Core Conversations

Florida's proposal to eliminate property taxes sounds like a radical affordability solution — but what would it actually cost? In this episode, Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Chay Halbert unpack the financial, political, and social tradeoffs behind this bold move. • Eliminating property taxes would gut funding for schools and public services, forcing states to consider more inconsistent funding alternatives like sales tax hikes. • Florida's affordability crisis is already pushing people out of major cities like Miami, and this proposal could deepen inequality. • Replacing lost revenue isn't as simple as it sounds — and may create more complex issues than it solves Florida on the Brink: https://www.cotality.com/insights/articles/florida-on-the-brink Meet Cotality: https://www.cotality.com

CoreLogic rebranded as Cotality, and the company's CEO Patrick Dodd explains why now was the right time to make the change. - The transition from CoreLogic to Cotality wasn't just a rebrand, it was transformation with purpose. - What happens when a legacy powerhouse hits refresh? Beyond better serving client needs and adapt to changing market dynamics, this rebrand better showcases what this company has become. - Cotality is setting a new standard by pushing the boundaries of insight, collaboration, and impact to lead the property industry forward. In this episode of Beyond the Buildings, Patrick Dodd sits down with host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to explain what drove the change, why now was the right time, and how this new identity honors the past while boldly stepping into the future. From the collaborative naming process to the careful crafting of the mission, vision, and values statements, he gives us an inside look at how Cotality came to be and where it's heading next. In this episode: • 2:31 – Who is Cotality? • 5:38 – Why was the CoreLogic brand changed now? • 9:30 – What have been the reactions to the rebrand? • 13:19 – How was the name “Cotality” selected and what does it mean? • 20:37 – Where will the Cotality brand take the company? • 24:31 – Erika Stanley looks at the numbers in the housing market in The Sip. • 25:25 – Why is it important to be people-centric? • 29:17 – Patrick Dodd explains when he will feel like Cotality has achieved its mission.

Gen Z is entering the housing market and encountering challenges both familiar and unfamiliar to previous generations. - High mortgage rates and home prices are forcing many to explore alternative markets and creative strategies like house hacking. - Tech tools and digital platforms are central to how Gen Z researches, finances, and navigates homebuying decisions. - This generation is redefining ownership to embrace shared purchases, multi-use properties, and nontraditional paths to affordability. In this episode of Beyond the Buildings, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Cotality economist Molly Boesel explore the trends shaping Gen Z's path to property ownership — what's driving them, what's holding them back, and how their creativity is changing the landscape of housing for everyone. In this episode: 2:00 – How big of a presence is Gen Z in the housing market? Are they having an easier or more difficult time buying homes than previous generations? 3:29 – What sort of homes are Gen Z buyers looking for? 6:14 – Are Gen Z buyers spending more than the recommended amount when they purchase homes? Is homeownership out of reach for much of this generation? 10:49 – Erika Stanley looks at the numbers in the housing market in The Sip. 11:57 – Is house hacking a possible path to homeownership for this generation? 15:12 – How are affordability issues propelling Gen Z buyers to look into creative financing options? 18:00 – Is AI changing how Gen Z buyers shop for homes?

CoreLogic rebranded as Cotality, and our CEO Patrick Dodd explains why now was the right time to make the change.The transition from CoreLogic to Cotality wasn't just a rebrand, it was transformation with purpose.What happens when a legacy powerhouse hits refresh? Beyond better serving client needs and adapt to changing market dynamics, this rebrand better showcases what this company has become.Cotality is setting a new standard by pushing the boundaries of insight, collaboration, and impact to lead the property industry forward.In this episode of Beyond the Buildings, Patrick Dodd, CEO of Cotality, shares a candid conversation with host Maiclaire Bolton Smith about how a name change isn't just cosmetic—it's a signal. A signal that something fundamental has shifted.In this episode:2:31 – Who is Cotality?5:38 – Why was the CoreLogic brand changed now?9:30 – What have been the reactions to the rebrand?13:19 – How was the name “Cotality” selected and what does it mean?20:37 – Where will the Cotality brand take the company?24:31 – Erika Stanley looks at the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.25:25 – Why is it important right now to be people-centric?29:17 – Patrick Dodd explains when he will feel like Cotality has achieved its mission.Links: Will tariffs harm affordability?Read Cotality InsightsExplore Cotality Data Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD5 Copyright 2025 Cotality

Gen Z is entering the housing market and encountering challenges both familiar and unfamiliar to previous generations.High mortgage rates and home prices are forcing many to explore alternative markets and creative strategies like house hacking.Tech tools and digital platforms are central to how Gen Z researches, finances, and navigates homebuying decisions.This generation is redefining ownership—embracing shared purchases, multi-use properties, and nontraditional paths to affordability.In this episode of Beyond the Buildings, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Cotality economist Molly Boesel explore the trends shaping Gen Z's path to property ownership — what's driving them, what's holding them back, and how their creativity is changing the landscape of housing for everyone.In this episode:2:00 – How big of a presence is Gen Z in the housing market? Are they having an easier or more difficult time buying homes than previous generations?3:29 – What sort of homes are Gen Z buyers looking for?6:14 – Are Gen Z buyers spending more than the recommended amount when they purchase homes? Is homeownership out of reach for much of this generation?10:49 – Erika Stanley looks at the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.11:57 – Is house hacking a possible path to homeownership for this generation?15:12 – How are affordability issues propelling Gen Z buyers to look into creative financing options?18:00 – Is AI changing how Gen Z buyers shop for homes?Links: Read Cotality InsightsExplore Cotality Data Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD5 Copyright 2025 Cotality

For years homeowners' insurance was just there. It was a safety net in the background, ready to catch someone when disaster struck. But now, that net is fraying, and homeowners are scrambling to understand why coverage is becoming so expensive — or in some areas, nearly impossible to obtain.Homeowners across the country — especially in wildfire-prone states like California — are seeing their premiums skyrocket, their policies canceled, or, in some cases, they are left without any options at all. Insurers too are feeling the pressure. For years, they relied on traditional risk models to calculate premiums, issue policies, and assume predictable loss patterns. But the landscape is changing. Rising claims, extreme weather events, and economic pressures are pushing the industry to a breaking point.At the center of this crisis is a fundamental question: how does the industry adapt to a world with accelerating natural hazard risk? On this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with the co-founder of Wows Insurance to talk about this issue and what can be done to address this ongoing crisis.In This Episode2:46 – Why are insurers paying out more than they are taking in?4:48 – What will happen to the housing market if insurance becomes too expensive or impossible to get?6:52 – Are there alternative paths to providing insurance beyond the traditional avenues?9:51 – How can governmental policy development and homeowner participation help improve insurance accessibility?14:08 – Is it possible for insurance to remain a profitable business long-term?17:10 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.18:12 – How do you insure the value of a home long-term as the market continues to drive up prices?22:26 – Comparing the 2024 and 2025 California wildfire season.24:27 – In which other states is wildfire risk increasing dramatically?26:43 – What does the future landscape of wildfire insurance look like?Up Next: The Homes the LA Wildfires Left: A Hidden Insurance Crisis?Links: Will Trump Tariffs Harm Home Affordability?What Is the Real Price of LA's Wildfire Disaster?What Will a Second Trump Presidency Mean for U.S. Housing?Explore CoreLogic DataRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD5 Copyright 2025 CoreLogic Will Trump Tariffs Harm Home Affordability?What Is the Real Price of LA's Wildfire Disaster?What Will a Second Trump Presidency Mean for U.S. Housing?Explore CoreLogic DataRead CoreLogic...

As the U.S. waits for the final decision on the fresh tariffs imposed on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports, the housing industry is bracing for the impact of this policy decision. With material costs already a growing concern, these new trade policies could send ripples through supply chains, development timelines, and affordability.Tariffs on steel, lumber, concrete and other key building materials have the potential to drive up construction costs, exacerbating an already tight housing market. Builders and developers may need to rethink sourcing strategies, while policymakers weigh the broader economic consequences of trade restrictions on inflation and consumer spending.From rising home prices to shifting supply chains, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with industry experts Pete Carroll CoreLogic's, EVP of Public Policy and Industry Relations, and Jay Thies CoreLogic's Vice President of Pricing Analysis and Delivery to explore the immediate and long-term effects of these tariffs. Tune into this episode of Core Conversations to listen to the break down on what thse tariffs could mean for homebuilders, affordability, and the future of the housing market.In This Episode:2:10 – What are Trump's tariffs and how will they affect the property industry — particularly construction?5:50 – What are the preliminary estimates on how much tariffs could increase homebuilding costs?9:12 – Will adding additional cost to homebuilding conflict with Trump's executive order to provide affordability relief to the housing market?13:58 – How will material and labor costs be affected?16:32 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.17:32 – Canadian lumber tariffs, they're not new, but these tariffs will make them substantial.19:22 – Could the U.S. domestically supply the necessary materials for home construction? Are there alternative materials that could be used?22:30 – Will the tariffs have long-term consequences on U.S. home affordability?24:54 – How will these tariffs affect rebuilding efforts following January's Los Angeles wildfires?28:30 – Will these tariffs affect the future of the U.S. property market?Up Next: What Will a Second Trump Presidency Mean for U.S. Housing?Links: What Is the Real Price of LA's Wildfire Disaster?Construction Cost Update ReportRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD5 Copyright 2025 CoreLogic What Is the Real Price of LA's Wildfire Disaster?Construction Cost Update ReportRead CoreLogic Intelligence

