Power House

Zeb Lowe and California MBA CEO Paul Gigliotti unpack the policy decisions shaping the mortgage industry—from the defeat of California’s proposed CRA bill and stalled mortgage portability and PACE proposals to disaster-rebuilding assistance and forbearance reform. They also look ahead to the ROAD to Housing Act and why affordable housing deserves mortgage professionals’ attention. The big takeaway: understanding policy early can help the industry prepare, advocate, and spot opportunities. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Paul Gigliotti's LinkedIn CRA Bill ROAD to Housing Act Buy one, get one FREE tickets to the Mortgage Banking Summit on October 1st Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

Homeowners 55 and up are sitting on enormous untapped equity, and most lenders still don't have a plan for it. Jim Cory, Managing Director of Reverse at Guild Mortgage and a board member at NRMLA, joins Zeb to explain how reverse mortgages went from a loan of last resort to a flexible tool for older homeowners and the almost-seniors behind them. He covers the rise of jumbo reverse products, the move from 62+ to 55+ eligibility, and why reverse for purchase may be the least understood play in the market. They also get into the industry shift: large IMBs are bringing reverse in house rather than brokering it out, building full departments the way they once did with non-QM. Plus stigma, Boomer tech adoption, and the referral network moving from realtors to financial planners and CPAs. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Jim Cory's LinkedIn Guild Mortgage NRMLA Buy one, get one FREE tickets to the Mortgage Banking Summit on October 1st Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

Shant Banosian, president at Rate, calls this market “separation season,” the stretch when the best operators pull away from the pack. He leads 2,000 originators and has personally closed more than 40,000 loans and $10 billion in volume, and with rates above 7% he sees an opening most of the industry is missing. In this episode, he walks Clayton Collins through how top originators pair data and technology with real advice, where non-QM and AI in operations fit into Rate's plan, and why getting originators out of the file frees them for the relationship work that grows a business. Related to the episode: ⁠Clayton Collins' LinkedIn Shant Banosian's LinkedIn Rate Buy one, get one FREE tickets to the Mortgage Banking Summit on October 1st Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

Kevin Rodman spent 24 years at Morgan Stanley, rising from bond trader to partner overseeing mortgage operations as the system came apart in 2008. What separated the survivors from the casualties, he says, was culture and discipline, and a refusal to let one superstar desk run the firm off a cliff. Those lessons now sit at the core of ABL Asset Based Lending, the private lender he helped build into a billion-dollar platform for new construction, fix and flip, and DSCR loans. In this episode, Rodman walks Zeb through ABL's growth from a 2010 post-crash startup to a national platform serving seasoned infill builders, the hard reset that followed when DSCR volume doubled and service times slipped, and how AI is already reshaping the mortgage factory. His read on the next decade: the lenders who win will pair durable capital with modern tech and a culture where everyone thinks like an owner. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Kevin Rodman's LinkedIn Asset Based Lending Buy one, get one FREE tickets to the Mortgage Banking Summit on October 1st Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

Logan Mohtashami built his housing market framework out of frustration with online “doom porn.” In this episode, HousingWire's lead analyst walks Zeb Lowe through how it actually works: why the 10-year yield and mortgage spreads matter more than the Fed funds rate, which labor data he watches first, and how he reads purchase apps, pending sales, inventory, and price cuts to judge pricing power. He also makes the case that today's market is structurally healthier than the 2000s bubble, thanks in part to 2005 bankruptcy reform and post-2010 QM rules. Plus, what he's watching for the rest of the year: the Fed's hawk-dove split, labor resilience, and oil risk out of the Strait of Hormuz. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Logan Mohtashami's LinkedIn Buy one, get one FREE tickets to the Mortgage Banking Summit on October 1st Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

