WFG Insider Report

That headline is saying something, because Patrick Stone's career in the real estate industry spans the past 50 years. In this episode, he delivers an economic update, a revised mortgage interest rate forecast in lieu of the uncertainty, and a the potential for a gloomy outlook in the second half of 2025.

Last fall, what was widely anticipated to be a much improved real estate market in 2025 is now more cautious outlook due to continuing inflation concerns and higher mortgage interest rates. In this season-opening episode, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone also urges real estate professionals to prepare for what could be more uncertainty in the second half of this year. 

September's long awaited and much anticipated Fed rate decision delivered a surprising 50 basis point cut, much to the delight of real estate professionals. And while the Fed Funds Rate doesn't directly impact mortgage interest rates, it does impact the spread, which sparked an uptick in applications to refinance. In this episode, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone joins us to unpack the rate cut and offer his optimistic outlook for the close of 2024 and the year ahead.

In this special edition of WFG Insights, Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone is back with us to discuss the Texas market- specifically ATX and DFW. Like many attractive cities across America, Austin's growing pains include the high cost of housing. Meanwhile in Dallas-Fort Worth, a massive investment in multifamily housing has helped alleviate single family prices.

In this episode, host Brian Bushlach welcomes WFG Enterprise Solutions SVP Dan Bailey and Volly's SVP and General Manager Kat Loveland to share the inside story on WFG's acquisition of Volly. Topics include:How Volly's lead generation and customer conversion tools align with WFG's title insurance, appraisal, and closing services.Increasing demand on behalf of WFG's lender customers for enhanced marketing support to improve loan origination and retention rates.The complementary nature of Volly's CRM and marketing solutions with WFG's offerings.

Inventory is increasing and homes are on the market longer. But prices and mortgage interest rates remain high as we head into summer, making it difficult for median income home buyers to purchase a home. In this timely episode, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone joins us to address the affordability issue. How long, and what will it take to make homes affordable again? 

In this timely download, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone downplays talk of economic stagflation and calls for one Fed rate cut, perhaps as early as Q3. When that happens, Stone shares the impact it'll have on mortgage rates, and subsequently inventory as we hope to finish the year strong.

Inflation persists impacting mortgage interest rates, and inventory is still scarce. But WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone believes in the builders and an improving interest rate environment as we move through the year. In this episode, he delivers an upbeat forecast, but cautions there are several wildcards that could impact the economy and the real estate market conditions.

The real estate market is a media favorite for sensational headlines and clickbait. So it's no surprise the Missouri real estate verdict in the Sitzer/Burnett buyer broker commission lawsuit moved the needle. The outcome will no doubt change the way real estate agents conduct business, but to what extent? And how can the real estate industry come together to find consumer-friendly solutions moving forward? In this episode, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers perspective, insight and possible paths forward.

In a challenging time, its easy to be lured into social media posts, dire predictions and gossip about the economy and the real estate market. We are experiencing an unprecedented period, and while the circumstances may be different this time, its nothing new for our industry. In this download, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone calms concerns about market conditions and offers advice looking forward.

Expectations of lower mortgage interest rates this fall are no longer in the forecast and it appears Q4 of 2023 and at least the first half of 2024 will continue to be challenging for real estate professionals. So what should you be doing now to prepare for the next cycle? And when will the market bounce back? In this download, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers his advice for the here & now, and a forecast for the future.

In spite of dire predictions last year of another real estate market crash, home prices remain stable, competition is fierce is some markets, and consumers are adjusting to higher mortgage interest rates. WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone remains one of the few voices of reason in the real estate industry, and correctly forecast the market we're in now. In this episode, he sets the record straight on today's sensational headlines, and offers advice to industry professionals. 

Headlines suggest a strong job market and slowing inflation. But WFG Founder & Chairman Patrick Stone always investigates what's beyond the headlines. Armed with that data and 48 years experience in the real estate industry, he sees things differently that most prognosticators. In this episode, Stone reveals what he's watching, and why the housing market could bounce back sooner, and stronger than most expect.

