler.

Clayton and Sarah discuss her role as editor in chief, as well as some of the key learnings from the Gathering of Eagles and other news stories crossing the HousingWire newsroom desk this week.

Phil Treadwell: origination tactics with the Mortgage Marketing Expert

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Coming to you this week – a little over three years to the day since his last appearance on the show – is Phil Treadwell. Phil is a market leader at Thrive Mortgage where he leads the BREW team in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He is also the host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast.

The last time he appeared on the show the discussion centered on mortgage marketing in a low-rate environment. Now in a distinctly different (savagely unhealthy) market, Treadwell and HW Media CEO Clayton Collins focus their conversation on the opposite: mortgage marketing in a high-interest rate environment.

Enjoy the episode!

The Fed’s impact on rates and the housing market

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week, just as the Federal Reserve hikes its benchmark rate in the biggest move since 1994, HousingWire’s Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami joins HW Media CEO Clayton Collins to give the rundown on the relationship between the Fed's fund rate and mortgage interest rates.

They also discuss some of the misconceptions between the two, other highlights of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and what market predictions can be gleaned from the data.

Enjoy the episode!

State of the Housing Market: June 2022

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today is a very special edition of the Housing News podcast as we gathered people from all across the HW Media team to bring you a mid-year update on different sectors in the housing industry.

Clayton first sits down with HousingWire Managing Editor James Kleimann to talk about inventory and loan originator sentiment. Then, HousingWire Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami joins to talk mortgage rates and application trends. Reporter Connie Kim brings a look at consumer sentiment and RealTrends Editorial Director Tracey Velt follows with real estate broker and agent sentiment from RealTrends’ BrokerPulse survey.

Finally, we wrap with HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler as she talks builder sentiment courtesy of data from John Burns Real Estate Consulting and the National Association of Home Builders.

Hope you enjoy the episode!

Top mortgage trends to watch with Rocket Pro TPO

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today, on this sponsored episode, our Housing News guest is Austin Niemiec, the Executive Vice President at Rocket Pro TPO. Niemiec joined HW Media CEO Clayton Collins talk about new and upcoming trends in the housing market, especially among originators.

They also discuss shifting consumer expectations, how to prepare buyers for a competitive market and mortgage product innovation!

LoanSnap's Karl Jacob on mortgage's crypto future

Thu, 26 May 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today, our Housing News guest is Karl Jacob, the CEO and co-founder of LoanSnap. Jacob joined HW Media CEO Clayton Collins a few weeks back to talk about blockchain cryptocurrencies and NFTs in likely our most well-informed discussion on the subject to date.

They discuss how the blockchain and NFTs are fitting into the mortgage ecosystem, how consumers should expect to see the symbiotic relationship grow and how LoanSnap is leading the charge.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage and real estate. Each week a new mortgage, real estate or proptech executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by Elissa Branch.

Bill Dallas on the "great reset" of mortgage lending

Thu, 19 May 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week’s Housing News guest is Bill Dallas, most recently President of Finance of America Mortgage, a role he left in March of this year. Dallas has also been behind the founding and managing of more than a dozen mortgage and financial tech companies over the past 40 years, including Skyline Homes, OwnIt and New Leaf.

Dallas joined HW Media CEO Clayton Collins to talk about the current state of the mortgage banking industry, especially as compared to previous cycles. They also talk about how the “great reset” of the mortgage lending industry is quickly approaching in Q2 of this year.

Preparing for a mortgage market cycle with Anthony Hsieh

Thu, 12 May 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest is the Founder and Execetive Chairman of loanDepot, Anthony Hsieh. Following loanDepot’s first-quarter earnings call this past Tuesday, Hsieh joins HW Media CEO Clayton Collins to talk about how those in the mortgage industry should expect to weather through a painful – but necessary – cycle.

Bringing with him decades of mortgage experience, Hsieh shares how to strategically play both offense and defense in quickly shifting market conditions. Collins and Hsieh also talk about the evolution of loanDepot’s mello division, how vertical integration plays into the convergence of real estate financing and services and much more!

Did I miss the market? Tom Ferry has the answer

Mon, 09 May 2022 11:00:00 -0000

We are dropping an extra-special episode in your feed this morning for a crossover with the Tom Ferry Podcast Experience!

HW Media CEO Clayton Collins and Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler joined Tom Ferry in his Dallas studio last month to guest star on an episode of the Tom Ferry Podcast Experience.

The three of them talk about every topic that should be top of mind right now, like rates, inventory, inflation, the housing bubble and much more. They also dissect the question everyone is asking as rates rise: did I miss the chance to buy a house?

Rob Hahn on the future of the commodified brokerage

Thu, 05 May 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week’s episode is a special crossover with HousingWire sister brand RealTrends on their RealTrending podcast. RealTrends Editorial Director Tracey Velt interviews Rob Hahn, aka Notorious Rob, of 7DS Associates, a Las Vegas-based real estate consulting firm.

They discuss home prices and what brokers should do to remain market-proof and his take on the commission lawsuits. Hahn also shares his opinion on the future of the commodified brokerage.

Tri Pointe Connect's Ron Turner on the health of the market

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by Ron Turner, President of Tri Pointe Connect to talk give a breakdown of the current state of the housing market and how Tri Pointe Connect’s status as an affiliated lender with Tri Pointe Homes gives them a unique opportunity into new inventory being built all across the country.

The pair also about other hot topics in the space, including mortgage rates, supply and demand and home price appreciation.

The state of homebuying with ServiceLink

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by Miriam Moore, the Division President at Default Services at ServiceLink to talk about their most recent State of Homebuying Report, which looks at how prospective homebuyers are viewing and making decisions in the current market.

The pair talk about how buyers are using technology, emerging demographics, home price appreciation, and the interesting role that auction is beginning to play in today's hot market.

Nate Baker talks connectivity in the real estate transaction

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined in person by Qualia CEO and founder Nate Baker at Qualia’s Future of Real Estate Summit last week in Austin, Texas.

Their discussion centered around the prevailing theme of the conference: connectivity. They talk about the importance of a connected and streamlined transaction in a rapidly changing industry and how Qualia fits into the process. They also discuss new moves in technology innovation and M&As!

Unpacking builders’ market sentiment with Rick Palacios

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by the Director of Research, Managing Principal at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, Rick Palacios to discuss the findings of their most recent Home Builder Survey.

The pair walk through some of the economic headwinds that prospective buyers are facing amid the lack of inventory, rising rates, and inflation. They also dive into how the market is faring on the construction side, with high material costs still impacting building prices.

Debunking VA loan myths with Vetted VA's Chris Griffith

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by Chris Griffith, owner of Debt Does Deals, a Texas-based mortgage brokerage firm and Founder of Vetted VA, a company dedicated to providing homeownership resources to veterans.

The pair compare VA loans to more conventional loan products and dive into Vetted VA’s recently published whitepaper that aims to debunk VA myths and demystify the VA loan process.

Mat Ishbia on how UWM is prepared for the 2022 market

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by the CEO of the nation's largest wholesale and purchase lender, Mat Ishbia of United Wholesale Mortgage. The pair discuss how UWM is faring amid a turbulent market, the outlook for their brokers in a rapidly changing rate environment, and the future of UWM’s Appraisal Direct program.

They also dive into some upcoming trends and Mat shares his predictions for the 2022 market, including new products on the horizon, potential challengers for originators and much more!

Housing economists on their 2022 market predictions

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This week’s episode of Housing News is a special episode that features last month’s HW+ Virtual 2022 Forecast event. The event included notable economists and analysts from across the housing industry, including HousingWire’s Senior Analyst Logan Mohtashami, CoreLogic’s Deputy Chief Economist Selma Hepp, Mortgage Bankers Association’s VP of Industry Analysis Research and Economic Marina Walsh, Zillow’s Senior Economist Jeff Tucker, and Maxwell’s VP, Sadie Gurley.

Each guest brought a uniquely different perspective to the panel, with some choosing to focus on overvaluation and home appreciation and others highlighting highs and lows in markets across the country.

Be sure to stick around for the end of the episode, which features an updated discussion between HW Media CEO Clayton Collins and Logan Mohtashami to share what has and has not changed since February!

Check out the full virtual event here, which includes the visual presentations from our guests and a Q&A segment!

Spruce and Notarize's journey to digital mortgage adoption

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by Patrick Burns and Pat Kinsel, founders and CEOS of Spruce and Notarize, respectively. Both of these companies, which are featured in this year’s Tech100 mortgage winners, are among those paving the way for digital mortgage innovation.

The three discuss each company’s journey and current partnership, hurdles amid regulation of RON and digital closing legislation, and what the future holds for digital mortgage transactions. They also discuss the pros and cons of in-house innovation versus acquisition, especially for large players in the industry.

Check out this year’s Tech100 winners here!

Rene Rodriguez's unique approach to professional growth

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by keynote speaker Rene Rodriguez, the CEO of Volentum and founder of the AMPLIFII coaching and leadership advising program. Rene’s unique background in applied behavioral science gives him a special approach to the program, which has helped over 100,000 people across many industries.

Rene and Clayton walk through building a personal brand through technology as work and personal life blur, his journey through the mortgage industry, and his passion for helping sales professionals grow. He also shares event details for his upcoming AMPCon!

Kristy Fercho talks MBA Servicing and the rise of MSRs

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In this week’s extra episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by Kristy Fercho, the Chairwoman of the Mortgage Bankers Association and EVP and head of Wells Fargo Home Lending. She wears many more hats across the industry, including leading the Affordable Housing working group for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency REACh initiative.

Clayton and Kristy focus on some of the major themes at the MBA Servicing Solutions conference this past weekend, including what we can expect for forbearances in a post-COVID world. They also discuss margin compression amid Q4 earnings season and address some of the buzz behind the rising MSR market.

Greg Schwartz on fixing the purchase mortgage experience

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by Greg Schwartz, former Zillow executive and current CEO and co-founder of Tomo, a fintech startup that aims to transform the home buying experience.

The pair discuss some innovation trends in the digital mortgage space, what Tomo plans to do with the $70 million garnered from their latest funding round and more!

Chris Heller on the health of the market and tech integration

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by Chris Heller, the Chief Real Estate Officer at OJO Labs, owner of Heller Real Estate Group, and former CEO of Keller Williams International to discuss the current state of the market and whether they think it is a good time to buy.