In this episode of the Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Sean Faries, founder and CEO of Land Gorilla, a company that’s become a quiet force behind construction loan management across the country. Sean walks us through what makes construction lending fundamentally different from a traditional purchase or refi, explaining that you’re really underwriting a future home that doesn’t exist yet. It’s not just credit, income, and assets—you’re evaluating builders, budgets, plans, inspections, draw schedules, lien risk, and the emotional roller coaster between borrower and builder. Sean also opens up about the origin story of Land Gorilla, which started in the aftermath of the financial crisis when he lost his home, lost a business, and moved back in with his parents. After even getting turned down for a “safe” job because he didn’t have a degree, he turned to doing draw inspections himself just to get by. That gritty, boots‑on‑the‑ground work slowly evolved into a SaaS platform at a time when “SaaS” wasn’t even a mainstream term, and while the rest of the industry pulled back from construction lending, he stayed in the space, learning its pain points in depth. We dig into the stigma that still hangs over construction loans and why, in Sean’s view, construction lending is absolutely not for every lender. It demands true product ownership, passionate leadership, and a willingness to invest in a program that won’t run itself. Sean breaks down the delicate dynamic between lender, builder, and borrower—the “throuple” as we joke about it—and why lenders must keep their primary duty anchored to the borrower while managing performance‑based relationships with builders, not risky referral-driven ones. He also talks about where AI is already transforming the space, from internal productivity to productized tools like Land Gorilla’s X‑ray, and how better data and visibility might help the market self‑correct faster on supply and risk than it did in past cycles. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Sean Faries' LinkedIn Land Gorilla Buy one, get one FREE tickets to the Mortgage Banking Summit on October 1st Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

Fraud isn’t just a closing risk. It’s a housing affordability problem. On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Chris Morton, CEO of American Land Title Association, to unpack the growing threat of wire fraud, deed fraud, seller impersonation and AI-powered scams—and the costs those risks ultimately create for homeowners and lenders. Morton also weighs in on Fannie Mae’s title insurance waiver efforts, why refinances aren’t necessarily as low-risk as they appear, and the work title professionals do behind the scenes to protect property rights and transactions. As AI makes fraud increasingly sophisticated, the conversation explores an emerging arms race between technology and human judgment—and why secure transactions are fundamental to making homeownership sustainable and affordable. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Chris Morton's LinkedIn American Land Title Association Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

In Part 2, Abdel Khawatmi moves beyond the technology and explains what he’s ultimately building with it: a business that creates more room for relationships. From more than 700 YouTube videos and 250 podcast episodes to hyper-local market updates, Abdel explains how consistency became a competitive advantage. He also breaks down what he refuses to delegate, his PROF framework for originators and why direct communication with clients and referral partners remains firmly in his hands. The conversation ultimately becomes less about AI and more about scale: building teams, developing other producers and creating a culture where technology handles more of the work without removing the human relationships that actually drive the business. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Abdel Khawatmi’s LinkedIn PRMG Got Mortgages Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

Abdel Khawatmi left personal injury law for mortgage after experiencing firsthand how poor communication can derail the homebuying experience. Eight years later, he’s built a high-producing business around the opposite idea: educate relentlessly, communicate clearly and stay close to the client. In Part 1, Abdel breaks down his “Six Cs of Conversion Tracking” and explains why conversations—not leads, rates or even content—may be the most overlooked part of an originator’s business. He also opens up his AI stack, showing how he records and analyzes client conversations, improves scripts and uses tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Fireflies and NotebookLM to become a better originator and partner. This isn’t AI for novelty’s sake. It’s a look inside how one producer is using technology to systematically get better at the human side of mortgage. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Abdel Khawatmi's LinkedIn PRMG Got Mortgages Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Paul Gigliotti, CEO of the California MBA, for a conversation about leadership, adaptability and what it takes to help move the mortgage industry forward. Gigliotti has built a career that spans mortgage, technology and industry advocacy, giving him a perspective that extends well beyond any single corner of the business. He discusses how strong leaders evolve, why innovation is ultimately about people rather than technology, and the responsibility industry leaders have to create opportunities for the people coming behind them. The conversation also explores the importance of staying curious in a business that never stops changing, and why the ability to bring people together around new ideas may be one of the most valuable leadership skills in housing today. Make sure to stick around until the end: Zeb and Paul have a special announcement about an upcoming collaboration. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Paul Gigliotti's LinkedIn California MBA Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

The AI conversation in housing has changed. The question is no longer whether the technology works—it’s what leaders do with it now. Fresh off HousingWire’s AI Summit, Zeb Lowe sits down with HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins to unpack that shift. They discuss lenders using AI to drive down origination costs, builders transforming how they identify land, and executives now managing everything from token utilization to AI governance and implementation. But Collins argues the biggest change has to happen at the leadership level. AI can’t be another technology initiative delegated down the organization. It requires CEOs to rethink workflows, costs and talent—and determine where automation can create more room for the human work that actually drives the business. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Clayton Collins' LinkedIn HousingWire's AI Summit 2026 Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

How do you expand access to homeownership without taking on more risk? On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Devin Norales, Head of Mortgage and Capital Markets at FICO, to discuss the future of credit scoring and why represents one of the biggest shifts in mortgage lending in decades. Norales explains how trended credit data and rental payment history can provide a more complete picture of borrowers, improving predictive accuracy while responsibly expanding credit access, particularly for first-time homebuyers. The conversation also explores the rental reporting gap, financial literacy and why credit modernization isn't just about better models, but better outcomes for borrowers, lenders and the housing market. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Devin Norales' LinkedIn FICO® Score 10T Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with architect and researcher Ann Sussman to explore a provocative idea: many modern homes and neighborhoods are fundamentally out of sync with human biology. Drawing on neuroscience, architecture and urban design, Ann explains why our brains are wired for faces, detail, walkable environments, and how blank facades, oversized roads and car-centric development can quietly contribute to stress, isolation and disconnection. From Disneyland's Main Street to Amsterdam and Nantucket, the conversation explores why some places feel instantly welcoming while others never quite do. If you build, finance, design or sell housing, this episode may permanently change how you see the built environment. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Ann Sussman's LinkedIn theHAPI.org Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

Does making something more efficient always make it cheaper? On this solo episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe explores the Jevons paradox—the idea that making something cheaper and easier to use often leads to more demand, not less. From fuel-efficient cars and air conditioning to artificial intelligence, history shows that efficiency doesn't necessarily reduce consumption—it expands it. Zeb applies that same framework to housing and mortgage, examining how AI, automation and digital lending may increase loan volume, accelerate transactions and reshape the industry in ways few people are discussing. The question isn't whether efficiency is good. It's what happens after it succeeds. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Paolo Benzan, VP of Data Strategy at Constellation HomeBuilder Systems and Rich Swier, founder of raia AI, to discuss why the future of home building won't be determined by who adopts AI first, but by who builds the strongest data foundation. The conversation explores the hidden work behind successful AI initiatives, from data quality and governance to cost control and security. Benzan and Swier explain why clean, connected data is the real competitive advantage and how builders can use AI to move beyond static reports and make faster, smarter decisions. Their message is clear: AI isn't replacing expertise — it amplifies organizations that have done the hard work to prepare for it. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Paolo Benzan's LinkedIn Rich Swier's LinkedIn Constellation HomeBuilder Systems raia AI Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

What if the future of housing isn't just about building more homes, but building better ones? Crazy idea, right? On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Otis Odell, National Housing Sector Leader at HED, to discuss how thoughtful design shapes well-being, community and the way people experience home. Drawing on a career that spans carpentry, custom homebuilding and national housing design, Odell explains why details like natural light, outdoor space and flexible layouts can have an outsized impact on quality of life. The conversation also explores modular construction, affordability and why solving today's housing challenges will require rethinking not just how many homes we build, but how we design and deliver them. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Otis Odell HED Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb sits down with Larry Bailey from Mortgage Workflow Partners, who began his career as a loan processor in 1993 and now champions a simple but disruptive idea: “workflow before technology.”  Bailey argues that most mortgage and real estate organizations have invested heavily in software and AI without first understanding how work actually gets done. Rather than improving efficiency, new technology is often layered onto disorganized processes because workflows were never clearly documented or owned. The conversation digs into how sales-led leadership shapes this reality. In lending, top leaders rise through sales, where adaptability is rewarded, but workflow is often overlooked. As a result, that critical knowledge resides with individuals rather than in documented processes. Bailey explains that workflow interviews quickly reveal the difference between employees eager to improve operations and those who rely on tribal knowledge to protect their value. Bailey defines workflow governance as documenting processes, assigning clear business ownership and continuously maintaining them as the organization evolves. He shares examples of large lenders where every branch operated differently, creating inefficiencies and making leadership nearly impossible. His approach establishes a standardized best-practice workflow while allowing teams flexibility beyond the core process if they choose. Looking ahead, Bailey believes technology alone will not reduce production costs or burnout. Despite years of investment, the cost per loan remains stubbornly high because organizations continue automating broken processes. Sustainable improvement comes from understanding the work first, then using that visibility to determine where technology belongs, what should be automated and how employees can focus on higher-value activities instead of repetitive tasks. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Larry Bailey's LinkedIn Mortgage Workflow Partners Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Baron Silverstein, President of Newrez, to discuss how one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies is reinventing itself for the AI era. Silverstein shares how Newrez is using artificial intelligence to improve underwriting, servicing and the overall homeowner experience—while keeping human expertise at the center of every decision. The conversation also explores technology adoption, AI governance, crypto in mortgage lending and why the companies that learn to use AI effectively—not just adopt it—will define the next generation of housing. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Baron Silverstein's LinkedIn Newrez Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

What if solving America’s housing shortage means moving beyond the way homes have traditionally been built? In Part 2 of their conversation, Zeb Lowe and Brian Hurd explore the housing models, construction methods and financing approaches that could reshape the next generation of homeownership. Brian explains why manufactured and modular housing deserve a more serious look, how factory-built homes have changed far beyond their outdated reputation, and why better financing options could bring attainable homeownership within reach for millions more Americans. The discussion covers land-lease communities, modular construction, off-site manufacturing and the role technology can play in reducing construction timelines and expanding housing supply. Brian also shares practical guidance for loan officers who want to earn lasting builder relationships, making the case that curiosity, consistency and partnership matter more than any sales pitch. The episode closes with Brian’s view of what the next decade could hold for American housing — and why meaningful progress will depend on builders, lenders, Realtors, local governments and communities working toward the same goal. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Brian Hurd’s LinkedIn Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

The housing affordability crisis is not just an interest-rate problem. It is the result of decades of choices that have made it harder, slower and more expensive to build the homes America needs. In Part 1 of this conversation, Zeb Lowe sits down with Brian Hurd, senior vice president of national builder strategy at Cardinal Financial, to examine the forces reshaping American housing. Brian shares how his path from construction sites to mortgage leadership gave him a ground-level understanding of the builder business — and why that perspective still shapes the way he works with lenders, developers and housing professionals today. The conversation moves beyond rates and loan products to the structural pressures facing the market: rising material costs, labor shortages, zoning constraints, shrinking affordability and the widening gap between what buyers can afford and what builders can profitably deliver. Brian also explains the critical distinction between affordable housing and attainable housing. Solving the missing-middle problem, he argues, will require more than new programs or lower rates. It will require builders, lenders and policymakers to reconsider how homes are designed, financed and brought to market. For anyone in mortgage, real estate, construction or housing policy, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at why homeownership has become harder to reach — and what needs to change. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Brian Hurd's LinkedIn Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with James Wong, CEO of MAXA Designs, to explore a deceptively simple question: What actually makes a brand matter? For an industry obsessed with logos, colors and marketing campaigns, Wong argues that branding has very little to do with design alone. The strongest brands aren’t built on aesthetics—they’re built on trust. They make a clear promise, deliver on it consistently and create a story people remember. Wong shares how an early project helping real estate agents unexpectedly launched his career and revealed a pattern among top producers: long before personal branding became fashionable, the best agents understood that visibility and trust compound over time. The conversation breaks down why so many mortgage and real estate professionals misunderstand branding, how companies can define a brand beyond visuals, and why storytelling and consistency remain the most powerful competitive advantages in a crowded market. Wong also shares lessons from the Exhibit Awards, the national branding competition he created, and what separates award-winning organizations from the ones that struggle to stand out. The discussion concludes with AI’s growing role in marketing and why technology won’t replace great brands—it will amplify them. The companies that win the next decade won’t be the loudest. They’ll be the clearest, most consistent and most trusted. Related to this episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ James Wong's LinkedIn MAXA Designs Exhibit Awards Book a demo with MAXA Designs Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

What happens when a bank decides to invest in mortgage while much of the industry is pulling back? On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with James Sias, Head of Mortgage Lending and Indirect Dealer Services at Fifth Third Bank, to discuss leadership, growth and the long-term future of mortgage lending. The discussion also tackles the broader forces shaping mortgage today—from Basel III capital requirements and regulatory policy to the role customer relationships play in a large banking environment. Throughout the conversation, Sias argues that sustainable growth comes from staying focused on the customer, investing through market cycles and creating an environment where loan officers can succeed. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ James Sias' LinkedIn Fifth Third Bank Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with mortgage veteran Joey Hansen to discuss what it takes to build a lasting career through multiple housing cycles. Drawing on more than two decades in the business, Hansen shares lessons from navigating changing markets, evolving borrower behavior and shifting industry dynamics. The conversation explores affordability challenges, the lock-in effect and why many consumers remain overly focused on interest rates while missing the bigger financial picture. Hansen also reflects on a major career move after 12 years with the same company, discussing the realities of rebuilding relationships, evaluating support systems and stepping into a new leadership role. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes a simple but powerful theme: markets change, but trust, education and consistent client guidance never go out of style. For loan officers and housing professionals trying to navigate today’s market, Hansen offers a practical perspective shaped by experience, adaptability and a long-term view of success. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Joey Hansen's LinkedIn Huntington National Bank Want more from Zeb? Don't forget to subscribe to LendingLife. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Simone Kelly, founder of Seniornicity, to discuss one of housing’s most overlooked challenges: helping seniors navigate the later stages of homeownership. Drawing on experience across mortgage, real estate and senior services, Kelly explains why many older homeowners aren’t staying put because they refuse to move—they’re staying because the alternatives are complex, emotional and overwhelming. The conversation explores aging in place, reverse mortgages, caregiving and the growing opportunity for housing professionals willing to serve an aging population. Kelly argues that success in this space isn’t about generating leads. It’s about building trust, relationships and support systems that help families navigate major life transitions. In an industry increasingly focused on speed and automation, she makes the case for a more human approach. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Simone Kelly's LinkedIn Seniornicity 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Adam O’Daniel of Guild Mortgage to discuss one of the defining challenges facing housing professionals today: building trust in an era where information is everywhere and credibility is harder to earn than ever. Drawing from recent consumer research, O’Daniel explains why younger buyers increasingly trust friends, family, online communities and digital content more than traditional financial institutions. For lenders and real estate professionals, that shift changes the game. Trust is no longer inherited through a logo or brand name—it must be built through education, transparency and consistent value. The conversation explores the transition from the attention economy to the intention economy, where AI-powered search and recommendation tools are reshaping how consumers find information. Rather than competing for clicks, O’Daniel argues that professionals should focus on becoming the most helpful answer when consumers actively seek guidance. That means creating educational content, answering real questions and building a digital presence that establishes expertise over time. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Adam O'Daniel's LinkedIn Guild Mortgage 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.

In this solo Power House episode, Zeb Lowe delivers an overview of housing economics built specifically for the professionals working inside the industry every day. Framing the conversation around a simple idea — that housing professionals are expected to be experts without ever being formally taught how the market truly works — Zeb breaks down the core economic concepts that separate good operators from elite ones. The episode spends significant time on the psychology driving today’s market, particularly the way buyers remain anchored to pandemic-era 3% mortgage rates that were never historically normal. Zeb explains why professionals who can contextualize the market (rather than simply repeat headlines) become indispensable advisors to clients navigating uncertainty. He also pushes back on some of the industry’s most persistent myths, including the inevitability of another 2008-style crash, the belief that buyers need 20% down, and the assumption that waiting for lower rates will automatically create better affordability. Throughout the episode, the central theme remains clear: America’s housing shortage is still the defining force shaping affordability, pricing and transaction activity. Ultimately, Zeb makes the case that market fluency is no longer optional. In an environment flooded with national headlines, misinformation and economic noise, the professionals who understand local data, behavioral trends and long-term supply dynamics will be the ones clients trust most. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’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.

LIVE from the New York Stock Exchange, Diego Sanchez talks with Bob Hart about how Intercontinental Exchange is modernizing mortgage infrastructure through AI, cybersecurity and connected loan technology. Hart explains that ICE’s experience digitizing markets like the New York Stock Exchange gives the company a strong foundation for improving efficiency and transparency in mortgage lending, which still relies heavily on paper-based processes. He also discusses the company’s cautious but aggressive approach to AI — using automation to improve workflows while maintaining compliance and human oversight in critical parts of the lending process. The conversation also focuses on ICE’s push to connect origination and servicing through platforms like Encompass and technology gained from the Black Knight acquisition, creating a more seamless borrower experience from application through servicing. Looking ahead, Hart says ICE’s growth strategy centers on AI investment, operational efficiency and building a more connected mortgage ecosystem. Related to the episode: ⁠Diego Sanchez’ LinkedIn Bob Hart's LinkedIn ICE Mortgage Technology 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with longtime mortgage executive, consultant and podcast host Coby Hakalir for a candid conversation about one of the housing industry’s most contentious topics: credit reporting, FICO scoring and the future of mortgage regulation. The discussion centers around his viral op-ed challenging the current mortgage credit ecosystem and questioning whether the industry has become too defensive of legacy systems at the expense of competition and innovation. Zeb and Coby unpack rising credit report costs, the role of the FHFA, unintended consequences of regulation and why loan officers need a deeper understanding of the systems shaping borrower outcomes. The conversation also explores misinformation in today’s market, the importance of industry engagement and why difficult cycles often reveal which professionals are truly committed to evolving with the business. At its core, this episode is about challenging assumptions, questioning entrenched systems and asking what a smarter, more competitive mortgage industry could actually look like. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Coby Hakalir's LinkedIn Opinion: FICO, the 3Bs: Fruit from a rotten tree. Here’s how we fix It. 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.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with AI and enterprise software executive Stephen to discuss where artificial intelligence is actually headed in mortgage lending beyond the hype cycle. Stephen explains why the industry is shifting from flashy AI promises to practical implementation, with the real opportunity centered around augmenting teams, improving workflows, and scaling production more efficiently. The conversation also explores why mortgage tech adoption has historically struggled, and why change management — not technology itself — remains one of the industry’s biggest obstacles. Zeb and Stephen also dive into interoperability challenges, clean data infrastructure, AI drift, and how artificial intelligence could reshape staffing models, lender consolidation, and loan cycle times over the next several years. At its core, this episode is about a simple reality: the lenders investing in AI infrastructure and adoption today may define the next era of mortgage lending. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Stephen Butler'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.

On this episode of Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Steve Ozonian for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of housing, mortgage, title, and proptech. Drawing on decades of leadership experience across companies like LendingTree, loanDepot, and Williston Financial Group, Ozonian explains why AI and data will shape the next era of real estate — while warning that fragmented infrastructure remains one of the industry’s biggest obstacles. The discussion explores Rocket Companies’ expansion strategy, MLS fragmentation, private listings, fraud risks, and the growing importance of title companies in an increasingly digital environment. Ozonian also shares his perspective on leadership, succession planning, and why local agents still hold enormous influence despite rapid technological change. This episode is about the next phase of housing: combining technology, AI, and trusted human relationships into a more connected consumer experience. Related to the episode: Diego Sanchez’ LinkedIn Steve Ozonian'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.

On this sponsored episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Carter Malloy to discuss why better land data may be one of the most important and overlooked pieces of solving the housing supply crisis. Malloy explains how his experience in land investing exposed a major industry problem: builders, developers, and investors were still making massive decisions using fragmented systems, outdated information, and hyper-local knowledge. That challenge eventually led to the creation of Acres, a platform designed to bring transparency, speed, and intelligence to land acquisition and development. The conversation explores how better visibility into zoning, infrastructure, ownership, and growth patterns can help bring housing to market more efficiently. Malloy also breaks down the difference between AI hype and AI that actually creates operational value, arguing that the real opportunity lies in combining high-quality geospatial data with intelligent systems capable of analyzing land-use variables at scale. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Carter Malloy's LinkedIn Acres 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.

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. Related to the episode: ⁠Diego Sanchez' LinkedIn ⁠David Spector'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.

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. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ AI Visibility Workbook The Dane Cook window: How to win the AI land grab (Apple) The Dane Cook window: How to win the AI land grab (Spotify) 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.

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. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Laura Brandao'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.

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. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠LaTasha Waddy's LinkedIn NFM Lending Lucas Home Loans 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.

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. Related to this episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Patty Arvielo’s LinkedIn PattyArvielo.com New American Funding 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.

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. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Patty Arvielo's LinkedIn PattyArvielo.com New American Funding 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.

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. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Matt Weaver's LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Cross Country Mortgage⁠ ⁠Matt Weaver Team⁠ 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.

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. Related to this episode: Mike Detwiler's LinkedIn Mortgage Cadence 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.

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. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn Matt Weaver's LinkedIn Cross Country Mortgage Matt Weaver Team 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.

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. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn Dave Savage’s LinkedIn First Home IQ 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.

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. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn Austin Tunnell'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.

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. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn Jeremy Davis' LinkedIn Jeremy Davis' Op-Ed Southern Bancorp 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.

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. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe's LinkedIn Dave Savage'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.

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. Related to this episode: Bob Hart's LinkedIn ICE Mortgage Technology 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.

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. Related to this episode: Dave Crosby's LinkedIn Compass 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.

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. Related to this episode: Zeb’s LinkedIn Odeta'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.

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. Related to this episode: Zeb’s LinkedIn Dr. Jessica Lautz’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.