From Capitol Hill to the mortgage industry, AI is everywhere. It's even finding its way into the halls of government. But while AI promises innovation, it's also raising a ton of questions—especially for policymakers.Last year, Congress introduced over 350 AI-related bills, and while many of these bills simply served to spark debate, it's clear that lawmakers are considering everything from data privacy to mitigating bias in algorithms. Now, with a new Congress in session, the real question is: will AI regulation finally take center stage?Although no property-focused AI bills made it to the floor last session, there's been plenty of groundwork. From Senate hearings on AI in financial services to conversations about the technology's impact on housing, policymakers have been laying the foundation for regulation. One theme keeps emerging: the need to balance innovation with fairness.Technology often moves faster than regulation, but if regulators move too fast or ignore industry concerns, it could stall progress. And then there's the wildcard: the Supreme Court's 2024 repeal of the Chevron doctrine, which shifted interpretive power from agencies to the courts. This means Congress now has to be ultra-specific when drafting laws, which could further slow regulation initiatives.The future of AI regulation may be uncertain, but one thing's clear: the stakes couldn't be higher. In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Russell McIntyre, an expert in public policy and industry relations at CoreLogic, discuss the need for AI regulation and how the government could approach this task.In This Episode:1:50 – Is the U.S. government currently regulating AI? What about AI in the property industry?5:19 – Whose responsibility is it to regulate AI?7:19 – How will the Chevron doctrine going to influence AI regulation in Congress?10:00 – What are the concerns and opportunities if AI regulations change in the property industry?12:28 – How will AI affect climate science?14:27 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the property market with The Sip.15:26 – Is it impossible to eliminate inherent bias in AI technology?17:49 – How will the U.S. government handle AI and how can companies prepare for upcoming regulations around AI?Up Next: What Are the Ethical Implications of AI in the Property Industry?Links: What Are the Ethical Implications of AI in the Property Industry?SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline Pause: Why Companies BenefitExplore CoreLogic DataHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD5 Copyright 2025 CoreLogic What Are the Ethical Implications of AI in the Property Industry?SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline...

January's wildfires in Los Angeles will leave scares. Even those whose homes seem to be structurally sound may actually be hiding severe damage that will only be uncovered as LA begins to recover and rebuild. Garret Gray, CoreLogic's President of Global Insurance Solutions is one such case. Following a harrowing race against time to evacuate the threatened area with his family, Garret prioritized safety, not possessions. Miraculously, while nearby homes burned to the ground, his house remained standing.While at first glance this seems like a small miracle, on the inside, the hidden damage tells a very different story — a story that highlights a significant and often-overlooked cost of wildfires: the massive, unanticipated strain on the insurance industry from homes that appear intact but are uninhabitable. Garret's home, while structurally sound, was inundated with soot, ash, and toxic smoke particles.His story is one of many. While the focus must remain on the families who have lost everything, it's crucial to recognize the hidden costs for those who only experienced partial damage. Homes like Garret's reveal a secondary, equally significant layer of loss that will also take years to recover from and may have long-term implications for insurers grappling with claims far more complex than they initially appear.In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic's President of Global Insurance Solutions Garret Gray sit down to discuss the emotional and financial toll that these hidden losses can have on families, communities, and the insurance industry.In This Episode:2:27 – Listen to Garret Gray's experience evacuating from the Palisades Fire and how he learned that his house remained standing.6:50 – Why do wildfires impact some homes and not others even if they are on the same street?11:22 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the property market with The Sip.12:33 – What are the hidden costs of wildfires, even for homes that seem to be structurally sound?16:22 – How will the scale of this disaster – both for complete losses as well as partial losses – impact the insurance industry?21:24 – How long will it take to rebuild or restore properties in LA where the construction industry is already strained? How are we going to accommodate the demand in materials and the resulting prices?Up Next: Does Low Wildfire Risk Create a False Sense of Security?Links: Explore CoreLogic DataHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD5 Copyright 2025 CoreLogic Explore CoreLogic DataHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence

Imagine a world where every piece of property tells a story—where every plot of land, building permit, and insurance claim contributes to a dynamic narrative that evolves over time. In the first episode of Season 5 of Core Conversations, you are invited you to step beyond the ordinary view of properties as an amalgamation of square footage and floor plans to uncover the living, breathing essence of property.Join host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic's Chief Data and Analytics Officer John Rogers as they take you on a journey into the $45 trillion real estate market — America's largest and most influential asset class. Discover how every event in a property's lifecycle, from its beginning as raw land to construction and finally its role in society — as well as everything in between like its vulnerabilities to climate risks — shapes its unique story.But this isn't just a story about data. It's about the groundbreaking innovations, like AI and Climate Risk Analytics, that are empowering industries like real estate, insurance, and government to navigate an increasingly complex world. Listen to real-world examples of how technology is automating listings, helping reduce wildfire insurance premiums, and driving decisions that build resilience for the future.In This Episode:1:53 – What does it mean to have the full picture of a property, and why would someone need all that data?7:17 – How can AI help someone see the full picture through all of the data that a single property (or a portfolio of properties) holds?13:18 – What will it look like to be a housing industry professional as AI evolves into an everyday tool?16:24 – How can high-quality climate data help the insurance industry in a market where it's becoming increasingly difficult to be profitable?20:04 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.21:15 – How can companies use climate resilience to ensure financial resilience?27:29 – How will data increase resilience in the property industry going forward?Up Next: What Will a Second Trump Presidency Mean for U.S. Housing?Links: Explore CoreLogic DataRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD5 Copyright 2025 CoreLogic Explore CoreLogic DataRead CoreLogic Intelligence

As 2024 slides into 2025, those who have been following the housing market know that there is a lot to unpack from the year. Home affordability, when adjusted for inflation, has reached its lowest point in decades. Inventory trends are diverging across the nation. Generational dynamics are influencing how people are buying homes.But even if the trends that made 2024 so noteworthy are understood, the question is, how will they influence where the housing market is headed in 2025? In the season finale of Core Conversations, CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp explores what happened in 2024 and provides a comprehensive outlook for 2025, including insights on mortgage rates, inventory, and affordability.In This Episode1:58 – How exactly did interest rates affect the housing market in 2024? Do we expect them to lower in 2025?6:26 – How affordable in the U.S. housing market, really?9:24 – Are property taxes and capital gains taxes going to continue to balloon into 2025?10:46 – Will people continue to stay in their homes or will they finally move and open up supply in 2025?14:39 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.15:32 – Is a refinancing wave on the horizon for 2025?17:07 – Will there be more creative housing solutions to help with affordability? Do we anticipate buying a house to become more accessible to younger generations?22:15 – How will the presidential election affect the housing market in 2025?26:54 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.27:58 – What can we expect for the property market in 2025?Up Next: What Will a Second Trump Presidency Mean for U.S. Housing?Links: What Will a Second Trump Presidency Mean for U.S. Housing?Explore CoreLogic DataHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic What Will a Second Trump Presidency Mean for U.S. Housing?Explore CoreLogic DataHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence

The appraisal industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, blending innovation with tradition to reshape how appraisers value real estate.As the appraisal industry enters a new era driven by technology and changing consumer expectations, advancements like AI-powered valuation tools, as well as desktop and hybrid appraisals may provide an avenue for the industry to offer transparency and lighten some of the cumbersome, paperwork-laden processes that define current standards.But what does this mean for the future of the industry — and for those who rely on it?In the latest episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, to unpack the innovations reshaping how appraisals are conducted. From leveraging risk-based frameworks to streamline processes to modernizing appraisal reports for greater transparency, Telford provides a comprehensive look at how these changes are improving efficiency without compromising quality. For lenders, investors, and homeowners, these shifts offer exciting opportunities and a glimpse into what's next for real estate valuation.In This Episode:1:55 – What is appraisal modernization, how did we get here, and what is the timeline for the overhaul?6:22 – The Sip7:28 – What exactly is going to change in the Universal Appraisal Dataset (UAD) and how will it impact the industry?12:40 – How will appraisal waivers fit into the new, modernized appraisal standards?16:05 – Are there any other alternative appraisal methods that this industry change will help support?17:41 – How will appraisal modernization affect the underwriting process?20:22 – Does generative AI have a place in the appraisal industry? How could it be integrated into current processes?24:07 – Natural Disaster Digest25:13 – What are the challenges that lie ahead for the appraisal industry?Up Next: Do Appraisers Have What It Takes to Value Short-Term Rentals?Links: Explore CoreLogic DataHow Is Automation Affecting the Appraisal IndustryHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic Explore CoreLogic DataHow Is Automation Affecting the Appraisal IndustryHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence

As the U.S. looks ahead to Donald Trump once again taking office in January, the real estate and housing industry is watching closely. Given Trump's previous term and recent rhetoric on the campaign trail, when the president-elect returns to the White House on January 20, the property market landscape could shift dramatically.A Trump administration has historically leaned toward deregulation, favoring less federal oversight. This could mean a rollback of initiatives championed by the previous Biden administration and could spell major changes for property professionals, particularly in areas like climate policy, housing affordability, and regulatory reform.From regulatory rollbacks to bipartisan debates over zoning, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Chay Halbert, a principal public policy and industry relations at CoreLogic, discuss the likely rollback of Biden-era climate initiatives, shifts in regulatory scrutiny, and the potential changes surrounding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac oversight. Halbert also sheds light on potential flood risk management alterations and how these moves could reshape lending and affordability across the country.Tune in to this episode of Core Conversations hear a comprehensive breakdown of the policy changes that property professionals should watch for as they prepare for what lies ahead.In This Episode2:24 – What types of housing policies do we expect Donald Trump to favor?3:50 – Are there any specific changes we can expect around climate policy?4:58 – Will there be any changes to Biden-era policies?8:34 – How will the new administration influence interest rates?10:32 – Affordability is complex, but will the rules around institutional and foreign investment change to help with this?11:52 – Will there be any international ramifications from these possible policy changes?13:43 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.14:57 – How could federal policy changes affect local jurisdictions?19:40 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.20:58 – What should property professionals pay attention to in the months leading up to an administration change?Up Next: How to Solve the US Affordable Housing CrisisLinks: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence

From soaring mortgage rates to climate risks, the economic landscape of buying a home is filled with uncertainties that could terrify even the most seasoned investor.Whether it's government policies or technological innovations, there are a wide variety of external factors that wield immense influence over the trajectory of the property market. As investors, homeowners, and property professionals alike grapple with these challenges, understanding the impact of demographic shifts, natural catastrophes, and economic fluctuations becomes paramount.The scarcity of housing supply, coupled with investor competition, reflects critical socioeconomic trends affecting communities across the U.S. Meanwhile, the existential threat of climate risks underscores the urgency of integrating sustainability into real estate strategies.In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with senior principal economist Molly Boesel to discuss where the market pressures are and what these influences mean for the property market at large.In This Episode:1:45 –Mortgage Interest Rates3:55 – Rising debt-to-Income Ratio5:49 – Downpayments9:36 – Competition with Investors12:53 – Rental Rates15:03 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.16:16 – Lack of Inventory18:31 – Climate Change20:51 – Insurance22:17 – Taxes27:33 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.Up Next: Debunked! Top Three Housing Myths DispelledLinks: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence

In recent years, cybercrime has surged across nearly every industry, with real estate emerging as a prime target for hackers. The shift toward digital transactions, coupled with the sensitive nature of real estate data, has made the sector a lucrative focus for cybercriminals. From wire fraud to data breaches, the threats are evolving, posing significant risks to real estate agents, brokers, title companies, and even buyers and sellers.Among the most pervasive issues is social engineering. These attacks often exploit the fast-paced, high-stress nature of real estate transactions, making them especially dangerous as buyers and sellers scramble to meet deadlines. The consequences? Anything from financial losses and operational shutdowns to irreparable reputational damage.In this episode of Core Conversations, we dive deep into the cybersecurity challenges facing the real estate industry. Interim Chief Information Security Officer Rob Tennant, and Rob Love, a principal in advisory services product management, share their expert insights on the growing risks and explain why cybersecurity has become such a hot button issue in the property industry. They explore the rise of real estate wire fraud, discuss the vulnerabilities of agents and brokers in handling sensitive data, and offer tips on preventing cyberattacks from derailing transactions.In This Episode:2:28 – Why is the property industry such an appealing target for cybercrime?3:46 – What are the impacts on the real estate industry from cybercrime? What are the impacts of losing personal data specifically?6:44 – Where are the bad actors coming from?9:19 – Are there unique differences between cybercrime in residential real estate and commercial real estate?11:04 – Why is data security important for individual real estate agents?14:21 – Are there also vulnerabilities in mortgage and insurance too?17:16 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.18:36 – How do cybersecurity breaches happen? 21:52 – What are things to look out for to prevent wire fraud in real estate transactions?24:33 – How can someone plan to combat systemic cybersecurity risk?26:31 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.27:27 – What does the future look like for cybersecurity risk?Up Next: How Could Gig Work and Automation Lead to More Mortgage Fraud?Links: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

Over the next few years, it's estimated that nearly a trillion dollars will be spent on data centers, semiconductors, and power grid upgrades. And this is all just to meet the growing computational needs of AI technologies. In fact, industry estimates suggest that global data center capacity could double by 2030, but this growth is far from straightforward.As AI technologies like generative AI continue to expand, the infrastructure needed to support them is growing at an unprecedented rate. However, data centers cannot just be built anywhere. Placement of new data centers isn't just about finding enough land — it's about balancing proximity to power plants, high-capacity transmission lines, and broadband infrastructure, while also considering environmental factors.Location intelligence plays a pivotal role in this expansion.In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Joe Francica, Principal Product Manager in CoreLogic's Location Intelligence Group discuss how geospatial tools can help mitigate some of these risks by identifying locations that are less vulnerable to natural hazards while also balancing the need for power and broadband access. As AI continues to evolve and the demand for data centers grows, having access to detailed geospatial data will give companies a strategic advantage in making informed, forward-looking decisions.In This Episode:2:11 – How much data center capacity will AI technologies (and their power consumption) require?4:49 – Why is AI consuming so much energy?8:55 – Which energy sources are data centers using and where are they generally located?9:31 – How does the availability of broadband play into the equation?10:40 – How does climate resilience come into play when looking for optimal locations of data centers?13:04 – how is proximity to an electrical grid or transmission facility part of the equation?14:29 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.15:40 – How are all the variables for optimum data center placement weighted. Is there a hierarchy of importance?16:42 – Where is the optimal place in the U.S. for data centers?20:05 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.20:59 – Where is AI is going to take us in terms of the demand for the data centers, and what do companies that are trying to get ahead of the curve need to think about?Up Next: What Makes Geospatial Data Unique for Expanding Telco Infrastructure?Links: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

Affordability remains a persistent challenge in the U.S. housing market. With increasing concerns over housing costs, particularly post-pandemic, the affordability crisis has grown to affect millions of households across the country. With nearly one-third of American households now considered cost burdened, the crisis has reached national prominence, even making its way into recent presidential addresses.In this episode of Core Conversations, CoreLogic Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Industry Relations, Pete Carroll discusses key factors behind this, including income inequality, the undersupply of housing, and outdated zoning laws. Carroll also touches on potential solutions like light-touch density, alternative housing types like townhomes and tiny homes, and the role of government land and subsidies in addressing the crisis.Whether you're a homebuyer, policymaker, or industry professional, this episode unpacks the realities behind America's housing affordability crisis and discusses what it will take to find lasting solutions.In This Episode:2:18 – What exactly is the definition of “affordability” and how big of an issue is it across the U.S.?5:06 – Do certain areas of the country or particular populations have a more pronounced affordability problem?6:26 – How did we get into this affordability crisis?10:13 – Are homebuyers even looking for single-family homes? Are starter homes at the crux of the affordability issue?11:28 – What are the opportunities to lessen the burden of homeownership?14:41 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.16:27 – How does zoning affect affordability?20:27 – How do building codes affect affordability?23:31 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.24:08 – What are the first steps to “curing” the affordability crisis in the U.S.?Up Next: What Is the Affordable Housing Crisis?Links: Why Valuing Barndominiums, Tiny Homes Needs the Cost ApproachHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

As cities across the country grapple with the rise of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, the implications for the property industry are becoming more complex. How do you accurately value a property that doubles as a business? What happens when local regulations change?Despite the lingering questions in the industry, the rising demand for vacation homes and the allure of short-term rental platforms have carved out a significant niche in the market. However, their increasing popularity brings new challenges, particularly for appraisers, lenders, and underwriters who must navigate the complexities of valuing these unique assets.As housing affordability concerns grow and the U.S. faces a persistent housing shortage, some communities are clamping down on short-term rentals and imposing stricter regulations. Yet, despite these restrictions, short-term rentals are far from disappearing. Instead, they're evolving, requiring a fresh approach to property valuation that considers not just the physical attributes of a home, but its potential as a revenue-generating business.In This Episode: 2:19 – Why are short-term rentals (STR) currently a hot topic in the appraiser industry?3:38 – Why does the business aspect of an STR make it unique for valuation?8:34 – What happens when an owner-occupied property is turned into a STR? Does the valuation change?10:00 – Can any appraiser value an STR?12:52 – How do 1007 forms apply to STRs?16:08 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.17:28 – What happens if a homeowners association steps in and determines that STRs are no longer allowed?20:01 – What does the process of getting a loan on a STR look like?22:45 – Where are things headed for appraisers looking to value STRs?25:32 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.Up Next: Appraising PropTech Innovation: Do Short-Term Changes Have Long-Term Effects?Links: Marshall & Swift®: Foundational Property ValuationsHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

