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:

• Fello’s 30-Day Listing Challenge
• Fello Demo
• Learn more about Fello
• Fello
• Ryan Young | 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 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 Newrez'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.
• Newrez 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