Podcast by HousingWire
Last month, HousingWire covered the breaking news of mortgage lender Lower acquiring real estate portal Movoto from parent company OJO Labs. Last week, Diego got the opportunity to chat with Dan Snyder, the Founder and CEO of Lower, and John Berkowitz, the CEO of Movoto and now the President of Real Estate at Lower, live and in person at HousingWire's The Gathering 2025. Today, we are bringing that conversation exclusively to our Power House audience! Diego, Dan, and John give a behind-the-scenes look into the acquisition and how Lower is building an end-to-end housing platform that fuses powerful lead generation with localized real estate expertise. Dan and John also talk about the strategic integration of Movoto's 50 million annual visitors, the cultural alignment between teams, and how their retail and tech playbook is designed to rival giants like Zillow and Rocket. Here's what you'll learn: Lower acquired Movoto to own the lead funnel and scale nationally.Culture fit is key in merging teams and tech platforms. Real estate agents remain central to the buyer experience. Movoto brings high traffic and lead value to Lower's ecosystem. Lower OS uses AI and mobile tools to streamline transactions. Dual-brand strategy positions Lower as an industry leader. Related to this episode: Lower acquires real estate portal Movoto | Housingwire Exclusive: Lower acquires software company Neat Labs | HousingWire Dan Snyder - Lower | LinkedIn John Berkowitz - Lower | LinkedIn Lower.com HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode of Powerhouse, Diego sits down with Mike Brennan, President of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers (NMB), to discuss his recent move from Movement Mortgage and what drew him to NMB. They dive into how NMB is navigating a slow housing market, the role of technology in client engagement, and why personal relationships matter more than ever. Mike also touches on growth strategies, new product offerings like reverse mortgages and non-QM loans, and his goal to double the company's size over the next year. Here's what you'll learn: The power of strong relationships and leadership in driving mortgage success. NMB's focus on organic growth through talent and selective M&A. How a lean, efficient structure supports agility and scale. Using tech and servicing to create a customer-first experience. Growth opportunities in reverse mortgages, home equity, and production expansion. Related to this episode: Ex-Movement Prez Michael Brennan joins 'lean-and-mean' NMB | HousingWire Nationwide Mortgage Bankers | Michael Brennan - NMB | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode of Power House, Diego sits down with Allan Merrill, the CEO of Beazer Homes, for an inside look at how they are rethinking mortgage lending and energy-efficient living. Beazer is a NYSE-listed builder that operates in 16 markets across the U.S. and aims to blend traditional homebuilding with innovative ideas. Alan explains their Mortgage Choice program and how this model empowers buyers with real choice and transparency when choosing a lender. He also talks about building with energy efficiency in mind, their commitment to smart customization, and their focus on making homes more attainable in today's market. Here's what you'll learn: Beazer's Mortgage Choice program lets buyers choose from multiple competing lenders for better service and rates. The company leads in energy-efficient homebuilding and offers customizable options at no extra cost. Beazer takes no marketing fees from lenders, ensuring unbiased competition. Its growth strategy is focused and cautious, targeting specific geographic markets. Real estate agents are key partners in guiding the homebuying journey. Beazer is committed to improving housing affordability through smart design and financing solutions. Related to this episode: Beazer Homes Allan Merrill | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on Power House, we have a crossover episode with the RealTrending podcast. Host Tracey Velt sits down with Sarah Reynolds, CEO of EmpowerHome with Keller Williams. Sarah and Tracey talk about how to keep real estate fun, why focusing on controllable factors fuels success more than anything else, and the strategies that EmpowerHome uses to stay ahead of trends She also talks about how agent gratitude is at the heart of her leadership and how EmpowerHome is evolving to serve over 100 families a month. Here's what you'll learn: Focus on what you can control, not market conditions. Making real estate fun again boosts individual and team morale. Hiring with a growth mindset is key to innovation. We'll start to see new, emerging agents in response to market changes. Client needs should always be the true north when driving industry policy changes. Empower Home aims to serve 100 families a month. Related to this episode: Sarah Reynolds | EmpowerHome EmpowerHome Team Sarah Reynolds | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode of Power House, Diego sits down with Marietta Rodriguez, President and CEO of NeighborWorks America, to talk about their mission to expand affordable housing across the nation. NeighborWorks America is a congressionally chartered nonprofit that supports a network of community organizations that develop rental and homeownership opportunities for low-income households. Marietta shares how the organization ranks among the top 100 homebuilders across the US, talks about the dynamics of urban vs. rural housing, and why solutions like modular construction should be popularized. She also talks about building community trust to overcome NIMBY challenges and how NeighborWorks maintains bipartisan support in a politically divided landscape. Here's what you'll learn: NeighborWorks America was created to combat urban disinvestment. The organization supports a network of nonprofits focused on housing and community development. They provide grants, training, and technical assistance to local organizations. NeighborWorks is a significant player in the affordable housing market. Community trust helps overcome NIMBY challenges in housing development. Rural housing issues require different strategies compared to urban challenges. Related to this episode: NeighborWorks America How a housing nonprofit survives the age of DOGE | HousingWire Marietta Rodriguez | LinkedIn Marietta Rodriguez | FDIC.gov HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode of Power House, Diego sits down with Patty Arvielo, the co-founder and CEO of New American Funding to talk about what it takes to thrive in a challenging housing market. New American Funding has grown 60% organically over the last year, has had significant market expansion over the past two years — all white maintaining a 98% profit retention rate over the past two decades. She walks through her 44-year leadership journey, from teenage data entry clerk to CEO, and how her partnership with co-CEO (and husband) Rick Arvielo drives their strategic edge. They also dive into the importance of company authenticity over flashy sign-on bonuses, and how Patty is paving the way for more women to step confidently into leadership roles in mortgage. Patty will be joining us on stage this year at The Gathering. Dont miss out — register here! Here's what you'll learn: Anticipating market cycles will always be key to growth. Steady, consistent organic growth beats out acquisitions. Genuine culture, not quick incentives, will attract top talent. Empathetic leadership matters more than you think. End-to-end platforms should be seen as opportunities, not threats. Women should be open to taking career risks. Strong relationships are the foundation of strong companies. Related to this episode: Agenda | 2025 HousingWire: The Gathering