Extreme heat doesn't just challenge our physical endurance; it has a ripple effect on nearly every aspect of our lives. From contributing to the intensification of natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires to affecting property values, insurance risks, and even migration patterns, rising temperatures are worth paying attention to.As natural disasters continue to accelerate in pace and intensity, it's becoming clear that both homeowners and businesses must adapt to a new normal—one where extreme heat and its related perils are key considerations in every decision.In this conversation, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith talks to CoreLogic's Chief Scientist, Dr. Howard Botts to discuss how extreme heat is reshaping the property landscape. The conversation touches on the evolving risks that both homeowners and insurers must navigate as well as how extreme heat is affecting business considerations.As the conversation explores these challenges, the pair also looks at how communities and businesses are beginning to adapt, using new technologies and strategies to build resilience against a hotter future.In This Episode:2:08 – What is extreme heat, scientifically speaking?5:10 – What are the impacts of extreme heat from a property perspective?7:12 – How many U.S. properties are exposed to extreme heat and what is the value of those exposed properties?10:03 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.11:27 – How will additional days of extreme heat make natural disaster events worse?15:53 – What are the knock-on effects of accelerating natural disasters on climate change?19:22 – Do businesses have extreme heat on the radar as a peril that affects bottom lines?21:03 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.22:51 – How will extreme heat affect land-use planning and climate resiliency?Up Next: The Most Climate-Resilient Places to Live in the US According to Data ScienceLinks: What Drives Public Perception of Climate Migration?Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

Have you ever wondered what happens to communities when climate change forces people to move?The economic and social ramifications are both complex and far-reaching. From community fragmentation to insurers potentially refusing coverage in high-risk areas, there are profound consequences stemming from not adapting to a climate in which natural disasters are accelerating.Dr. Kaitlin Raimi, an associate professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, has researched the multifaceted nature of climate migration, and in this episode of Core Conversations, she sits down with host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to examine how regions like the Rust Belt might emerge as new havens for climate migrants and what measures communities can adopt to enhance their resilience. Dr. Raimi and Maiclaire also discuss the potential for policies to help communities adapt and support their residents in the face of climate change.In this episode, explore how Americans view climate migrants, how policies could become a crucial factor influencing climate migration, and what the broader impacts of migration may mean for American society and the economy.In This Episode:1:38 – What is climate migration and where do migrants typically originate from?3:32 – How is the U.S. public reacting to major natural disasters and how are these disasters influencing migration patterns?5:06 – Will it require insurers to cease writing new policies to raise awareness about the impact of accelerating natural disasters?8:30 – How are U.S. communities perceiving the influx of migrants from wildfire-prone or hurricane-prone states?10:38 – Why are the Rust Belt states gaining attention as a climate haven?12:53 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.13:50 – What are some adaptability measure that are available to keep people in their communities?18:59 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.20:27 – What is the future of climate change migration and what ripple effects will this have at the national level?Up Next: University of Miami Researcher Weighs in on Key 2024 Hurricanes Season TrendsLinks: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

Ever wondered how a hurricane might impact the financial sector, or why granular data on property locations is essential? Curious about how these findings might influence future governmental policies and corporate risk management strategies?The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) was too. This year, the FRB asked six major U.S. banks to scrutinize their resilience to physical climate risks. This pilot study aimed to understand the financial stability of the mortgage loan ecosystem in the face of accelerating climate risk, and the results revealed significant data gaps and reliability issues that banks need to address.The identification of these gaps underscores the need for detailed, data-driven understanding when measuring the evolving impact of climate risk. To discuss the link between understanding climate risk and financial stability, Kent David, Director of Hazard Science and Analytics Consulting, and George Gallagher, Director of Climate Risk and Natural Hazard Solutions join Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith. In this episode, the trio discusses how the banks approached climate risk, the challenges of integrating granular data, and the critical importance of understanding insurance market dynamics in this context.In This Episode:2:08 – Why is the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) looking at the intersection between climate risk modeling and enterprise risk management?5:09 – What exactly did the FRB find in their pilot study?8:15 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.9:23 – The FRB study found that there was limited data and limited reliability in model output. What does that mean?13:40 – How will more granular data help improve models? And what exactly qualifies as quality granular data?16:45 – Why can't historical climate patterns be used for forecasting models?18:27 – What are some of these consequences that the different industries might be facing in the wake of accelerating climate risk?21:58 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.22:35 – Is it possible to anticipate what may happen long-term with the climate and how it will affect business operations?Up Next: SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline Pause: Why Companies BenefitLinks: SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline Pause: Why Companies BenefitSEC Final Climate Disclosure RuleHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here:

As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, the climate signals are anything but typical. The transition from El Niño to La Niña and unprecedented sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic have meteorologists and communities paying close attention to the potential severity and frequency of this year's hurricane potential.Warmer ocean temperatures can fuel more intense hurricanes that cause widespread destruction, including severe flooding and wind damage, as well as long-term economic and social disruptions. With coastal populations growing, the consequences of a major hurricane can be catastrophic. The combination of this season's meteorological patterns and growth along the Gulf Coast underscores the need for proactive planning and resilience.In this episode, Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science talks to podcast host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to explore the implications of current climate conditions and how they might influence hurricane activity for the 2024 season. The discussion will also include an exploration of how communities should prepare for a hurricane season that is expected to be quite active.In This Episode:1:55 – What can we expect from the 2024 hurricane season?3:33 – To what degree do the current metrological phenomena make this season unprecedented?6:56 – Why didn't ocean temperatures result in an extreme hurricane season in 2023?9:17 – Why doesn't a major hurricane year always equate to a large loss year for insurance?11:08 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.12:28 – What does sea level rise mean for hurricane season?15:06 – Is there still room for the National Hurricane Center to reduce incertitude in its cone of uncertainty models?19:33 – How do hurricane models differ and how can they be interpreted for different uses?23:12 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.23:58 – Where can you find more of Brian McNoldy's research?Up Next: Building Codes Cost. But What is Resiliency Actually Worth?Links: Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

As the landscape of the housing market continues to evolve, one topic continues to remain at the forefront: affordability.It's a topic we frequently explore on this podcast because it touches every facet of the property market, including the rising costs of construction. With more people moving to more affordable regions, there's a notable impact on both home prices and the costs associated with building new homes.As inflation remains elevated, people are migrating to more affordable areas, and the construction industry is feeling the strain with a shortage of workers, causing affordability to erode.Building a house involves numerous components — drywall, copper pipes, shingles, and more. Each of these materials, along with labor costs, plays a significant role in the overall price of construction. While the prices of materials have decreased since their peak during the pandemic, the overall cost of building remains a challenge due to labor shortages and other economic pressures.To delve deeper into the dynamics between material and labor costs and affordability in the housing market, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith is joined by Jay Thies, associate vice president of Pricing Analysis and Delivery at CoreLogic.In This Episode:2:30 – What has changed in recent months in terms of construction and labor prices?5:59 – How will declining material costs influence new construction trends?7:45 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.9:24 – There is increasing interest in the construction trades. How will this affect the property market long-term?12:11 – How are natural catastrophes affecting labor and material costs?13:31 – Is there a correlation between population migration patterns and the price of labor and materials?16:29 – In which markets are construction prices cooling off?17:24 – Crystal Ball: What does the future of labor and material costs look like?19:35 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.Up Next: Is There Actually a Lumber Shortage?Links: Construction Cost Update ReportTexas Hail(ed) 2023 a Record-Breaking Year for Insured LossesHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

As the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes intensify, the need to strengthen the resiliency of communities against these perils is increasingly urgent. Building codes are a critical tool in this endeavor. However, their adoption and enforcement vary significantly across states. A recent report from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) underscores the lack of uniformity in building code implementation among states vulnerable to hurricanes.While some states, like Florida, have stringent codes that help to reinforce home resilience, other states like Texas grapple with disparities in code adoption, amplifying vulnerability to hurricane-related damages.This divergent approach to building codes has far-reaching implications for disaster preparedness and response.With the arrival of the 2024 hurricane season, understanding the intersection between building codes, community resilience, and climate change is key for entities developing mitigation strategies anchored in resilience.To talk about the importance of building codes, address concerns regarding up-front costs versus long-term benefits, and discuss the success of stronger structures in weathering storms, Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith is joined by CoreLogic's Director of Catastrophe Response, Jon Schneyer.In This Episode:2:41 – Why are building codes so important, and how can older buildings be retrofitted to code?6:18 – Examining one of the most famous examples of building codes in action.8:04 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.9:14 – Looking at the differences between Texas and Florida building codes, according to the IBHS report.11:21 – Is mitigation through building codes a financially sound investment?14:36 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.15:41 – What could the inconsistent use of building codes in Texas mean if a strong hurricane hits the state this year?17:52 – How is hurricane risk developing, and how can you understand your risk?Up Next: SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline Pause: Why Companies BenefitLinks: Texas Hail(ed) 2023 a Record-Breaking Year for Insured LossesIBHS Research Report: Rating the States 2024Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

A full 67% of IT senior leaders are prioritizing generative AI for their businesses, according to Salesforce data. This statistic underscores the growing importance of AI in today's business landscape and highlights the urgency of understanding its implications.Although AI is not new technology, over the past couple of years, it has reshaped industries. But with its rise comes a myriad of questions and concerns, ranging from technical complexities to ethical implications.From forecasting floods to streamlining insurance claims, AI is revolutionizing how we interact with property data and make decisions. But as we navigate this technological landscape, we must also address the ethical dimensions of AI, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Amy Gromowski, CoreLogic vice president, head of Data Science, delve into these questions surrounding AI, exploring its potential, challenges, and ethical considerations.In This Episode: 22:35 – Explain AI like I'm a five-year-old.5:31 – AI not new technology. How long has CoreLogic been using it?7:05 – Why is data security and integrity so crucial for AI models?10:03 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market with The Sip.11:12 – What can we do to limit implicit bias and explicit bias in AI models?15:52 – What does it mean to responsibly use AI?18:48 – Erika Stanley talks about what is happening in the world of natural disasters. 20:19 – What will widespread adoption of AI look like for the property industry? Will this ever transpire?Links: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Up Next: Some Insurers Banned AI — Will Insurtech Bring It Back?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