The spring real estate season has arrived but there hasn't been much change in market conditions. Mortgage rates are still higher than most consumers would like, housing inventory remains low, and until we see a significant uptick in construction these market conditions will hold. How long until things get moving again? What concerns are there in the meantime? In this episode, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers insight and direction.

Predictions of doom & gloom in the real estate market are beginning to brighten- and spring is still over a month away! What's driving this solid start? And why does WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone feel so optimistic as we move through the year? In this download, he shares his reasons for optimism, along with key insight on The Fed, interest rates and why homeownership is more important now than ever.

There's no question the first half of this year will likely be the toughest real estate market ever. While the Great Recession was brutal, the industry was busy with foreclosures and short sales. This time, there are few transactions as the market is paralyzed due to higher rates, low inventory, and a significant lack of affordability. In spite of that, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone explains why he's optimistic that things will turn around in the second half of this year. 

No one expects 2023 to be a good year in the real estate industry. So if you haven't already made the tough decisions, now is the time. In this episode, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone offers a blunt assessment of the market and advice on how to manage through it. He also offers an optimistic outlook for the latter half of next year- with an asterisk.

It's almost impossible to ignore the real estate and economic headlines. If we're not already in a recession, we're on the verge, and there appears to be no end in sight to rising rates and energy prices. So what is the timeline? How long will this market downturn last? And how will we rebound and return to business as usual- if there is such a thing in the real estate industry! For answers, we call on WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone, who sets the record straight and pulls no punches on the pundits.

With business slowing and a challenging 12-18 month forecast ahead, it's natural to consider cutting back in response to the market. But in this episode, WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone leans in, announcing WFG's ambitious expansion plans in the builder market and commercial real estate. Stone also explains why you should invest in your business and customer service now instead of waiting for the market to bounce back.

Inflation appears to be cooling, albeit slowly- just as WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone predicted in previous episodes. Now, it's time for a check up from the neck up: Try to ignore sensational headlines and focus instead on improving your business while you have time. In this episode, Patrick offers his checklist for what you should be doing now to prepare yourself and your business for the next upswing in the market.

Inflation is raging, rates are on a rollercoaster and a recession is looming, or may have already arrived. But that's not necessarily bad news for the real estate market, as consumers and the industry welcomes an uptick in inventory while adjusting to higher rates. In this episode, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone corrects the headlines, adds perspective and offers an outlook as we navigate through these uncertain times.

Many "experts" are calling current conditions a housing bubble and predicting a significant reset in the real estate market. But while inflation rages, rates rise and segments of the economy slow, WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone shares why real estate prices will remain elevated. That doesn't mean the market won't be challenging, and Pat also shares his outlook and advice for the remainder of 2022.

Inflation and high gas prices are impacting consumer spending habits. Mortgage rates have spiked to their highest levels since 2008. Supply chains are still impacted by lockdowns in China, and Russia's war on Ukraine has rocked the commodities market. Now, as the Fed raises rates to fight inflation, what will the impact be on the housing market? For that answer and much more, we call on WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone's perspective.

As mortgage rates flirt with 5% and inflation impacts consumer buying power, now is the time to adjust your game plan, if you haven't already. This episode is a must-listen, as WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone provides a game plan and offers an outlook for the real estate market in 2022. Plus, clarity on the headlines and how to help your clients in this uncertain environment.

WFG Founder and Executive Chairman has seen it all in his 40+ years in the real estate industry. But even the veteran industry expert admits he's never seen anything like we're experiencing in 2022. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inflation, and Fed rate hikes are creating a conundrum for economists with no consensus on the outlook. In this episode, Stone shares what he's watching, potential scenarios, and his latest forecast on interest rates in the year ahead. Also, an update on the commercial retail, office and multifamily sectors.

With inflation pegging the meter at rates not seen since the 1980's, the Fed will be forced to raise rates. The questions are how much, how quickly, and what the impact will be on longer-term mortgage interest rates and the red hot housing market. In this episode, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone addresses the hype in media reports, provides perspective on the housing market, and previews a more in-depth forecast coming in March.

With property values continuing to climb across the country, and a surge of buyers searching for homes as interest rates slowly rise, experienced appraisal technology and teams are critical. In this episode, we welcome Sean Pyle, President of WFG-owned appraisal management company and property valuation service provider Valutrust Solutions. Pyle discusses industry trends, and potential changes that could ultimately have a positive impact on valuations and closing timelines.