Registration | 2025 HousingWire: The Gathering Patty Arvielo | New American Funding New American Funding HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode of Power House, Diego sits down with two big names in housing: Varun Krishna, the CEO of Rocket Companies, and Jay Bray, the CEO of Mr. Cooper. They discuss combining powerful brands and redefining what it means to own a home in the U.S. Varun shares how the “Own the Dream” campaign has been a complete marketing revolution for Rocket. He also breaks down the strategy behind acquiring both Redfin and Mr. Cooper, and how they're building a fully integrated experience across the entire homeownership journey. Jay dives into the shared vision that drove the Mr. Cooper deal and discusses how Rocket's AI-driven platforms will transform mortgage servicing and broker partnerships. Varun and Jay will be joining us on stage this year at The Gathering, alongside Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman. Dont miss out — register here! Here's what you'll learn: Own the Dream is a revolutionary marketing strategy for Rocket. Mergers and acquisitions are key to achieving growth. Homeownership is the core focus of Rocket's strategy. AI will play a significant role in optimizing the mortgage process. The future of servicing is about growth and integration. Related to this episode: Agenda | 2025 HousingWire: The Gathering BREAKING: Rocket CEO Varun Krishna Returns to The Gathering for Keynote Fireside Chat | HousingWire Rocket Companies to acquire Mr. Cooper in bombshell $9.4B deal | HousingWire Rocket's 'Apple of homeownership' flywheel is getting more complex | HousingWire Varun Krishna shares Rocket's plan to “become the Apple of homeownership” | HousingWire Rocket Companies announces deal to acquire Redfin for $1.75 billion | HousingWire Rocket Companies Mr. Cooper Jay Bray | LinkedIn Varun Krishna| LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on Power House, we have a crossover episode with the RealTrending podcast. Host Tracey Velt talks to Tamir Poleg, CEO of The Real Brokerage. Tamir and Tracey talk about using AI to optimize daily operations, including the automation of thousands of inquiries with an AI assistant. He also talks about how Real scales without losing its culture, the shifting dynamics between agents and clients, and why brokerages must shift to a consumer-first mindset. Here's what you'll learn: Real is both a technology and a real estate company. AI enhances operational efficiency and client service. A strong company culture attracts like-minded agents. Leadership will always involve taking responsibility for failures. Automation can replace many tasks traditionally done by agents. AI will play a significant role in decision-making for real estate transactions. Related to this episode: The Real Brokerage Tamir Poleg - The Real Brokerage Inc | LinkedIn Real Brokerage leverages agent count growth for soaring revenue | HousingWire Best Real Estate Brokerages in United States | RealTrends Verified HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode of Power House, Diego chats with Vikas Enti, the CEO of Reframe Systems, about how micro factories can reshape the future of home building in America. After a decade at Amazon Robotics, where he helped deploy over half a million robots, Vikas is now using his engineering background to create climate-resilient, affordable housing with Reframe's localized micro-factories. Vikas talks about how local-focused construction and zoning reform can make homebuilding faster and cheaper. He also discusses how Reframe plans to partner with developers and what the next 12 months have in store for the company's growth. Here's what you'll learn: Reframe aims to build climate-resilient homes efficiently. The home building industry has not significantly changed in 100 years. Construction is fundamentally a logistics problem. Reframe is developing micro factories to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Local customization is key to meeting regional housing needs. Affordable housing is a critical issue in the current market. Related to this episode: Vikas Enti | LinkedIn Reframe Systems HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode of Power House, Diego chats with Seth Gellis, the president of Community Preservation Partners, about the critical role that affordable housing plays in the US housing market. Having built over 16,000 units across 19 states, Seth shares CPP's mission of preserving and developing affordable multi-family housing. They plan to do that by advocating for pro-housing policies, providing support to low-income populations, and getting involved in communities in need. Seth also talks about housing demographics, CPP's future initiatives and where we go from here. Here's what you'll learn: CPP focuses on affordable multifamily housing. 75% of Americans can't afford the median price of a home. Accessible, affordable housing is essential for upward mobility. CPP uses low-income housing tax credits for financing. It's important that community members get the chance to live where they work. CPP is involved in multifront policy advocacy for affordable housing. Related to this episode: Community Preservation Partners Seth Gellis | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's sponsored episode of Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Jesse Decker, the newly appointed Chief Customer Officer at Polly, for a conversation all about innovation and customer success strategies in mortgage tech. Jesse shares her journey from consulting to leading customer experience at Polly, how new tech is sweeping the mortgage landscape, and how Polly is constantly innovating to meet the needs of their customer partners. They also talk about some exciting new developments happening in Polly's roadmap and what it really means — and takes — to listen to customers. Here's what you'll learn: The mortgage industry, as a whole, is on the brink of a technology shift. Understanding customer needs is crucial for product development. Polly's technology is highly configurable and innovative. Artificial intelligence integration is a key focus for Polly's future. Building partnerships with customers is essential for success. Polly wants to transform the vendor-lender relationship model. Related to this episode: Connect with Jesse Decker on LinkedIn Follow Polly on LinkedIn Connect with Polly's team at #MBASecondary25 Mortgage Tech Insights with Adam Carmel HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on Power House, we have a fantastic conversation between Diego and Melinda Wilner, the COO of United Wholesale Mortgage. Today's episode is all about what it really takes to thrive in today's market. Melinda talks about her journey from mortgage broker to UWM executive and how her leadership has supported UWM's position as the top mortgage originator since 2022. They also talk about company initiatives like their TrackLight program and All-In Agreement, and how these are central to their mission of protecting the wholesale channel. Here's what you'll learn: UWM focuses on growing the wholesale channel to enhance broker experiences. In-house technology and innovation are key to UWM's competitive edge. The All-In Agreement protects the wholesale broker channel. The TrackLight program significantly reduces title costs for consumers. The wholesale channel is gaining market share in the mortgage industry. UWM aims to create a community among mortgage brokers. Related to this episode: UWM.com Melinda Wilner | LinkedIn United Wholesale Mortgage | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on Power House, Tracey Velt sits down in person with Robert Palmer, founder and CEO of LPT Realty, at LPT's studio in Orlando. Robert