They also highlight OJO Labs’s impressive scaling over the past year, the opportunities and challenges uncovered by RealTrends’ AgentPulse survey, and the potential in embracing the convergence of technology and human expertise.

Nick Thomas on digital mortgage and fintech innovation

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins is joined by Nick Thomas, the co-founder and president of Finicity and EVP at the Office of Engagement at Mastercard.

The pair discuss how the digital mortgage process and fintech innovation can help consumers manage and navigate the homebuying process. Nick also shares some of the behind-the-scenes of the Finictiy’s acquisition journey into Mastercard and some words of advice for fellow entrepreneurs.

Metaprop's Zak Schwarzman on investing in proptech and crypto

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, Clayton is joined by Zak Schwarzman, a General Partner at MetaProp, an early-stage proptech investor.

The pair discuss some of MetaProp’s investment strategies as well as an array of topics in the proptech sphere, including its convergence with crypto and the opportunities that lie in the single-family rental market.

To sign up for our virtual 2022 forecast event, click here!

Moses Kagan on #ReTwit and the SoCal market

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, Clayton is joined by Moses Kagan, the co-founder and head of Adaptive Realty, a real estate private equity fund investor and property manager in the Los Angeles market. Kagan is also a familiar linchpin in #ReTwit and is the face behind Re-convene, something he dubs the “the real estate private equity “‘un-conference’”

The pair take a deep dive into the real estate private equity model, the interesting supply and demand dynamic currently playing out in Southern California, and how to build and grow relationships with worthwhile investors.

To sign up for our virtual 2022 forecast event, click here!

Erin Sykes talks virtual land and the hot Florida market

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Hey folks, a quick note from your host, Clayton Collins. This week's episode features Erin Sykes, Chief Economist at Nest Seekers International. In addition to her economist role, Erin is also a producing agent in Florida and NYC. She brings a unique combination of analysis, data, and practical experience to the conversation.

In this week's episode, Clayton and Erin discuss topics like high demand, why people are fleeing New York for Florida, and the future of branded buildings in luxury markets. They also broached the emerging topic of virtual land and what it could mean for real estate.

This week's episode also features The Mortgage Minute, a weekly brief on the mortgage market conditions and trends in non-QM lending. This special segment is brought to you by Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions.

David Stevens on mortgage industry consolidation

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Hey folks, a quick note from your host, Clayton Collins. Season 8 is here, and I’m back! Sarah Wheeler has been the steward of Housing News for the last several seasons but now she is dedicating all of her on-air time to HousingWire Daily. Despite the fact that Sarah and I are fiercely competitive over who can grow their show the fastest… I’d still suggest you give her a listen on HousingWire Daily!

In my first episode back on the air, I have the pleasure of interviewing David Stevens. David has held almost every role in the mortgage industry -- SVP of single-family at Freddie Mac, EVP at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, president and COO of the Long and Foster, assistant secretary of Housing and FHA Commissioner, and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association. Now he is CEO of his consulting practice, Mountain Lake Consulting.

In this episode, Stevens discussed housing supply and demand dynamics, home price appreciation, and affordability, FHFA fees, mortgage bank margin compression and consolidation, and housing sector employment pressures.

Rocket Pro TPO’s Austin Niemiec on strengthening broker partnerships in 2022

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s editor-in-chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Austin Niemiec, Executive Vice President of Rocket Pro TPO. In this sponsored episode, Niemiec discusses the importance of strengthening broker partnerships in 2022.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Shant Banosian on another record-setting year

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 20:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s editor-in-chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Guaranteed Rate’s top-ranked loan officer, Shant Banosian, who recently announced another record-setting year.

Banosian explains how he topped 2020's $1.7 billion in volume by funding $2 billion in total origination volume for 2021, and also shares insights into next year’s purchase market.

According to Shant, as home prices climb and inventory dwindles, consumers will be more likely to utilize their home equity whether or not rates experience an uptick in 2022.

John Paasonen on empowering small to mid-size lenders

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews John Paasonen, the co-founder and CEO of Maxwell. In this episode, Paasonen discusses the pivotal role of small and mid-size lenders in the mortgage landscape and Maxwell’s rapid growth over the last three years.

Paasonen also discusses some of the challenges of growing a company fast as well as what excites him about the future of mortgage lending.

Thank you for listening to the Housing News Podcast, please don’t forget to give us feedback and rate us on iTunes. Until next week, make sure to check out HousingWire Daily, a podcast dedicated to the hottest new stories across HW Media. The podcast is published each day and is available on iTunes, Spotify, google podcast, and wherever else you get your podcast. Thanks for listening

Radian’s Jill Cadwell on automated decision engines

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s HW+ Managing Editor Brena Nath interviews Jill Cadwell, Senior Vice President of Settlement Services Operations at Radian. In this sponsored episode, Cadwell discusses automated decision engines in the mortgage industry and the specific pain points lenders are still facing when it comes to closing.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

LoanMonkey's Ashwin Dayal on competing against the industry’s biggest players

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s editor in chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Ahswin Dayal, the President of LoanMonkey, a digital mortgage lender that's taking on some of the biggest players in the industry. In this episode, Dayal discusses how the company is planning to compete and win against lenders like Rocket and Better.com with a model that takes operational cues from both.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Volly’s Grant Moon on challenges facing veterans

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s editor in chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Grant Moon, the Chief Revenue Officer at Volly, and the founder and former CEO of Home Captain. In this episode, Moon discusses the difficulties Veterans face during the home buying process and misconceptions about VA loans.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Steve James on Fannie Mae’s Here to help initiative

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s editor in chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Steve James, the Chief Marketing Officer at Fannie Mae. In this episode, James discusses the organization’s Here to help Campaign, which provides resources and information to renters and homeowners in an effort to help them remain in their apartments and homes.

James also explains how he approaches innovative marketing while working at an incredibly large and regulated company, as well as what is in the pipeline for Fannie Mae’s marketing efforts.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Tim Mayopoulos on leading Blend after leaving Fannie Mae

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 17:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s editor in chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Tim Mayopoulos, the President of Blend. In this episode, Mayopoulos explains what makes him optimistic about the mortgage industry.

Mayopoulos also discusses how he sees the role of companies — as opposed to the government — in moving the ball forward on homeownership expansion, as well as what Blend does to promote an inclusive work environment.

Logan Mohtashami talks forbearance and rising mortgage rates

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 21:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s editor in chief Sarah Wheeler and lead analyst Logan Mohtashami launch season 7 of the Housing News podcast.

In this episode, Mohtashami touches on numerous housing topics, including the rise in forbearance exits, why he believes Jerome Powell has been successful as chairman of the Federal Reserve, and whether homebuyer demand will continue to increase despite inventory shortages.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

SitusAMC’s Michael Franco on his company's explosive growth

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Michael Franco, the Chief Executive Officer of SitusAMC. In this episode, Franco discusses the company’s growth trajectory and what he believes have been the most impactful changes for the mortgage industry in 2021.

Bill Dallas on the mortgage industry’s transformation

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Bill Dallas, the President of Finance of America Mortgage. In this episode, Dallas discusses what he’s learned as a leader and an investor, as well as how mortgage companies can combat margin compression.

Black Knight's Chazz Huston on the mortgage industry’s digital revolution

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Chazz Huston the Strategic Alliances Manager at Black Knight. In this episode, Huston discusses where we currently stand in the mortgage industry’s digital revolution.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Atlantic Bay Mortgage’s Brian Holland on remote working

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Brian Holland, the CEO of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group. In this episode, Holland discusses one of the biggest changes in the workplace over the last year -- the move to remote work. Additionally, Holland discusses the importance of company culture.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Ajita Atreya on Freddie Mac’s quarterly forecast

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Ajita Atreya, a senior economist at Freddie Mac. In this episode, Atreya discusses Freddie Mac’s latest quarterly forecast, as well as her housing and economic projections for the rest of 2021.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Origence on delivering a better borrower and staff experience

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Origence’s Andrew Weiss, the senior vice president of mortgage origination platform strategy, and Brit Barker the vice president of enterprise solutions.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

NewRez, Shelter Mortgage on the rise of joint ventures

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Michael Iorio, senior division manager in joint venture at NewRez, and Randy VandenHouten, the executive vice president and chief financial officer at Shelter Mortgage.

In this episode, Iorio and VandenHouten examine the increase of joint ventures in the housing space and discuss what makes a good partner from their perspective.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Liz Smith on the 2021 RealTrends 1000

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Liz Smith, client services manager at RealTrends. In this episode, Liz examines the 2021 RealTrends + Tom Ferry the Thousand and America’s Best Real Estate Professionals rankings.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Invigorate Finance’s Jennifer McGuinness on this year’s purchase market

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Jennifer McGuinness, president of correspondent Lending at Invigorate Finance. In this episode, McGuinness discusses the vision for her newly launched company, as well as this year’s purchase market and the nation’s lack of significant housing inventory.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Barry Habib on IMBs and margin compression

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Barry Habib, founder, and CEO of MBS Highway. In this episode, Habib discusses the squeeze IMBs may be experiencing in 2021, as well as how larger companies like Rocket Mortgage and United Wholesale Mortgage impact competition.

Additionally, he highlights the importance of the referral relationship in a hot purchase market, and whether or not the economy will face a recession in the years to come.

Logan Mohtashami on housing market economics

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 21:00:00 -0000

Summary: HousingWire’s Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami discusses the economic achievements made by the housing market despite impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and his most recent HW+ article that asks, should Americans buy a home in a super-hot housing market?

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Logan Mohtashami, HousingWire’s lead analyst. In this episode, Mohtashami discusses the economic achievements made by the housing market despite impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, he dives into his most recent HW+ article that asks, should Americans buy a home in a super-hot housing market?

David Dworkin on affordable housing and delaying QM rule

Mon, 24 May 2021 14:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews David Dworkin, president, and CEO at National Housing Conference. In this episode, Dworkin discusses how the NHC thinks about affordable housing and what federal policies will improve Black homeownership.