As housing prices remain elevated, it's crucial to examine the other side of the coin, where worries about affordability linger despite the substantial equity many homeowners have amassed.In a housing market characterized by high prices, soaring equity, and ballooning consumer debt, it is worth examining mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates, which are currently hovering around historic lows. But what's behind this trend, and what does it signify for the future of the housing market and real estate?In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel examine the monumental increases in home prices over the past decade, the subsequent strain on affordability, and how these trends have been exacerbated by a surge in mortgage rates and a persistent scarcity of housing supply. Compounding the market complexity is the relationship between mortgage delinquencies and consumer debt. Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, mortgage delinquencies are at historic lows, buoyed by a robust job market and homeowners' substantial equity cushions.Maiclaire and Molly unpack how rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas are stretching household budgets and how people can navigate through the uncertainties of potential economic shifts while maintaining an optimistic outlook for the housing market.In This Episode:1:54 – What is the state of affordability in the U.S. economy?3:26 – How are mortgages affected by overall real estate market trends?5:15 – Why is it important to track mortgage delinquencies?7:49 – How does rising consumer debt affect property owners' ability to pay mortgages? Is it a leading indicator that there may be more late payments soon?11:15 – What is the status of foreclosures in the market?12:42 – How are mortgage servicers using equity to protect property owners from late payment and foreclosure?15:46 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.17:08 – How have home equity gains differed across the U.S.?19:52 – Are there certain states where the potential for mortgage delinquencies is higher?20:35 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world22:00 – What does the future look like for mortgage delinquencies are foreclosures?Links: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Up Next: Are Investors and Interest Rates Abolishing the Dream of Homeownership?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

Whether you're valuing, insuring, underwriting or even simply buying and selling real estate, understanding the nuances of property valuation is crucial.But why do homes have so many different values and what role does each value play in the grand scheme of things? From market value to insurable value to the cost approach, who you are and what type of value you're looking for plays a pivotal role in how you consider property values.But then there is the world of unconventional homes like barndominiums and tiny houses.In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Ed Martinez, director of industry solutions at CoreLogic, discuss how a home's location, size and effective age make the cost approach an excellent benchmark when valuing these unique properties.In This Episode: 2:12 – An explanation of why there are different values on the same property.3:26 – What is the cost approach and why can't all property valuations be uniform?5:38 – How does the value of land factor into overall valuations?6:58 – How do you influence the effective age of a structure? Is it really kitchen and bathroom remodels?8:42 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.10:05 – Why are barndominiums so popular right now?12:27 – For non-traditional homes, why is the cost approach the most accurate method?15:22 – How much of a cost savings do barndominiums offer, really?18:12 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.19:22 – What are the most important factors when assessing the value of a home?Links: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Up Next: Which U.S. Metros Sit in the Crosshairs of Remote Work Migration?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

On March 6, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sent shockwaves through the financial world by mandating that publicly traded companies disclose details about how climate change affects their businesses. However, this rule hit a roadblock on April 4 when legal challenges led the SEC to pause the implementation timeline, throwing compliance requirements into uncertainty.While the future of this rule is in limbo, the implications of such a mandate for businesses, investors, and the economy are immense. Should the SEC reinstate the rule following litigation, it will be a fundamental shift in how corporations assess and report climate-related risks, potentially reshaping investment strategies and business models.To navigate this labyrinthine, we're joined by Russell McIntyre, a seasoned policy analyst at CoreLogic. Russell sheds light on the intricacies of the SEC ruling, dissecting its reporting requirements and the implications of the uncertain implementation timeline.This discussion also covers the reasons why, despite this pause in implementation, businesses should prepare for these reporting requirements and what data and analysis future compliance will require.In This Episode: 1:56 – What happened with this SEC ruling? What does the stay mean for implementation timelines?4:07 – What is the mood on Capitol Hill following the pause on this landmark rule?5:43 – What happened to make the SEC put these rulings into effect now?8:45 – What are the reporting requirements in this rule?11:06 – Even though there's a pause, why should companies still prepare for this type of reporting?13:46 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.15:03 – Russell and Maiclaire discuss what parts of the rule they wish weren't removed.16:49 – Why insurance recovery data may soon be public investor information.19:49 – How can companies gather the necessary data to comply with these rules in the future?20:28 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.21:37 – Is this just the first step in a larger effort to disclose climate risk?Links: Study Shows Economic Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions | DartmouthSEC Final Climate Disclosure RuleHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Up Next: Can Property Data Accurately Predict Shifts in the Property Market?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

In today's ever-changing property market, decisions can be swayed by fluctuating interest rates, population shifts, affordability concerns, and climate challenges. However, one constant remains to provide a clear path forward: data-driven insights.From guiding high-level business decisions to shaping regulatory policies, data has become the cornerstone for professionals navigating the property market. But with the proliferation of data comes the challenge of harnessing its potential. Where does one begin when seeking actionable insights in a sea of information?It all begins with technologies that can translate the vast quantities of data collected within the property industry into insights that inspire action. Whether it's the transformative power of geospatial data, the role of predictive analytics in risk mitigation, or the implications of emerging technologies like generative AI, these technology solutions will leave their marks on the future of the property business.In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic's Chief Innovation Officer John Rogers to dive into the untapped potential of data and its profound impact on the future of real estate. In This Episode:2:40 – What is Climate Risk Analytics and how does it help mitigate the financial impact of climate change that the SEC now requires?5:24 – Can banks, companies, and homeowners see the effects of a changing climate on a single property?8:12 – What kind of data is needed to power forecasting efforts and define development plans?10:40 – How does geospatial data help define wildfire risk? What else can it help enterprises determine?13:33 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.14:51 – Have there been any surprising migration patterns that geospatial data has identified?17:31 – Who is John and why does he always have a giant screen?20:28 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.21:51 – How can we ensure that there are good data inputs powering gen AI to avoid the consequences of the adage “garbage in, garbage out”?Links: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Up Next: Some Insurers Banned AI — Will Insurtech Bring It Back?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

In the telecommunications industry, navigating infrastructure investments to draft a road map for 5G success is a complex but necessary undertaking. Success requires both location intelligence and geospatial data.As the needs for 5G infrastructure increase in parallel with the demand for connectivity for everything from core networks to self-driving cars and wearable devices, it's imperative to not only understand how much connectivity to provide today but also where it will be needed tomorrow.From respecting regulatory compliance to pinpointing growth hot spots, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and guest Joe Francica, a principal on the location intelligence product team, discuss how infrastructure planners in the telco industry can get ahead in the race for connectivity supremacy.In This Episode2:11 – What is the difference between location intelligence and geospatial data, and how dramatically can the data points influence infrastructure project placement?4:55 – How can the infrastructure required for the expansion of 5G networks rely on location intelligence?8:55 – Are there any particular regions seeing especially high demand for bandwidth?11:02 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.12:59 – What is the first step to define a target area for 5G infrastructure expansion?14:36 – Compliance and regulation considerations are woven into the telecommunications industry, how can location intelligent data help ensure compliance?17:18 – Why is rural 5G infrastructure a big deal?18: 02 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.Links: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Up Next: Which U.S. Metros Sit in the Crosshairs of Remote Work Migration?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

Soaring U.S. rental prices have prompted discussions about the nation's trajectory towards a renter-centric society.From the exorbitant rental prices in Miami to the ongoing wisdom that homeownership is an advantageous financial decision, as renters and homeowners search for affordability and stability, they will need to navigate an increasingly complex market.With rental costs experiencing a staggering 30% increase over a three-year period, this episode of Core Conversations examines various factors contributing to this phenomenon, including a severe shortage of rental properties, heightened demand from new households, and the impact of high mortgage rates on homeownership rates.As Americans search for solutions to growing rental prices, build-to-rent communities have stepped into this dynamic. These developments offer solutions to the rental supply crisis but also raise questions about the long-term impact of these communities on local economies and housing market dynamics.In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel discuss the complex interplay between economic factors, housing policies, and societal trends shaping the rental landscape in the United States.In This Episode2:29 – Why are rents so expensive? Is the lack of affordability transforming the U.S. into a land of renters?7:38 – How does the recent 30% increase in rental prices compare to the long-term average? How do rent-controlled apartments skew the growth?9:10 – Looking at regional rent affordability and what happened in Miami.10:15 – How is the rental economy distributed between single-family and multifamily units? Is the build-to-rent economy further tipping the balance? 16:46 – Who is investing in these build-to-rent communities? Is it venture capitalism? Banks? Individual investors? And how are these communities impacting local economies?17:39 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market.18:39 – How are high rental prices correlated with the slowdown in homeownership rates?19:48 – Why are first-time homebuyers still making up a large share of buyers despite high interest rates? 21:42 – Erika Stanley reviews global natural catastrophes and their effect on the insurance market.23:00 – Are there advantages to being a renter versus a homeowner even in the current rental market?Links: Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Up Next: Why US Property Retains Its Value Compared to Other Global MarketsFind full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