and Tracey talk about LPT's remarkable journey from a simple marketing tool to a top brokerage in just three years. He discusses the importance of self-funding, agent empowerment through dual brokerage models, and how to maintain an agent-first philosophy. Robert also discusses upcoming initiatives like ASCEND University, the Aperture luxury brand, and Leads Connect, along with future growth plans including a public IPO and expansion into new markets. Here's what you'll learn: LPT's transition from a marketing tool to a brokerage was driven by a desire to support agents. Self-funding allows for greater control and prioritization of agents' needs. The brokerage model should empower local agents to make decisions about mortgage and title services. Navigating industry challenges requires a commitment to agent choice and autonomy. Understanding and balancing both business logic and technology for successful software development. LPT's growth strategies include expanding training programs and launching a luxury brand. Related to this episode: LPT Realty | RealTrends Verified LPT Realty's Robert Palmer is building a 'brokerage for life' | HousingWire lpt realty HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Sarah Middleton, the newly appointed Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Supreme Lending. Sarah walks through her journey to Supreme Lending and what it takes to succeed in mortgage — from strong leadership to Supreme's tech-forward mindset, AI-driven marketing, and diverse product lineup. She also touches on M&A, the “branchpreneur” model, and her passion for training, onboarding, and helping loan officers grow, especially in difficult times. Here's what you'll learn: A diverse product offering is essential for competing in mortgage. The importance of technology and AI in streamlining many processes. M&A is currently a key growth strategy at Supreme Lending. Understanding the aspirations of loan officers enhances recruitment efforts. There will always be opportunities in the market, even during tough times. Related to this episode: Sarah Middleton joins Supreme Lending in C-suite roles | HousingWire Sarah Middleton | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this bonus episode, we're tackling the big question on everyone's mind: What is happening with the housing market right now? Between tariffs, mortgage rates, jobs data and general uncertainty, it's hard to understand how to make sense of it all. HousingWire is joined by experts Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer to cut through the noise. Originally featured in a HousingWire exclusive event, this panel is now available for the Power House audience. Related to this episode: Compare Current Mortgage Rates | HousingWire Housing Market News and Commentary | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez chats with the CEO of HousingWire and the former host of this very podcast: Clayton Collins! Clayton dives into HousingWire's journey—from steady organic growth to smart acquisitions—and why in-person events like The Gathering are more essential than ever for the industry. They also talk about the relaunch and rebranding of our new data-licensing business, HousingWire Data, and the kinds of granular housing market data it can provide for companies all across the housing ecosystem. Here's what you'll learn: Balancing organic growth with acquisitions is key to strategic business development. HousingWire Data tracks over 110 million properties and provides valuable insights. The ideal clients for HousingWire Data are innovators across the housing industry. Accurate and diverse data is essential for decision-making in a digital-first world. Listening to client needs drives product development and innovation. Related to this episode: HousingWire Data - Enterprise Solutions Altos data licensing product relaunches as HousingWire Data | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Suzy Lindblom, the new COO of Sierra Pacific Mortgage! Suzy stepped out semi-retirement to consult for Sierra Pacific before joining their executive team full time. Suzy and Diego talk about Sierra Pacific's growth and winning market share strategies, including their entry into the non-QM space after 40 years in the conventional mortgage space. She also talks about embracing AI without replacing humans, rolling out new broker tools, and more. We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here! Here's what you'll learn: Sierra Pacific offers a wide range of mortgage products, including non-QM options. Sierra Pacific focuses on building relationships with brokers to win market share. They are methodical about hiring and aligning staff with its culture. AI is seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, human roles in the mortgage process. The company is preparing for various market conditions by being nimble and adaptable. Sierra Pacific is not actively seeking M&A but remains open to opportunities. Related to this episode: Sierra Pacific Mortgage hires Suzy Lindblom as COO | HousingWire Suzy Lindblom | LinkedIn Sierra Pacific Mortgage HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House we are talking to the one and only Dave Lykken! Dave has over 50 years of mortgage industry experience under his belt and is likely a name familiar to many of you. He also hosts his own weekly podcast, Lykken on Lending, where he talks all things mortgage. Diego sits down with Dave to get his take on what's happening in mortgage. They talk about where he thinks rates will stabilize in the next year and what's on the horizon for cost reduction and data tools. He also talks about the importance of executive coaching and the strategies top agents are using to connect with consumers. We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here! Here's what you'll learn: Coaching plays a crucial role in helping executives stay motivated. Economic uncertainty always presents both challenges and opportunities for growth. Cost reduction is going to be essential for survival in mortgage AI and technology are streamlining and transforming the way business is done. Understanding and predicting market trends is vital for success in housing finance. Related to this episode: 2023 HW Vanguard: David Lykken | HousingWire Lykken on Lending | Apple Podcasts David Lykken David Lykken | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego has the pleasure of being joined by Jonathan Reckford, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity has helped over 62 million people in over 1,000 U.S. communities and 71 countries. Diego and Jonathan dive into Habitat's complex role in both the federal and local level of the US housing market and their work to help the affordability crisis, including their involvement in local zoning campaigns and advocating for federal pro-housing programs. They also talk about their collaboration with banks, builders, and local governments, and why this cooperation is the key to solving the housing crisis. Here's what you'll learn: There is a significant supply gap in the U.S. housing market that needs to be addressed at a larger scale. Nationwide NIMBYism is a challenge to building affordable housing in communities. Collaboration with local governments is essential for effective, boots-on-the-groud housing policy. The housing crisis is a national issue that affects all demographics. Creating more starter homes is crucial for improving access to homeownership. Habitat believes that a mixed-income community benefits everyone. Related to this episode: Habitat for Humanity Jonathan Reckford | Habitat for Humanity Jonathan Reckford | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, we are welcoming guest host Tracey Velt as she sits down with Ryan Schneider, the