Additionally, Dworkin also addresses a recent decision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to delay the final QM rule and how that might have unintended consequences for some of the consumers the bureau is attempting to help.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Ryan Lundquist on appraising in a hot housing market

Wed, 19 May 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Ryan Lundquist, market analyst, and owner of Lundquist Appraisal Company and The Sacramento Appraisal Blog. In this episode, Lundquist discusses how the appraisal sector fared during the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and how appraisers are navigating this year’s hot housing market.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

AEI’s Ed Pinto on the effectiveness of down payment assistance

Mon, 10 May 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews AEI Housing Center Director Ed Pinto. In this episode, the pair launch season 6 of the Housing News Podcast by discussing several bills proposed in Congress that address first-time homebuyers, and whether or not he believes down payment assistance will be both and impactful.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Spruce’s Patrick Burns on innovation in title technology

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Patrick Burns, the CEO, and co-founder of Spruce, a proptech company powering online real estate transactions. In this episode, the pair discuss heightened investor interest in title technology, innovation, and fintech adoption spurred by COVID-19, as well as the rise of M&A and partnerships.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

NAHB’s Robert Dietz talks housing supply and policy

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Robert Dietz, the chief economist and senior vice president of economics and housing policy for the National Association of Homebuilders. In this episode, the pair discuss homebuilding trends across the country as well as housing policy, and the budding market for building to rent.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

USMI's Lindsey Johnson on Biden's tax credit and how it impacts insurers

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 20:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Lindsey Johnson, the president of USMI, a private mortgage insurance association, comprised of five of the six mortgage insurance companies in the United States.

In this episode, Johnson explains the unique challenges currently facing mortgage insurers, four principles the company considers essential to housing policy reform, and whether or not Biden’s proposed first-time homebuyer tax credit could change the need for private mortgage insurance.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Wells Fargo’s Kristy Fercho on big banks vs startups

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 19:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Kristy Fercho, the executive vice president and head of home lending at Wells Fargo, who also serves as the chairman-elect of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

In this episode, Fercho explains how Wells Fargo is best serving borrowers during COVID 19, the overall effect forbearance exits will have on the housing market, and whether or not she is optimistic about the big bank model.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Reggora’s Brian Zitin on changes in residential valuation

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Brian Zitin, CEO of Reggora. In this episode, Zitin talks about innovation within his company, as well as changes occurring in residential valuation.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

These initiatives could support affordable housing

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews John Beacham, CEO of Toorak Capital Partners. In this episode, Beacham discusses his recent HousingWire article that outlines three common-sense initiatives that could immediately make a difference in affordable housing, as well as how zoning impacts the home buying process.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

SFA's Michael Bright on capital markets in 2021

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Michael Bright, CEO of Structured Finance Association. In this episode, Bright discusses findings in the 2020 SFA Annual Report as well as what's ahead for the market this year in relation to LIBOR, ESG initiatives and GSE reform.

Danielle Samalin on the importance of fair housing

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Danielle Samalin, CEO of Framework Homeownership. In this episode, Samalin discusses the importance of fair housing, and how homeowners can protect their biggest and most valuable investment toward wealth creation.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

How to be an origination leader in 2021

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 20:00:00 -0000

This week, the founder and CEO of HW Media Clayton Collins interviews Gino Fronti and Don Goettling, who are both area managers at Finance of America Mortgage. In this episode, the founders of DG Media and the Don & Gino show, discuss how to best coach originators in today’s market, as well as how to be an origination leader in 2021.

HousingWire articles related to this episode:

· Housing News Podcast: Finance of America Mortgage’s Bill Dallas on innovation and housing supply

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

Sue Woodard on why the customer is the real hero

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Total Expert’s, Sue Woodard. In this episode, the chief customer officer uses her unique perspective to discuss the current state of mortgage technology.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

How mortgage lenders can support staff during tough times

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 22:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Vermillion Consulting’s Dale Vermillion. In this episode, the mortgage trainer discusses how lenders can best adjust their businesses during periods of growth, and how they can also support their staff during tumultuous times.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

HomeBridge’s Brian White on diversity at a practical level

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews HomeBridgeChief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Brian “Woody” White. In this episode, White discusses what increasing diversity within the housing finance industry looks like on a practical level.

Why there won't be a housing crash in 2021

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 20:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire’s Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami. In this episode, the pair discuss three reasons why Mohtashami believes there won’t be a 2021 housing market crash.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

HousingWire articles covered in this episode:

Three reasons there won’t be a 2021 housing market crash

MBS Highway’s Barry Habib on building an empire in 2021

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 21:00:00 -0000

This week, HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler interviews MBS Highway Founder and CEO Barry Habib. In this episode, the pair launch season 5 of the Housing News Podcast by discussing MBS Highways’ 2021 forecast.

During the interview, Habib also discusses mortgage rates, what a new administration means for housing, and how the industry can build an empire in 2021.

The Housing News podcast explores the most important topics happening in mortgage, real estate, and fintech. Each week a new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Sarah Wheeler and produced by Alcynna Lloyd.

HW Media CEO and Real Trends founder on 2021's purchase market

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 21:00:00 -0000

This week, HW Media founder and CEO Clayton Collins interviews Steve Murray, the co-founder, and president of REAL Trends. In this episode, the pair close out season four of the Housing News Podcast by discussing HW Media’s strategic acquisition of REAL Trends, the residential real estate industry’s leading report that ranks the performance of the top U.S. brokerage firms.

During the interview, Murray also discusses his projections for this year’s purchase market and explains how real estate brokerages, loan originators, and title reps can all best work together for a more productive 2021.

NotaryCam’s Rick Triola on RON adoption in 2021

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Today, the Housing News Podcast features a bonus crossover episode from HousingWire’s Daily Download. In this episode, HousingWire Digital Producer Victoria Wickham interviews NotaryCam’s CEO Rick Triola

During the interview, Triola explains why more title industry professionals have adopted remote online notarization in 2020 and shares why he believes RON is here to stay in 2021.

TIAA Bank's John Pataky talks homebuyer demand

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 17:00:00 -0000

This week, the Housing News Podcast features a bonus crossover episode from HousingWire’s Daily Download. In this episode, HousingWire Digital Producer Alcynna Lloyd interviews John Pataky, TIAA Bank’s executive vice president,

During the interview, Pataky discusses the nation’s lack of housing inventory and how it’s impacting homebuyer demand and home prices.

Guaranteed Rate's Ben Cohen on the path to $1 billion

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:00:00 -0000

This week, Ben Cohen, managing director and senior vice president of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss how he became the company’s second loan officer to fund $1 billion in loan volume in 2020. During the interview, Cohen also discusses how his team has adjusted to support origination volume, as well as what Guaranteed Rate does to prepare its loan officers for success.

Freddie Mac's Simone Beaty talks affordable housing

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 18:00:00 -0000

This week, Simone Beaty, the director of single-family affordable lending initiatives Freddie Mac, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss the GSE’s affordable housing initiatives, as well as what it is doing to prepare consumers for next year’s home buying market.

During the interview, Beaty also discusses how Freddie Mac is supporting shared equity programs as many Americans continue to face financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a small preview of the interview with Simone Beaty. The transcript below has been lightly edited for length and clarity:

HW: What are some of the very unique challenges in making sure affordable housing is available for low- to moderate-income borrowers who have been affected by the COVID crisis?

Simone Beaty: What we always bump into is that demand for units has outpaced supply. So, we're always trying to figure out how we can best deal with the supply issue and access to credit. We try to tackle both and sometimes solutions can be merged, where we are looking at flexible qualifying requirements that take into account things like nontraditional credit. We also make sure people who are not mortgage ready understand what steps they need to take to be prepared, so they are not blindly applying for a loan. Additionally, Freddie Mac offers some flexibilities for borrowers that may not meet the traditional credit profile, so if they're not necessarily the cookie-cutter kind of creditworthy borrower, there is enough room in the qualifying requirements that give lenders the ability to make sure they can fit within the conventional lending realm.

CoreLogic's Frank Nothaft on the housing market's vitality

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 17:00:00 -0000

This week, Frank Nothaft, the chief economist at CoreLogic, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss how the housing market has fared in 2020.

During the interview, Nothaft discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the housing market’s vitality as well as the economy. Notably, Nothaft also offers his market predictions for 2021.

Here is a small preview of the interview with Frank Nothaft. The transcript below has been lightly edited for length and clarity:

HW: Let’s talk about CoreLogic’s Forecast. What are you expecting for the first quarter and first half of 2021?

Frank Nothaft: We’re expecting mortgage rates to remain at record low levels, possibly well below 3%. I think that's going to be the case, not only at the start of the year but for most or all of 2021. That's going to be very important in stimulating home sales, and also refinance volume. However, I'm not expecting refinance volume in 2021 to hit the same numbers that we saw in 2020, but I think it's still going to be pretty strong. In fact, I actually expect refinance volume in 2021 to be more than it was in 2019. On the home sales market, we're actually expecting home sales to be up in 2021 compared to 2020. It will be because of new single-family construction and increases in existing home sales. Notably, over the last several months, we've had an acute shortage of existing homes for sale in the United States. Part of that acute shortage of inventory for sale is directly related to the pandemic.

The HousingWire Daily examines the most compelling articles reported from the HousingWire newsroom. Each afternoon, we provide our listeners with a deeper look into the stories coming across our newsroom that are helping Move Markets Forward. Hosted by the HW team and produced by Alcynna Lloyd and Victoria Wickham.

MBA’s Robert Broeksmit on what Biden's win means for housing

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 21:00:00 -0000

This week, Robert Broeksmit, the president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss the association's regulatory priorities for 2021 and what goals it hopes to achieve under a Biden administration.

During the interview, Broeksmit also discusses what could happen if the Biden administration replaces Kathy Kraninger, the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

According to Broeksmit, if a new director is appointed, outside of mortgage regulation, they’re likely to focus on policies related to fair lending and affordable housing.

“I'd first like to say the MBA is very grateful for the tenure of Director Kraninger,” Broeksmit said. “We've worked very closely with her and think she's done a really good job at the bureau.”

“If she is replaced, we think there are a lot of areas outside of mortgage lending that the CFPB will focus on because it has a very wide scope, it's not just mortgages,” Broeksmit said. “There were things the current administration decided not to focus on that I think a Biden appointee would have more interest in pursuing like student loan servicing, regulating debt collectors and payday lending regulations.”

Broeksmit also addresses the Biden administration’s housing agenda and what it means for affordable housing.

“President Biden wants to introduce a $15,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, but unless lightning strikes twice in Georgia and Republicans lose both runoffs, I think we'll have a divided government where a proposal like that won't get much traction,” Broeksmit said. “While the MBA is generally supportive of something like that, we don't think the chances are very high.”

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler. Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines, sponsored by our partners at Freddie Mac.

Freddie Mac's Cindy Waldron talks housing affordability in the times of COVID-19

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:00:00 -0000

This week, Cindy Waldron, the vice president of research and analytics at Freddie Mac, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss affordability and the trends Freddie sees in different areas of the country.

In this episode, Waldron explains how the nation’s lack of housing inventory is affecting low to moderate-income borrowers, as well as how COVID-19 will impact the homeownership dreams of Americans who may be struggling finically due to the pandemic.

During the interview, Waldron also addresses the unique affordability challenges facing American renters, who have disproportionally been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to her, while many renters are struggling, the pandemic has also stimulated homeownership desires for Millennials, many of who have indicated plans to become first-time homebuyers.

“We are seeing [the pandemic] hit a lot of renters, but we are actually also seeing it stimulate some of these Millennials,” Waldron said. “A lot of [Millennials] were staying in place as interest rates remained low, but during COVID-19 we began to see them move to the next house as they wanted additional space.”

Waldron says while the desire for homeownership persists amongst renters and Millennials, factors like dwindling housing inventory and home price increases are impacting their likeliness for affordability.

“Our chief economist at Freddie Mac has predicted the 30-year fixed mortgage will be around 3% in 2021, so that's good news for affordability as these low rates will keep monthly payments down,” Waldron said. “However, house price growth, which was around 5% to 6% in 2020, has been more challenging as COVID-19 has led a lot of people to want more space, which is adding to demand. So, this is also adding pressure towards affordability and even the housing stock.”

“In 2021, we expect the rate per house price growth to be 2.6%, so that should help a little bit, but it's not growing as fast as the 5% to 6% [In 2020],” Waldron said. “That said, again, the housing shortage is going to be very challenging, and building new housing during COVID-19 is going to be hard.”

Thomvest Ventures’ Nima Wedlake on OpenDoor's S-4

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0000

This week, Thomvest Ventures’ Nima Wedlake joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss the housing market’s real estate ecosystem as well as Opendoor’s S-4 filing, which now values the company at $4.8B.

During the interview, Wedlake touches on his recent blog that examines Opendoor’s business practices, its progress to date, and its future prospects. He also discusses why so many companies in the housing space are now choosing to go public.

For some background on Banosian, here’s a summary of HousingWire’s article on the S-4 filing:

Opendoor has officially filed its announcement to go public after announcing its merger with Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. II in September. But the filing also revealed that Opendoor is under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission over its advertising practices.According to the filing, Opendoor in 2019 received a civil investigative demand. Inman first reported on the investigation, which was disclosed in the company’s S-4 statement.

As of Oct. 1, the investigation is ongoing, the filing says.Opendoor has been busy over the last few months. As of Aug. 18, Opendoor has resumed iBuying in all 21 of its markets following a pause due to COVID-19. In the filing, Opendoor said “we are just scratching the surface today. We believe we have a massive opportunity to expand our to reach the top 100 markets in the United States.”

For much of 2020, government edicts related to the pandemic had a dramatic effect on Opendoor’s business. In the first half of 2020, Opendoor said it sold 7,832 homes, compared to 8,985 homes in the first half of 2019, representing a decrease of 13%.

Overall, Opendoor made $1.9 billion in revenue in the first six months of 2020, slightly below the $2.2 billion from the first six months of 2019. Overall, Opendoor posted a net loss of $118 million from January through June 2020.

HousingWire articles covered in this episode:

Guaranteed Rate’s Shant Banosian on becoming the nation's top loan originator

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0000

This week, Guaranteed Rate’s Shant Banosian, the nation’s No. 1 loan originator, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss how he became the company’s first loan officer to fund $1 billion in loan volume in one year, as well as the future of the U.S mortgage market.

During the interview, Banosian explains how he’s generated more than $4 billion in loans over the course of his decade-long career, as well as how Guaranteed Rate weathered the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For some background on Banosian, here’s a summary of HousingWire’s latest article on his achievement:

Over the last five years, Shant has been Guaranteed Rate’s No. 1 loan officer nationwide, as well as the top producer in Massachusetts since 2013.Banosian told HousingWire that the key to his success is his team, and focusing on what consumers need and want.

“It’s one of those cliches: you don’t want to just work in the business, you need to work on the business,” Banosian said. “We’re constantly working on our business and taking feedback from our clients trying to understand what it is that our clients and our partners want, how to constantly be forward-thinking in terms of staying ahead of the competition and figuring out ways to be more efficient.”

Not only are Banosian and his team having a record-setting year, so is Guaranteed Rate, as it funded double the total loan volume compared to the same time last year. Just in August, the company locked down $12 billion in loan volume, breaking its record for one month.

HousingWire articles covered in this episode:

Ed DeMarco on the future of housing regulation

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Housing Policy Council President and former Federal Housing Finance Agency Interim Director Ed DeMarco, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss the future of U.S housing regulation as well as what the November presidential election could mean for the housing market.

In this episode, DeMarco discusses what lies ahead for the economy and the housing market once the forbearance period, which was implemented by The CARES Act and gave finically struggling mortgage borrowers the right to suspended payments without penalties for up to 12 months, comes to an end.

During the interview, DeMarco also addresses the unique challenges facing the FHFA as the agency continues to navigate COVID-19’s impact on the overall industry.

According to him, the FHFA will need to balance the uncertainties arising from both the pandemic and the policies that have been enacted to protect lenders and homeowners.

“Yeah, so FHFA has got an interesting challenge,” DeMarco said. “They have to balance the uncertainties arising from the pandemic and all of the many steps that have been taken in response to the pandemic, with the longer-term goals that Director Calabria has been quite clear about in regard to wanting to end the conservatorships.”

“So, you know, that's an interesting and difficult balance they have right now,” He said. “I expect this is out of the minds of the director and his staff, but of course, many other folks are awaiting the election to see what it all means.”

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler. Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines, sponsored by our partners at Freddie Mac.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

· An end to Fannie, Freddie conservatorship by 2022?

· FHFA moves closer to ending conservatorship, issues new rule on allowing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to build capital

· Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announce underwriting advisers

· Lawmakers ask Calabria to rethink adverse-market fee

· Calabria does not expect widespread delinquencies due to coronavirus

NAHB's Robert Dietz talks housing inventory and homebuyer affordability

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 18:00:00 -0000

This week, Robert Dietz, the chief economist and senior vice president of economics and housing policy at the National Association of Home Builders, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss how the nation’s homebuilders have fared during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode, Dietz discusses how a national shortage of housing inventory and rising lumber prices have contributed to an increase in construction costs, which is making it much harder for builders to introduce affordable supply to the housing market.

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines, sponsored by our partners at Freddie Mac.

First American's Odeta Kushi on the economics of a pandemic

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0000

This week, the Housing News Podcast kicks off Season 4 with HousingWire’s Editor-in-Chief, Sarah wheeler as its new host.

In the first episode of the season, Odeta Kushi, the deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corporation, discusses her economic outlook for 2020, as well as her forecasting approach for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notably, the duo also discusses how low mortgage rates, high unemployment and forbearance requests will impact the housing industry in 2021.

For some background on the interview:

During the interview, Kushi discusses what indicators First American was watching during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they have impacted the overall market.

“We wanted to know what would really impact the housing market, and that is obviously the labor market,” Kushi said. “So, we looked at high frequency data like initial jobless claimsto gauge how badly the pandemic, shelter in placeand the shutdown would impact the labor market. We also analyzed mortgage applicationsto see how demand is being impacted in real time, and then of course, we looked at monthly indicators like homebuilding.”

The economist also discusses what the Federal Reserve’s shift in monetary policy could mean for the housing industry this year and next.

“I think for all fields, this is going to be a huge learning experience, specifically for economics as we'll be able to look back and see the impact of the Federal Reserve stimulus, a lot of which was unprecedented,” Kushi said. “We’ll also be able to play out scenarios and utilize current data as a tool for future economic decline, and I think that will be really helpful.”

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines, sponsored by our partners at Freddie Mac.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

Mortgage Marketing Radio’s Geoff Zimpfer and Logan Mohtashami on the housing market's resiliency

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:00:00 -0000

This week, the Housing News Podcast features a bonus crossover episode from HousingWire’s Daily Download.

In this episode, Mortgage Marketing Radio’s Geoff Zimpfer and HousingWire columnist Logan Mohtashami discuss why the U.S. housing market is winning in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact.

For some background on the interview, here’s a brief summary of Mohtashami’s latest HousingWire column:

The U.S. economy started the year off in an expansionary mode. Retail sales were positive year over year, job openings were roughly at 7 million and the housing data for the first time in a long time started to outperform other sectors of the economy. Existing and new home sales hit cycle highs, purchase application data showed steady double-digit year over year growth and housing starts had almost 40% year over year growth in February.

Then we were hit with COVID-19, and the fear of this virus along with the economic decline due to the stay-at-home orders whipped the housing bubble boys into a frenzy of crash calls.

My long-standing core thesis has been that the housing market would have the weakest recovery from a crash in the years 2008 to 2019, but it would improve in years 2020-2024 because U.S. demographics would become favorable for housing.

This is the time frame where we should see 1.5 million total housing starts and the purchase application index will get over 300.

OJO Labs’ Karen Starns talks marketing during COVID-19

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 18:00:00 -0000

This week, the Housing News Podcast features a bonus crossover episode from HousingWire’s Daily Download.

In this episode, HousingWire Magazine Editor Kelsey Ramírez interviews OJO Labs Chief Marketing Officer Karen Starns about the role of marketing in the housing industry’s changing landscape.

For some background on the interview:

This year the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 and the response from local, state and even the national government changed how business operate, where they operate from and importantly, their marketing strategies.

The housing industry fluctuates quickly, creating the need for consistent changes in marketing strategy, but with the onset of COVID-19 many companies were forced to pivot with little to no notice.

Spoiler alert: HousingWire 2020 Woman of Influence Karen Starns spoke with us about the role marketers played in the COVID-19 crisis. She explained that marketers need to find out what works for them and double down on it, however they should always have an experimental campaign in the works.

“Never be afraid to try something new,” Starns said in the interview.

Starns is a force within the consumer tech space. As chief marketing officer at OJO Labs, Starns focuses her attention on the revamping of OJO Labs’ brand to better reach a rapidly increasing number of consumers through the company’s proprietary AI advisor for homebuying.