It already seems like 2023 is long ago, but the consequences of natural disasters and the lessons we've learned from them are far from the past.Record-breaking hailstorms; devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii; and other catastrophic events made global headlines, and for good reason. Historical patterns are changing – just look at the increasing rapid intensification of storms and sea-surface temperatures. However, changing climate patterns do not mean that there is no way to ensure resilience.Research, property data, stringent building codes, and a commitment to preparedness are all lessons that insurers and homeowners can glean from 2023 to get ready to mitigate property risk for the 2024 season.In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Director of Catastrophe Response Jon Schneyer look into what happened in the world of natural catastrophes in 2023. They also examine what we can learn from these events to give listeners a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between weather phenomena, human settlement patterns, and disaster response strategies.In This Episode1:34 – What is the biggest natural catastrophe story from 2023, and why was it record-setting?4:04 – Looking into how population growth centers are increasing hail damage costs.6:20 – What dominated international headlines for natural catastrophes – it wasn't hurricanes.8:52 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in the Sip.10:12 – How did El Niño and sea surface temperatures interact to influence hurricane season 2023?13:35 – Wildfires in California were tempered, but will this continue in 2024?16:17 – Why were the wildfires in Maui so devastating?18:45 – What can we learn from these devastating natural catastrophes? (Hint: Building codes are important.)21:42 – Erika Stanley discusses current natural catastrophe events.Links:Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic IntelligenceUp Next: Are Insurers Prepared for an El Niño-Fueled Hurricane Season?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

Insurance is a topic of perennial interest, but it is not often discussed for furthering cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and machine learning. However, Insurtech, with its ability to redefine business models and leverage cutting-edge technologies, has left an indelible mark on the insurance industry landscape.Whether it's a homeowner navigating insurance policies or an industry professional charting the course for future business growth, Insurtech's broad reach has enabled companies to take on new types of risks to reshape risk management strategies in the face of evolving climate risk and changing regulations. In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with InsTech CEO Matthew Grant. The two unpack just how far the industry has come and how far things still need to go as bleeding-edge technologies come to the forefront of the international conversation and stand to bridge the gap between this traditional industry and the evolution of consumer expectations.In This Episode:3:13 – How insurance won out over technological innovations, leaving homeowners to purchase policies in a traditional manner.4:22 – So why did technology revolutionize the way insurers underwrite policies?7:22 – As data leads to increased visibility for risk, how does that affect insurers ability to offer coverage?8:40 – How tech tools put the power in the hands of a policyholder to speed up the claims process.10:17 – Where does AI have the most potential to expedite the claims process?12:52 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market with The Sip.13:55 – Will generative AI and algorithmic underwriting define the future of insurance decisions?16:05 – Why has reinsurance been so quick to adopt new technology?18:43 – Erika Stanley talks about what is happening in the world of natural disasters.20:21 – Is the Insurtech revolution over, or is it only beginning?Links:RAA Conference: Cat Risk Management 2024InsTech PodcastHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic IntelligenceUp Next: How Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

As the claims and restoration business adapt to pressures of surging inflation, persistent labor shortages and the escalating frequency of natural disasters, automation has emerged as an investment avenue to help streamline processes and enhance efficiency.However, not all technology solutions are created equal. In an industry when data fidelity is crucial for those in the field and automation is increasingly a stopgap amid ongoing staffing challenges, the insurance claims industry is increasingly seeking solutions that address these hurdles, while adhering to complex requirements from industry standards.Discover the evolving landscape of insurance claims, the challenges it faces and the innovative solutions technology provides. Stay tuned for insights into the future, where CoreLogic Senior Principal of Industry Relations Brandon Burton unveils Mitigate, CoreLogic's groundbreaking field documentation tool set to revolutionize data fidelity and reduce the time burden on technicians.Find out more about CoreLogic's Mitigate productIn This Episode:1:57 – How has technology altered the claims side of the insurance industry?4:08 – Why hasn't technology already solved existing challenges within the industry?5:43 – What are some recent changes to industry standards and how have they specifically impacted the industry?8:15 – How dramatically are labor shortages affecting the claims and restoration industries?10:19 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.11:56 – How can automation help alleviate the strain imposed by labor shortages?13:03 – The American National Standards Institute maintains a list of industry standards; which standards are upcoming and which are up for revision?14:53 – Erika Stanley talks about what is happening in the world of natural disasters.16:36 – What is on the horizon for claims professionals?18:49 – What is Mitigate, and why is it going to facilitate industry advancement?Links:Brandon Burton's Podcast: Technically SpeakingHazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic IntelligenceUp Next: How Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

In the first episode of Season 4 of Core Conversations, Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp dive into the aftermath of the pandemic's influence on migration patterns and how remote work has reshaped the housing landscape.While the pandemic may no longer dominate headlines, it continues to exert its influence. Remote work opportunities flourished, prompting an exodus from high-cost coastal metros to more affordable regions. This migration then spurred home price inflation across the country, while also altering income distribution, patterns of gentrification and urban sprawl.The consequences for major cities are profound. Already, large metros have been presented with challenges in retaining high-wage workers, navigating shrinking tax bases and facing declining home prices. Conversely, smaller towns have experienced upticks in wages and local spending.This episode explores the ripple effects of these changes, discussing how cities like San Francisco and New York are adapting and how smaller, more affordable metros are seizing opportunities. Similarly, going forward, it will be critical to ponder the long-term consequences of remote work on cities' functions and how they can reinvent themselves.LinkedIn Remote Work StudyFannie Mae study: Remote Work and Housing Location PreferencesSelma Hepp's Op-Ed on pandemic migrationRead CoreLogic IntelligenceCopyright 2024 CoreLogic In This Episode:2:29 – What is "pandemic migration" and how did remote work enable this trend?4:05 – Will there be any long-term consequences for cities and towns from remote work migration?7:06 – What are the economic and housing market implications of migration to more affordable areas?10:28 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.12:13 – What is the future for America's high-price cities and tech hubs?16:11 – How will migration influence the future of small towns?17:33 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.18:40 – How have U.S. home prices fared in the face of this continued migration? 22:44 – How have high interest rates affected migration trends and home prices?Links:Read CoreLogic IntelligenceRegister for INTRCONNECT...