CEO of Anywhere Real Estate, formerly known as Realogy. Anywhere is the parent company of many other notable real estate brands, such as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran Group and Sotheby's International Realty. Ryan and Tracey talk about Anywhere's rediscovered focus on the luxury market and what's on the horizon for M&A activity as the market shifts. They also talk about AI's current and future impacts on operational efficiency, and the value of seeking mentorship from your own agents. Here's what you'll learn: Settling litigation early provided a competitive advantage for Anywhere. Investing in luxury markets has led to significant growth. M&A opportunities are expected to increase as the market shifts. Market predictions indicate a potential recovery in home sales over the next year. Mentorship from agents is important for leadership development. Proactively embracing change is crucial for success in the industry. Related to this episode: For Anywhere, the challenges of 2024 were blessings | HousingWire Anyhwere HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with a familiar face to the HousingWire audience — Jason Bressler, the Chief Technology Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage. UWM recently announced its partnership with Sphere LOS, and today's episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what that means for the UWM team and beyond. Diego and Jason talk about the decision-making behind Sphere's integration, as it's both free and is not limited to UWM's ecosystem. Their goal is to provide free technology to level the playing field in the mortgage space. Jason also talks about AI breakthroughs, his philosophy of failure for team members, and gives a sneak peek of upcoming UWM announcements in 2025. Here's what you'll learn: UWM's integration with Sphere is aimed at enhancing broker workflows. The mortgage industry lacks a seamless end-to-end system, which Sphere aims to provide. AI is revolutionizing the mortgage industry, whether you realize it or not. Creating a feedback loop within your company's ecosystem brings ideas to fruition. UWM's innovation focus can be seen in their large tech team and devoted resources. Failing is the most important part of taking risks and innovating. Related to this episode: Sphere Announcement Jason Bressler | LinkedIn Sphere UWM.com HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Jay Plum, a 35-year banking veteran and the EVP of Consumer Lending at Fifth Third Bank. As the 10th largest bank servicer in the country, Fifth Third Bank has over a thousand branches and $200 billion in assets. Today's conversation is all about mortgage lending. Jay and Diego talk about Basel III and its impact on warehouse lending, and the important role that the affordability programs like downpayment assistance play in increasing homeownership. They also talk about Fifth Third's focus on MSRs and home equity products, and what they're doing to increase market share in a high-rate environment. Here's what you'll learn: Fifth Third has many mortgage channels, including retail and correspondent. Regulatory changes, such as Basel III, significantly impact the mortgage industry. Affordability remains a key concern for potential homebuyers in a high-rate environment. Fifth Third engages in community initiatives to promote homebuyer education and assistance programs. Servicing mortgages allows Fifth Third to offer additional consumer lending products. Related to this episode: Fifth Third Bank Home Lending | Fifth Third Bank Jay Plum | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, we are bringing you a special sponsored conversation between HousingWire's Director of the Content Studio, Zebulon Lowe, and the CEO and co-founder of Fello, Ryan Young. Founded in 2022, Fello is a marketing automation and lead-generation CRM attachment that uses public and MLS data to enrich your database and improve engagement and listings. Zeb and Ryan talk about exciting things happening in Fello in 2025, including their 30-Day Listing Challenge and their expansion into mortgage. They also talk about the current state of real estate technology at large and Fello's vision for using their tools to empower small businesses across various sectors. Here's what you'll learn: Marketing automation processes can significantly enhance database engagement. Technology should be used to simplify processes for real estate agents. Fellow's 30-Day Listing Challenge aims to empower agents and foster community. Focus on controlling what you can control. AI can enhance marketing strategies if used effectively. Fello's plan to expand into the mortgage sector presents new opportunities for growth. Related to this episode: text HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego chats with Windsor Mortgage CEO Chris Vinson. After his company, Journey Mortgage, was acquired by the South Dakota-based Plains Commerce Bank, Chris joined the Plains Commerce team to head their growing mortgage division. He and Diego talk about how Windsor is differentiating itself from other wholesale competition by personalized and localized coaching and tech services. They also talk about Windsor's daily accountability strategy for account executives, their focus on community banks, and how they maintain growth amid a high-rate environment. Here's what you'll learn: Windsor focuses on the wholesale channel, primarily conforming agency and jumbo loans. They pride themselves on personal customer service with a small team of account executives. Chris emphasizes the importance of coaching and support for originators. The company leverages personalized technology to enhance the closing experience. Chris believes in accountability and metrics for account executives to drive success. Windsor Mortgage aims to be the best fit for brokers and originators, not the biggest. Related to this episode: Chris Vinson | LinkedIn Windsor Mortgage Plains Commerce Bank HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of Power House, Diego talks to Sherry Chris, the special advisor to National Association of REALTORS CEO, Nykia Wright. Sherry retired from her role as Anywhere Expansion Brands president and CEO in 2023, but now she's back to offer her unique perspective and advice on some of the current challenges that the industry is facing. Diego and Sherry talk about NAR's work to rebuild relationships with stakeholders and consumers and she shares her thoughts on controversial dual agency and clear cooperation policies. She also discusses some of the ongoing advocacy efforts they're working on amid the presidential administration transition. Here's what you'll learn: NAR is focusing on rebuilding relationships with key stakeholders. Dual agency requires transparency and full disclosure to benefit consumers. NAR membership offers ethical standards, advocacy, and comprehensive support. The clear cooperation policy is under review based on member feedback. NAR's advocacy team is actively engaging with new Congress members. Related to this episode: Sherry Chris Joins National Association of REALTORS® as Special Advisor to CEO Nykia Wright Sherry Chris | LinkedIn Sherry Chris named special adviser to NAR CEO Nykia Wright Sherry Chris, Anywhere president and CEO, is retiring | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Tom Davis, the chief sales officer at Deephaven Mortgage. Deephaven has been a pioneer in the non-QM space since its founding in 2012, and Tom joins us today to talk about all things non-QM and 2025 market growth. Deephaven's non-QM focus accounted for $70 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to over $80 billion in 2025. Tom talks about specializing in lending, market opportunities in a high-rate environment, and growing a