Starns is featured heavily in our 2020 HousingWire Magazine redesigned August issue. To access our all-new magazine and HW+ premium content, sign up here.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

HW Women of Influence Program Details

Angel Oak’s Tom Hutchens and Manish Valecha on non-QM lending

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0000

This week, Tom Hutchens, the executive vice president of production at Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions, and Manish Valecha, the head of client solutions at Angel Oak Capital Advisors, join the Housing News Podcast for its season finale.

In this episode, the duo discusses the current non-QM landscape, as well as what led to the quick evaporation of the product in March 2020.

Additionally, the pair discuss the two newly announced proposed rulemaking notices from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on the QM Patch, and what those changes could mean for the industry at large.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

Arch MI’s Carl Tyree on nonbank lending, forbearance and technology

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 21:00:00 -0000

This week, Carl Tyree, the executive vice president, and chief sales officer at Arch Mortgage Insurance, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss how the growth of the nonbank originator channel is impacting the housing industry.

In this episode, Tyree discusses the amount of servicing volume that Independent mortgage bankers are retaining and how they’ve managed to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, Tyree explains how mortgage insurance companies work with lenders throughout the forbearance process and explains why the implementation of new technology has been critical for ensuring the mortgage industry’s survival.

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines, sponsored by our partners at Arch MI and Quicken Loans Mortgage Services.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

The Urban Institute’s Alanna McCargo on black homeownership after COVID-19

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 18:00:00 -0000

This week, the Housing News Podcast features a bonus crossover episode from HousingWire’s Daily Download.

In this episode, HousingWire Digital Producer Alcynna Lloyd interviews The Urban Institute‘s Alanna McCargo on how the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to impact America’s black homeownership rate.

For some background on the interview:

Last year, the homeownership rate for black Americans fell to 40.6% in the three months through June, the lowest level in the Census Bureau’s quarterly data going back to 1994, according to a government report. It was the smallest share recorded for black households since the 1950 decennial Census when it was 34.5%.

The downward trajectory began in 2007 when predatory home loans started going into default, sparking a financial crisis that spread across the globe as trillions of dollars in mortgage securities lost value.

While the overall U.S. homeownership rate fell from 68.4% at the beginning of 2007 to 64.1% in 2019’s second quarter – a drop of just over four percentage points – the decline for black Americans was much steeper. The rate went from 48% to 40.6%, dropping more than seven percentage points.

And now data shows, that the coronavirus pandemic is likely to worsen prospects for Black Americans, which will lead to a larger gap in the homeownership rate.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

Quicken Loans’ Austin Niemiec on forbearance, refinancing and wholesale lending

Tue, 19 May 2020 19:00:00 -0000

This week, Austin Niemiec, the executive vice president at Quicken Loans Mortgage Services, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss the housing industry’s rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode, Niemiec discusses his evolution in the mortgage industry and offers insight on how best to coach teams during these turbulent times.

Additionally, Niemiec touches on the nation’s significant uptick in forbearance requests from financially strained borrowers, growth in the wholesale lending market, and expanding mortgage refinancing volume.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

MBS Highway’s Barry Habib on Calabria, forbearance and the job market

Mon, 11 May 2020 10:00:00 -0000

This week, MBS Highway Founder and CEO Barry Habib joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the nation’s housing ecosystem.

In the second half of this two-show episode, Habib explains why U.S. markets now face an uphill battle as the unemployment rate falls to Great Recession levels, and why first-payment defaults on forbearance are problematic for the housing finance sector.

Additionally, Habib discusses a conversation he had with Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria regarding the state of U.S. mortgage servicing. According to Habib, Calabria anticipates there's a good chance the nation’s forbearance window might close at the end of May.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

Housing News Bonus Episode: Ellie Mae’s Eric Connors on what to watch for post pandemic

Wed, 06 May 2020 11:00:00 -0000

In this custom episode presented by Ellie Mae, HW+ Managing Editor Brena Nath talks to Ellie Mae Senior Vice President of Product Strategy and Management Eric Connors on how the mortgage industry is going to move forward in this new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now that it’s the beginning of May and more states are starting to provide updates around the stay-at-home orders, Connors shares how the industry has been learning to adjust to the changes in the market, such as the reduction in rates and the increase in volume, all while figuring out the new normal of working from home.

Given how COVID-19 has changed how people in this industry view technology both internally and externally, Connors states, “Imagine if this event had happened 10 years ago on the state of things like the internet, the bandwidth, videos, zoom, all of these things 10 years ago, was a very, very different environment?”

He adds that the industry has made significant strides in how they accept this whole process, saying it is going to be very ground-shaking in what it means to the digital part of people’s lives and how they engage with and leverage tools.

The other area that Connors emphasizes is the impact that the pandemic is having on the eClosing side of the equation.

"This is obviously going to become a higher priority for many of the lenders out there. In particular, the remote online notary and a lot of the legislative constraints that we've had around that I think are likely to start seeing some movement,” he states. “I think those are going to be two things to sort of watch out for as we go through how this new norm of adopting and leveraging technology, maintaining that engagement, even though we are remote, and then sort of the legislative side of this where we have had legislation in the way of making that more realistic for the experience.”

Lastly, as the industry continues to collaborate at the Ellie Mae Virtual Experience conference, Connors shares some of the biggest trends he’s hearing from lenders and what tips and tools people should bring into the rest of 2020.

For the latest updates on Ellie Mae’s Virtual Experience 2020 Conference, go here.

Voice of Appraisal Radio's Phil Crawford on appraising during COVID-19

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0000

This week, Voice of Appraisal's President, Phil Crawford joins the Housing News Podcast for episode eight to discuss how COVID-19 has transformed the appraisal process for the nation's homebuyers.

In this episode, the host of the Voice of Appraisal Radio podcast also touches on whether or not the business is an essential service. Crawford also shares his perspective on why appraisers need a bigger voice in policymaking and touches on the potential impact of some recent announcements from federal banking regulators that allow appraisal postponements up to 120 days after a mortgage.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

Ellie Mae’s Jonas Moe on how to pivot strategies in times of uncertainty

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0000

In this custom episode presented by Ellie Mae, HW+ Managing Editor Brena Nath talks to Ellie Mae Senior Vice President of Marketing Jonas Moe.

Moe shares some advice on how to pivot marketing strategies right now given the new social distancing world we’re in. Using their own Ellie Mae Experience conference as an example, Moe explains what it means to think of things virtually first, since the idea of having face-to-face meetings is so ingrained.

When it comes to this new way of engaging with peers, Moe adds, “I think one of the things that a lot of us are adjusting to is what success looks like, and how do I measure success in that virtual world?”

He also touches on how Ellie Mae’s Virtual Experience 2020 Conference kicked off this week, opening the door to a new type of networking experience and collaboration.

“We’ve adapted a lot of content to be relevant to the time we're in now. Even thinking about where we were 60 days ago to where we are now, we've adapted a lot of the sessions and rejiggered them in many ways to talk about how businesses go forward in this COVID-19 world,” says Moe. “I want people to walk away understanding what Ellie Mae can do for them from a business perspective, and I want them to collaborate with each other so that they understand what tips and tricks are making them successful in this world where they've had to adapt their whole workforce.”

With Ellie Mae’s Virtual Experience 2020 Conference in full swing, they also announced that they will be donating $10 for every person who registers for Virtual Experience to GetUsPPE.org, an organization that is providing personal protective equipment to the doctors, nurses and first responders on the front lines. They will be donating up to $50,000 based on registrations.

For the latest updates on Ellie Mae’s Virtual Experience 2020 Conference, go here.

Housing data analyst Logan Mohtashami talks forbearance, mortgage rates and foreclosures

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0000

This week, AMC Lending Group's Senior Loan Manager, Logan Mohtashami joins the Housing News Podcast for episode eight to talk about the housing market's rebound.

In this episode, the HousingWire columnist and housing data analyst dives deeper into his recent article, "The Housing Industry isn’t as doomed as it may seem…” which discusses the housing market’s potential rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mohtashami also shares his perspective on what he thinks will be the biggest issues facing the housing industry in the virus’ wake.

According to Mohtashami, the housing industry needs to prepare for an uptick in home foreclosures and rapid home price growth due to a lack of housing inventory.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

Ellie Mae’s Joe Tyrrell on the technology trends that will outlast COVID-19

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0000

In this custom episode presented by Ellie Mae, HW+ Managing Editor Brena Nath talks with Ellie Mae Chief Operating Officer Joe Tyrrell to discuss the surge in interest around technology for internal and external purposes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the technology trends that are starting to emerge.

Ellie Mae is uniquely positioned to see the juxtaposition between consumer demand in the market and the current state of the secondary market, as they help lenders pull loans all the way through their pipeline and get them into the secondary market.

When asked what lessons lenders will learn from this time, Tyrrell said, “I think we’ll never be the same. Even when we all return back to our workplaces, employees are going to have new concerns that they didn't have before, and employers, and lenders specifically, are going to have to really think hard about how they prepare themselves for whatever the next situation might be that disrupts their business.”

Tyrrell also shares why Ellie Mae decided to make Ellie Mae Insights, its analytics solution that provides peer benchmarking comparison analysis, generally available, adding that lenders now have access to new data to help them make decisions.

And with Ellie Mae’s Virtual Experience 2020 Conference starting next week, Ellie Mae is set to have a much bigger audience than they've ever had, as they prepare to strategize and plan for the future together. For the latest updates on Ellie Mae’s Virtual Experience 2020 Conference, go here.

Movement Mortgage's Casey Crawford on leading the industry through the mortgage market’s highs and lows

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 10:00:00 -0000

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins.

Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines sponsored by our partners at Arch MI and Quicken Loans Mortgage Services.

This week, Movement Mortgage CEO and Co-founder Casey Crawford joins the Housing News Podcast for episode seven.

In this episode, the former NFL player touches on the biggest issue facing the housing finance sector – the ongoing uptick in forbearance requests from the nation’s financially strained borrowers, and the impact it is having on independent mortgage servicers nationwide.

Crawford also shares his perspective on how the U.S. mortgage industry can best adapt and overcome challenges during this period of uncertainty.

According to Crawford, the mortgage market is one of dramatic highs and dramatic lows. If mortgage companies want to overcome volatility, industry leaders must position their organizations to proactively address problems quickly and decisively.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

Advertiser Disclaimer: Quicken Loans Mortgage Services (QLMS) – Call for cost information and conditions. Equal housing lender. Licensed in all 50 states. NMLSConsumerAccess.org #3030.

David Stevens stresses the important role of IMBs

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins.

Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines sponsored by our partners at Arch MI and Quicken Loans Mortgage Services.

