In this special episode of Keys to Real Estate, we interrupt our season break to bring you a timely and insightful conversation with Dr. Mark Calabria, former FHFA Director and key figure in the first Trump administration. With the recent presidential election in November, we explore what the housing and lending industries might face in a potential Trump 2.0 term from someone widely speculated to be tapped for a position in a second Trump administration.

Dr. Calabria shares his expert perspective on a wide array of critical topics, including:

• The future of the GSEs and potential reforms

• The future of AOL pilot programs

• Housing supply crises and the federal government's role in affordability

• Interest rates, the Federal Reserve, and leadership changes

• Tax policy, including Capital Gains revisions and SALT implications

• The MBA’s RESPA modernization proposal and potential updates to RESPA and TRID

• Innovations in hazard insurance and responses to state-level challenges

• The role of DOJ’s antitrust division under new leadership

• Key takeaways from outgoing CFPB Director Chopra's regulatory strategies

• The Congressional Review Act could influence the 119th Congress's actions on housing-related guidance and regulation

With his thoughtful approach and hard-won experience, Dr. Calabria offers valuable insights into the safety and soundness of the housing economy against the backdrop of a new - or returning - administration.

Get In Touch…

Dr. Mark Calabria (Guest), mcalabria@cato.org

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Lenders are keeping their chins up entering 2026 after a year HomeLight Homes President Nick Friedman described as “not great” while speaking with Keys to Real Estate host Mary Schuster. Expanding on the results of his company’s recent survey of lenders across the country, Friedman explored why lenders said they expect the year ahead to see a notable uptick in mortgage originations and what role the evolving real estate landscape may play in making that a reality. He emphasized the importance of understanding debt-to-income ratios first-time homebuyers are facing as they ponder creative solutions to get a foothold in the market. The conversation also steered into AI and its potential pros and cons, with respect to streamlining the lending workflow to make for a faster and smoother customer experience without losing sight of the significance of building strong relationships with buyers.

Chapters:

0:00 Lending Insights and Predictions for 2026

2:52 Interest Rates and Market Dynamics

5:37 Buyer Categories and Market Movement

8:33 Creative Solutions for First-Time Home Buyers

11:14 Loan Types and Market Growth

14:03 Refinancing and Home Equity Utilization

17:00 The Role of AI in Lending

19:35 Buy Before You Sell Programs

22:40 Counseling First-Time Home Buyers

25:17 The Importance of Relationships in Lending

Download the report: Lender Insights & Predictions for 2026

To learn more about HomeLight Buy Before You Sell: https://www.homelight.com/buy-before-you-sell

Get In Touch…

Host email: Mary Schuster - mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

In Part 2 of our discussion with people operations expert Deb Wiley described the importance of considering the entire employee lifecycle, not just recruiting. This means developing and maintaining a positive workplace culture, which carves out space for recognition, clear communication, and facilitating healthy feedback. She also emphasized the importance of identifying and mitigating factors that could lead to employee burnout while fostering an environment where people feel they can grow their careers in ways that align with their long-term goals through professional development opportunities and one-on-one coaching. Listen and learn from someone who knows some of the keys to ensuring your real estate business is one that top talent will want to call home.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:53 Employee Retention Strategies

05:41 Understanding Employee Needs and Expectations

08:22 Addressing Burnout in the Workplace

11:07 The Role of Annual Reviews

14:32 The Importance of Professional Development

17:33 Creating a Positive Company Culture

20:06 Managing Change and Cultural Transformation

23:11 Building a Strong Organizational Culture

26:11 Final Thoughts on Attracting Talent

33:20 Creating a Thriving Workplace for Talent

Get In Touch…

Deb Wiley (Guest), dwiley@pattisonid.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

MISMO’s new president, Brian Vieaux, took part in an exclusive interview with Keys to Real Estate host Mary Schuster to discuss his new role and the transformative changes occurring in the housing industry. He described how MISMO is evolving its data-driven standardization mission to account for shifts in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as they gain more and more prevalence in the mortgage industry. He touched on how loan officers are adopting digital innovations, like electronic closings, into their brands. The conversation also covered the potential of AI in mortgage finance and the regulatory challenges that the industry faces, and the need for education and collaboration to navigate these changes effectively.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to MISMO and Brian's New Role

4:30 Understanding MISMO's Impact on the Mortgage Industry

9:00 The Role of Loan Officers and Consumer Trust

11:57 Adoption of Digital Innovations in Mortgage

15:54 The Future of AI in Housing Finance

21:19 Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in Mortgage Compliance

Get In Touch…

To Learn More About MISMO, visit their Educational Offerings page: https://www.mismo.org/events-education/educational-offerings

Host email: Mary Schuster - mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Listen as people operations expert Deb Wiley offers real world examples of the impact company culture can have on hiring and retaining top talent as the real estate sector finds itself headed into a more growth-oriented business environment. Deb and Mary explore the differences between traditional HR and the people business, the unique challenges of hiring in real estate, and innovative approaches for attracting and retaining talent. What does a strong, inclusive company culture look like in action? How can leaders be more effective communicators both during and after the hiring process? And how do you strike a balance between technology and human interaction in recruitment? Find the answers to these questions and more by just clicking play!

Chapters:

00:00 The Evolution of HR to People Operations

06:20 Attracting and Hiring Talent in Real Estate

09:10 Innovative Approaches to Recruitment

12:35 The Interview Process: Best Practices

15:35 The Importance of Communication in Hiring

18:43 Navigating Applicant Tracking Systems

Get In Touch…

Deb Wiley (Guest), dwiley@pattisonid.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Ted Rossman had plenty of insight to share about recent changes in FICO scoring models, invoking his expertise as a longtime industry analyst at Bankrate. During this episode, he described the significance of the introduction of FICO 10T, which incorporates trended data and the impact of Buy Now Pay Later services on credit scoring. He highlighted the generational differences in attitudes towards credit and debt, the regulatory landscape affecting consumer protection, and the evolving relationship between FICO and mortgage lending. Rossman also emphasized the importance of incorporating rent payments into credit scores and provides advice for real estate professionals navigating these changes.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to FICO Score Changes

01:58 Understanding FICO 10T and Trended Data

04:24 The Impact of Buy Now Pay Later on Credit Scoring

08:31 Generational Perspectives on Credit and Debt

13:38 Regulatory Landscape and Consumer Protection

16:54 FICO's Direct Approach to Mortgage Lending

20:32 Incorporating Rent Payments into Credit Scores

23:29 Advice for Real Estate Professionals

26:04 Future Outlook on Mortgage Rates and Credit Scoring

Get In Touch…

Host email: Mary Schuster - mschuster@octoberresearch.com

Guest email: Ted Rossman - ted.rossman@bankrate.com

For More About Ted’s Work & Expertise: Ted Rossman | Bankrate.com - Compare mortgage, refinance, insurance, CD rates

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

In this conversation, Alan Frelix, the founder of The Closing Exchange (now a part of ICE Mortgage Technology) discusses the importance of having a variety of ways to service customers. From his experience in both lending and title/settlement, Alan is clear on the importance of scaling and integrating ever-evolving digital technology into their processes. He says it will not only enhance the customer experience, but also to reduce fraud risk. Frelix advocates for proactive communication between settlement agents and lenders to drive innovation and improve the customer experience. Education is crucial for both consumers and industry professionals in adopting a digital processes that delights consumers. Frelix stressed the importance of having engaged notaries willing to walk borrowers through the closing process to make for a positive experience and, therefore, a positive perception of the companies and individuals involved. If you’re curious about production elasticity in a difficult to predict market, he says it is possible to expand your capacity and extend your reach, all while protecting your reputation and bottom line.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Alan Frelix and The Closing Exchange

06:05 Acquisition by ICE and Its Implications

08:50 Challenges for Title and Settlement Providers

12:11 The Importance of Customer Experience

14:52 Navigating the Future of Digital Closings

17:53 Empowering Settlement Agents

20:45 Education as a Key to Adoption

24:09 The Role of Technology in the Industry

27:01 The Need for Proactive Conversations

29:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Get In Touch…

For a direct conversation with ICE Mortgage Technology, email Mitch.Cohen@ICE.com

To learn more visit icemortgagetechnology.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Mortgage fraud is back in the headlines — but understanding how it really happens requires a closer look. In this episode, attorney and former CFPB Senior Counsel David Friend joins host Mary Schuster to unpack the difference between “fraud for money” and “fraud for housing,” why proving intent is so difficult and what real estate professionals should watch for in today’s market. He highlighted the many scenarios in which details included on mortgage documents can be misrepresented, either intentionally or by mistake, and the tax implications of different occupancy statuses.

Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Mortgage Fraud: Definitions and Context 02:34 The Complexity of Mortgage Applications and Documentation 05:21 Intent and Material Misrepresentation in Fraud Cases 07:57 Fraud for Money vs. Fraud for Housing 10:39 The Role of Loan Originators and Title Companies 13:06 Navigating Discrepancies and Closing Procedures 15:56 Legal Implications and Responsibilities in Mortgage Transactions 18:39 The Impact of Fraud on the Real Estate Industry 21:04 Best Practices for Avoiding Fraud in Real Estate Transactions 30:08 Understanding Affiliated Business Arrangements 32:03 Defining Primary Residence in Mortgage Documents 34:28 Tax Implications of Primary Residence 36:41 Occupancy and Mortgage Fraud Concerns 43:34 Intent to Defraud in Mortgage Fraud Cases 51:08 Vendor Management and Compliance Training

Get In Touch… David Friend, owner, David Friend Mortgage Consulting (Guest), davidfriend.vwork@gmail.com Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com