second-lien product line. He also talks about focusing on investor and realtor relationships to unlock and capitalize on market share opportunities. Here's what you'll learn: In a high-rate environment, there are still opportunities for growth. Home equity and second lien products are new key areas for growth. Building relationships with investors can lead to multiple loan opportunities. The supply-demand imbalance in housing presents opportunities for growth. Targeting the top 5% of realtors can yield better results. There is a significant need for renovation loans in the current market. Related to this episode: Non-QM Archives - HousingWire Deephaven Mortgage Tom Davis | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Baron Silverstein, the president of Newrez. Baron joined the Newrez team in May of 2020 and has over 30 years of industry experience with senior roles at Bear Stearns, JP Morgan Chase, Merrill Lynch, and Bank of America Securities. With a total unpaid principal balance of $750 billion, Newrez has seen significant growth under Baron's leadership. Baron talks about past, present, and future growth and acquisition strategies, the 2025 roadmap for customer experience and retention in the tech and AI space, and their continued focus on third-party servicing and owned MSRs. Here's what you'll learn: M&A will continue to be a priority for New Res's growth strategy. Servicing is a core focus, with a strong emphasis on special servicing. Customer retention is key: leverage technology to enhance homeowner experience. New Res aims to balance servicing and origination efforts based on market conditions. Community engagement is a priority, especially in response to natural disasters. AI initiatives are part of a broader technology strategy, not the sole focus. Related to this episode: Baron Silverstein on Newrez's AI journey and the call center question | HousingWire 2023 HW Vanguard: Baron Silverstein | HousingWire Newrez Baron Silverstein | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Dan Snyder, the CEO of Lower. This past year was a busy year for Lower amid their acquisition of both Neat Labs and Thrive Mortgage. Back in July of 2024, we welcomed Lower's Chief Strategy officer, Craig Montgomery, to give us the low-down on Lower's plan to become a top-five mortgage lender. Today, Dan continues that strategy conversation with Diego by discussing how the acquisition of Neat Labs is bringing Lower toward their 2025 goal of developing an end-to-end proprietary tech platform. He also reflects on the success of their Thrive Mortgage acquisition and discusses the challenge of integrating teams while also supporting your producers. Here's what you'll learn: The acquisition of Neat Labs is a strategic move to enhance Lower's technology stack. Lower aims to develop a proprietary tech stack rather than becoming a software provider. Cost efficiency is a key focus, and they expect to see significant reductions post-acquisition. Transparent leadership integration is essential for successful acquisitions and team cohesion. Effective communication can alleviate fears at all levels during the acquisition process. Coaching and support for producers are central to Lower's growth strategy. Related to this episode: Thrive Mortgage and Lower strike merger deal | HousingWire Exclusive: Lower acquires software company Neat Labs | HousingWire Lower.com Dan Snyder | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Varun Krishna, the CEO of Rocket Companies. Prior to joining Rocket in 2023, Varun came up on the personal finance and enterprise software side of the tech space, with roles at Intuit and Paypal. Rocket has a growth plan to make home ownership easier, enjoyable, and sustainable for homeowners. Diego and Varun talk about how Rocket aims to achieve that by using AI tools to optimize the origination-servicing flywheel and by building long–term relationships with clients, not just one-time transactions. They also talk about recent hires to Rocket, their 2025 brand transformation plan, and whats next in-store for the company. Here's what you'll learn: Buying a home is an emotional process that should be simplified. Building long-term relationships, not just transactions, with clients is essential for success. AI is being leveraged at many points during the homebuying process to enhance operational efficiency and customer service. Rocket has an 85% recapture rate due in part to its customer-centric approach. The TPO channel is a significant priority for Rocket's growth strategy. Rocket's new marketing strategy aims to position Rocket as the 'Apple of homeownership.' Related to this episode: Rocket Companies | HousingWire Rocket Mortgage Company News and Updates | HousingWire How Rocket Mortgage plans to win in 2025 | HousingWire Varun Krishna| LinkedIn Rocket Companies HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Justin Messer, the CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage. Prosperity was recently ranked at the top mortgage originator for customer satisfaction by JD Power. Today — with that top ranking in mind — Justin and Diego talk about Prosperity's strategic shift from refinance to purchase and their unique real estate affiliated model, which allows them to focus on better borrow communication and expectations. They also talk about recruiting in a competitive market and what he predicts will happen to rates as we head into 2025. Here's what you'll learn: Effective communication with borrowers is crucial for improving customer experience. The company's unique realtor affiliate model significantly impacts their business strategy. Prosperity aims to balance purchase and refinance opportunities strategically. Servicing partnerships are vital for maintaining customer relationships post-transaction. Market predictions indicate stubborn mortgage rates in the short term. The focus on home ownership extends beyond just mortgage lending. Related to this episode: 2024 Vanguard: Justin Messer - HousingWire How Prosperity Home Mortgage plans to make up for lost volume in 2023 |HousingWire Prosperity Home Mortgage Justin Messer | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy Holidays from Power House and the entire team at HousingWire! We have some exciting conversations planned for 2025, so we'll see you in the New Year! If you have any feedback or comments about the show, please reach out at diego@hwmedia.com. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, HousingWire President Diego Sanchez sits down with loanDepot president and CEO, Frank Martell. Frank, who was a 2016 and 2023 HousingWire Vanguard Awardee, brings to the table over 30 years of mortgage and executive leadership experience. Today's conversation is all about loanDepot's return to profitability in Q3 and a behind the scenes look at the launch of Project North Star and their Vision 2025 strategy. Here's what you'll learn: Loan Depot achieved Q3 profitability through directed team effort and strategic focus. loanDepot's Project Northstar aims to achieve differentiation and profitable growth. Technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction in lending. Understanding and working around customer life events can drive better service. Maintaining a strong company culture is crucial during leadership transitions. Related to this episode: Frank Martell talks loanDepot's restructuring, path to profitability and M&As | HousingWire Governance - Executive Management loanDepot HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Diego chats with industry veteran and Guild Mortgage CEO Terry Schmidt. Terry joined Guild in 1985 and she stepped into the CEO role in 2023. Terry and Diego talk about Guild's proprietary AI system, Guild IQ, and how Guild's recent acquisitions are a step toward growing their reverse presence. They also talk about how they're managing through a high-rate environment while keeping up with their customer-for-life strategy, and high employee retention through company culture. Here's what you'll learn: Guild Mortgage has a strong focus on finding cultural fits during acquisitions. They aim to provide a comprehensive customer experience throughout the entire homeownership journey. Listen to your employees, even when you might not like what you hear. Guild is expanding their reverse mortgage channel. The Hispanic community is a key target for future homeownership initiatives. AI integration is enhancing Guild's origination processes and customer service. Related to this episode: Terry Schmidt says Guild is seeing more interest in reverse mortgages | HousingWire Guild CEO offers details on Academy Mortgage acquisition | HousingWire Terry Schmidt | LinkedIn Guild Mortgage HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Jay Bray, the CEO of Mr. Cooper. Jay joined Nationstar in 2000 and brings over 25 years of mortgage serving and origination experience. They discuss Mr. Cooper's growth and acquisition strategy, specifically the Flagstar acquisition, which brought Mr. Cooper's servicing book up to $1.5 trillion from $1.2 trillion at the end of Q3. They also talk about finding a sustainable balance between their servicing and origination business, how banning trigger leads would — or rather, wouldn't — affect their business, and what AI advancements they're looking at as we head into 2025. Here's what you'll learn: Mr. Cooper's servicing business has performed well in a rising rate environment. Flagstar's acquisition brought Mr. Cooper's servicing portfolio up to $1.5 trillion. AI is enabling revenue growth without increasing headcount. Long-term customer relationships will mitigate potential trigger lead bans. The industry needs to be ready for higher rates, for longer. The future of our business is all about enhancing customer experience. Related to this episode: Mr. Cooper to acquire Flagstar's servicing and TPO businesses for $1.4B in cash | HousingWire Mr. Cooper Jay Bray | Mr. Cooper Group Jay Bray | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they're differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with James Dwiggins, the CEO and co-founder of national real estate franchise, NextHome. Guided by a “humans over homes” philosophy, the brand focuses on quality over quantity, with 600 offices and 6,000 agents across the country. James has a lot of experience in the real estate world, and with that comes a lot of strong opinions — namely on clear cooperation policies, legal issues with dual agency, and MLS practices. He also shares why, despite its issues, NAR's advocacy work shouldn't go unnoticed by agents, and what NextHome is doing to grow in the face of industry challenges. Here's what you'll learn: NextHome operates under a 'humans over houses' philosophy. 40% of growth comes from referrals and they don't require franchisees to recruit aggressively. The NAR settlement is just the beginning of changes in real estate commissions. Many agents lack training on new compensation structures post-NAR settlement. Dual agency presents significant conflicts of interest. NAR plays a crucial role in advocating for real estate professionals. Clear cooperation policies benefit the marketplace and consumers. Related to this episode: Commission lawsuits: Latest news and insights | HousingWire NextHome joins the list of firms to settle the commission lawsuits | HousingWire James Dwiggins | LinkedIn NextHome HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on the Power House podcast, we are bringing you a special sponsored conversation between Zeb Lowe, the director of HousingWire's Content Studio, and Andrew Bough, the COO at Class Valuation. Andrew is joining us today to share how Class Valuation is setting new quality standards for appraisals through approaches such as their appraiser scorecard system and creating specialty panels for unique property types. He also talks about tackling industry challenges like an aging workforce and regulatory changes, and how they're shaping the market with their Appraisal Diversity Initiative. Here's what you'll learn: Class Valuation's scale allows for consistent quality in appraisals. Choosing the lowest-paid appraisers is a common misconception about AMCs. Performance scorecards help appraisers improve their services. Creating specialty panels enhances the quality of appraisals for specific, niche needs. The appraisal industry, like many other facets of the housing ecosystem, is undergoing significant change. Diversity initiatives and embracing new technology are essential for the future of appraisals. Related to this episode: Class Valuation Andrew Bough | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Power House, Diego chats with industry veteran Chad Smith, the president and COO of Better, who stepped into the role earlier this year from Mission Loans. Chad and Diego talk about Chad's decision to join the Better executive team and what they're working on to help grow Better in 2025, which includes a focus on customer engagement and hiring more experienced LOs and industry experts. They also talk about Tinman, their proprietary platform, and a brand new AI loan assistant tool. Here's what you'll learn: Better's Tinman platform and AI loan assistant are helping to improve mortgage processing and customer engagement. Chad Smith joined Better to drive innovation despite the company's PR challenges. Hiring experienced loan originators is key to Better's growth strategy. Better aims to make homeownership more accessible through innovative products. The company is focused on driving down fulfillment costs to benefit consumers. Related to this episode: Better taps Chad Smith as new president and COO | HousingWire Chad Smith | LinkedIn Better HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Daren Blomquist, VP of Market Economics at Auction.com. Daren is a friendly face to many of you, and was last on the show in early 2023 to discuss his 2023 forecast. He's joining us again to talk about what he expects to see in the market post-election and into 2025. He and Diego talk about a potential market uptick as rates stabilize, how the mortgage rate lock-in effect is still impacting low inventory across the nation, and Auction.com's plan to expand into non-foreclosure property sales. Here's what you'll learn: We'll see a ‘Trump bump' in housing data. The certainty of the election results will encourage market activity. The current bidding activity indicates a sluggish spring market. The lock-in effect is keeping inventory low across the country. Auction.com is seeing interest from sellers outside of traditional foreclosure. Many sellers are turning to auctions as a viable selling option. Related to this episode: Foreclosures expected to grow slowly to end 2024: Auction.com | HousingWire Daren Blomquist LinkedIn Auction.com HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with the co-authors of the recently published real estate and mortgage guidebook, “Leadership Matters.” Fobby is also the SVP of Homecomings Mortgage & Equity, and Ginger is the founder of Edumarketing. In today's episode, they talk about why top performers don't always make the best leaders, — especially in tough times — and discuss the critical role of training and communication in scaling leadership success across organizations. Here's what you'll learn: Leadership is fundamental in all aspects of life, not just professional ones. Leaders are forged in challenging times, not in easy ones. There is a leadership deficit in the mortgage industry. Top performers are not always effective