What is the future of the U.S. economy? Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp dive into this perennial question in the final episode of Core Conversations: Season 3.From incremental home sales increases to gradually declining mortgage rates, there is a lot that we can expect to happen in 2024. However, geopolitical risks, such as oil prices and inflation, have the potential to impact the trajectory of mortgage rates and change the development of the overall housing market.Tune into this final episode of the season to gain insights into the uncertain future of the housing market, as well as what current trends and property data indicate is likely to develop as we pass into the new year.In This Episode:0:40 – A summary of what happened in the 2023 housing market.1:23 – What does Selma expect to be the 2024 economic outlook?5:40 – Erika Stanley reviews the natural disasters reported on by CoreLogic's Hazard HQ Command Central7:33 – INTRCONNECT 2024 is coming to AustinLinks:Read CoreLogic IntelligenceRegister for INTRCONNECT 2024Hazard HQ Command CentralWhite Paper: Why Extreme Heat-Related Property Risk Is the Next Significant Business HurdleUp Next: 2023 Economic Look Back: A Tale of Two Housing MarketsFind full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In the season finale of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp dive into a discussion about the dynamic landscape of the U.S. housing market in 2023.This year, mortgage rates surged by almost 500 basis points, home prices catapulted by 42% over three years and mortgage payments witnessed a staggering 60% hike. This episode peels back the layers of the housing market, exploring the sometimes-contrasting contexts of the real estate sector with the larger economy.One of the major topics that this discussion covers is why some homeowners can navigate these economic shifts while others grapple with pressing affordability challenges. Although housing affordability is a crucial point for both homeowners and renters, according to Pete Carroll, executive of public policy for CoreLogic, the affordable housing crisis is a bit of a misnomer. At its core, the crisis is due to a lack of housing inventory with respect to demand. So, how is it that the U.S. has arrived at a point where inventory is low, prices and interest rates are climbing, and rentals seem out of reach in some markets?As 2023 comes to an end, join the conversation to reflect on what happened, where we are now, and what we can expect in the future of the U.S. housing economy.In This Episode:1:58 – What have the general trends been in the U.S. economy in 2023?4:09 – Why was there a disconnect in how the housing market and the overall economy fared?6:05 – How much of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) does housing represent? Did inflation dramatically effect this percentage?7:47 – Discussing the housing market slowdown of 202310:35 – Erika Stanley reviews the number in the housing market in The Sip.12:08 – How did the U.S. rental market do in 2023?15:26 – What is the future for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) with the current rates of inflation?18:05 – How did the lock-in effect affect the overall housing market?Links:Read CoreLogic IntelligenceRegister for INTRCONNECT 2024Up Next: Occupancy Fraud May Be the Next Risk for the Mortgage IndustryFind full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Ever wondered why the U.S. mortgage market offers 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages and what impact this unique loan offering has on housing prices? This is a question that host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Professional Economist Thom Malone dive into during part two of this episode on the differences between the U.S. and international housing markets.From the surprising benefits of the U.S. system for homeowners to the potential hazards in concentrating mortgage risk, this conversation explores the effects of inflation on housing prices, drawing connections to global trends. Stay tuned until the end for insights into if and where property markets will experience shifts in the upcoming months. To continue the conversation and connect the dots between interest rates, inflation and housing prices, make sure to tune into Episode 60 as well.In This Episode1:04 – What are the advantages/disadvantages of the U.S.'s 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage system?2:56 – How do interest rate increases affect housing prices in other countries?5:46 – Are there specific U.S. markets where we're seeing the potential for people to default on their mortgages?8:20 – How does the national cycle of housing price change express itself? (Hint: like a waterfall)10:50 – Are international markets seeing similar home price trends to the U.S.?12:11 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the globe.13:51 – What can we expect to see from home prices in the next few months?Links:Read CoreLogic IntelligenceRegister for INTRCONNECT 2024Hazard HQ Command CentralTM natural disaster coverageMore First-Time Homebuyers Reside in Midwestern and High-Tech Coastal MetrosThom Malone author pageUp Next: Why US Property Retains Its Value Compared to Other Global MarketsFind full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Property is the world's largest asset class, so any fluctuation within this market has far-reaching effects. Just consider how property values in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. have sent ripples throughout the global economy.There are many factors that affect the housing market, and one is the amount of investment activity. Investors contributed to the dramatic home price growth seen in recent years. The surge in investor activity significantly impacted home prices, but the precise extent of this influence remains a subject of ongoing debate among economists.Another factor affecting the property market is interest rates. When these rates plummeted several years ago, housing prices surged across the world. Then rates began to climb, and the substantial home price gains seen in the aforementioned countries began to correct. But home prices in the U.S. have remained above their 2020 peak, defying expectations.That leaves the question: Why is the U.S. an outlier in the property market?In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Professional Economist Thom Malone to discuss the effect that the U.S. securitized mortgage system and investor activity has had on both the national and global property markets.In This Episode:2:04 – What has happened to housing prices since the pandemic and what makes 2023 such a pivotal year?5:47 – Who are the investors that are participating in the market? Who are the mega investors and what role do they play?8:33 – How has investor activity impacted home prices?10:54 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.12:05 – What is happening in the world of international housing prices?14:16 – What are the advantages and disadvantages of the U.S.'s securitized mortgage system?19:53 – Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Thom Malone talk about their experiences speaking with friends from their home countries about buying a house in the U.S.Links: Read CoreLogic IntelligenceRegister for INTRCONNECT 2024Up Next: What Is the Future of Mortgage Interest Rates in the Current Real Estate Market?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Instances of mortgage fraud have remained relatively stable in recent years. In the second quarter of 2023, CoreLogic estimates that 1 in 134 applications contained fraud, up from 1 in 131 during the same period in 2022. But that doesn't mean that lenders shouldn't be on the lookout for warning signs.In the 2023 Mortgage Fraud Report, researchers found that suspected occupancy loans have nearly tripled since 2020. This type of fraud, which is difficult to spot during origination, typically occurs when someone identifies an investment property as a primary residence to obtain more favorable rates. Not only is this subcategory of fraud requiring more attention, but a changing economy and the increase in automation is bringing unique challenges to the industry.In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Bridget Berg, a senior leader in loan solutions at CoreLogic, to talk about who ends up paying when someone defaults on a loan and how automation may open the door for increased fraud. In This Episode:0:53 – Who ends up paying when someone default on a loan that has fraud and what happens to lenders that have to buy back loans?4:10 – Does the normalization of automated underwriting have the potential to lead to more mortgage fraud?6:30 – Are cash-based borrowers without traditional credit histories turning mortgage fraud more of a concern?9:07 – Erika Stanley gives an overview of natural disaster headlines from CoreLogic's Hazard HQ Command Central.10:58 – What does the future of fraud risk look like.Links:Why Extreme Heat-Related Property Risk Is the Next Significant Business HurdleHazard HQ Command Central Natural Disaster Coverage2023 Mortgage Fraud ReportOctober 2023 U.S. Home Price Insights ReportUp Next: HELOC Loans May Be the Next Threat for Mortgage FraudFind full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Elevated interest rates have had ripple effects across the U.S. property market. From the appearance of the lock-in effect, which has slowed down home purchases, to increasing questions of affordability, the climbing cost of taking out a mortgage has spurred many to consider how to lower the price tag.One trend that CoreLogic® has spotted in the property market is an increase in suspected occupancy fraud. In the 2023 Mortgage Fraud Report, researchers found that suspected occupancy loans have nearly tripled since 2020. This type of fraud, which is difficult to spot during origination, typically occurs when someone identifies an investment property as a primary residence to obtain more favorable rates.Despite this uptick in the subcategory, the overall instance of mortgage fraud has remained relatively flat. In the second quarter of 2023, CoreLogic estimates that 1 in 134 applications contained fraud, up from 1 in 131 during the same period in 2022.But occupancy fraud is not the only tactic on the table. In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Bridget Berg, a senior leader in loan solutions at CoreLogic, to talk about the types of mortgage fraud, where it is most prevalent in the industry and why it can be so difficult to detect.In This Episode:2:19 – An overview of the prevalence of fraud through the years.3:56 – Host Maiclaire describes what it's like to go through a routine audit following a mortgage, and guest Bridget Berg explains the different ways people can defraud lenders.5:56 – Is there more fraud happening now than in previous years? How did the pandemic change the trend?8:29 – Why should occupancy fraud should be top of mind for lenders?9:47 – Is mortgage fraud difficult to detect, and are there triggers and are there ways that lenders can identify risks?11:16 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the property market in The Sip.12:33 – A discussion about the fraud risk associated with occupancy declarations and HELOC loans.Links:2023 Mortgage Fraud ReportOctober 2023 U.S. Home Price Insights ReportUp Next: HELOC Loans May Be the Next Threat for Mortgage FraudFind full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Wildfires are an annual occurrence in many areas of the U.S. However, as our climate changes, fires are beginning to ignite in areas that are traditionally at low risk. Just look at the Hawaiian island of Maui.Despite the increasing number of regions experiencing wildfires, only about 9% of U.S. properties meet the threshold for high or extreme wildfire risk. So how exactly is this risk measured and what role can mitigation play in reducing this natural danger?In this episode host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Chief Actuary Howard Kunst to talk about this subject. The two will discuss the wildfire season with a focus on California — one of the most high-profile, wildfire-burdened states in the country — and how the historic rainfall from earlier this year will influence upcoming wildfire risk.In This Episode:1:25 – California had one of the wettest winters on record last year. How has that changed wildfire risk in the state? Hint: It didn't necessarily improve things.4:08 – Why is awareness of wildfires important for mitigation and how do we create awareness in low-risk areas?6:07 – Is climate change really making wildfires worse?7:30 – Erika Stanley talks about extreme weather events in the Natural Disaster Digest.Links:U.S. Home Price Insights ReportWildfire Risk ReportHow Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis?Up Next: Does Low Wildfire Risk Create a False Sense of Security?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Knowing the wildfire risk of a home is becoming increasingly important — both for homeowners and insurers. However, it is insufficient to simply know that there is a probability of a wildfire occurring at a certain property. It is imperative to understand the development of historic risks into current risks and how this score will evolve in the future. After all, low risk today does not mean no risk tomorrow.While only about 9% of U.S. properties meet the threshold for high or extreme wildfire risk, it is worth questioning why wildfires are creating increasingly large damage figures for homeowners and insurers. In short, climate change, where homes are built, and their construction type all play a role.However, that is not the full story.Understanding how risk scores are created, what a property's risk score actually means, and knowing how to promote mitigation — even among homes that qualify as low risk — are essential strategies for maintaining safety in environments that are experiencing prolonged and more frequent wildfire seasons than usual.In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Chief Actuary Howard Kunst to talk about wildfire risk, how to use a risk score to map those potential threats, and what different actions insurers can take based on the score.In this Episode:2:14 – How do we calculate wildfire risk?3:25 – How are these scores used and why are they different than probabilistic models?7:04 – How long is a risk score valid, and why is it wise to annually evaluate risk scores across a property portfolio?8:52 – What are the thresholds for low, medium and high risk? Why are nearly all U.S. properties low risk?12:08 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the property market with The Sip.13:15 – Why are low-risk areas like Maui, Hawaii seeing wildfire events that cause widespread devastation?Links:U.S. Home Price Insights ReportWildfire Risk ReportHow Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis?Up Next: Can Wildfire Mitigation Stop the California Insurer Exodus?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

El Niño has undoubtedly impacted the 2023 hurricane season. But it is not the only weather pattern that is exerting influence. Ocean temperature — also known as sea surface temperature — is also driving the storms swirling in the Atlantic Ocean. As reports of record-breaking temperatures in the Atlantic appeared this summer, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began to postulate that this season will be an above-average one.As the season progresses, the question has now become: How will insurers fare if one, two or even several storms bring damage to the U.S. housing market?Another burning question that this conversation touches on is how this summer's Typhoon Dora in the Pacific Ocean may have created weather patterns that influenced the August wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui.In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith continues the conversation with CoreLogic's Director of Catastrophe Response Jon Schneyer to talk about if insurers are ready for another storm to hit the U.S. and what this season could bring.In This Episode:0:44 - How is the insurance industry going to fare if we get multiple bad storms this year?3:45 – What does the appearance of EL Niño mean for Pacific hurricane activity? Are the devastating wildfires of Maui connected to this climate phenomenon?6:18 – Erika Stanley talks about what is going on in the world of weather in the Natural Disaster Digest.U.S. Home Price Insights ReportWildfire Risk ReportHazard HQ Command CentralUp Next: Will Scorching Ocean Temps or El Niño Define Hurricane Season?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