This week, Mountain Lake Consulting’s CEO David Stevens, who is the former president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, joins the Housing News Podcast for episode six.

In this episode, Stevens who formerly served as the US Assistant Secretary of Housing for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Obama administration from 2009 to 2011, discusses his perspectives on the current state of the U.S. housing finance industry, particularly on independent mortgage banks and their role in lending.

As the industry knows, market uncertainty continues to increase as more and more borrowers request forbearance on their mortgages due to financial difficulty born out of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Stevens, every person in the mortgage finance sector needs to be prepared for an extended duration of credit constraints being applied to the loans they’re attempting to originate.

Here are links to the topics discussed:

Advertiser Disclaimer: Quicken Loans Mortgage Services (QLMS) – Call for cost information and conditions. Equal housing lender. Licensed in all 50 states. NMLSConsumerAccess.org #3030.

MBS Highway's Barry Habib on the Coronavirus mortgage meltdown

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 13:00:00 -0000

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins.

Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines sponsored by our partners at Arch MI and Quicken Loans Mortgage Services.

This week, MBS Highway Founder and CEO Barry Habib, who was recently named the 2020 winner of the Crystal Ball Award, presented by Zillow and Pulsenomics, joins the Housing News Podcast for its fifth episode of season three.

In the first half of this two-show episode, Habib discusses the Coronavirus’ impact on the U.S. housing market and explains how a global pandemic hurled the housing finance industry in an economic storm that has yet to pass.

Habib, who says “not even Stephen King could have scripted this”, also explains why the Federal Reserve’s desire to lower mortgage rates isn’t just damaging for mortgage servicers, but lenders who now fear losing the ability to hedge their risk.

According to Habib, not only does the Federal Reserve need to temporarily slow MBS purchases to allow pipelines to clear, but they must more clearly communicate that mortgage rates and the Fed Funds Rate are not one and the same.

Advertiser Disclaimer: Quicken Loans Mortgage Services (QLMS) – Call for cost information and conditions. Equal housing lender. Licensed in all 50 states. NMLSConsumerAccess.org #3030.

Ellie Mae’s Jonathan Corr on the state of the mortgage industry

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:00:00 -0000

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins.

Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines.

In this custom episode presented by Ellie Mae, HousingWire Community Editor Brena Nath talks with Ellie Mae President and CEO Jonathan Corr to discuss the state of the mortgage industry and gives some advice on how lenders and companies can navigate everything going on in the industry.

Corr also gives an inside look at Ellie Mae’s new Virtual Experience 2020 Conference and the unique opportunities it offers attendees to interact with leading experts and their peers on the top issues in the industry right now.

“This is a stressful time for everybody, but how do you put yourself in a position to come out stronger and smarter and faster on the other side?” Corr said. “It really is in times of challenge and crisis where the folks who take it as an opportunity to invest in themselves always end up being more successful when the clouds clear and the sun comes back up.”

For the latest updates on Ellie Mae’s Virtual Experience 2020 Conference, go here.

Kind Lending’s Glenn Stearns on how the mortgage industry can navigate these uncharted waters

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 21:00:00 -0000

Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines sponsored by our partners at Arch MI and Quicken Loans Mortgage Services.

This week, Glenn Stearns, who has undoubtedly been one of the biggest names in mortgage lending over the last 30 years, joins the Housing News Podcast for its fourth episode of season three.

Stearns, who founded Stearns Lending in 1989, joins the Housing News Podcast to discuss his new company, Kind Lending, which touts itself as a “fresh and edgy approach to mortgage banking.”

Additionally, the trailblazer discusses current market conditions, which have been changing each day as Coronavirus continues to take its toll on the mortgage industry.

According to Stearns, who survived the Housing Crisis of the 2000s, if mortgage companies want to survive this period of uncertainty, they will need to invest in technology and learn how to better communicate.

Here’s more detail on the topics of discussion this week:

Glenn Stearns founded the mortgage company that carries his name, Stearns Lending, in 1989. And in the convening years, Stearns helped build the company into one of the biggest mortgage companies in the nation. But Stearns has laid somewhat low in the last year or so, but he is being quiet no more. Stearns is launching a new mortgage company, Kind Lending.

Quicken Loans recently joined the thousands of companies that are encouraging (if not requiring) their employees to work from home to combat the spread of COVID-19. But the nation’s largest mortgage lender is hardly the only company that is moving to a remote work policy as the concern over the virus worsens. The Federal Finance Agency, Guaranteed Rate, Caliber Home Loans, and United Wholesale Mortgage are just a few names reassessing their workplace procedures.

The White House and the Federal Housing Finance Agency are calling for up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance for Americans who can’t pay their bills because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of people needing that help is so big, it might require the Federal Reserve to flex its muscles, according to a report from Cowen Washington Research Group. Specifically, the Fed might have to use Sec. 13 of the Federal Reserve Act that covers emergency lending, it said.

And here are links to the topics discussed:

1) Glenn Stearns is back, launches Kind Lending
https://www.housingwire.com/articles/glenn-stearns-is-back-launches-kind-lending/

2) Here’s how the mortgage industry is reacting to the coronavirus https://www.housingwire.com/articles/heres-how-the-mortgage-industry-is-reacting-to-the-coronavirus/

3) Can the Fed help Americans get mortgage forbearance?
https://www.housingwire.com/articles/can-the-fed-help-amer

MBA's Robert Broeksmit talks regulation and borrower relief

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 21:00:00 -0000

This week, Robert Broeksmit, the president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, joins the Housing News team to discuss the mortgage industry’s challenges during this tumultuous time.

In this episode, Broeksmit explains the MBA’s approach to borrower relief, as regulators move to suspended foreclosures and evictions. He also touches base on potential liquidity backstops for servicers, bank regulatory flexibility for lenders, legislation permitting remote online notarization nationwide, streamlining the refinance process and more.

Truist's Sherry Graziano on preparing lenders for this year's low rate environment

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:00:00 -0000

The Housing News Podcast is a weekly wrap of the top news stories by HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins.

Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines sponsored by our partners at Arch MI and Quicken Loans.

This week, Sherry Graziano, the head of Mortgage Omni experience at SunTrust, which has now been named Truist, joins the Housing News Podcast for episode two of season 3.

In this episode, which was recorded two weeks ago during the nation’s interest rate debacle, Graziano discusses the housing market's low-interest-rate environment, which continues to change day-to-day, and what it means for the mortgage industry as more and more lenders report a surge in both refinance and purchase volume. Additionally, she explains why relationships are key in the housing space.

Here’s more detail on the topics of discussion this week:

The Federal Reserve made its second emergency cut in two weeks, slashing 1% off its benchmark rate, and renewed a program to buy Treasuries and mortgage bonds in an effort to bolster the economy as the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads in the U.S.

As the mortgage business continues to try to deal with the repercussions of interest rates hitting an all-time low early March, it appears that some lenders are inflating their advertised mortgage rates to try to stem the tidal wave of mortgage applications they’re receiving.

Mortgage rates fell to an all-time low two weeks ago, and lenders across the country are now dealing with a deluge of mortgage applications as borrowers rush to both buy and refinance. But are some of those same lenders keeping borrowers from getting even lower interest rates than they already are? The answer: Possibly.

Tom Ferry on how real estate agents can win in today's housing industry

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 10:00:00 -0000

This week, the New York Times bestselling author Tom Ferry joins the Housing News Podcast for its season finale.

Ferry, also known as the #1 Real Estate Coach, is an industry titan that offers the nation’s real estate agents’ advice on how best to market themselves.

In this week’s episode, the fellow podcast host and Swanepoel Power 200 winner, explains how real estate agents and brokers can utilize social media and technology to set themselves apart, as well as what it takes to win in today’s real estate industry.

Former FHFA Interim Director Ed Demarco on QM and the Ability-to-Repay rule

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Housing Policy Council President and former Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Ed DeMarco visited HousingWire to talk about the latest developments on the Qualified Mortgage and the Ability to Repay rule.

In this podcast episode, DeMarco talks about the shifts in the QM, and what it would mean to remove the debt-to-income requirement from Ability to Repay. Is the pricing threshold a better option, or could it be better used to determined what isn't QM, instead of what is? DeMarco explains the difference, and what his take on it is.

The Housing News Podcast: Arch MI's Carl Tyree on mortgage rates, housing inventory and the company's mortgage market review

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:00:00 -0000

This week, Carl Tyree, the executive vice president and chief sales officer at Arch MI, joins the show for a bonus episode.

Tyree is an industry titan, currently overseeing Arch MI’s sales teams and relationship strategies. Prior to joining Arch MI, he held senior sales and sales leadership roles with Republic Mortgage Insurance Company, Nomura Credit and Capital and Ocwen Financial Corporation.

Unison’s Thomas Sponholtz on alternative homeownership models, QM lending, and co-investing

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:00:00 -0000

This week, Thomas Sponholtz, the CEO and chairman at Union Home Ownership Investors, discusses his industry origin story, as well as his determination to bring housing innovation to the United States.

Additionally, Sponholtz touches base on new QM lending rules and the housing sector's emergence of alternative homeownership models, which he says will be needed to better service homebuyers.

HousingWire’s Clayton Collins guest stars on the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:00:00 -0000

This week, we’re bringing you something special – our first-ever cross over bonus episode.

In this bonus episode, Collins sits down with Phil Treadwell, the vice president of development and regional manager at Mason-McDuffie, who also happens to be the host of fellow Industry Syndicate podcast the Mortgage Marketing Expert.

The two discuss Collins’ evolution within the mortgage industry, as well as HousingWire’s emergence as a top industry publication. Additionally, Treadwell and Collins touch base on some of the industry’s hottest topics, ranging from recession fear, mortgage rates, first-time homebuyers and more.

HousingWire’s Ben Lane talks Plaid/Visa deal and the fintech consolidation wave

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 19:00:00 -0000

This week, Ben Lane, the managing editor of HousingWire, discusses Visa’s announced acquisition of technology platform and 2019 HW Tech100 winner Plaid. The agreement, which represents a total purchase consideration of $5.3 billion, enables Visa to deliver more value for developers, financial institutions and consumers, according to the company.

Finance of America Mortgage’s Bill Dallas on innovation and housing supply

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 22:00:00 -0000

This week, Bill Dallas, the president at Finance of America Mortgage and co-founder of Cloudvirga, discusses his evolution in the mortgage industry, as well as the importance of creating innovative products for today’s mortgage brokers and lenders.

Additionally, Dallas touches base on the nation’s lack of housing inventory and how the rise of homeowners aging in place is impacting origination volumes.

Home Point Financial’s Phil Shoemaker talks broker expansions and what’s to come in 2020

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 19:00:00 -0000

This week, Phil Shoemaker, the executive managing director and chief business officer at Home Point Financial, discusses three housing trends to watch for in 2020. According to Shoemaker, the housing industry will see a boost in mergers and acquisitions, as well as broker expansions. Additionally, Shoemaker says the industry is likely to see an increase in technology in 2020.

Ellie Mae’s Jonathan Corr on Thoma Bravo deal, Capsilon acquisition and 2020 market outlook

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 19:00:00 -0000

This week, Jonathan Corr, the president, and CEO of Ellie Mae discusses the company being acquired by Thoma Bravo, as well as Ellie Mae's recent acquisition of fintech company Capsilon. Additionally, Corr details his market outlook for 2020.

UWM’s Alex Elezaj talks origination volume and conforming loan limits

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Alex Elezaj, the chief strategy officer at United Wholesale Mortgage, discusses the impact low-interest rates are projected to have on home lending. Additionally, Elezaj explains what the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s decision to increase loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could mean for the mortgage industry.

Guild Mortgage's David Battany takes on the nation's homebuilding woes

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0000

This week, David Battany, the executive vice president of capital markets at Guild Mortgage, discuss the housing market’s lack of significant inventory as well as the nation’s budding market for manufactured homes. Additionally, Battany explains what the industry needs to do to get more first-time homebuyers into homes.

This is how you sell it like Bravo’s Ryan Serhant

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Collins joins us live from AIME FUSE 2019. The conference, which hosted more than 2,000 mortgage brokers from around the country, was held last month at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In an exciting conversation, Ryan Serhant, the wildly successful real estate broker featured on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing New York” and “Sell It Like Serhant,” discusses his national bestseller as well as the intriguing story of the ever so elusive Mr. X. Additionally, Serhant offers advice on how mortgage brokers can make sure they are setting themselves up for success.

Although the interview is loud, as it was recorded in a room full of hundreds of brokers, the conversation is worth the listen. So, forgive us for the background noise, and join us for another exciting episode of the Housing News Podcast.

Roofstock’s Gary Beasley gives us the skinny on America’s single-family rental market

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Gary Beasley, the CEO, and co-founder of Roofstock, explains the origin story of his online real estate investment company, as well as the company’s evolution throughout the years. Additionally, Beasley discusses America’s single-family rental market, which he says continues to attract more and more institutional capital.

Housing News Podcast: Auction.com’s Daren Blomquist on the opportunity in housing

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 10:00:00 -0000

This week, Daren Blomquist, the vice president of market economics at Auction.com, has a very data-focused conversation about America’s economy, the housing market’s lack of affordability, and the growing presence of opportunity zones.

Century 21’s Mike Miedler explains what it takes to thrive in an “experience economy”

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:00:00 -0000

This week, Michael Miedler, the president and CEO of Century 21, kicks off season two of the Housing News Podcast. Miedler discusses his accession within the real estate industry, as well as what it takes for agents to thrive in an “experience economy.” Additionally, Miedler touches base on some of housing’s hottest topics ranging from Millennial homebuyers to inventory and affordability woes.

Fannie Mae's Doug Duncan explores the future of housing

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Doug Duncan, the chief economist at Fannie Mae, closes out season one of the Housing News Podcast with a bang. Duncan takes a look at several industry hot topics ranging from the nation's lack of housing supply to its changing demographics. Additionally, Duncan discusses the likelihood of an economic recession and what that could mean for the housing industry.

Angel Oak’s Tom Hutchens explains what the QM Patch's expiration means for the housing industry

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 11:00:00 -0000

This week, Tom Hutchens, the EVP of production at Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions, explains to listeners the role of Non-QM lending and what the expiration of the QM Patch could mean for the housing industry. Additionally, Hutchens discusses the nation’s homebuying confidence, which climbed to new heights in July.

In July, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau expressed its intent to allow the QM Patch to expire as early as 2021, and Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index indicated that America’s housing confidence peaked to its highest level at 93.7 points.

Black Knight’s Shelley Leonard on selling the hope of homeownership

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 18:00:00 -0000

This week, Shelley Leonard, the chief product officer and EVP of Black Knight, discusses her 26-year tenure in the mortgage industry. Additionally, the HousingWire Vanguard winner explains how low mortgage rates are impacting the nation’s mortgage servicers and homeowners.

Last week, Freddie Mac reported that the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.75%, falling significantly from its 2018 rate of 4.60%. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater says these low rates paired with the nation’s healthy economy are now projected to provide continued improvement in home sales heading into the late summer and early fall.

Guidance Residential’s Kal Elsayed on the importance of working with underserved communities

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 21:00:00 -0000

This week, Kal Elsayed, the President and CEO of Guidance Residential, a faith-based home financing company, explains the importance of working with underserved communities. Additionally, Elsayed discusses the Federal Reserve’s poised rate cut and the nation’s Millennial homeownership trends.

Earlier this week, The Federal Reserve announced it was prepared to cut its benchmark rate for the first time since 2008, and a survey from realtor.com indicated that affordability continues to prevent Millennials from entering the housing market as first-time buyers.

HousingWire Managing Editor Ben Lane on Fannie Mae forecasts and the Quicken / State Farm partnership

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 17:00:00 -0000

Each week, HousingWire interviews financial services experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines, sponsored by our partners at Blend. This week, Ben Lane, the newly appointed managing editor of HousingWire’s editorial team, discusses his experiences in covering the housing economy for the last five and a half years. Additionally, Lane touches base on the massive mortgage partnership between State Farm and Quicken Loans, and Fannie Mae’s recently updated mortgage forecast.

Last week, State Farm and Quicken Loans announced that State Farm’s licensed loan originators will now be able to originate mortgages using Quicken’s Rocket Mortgage platform, and Fannie Mae issued a new forecast that predicts the average U.S. rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage will sit at 3.7% in the second half of 2019.

Princeton Mortgage’s Rich Weidel on why taking the right risks is key to surviving in the mortgage industry

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 21:00:00 -0000

This week, Rich Weidel, the CEO of Princeton Mortgage, explains why accessing loan origination risks is essential to staying afloat in the mortgage industry. Additionally, Weidel touches base on the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of Stearns Holding (the parent company of Stearns Lending) and the U.S. closing of real estate company Purplebricks.

Earlier this week, Stearns announced the company was launching a comprehensive financial restructuring plan to realign its business, and Purplebricks indicated it planned to refocus its growth efforts in the U.K. and Canada.

Anthony Casa of AIME -- VA lending, digital mortgages and empowering the loan originator

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 22:00:00 -0000

The Housing News podcast is a weekly wrap of HousingWire's top news stories. Each week, HousingWire interviews mortgage and real estate experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines.

This week, Anthony Casa, the chairman of the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts and the founder and former president of Garden State Home Loans, explains why President Donald Trump's decision to back the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act is good news for the mortgage industry.

Alec Hansen & TJ Freeborn of LoanDepot -- Leveraging the human-touch in mortgage lending

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 21:26:06 -0000

The Housing News podcast is a weekly wrap of HousingWire's top news stories. Each week, HousingWire interviews mortgage and real estate experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines.

This week, Alec Hanson, LoanDepot’s SVP and Pacific Southwest division manager, and TJ Freeborn, SVP of Customer Experience, discuss the importance of incorporating human interaction within the loan origination process.

Phil Treadwell of Mason-McDuffie -- Mortgage marketing in a low interest rate environment

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 18:50:02 -0000

The Housing News podcast is a weekly wrap of HousingWire's top news stories. Each week, HousingWire interviews mortgage and real estate experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines.

This week, Mason-McDuffie Mortgage's Vice President of Development and Regional Manager Phil Treadwell explains how mortgage professionals can best navigate a low interest rate environment.

Alan Stoltenberg of Cobalt Credit Union -- Playing to win in the mortgage industry

Fri, 31 May 2019 21:42:48 -0000

The Housing News podcast is a weekly wrap of HousingWire's top news stories. Each week, HousingWire interviews mortgage and real estate experts who can help make sense of the latest headlines.

This week, Cobalt Credit Union’s Chief Lending Officer Alan Stoltenberg discusses the importance of putting power back into the hands of homebuyers.

Norm Creveling of Wings Financial -- The emergence of digital mortgages and trends in consumer credit scores

Wed, 22 May 2019 20:41:15 -0000

The Housing News podcast is a weekly wrap of HousingWire's top news stories. HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney interviews Norm Creveling, the chief lending officer for Wings Financial Credit Union. In this episode, Creveling talks about the emergence of digital mortgages, the current housing market, and trends in consumer credit scores. Don’t miss it!

Tim Mayopoulos of Blend -- Bridging the Digital Lending Gap

Tue, 21 May 2019 16:07:44 -0000

The Housing News podcast is a weekly wrap of HousingWire's top news stories. HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney interviews Tim Mayopoulos, the President of Blend. In this episode, Mayopoulos discusses his transition from GSE to Fintech, as well as the current market outlook for mortgage lenders.

Alpa Lally of Experian -- Life’s milestones leveling your credit score? Here’s how you build it back up

Thu, 16 May 2019 18:51:11 -0000

The Housing News podcast is a weekly wrap of HousingWire's top news stories. HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney interviews Alpa Lally, Experian’s Vice President of Data Business at Consumer Information Services. As an American immigrant, Lally brings listeners a unique perspective from within the credit reporting services.

Jerry Anderson of Alliant Credit Union -- Using tech to connect with homebuyers

Wed, 01 May 2019 17:56:15 -0000

The Housing News podcast is a weekly wrap of HousingWire's top news stories. Each week, Gaffney interviews financial services experts who can make sense of the latest headlines, sponsored by our partners at Blend. This week, Jerry Anderson of Alliant Credit Union discusses homebuyers, interest rates and the latest technology trends in the mortgage industry.

6 Questions With 6 HUD Executives: Bonus episode, Adolfo Marzol

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 10:00:13 -0000

Adolfo Marzol knows firsthand about this nation's long history with taking in, and housing refugees. In fact, his parents emigrated from Cuba in 1961. How did the Marzols know they had made it in America? They bought their first house, he tells HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney in the finale of our exclusive podcast, 6 Questions with 6 HUD Executives.