leaders. Effective, prepared communication is key during times of change. Giving back to the community enhances leadership impact. Related to this episode: Edumarketing Ginger Bell | LinkedIn Fobby Naghmi | LinkedIn Homecomings HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Michele Harrington, CEO of FirstTeam Real Estate out of Orange County, California. Michele initially started her career in the Marine Corps, but after being stationed in Orange County, she not only fell in love with the beauty of Southern California, she also got bit by the entrepreneurial bug. Now, she leads California's largest independent brokerage. Michele and Diego talk about what sets FirstTeam apart from other brokerages and the recruitment strategies that are helping them surpass their goal of $1 billion in recruited teams. They also talk about empowering women in leadership positions and their plans to expand outside of California. Here's what you'll learn: Women hold only 26% of leadership positions in real estate, despite being a majority of agents. Empowering women to pursue leadership roles is crucial for the growth of the industry. Their recruitment strategies focus on training new agents and placing them in existing teams. FirstTeam is on track to surpass $1 billion in recruited teams this year. The company aims for organic growth by expanding into adjacent markets. Michele's upcoming book emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in achieving success. Related to this episode: Michele Harrington | LinkedIn FirstTeam Real Estate HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House Podcast, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins sat down with loan originator turned software executive: Jeff Bell, President at Uplist. Jeff joins us to talk about four really pertinent topics in today's market: leadership, learning, loan monitoring, and recapture. Uplist just launched what it says is a killer new tool that will help loan officers automatically generate refinance options for their clients. The technology, called “Recapture,” is integrated with the leading pricing engines, and it provides LOs with timely, accurate data that identifies multiple refi opportunities for clients. Unlike rate alert tools, Uplist's product fully automates the refinance analysis process. This includes property ownership checks, automated valuation models (AVMs), loan amount amortization and financial benefit calculations. Those four topics (leadership, learning, loan monitoring, and recapture) discussed in this episode are going to be hotly discussed at this year's MBA Annual in Denver. Listen in for insightful discussion about streamlining the loan monitoring process, competing in a refinance mortgage market, coaching and more! HousingWire will be hosting a happy hour on Monday night at this year's MBA Annual. You can register here. Here's what you'll learn: Coaching can significantly impact personal and professional growth. Knowing how to use the right technology correctly is more important than just having technology. Prioritize proactive communication with clients instead of reactive. Understanding the nuances of a competitive landscape is key for originators. Leadership development should always be ongoing. Related to this episode: Uplist launches automated refi analysis tool | HousingWire MBA Annual 2024 HousingWire Cocktail Party Jeff Bell | LinkedIn Uplist | LinkedIn HousingWire IMB Summit On-Demand Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House Podcast, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Steve Jacobson, CEO of Fairway Independent Mortgage to talk about what it takes to build a company culture centered around humility and loyalty. Diego and Steve also talk about Fairway's retail growth after their decision to exit wholesale, their plan to sell the business back to its employees, and their commitment to helping communities in need. Here's what you'll learn: Increasing the speed of service gives you a competitive advantage Community engagement and giving back are responsibilities of all mortgage leaders Succession planning is crucial for long-term success Growth strategies should prioritize organic development over M&A Relationships between originators and servicers will continue to evolve Related to this episode: After exiting wholesale, Fairway hires origination teams across the nation | HousingWire Steve Jacobson - Madison, Wisconsin, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation HousingWire IMB Summit On-Demand HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House Podcast, Clayton sat down with Tomo CEO and co-founder Greg Schwartz to talk about what's transpired in his business over the last two years — both the good and the bad. They dive into recovery indicators and the investments they're making in technology and AI. They also talk about how embracing accountable leadership and having a genuine love for the mortgage business is more important now than ever. Here's what you'll learn: Tomo's approach and belief in building a purchase-focused mortgage company Focusing on health and a work-life balance are essential for effective leadership Why market dynamics should be accounted for, but not be used as excuses for performance How the Pinterest effect influences first-time homebuyers' expectations How to look for leading indicators for market recovery Related to this episode: Greg Schwartz on fixing the purchase mortgage experience | HousingWire Mortgage startup Tomo enters the home portal wars with AI tools | HousingWire HousingWire IMB Summit On-Demand HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Power House, we welcome back Rick Roque, Corporate VP of New Growth at NFM Lending. Clayton Collins and Roque sit down during the HousingWire IMB Summit on October 1, 2024 at the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, TX to discuss key themes from the stage and evaluation of top sessions. Coverage of the event is available on HousingWire, and select session videos will be released for on-demand viewing in the coming days. The HousingWire IMB Summit is part of HousingWire's Summit series which include events on AI, mortgage banking and housing economics. The next summit will be the Housing Economic Summit on February 26, 2025. The Housing Economic Summit is designed to give mortgage and real estate leaders a comprehensive understanding of the economic factors driving the housing market in 2025 — and what it all means for business. Topics include the mortgage rate outlook, housing demographics, home-price trends, housing affordability, the impact of the election and more. HousingWire is gathering the best housing economic experts in one place for this one-day event that will provide you with the freshest data available and the insights you need to meet the opportunity of the 2025 housing market. Registration is now open. You can register here. Related to this episode: Rick Roque lands at NFM Lending | HousingWire NFM Lending Rick Roque | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton sat down with Robert Pieklo, COO of American Financial Resources (AFR) and Adam Carmel, Founder & CEO of Polly to talk about current mortgage market dynamics and growth strategies amid changing rates. They also discuss prioritizing the customer experience, effectively scaling your operations, and how to develop an adaptable product mix as we go into 2025 and beyond. Here's what you'll learn: Cost to completion is a key metric for lenders. Forward-looking technology for effectively scaling operations. Staying ahead and adapting to changing interest rates. Changing of the guard in the mortgage world. Win one customer over at a time. Related to this episode: Robert Pieklo | LinkedIn Adam Carmel | LinkedIn Polly.io AFR Corp HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez interviews Marc Trachtenberg, CEO of Silk Title Co. They explore the dominance of the "Big Four" in the title market and how Silk Title's model complements rather than competes with them. Marc also shares insights from the recent RealEdge conference and discusses adapting to new technologies, fostering collaboration, and educating consumers about the title process. Don't miss Marc at the upcoming IMB Summit on October 1 in Dallas, where he'll delve into Silk Title's vision for the future of the title industry. Here's what you'll learn: Collaboration, rather than competition within the industry can lead to better outcomes for everyone. Diverse perspectives and consumer education are crucial for the industry's success. There is a significant lack of consumer education regarding the title process and its costs, and that needs to change. The title industry needs to redefine its approach to remain relevant in a changing market. Understanding risk and title alternatives is essential for both consumers and industry professionals. Related to this episode: HousingWire IMB Summit Silk Title Co. Silk Title Co. | LinkedIn Marc Trachtenberg | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we are bringing to your feed a great conversation with an even greater guest: Nathan Knottingham. Nathan wears many hats within the mortgage space, including being the co-founder and CEO of the newly launched mortgage education company, MLO Force, the COO of Vetted VA, and the COO of Be My Neighbor Mortgage. Clayton and Nathan originally scheduled this podcast to talk about MLO Force and the exciting things they're doing in mortgage education and C.E. but Nathan had a surprise in store this past Monday when he posted a picture of him and his partners on the floor of the NASDAQ. Be My Neighbor and real estate software firm reAlpha are joining forces in the hopes to bring the mortgage industry a step forward in an end-to-end homebuying process. Nathan offers great insights into MLO Force's goal for continuing education across the larger workforce. He also shares what makes intellectual curiosity so special, even for those who consider themselves subject matter experts. Here's what you'll learn: Be My Neighbor Mortgage's acquisition by Realpha highlights the importance of technology in the real estate transaction. Continued education and always being a willing learner is crucial for mortgage professionals to stay up to date on industry regulations and best practices. MLO Force offers mortgage education courses for individuals and enterprise-level clients, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience. Related to this episode: reAlpha gets into the mortgage brokerage biz, acquires Be My Neighbor | HousingWire Nathan Knottingham | LinkedIn MLO Force Be My Neighbor Mortgage HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you are a mortgage banking executive or leader, you will want to listen to this episode to hear what Sarah Wheeler has to share. In this episode of Power House, HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler joins HW Media CEO Clayton Collins to discuss critical themes and knowledge for mortgage banking leaders. Sarah discusses major stories related to LO compensation, servicing, and refi dynamics and her recent interview with Barry Habib. She also shares how HousingWire communicates this type of knowledge to readers via articles, podcasts, and events. These topics and a group of amazing executive speakers will be front and center at the HousingWire IMB Summit on October 1st in Dallas, Texas. Register for the event today and take advantage of Labor Day Weekend prices promotions: Register here: https://events.housingwire.com/IMB-summit Code: LABORDAY (expires 8/30/24 on Labor Day) Act now, this will be the lowest available price for tickets to the 2024 event! Related to this episode: HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins sits down with Austin Allison, the CEO and co-founder of Pacaso, a co-ownership marketplace for luxury vacation homes with over a billion dollars in transactions across 40 destination markets. In this episode, Austin shares the lessons from building and scaling successful real estate businesses. Clayton and Austin also discuss the hard-to-sell mortgage model behind co-ownership and how, even in a complicated macro environment, Pacaso is addressing the growing affordability problem by offering fractional ownership of high-end vacation homes. Here's what you'll learn: How surrounding yourself with the right people drives success Why understanding your Total Addressable Market (TAM) and a strong monetization strategy are crucial to survive and thrive How the co-ownership model addresses affordability challenges in real estate How Pacaso is working to make the American dream accessible to more people Related to this episode: Austin Allison | Linkedin Pacaso | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins speaks with Randell Gillespie, the chief production officer at Lower. With over 30 years of mortgage lending and leadership experience, Randell was named chief production officer in March of this year upon the completion of Lower's acquisition of Thrive Mortgage. Praised for his leadership style, Randell received the 2023 HousingWire Vanguard Award. In this episode, they discuss culture, leadership, technology, margins, recruiting, and even hamburgers. Randell shares how he's navigating this transition to Lower and his plans for the future of mortgage lending at Lower. Lower boasts an executive team with diverse expertise and a strong commitment to supporting LOs. The recent recruitment of The Loan Officer Podcast host Dustin Owen as their SVP of Growth is a key part of that strategy. Randell also highlights how technology is redefining the mortgage experience and how Lower adapts to the current rate environment to maintain strong margins. Related to this episode: Randell Gillespie | LinkedIn Lower Thrive Mortgage and Lower strike merger deal | HousingWire 2023 HW Vanguard: Randell Gillespie | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins sits down with Jason Mitchell, founder of the Jason Mitchell Group. With over 4 billion dollars in annual transaction volume, 8,500 sides, and 800 agents, Jason leads one of the largest real estate teams in the country according to RealTrends verified. Jason shares how he's built a successful real estate brokerage and team using a unique B2B strategy, partnering directly with mortgage lenders and other lead sources to drive business into his brokerage. He also unpacks the importance of prioritizing the needs of the average client to build a strong book of business while also discussing the challenges of growth and the need for strong leadership in market opportunities. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: How building a successful real estate brokerage requires a focus on providing business opportunities to agents through partnerships and referrals. Why strong leadership is crucial for growth in new markets and attracting agents who want to grow their business. The importance of agents focusing on serving the average client and building a strong book of business, rather than chasing luxury listings. How success in the real estate industry lies in the individual agent's work ethic and dedication, regardless of the brokerage they are affiliated with. Related to this episode: Jason Mitchell Group Jason Mitchell | LinkedIn Jason Mitchell Group | LinkedIn Jason Mitchell Group | Instagram HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry's most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire's Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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