WFG Founder and Executive Chairman is well-known and trusted for his candid and accurate predictions about the real estate market and the economy. While others drink the real estate Kool-Aid, Patrick tells it like it is- good, bad, or otherwise. In in our opening episode of 2022, Patrick provides his outlook and advice for real estate professionals on how to leverage their expertise in what he anticipates will be a changing market.

Will runaway inflation lead to a spike in mortgage interest rates? Are tight inventory and the lack of affordable housing the ingredients for a price correction? And after a record-setting two year run in real estate, is the party finally over? For answers, we call on WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone who also shares his concerns about issues nobody else is talking about.

If you're a real estate professional, you have two choices: You can drink the Kool Aid and cross your fingers with friendly forecasters. Or, you can tune-in to candid analysis and perspective, good, bad or otherwise. WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is famous for telling it like it is, with warnings when appropriate, and unmatched guidance and perspective from almost 50 years experience in the profession.  Inflation is the real deal, but so are ongoing inventory issues.  In this episode, Patrick charts it, forecasts interest rates and provides his outlook for the real estate market in the year ahead.

The market is red hot, there's almost no inventory, and the price of lumber has skyrocketed. Some of the pundits are using the dreaded B-word to describe the current market frenzy. Should we brace for another housing crash? Not so fast... With almost 50 years experience in real estate and a pulse on all aspects of the economy that impact the market, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is the industry's candid voice of experience and analysis. In this episode, Stone relieves concerns, reassures about inventory and offers his outlook for the next 12-18 months.

If we've learned anything in the past year, the threats to our business extend beyond customer service and on-time closings. Whether it's a global pandemic or a natural disaster, title agents across the country are constantly facing external factors that can, and often will, impact business operations, or the livelihood of the business itself. In this episode, WFG Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Don O'Neill leads the conversation with Jaime Kosofsky, who's dealt with fire, tornadoes, an earthquake and COVID-19.... all in the past 18 months!

2020 was without question the craziest, busiest and most challenging year ever, and that's saying something in a real estate industry that has seen & done it all over the years. In this episode of the WFG Insider Report, Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone recaps the year that was. He also offers his economic insight and delivers a preview of what to expect with interest rates, inventory and more in the year ahead.

As a title agent, differentiating yourself in what many consider a commoditized business can be a challenge. So how about a different, more creative approach? In this episode, Brittany Hodak shares her simple, SUPER formula to create Superfans that will grow your business exponentially and set you apart from your competition.

What do you get when you combine a legal background with tech expertise, curiosity, and a passion for positive transformation? Answer: Stavvy, led by Co-Founder Kosta Ligris, who is applying relevant and meaningful technology to the lender & settlement services. In this episode, Kosta joins us to share his journey in the real estate profession and the tech tools that are streamlining the flow of information during a transaction.

An industry leader who's led exponential growth at Amrock for 20+ years, Brian Hughes is an advocate for innovation, putting his people and customers first, and driving his company to advance technology and streamline business. In this episode, Hughes shares how he led the rise of Amrock, offers insight for title agents across the country, and a forecast for the rest of 2020.

WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is back with us for the first time since the outset of the global pandemic. It's been a remarkable run the past few months as the industry reinvented itself once again. Record-low mortgage interest rates are driving a refi boom, and families across America are re-evaluating the importance of the size and location of their home. In this episode, Stone offers an update on market conditions and gives his guidance on what's ahead for the housing market.

What makes your agency different, or better than your competition? People? Technology? Experience? All of the above? In this episode ATA National Title President Bill Robinson joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share his insight as a second-generation title professional. Bill has worked in small offices and regional giants, and transformed ATA from an REO focus to full service over the past decade.

WFG is an industry leader in technology and cyber security, providing agents across the country with the latest tools to streamline their services, make fixed costs flexible, and grow business. In this episode, TitleBox Creator Matthew Einheber joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share the massive effort he & his team are making to blend good old fashioned local title transfer knowledge with time saving technology for closing agents.