6 Questions With 6 HUD Executives: Michael Bright

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 21:56:43 -0000

On this episode of 6 Questions with 6 HUD Executives, HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney sits down with Ginnie Mae Executive Vice President and COO Michael Bright to talk about affordable housing, the securities market and Ginnie Mae crossing the $2 trillion threshold.

6 Questions With 6 HUD Executives: Anna Maria Farias

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 17:14:39 -0000

On the newest episode of our exclusive podcast series, 6 Questions for 6 HUD Executives, Farias sits down with Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney to discuss her colorful upbringing, her current enforcement actions and the real reason HUD went after Facebook. Look out for episode 6 next week, featuring Ginnie Mae's Michael Bright.

6 Questions with 6 HUD Executives: HUD CFO Irving Dennis

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:53:40 -0000

HUD CFO Irving Dennis joined the agency earlier this year after nearly four decades at Ernst & Young, where he was a partner overseeing the audits of major S&P 500 companies. In this exclusive podcast, Dennis talks about his move to the public sector and the passion that drives him.

6 Questions with 6 HUD Executives: FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 17:55:59 -0000

Brian Montgomery was confirmed as FHA commissioner in May by a vote in the Senate of 74 to 23. But this wasn’t his first trip to the HUD c-suite, this is his second run leading the FHA and he’s been serving the public sector in several roles for quite some time.

Still, it’s a far cry from back when he thought he’d become a geologist, before housing “got into [his] blood,” as he tells HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney in our latest, exclusive podcast series: 6 Questions for 6 HUD Executives.

What’s the biggest challenge facing the FHA today? Access to tech solutions, he explains, which is not surprising as some HUD systems are nearing 40 years of use.

So what’s the solution, here? It’s a big one, Montgomery explains.

All that and more, please listen and enjoy.

Tune in on Monday, Oct. 15 for our fourth episode featuring Irving Dennis, HUD's chief financial officer.

6 Questions with 6 HUD Executives: Deputy Secretary Pam Patenaude

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 16:43:56 -0000

Who brings housing hope to those deeply impacted by natural disasters? Who will help the 117,000 FHA-backed homeowners of Puerto Rico? In the second episode of exclusive podcast series, 6 Questions with 6 HUD Executives, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney speaks with HUD Deputy Secretary Pamela Hughes Patenaude about disaster recovery, the impact of the opioid epidemic and the interconnected nature of the nation's housing policy.

[Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com]

6 Questions with 6 HUD Executives: Secretary Ben Carson

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:27:38 -0000

Welcome to the inaugural episode of HousingWire's new, exclusive podcast, 6 Questions with 6 HUD Executives. In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney interviews Secretary Ben Carson about goals, motivations, the state of affordable housing and more.

[Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com]

SimpleNexus in the Winner's Circle

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 15:00:16 -0000

In this edition of In The Winner's Circle, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney sits down with Ben Miller, SimpleNexus president and COO. SimpleNexus recently secured a multimillion dollar investment and Miller discusses how that money is fueling the expansion efforts at the firm.

[Music by http://purple-planet.com]

Optimal Blue in the Winner's Circle

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 21:51:54 -0000

In this edition of In The Winner's Circle, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney sits down with Bob Brandt, VP of Marketing and Strategic Alliances at Optimal Blue. In this episode, Brandt discusses the three layers of analytics need for mortgage firms to be successful, both in mortgage lending and mortgage investing.

[Music by http://purple-planet.com]

Regtech Report: LoanLogics CEO: The middle of mortgage lending is a nightmare

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 15:00:06 -0000

In the final installment of the Regtech Report, a podcast series sponsored by ComplianceEase, HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney talks with the CEO of LoanLogics, Brian Fitzpatrick, on the next wave of significant mortgage disruption: regtech. Fitzpatrick outlines the roadblocks facing the full end-to-end implementation of the digital mortgage. According to Fitzpatrick, regtech can help us get there in ways that "traditional fintech has failed."

[Music by http://purple-planet.com]

Regtech Report: How regtech helps mortgage lenders do their job even better

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 16:24:06 -0000

In the fourth episode of the Regtech Report, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney speaks with Chuck Cross, SVP at Conference of State Bank Supervisors. Cross explains how state regulators are building a tech-based system for compliance in the financial services sector and that tech implementation is a win-win.

[Music by http://purple-planet.com]

Bidding adieu to two mortgage lending titans

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 15:48:33 -0000

September marks the first official retirement days of two mortgage lending titans. In an exclusive interview with Jacob Gaffney, David Stevens, former head of the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Brad Blackwell, former EVP of housing policy and homeownership growth strategies at Wells Fargo Home Lending, reflect on their careers, friendship and where they think the industry is headed.

[Music by http://purple-planet.com]

Regtech Report: Here's why Debbie Hoffman started her own blockchain company

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 18:10:29 -0000

For the third installment of the Regtech Report, a five-part podcast series sponsored by ComplianceEase, HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney chats with Debbie Hoffman, the founder and CEO of Symmetry Blockchain Advisors, about how regtech and blockchain fit in the mortgage finance space together.

[Music by http://purple-planet.com]

Regtech Report: Robots aren't coming for your jobs

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 17:18:52 -0000

For episode #2 of HousingWire’s Regtech Report, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney is joined by Jason Roth, co-founder and chief technology officer of ComplianceEase, which is also our sponsor. During the conversation, Roth explains common defects and errors in mortgage lending that are now handled by humans that will eventually be automated. He also touches on regulators reach on regtech implementation.

[Music by http://purple-planet.com]

Regtech Report: How do you define regtech?

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 17:57:48 -0000

While regtech is a relatively new concept in the mortgage industry, it has already gained a great deal of traction in other parts of banking and financial services. Craig Focardi, a senior banking analyst at Celent, talks with HousingWire about what makes regtech different from mortgage tech and how you shouldn't be afraid to make the leap into adopting new technologies.

[Music by http://purple-planet.com]

In the Winner's Circle with Mat Ishbia of UWM: We're going to hire thousands more people

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 16:08:43 -0000

In this episode of In The Winner's Circle, HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney sits down with Mat Ishbia, CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage. In a fast-paced and energetic discussion, Mat explains why "100% of our focus is on mortgage brokers," what is next for the company, and the VA lending headache some lenders are experiencing.

Freddie Mac Secondary Podcast 5-23-18

Wed, 23 May 2018 17:20:26 -0000

At the Mortgage Bankers Association Secondary conference in New York City, I sat down with Freddie Mac to discuss the latest trends in the secondary market. To put it simply – times are tough for lenders as they face increased seasonality changes and fierce competition.

Movement Mortgage in the Winner’s Circle: We need to increase black homeownership

Wed, 16 May 2018 18:53:43 -0000

In the newest episode of "The Winner's Circle", Casey Crawford, the CEO of Movement Mortgage, reflects on his childhood, NFL career and how he builds morale at Movement. But games and sports no longer provide his strongest passions. In fact, he believes minorities need to be encouraged to buy homes much more than they are today. "The low rate of black homeownership is a problem," he says. Here’s what he is doing to fix it.

Mr. Cooper in the Winner's Circle: Why we added AI to our new mobile app

Thu, 10 May 2018 16:02:32 -0000

In this episode of In the Winner’s Circle, Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney talks with Kevin Dahlstrom, the chief innovation and marketing officer at Mr. Cooper, about the lending and servicing giant’s new app featuring artificial intelligence, how AI can save customers more than $500 a month, and what it was like to spearhead the company’s rebranding effort.

Finicity in the Winner's Circle: Mortgage lenders need a digital-or-bust mentality

Thu, 03 May 2018 16:09:20 -0000

Speaking to HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney on his podcast series In The Winner’s Circle, the CEO of data aggregator Finicity, Steve Smith gave some advice to mortgage lenders who wish to stay competitive.

Calling the role of the digital mortgage as in the “early adoption” phase of mortgage lending, Smith said: “Lenders need to adopt a digital-or-bust mentality” in an industry that is “ripe for new solutions.” Finicity is making significant inroads into the mortgage lending space.

The company recently announced integrations with BeSmartee's digital lending platform, MortgageHippo's digital lending platform and Ellie Mae’s Encompass platform. They also announced a partnership with Advanced Data where Finicity asset reports are included as part of Advanced Data’s suite of fraud prevention and enhanced verification tools for mortgage lending.

Smith talks about this and also elaborates on the importance of customer-data protection, how lenders use tech to save valuable time and the early role blockchain technology is also playing in the industry. Listen and enjoy!

Weekly Newscast #4

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 18:44:23 -0000

This week, HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney is joined by Reporter Kelsey Ramírez and Online Editor Caroline Basile to discuss the CFPB's final amendment to TRID's Know Before You Owe rule, disappointing GDP results, mortgage rates, and Freddie Mac's expansion of its 3% down program.

Quicken Loans in The Winner’s Circle: There are 3 types of mortgage customers

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 16:16:00 -0000

In this latest episode, Jacob speaks to David Schroeder, SVP of Quicken Loans Mortgage Services. Here, David breaks down potential homeowners into 3 different types of buckets and describes the methods to get them to close, quickly and efficiently.

David also talks about opportunities for mortgage brokers and credit unions to work with Quicken Loans Mortgage Services and the growth of its broker channel. He also touches on tech advances in mortgage lending and what that means for Quicken’s customers and their expectations of service.

Carrington in the Winner's Circle: Why we launched a nonprime mortgage product

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 15:50:03 -0000

Executive Vice President Rick Sharga is back at Carrington Mortgage Services. Here he joins Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney for the podcast series In The Winner's Circle, which focuses on the people who crush it daily in the mortgage finance space.

Sharga explains why the new nonprime is nothing like the old subprime and how they plan to reach millions of Millennials and turn them into homeowners. Plus, Sharga shares his thoughts on automation in the real estate and mortgage lending spaces.

Will Realtors one day be replaced by robots? What about at Carrington, are there tech advances that Rick can share? Get those answers and more in the latest In The Winner's Circle podcast.

Plaid in the Winner's Circle

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 18:46:10 -0000

In the Winner’s Circle is a new podcast series from HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney. Gaffney chats with executives about the innovations that are leading to successes in their businesses and within the mortgage industry. In this first episode, Gaffney talks with Kate Adamson, head of mortgage at Plaid, a San Francisco-based fintech provider that has set its sights on the mortgage space.