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. Related to this episode: Zeb’s LinkedIn Bri’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.

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: Three trends to watch in 2023 The Red-Hot Housing Market The 2023 Market: A Look Ahead The looming housing market recession Logan Mohtashami’s 2023 housing market forecast Daren Blomquist’s 2023 housing outlook Debunking the housing inventory myth in preparation for 2023 The state of the homebuilding market 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! 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.

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 Related to this episode: John Toohig's Bio John Toohig'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.

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 Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe'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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 Related to this episode: FirstHome IQ Kristin Messerli

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.

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.

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.

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: Tyler Hodgson LinkedIn UMortgage 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.

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: HousingWire - Sage Home Loans partners with Robinhood for exclusive rate offer Sakhi Gandhi LinkedIn Mike Malloy 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 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.

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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Daniel Sogorka LinkedIn ⁠⁠Rocket Pro ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ California MBA Susan Milazzo | LinkedIn Paul Gigliotti Appointed New CEO of California MBA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Robert Pieklo | LinkedIn eLEND ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Broker Action Coalition Rachel Clark | LinkedIn ⁠FireHouse Mortgage⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FireHouse Mortgage Firehouse Mortgage | LinkedIn Aaron Clark | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jennifer McGuinness | LinkedIn Pivot Financial | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kristin Messerli | LinkedIn FirstHome IQ 2025 NextGen Financial Literacy Report ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Supreme Lending Scott Everett | LinkedIn Sarah Middleton | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The loan officer’s job is gone, but the Mortgage Advisor’s job is here to stay Ryan Grant | LinkedIn 2024 Vanguard: Ryan Grant - HousingWire NEO Home Loans ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ eXp Realty ​​​​Leo Pareja / LinkedIn eXp Realty | RealTrends Verified eXp Realty | HousingWire ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hector Amendola | LinkedIn Panorama Mortgage Group Panorama Mortgage Group enters TPO market with new brand Travisa Financial Alterra Home Loans ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Amy Stockberger Team | RealTrends Verified Amy Stockberger Real Estate Amy Stockberger Real Estate | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sapiens Decision Rafael Goldberg | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Todd Duncan | LinkedIn Sales Mastery 2025 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patrick Stone  | LinkedIn WFG National Title Insurance Company ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 t​​oday 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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dustin Owen | LinkedIn TLOP Lower Mortgage ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Registration | HousingWire Mortgage Banking Summit 2025 Fairway Independent Mortgage Haley Parker LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rudy Zabran | LinkedIn Consolidated Analytics ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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. Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Colin Allen | LinkedIn American Property Owners Alliance Announces Executive Director Appointment American Property Owners Alliance ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Radian Elizabeth Emmons | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jonathan Wolf | LinkedIn Wendover Housing Partners ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Matt Weaver | LinkedIn CrossCountry Mortgage ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fello Ryan Young | LinkedIn Marketing automation is the future — and Fello wants to help | HousingWire ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Samara Getting Smart on ADUs with Samara’s Mike McNamara Samara | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nykia Wright looks to lead NAR into the future Justin Bailey | LinkedIn Realty Executives⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Home | The Gathering 2026 LeaderOne Financial Randell Gillespie | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rate's Jennifer Beeston urges LOs to 'protect the American dream' | HousingWire Jennifer Beeston  | LinkedIn Home | The Gathering 2026 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mark Wai | LinkedIn Radian ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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. Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guild Mortgage Bayview to buy Guild for $1.3B in cash, taking lender private | HousingWire Terry Schmidt  | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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 Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pennymac David Spector | LinkedIn Pennymac | HousingWire ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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. Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lower acquires real estate portal Movoto | Housingwire Exclusive: Lower acquires software company Neat Labs | HousingWire Dan Snyder - Lower | LinkedIn John Berkowitz - Lower | LinkedIn Lower.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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. Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ex-Movement Prez Michael Brennan joins 'lean-and-mean' NMB | HousingWire Nationwide Mortgage Bankers | Michael Brennan - NMB | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Beazer Homes Allan Merrill | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Sarah Reynolds | EmpowerHome⁠ ⁠EmpowerHome Team⁠ ⁠Sarah Reynolds | LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ NeighborWorks America How a housing nonprofit survives the age of DOGE | HousingWire Marietta Rodriguez | LinkedIn Marietta Rodriguez | FDIC.gov ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.