Kevin Breeland has seen it all in his 41 years as a mortgage lender. From double digit interest rates in the early 1980's, to the pandemic we're in the midst of, one thing remains constant: People need a roof over their head. In this episode, Breeland joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share his insight on interest rates, tighter credit & qualifying criteria for borrowers, and why we're fortunate to work in an essential industry that is thriving during what is a challenging time for many.

Monday's Supreme Court ruling handed the Trump Administration, and future executive branch leaders, greater authority over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB. In this special report, WFG's Executive Vice-President for Agency Development, Chuck Cain, joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to discuss what this means for the real estate industry. Also, an update as we close out Q2, and a look ahead to the second half of what's already been an historic 2020.

This story plays out like a made-for-TV movie: An international crime syndicate hijacking millions in real estate funds online. In this case, the hero was a title company owner who worked closely with law enforcement in multiple states to track down the fraudsters and recover most of the money. In this episode, Thomas Cronkright, CEO of Sun Title in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shares the real life drama that led him to launch CertifID, which now protects wire transactions for real estate estate professionals across the nation.

For independent title agents and self-employed real estate professionals, gaining access to cost-effective health insurance is a challenge. But thanks to the WFG team and their popular Blocks program, title agents now have an option that works for them and could also benefit their partners in real estate. In this episode, Insider Host Brian Bushlach welcomes back Ryan Marrie, President of Ohio Real Title. Ryan shares how he worked with WFG & our insurance brokerage partner Youity to help design plans specific to settlement services.

With a national conversation underway, our focus is on the real estate market. In this episode, WFG Executive Vice President for Agency Development Chuck Cain joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share instances of discrimination he's uncovered while working in the title industry. Chuck also offers his experience working to make the home buying process fair for everyone, and how your independent agency can get involved.

With the real estate and settlement services industry changing literally by the day and staff working from home, we're experience a significant increase in cyber security issues and fraud. In this episode of the WFG Insider Report, Host Brian Bushlach calls on Bruce Phillips, SVP and Chief Information Security Officer of WEST, a WFG company. Phillips shares statistics, advice, and how agents can protect their business and clients from fraud with assistance from WEST Protect.

Shaun Graham made the most of his opportunity at Southeast Mortgage, honing his sales & marketing skills in the lender's call center. He leveraged that experience and a strong social media presence to quickly rise through the ranks in his Atlanta-based operation. In this episode, Shaun joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share his insight, and offer an outlook as Atlanta and the rest of the country begin to reopen during the COVID-19 crisis.

The COVID-19 crisis has already had a seismic impact on the commercial real estate market. In the months and years to come, the retail and office sectors will experience a transformational shift as the virus reshapes how we go about work & play. In this episode Erin Sheckler, WFG's SVP of our Commercial Division, joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to recap the last 60 days and look ahead to the future in CRE.

Communities across America are reopening and real estate professionals are hopeful that pent up demand will help drive the purchase market. In this episode, WFG Executive VP for Agency Development, Chuck Cain, joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to discuss residential, commercial, tech, and the future of sales & marketing in settlement services.

With over 40 years experience in the real estate profession, Arthur Sterbcow has seen & done it all in the New Orleans market, and nationally. That includes navigating through and recovering from Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters in American history. So if you're looking for optimism in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, call on Arthur, who believes that people in real estate are resilient, creative, and will always find a way to succeed!

No city or state can escape the impact of COVID-19. But with abundant sunshine, no state income tax, and a business-friendly environment, Florida welcomes over 900 new residents every day. In this episode, Insider Host Brian Bushlach welcomes Richard Barbara, COO of Coral Gables Title & Escrow. Rich shares why the South Florida market is so resilient, and better positioned to weather this crisis than it was a decade ago during the Great Recession.

A decade ago, First Title introduced the nation's first instant GFE and closing cost calculator with the proprietary FirstVision program. Sensing opportunity to expand, President Steve Papermaster made strategic acquisitions to diversify First Title's footprint. Today, in the midst of the COVID-19 Crisis, the investment in cutting edge technology, diversified markets, and long term vision positions the company to seize more opportunities.