The 2023 hurricane season has so far been a wild ride — but that shouldn't be a surprise. With the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) swinging into an El Niño pattern and reports of triple-digit ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, June through November was bound to bring some noteworthy activity, and that pattern could continue.But what does the combination of El Niño — which is known to dampen hurricane activity — and record-breaking sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic have to do with an active 2023 hurricane season? Well, a lot.The influence of these weather phenomena is readily apparent from the activity in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of August. From Hurricane Idalia, which brought considerable damage to the Florida coast, to Hurricane Franklin, which soaked Hispaniola and spun a little too close for comfort off the coast of Bermuda, the 2023 hurricane season is peaking. Not to mention that the season started off with the simultaneous appearance of Hurricanes Bret and Cindy.In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down again with CoreLogic Director of Catastrophe Response Jon Schneyer to talk about the science behind the interaction between ENSO and sea surface temperatures and how knowing a little science can help with seasonal hurricane predictions.In This Episode:2:20 – What is El Niño and what does it mean as we shift from La Niña to El Niño conditions?3:50 – Are the patterns we are seeing this year abnormal?6:42 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the property market.7:53 – How do ocean patterns affect hurricane activity?12:03 – Are we on track to fulfill NOAA's predictions of an above-average hurricane season in 2023? 13:51 – Update on the 2023 hurricane season.Links:CoreLogic monthly economic reportsWeather response and analysis by Jon SchneyerUp Next: Can Wildfire Mitigation Stop the California Insurer Exodus?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

More and more people live in high wildfire-risk areas across the United States. In fact, according to CoreLogic's 2023 Wildfire Risk Report, California, Colorado and Texas lead the nation in the number of at-risk homes and their total reconstruction cost value. The influx of people into these areas means that there is continued demand for insurers to provide coverage, even though climate change is increasing the potential for and the severity of these wildfires.While some insurance companies have elected to no longer write new policies in California – a state that is particularly burdened by wildfires – there are opportunities to reduce risk both for homeowners and for carriers. Mitigation is a major component.Mitigation is not just a trend but a long-term solution. When individuals, governments and insurers work together to create a buffer around a community by fortifying structures and removing potential sources of ignition, CoreLogic and Milliman showed that these efforts could correspond to a 55% reduction in the average total premium (not including reinsurance costs).In part two of this Core Conversations episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith talks to Senior Product Manager Jamie Knippen about how preparedness for a hazard through education and mitigation is the key to creating resilience for individuals, communities, governments and the insurance industry.In This Episode:0:51 – What is the advantage of using models to determine wildfire risk?1:46 – CoreLogic and Milliman studied how significantly mitigation would have affected the outcome of the fire in Paradise, California.4:19 – How did CoreLogic and Milliman get involved in this study?6:13 – How can understanding a view of future risk rather than looking at historic wildfire events improve outcomes?6:52 – Erika Stanley goes over the Natural Disaster Digest7:53 – Adopting probabilistic models: the when, why and how.8:50 – What is the future of wildfire insurance across the U.S.?Links:U.S. Home Price Insights ReportWildfire Risk ReportUp Next: How Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Home insurance is a critical consideration when applying for a mortgage. Without insurance, it's exceedingly difficult to purchase a property. However, with climate change influencing weather patterns and contributing to the increasing severity of natural disasters, some insurers are reassessing their coverage to better manage their risk.Insurance risk management is a topic that has cropped up in several U.S. states. This summer, Allstate and State Farm announced that they would no longer write new policies in California and indicated that the frequency and intensity of natural disasters contributed to their decision.What drove two of the largest insurers in the U.S. to make this decision? How can regulators help manage risk for insurers, carriers and homeowners?In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Senior Product Manager Jamie Knippen to talk about these questions and how understanding wildfire risk scores can help indicate where there are opportunities for risk mitigation.In This Episode:3:01 - What happened when two major insurers stopped writing new policies in California?4:35 – Why are insurers only now saying “This is enough”?5:54 – Are governmental regulations and mitigation requirements the only answer to rising risk?8:37 – Erika Stanley gives an overview of the housing market in The Sip9:36 – How do property, structural and community-level mitigation differ?12:15 – Maiclaire and Jamie discuss how their jobs have made them hyper-aware of property-level riskLinks:U.S. Home Price Insights ReportWildfire Risk ReportUp Next: Will Wildfire Risk Mitigation Requirements Change the California Insurance Industry?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In the ever-evolving landscape of the property market, recent years have been marked by volatility and unprecedented challenges. However, amidst this shifting environment, there is an opportunity for lenders to reassess their back-of-house operations and embrace the transformative potential of modern technology.As the market cools, the stage is set for lenders to revolutionize their processes and cater to the demands of today's discerning consumers. The key lies in embracing automation and digitization to streamline operations and create a seamless borrower experience.In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Praveen Chandramohan, an executive in origination solutions at CoreLogic to discuss how automated underwriting, digital mortgage software, and property technology intertwine to define the future of the mortgage market. From improved borrower experiences to cost optimization, this conversation unveils the transformative power of embracing property technology and mortgage software in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.In This Episode0:54 – What are the top priorities for lenders according to a Fannie Mae survey? And how will these priorities solve the “industry conundrum”?4:28 – Digitizing a cumbersome process begins behind the scenes.8:53 - Are there ways that technology can widen that net and increase business?10:21 – How will technology lead the charge in creating new business?12:42 – Erika Stanley provides the Natural Disaster Digest.13:33 – Praveen offers some real-life examples of how technology is opening the door for self-employed borrowers and those who prefer to use digital currencies.Links: 2023 Hurricane Risk ReportUp Next: Modernizing Loan Origination Workflows: A Shortcut Through the Mortgage MazeFind full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

The last several years have been volatile for the property market. However, as the market is slowing, that is freeing up space for lenders to consider their back-of-house processes and rehabilitate them to accommodate the demands of modern consumers. Largely, that means automating and digitizing processes. Think automated underwriting of the borrower and the property, think about a fully digital experience to close alone.And this is really where the future lies for the mortgage industry.By separating out run-of-the mill applications to accelerate their processing, lenders are freed up to address the more complex cases that may require counseling or human expertise to fulfil the requirements and close the process.In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Praveen Chandramohan, an executive in origination solutions at CoreLogic to discuss why improving the mortgage workflow through technology is an essential next step for the industry.In This Episode:3:40 – The etymology of the word “mortgage” and why homeownership will remain the American dream.6:15 – Why the mortgage industry is decades behind in technological advancements and what can be done.8:15 – What are the key areas lenders can focus on to improve customer retention and acquisition?12:32 – How the U.S. mortgage market is unique and what that means for both borrowers and lenders.17:15 – The future of the mortgage industry lies in accelerating processing speeds.Links: Learn about CLIP (CoreLogic Integrated Property number)Up Next: Modernizing Loan Origination Workflows: A Shortcut Through the Mortgage MazeFind full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

When it comes to financing a home in the current real estate market, the interest rate on a loan is of chief concern for buyers. That has resulted in a growing interest in rate locks from buyers, sellers, builders and lenders.In fact, rate locks as a negotiation technique have bubbled up to the surface as another tactic for lenders looking to secure loans in the current economy.In Part 2 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith continues the conversation with CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel to discuss what rate locks are, why they are trending in the housing market and what that may mean for lenders looking to retain or gain new business.In This Episode:1:31 – By how much can an extra payment lower the total cost of a mortgage?5:55 – Are people starting to come back to the market, or are they still locked into their homes due to mortgage rates?7:27 – Are first-time homebuyers the ones who will begin to break the cycle?9:36 – Erika Stanley gives us insight into what is happening globally with natural disasters.11:00 – What is the forecast for mortgage interest rates? How will inflation affect that?Links: 2023 Hurricane Risk ReportUp Next: Are Rate Locks the Negotiation Key for Lenders to Secure Loans in this Economy?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Anyone who is buying a home with a mortgage almost certainly talks to their lender about interest rates. With real estate market trends defined by some of the highest interest rates in decades and annual home price growth reaching its lowest level in more than a decade, purchasing a property is an undertaking that requires buyers to look at the data and do the math.The current environment is also opening up rate locks to become a negotiation tactic — a technique that falls in and out of favor with real estate trends. In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel to discuss what rate locks are, why they are trending in the housing market and what that may mean for lenders looking to retain or gain new business.In This Episode:3:19 – What are rate locks and why are they trending?6:24 – Mortgage rate locks come at a price. Does that make them a valuable negotiation tactic?10:11 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market.11:31 – Maiclaire talks about using rate locks as a negotiation tactic when buying her home.13:09 – Are mortgage rate buydowns also becoming more common in this market?16:30 – Are mortgage rate buydowns and rate locks the only tactics available to reduce monthly mortgage payments?Links: CoreLogic's monthly Home Price Index (HPI) Up Next: Has the Economy Locked in US Housing Market Price Stagnation?Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt