The Big Picture Thu, 14 May 2026 12:57:16 -0400 http://watchthebigpicture.com en-us © 2026 The Big Picture yes 2fc5dd7f-d510-5516-9f56-c0ab0dee60e6 Rich Swerbinsky episodic false Housing. Business. Life. Levity!

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) housing, business, life, levity, mortgage, interest, rates, real, estate, finance, broker, bank, lending Rich Swerbinsky https://storage.buzzsprout.com/feiwscd35sr8dhyvcihdoxxj1muo?.jpg The Big Picture http://watchthebigpicture.com The Big Picture – Featuring Jim Parrott The Big Picture – Featuring Jim Parrott On this week’s The Big Picture, Jim Parrott, nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and former senior housing adviser at the White House, joins the show to break down the fast-moving policy and political dynamics shaping today’s mortgage market. With deep experience inside Washington and across the housing finance system, Jim brings a clear-eyed perspective on what’s noise and what actually matters for lenders, borrowers, and the broader economy.

We dig into the latest developments around Federal Reserve leadership, the evolving role of the FHFA and credit scoring policy, and where things stand on long-debated GSE reform. The conversation also explores how political pressures, regulatory shifts, and capital requirements are influencing bank participation and housing affordability, along with what’s realistic (and what’s not) as the industry looks ahead to the next few years. It’s a candid, insider-level discussion on policy, power, and the future of housing finance.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Jim Parrott, nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and former senior housing adviser at the White House, joins the show to break down the fast-moving policy and political dynamics shaping today’s mortgage market. With deep experience inside Washington and across the housing finance system, Jim brings a clear-eyed perspective on what’s noise and what actually matters for lenders, borrowers, and the broader economy.

We dig into the latest developments around Federal Reserve leadership, the evolving role of the FHFA and credit scoring policy, and where things stand on long-debated GSE reform. The conversation also explores how political pressures, regulatory shifts, and capital requirements are influencing bank participation and housing affordability, along with what’s realistic (and what’s not) as the industry looks ahead to the next few years. It’s a candid, insider-level discussion on policy, power, and the future of housing finance.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-19071623 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2892 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Chase Gilbert The Big Picture - Featuring Chase Gilbert On this week’s The Big Picture, Chase Gilbert, co-founder and CEO of Built, returns to the show to break down the evolving world of construction lending and explain why it remains one of the most complex (and overlooked) corners of mortgage finance. As the leader of a platform that has processed trillions in construction data, Chase offers a front-line view into how lenders, builders, and developers are navigating today’s housing challenges.

We dig into the structural issues driving affordability challenges, from rising construction costs to supply constraints, and why simply building more homes isn’t enough without addressing where and how they’re built. The conversation also explores how technology, especially AI and data-driven platforms, is transforming everything from draw management to cost estimation, helping lenders operate more efficiently while improving the borrower experience. It’s a sharp, insight-rich discussion on construction, innovation, and what it will actually take to move housing forward.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Chase Gilbert, co-founder and CEO of Built, returns to the show to break down the evolving world of construction lending and explain why it remains one of the most complex (and overlooked) corners of mortgage finance. As the leader of a platform that has processed trillions in construction data, Chase offers a front-line view into how lenders, builders, and developers are navigating today’s housing challenges.

We dig into the structural issues driving affordability challenges, from rising construction costs to supply constraints, and why simply building more homes isn’t enough without addressing where and how they’re built. The conversation also explores how technology, especially AI and data-driven platforms, is transforming everything from draw management to cost estimation, helping lenders operate more efficiently while improving the borrower experience. It’s a sharp, insight-rich discussion on construction, innovation, and what it will actually take to move housing forward.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-19059908 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400 2814 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett On this week’s The Big Picture, Chris Bennett, founder of Vice Capital Markets, returns to the show to break down the forces driving today’s capital markets and what they mean for mortgage lenders. With more than 30 years of experience and a front-row seat to rate volatility, Chris offers a clear, data-driven perspective on how global events, inflation pressures, and Fed policy are shaping interest rates and secondary market dynamics.

We dig into the ripple effects of recent oil shocks, the evolving conversation around credit scoring and FHFA policy, and what leadership changes at the Federal Reserve could mean for the path forward. The conversation also explores shifts in the servicing market, why retention strategies are becoming more critical, and how lenders should be thinking about capital markets execution in an unpredictable environment. It’s a sharp, practical discussion packed with insights for navigating today’s volatility.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Chris Bennett, founder of Vice Capital Markets, returns to the show to break down the forces driving today’s capital markets and what they mean for mortgage lenders. With more than 30 years of experience and a front-row seat to rate volatility, Chris offers a clear, data-driven perspective on how global events, inflation pressures, and Fed policy are shaping interest rates and secondary market dynamics.

We dig into the ripple effects of recent oil shocks, the evolving conversation around credit scoring and FHFA policy, and what leadership changes at the Federal Reserve could mean for the path forward. The conversation also explores shifts in the servicing market, why retention strategies are becoming more critical, and how lenders should be thinking about capital markets execution in an unpredictable environment. It’s a sharp, practical discussion packed with insights for navigating today’s volatility.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-19059901 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400 2762 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Natalie Overturf The Big Picture - Featuring Natalie Overturf On this week’s The Big Picture, Natalie Overturf, Vice President, Divisional Sales Leader at CMG Financial, joins the show to break down what’s really happening across today’s mortgage landscape from shifting buyer behavior to the realities of recruiting and developing talent in a challenging market. With more than 30 years of experience and a track record as a top-producing originator and leader, Natalie brings a practical, people-first perspective on navigating change.

We dig into regional dynamics like Hawaii’s affordability challenges, the impact of elevated rates on borrower psychology, and what recent industry deals signal for competition going forward. The conversation also explores strategies for building and mentoring high-performing loan officer teams, along with the role of technology, culture, and leadership in staying competitive. It’s a grounded, experience-driven discussion on how lenders can adapt, grow, and lead in today’s environment.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Natalie Overturf, Vice President, Divisional Sales Leader at CMG Financial, joins the show to break down what’s really happening across today’s mortgage landscape from shifting buyer behavior to the realities of recruiting and developing talent in a challenging market. With more than 30 years of experience and a track record as a top-producing originator and leader, Natalie brings a practical, people-first perspective on navigating change.

We dig into regional dynamics like Hawaii’s affordability challenges, the impact of elevated rates on borrower psychology, and what recent industry deals signal for competition going forward. The conversation also explores strategies for building and mentoring high-performing loan officer teams, along with the role of technology, culture, and leadership in staying competitive. It’s a grounded, experience-driven discussion on how lenders can adapt, grow, and lead in today’s environment.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-19059898 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2706 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Liz Facemire & Justin Wiseman The Big Picture - Featuring Liz Facemire & Justin Wiseman On this week’s The Big Picture, Liz Facemire and Justin Wiseman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) join the show for a timely conversation on the policy, regulatory, and advocacy forces shaping mortgage lending today. Bringing perspectives from both the state and national level, Liz and Justin break down how shifting political dynamics, market volatility, and global events are influencing the industry, and what lenders should actually be paying attention to.

We dig into the evolving regulatory landscape for IMBs and servicers, including the growing role of state-level oversight, AI-related policy considerations, and recent federal actions impacting housing and banking. The conversation also highlights MBA’s advocacy efforts, how lenders can better engage with policymakers, and why education and alignment across the industry are more important than ever. It’s a clear, practical look at the intersection of policy and business, and how to navigate both with confidence.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Liz Facemire and Justin Wiseman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) join the show for a timely conversation on the policy, regulatory, and advocacy forces shaping mortgage lending today. Bringing perspectives from both the state and national level, Liz and Justin break down how shifting political dynamics, market volatility, and global events are influencing the industry, and what lenders should actually be paying attention to.

We dig into the evolving regulatory landscape for IMBs and servicers, including the growing role of state-level oversight, AI-related policy considerations, and recent federal actions impacting housing and banking. The conversation also highlights MBA’s advocacy efforts, how lenders can better engage with policymakers, and why education and alignment across the industry are more important than ever. It’s a clear, practical look at the intersection of policy and business, and how to navigate both with confidence.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18946669 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400 2762 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Bill Cosgrove The Big Picture - Featuring Bill Cosgrove On this week’s The Big Picture, Bill Cosgrove, President and CEO of Union Home Mortgage and co-chair of the Tampa Bay Rays, joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, market dynamics, and building at scale. With more than 35 years in mortgage banking, Bill brings a seasoned perspective on how the industry is evolving and what it takes to stay competitive through cycles of volatility and change.

We dig into consolidation trends, the potential impact of Basel III relief and big bank re-entry into lending, and the broader role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in today’s housing finance system. The conversation also explores rising costs, the growing need for technology and AI-driven efficiency, Bill’s unique path into professional sports ownership, and how that experience connects back to leadership, culture, and long-term strategy. It’s a candid, big-picture discussion on where the industry stands today and where it may be headed next.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Bill Cosgrove, President and CEO of Union Home Mortgage and co-chair of the Tampa Bay Rays, joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, market dynamics, and building at scale. With more than 35 years in mortgage banking, Bill brings a seasoned perspective on how the industry is evolving and what it takes to stay competitive through cycles of volatility and change.

We dig into consolidation trends, the potential impact of Basel III relief and big bank re-entry into lending, and the broader role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in today’s housing finance system. The conversation also explores rising costs, the growing need for technology and AI-driven efficiency, Bill’s unique path into professional sports ownership, and how that experience connects back to leadership, culture, and long-term strategy. It’s a candid, big-picture discussion on where the industry stands today and where it may be headed next.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18946629 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2683 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Dan Snyder The Big Picture - Featuring Dan Snyder On this week’s The Big Picture, Dan Snyder, Founder and CEO of Lower(.com), joins the show to talk growth, innovation, and what it takes to build a modern mortgage platform in a rapidly evolving market. An entrepreneur with a builder’s mindset, Dan shares how Lower has expanded beyond traditional lending into a broader homeownership ecosystem by combining mortgage, real estate, and technology under one roof.

We dig into Lower’s multi-channel strategy, the role of acquisitions in accelerating platform development, and how the company approaches recruiting, training, and scaling top talent. The conversation also explores the real-world impact of AI and emerging technologies on mortgage operations, and what lenders should be thinking about as competition intensifies across retail, wholesale, and direct channels. It’s a candid, forward-looking discussion on building for the future while staying grounded in execution today.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Dan Snyder, Founder and CEO of Lower(.com), joins the show to talk growth, innovation, and what it takes to build a modern mortgage platform in a rapidly evolving market. An entrepreneur with a builder’s mindset, Dan shares how Lower has expanded beyond traditional lending into a broader homeownership ecosystem by combining mortgage, real estate, and technology under one roof.

We dig into Lower’s multi-channel strategy, the role of acquisitions in accelerating platform development, and how the company approaches recruiting, training, and scaling top talent. The conversation also explores the real-world impact of AI and emerging technologies on mortgage operations, and what lenders should be thinking about as competition intensifies across retail, wholesale, and direct channels. It’s a candid, forward-looking discussion on building for the future while staying grounded in execution today.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18876399 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400 2929 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Brian Vieaux The Big Picture - Featuring Brian Vieaux On this week’s The Big Picture, Brian Vieaux, President of MISMO, joins the show to unpack the role of data standards in shaping the future of mortgage, and why they matter more than most people realize. With more than 30 years of experience across lending, fintech, and channel development, Brian brings a unique perspective on how infrastructure, not just innovation, will define the next era of housing finance.

We dig into the evolving conversation around trigger leads, market volatility driven by global events, and the broader forces impacting rates and capital markets. The conversation then turns to MISMO: what it is, how it’s funded, and why its work around data standardization, compliance datasets, and AI enablement is critical to driving efficiency across the industry. From practical applications to long-term adoption challenges, Brian offers a thoughtful look at how alignment, transparency, and shared standards can ultimately benefit both lenders and consumers.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Brian Vieaux, President of MISMO, joins the show to unpack the role of data standards in shaping the future of mortgage, and why they matter more than most people realize. With more than 30 years of experience across lending, fintech, and channel development, Brian brings a unique perspective on how infrastructure, not just innovation, will define the next era of housing finance.

We dig into the evolving conversation around trigger leads, market volatility driven by global events, and the broader forces impacting rates and capital markets. The conversation then turns to MISMO: what it is, how it’s funded, and why its work around data standardization, compliance datasets, and AI enablement is critical to driving efficiency across the industry. From practical applications to long-term adoption challenges, Brian offers a thoughtful look at how alignment, transparency, and shared standards can ultimately benefit both lenders and consumers.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18876379 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400 3012 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jodi Hall The Big Picture - Featuring Jodi Hall On this week’s The Big Picture, Jodi Hall, President and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), joins the show for a timely conversation right after the TMC Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. With nearly 30 years of experience across lending, operations, and technology, Jodi brings a clear, operator-focused perspective on the themes that are resonating most with lenders right now, and what they signal for the road ahead.

We dig into the key takeaways from the conference, like shifting market dynamics and the strategic priorities top lenders are focused on as conditions continue to evolve. The conversation also explores how teams should be thinking about execution, culture, and technology in the current environment, and what it takes to stay competitive while building for the next cycle. It’s a practical, forward-looking discussion grounded in real conversations happening across the industry today.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Jodi Hall, President and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), joins the show for a timely conversation right after the TMC Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. With nearly 30 years of experience across lending, operations, and technology, Jodi brings a clear, operator-focused perspective on the themes that are resonating most with lenders right now, and what they signal for the road ahead.

We dig into the key takeaways from the conference, like shifting market dynamics and the strategic priorities top lenders are focused on as conditions continue to evolve. The conversation also explores how teams should be thinking about execution, culture, and technology in the current environment, and what it takes to stay competitive while building for the next cycle. It’s a practical, forward-looking discussion grounded in real conversations happening across the industry today.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18876312 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2728 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jay Arneja The Big Picture - Featuring Jay Arneja On this week’s The Big Picture, Jay Arneja of nCino joins the show for a forward-looking conversation on where mortgage technology is headed and why progress sometimes feels slower than it should. With more than 25 years at the intersection of lending, partnerships, and digital transformation, Jay brings a candid perspective on the structural challenges facing banks and lenders as they adapt to shifting policy signals and evolving borrower expectations.

We dig into the role of AI, data standards, and digitization in modernizing the mortgage process, along with updates on remote online notarization, eNotes, and the push toward a truly paperless closing. The conversation also explores factory-built housing as a potential affordability solution and what meaningful innovation actually requires from lenders, regulators, and tech partners. It’s a straight-shooting discussion on the future of mortgage infrastructure, and what needs to happen next to move the industry forward.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Jay Arneja of nCino joins the show for a forward-looking conversation on where mortgage technology is headed and why progress sometimes feels slower than it should. With more than 25 years at the intersection of lending, partnerships, and digital transformation, Jay brings a candid perspective on the structural challenges facing banks and lenders as they adapt to shifting policy signals and evolving borrower expectations.

We dig into the role of AI, data standards, and digitization in modernizing the mortgage process, along with updates on remote online notarization, eNotes, and the push toward a truly paperless closing. The conversation also explores factory-built housing as a potential affordability solution and what meaningful innovation actually requires from lenders, regulators, and tech partners. It’s a straight-shooting discussion on the future of mortgage infrastructure, and what needs to happen next to move the industry forward.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18715094 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0500 2814 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Natalie Alexander The Big Picture - Featuring Natalie Alexander On this week’s The Big Picture, Natalie Alexander, President and CFO of Willow Bend Mortgage, joins the show for a candid conversation on leadership, market dynamics, and the evolving playbook for independent mortgage banks. With more than a decade helping guide Willow Bend’s growth, Natalie brings both financial discipline and a people-first perspective to a rapidly shifting lending environment.

We dig into conditions in the Dallas–Fort Worth housing market, including builder incentives and competitive pressures, and tackle bigger-picture issues like rising credit report costs, consolidation trends, and the role of servicing in long-term strategy. The conversation also explores the underrepresentation of women in IMB leadership and what meaningful progress looks like, along with the opportunities and challenges tied to AI adoption across mortgage operations. It’s a grounded, forward-looking discussion on how independent lenders can stay competitive while staying true to their culture.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Natalie Alexander, President and CFO of Willow Bend Mortgage, joins the show for a candid conversation on leadership, market dynamics, and the evolving playbook for independent mortgage banks. With more than a decade helping guide Willow Bend’s growth, Natalie brings both financial discipline and a people-first perspective to a rapidly shifting lending environment.

We dig into conditions in the Dallas–Fort Worth housing market, including builder incentives and competitive pressures, and tackle bigger-picture issues like rising credit report costs, consolidation trends, and the role of servicing in long-term strategy. The conversation also explores the underrepresentation of women in IMB leadership and what meaningful progress looks like, along with the opportunities and challenges tied to AI adoption across mortgage operations. It’s a grounded, forward-looking discussion on how independent lenders can stay competitive while staying true to their culture.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18672199 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500 2940 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Bob Broeksmit The Big Picture - Featuring Bob Broeksmit On this week’s The Big Picture, Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces shaping mortgage banking right now. From reflections on industry leadership and legacy to insights coming out of the MBA Independent Mortgage Banking Conference, Bob offers a candid look at where the industry stands and what’s rising to the top of the priority list.

We dig into the ongoing debate around proposed credit score changes, the regulatory and political dynamics influencing housing policy, and how administrative actions differ from legislative reform. The conversation also touches on MBA’s advocacy efforts around affordability, condo insurance, loan officer compensation, servicing rules, and RESPA. With decades of experience and a clear view from Washington, Bob brings thoughtful context and practical perspective to the issues lenders and servicers are navigating today.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces shaping mortgage banking right now. From reflections on industry leadership and legacy to insights coming out of the MBA Independent Mortgage Banking Conference, Bob offers a candid look at where the industry stands and what’s rising to the top of the priority list.

We dig into the ongoing debate around proposed credit score changes, the regulatory and political dynamics influencing housing policy, and how administrative actions differ from legislative reform. The conversation also touches on MBA’s advocacy efforts around affordability, condo insurance, loan officer compensation, servicing rules, and RESPA. With decades of experience and a clear view from Washington, Bob brings thoughtful context and practical perspective to the issues lenders and servicers are navigating today.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18636969 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500 2944 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Vishal Garg The Big Picture - Featuring Vishal Garg On this week’s The Big Picture, Vishal Garg, Founder and CEO of Better.com, joins Robbie (and later Rob) Chrisman for a wide-ranging conversation on technology, leadership, and the future of home buying. Vishal shares his personal journey from growing up in India to building one of the most closely watched digital mortgage platforms in the U.S., and how firsthand frustration with legacy lending systems led him to rethink how mortgages should work.

We dig into how AI is reshaping mortgage operations, what “human as an exception” really means in practice, and how lenders can better meet borrowers where they are. From lessons learned scaling Better to predictions for what the mortgage process could look like by 2030, Vishal offers a candid, forward-looking perspective on innovation, adaptability, and what it will take to modernize housing finance in the decade ahead.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Vishal Garg, Founder and CEO of Better.com, joins Robbie (and later Rob) Chrisman for a wide-ranging conversation on technology, leadership, and the future of home buying. Vishal shares his personal journey from growing up in India to building one of the most closely watched digital mortgage platforms in the U.S., and how firsthand frustration with legacy lending systems led him to rethink how mortgages should work.

We dig into how AI is reshaping mortgage operations, what “human as an exception” really means in practice, and how lenders can better meet borrowers where they are. From lessons learned scaling Better to predictions for what the mortgage process could look like by 2030, Vishal offers a candid, forward-looking perspective on innovation, adaptability, and what it will take to modernize housing finance in the decade ahead.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18620595 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500 2734 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Erin Dee The Big Picture - Featuring Erin Dee On this week’s The Big Picture, Erin Dee, Chief Operating Officer of Interlinc Mortgage and President of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, joins the show to unpack the policy debates and market shifts shaping housing and lending right now. With deep experience across operations, capital markets, and advocacy, Erin brings a grounded, operator’s perspective on what’s actually happening behind the headlines.

We dig into the administration’s approach to housing affordability and supply, the growing influence of state-level advocacy, and ongoing debates around credit scoring, broker compensation, and regulatory priorities. From CFPB updates to the evolving competitive landscape, Erin offers clear, practical insight on how lenders and associations can navigate change and where the industry should be focused as the next chapter takes shape.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Erin Dee, Chief Operating Officer of Interlinc Mortgage and President of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, joins the show to unpack the policy debates and market shifts shaping housing and lending right now. With deep experience across operations, capital markets, and advocacy, Erin brings a grounded, operator’s perspective on what’s actually happening behind the headlines.

We dig into the administration’s approach to housing affordability and supply, the growing influence of state-level advocacy, and ongoing debates around credit scoring, broker compensation, and regulatory priorities. From CFPB updates to the evolving competitive landscape, Erin offers clear, practical insight on how lenders and associations can navigate change and where the industry should be focused as the next chapter takes shape.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18620523 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500 2829 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Ron Leonhardt The Big Picture - Featuring Ron Leonhardt On this week’s The Big Picture, Ron Leonhardt, Founder and CEO of CrossCountry Mortgage, joins the show for a candid conversation on building scale, navigating cycles, and leading through uncertainty. From launching CCM in Cleveland more than two decades ago to growing it into one of the nation’s top retail lenders, Ron shares the principles and decisions that have fueled long-term success in a notoriously volatile industry.

We dig into how lenders can compete in down markets, why diversification and servicing matter more than ever, and how shifting policy and regulatory proposals could reshape the housing landscape. With a people-first leadership philosophy and a clear-eyed view of today’s market realities, Ron offers practical insight on culture, strategy, and what it takes to thrive when conditions get tough.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Ron Leonhardt, Founder and CEO of CrossCountry Mortgage, joins the show for a candid conversation on building scale, navigating cycles, and leading through uncertainty. From launching CCM in Cleveland more than two decades ago to growing it into one of the nation’s top retail lenders, Ron shares the principles and decisions that have fueled long-term success in a notoriously volatile industry.

We dig into how lenders can compete in down markets, why diversification and servicing matter more than ever, and how shifting policy and regulatory proposals could reshape the housing landscape. With a people-first leadership philosophy and a clear-eyed view of today’s market realities, Ron offers practical insight on culture, strategy, and what it takes to thrive when conditions get tough.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18620447 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500 2825 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Scott Weintraub The Big Picture - Featuring Scott Weintraub On this week’s The Big Picture, Scott Weintraub of MQMR joins the show to break down the rapidly shifting compliance landscape facing mortgage lenders today. A veteran compliance and risk expert, Scott brings a clear-eyed, practical perspective on how regulatory priorities are evolving and what lenders should actually be paying attention to as oversight increasingly moves beyond Washington D.C. and into the states.

We dig into the changing role of the CFPB, the rising influence of state regulators, and the real-world implications of proposals like restrictions on institutional homebuyers. The conversation also tackles the growing use of AI and automation in mortgage operations, like where the risks lie, where the opportunities are real, and how lenders can stay compliant without crushing their cost structure. It’s a grounded, no-spin discussion designed to give mortgage leaders the context they need to make smarter decisions right now.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Scott Weintraub of MQMR joins the show to break down the rapidly shifting compliance landscape facing mortgage lenders today. A veteran compliance and risk expert, Scott brings a clear-eyed, practical perspective on how regulatory priorities are evolving and what lenders should actually be paying attention to as oversight increasingly moves beyond Washington D.C. and into the states.

We dig into the changing role of the CFPB, the rising influence of state regulators, and the real-world implications of proposals like restrictions on institutional homebuyers. The conversation also tackles the growing use of AI and automation in mortgage operations, like where the risks lie, where the opportunities are real, and how lenders can stay compliant without crushing their cost structure. It’s a grounded, no-spin discussion designed to give mortgage leaders the context they need to make smarter decisions right now.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18560572 Sat, 24 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 2866 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Mike Metz The Big Picture - Featuring Mike Metz On this week’s The Big Picture, Mike Metz of VIP Mortgage joins the show to discuss which issues are impacting housing and mortgage. A longtime operator with a systems-level view of the business, Mike brings a reflective, practical perspective on what trends actually matter and which narratives may deserve a second look as the industry closes out the year.

We step back to revisit themes that continue to surface across lending, operations, and leadership, digging into under-discussed shifts, recurring debates, and lessons worth carrying forward. It’s a thoughtful, candid discussion about where the mortgage industry has been, what’s resonating right now, and how leaders can better position themselves for what comes next.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Mike Metz of VIP Mortgage joins the show to discuss which issues are impacting housing and mortgage. A longtime operator with a systems-level view of the business, Mike brings a reflective, practical perspective on what trends actually matter and which narratives may deserve a second look as the industry closes out the year.

We step back to revisit themes that continue to surface across lending, operations, and leadership, digging into under-discussed shifts, recurring debates, and lessons worth carrying forward. It’s a thoughtful, candid discussion about where the mortgage industry has been, what’s resonating right now, and how leaders can better position themselves for what comes next.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18560535 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0500 2890 full false The Big Picture - Featuring James Dwiggins The Big Picture - Featuring James Dwiggins On this week’s The Big Picture, James Dwiggins, Co-CEO of NextHome and one of the most outspoken voices in real estate today, joins the show to break down the seismic shifts reshaping the industry. A third-generation real estate entrepreneur and founder of the tech platform Rayse, James brings a data-driven, no-fluff perspective on everything from buyer-agent compensation to the future of brokerage models in a post-settlement world.

We dig into what the next two years could look like for agents, lenders, and consumers, why the industry’s “middle” may be shrinking, and how technology and transparency will define the winners of the next cycle. With his trademark clarity and candor, sharpened through years of leading a 600-office franchise and hosting Real Estate Unfiltered, James offers a forward-looking, highly practical conversation about where real estate is headed and what leaders should be preparing for right now.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, James Dwiggins, Co-CEO of NextHome and one of the most outspoken voices in real estate today, joins the show to break down the seismic shifts reshaping the industry. A third-generation real estate entrepreneur and founder of the tech platform Rayse, James brings a data-driven, no-fluff perspective on everything from buyer-agent compensation to the future of brokerage models in a post-settlement world.

We dig into what the next two years could look like for agents, lenders, and consumers, why the industry’s “middle” may be shrinking, and how technology and transparency will define the winners of the next cycle. With his trademark clarity and candor, sharpened through years of leading a 600-office franchise and hosting Real Estate Unfiltered, James offers a forward-looking, highly practical conversation about where real estate is headed and what leaders should be preparing for right now.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18339709 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0500 2749 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Mike Yu The Big Picture - Featuring Mike Yu On this week’s The Big Picture, Mike Yu, co-founder and CEO of Vesta, joins the show to unpack the future of mortgage technology and why the loan origination system is finally getting its long-overdue overhaul. An early product leader at Blend turned fintech founder, Mike shares how years spent building mortgage infrastructure inspired him to take on one of the industry’s toughest challenges: creating a true end-to-end, next-generation LOS designed for the digital age.

We explore how AI and modern platform design can simplify complex workflows, reduce friction across processing, underwriting, and closing, and ultimately improve both lender efficiency and borrower experience. From scaling Blend into a major banking partner to raising more than $55 million for Vesta from top venture firms, Mike offers a candid look at what it takes to modernize legacy systems and a big-picture perspective on how infrastructure innovation will shape the next decade of lending.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Mike Yu, co-founder and CEO of Vesta, joins the show to unpack the future of mortgage technology and why the loan origination system is finally getting its long-overdue overhaul. An early product leader at Blend turned fintech founder, Mike shares how years spent building mortgage infrastructure inspired him to take on one of the industry’s toughest challenges: creating a true end-to-end, next-generation LOS designed for the digital age.

We explore how AI and modern platform design can simplify complex workflows, reduce friction across processing, underwriting, and closing, and ultimately improve both lender efficiency and borrower experience. From scaling Blend into a major banking partner to raising more than $55 million for Vesta from top venture firms, Mike offers a candid look at what it takes to modernize legacy systems and a big-picture perspective on how infrastructure innovation will shape the next decade of lending.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18301373 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2786 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Diane Yu The Big Picture - Featuring Diane Yu On this week’s The Big Picture, Diane Yu, co-founder and CEO of TidalWave, joins the show to talk about how AI is transforming the mortgage experience from the inside out. A veteran technologist and former CTO of Better, Diane has built one of the industry’s most innovative platforms with SOLO™, TidalWave’s AI-powered solution that streamlines loan origination while expanding access to homeownership.

We explore how automation can create both efficiency and inclusion, the real-world potential of AI in mortgage operations, and what it takes to build technology that lenders trust and borrowers love. From her early success co-founding FreeWheel (acquired by Comcast for $400 million) to leading a new wave of fintech innovation, Diane brings sharp insight and big-picture perspective on the future of AI, housing, and human connection.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Diane Yu, co-founder and CEO of TidalWave, joins the show to talk about how AI is transforming the mortgage experience from the inside out. A veteran technologist and former CTO of Better, Diane has built one of the industry’s most innovative platforms with SOLO™, TidalWave’s AI-powered solution that streamlines loan origination while expanding access to homeownership.

We explore how automation can create both efficiency and inclusion, the real-world potential of AI in mortgage operations, and what it takes to build technology that lenders trust and borrowers love. From her early success co-founding FreeWheel (acquired by Comcast for $400 million) to leading a new wave of fintech innovation, Diane brings sharp insight and big-picture perspective on the future of AI, housing, and human connection.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18227095 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2716 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Eddy Perez The Big Picture - Featuring Eddy Perez On this week’s The Big Picture, Eddy Perez, Founder and CEO of Equity Prime Mortgage, joins the show to talk about leadership, purpose, and how culture can redefine an entire organization. A first-generation Cuban American and industry trailblazer, Eddy shares his journey from top-producing originator to leading a national lender recognized on the Inc. 5000, and how his father’s story of resilience continues to shape his mission today.

We dig into what it means to build a values-driven mortgage company, the power of advocacy in affordable housing, and how leaders can empower people more both inside and outside the industry. With characteristic candor and passion, Eddy offers lessons on growth, integrity, and why success means more when it lifts others along the way.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Eddy Perez, Founder and CEO of Equity Prime Mortgage, joins the show to talk about leadership, purpose, and how culture can redefine an entire organization. A first-generation Cuban American and industry trailblazer, Eddy shares his journey from top-producing originator to leading a national lender recognized on the Inc. 5000, and how his father’s story of resilience continues to shape his mission today.

We dig into what it means to build a values-driven mortgage company, the power of advocacy in affordable housing, and how leaders can empower people more both inside and outside the industry. With characteristic candor and passion, Eddy offers lessons on growth, integrity, and why success means more when it lifts others along the way.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18187280 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2844 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Patrick O'Brien The Big Picture - Featuring Patrick O'Brien On this week’s The Big Picture, Patrick O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of LenderLogix, joins the show to talk about what it really takes to build technology that lenders actually love using. A former loan officer turned fintech founder, Patrick brings 15 years of frontline mortgage experience to his mission of creating smarter, simpler tools for lenders, loan officers, and real estate agents.

We dig into the evolution of borrower expectations, how automation can enhance rather than replace human connection, and what’s next for mortgage technology as the industry moves toward digital maturity. With a product-first mindset and a grounded understanding of lender pain points, Patrick offers a sharp, real-world perspective on innovation, customer experience, and the future of origination.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Patrick O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of LenderLogix, joins the show to talk about what it really takes to build technology that lenders actually love using. A former loan officer turned fintech founder, Patrick brings 15 years of frontline mortgage experience to his mission of creating smarter, simpler tools for lenders, loan officers, and real estate agents.

We dig into the evolution of borrower expectations, how automation can enhance rather than replace human connection, and what’s next for mortgage technology as the industry moves toward digital maturity. With a product-first mindset and a grounded understanding of lender pain points, Patrick offers a sharp, real-world perspective on innovation, customer experience, and the future of origination.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18146655 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2756 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Natalie Overturf The Big Picture - Featuring Natalie Overturf On this week’s The Big Picture, Natalie Overturf, Divisional Vice President of the Northwest Division at CMG Financial, joins the show to talk leadership, growth, and what it takes to build teams that last in today’s mortgage market. With more than 20 years in the industry, Natalie leads CMG’s largest division, overseeing billions in annual production across six states and hundreds of professionals.

We dig into how she balances performance with culture, why retention and mentorship matter more than ever, and what keeps her motivated as both an executive and entrepreneur. From leading a $3 billion division to co-owning a med spa in Coeur d’Alene, Natalie shares a candid, inspiring look at success, balance, and the business of building people, not just pipelines.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Natalie Overturf, Divisional Vice President of the Northwest Division at CMG Financial, joins the show to talk leadership, growth, and what it takes to build teams that last in today’s mortgage market. With more than 20 years in the industry, Natalie leads CMG’s largest division, overseeing billions in annual production across six states and hundreds of professionals.

We dig into how she balances performance with culture, why retention and mentorship matter more than ever, and what keeps her motivated as both an executive and entrepreneur. From leading a $3 billion division to co-owning a med spa in Coeur d’Alene, Natalie shares a candid, inspiring look at success, balance, and the business of building people, not just pipelines.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18107529 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2896 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Nadia Evangelou The Big Picture - Featuring Nadia Evangelou On this week’s The Big Picture, Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of REALTORS®, joins the show to unpack the latest housing market trends and what they mean for affordability, migration, and demand heading into 2025. With her deep background in forecasting and policy analysis, Nadia offers a clear-eyed look at how shifting demographics and federal actions are shaping local housing markets nationwide.

We dig into where affordability pressures are most acute, what’s driving cross-state migration, and why some regions are poised for recovery sooner than others. Known for translating complex data into actionable insights, Nadia brings a grounded, data-driven conversation about the road ahead for housing, and what it means for lenders, real estate professionals, and homeowners alike.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of REALTORS®, joins the show to unpack the latest housing market trends and what they mean for affordability, migration, and demand heading into 2025. With her deep background in forecasting and policy analysis, Nadia offers a clear-eyed look at how shifting demographics and federal actions are shaping local housing markets nationwide.

We dig into where affordability pressures are most acute, what’s driving cross-state migration, and why some regions are poised for recovery sooner than others. Known for translating complex data into actionable insights, Nadia brings a grounded, data-driven conversation about the road ahead for housing, and what it means for lenders, real estate professionals, and homeowners alike.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18065794 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0400 2687 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Dottie Sheppick The Big Picture - Featuring Dottie Sheppick On this week’s The Big Picture, Dottie Sheppick, Founding Partner of Specialty Mortgage Product Solutions, joins the show to talk with Rob and Rich about the future of affordable housing and the products designed to make it possible. With three decades of experience across Fannie Mae, Bank of America, and the broader lending landscape, Dottie brings unmatched expertise in building programs for first-time buyers, builders, and underserved markets.

We explore how lenders can balance innovation with accessibility, what’s next for affordable housing policy, and why niche lending is becoming a mainstream growth opportunity. Known for her entrepreneurial approach and deep industry insight, Dottie offers a grounded, forward-looking conversation on how inclusive lending can shape the next chapter of housing finance.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Dottie Sheppick, Founding Partner of Specialty Mortgage Product Solutions, joins the show to talk with Rob and Rich about the future of affordable housing and the products designed to make it possible. With three decades of experience across Fannie Mae, Bank of America, and the broader lending landscape, Dottie brings unmatched expertise in building programs for first-time buyers, builders, and underserved markets.

We explore how lenders can balance innovation with accessibility, what’s next for affordable housing policy, and why niche lending is becoming a mainstream growth opportunity. Known for her entrepreneurial approach and deep industry insight, Dottie offers a grounded, forward-looking conversation on how inclusive lending can shape the next chapter of housing finance.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-18024531 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2954 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Meredith Whitney The Big Picture - Featuring Meredith Whitney On this week’s The Big Picture, Meredith Whitney, CEO of Meredith Whitney Advisory Group and one of the most influential voices in finance, joins the show to talk markets, housing, and what’s next for the banking sector. Dubbed the “Oracle of Wall Street” for her prescient 2007 call on Citigroup, Meredith brings a rare combination of deep macro insight and candid perspective on how policy, credit, and consumer trends are shaping the economy in 2025 and beyond.

We dig into her latest outlook for regional banks, the housing market’s structural imbalances, and why she believes the next cycle could look very different from the last. From Wall Street forecasts to Main Street realities, Meredith offers a sharp, forward-looking conversation that cuts through the noise—and reminds us why her analysis continues to move markets.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Meredith Whitney, CEO of Meredith Whitney Advisory Group and one of the most influential voices in finance, joins the show to talk markets, housing, and what’s next for the banking sector. Dubbed the “Oracle of Wall Street” for her prescient 2007 call on Citigroup, Meredith brings a rare combination of deep macro insight and candid perspective on how policy, credit, and consumer trends are shaping the economy in 2025 and beyond.

We dig into her latest outlook for regional banks, the housing market’s structural imbalances, and why she believes the next cycle could look very different from the last. From Wall Street forecasts to Main Street realities, Meredith offers a sharp, forward-looking conversation that cuts through the noise—and reminds us why her analysis continues to move markets.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17985659 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0400 3350 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Dustin Owen The Big Picture - Featuring Dustin Owen On this week’s The Big Picture, Dustin Owen, veteran mortgage executive and host of The Loan Officer Podcast, joins the show to share what he’s seeing from the front lines of origination and where the industry goes next. As the co-founder of a $1 billion retail production operation and one of the most recognized voices in mortgage education, Dustin blends practical experience with a clear-eyed view of the challenges loan officers face today.

We dig into how technology, coaching, and market cycles are reshaping the role of the loan officer, why financial literacy is central to the industry’s future, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in mortgage banking. With over a million annual downloads on his podcast and a career spanning top production, capital markets, and leadership, Dustin brings sharp insights and plenty of energy into a candid conversation about where the business is headed.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Dustin Owen, veteran mortgage executive and host of The Loan Officer Podcast, joins the show to share what he’s seeing from the front lines of origination and where the industry goes next. As the co-founder of a $1 billion retail production operation and one of the most recognized voices in mortgage education, Dustin blends practical experience with a clear-eyed view of the challenges loan officers face today.

We dig into how technology, coaching, and market cycles are reshaping the role of the loan officer, why financial literacy is central to the industry’s future, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in mortgage banking. With over a million annual downloads on his podcast and a career spanning top production, capital markets, and leadership, Dustin brings sharp insights and plenty of energy into a candid conversation about where the business is headed.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17947197 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2920 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Ashlee Randall The Big Picture - Featuring Ashlee Randall On this week’s The Big Picture, Ashlee Randall, SVP of Product Development and Strategy at Class Valuation, joins the show to talk appraisal modernization and the future of valuation technology. With more than 15 years of experience driving innovation in mortgage operations, Ashlee has become a leading voice on how lenders, borrowers, and appraisers can all benefit from smarter, more streamlined processes.

We dig into where the industry stands on UAD 3.6, the role of GSEs in shaping modernization efforts, and what lenders should expect as appraisal technology evolves. From policy shifts to practical adoption, Ashlee brings a candid perspective on how valuation is changing—and why the right innovations could unlock speed, accuracy, and better outcomes across the mortgage ecosystem.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Ashlee Randall, SVP of Product Development and Strategy at Class Valuation, joins the show to talk appraisal modernization and the future of valuation technology. With more than 15 years of experience driving innovation in mortgage operations, Ashlee has become a leading voice on how lenders, borrowers, and appraisers can all benefit from smarter, more streamlined processes.

We dig into where the industry stands on UAD 3.6, the role of GSEs in shaping modernization efforts, and what lenders should expect as appraisal technology evolves. From policy shifts to practical adoption, Ashlee brings a candid perspective on how valuation is changing—and why the right innovations could unlock speed, accuracy, and better outcomes across the mortgage ecosystem.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17907270 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2842 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jennifer McGuinness The Big Picture - Featuring Jennifer McGuinness On this week’s The Big Picture, Jennifer McGuinness, CEO of PIVOT Financial, joins the show to talk about capital markets, liquidity, and what it takes to build smarter, more resilient mortgage platforms. With more than two decades of experience across Wall Street and the mortgage industry, Jennifer has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in the market.

We dig into her career journey before launching Pivot, which spans  from origination to servicing and legal, then to Deutsche Bank. She also has sat in hedge funds and REIT's,  in such capacities as the Head of the Deal Team for the 1st Hedge Fund Issuer of Residential Mortgage Backed Securities with a AAA rating, collateralized by newly originated loans, as well as  being instrumental in creating the single family rental asset class and DSCR loan programs. She also brought the first secondary market tradable 1st lien HELOC Product to market, removing the "old school" sweep account structure and designing a custom servicing structure. She’s redefining how nonbank lenders access funding and product diversity, while insulating risk. Jennifer shares her perspective on today’s secondary market, the role of securitization in expanding credit, and what the future of liquidity could look like for lenders of all sizes. It’s a sharp, practical conversation from someone who has been at the forefront of  housing for years.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Jennifer McGuinness, CEO of PIVOT Financial, joins the show to talk about capital markets, liquidity, and what it takes to build smarter, more resilient mortgage platforms. With more than two decades of experience across Wall Street and the mortgage industry, Jennifer has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in the market.

We dig into her career journey before launching Pivot, which spans  from origination to servicing and legal, then to Deutsche Bank. She also has sat in hedge funds and REIT's,  in such capacities as the Head of the Deal Team for the 1st Hedge Fund Issuer of Residential Mortgage Backed Securities with a AAA rating, collateralized by newly originated loans, as well as  being instrumental in creating the single family rental asset class and DSCR loan programs. She also brought the first secondary market tradable 1st lien HELOC Product to market, removing the "old school" sweep account structure and designing a custom servicing structure. She’s redefining how nonbank lenders access funding and product diversity, while insulating risk. Jennifer shares her perspective on today’s secondary market, the role of securitization in expanding credit, and what the future of liquidity could look like for lenders of all sizes. It’s a sharp, practical conversation from someone who has been at the forefront of  housing for years.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17868627 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2900 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Mark McArdle The Big Picture - Featuring Mark McArdle On this week’s The Big Picture, Mark McArdle, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Relations, Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Newrez, joins the show to share his perspective on housing policy, regulation, and what it all means for the mortgage market. With more than two decades of experience in government and financial services, including senior roles at the CFPB and U.S. Treasury, Mark brings a rare insider’s view on how policy gets made and how it impacts lenders and borrowers alike.

We dig into his years at the CFPB, from overseeing Qualified Mortgage rules to navigating mortgage policy through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his work at Treasury on TARP and foreclosure prevention programs. Now at Newrez, he talks about bridging the gap between policy and practice, and why regulatory clarity will be key to the industry’s future. It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation with one of housing finance’s most seasoned policy experts.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Mark McArdle, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Relations, Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Newrez, joins the show to share his perspective on housing policy, regulation, and what it all means for the mortgage market. With more than two decades of experience in government and financial services, including senior roles at the CFPB and U.S. Treasury, Mark brings a rare insider’s view on how policy gets made and how it impacts lenders and borrowers alike.

We dig into his years at the CFPB, from overseeing Qualified Mortgage rules to navigating mortgage policy through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his work at Treasury on TARP and foreclosure prevention programs. Now at Newrez, he talks about bridging the gap between policy and practice, and why regulatory clarity will be key to the industry’s future. It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation with one of housing finance’s most seasoned policy experts.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17830283 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:00:00 -0400 2940 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Kevin Peranio The Big Picture - Featuring Kevin Peranio On this week’s The Big Picture, Kevin Peranio, Chief Lending Officer and Partner at PRMG, joins the show to talk lending, leadership, and how mortgage companies can adapt to today’s shifting market. From balancing technology and customer experience to keeping teams motivated through volatility, Kevin brings an inside look at what it takes to steer one of the industry’s fastest-growing lenders.

We dig into PRMG’s growth story, why accountability and innovation remain core to its culture, and what Kevin sees as the biggest opportunities for brokers and bankers alike. A four-time president’s cabinet member and national speaker, he offers candid insights on navigating cycles, modernizing lending, and leading with purpose in a rapidly evolving mortgage landscape.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Kevin Peranio, Chief Lending Officer and Partner at PRMG, joins the show to talk lending, leadership, and how mortgage companies can adapt to today’s shifting market. From balancing technology and customer experience to keeping teams motivated through volatility, Kevin brings an inside look at what it takes to steer one of the industry’s fastest-growing lenders.

We dig into PRMG’s growth story, why accountability and innovation remain core to its culture, and what Kevin sees as the biggest opportunities for brokers and bankers alike. A four-time president’s cabinet member and national speaker, he offers candid insights on navigating cycles, modernizing lending, and leading with purpose in a rapidly evolving mortgage landscape.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17791658 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2973 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jim Parrott The Big Picture - Featuring Jim Parrott On this week’s The Big Picture, Jim Parrott, former senior housing adviser in the Obama White House and current nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and owner of Parrott Ryan Advisors, joins the show to cut through the noise on housing policy and the mortgage market. With deep experience shaping housing strategy at the highest levels of government, Jim brings a candid perspective on where policy is headed and what it means for lenders, borrowers, and the broader economy.

From the Fed’s cautious stance to the future of housing affordability and the regulatory debates shaping mortgage finance, Jim offers clear-eyed insights grounded in decades of experience inside Washington and beyond. Whether you’re trying to understand how today’s legislative fights could reshape tomorrow’s market or just want a sharper read on the policy landscape, this conversation delivers the kind of context only Jim can provide.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Jim Parrott, former senior housing adviser in the Obama White House and current nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and owner of Parrott Ryan Advisors, joins the show to cut through the noise on housing policy and the mortgage market. With deep experience shaping housing strategy at the highest levels of government, Jim brings a candid perspective on where policy is headed and what it means for lenders, borrowers, and the broader economy.

From the Fed’s cautious stance to the future of housing affordability and the regulatory debates shaping mortgage finance, Jim offers clear-eyed insights grounded in decades of experience inside Washington and beyond. Whether you’re trying to understand how today’s legislative fights could reshape tomorrow’s market or just want a sharper read on the policy landscape, this conversation delivers the kind of context only Jim can provide.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17752074 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0400 3156 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Dave Savage The Big Picture - Featuring Dave Savage On this week’s Big Picture, Dave Savage, founder of Mortgage Coach and Chief Growth Officer at TrustEngine, joins Rob and Rich to talk about the future of advice in lending, financial literacy, and how technology is reshaping the role of originators. With nearly three decades in the business, Dave has interviewed more than 1,000 top producers and turned Mortgage Coach into the industry’s go-to platform for borrower education.

We dig into why he believes technology won’t replace loan officers, but those who master it will, and how data-driven insights can turn mortgage professionals into lifelong advisors. From tackling the financial literacy gap for first-time buyers to his work with FirstHome IQ, Dave shares his vision for empowering both consumers and originators alike and why having fun and playing loose may be the most underrated strategy in the industry.

]]> On this week’s Big Picture, Dave Savage, founder of Mortgage Coach and Chief Growth Officer at TrustEngine, joins Rob and Rich to talk about the future of advice in lending, financial literacy, and how technology is reshaping the role of originators. With nearly three decades in the business, Dave has interviewed more than 1,000 top producers and turned Mortgage Coach into the industry’s go-to platform for borrower education.

We dig into why he believes technology won’t replace loan officers, but those who master it will, and how data-driven insights can turn mortgage professionals into lifelong advisors. From tackling the financial literacy gap for first-time buyers to his work with FirstHome IQ, Dave shares his vision for empowering both consumers and originators alike and why having fun and playing loose may be the most underrated strategy in the industry.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17712714 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2985 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Chase Gilbert The Big Picture - Featuring Chase Gilbert On this week’s The Big Picture, Chase Gilbert, CEO and co-founder of Built Technologies, joins the show to talk with Rob and Rich about construction finance, housing and why Nashville’s skyline of cranes says a lot about where the market is headed. From billion-dollar stadium projects to the everyday challenges lenders and builders face, Chase breaks down how technology is reshaping one of the most old-school sectors of real estate.

We dig into how Built has helped financial institutions manage more than $400 billion in construction funding, what’s really driving demand in markets like Nashville, and why smarter, more transparent lending processes could be the key to unlocking housing supply. It’s a sharp, forward-looking conversation on construction, capital, and the future of housing finance.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, Chase Gilbert, CEO and co-founder of Built Technologies, joins the show to talk with Rob and Rich about construction finance, housing and why Nashville’s skyline of cranes says a lot about where the market is headed. From billion-dollar stadium projects to the everyday challenges lenders and builders face, Chase breaks down how technology is reshaping one of the most old-school sectors of real estate.

We dig into how Built has helped financial institutions manage more than $400 billion in construction funding, what’s really driving demand in markets like Nashville, and why smarter, more transparent lending processes could be the key to unlocking housing supply. It’s a sharp, forward-looking conversation on construction, capital, and the future of housing finance.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17672882 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2901 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Katie Sweeney The Big Picture - Featuring Katie Sweeney Katie Sweeney, EVP of Broker Strategy & Advocacy at Rocket Mortgage, joins Rob and Rich on this week’s episode of The Big Picture as mortgage rates hit their lowest point in nearly a year, the trigger leads bill clears Congress, and bipartisan housing legislation gains momentum. She breaks down what these developments really mean, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the trigger leads bill made it across the finish line and what’s next on the policy front.

Sweeney shares her perspective on who’s truly gaining ground in the current market—brokers, bankers, or depositories—and whether advocacy and technology are finally working in sync. Packed with insider insight and clear-eyed analysis, this episode delivers a timely read on the housing market’s shifting mood and the forces shaping its next chapter.

]]> Katie Sweeney, EVP of Broker Strategy & Advocacy at Rocket Mortgage, joins Rob and Rich on this week’s episode of The Big Picture as mortgage rates hit their lowest point in nearly a year, the trigger leads bill clears Congress, and bipartisan housing legislation gains momentum. She breaks down what these developments really mean, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the trigger leads bill made it across the finish line and what’s next on the policy front.

Sweeney shares her perspective on who’s truly gaining ground in the current market—brokers, bankers, or depositories—and whether advocacy and technology are finally working in sync. Packed with insider insight and clear-eyed analysis, this episode delivers a timely read on the housing market’s shifting mood and the forces shaping its next chapter.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17631916 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2751 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett The Fed held steady again this week, sparking debate over whether it's strategic patience or just another missed layup. Rich and Rob break it all down with their usual mix of insight and exasperation—then tag in recurring guest (and unofficial capital markets therapist) Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets to make sense of the economic data flood.

From GDP and jobs to PCE and Powell’s carefully curated nothingburger of a statement, Chris walks us through what actually matters—and what it all means for mortgage rates. With over $1 trillion in MBS trades under his belt and a reputation for clarity in the chaos, Chris delivers the goods with his signature blend of sharp analysis, dry wit, and just enough existential dread to keep things interesting.

]]> The Fed held steady again this week, sparking debate over whether it's strategic patience or just another missed layup. Rich and Rob break it all down with their usual mix of insight and exasperation—then tag in recurring guest (and unofficial capital markets therapist) Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets to make sense of the economic data flood.

From GDP and jobs to PCE and Powell’s carefully curated nothingburger of a statement, Chris walks us through what actually matters—and what it all means for mortgage rates. With over $1 trillion in MBS trades under his belt and a reputation for clarity in the chaos, Chris delivers the goods with his signature blend of sharp analysis, dry wit, and just enough existential dread to keep things interesting.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17595733 Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2952 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Nikki Bialka The Big Picture - Featuring Nikki Bialka This week, Rob and Rich are joined by none other than Nikki Bialka—an officially unofficial recurring guest and fan favorite from her last blockbuster appearance. Nikki leads affordable and CRA lending efforts at Fifth Third Bank, where she navigates the ever-shifting terrain of homeownership access with smarts, clarity, and just enough sass to make policy talk feel like a happy hour debate. After her last visit lit up our inboxes with praise, we knew we had to lock her down long-term, and the 9-year, $171 million deal basically wrote itself.

Fresh from the latest MBA Affordable Homeownership Advisory Council meeting, Nikki brings sharp insight into the industry’s biggest challenges, from affordability fatigue to the ripple effects of the VantageScore shakeup. We dig into how lenders can keep serving borrowers when program rules feel like a game of Whac-A-Mole, and whether positive rental history might finally get the credit it deserves. Expect thoughtful takes, some laughs, and a very classy upgrade to our usual chaos.

]]> This week, Rob and Rich are joined by none other than Nikki Bialka—an officially unofficial recurring guest and fan favorite from her last blockbuster appearance. Nikki leads affordable and CRA lending efforts at Fifth Third Bank, where she navigates the ever-shifting terrain of homeownership access with smarts, clarity, and just enough sass to make policy talk feel like a happy hour debate. After her last visit lit up our inboxes with praise, we knew we had to lock her down long-term, and the 9-year, $171 million deal basically wrote itself.

Fresh from the latest MBA Affordable Homeownership Advisory Council meeting, Nikki brings sharp insight into the industry’s biggest challenges, from affordability fatigue to the ripple effects of the VantageScore shakeup. We dig into how lenders can keep serving borrowers when program rules feel like a game of Whac-A-Mole, and whether positive rental history might finally get the credit it deserves. Expect thoughtful takes, some laughs, and a very classy upgrade to our usual chaos.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17559527 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2856 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Pete Mills The Big Picture - Featuring Pete Mills On this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob welcomed Pete Mills, SVP of Residential Policy and Strategic Industry Engagement at the MBA, for a timely discussion on housing policy, political gridlock, and what lenders really need to know heading into an election year.

Pete gave a clear-eyed breakdown of the legislative headwinds in D.C.—from the slim chances of housing-focused bills passing before November, to how the current political climate is shaping FHFA priorities, credit scoring drama, and GSE oversight. If you’ve been wondering why FICO 10T was left out of the latest FHFA update, Pete has thoughts.

We also explored the growing role of advocacy at the state level, how MBA’s Mortgage Action Alliance is driving grassroots momentum, and why engaging with lawmakers (yes, even the hard-to-reach ones) is more critical than ever.

Equal parts policy primer and real-talk strategy session, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s mortgage landscape.

]]> On this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob welcomed Pete Mills, SVP of Residential Policy and Strategic Industry Engagement at the MBA, for a timely discussion on housing policy, political gridlock, and what lenders really need to know heading into an election year.

Pete gave a clear-eyed breakdown of the legislative headwinds in D.C.—from the slim chances of housing-focused bills passing before November, to how the current political climate is shaping FHFA priorities, credit scoring drama, and GSE oversight. If you’ve been wondering why FICO 10T was left out of the latest FHFA update, Pete has thoughts.

We also explored the growing role of advocacy at the state level, how MBA’s Mortgage Action Alliance is driving grassroots momentum, and why engaging with lawmakers (yes, even the hard-to-reach ones) is more critical than ever.

Equal parts policy primer and real-talk strategy session, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s mortgage landscape.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17526134 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 3664 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Bill Bodnar & Sue Woodard The Big Picture - Featuring Bill Bodnar & Sue Woodard On this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by Sue Woodard and Bill Bodnar for a lively breakdown of what’s working—and what’s still wildly broken—across the mortgage experience and capital markets. From Fed policy whiplash to the bond market’s split personality, Bill brought the macro insights while Sue translated them into what lenders actually need to hear about borrowers and behavior.

We also tackled the industry’s cautious (read: glacial) response to the VantageScore announcement and what it’ll really take for adoption to catch on. With a shared history at Vantage, Sue and Bill didn’t hold back—delivering sharp takes, real talk, and just enough friendly fire to keep things entertaining. One of our most balanced and candid conversations yet.

]]> On this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by Sue Woodard and Bill Bodnar for a lively breakdown of what’s working—and what’s still wildly broken—across the mortgage experience and capital markets. From Fed policy whiplash to the bond market’s split personality, Bill brought the macro insights while Sue translated them into what lenders actually need to hear about borrowers and behavior.

We also tackled the industry’s cautious (read: glacial) response to the VantageScore announcement and what it’ll really take for adoption to catch on. With a shared history at Vantage, Sue and Bill didn’t hold back—delivering sharp takes, real talk, and just enough friendly fire to keep things entertaining. One of our most balanced and candid conversations yet.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17486235 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2948 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Meredith Whitney The Big Picture - Featuring Meredith Whitney On this week’s The Big Picture, legendary analyst Meredith Whitney returns to the spotlight with a candid breakdown of why she believes 2025 could mark the worst year in decades for the U.S. housing market. She unpacks the structural shifts reshaping homeownership—from generational imbalances to the hidden cracks in credit markets—and explains why a slowdown in housing could become a broader economic drag.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Meredith also shares why she sees a surprising bright spot in consumer spending, powered by younger Americans and a surge in home equity taps. From HELOC-fueled renovations to recession warning signs, this conversation is sharp, provocative, and full of the kind of insights only an “Oracle of Wall Street” can deliver.

]]> On this week’s The Big Picture, legendary analyst Meredith Whitney returns to the spotlight with a candid breakdown of why she believes 2025 could mark the worst year in decades for the U.S. housing market. She unpacks the structural shifts reshaping homeownership—from generational imbalances to the hidden cracks in credit markets—and explains why a slowdown in housing could become a broader economic drag.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Meredith also shares why she sees a surprising bright spot in consumer spending, powered by younger Americans and a surge in home equity taps. From HELOC-fueled renovations to recession warning signs, this conversation is sharp, provocative, and full of the kind of insights only an “Oracle of Wall Street” can deliver.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17406099 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400 2844 full false The Big Picture - Featuring James Dwiggins The Big Picture - Featuring James Dwiggins If you thought housing news might finally chill this week… nope. Bayview just picked up Guild like it was part of a two-for-one special at Costco, and the Fed once again ghosted rate cuts - because messing with the bond market is apparently their favorite pastime.

Rich and Rob broke it all down with their usual cocktail of sharp analysis and mild disbelief.

Then James Dwiggins of NextHome, Inc. joined the show to unpack the brokerage wars. Why did Zillow really pull listings from Compass and Redfin? Who actually owns the customer in 2025? And why are brokerages still clinging to business models that seem optimized for a PalmPilot?

Whether you’re a lender, agent, or just someone watching your home value like it’s a stock ticker - this one hits home.

]]> If you thought housing news might finally chill this week… nope. Bayview just picked up Guild like it was part of a two-for-one special at Costco, and the Fed once again ghosted rate cuts - because messing with the bond market is apparently their favorite pastime.

Rich and Rob broke it all down with their usual cocktail of sharp analysis and mild disbelief.

Then James Dwiggins of NextHome, Inc. joined the show to unpack the brokerage wars. Why did Zillow really pull listings from Compass and Redfin? Who actually owns the customer in 2025? And why are brokerages still clinging to business models that seem optimized for a PalmPilot?

Whether you’re a lender, agent, or just someone watching your home value like it’s a stock ticker - this one hits home.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17366172 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0400 3018 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Dustin Owen The Big Picture - Featuring Dustin Owen On today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob welcomed Dustin Owen, CMB, AMP—co-founder of The Loan Officer Podcast and EVP at Lower—for a fast-paced, no-BS conversation on influence, branding, and where the mortgage business goes from here. Dustin pulled back the curtain on how TLOP was born, what it’s done for his platform, and why he thinks too many LOs are still trying to sell in 2008. Whether you're building a personal brand or scaling a retail operation, Dustin dropped actionable insights and a few spicy takes on what works (and what definitely doesn’t).

As always, we kicked off with the latest market moves—this week highlighted by a continued rash of M&A activity as lenders look to scale, shed cost, or just survive the summer. On the macro front, we finally got a double dose of good news: two inflation prints that came in cooler than expected, giving the rate market something to cheer about for once. With mortgage demand still fragile, any sign of relief on rates could be a game-changer heading into the second half of the year. Between the M&A chessboard and some much-needed economic tailwinds, there’s a lot in motion—and we’re here to break it down.

]]> On today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob welcomed Dustin Owen, CMB, AMP—co-founder of The Loan Officer Podcast and EVP at Lower—for a fast-paced, no-BS conversation on influence, branding, and where the mortgage business goes from here. Dustin pulled back the curtain on how TLOP was born, what it’s done for his platform, and why he thinks too many LOs are still trying to sell in 2008. Whether you're building a personal brand or scaling a retail operation, Dustin dropped actionable insights and a few spicy takes on what works (and what definitely doesn’t).

As always, we kicked off with the latest market moves—this week highlighted by a continued rash of M&A activity as lenders look to scale, shed cost, or just survive the summer. On the macro front, we finally got a double dose of good news: two inflation prints that came in cooler than expected, giving the rate market something to cheer about for once. With mortgage demand still fragile, any sign of relief on rates could be a game-changer heading into the second half of the year. Between the M&A chessboard and some much-needed economic tailwinds, there’s a lot in motion—and we’re here to break it down.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17327702 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400 2904 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Rob Chrane The Big Picture - Featuring Rob Chrane On today’s Big Picture with Rich and Rob, we kicked things off with the Trump–Musk feud, soft jobless claim numbers, and growing chatter that the Trump 2.0 term could take Fannie and Freddie public—without ending conservatorship. It’s a bold, strange path that could reshape the GSE landscape without fully releasing the reins.

Then we welcomed Rob Chrane from Down Payment Resource for a fast-paced breakdown of the DPA world. Rob highlighted that millions qualify for assistance but don’t know it, and explained why so few lenders embrace DPA despite its potential. We dug into misconceptions, tech tools that simplify adoption, and what separates scalable programs from bureaucratic duds. His bottom line? Expanding access is the untapped growth lever the housing industry needs most right now.

]]> On today’s Big Picture with Rich and Rob, we kicked things off with the Trump–Musk feud, soft jobless claim numbers, and growing chatter that the Trump 2.0 term could take Fannie and Freddie public—without ending conservatorship. It’s a bold, strange path that could reshape the GSE landscape without fully releasing the reins.

Then we welcomed Rob Chrane from Down Payment Resource for a fast-paced breakdown of the DPA world. Rob highlighted that millions qualify for assistance but don’t know it, and explained why so few lenders embrace DPA despite its potential. We dug into misconceptions, tech tools that simplify adoption, and what separates scalable programs from bureaucratic duds. His bottom line? Expanding access is the untapped growth lever the housing industry needs most right now.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17289500 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400 2913 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Rod Alba The Big Picture - Featuring Rod Alba On today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, the show opened with a brisk round of industry headlines, highlighting a continued wave of M&A activity in the mortgage sector and the potential implications of investor Bill Pulte’s outspoken critique of FICO. The hosts also discussed Donald Trump’s recent comments expressing a desire to take the GSEs public, setting the stage for a conversation centered around shifting regulatory and political dynamics in housing finance.

The episode’s featured guest, Rod Alba, SVP of Mortgage Finance at the American Bankers Association, joined the discussion to offer expert insight on these timely topics. He weighed in on the uncertain future of the CFPB, noting that as federal oversight weakens, state regulators may grow more assertive. Rod also recapped highlights from the recent American Mortgage Conference, pointing to cautious optimism among lenders and a renewed focus on mortgage tech investment. The conversation touched on the potential for regulatory reform, the evolving construction lending landscape, and how banks are adapting to long-term housing supply challenges.

]]> On today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, the show opened with a brisk round of industry headlines, highlighting a continued wave of M&A activity in the mortgage sector and the potential implications of investor Bill Pulte’s outspoken critique of FICO. The hosts also discussed Donald Trump’s recent comments expressing a desire to take the GSEs public, setting the stage for a conversation centered around shifting regulatory and political dynamics in housing finance.

The episode’s featured guest, Rod Alba, SVP of Mortgage Finance at the American Bankers Association, joined the discussion to offer expert insight on these timely topics. He weighed in on the uncertain future of the CFPB, noting that as federal oversight weakens, state regulators may grow more assertive. Rod also recapped highlights from the recent American Mortgage Conference, pointing to cautious optimism among lenders and a renewed focus on mortgage tech investment. The conversation touched on the potential for regulatory reform, the evolving construction lending landscape, and how banks are adapting to long-term housing supply challenges.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17249728 Thu, 29 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2819 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Steve Richman The Big Picture - Featuring Steve Richman On today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, featuring the legendary Steve Richman, we kicked things off by diving into Donald Trump’s recent comments about releasing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship. That lit the fuse for a broader conversation about the GSEs’ outsized profits and the increasingly vocal commentary from housing advocate (and Twitter flamethrower) Bill Pulte, who called for the "obese GSEs" to hit the treadmill and took a direct shot at FICO in the process. Rob offered sharp insights from MBA Secondary, covering where capital markets sentiment sits today and how secondary leaders are interpreting the political noise heading into summer.

Then we welcomed Steve Richman, who took us inside his journey as a professional speaker in the mortgage space, breaking down what messages are landing with audiences in today’s climate of fatigue, fear, and cautious optimism. Steve shared what’s shifted in originator mindset, why storytelling matters more than ever, and the common traits he sees in top-performing LOs across the country—from relentless preparation to unshakable belief in the value they bring. It was part motivational masterclass, part market therapy session, and one of our favorite episodes yet.

]]> On today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, featuring the legendary Steve Richman, we kicked things off by diving into Donald Trump’s recent comments about releasing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship. That lit the fuse for a broader conversation about the GSEs’ outsized profits and the increasingly vocal commentary from housing advocate (and Twitter flamethrower) Bill Pulte, who called for the "obese GSEs" to hit the treadmill and took a direct shot at FICO in the process. Rob offered sharp insights from MBA Secondary, covering where capital markets sentiment sits today and how secondary leaders are interpreting the political noise heading into summer.

Then we welcomed Steve Richman, who took us inside his journey as a professional speaker in the mortgage space, breaking down what messages are landing with audiences in today’s climate of fatigue, fear, and cautious optimism. Steve shared what’s shifted in originator mindset, why storytelling matters more than ever, and the common traits he sees in top-performing LOs across the country—from relentless preparation to unshakable belief in the value they bring. It was part motivational masterclass, part market therapy session, and one of our favorite episodes yet.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17211492 Thu, 22 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400 3015 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Shmulik Fishman The Big Picture - Featuring Shmulik Fishman Gavin Newsom just signed new legislation to make home construction cheaper and faster in California — which now makes it only the slowest and most expensive place to build… slightly more efficiently.

Bill Pulte is back on the media circuit giving interviews like it’s 2019, and Lower just bought Movoto because, apparently, the portal wars have officially resumed.

Meanwhile, the rest of us are still trying to figure out how income and employment verification can stop being such a nightmare.

Enter Shmulik Fishman, CEO of Argyle, who joined Rob Chrisman and me for a fast-paced, actually-useful conversation on:

▪️ Why DU and LPA are basically frenemies with passive-aggressive energy
 ▪️ How regulators are clogging up real innovation
 ▪️ Whether Equifax should be nervous, confused, or both
 ▪️ And why permissioned data might finally be having its moment

If you’re into clear thinking, smart disruption, and fewer acronyms per minute, this one’s for you.

Catch the full episode here:
🔴 Zoom
🎙️ Podcast
📺 YouTube

Big thanks to our partners at Depth for continuing to amplify the sharpest voices in housing and fintech — depthpr.com

]]> Gavin Newsom just signed new legislation to make home construction cheaper and faster in California — which now makes it only the slowest and most expensive place to build… slightly more efficiently.

Bill Pulte is back on the media circuit giving interviews like it’s 2019, and Lower just bought Movoto because, apparently, the portal wars have officially resumed.

Meanwhile, the rest of us are still trying to figure out how income and employment verification can stop being such a nightmare.

Enter Shmulik Fishman, CEO of Argyle, who joined Rob Chrisman and me for a fast-paced, actually-useful conversation on:

▪️ Why DU and LPA are basically frenemies with passive-aggressive energy
 ▪️ How regulators are clogging up real innovation
 ▪️ Whether Equifax should be nervous, confused, or both
 ▪️ And why permissioned data might finally be having its moment

If you’re into clear thinking, smart disruption, and fewer acronyms per minute, this one’s for you.

Catch the full episode here:
🔴 Zoom
🎙️ Podcast
📺 YouTube

Big thanks to our partners at Depth for continuing to amplify the sharpest voices in housing and fintech — depthpr.com

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17171426 Thu, 15 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2847 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Justin Messer The Big Picture - Featuring Justin Messer On today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, we kicked things off with a sharp look at the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady — a move that brought a sigh of relief to some and a collective eye-roll from others hoping for real movement. We also broke down UWM’s Q1 earnings report, which included a $247M loss and plenty of questions about where the broker channel narrative goes from here. And just when you thought the headlines couldn’t get weirder, we touched on Trump’s first official post-return trade deal... with England, because why not?

The heart of the episode featured an insightful sit-down with Justin Messer, President & CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage. We covered a lot: shifting signals from Fannie and Freddie, what’s really driving the 2025 housing market, how Prosperity is positioning itself uniquely in a crowded ecosystem, and why scaling smart matters more than scaling fast. Justin also weighed in on the role of AI, how to foster innovation without losing operational discipline, and what true leadership looks like in a market where nothing comes easy. An essential listen for anyone trying to navigate the fog of modern mortgage lending.

]]> On today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, we kicked things off with a sharp look at the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady — a move that brought a sigh of relief to some and a collective eye-roll from others hoping for real movement. We also broke down UWM’s Q1 earnings report, which included a $247M loss and plenty of questions about where the broker channel narrative goes from here. And just when you thought the headlines couldn’t get weirder, we touched on Trump’s first official post-return trade deal... with England, because why not?

The heart of the episode featured an insightful sit-down with Justin Messer, President & CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage. We covered a lot: shifting signals from Fannie and Freddie, what’s really driving the 2025 housing market, how Prosperity is positioning itself uniquely in a crowded ecosystem, and why scaling smart matters more than scaling fast. Justin also weighed in on the role of AI, how to foster innovation without losing operational discipline, and what true leadership looks like in a market where nothing comes easy. An essential listen for anyone trying to navigate the fog of modern mortgage lending.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17125174 Thu, 08 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2949 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Sarah Middleton The Big Picture - Featuring Sarah Middleton Today’s edition of The Big Picture was packed, as Rob Chrisman and I tackled another wild week in housing and finance. We covered the congressional investigation into Trump’s attempt to dismantle the CFPB, UWM’s move to bring servicing in-house amid 401k mismanagement allegations, and Bill Pulte’s bold ideas to boost GSE productivity. We also dug into this morning’s weak jobless claims report and previewed tomorrow’s April jobs print - all against the backdrop of a news cycle that feels like it was written by caffeine and chaos.

We were joined by Sarah Middleton, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Supreme Lending, who shared insights on Supreme’s growth strategy, the current mortgage recruiting market and questions LO's should be asking, and what's most important for mortgage lenders to thrive through up and down cycles.

]]> Today’s edition of The Big Picture was packed, as Rob Chrisman and I tackled another wild week in housing and finance. We covered the congressional investigation into Trump’s attempt to dismantle the CFPB, UWM’s move to bring servicing in-house amid 401k mismanagement allegations, and Bill Pulte’s bold ideas to boost GSE productivity. We also dug into this morning’s weak jobless claims report and previewed tomorrow’s April jobs print - all against the backdrop of a news cycle that feels like it was written by caffeine and chaos.

We were joined by Sarah Middleton, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Supreme Lending, who shared insights on Supreme’s growth strategy, the current mortgage recruiting market and questions LO's should be asking, and what's most important for mortgage lenders to thrive through up and down cycles.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17081613 Thu, 01 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2951 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Laird & Bernard Nossuli The Big Picture - Featuring Laird & Bernard Nossuli On this week’s edition of The Big Picture, hosts Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman opened with a look at the latest market-moving developments. Topics included President Trump’s recent public criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, rising volatility tied to tariff-related policy rumors, and a major shakeup in Washington as the Trump administration moved to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ... a decision that could significantly alter the landscape of consumer financial oversight.

The episode then welcomed Laird and Bernard Nossuli of iEmergent for a data-rich discussion on current housing market trends. They examined national and local supply challenges, the shifting realities of affordability, and where the most under-the-radar growth opportunities may be emerging. The conversation emphasized how lenders can adopt more precise forecasting tools to align their strategy with real demand, not just media headlines.

]]> On this week’s edition of The Big Picture, hosts Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman opened with a look at the latest market-moving developments. Topics included President Trump’s recent public criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, rising volatility tied to tariff-related policy rumors, and a major shakeup in Washington as the Trump administration moved to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ... a decision that could significantly alter the landscape of consumer financial oversight.

The episode then welcomed Laird and Bernard Nossuli of iEmergent for a data-rich discussion on current housing market trends. They examined national and local supply challenges, the shifting realities of affordability, and where the most under-the-radar growth opportunities may be emerging. The conversation emphasized how lenders can adopt more precise forecasting tools to align their strategy with real demand, not just media headlines.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-17039143 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2949 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Kelley Hailstone The Big Picture - Featuring Kelley Hailstone Today on The Big Picture with Rich & Rob:

We kicked things off with a light topic: Mat Ishbia’s no-good, very bad month. Then things got serious — Trump vs. Jerome Powell (Spoiler: nobody blinked), and a look at who’s merging with who in mortgage these days... because it’s cheaper than therapy.

Special guest Kelley Hailstone, CEO of Jet HomeLoans, joined us to break down the builder-lender battlefield, why margin matters, and how to stay competitive without selling your soul (or your buydown budget).

We wrapped with some bold speculation on what a second Trump term could mean for housing, rate pressure, and possibly... Powell’s blood pressure.

Catch the replay if you missed it — we won’t steer you wrong.

]]> Today on The Big Picture with Rich & Rob:

We kicked things off with a light topic: Mat Ishbia’s no-good, very bad month. Then things got serious — Trump vs. Jerome Powell (Spoiler: nobody blinked), and a look at who’s merging with who in mortgage these days... because it’s cheaper than therapy.

Special guest Kelley Hailstone, CEO of Jet HomeLoans, joined us to break down the builder-lender battlefield, why margin matters, and how to stay competitive without selling your soul (or your buydown budget).

We wrapped with some bold speculation on what a second Trump term could mean for housing, rate pressure, and possibly... Powell’s blood pressure.

Catch the replay if you missed it — we won’t steer you wrong.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16998909 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400 2878 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jodi Hall The Big Picture - Featuring Jodi Hall Today’s episode featured special guest and President & CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. Jodi dropped by for a candid, timely conversation covering everything from market volatility to the power of lender collaboration.

We unpacked:

🔮 Tariff Madness 2025 – Holy volatility, Batman.
🏦 Rocket’s $9.4B play for Mr. Cooper – What it signals, what it disrupts, and why it might reshape the competitive landscape
📊 How TMC members are navigating today’s environment – From margin compression to compliance chaos, what’s working on the ground
🤖 Real-world AI & automation adoption – Fresh takeaways from TMC’s Mortgage Tech Day, including where lenders are seeing actual lift
🧠 Peer sharing at scale – Why lenders leaning on each other may be the industry’s biggest untapped edge
🔮 What’s next for TMC in 2025 – Let’s just say... it’s bold, it’s exciting, and it’s built for what’s coming

Jodi’s perspective from leading hundreds of lenders through uncertain waters was packed with insight, honesty, and the kind of clarity we all need right now.

]]> Today’s episode featured special guest and President & CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. Jodi dropped by for a candid, timely conversation covering everything from market volatility to the power of lender collaboration.

We unpacked:

🔮 Tariff Madness 2025 – Holy volatility, Batman.
🏦 Rocket’s $9.4B play for Mr. Cooper – What it signals, what it disrupts, and why it might reshape the competitive landscape
📊 How TMC members are navigating today’s environment – From margin compression to compliance chaos, what’s working on the ground
🤖 Real-world AI & automation adoption – Fresh takeaways from TMC’s Mortgage Tech Day, including where lenders are seeing actual lift
🧠 Peer sharing at scale – Why lenders leaning on each other may be the industry’s biggest untapped edge
🔮 What’s next for TMC in 2025 – Let’s just say... it’s bold, it’s exciting, and it’s built for what’s coming

Jodi’s perspective from leading hundreds of lenders through uncertain waters was packed with insight, honesty, and the kind of clarity we all need right now.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16954724 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2896 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Sean Dugan The Big Picture - Featuring Sean Dugan 🎙 Episode Recap: Mortgage Megadeals, Myths, and the Dark Matter Behind It All

In today’s episode, we were joined by a special guest who’s no stranger to transformation — Sean Dugan, newly named CEO of Dark Matter Technologies.

We kick things off with the bombshell news shaking the industry: Rocket Mortgage’s acquisition of Mr. Cooper’s correspondent business — its second major deal in just two weeks. Is Rocket building a mortgage empire... or a regulatory headache? We break down what this move means for lenders, competitors, and the future of scale in mortgage.

Then we go deep with Sean on:

  • The origin story of Dark Matter and what sets them apart post-rebrand
  • His leadership philosophy and how it’s shaping their next phase of growth
  • The real role of AI in mortgage — what’s hype, what’s helpful, and what’s next
  • The biggest myths in mortgage tech he’s ready to see disappear for good

If you’re navigating change, scaling tech, or just trying to stay ahead in this fast-moving industry — this one’s a must-listen.

]]> 🎙 Episode Recap: Mortgage Megadeals, Myths, and the Dark Matter Behind It All

In today’s episode, we were joined by a special guest who’s no stranger to transformation — Sean Dugan, newly named CEO of Dark Matter Technologies.

We kick things off with the bombshell news shaking the industry: Rocket Mortgage’s acquisition of Mr. Cooper’s correspondent business — its second major deal in just two weeks. Is Rocket building a mortgage empire... or a regulatory headache? We break down what this move means for lenders, competitors, and the future of scale in mortgage.

Then we go deep with Sean on:

  • The origin story of Dark Matter and what sets them apart post-rebrand
  • His leadership philosophy and how it’s shaping their next phase of growth
  • The real role of AI in mortgage — what’s hype, what’s helpful, and what’s next
  • The biggest myths in mortgage tech he’s ready to see disappear for good

If you’re navigating change, scaling tech, or just trying to stay ahead in this fast-moving industry — this one’s a must-listen.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16913209 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2890 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Michael Tannenbaum The Big Picture - Featuring Michael Tannenbaum Today’s edition of The Big Picture was loaded with insight, opinions, and more than a few raised eyebrows. Rob Chrisman and I sat down with Figure CEO Michael B. Tannenbaum to dive deep into the hottest topics in housing and mortgage. From the policy side, we broke down the latest market volatility, ongoing mortgage rate drama, and the ripple effects of Bill Pulte’s SPCP bombshell. We also debated whether CoreLogic’s rebrand to “Cotality” is a masterstroke or a marketing misstep they’ll be walking back by summer.

But that was just the warmup. Mike shared his unfiltered take on the resurgence of HELOCs, what Figure is doing differently in tech and blockchain, and why he believes we’re finally starting to see real innovation in mortgage infrastructure. He also gave us the inside scoop on Figure’s sleeper run in the Mortgage Madness Strongest Brand Tournament — and yes, he’s watching the bracket like a hawk. If you missed it live, this is one you’ll want to go back and catch.

]]> Today’s edition of The Big Picture was loaded with insight, opinions, and more than a few raised eyebrows. Rob Chrisman and I sat down with Figure CEO Michael B. Tannenbaum to dive deep into the hottest topics in housing and mortgage. From the policy side, we broke down the latest market volatility, ongoing mortgage rate drama, and the ripple effects of Bill Pulte’s SPCP bombshell. We also debated whether CoreLogic’s rebrand to “Cotality” is a masterstroke or a marketing misstep they’ll be walking back by summer.

But that was just the warmup. Mike shared his unfiltered take on the resurgence of HELOCs, what Figure is doing differently in tech and blockchain, and why he believes we’re finally starting to see real innovation in mortgage infrastructure. He also gave us the inside scoop on Figure’s sleeper run in the Mortgage Madness Strongest Brand Tournament — and yes, he’s watching the bracket like a hawk. If you missed it live, this is one you’ll want to go back and catch.

]]> Buzzsprout-16872210 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2974 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett Mortgage professionals are navigating a storm of volatility, and today’s Big Picture with Rich & Rob tackles the forces driving the chaos. With mortgage rates fluctuating wildly, Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets returns to break down the key factors at play—whether it’s Treasury yields, inflation, or unexpected market shifts. The conversation will also spotlight the MBS market, exploring how the Fed’s balance sheet runoff is impacting spreads and whether private-label securities are finally making a comeback.

Beyond market mechanics, we’re diving into policy shifts that could reshape the industry. From potential changes under a Trump administration to the Fed’s rate trajectory, we’ll discuss whether relief is coming or if more turbulence lies ahead. Chris will also share his outlook for the next year, offering predictions on where rates are headed and uncovering the biggest under-the-radar trends lenders need to prepare for.

]]> Mortgage professionals are navigating a storm of volatility, and today’s Big Picture with Rich & Rob tackles the forces driving the chaos. With mortgage rates fluctuating wildly, Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets returns to break down the key factors at play—whether it’s Treasury yields, inflation, or unexpected market shifts. The conversation will also spotlight the MBS market, exploring how the Fed’s balance sheet runoff is impacting spreads and whether private-label securities are finally making a comeback.

Beyond market mechanics, we’re diving into policy shifts that could reshape the industry. From potential changes under a Trump administration to the Fed’s rate trajectory, we’ll discuss whether relief is coming or if more turbulence lies ahead. Chris will also share his outlook for the next year, offering predictions on where rates are headed and uncovering the biggest under-the-radar trends lenders need to prepare for.

]]> Buzzsprout-16830632 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400 3199 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Nikki Bialka The Big Picture - Featuring Nikki Bialka Today's episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob featured an in-depth discussion on Rocket Mortgage’s blockbuster acquisition of Redfin and its potential impact on the mortgage and housing landscape. The conversation explored how this move could reshape the homebuying experience, with Rocket aiming to create an all-in-one ecosystem where buyers search, finance, and close on homes seamlessly within a single platform. 

This week's special guest, Nikki Bialka, National Community Lending Strategy Manager at Fifth Third Bank, joined the conversation for a deep dive into equitable and fair lending. Nikki broke down how lenders can go beyond compliance to actively serve diverse and low-to-moderate-income (LMI) communities, leveraging Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs), Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to bridge the homeownership gap. The discussion also highlighted the increasing role of alternative credit models and data sources—such as rental and utility payment history—to expand mortgage access for borrowers traditionally left out by conventional credit scoring. 

Nikki provided best practices for lenders to authentically engage with underserved communities, emphasizing partnerships with local organizations, financial education programs, and the importance of long-term trust-building rather than short-term transactional outreach.

]]> Today's episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob featured an in-depth discussion on Rocket Mortgage’s blockbuster acquisition of Redfin and its potential impact on the mortgage and housing landscape. The conversation explored how this move could reshape the homebuying experience, with Rocket aiming to create an all-in-one ecosystem where buyers search, finance, and close on homes seamlessly within a single platform. 

This week's special guest, Nikki Bialka, National Community Lending Strategy Manager at Fifth Third Bank, joined the conversation for a deep dive into equitable and fair lending. Nikki broke down how lenders can go beyond compliance to actively serve diverse and low-to-moderate-income (LMI) communities, leveraging Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs), Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to bridge the homeownership gap. The discussion also highlighted the increasing role of alternative credit models and data sources—such as rental and utility payment history—to expand mortgage access for borrowers traditionally left out by conventional credit scoring. 

Nikki provided best practices for lenders to authentically engage with underserved communities, emphasizing partnerships with local organizations, financial education programs, and the importance of long-term trust-building rather than short-term transactional outreach.

]]> Buzzsprout-16788068 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2979 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Stan Middleman The Big Picture - Featuring Stan Middleman On today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob sat down with Freedom Mortgage CEO Stan Middleman for a deep dive into the biggest shifts in the mortgage industry. They covered everything from the latest changes at the CFPB to the ongoing debate around GSE privatization and the impact of federal housing agency budget cuts. With mortgage bonds rallying, they explored what that could mean for rates in 2025, and Stan also gave his thoughts on the likely changes with the CFPB and FHFA.

But it wasn’t all mortgages—Stan is also a part-owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, and we couldn’t let him go without getting the inside scoop on what it’s like to be in the MLB owner’s box. He shared stories from behind the scenes, his outlook for the 2025 season, and what it’s been like balancing the fast-paced worlds of housing finance and professional baseball.

]]> On today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob sat down with Freedom Mortgage CEO Stan Middleman for a deep dive into the biggest shifts in the mortgage industry. They covered everything from the latest changes at the CFPB to the ongoing debate around GSE privatization and the impact of federal housing agency budget cuts. With mortgage bonds rallying, they explored what that could mean for rates in 2025, and Stan also gave his thoughts on the likely changes with the CFPB and FHFA.

But it wasn’t all mortgages—Stan is also a part-owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, and we couldn’t let him go without getting the inside scoop on what it’s like to be in the MLB owner’s box. He shared stories from behind the scenes, his outlook for the 2025 season, and what it’s been like balancing the fast-paced worlds of housing finance and professional baseball.

]]> Buzzsprout-16748107 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2878 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jim Parrott The Big Picture - Featuring Jim Parrott On today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Robbie sat down with Jim Parrott, former senior housing policy advisor to President Obama, for an in-depth discussion on the future of housing policy under the Trump administration. Key topics included potential rollbacks of Biden-era policies, shifts in agency leadership, and the broader impact of deregulation on the mortgage and real estate industries.

Beyond regulatory changes, we explored how the administration might address the affordability crisis, including incentives for homebuilders, zoning reforms, and tax credits aimed at boosting housing supply. A major point of discussion was the renewed push to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, what an IPO could look like, and how reduced government backing could impact the market. It was a packed conversation with valuable insights into the policy shifts that could redefine the housing finance landscape in the years ahead.

]]> On today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Robbie sat down with Jim Parrott, former senior housing policy advisor to President Obama, for an in-depth discussion on the future of housing policy under the Trump administration. Key topics included potential rollbacks of Biden-era policies, shifts in agency leadership, and the broader impact of deregulation on the mortgage and real estate industries.

Beyond regulatory changes, we explored how the administration might address the affordability crisis, including incentives for homebuilders, zoning reforms, and tax credits aimed at boosting housing supply. A major point of discussion was the renewed push to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, what an IPO could look like, and how reduced government backing could impact the market. It was a packed conversation with valuable insights into the policy shifts that could redefine the housing finance landscape in the years ahead.

]]> Buzzsprout-16705949 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0500 3126 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Patrick O'Brien The Big Picture - Featuring Patrick O'Brien In today's episode of "The Big Picture," hosts Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman welcomed Patrick O'Brien, CEO of LenderLogix, to discuss current trends in the mortgage industry. The conversation covered various topics, including recent layoffs at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the impact of inflation on the housing market. O'Brien provided insights into how these factors are influencing loan originators and the broader real estate finance landscape.

The trio also explored innovative solutions for non-delegated lenders, focusing on strategies to enhance onboarding processes and default management. O'Brien shared how LenderLogix is addressing these challenges through technology-driven approaches, aiming to streamline operations for financial institutions. The episode offered valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving mortgage environment amidst economic uncertainties.

]]> In today's episode of "The Big Picture," hosts Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman welcomed Patrick O'Brien, CEO of LenderLogix, to discuss current trends in the mortgage industry. The conversation covered various topics, including recent layoffs at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the impact of inflation on the housing market. O'Brien provided insights into how these factors are influencing loan originators and the broader real estate finance landscape.

The trio also explored innovative solutions for non-delegated lenders, focusing on strategies to enhance onboarding processes and default management. O'Brien shared how LenderLogix is addressing these challenges through technology-driven approaches, aiming to streamline operations for financial institutions. The episode offered valuable perspectives on navigating the evolving mortgage environment amidst economic uncertainties.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16665265 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2915 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Laura Schmidt The Big Picture - Featuring Laura Schmidt Today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured Laura Schmidt, SVP of Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit at Rate. The show started with Rich & Rob having a back and forth about the Fed’s losing battle against inflation, the temporary shutdown and defanging of the CFPB, and the shifting risk landscape for mortgage lenders. 

Laura also shared how she’s preps her team for regulatory and directional changes from administration to administration, the growing role of emerging tech in risk management, and why top lenders are self-regulating now rather than scrambling later. With massive industry shifts happening, one thing is clear: the mortgage world isn’t getting any easier, but those who stay ahead of the curve will win.

]]> Today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured Laura Schmidt, SVP of Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit at Rate. The show started with Rich & Rob having a back and forth about the Fed’s losing battle against inflation, the temporary shutdown and defanging of the CFPB, and the shifting risk landscape for mortgage lenders. 

Laura also shared how she’s preps her team for regulatory and directional changes from administration to administration, the growing role of emerging tech in risk management, and why top lenders are self-regulating now rather than scrambling later. With massive industry shifts happening, one thing is clear: the mortgage world isn’t getting any easier, but those who stay ahead of the curve will win.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16618944 Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2827 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Joe Tyrrell The Big Picture - Featuring Joe Tyrrell In today’s episode, Joe Tyrrell dropped powerful insights on everything lenders need to know about navigating today’s mortgage landscape. We kicked things off by diving into the impact of rising rates, the Fed’s influence, and what lenders can expect from the Trump administration’s upcoming housing policies. Joe shared highlights from Optimal Blue’s recent inaugural user event in San Diego, offering a real-time pulse on lender sentiment. The key takeaway? Lenders are finding targeted capital markets opportunities heading into 2025, but flexibility and innovation are critical.

The discussion heated up as we explored the role of AI in reshaping mortgage technology. Joe detailed Optimal Blue’s innovative AI strategy, which goes beyond surface-level automation to deliver game-changing efficiencies for loan pricing, lock management, and secondary market execution. To wrap things up, we explored how Optimal Blue is leveraging its massive trove of pricing and market data to give lenders actionable insights that extend well beyond basic rate sheets. If you missed it, this is one to go back and watch. The future of lending is being shaped now, and this conversation was the blueprint.

]]> In today’s episode, Joe Tyrrell dropped powerful insights on everything lenders need to know about navigating today’s mortgage landscape. We kicked things off by diving into the impact of rising rates, the Fed’s influence, and what lenders can expect from the Trump administration’s upcoming housing policies. Joe shared highlights from Optimal Blue’s recent inaugural user event in San Diego, offering a real-time pulse on lender sentiment. The key takeaway? Lenders are finding targeted capital markets opportunities heading into 2025, but flexibility and innovation are critical.

The discussion heated up as we explored the role of AI in reshaping mortgage technology. Joe detailed Optimal Blue’s innovative AI strategy, which goes beyond surface-level automation to deliver game-changing efficiencies for loan pricing, lock management, and secondary market execution. To wrap things up, we explored how Optimal Blue is leveraging its massive trove of pricing and market data to give lenders actionable insights that extend well beyond basic rate sheets. If you missed it, this is one to go back and watch. The future of lending is being shaped now, and this conversation was the blueprint.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16577608 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2829 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Mark Calabria The Big Picture - Featuring Mark Calabria Today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured special guest Mark Calabria, former FHFA Director, diving into the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, housing policy, and the evolving landscape of mortgage finance. 

Calabria provided key insights on the realistic timeline for releasing the GSEs from conservatorship, emphasizing the importance of recapitalization milestones and strategic regulatory adjustments before a full release is possible. He addressed whether privatization can occur without congressional approval, outlining the legal pathways available to FHFA leadership. As well as the potential impact on mortgage rates upon release.

]]> Today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured special guest Mark Calabria, former FHFA Director, diving into the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, housing policy, and the evolving landscape of mortgage finance. 

Calabria provided key insights on the realistic timeline for releasing the GSEs from conservatorship, emphasizing the importance of recapitalization milestones and strategic regulatory adjustments before a full release is possible. He addressed whether privatization can occur without congressional approval, outlining the legal pathways available to FHFA leadership. As well as the potential impact on mortgage rates upon release.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16535040 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2950 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Peter Benjamin The Big Picture - Featuring Peter Benjamin Rich and Rob(bie) kicked off today’s episode with a deep dive into some of the most pressing topics impacting the housing and mortgage industries. The discussion began with an analysis of President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at reducing housing costs through actions that bypass Congressional approval. The conversation also tackled the likelihood of Mexico, Canada, and China caving to Trump’s tariff threats and how these moves could impact mortgage rates in the short term.

The discussion then transitioned to an insightful conversation with Peter Benjamin, President of the American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA). Peter shared his perspective on industry trends, the challenges and opportunities credit unions face in today’s market, and ACUMA’s role in guiding its members through these dynamic times. Topics included how credit unions are adapting to rising interest rates and affordability pressures, their role in addressing affordable housing shortages, and the adoption of technology to streamline processes and improve member experiences.

]]> Rich and Rob(bie) kicked off today’s episode with a deep dive into some of the most pressing topics impacting the housing and mortgage industries. The discussion began with an analysis of President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at reducing housing costs through actions that bypass Congressional approval. The conversation also tackled the likelihood of Mexico, Canada, and China caving to Trump’s tariff threats and how these moves could impact mortgage rates in the short term.

The discussion then transitioned to an insightful conversation with Peter Benjamin, President of the American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA). Peter shared his perspective on industry trends, the challenges and opportunities credit unions face in today’s market, and ACUMA’s role in guiding its members through these dynamic times. Topics included how credit unions are adapting to rising interest rates and affordability pressures, their role in addressing affordable housing shortages, and the adoption of technology to streamline processes and improve member experiences.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16492134 Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2932 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Ryan Donovan The Big Picture - Featuring Ryan Donovan In today’s edition of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, we were joined by special guest Ryan Donovan, President & CEO of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, for a deep dive into critical industry topics. We kicked off the discussion with insights on the nomination of Bill Pulte as the new FHFA Director, examining how his leadership could shape housing finance policy. We also explored the recent easing of inflation and its potential impact on mortgage rates, providing a cautiously optimistic outlook for borrowers. The conversation touched on the rampant M&A activity in the mortgage industry, reflecting the market's evolving dynamics and consolidation trends.

Ryan provided valuable insights into the structure, role, and mission of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), emphasizing their critical role in ensuring liquidity for financial institutions and supporting affordable housing. We discussed how the FHLBs are uniquely positioned to help address the affordable lending crisis through community investment programs and partnerships. Ryan also highlighted the importance of balancing the FHLBs' historic mission with modern challenges to ensure they remain a vital resource for housing finance and economic development. A must-listen episode for anyone interested in the future of housing and finance!

]]> In today’s edition of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, we were joined by special guest Ryan Donovan, President & CEO of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, for a deep dive into critical industry topics. We kicked off the discussion with insights on the nomination of Bill Pulte as the new FHFA Director, examining how his leadership could shape housing finance policy. We also explored the recent easing of inflation and its potential impact on mortgage rates, providing a cautiously optimistic outlook for borrowers. The conversation touched on the rampant M&A activity in the mortgage industry, reflecting the market's evolving dynamics and consolidation trends.

Ryan provided valuable insights into the structure, role, and mission of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), emphasizing their critical role in ensuring liquidity for financial institutions and supporting affordable housing. We discussed how the FHLBs are uniquely positioned to help address the affordable lending crisis through community investment programs and partnerships. Ryan also highlighted the importance of balancing the FHLBs' historic mission with modern challenges to ensure they remain a vital resource for housing finance and economic development. A must-listen episode for anyone interested in the future of housing and finance!

]]> Buzzsprout-16450499 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2893 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Sofia Rossato The Big Picture - Featuring Sofia Rossato In today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman covered major industry news, including Sandra Thompson stepping down as FHFA director and the CFPB’s recent moves—wiping out medical debt reporting and suing Warren Buffett’s mortgage company.

The conversation with Sofia Rossato, President of Floify, then shifted to the transformative impact of generative AI in 2024 and its potential to reshape the mortgage industry. Key points included advancements in system integrations, the future of AI-driven personalization for borrowers, and the challenges lenders face navigating an increasingly crowded and complex tech landscape.

It was an insightful deep dive into how innovation and regulation are reshaping the mortgage world in real time.

]]> In today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman covered major industry news, including Sandra Thompson stepping down as FHFA director and the CFPB’s recent moves—wiping out medical debt reporting and suing Warren Buffett’s mortgage company.

The conversation with Sofia Rossato, President of Floify, then shifted to the transformative impact of generative AI in 2024 and its potential to reshape the mortgage industry. Key points included advancements in system integrations, the future of AI-driven personalization for borrowers, and the challenges lenders face navigating an increasingly crowded and complex tech landscape.

It was an insightful deep dive into how innovation and regulation are reshaping the mortgage world in real time.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16410658 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2824 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jim Park The Big Picture - Featuring Jim Park Today's episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured an engaging and thought-provoking discussion with Jim Park, one of the most influential leaders in housing and mortgage finance. Jim shared his insights on fostering a renewed sense of optimism in the housing market by highlighting the resilience and recovery signs emerging in the industry. The conversation explored actionable strategies to responsibly expand access to credit, making homeownership more attainable for underserved communities while maintaining market stability. Jim also addressed the rising age of first-time homebuyers, offering solutions such as creative financing options and policy changes to break down barriers for younger generations entering the housing market.

The discussion further delved into ways to incentivize builders to focus on affordable housing and the critical role innovation plays in tackling affordability challenges. Jim highlighted the value of The Mortgage Collaborative, emphasizing how its network fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth for lenders navigating today’s challenges. The episode also featured exciting updates on the TMC Tech Fund, showcasing its role in driving technological advancements in the mortgage space.

]]> Today's episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured an engaging and thought-provoking discussion with Jim Park, one of the most influential leaders in housing and mortgage finance. Jim shared his insights on fostering a renewed sense of optimism in the housing market by highlighting the resilience and recovery signs emerging in the industry. The conversation explored actionable strategies to responsibly expand access to credit, making homeownership more attainable for underserved communities while maintaining market stability. Jim also addressed the rising age of first-time homebuyers, offering solutions such as creative financing options and policy changes to break down barriers for younger generations entering the housing market.

The discussion further delved into ways to incentivize builders to focus on affordable housing and the critical role innovation plays in tackling affordability challenges. Jim highlighted the value of The Mortgage Collaborative, emphasizing how its network fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth for lenders navigating today’s challenges. The episode also featured exciting updates on the TMC Tech Fund, showcasing its role in driving technological advancements in the mortgage space.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16372780 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2900 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Laura Escobar The Big Picture - Featuring Laura Escobar Today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob featured an incredible conversation with MBA Chair and Lennar Mortgage President, Laura Escobar. We started by breaking down yesterday’s Fed rate cut and Jerome Powell’s comments, diving into what this all means for mortgage rates in the short and medium term. Laura brought her signature leadership insights to the discussion, sharing her priorities as the incoming Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association. From tackling affordability and accessibility in homeownership to addressing regulatory challenges and advocating for thoughtful policy changes, Laura outlined an inspiring vision for the industry. We also explored trends in homebuilding, the ongoing demand-supply imbalance, and how sustainability is shaping the future of lending and construction.

We’re also thrilled to welcome our new long-term show sponsor, Depth, a powerhouse PR firm dedicated to the real estate finance industry. Their expertise in amplifying brand stories and navigating complex narratives is unmatched—perfect for organizations looking to make an impact. Huge thanks to Depth for their support of The Big Picture! If you missed today’s episode, catch the replay and stay tuned for next week’s discussion as we continue unpacking the key trends and challenges shaping the mortgage industry.

]]> Today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob featured an incredible conversation with MBA Chair and Lennar Mortgage President, Laura Escobar. We started by breaking down yesterday’s Fed rate cut and Jerome Powell’s comments, diving into what this all means for mortgage rates in the short and medium term. Laura brought her signature leadership insights to the discussion, sharing her priorities as the incoming Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association. From tackling affordability and accessibility in homeownership to addressing regulatory challenges and advocating for thoughtful policy changes, Laura outlined an inspiring vision for the industry. We also explored trends in homebuilding, the ongoing demand-supply imbalance, and how sustainability is shaping the future of lending and construction.

We’re also thrilled to welcome our new long-term show sponsor, Depth, a powerhouse PR firm dedicated to the real estate finance industry. Their expertise in amplifying brand stories and navigating complex narratives is unmatched—perfect for organizations looking to make an impact. Huge thanks to Depth for their support of The Big Picture! If you missed today’s episode, catch the replay and stay tuned for next week’s discussion as we continue unpacking the key trends and challenges shaping the mortgage industry.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16312058 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0500 2955 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Kristin Messerli The Big Picture - Featuring Kristin Messerli In today’s insightful episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by special guest Kristin Messerli, a leading voice in housing innovation and diversity. The discussion kicked off with a deep dive into the November CPI report, which showed a 0.3% rise in overall and core inflation. Kristin shared her perspective on the housing affordability crisis, offering actionable ideas on how the mortgage industry can better support underserved communities. 

Kristin brought unique insights into engaging Millennial and Gen Z homebuyers, emphasizing the importance of fintech solutions and personalized experiences. Finally, the conversation shifted to potential housing policy changes under the next presidential administration and other government initiatives aimed at tackling affordability. It was an episode packed with forward-thinking ideas and practical takeaways for anyone in the mortgage or real estate industries. Don’t miss out—catch the replay now! 🏡📊✨

]]> In today’s insightful episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by special guest Kristin Messerli, a leading voice in housing innovation and diversity. The discussion kicked off with a deep dive into the November CPI report, which showed a 0.3% rise in overall and core inflation. Kristin shared her perspective on the housing affordability crisis, offering actionable ideas on how the mortgage industry can better support underserved communities. 

Kristin brought unique insights into engaging Millennial and Gen Z homebuyers, emphasizing the importance of fintech solutions and personalized experiences. Finally, the conversation shifted to potential housing policy changes under the next presidential administration and other government initiatives aimed at tackling affordability. It was an episode packed with forward-thinking ideas and practical takeaways for anyone in the mortgage or real estate industries. Don’t miss out—catch the replay now! 🏡📊✨

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-16270307 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0500 2863 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett Today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured an in-depth conversation with Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets, offering valuable insights into the shifting mortgage and housing landscape. The discussion explored the potential impacts of a Trump 2.0 administration, including speculation on dismantling the CFPB, ending GSE conservatorship, and slashing regulations. The trio also examined the 5.2% increase in the conforming loan limit to $806,500, the bond market’s reaction to Scott Bessent’s Treasury Secretary nomination, and CFPB Director Chopra’s aggressive final moves targeting data brokers and mortgage brokers.

Chris shared his expert analysis on the current mortgage rate climate (still around 7%), inflationary pressures, and the possible outcomes of the December Fed meeting. He highlighted key trends in the secondary market, including investor behavior, and discussed how the release of GSEs from conservatorship might influence mortgage rates. Wrapping up, Chris provided his 2025 rate forecast and actionable insights for lenders and borrowers preparing for future market conditions. It was an engaging, knowledge-packed episode that provided clarity on pressing industry questions. Stay tuned for more impactful discussions next week!

]]> Today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured an in-depth conversation with Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets, offering valuable insights into the shifting mortgage and housing landscape. The discussion explored the potential impacts of a Trump 2.0 administration, including speculation on dismantling the CFPB, ending GSE conservatorship, and slashing regulations. The trio also examined the 5.2% increase in the conforming loan limit to $806,500, the bond market’s reaction to Scott Bessent’s Treasury Secretary nomination, and CFPB Director Chopra’s aggressive final moves targeting data brokers and mortgage brokers.

Chris shared his expert analysis on the current mortgage rate climate (still around 7%), inflationary pressures, and the possible outcomes of the December Fed meeting. He highlighted key trends in the secondary market, including investor behavior, and discussed how the release of GSEs from conservatorship might influence mortgage rates. Wrapping up, Chris provided his 2025 rate forecast and actionable insights for lenders and borrowers preparing for future market conditions. It was an engaging, knowledge-packed episode that provided clarity on pressing industry questions. Stay tuned for more impactful discussions next week!

]]> Buzzsprout-16229284 Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0500 2926 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Bronwyn Morrissey The Big Picture - Featuring Bronwyn Morrissey On the latest episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, special guest Bronwyn Morrissey shared her inspiring journey into leadership within the mortgage industry. She reflected on pivotal moments that shaped her career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges. Bronwyn discussed how leadership in the mortgage sector has evolved over the years, highlighting the critical skills of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to foster innovation. She emphasized that leadership is not just inherent but a skill that must be consciously developed, sharing insights on how intentional strategies can help aspiring leaders succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

Bronwyn also delved into fostering innovation and adaptability within teams, particularly as technological advancements continue to reshape the mortgage landscape. She provided valuable strategies for identifying and nurturing leadership talent, focusing on qualities like empathy, vision, and collaboration.  For aspiring leaders, she offered motivational advice on overcoming hesitation, encouraging them to embrace opportunities for growth and make a lasting impact on the industry. It was an insightful and energizing discussion packed with takeaways for leaders at every level.

]]> On the latest episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, special guest Bronwyn Morrissey shared her inspiring journey into leadership within the mortgage industry. She reflected on pivotal moments that shaped her career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges. Bronwyn discussed how leadership in the mortgage sector has evolved over the years, highlighting the critical skills of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to foster innovation. She emphasized that leadership is not just inherent but a skill that must be consciously developed, sharing insights on how intentional strategies can help aspiring leaders succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

Bronwyn also delved into fostering innovation and adaptability within teams, particularly as technological advancements continue to reshape the mortgage landscape. She provided valuable strategies for identifying and nurturing leadership talent, focusing on qualities like empathy, vision, and collaboration.  For aspiring leaders, she offered motivational advice on overcoming hesitation, encouraging them to embrace opportunities for growth and make a lasting impact on the industry. It was an insightful and energizing discussion packed with takeaways for leaders at every level.

]]> Buzzsprout-16149211 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0500 3022 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Mark Calabria The Big Picture - Featuring Mark Calabria In today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, former FHFA Director Mark Calabria returned to provide insights into the future of housing finance under the potential changes brought by the Trump administration. A key focus was on the timeline for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s potential exit from conservatorship, with Calabria offering a nuanced view of what steps could expedite the process. He also explored strategies to mitigate market disruption, emphasizing a careful, phased approach to ensure stability and prevent sudden shifts in mortgage rates or housing affordability.

Calabria and the hosts delved into the politicization of the GSEs over the last 15 years, with conservatorship creating significant government involvement in what was intended as a private market. They discussed the rise of guarantee fees (g-fees) since the financial crisis and how these fees have become a substantial factor in mortgage pricing. Lastly, Calabria addressed the evolving role of the Federal Home Loan Banks, considering how they might support the housing finance system in the future. This episode offered listeners a thorough, expert-driven look at the complexities surrounding the future of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the broader U.S. housing finance landscape.

]]> In today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, former FHFA Director Mark Calabria returned to provide insights into the future of housing finance under the potential changes brought by the Trump administration. A key focus was on the timeline for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s potential exit from conservatorship, with Calabria offering a nuanced view of what steps could expedite the process. He also explored strategies to mitigate market disruption, emphasizing a careful, phased approach to ensure stability and prevent sudden shifts in mortgage rates or housing affordability.

Calabria and the hosts delved into the politicization of the GSEs over the last 15 years, with conservatorship creating significant government involvement in what was intended as a private market. They discussed the rise of guarantee fees (g-fees) since the financial crisis and how these fees have become a substantial factor in mortgage pricing. Lastly, Calabria addressed the evolving role of the Federal Home Loan Banks, considering how they might support the housing finance system in the future. This episode offered listeners a thorough, expert-driven look at the complexities surrounding the future of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the broader U.S. housing finance landscape.

]]> Buzzsprout-16108745 Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0500 3183 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Bob Broeksmit The Big Picture - Featuring Bob Broeksmit In today's episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit, who provided a comprehensive update on the latest initiatives and priorities of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Broeksmit recapped highlights from the recent MBA Annual Convention, where issues like the proposed Trigger Leads Ban Bill and the MBA’s plea to modernize RESPA Section 8 took center stage. 

Broeksmit then shifted to discuss what a potential second Trump administration could mean for housing policy. He explored the likelihood of deregulation, bipartisan support for homebuilder assistance, and potential changes to the CFPB's direction that could impact mortgage lenders. Speculating on a future for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac outside of conservatorship by 2027, Bob discussed the potential impact of that to mortgage lenders while also providing his thoughts on who could be some of the appointed housing officials of the Trump administration.

]]> In today's episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit, who provided a comprehensive update on the latest initiatives and priorities of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Broeksmit recapped highlights from the recent MBA Annual Convention, where issues like the proposed Trigger Leads Ban Bill and the MBA’s plea to modernize RESPA Section 8 took center stage. 

Broeksmit then shifted to discuss what a potential second Trump administration could mean for housing policy. He explored the likelihood of deregulation, bipartisan support for homebuilder assistance, and potential changes to the CFPB's direction that could impact mortgage lenders. Speculating on a future for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac outside of conservatorship by 2027, Bob discussed the potential impact of that to mortgage lenders while also providing his thoughts on who could be some of the appointed housing officials of the Trump administration.

]]> Buzzsprout-16067382 Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0500 2819 full false The Big Picture - Featuring James Dwiggins The Big Picture - Featuring James Dwiggins In the recent episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob interviewed James Dwiggins, CEO of NextHome, diving into pressing topics within the real estate industry. Dwiggins shared his perspective on current market trends, highlighting how NextHome is adapting to shifts in buyer behavior and economic challenges. 

The conversation then touched on the impacts of the recent NAR settlement and potential changes to commission structures. Dwiggins discussed how NextHome is proactively preparing for shifts in agent-client fee negotiations and adjusting training programs to equip agents with skills that align with the new compliance requirements. The interview wrapped up with insights on the long-term effects of the settlement, with Dwiggins noting that while some industry practices may evolve, the core of real estate transactions will continue to center on client trust and strong agent relationships.

]]> In the recent episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob interviewed James Dwiggins, CEO of NextHome, diving into pressing topics within the real estate industry. Dwiggins shared his perspective on current market trends, highlighting how NextHome is adapting to shifts in buyer behavior and economic challenges. 

The conversation then touched on the impacts of the recent NAR settlement and potential changes to commission structures. Dwiggins discussed how NextHome is proactively preparing for shifts in agent-client fee negotiations and adjusting training programs to equip agents with skills that align with the new compliance requirements. The interview wrapped up with insights on the long-term effects of the settlement, with Dwiggins noting that while some industry practices may evolve, the core of real estate transactions will continue to center on client trust and strong agent relationships.

]]> Buzzsprout-16028183 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2969 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Kingsley Greenland The Big Picture - Featuring Kingsley Greenland In this episode of The Big Picture, hosts Rich and Rob welcome Kingsley Greenland, a leading climate risk expert from Verisk Extreme Event Solutions, to explore the critical impacts of climate change on the real estate and mortgage industries. Kingsley shares his deep expertise on how extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, wildfires, and rising sea levels—are shaping the future of property values, insurance policies, and lending practices. He offers insights into how businesses, investors, and homeowners can better prepare for these inevitable risks while discussing the regulatory and financial shifts that are already occurring in response to climate change.

Whether you're in real estate, finance, or simply interested in how climate risk affects the broader economy, this episode provides invaluable information from one of the most respected voices in the industry. Tune in as Kingsley outlines the steps companies and individuals must take to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing environment, including how data analytics and risk models can help mitigate exposure to climate-related losses. Don't miss this important conversation on The Big Picture!

]]> In this episode of The Big Picture, hosts Rich and Rob welcome Kingsley Greenland, a leading climate risk expert from Verisk Extreme Event Solutions, to explore the critical impacts of climate change on the real estate and mortgage industries. Kingsley shares his deep expertise on how extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, wildfires, and rising sea levels—are shaping the future of property values, insurance policies, and lending practices. He offers insights into how businesses, investors, and homeowners can better prepare for these inevitable risks while discussing the regulatory and financial shifts that are already occurring in response to climate change.

Whether you're in real estate, finance, or simply interested in how climate risk affects the broader economy, this episode provides invaluable information from one of the most respected voices in the industry. Tune in as Kingsley outlines the steps companies and individuals must take to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing environment, including how data analytics and risk models can help mitigate exposure to climate-related losses. Don't miss this important conversation on The Big Picture!

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15986838 Thu, 24 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2867 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Mark Calabria The Big Picture - Featuring Mark Calabria In Rich & Rob's interview with Mark Calabria on The Big Picture, the former FHFA Director offers his expert insights into the future of housing and finance policy. Calabria shares his unique perspective on the political landscape shaping housing finance reform, particularly regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's role in the mortgage market. Drawing from his tenure, he discusses the implications of potential policy changes and the increasing risks posed by the current structure of the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).

Calabria delves into how the upcoming 2024 election could influence housing policy, with both parties having distinct approaches to housing finance. He stresses the importance of removing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship and addresses the growing financial risks within the GSEs, particularly in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) with high debt-to-income ratios. This conversation offers a deep dive into how future reforms could stabilize the housing market while balancing affordability and risk.

]]> In Rich & Rob's interview with Mark Calabria on The Big Picture, the former FHFA Director offers his expert insights into the future of housing and finance policy. Calabria shares his unique perspective on the political landscape shaping housing finance reform, particularly regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's role in the mortgage market. Drawing from his tenure, he discusses the implications of potential policy changes and the increasing risks posed by the current structure of the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).

Calabria delves into how the upcoming 2024 election could influence housing policy, with both parties having distinct approaches to housing finance. He stresses the importance of removing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship and addresses the growing financial risks within the GSEs, particularly in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) with high debt-to-income ratios. This conversation offers a deep dive into how future reforms could stabilize the housing market while balancing affordability and risk.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15948108 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2760 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Eric Lapin The Big Picture - Featuring Eric Lapin This week on The Big Picture, hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman welcome Eric Lapin, President of FormFree® to the show. The group dove into several pressing topics in the mortgage industry. They discussed the recent spike in mortgage rates following a stronger-than-expected jobs report and explored how the upcoming election, just 26 days away, could impact housing and the industry at large.

They also tackle the evolving challenges of climate risk in the mortgage space, as lenders and regulators adapt to environmental changes, and highlight recent developments in open banking. 

]]> This week on The Big Picture, hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman welcome Eric Lapin, President of FormFree® to the show. The group dove into several pressing topics in the mortgage industry. They discussed the recent spike in mortgage rates following a stronger-than-expected jobs report and explored how the upcoming election, just 26 days away, could impact housing and the industry at large.

They also tackle the evolving challenges of climate risk in the mortgage space, as lenders and regulators adapt to environmental changes, and highlight recent developments in open banking. 

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15905377 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2940 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Teresa Bazemore The Big Picture - Featuring Teresa Bazemore On today's episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob welcomed Teresa Bazemore to the show. 

The group provided their insights on the housing policies discussed in Tuesday's Vice-Presidential debate, analyzing how each party's approach might look to shape the housing industry. 

Teresa also shared her expertise on tackling the affordable housing crisis—an issue she’s worked on throughout her impressive career, including her leadership roles at the FHLB of San Francisco and as President of Radian. 

]]> On today's episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob welcomed Teresa Bazemore to the show. 

The group provided their insights on the housing policies discussed in Tuesday's Vice-Presidential debate, analyzing how each party's approach might look to shape the housing industry. 

Teresa also shared her expertise on tackling the affordable housing crisis—an issue she’s worked on throughout her impressive career, including her leadership roles at the FHLB of San Francisco and as President of Radian. 

]]> Buzzsprout-15864964 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2927 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jim Parrott The Big Picture - Featuring Jim Parrott Housing policy takes center stage on this episode of The Big Picture, as Rich & Rob welcomed back Jim Parrott for a deep dive into the latest proposals from Presidential candidates.

Vice President Harris recently outlined her economic vision, with housing policies taking the spotlight. But how much of her plan stands a chance in the current political landscape? And what housing strategies might we see from former President Trump if he returns to office?

Jim Parrott, today's guest, is uniquely qualified to provide answers. As a nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and owner of Parrott Ryan Advisors, Jim offers strategic advice on housing finance to major players in the mortgage market. His extensive background includes serving as a senior adviser on housing at the National Economic Council during the Obama administration and as counsel to Secretary Shaun Donovan at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

]]> Housing policy takes center stage on this episode of The Big Picture, as Rich & Rob welcomed back Jim Parrott for a deep dive into the latest proposals from Presidential candidates.

Vice President Harris recently outlined her economic vision, with housing policies taking the spotlight. But how much of her plan stands a chance in the current political landscape? And what housing strategies might we see from former President Trump if he returns to office?

Jim Parrott, today's guest, is uniquely qualified to provide answers. As a nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and owner of Parrott Ryan Advisors, Jim offers strategic advice on housing finance to major players in the mortgage market. His extensive background includes serving as a senior adviser on housing at the National Economic Council during the Obama administration and as counsel to Secretary Shaun Donovan at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

]]> Buzzsprout-15823344 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2922 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Bill Dallas The Big Picture - Featuring Bill Dallas Rich & Rob welcome back Bill Dallas to dive into the Federal Reserve’s recent 50 bps rate cut, exploring the reasoning behind it and potential market implications. They also share key insights and strategies for mortgage bankers to thrive in a slowly improving market. The episode wraps up with a deep discussion on the current state of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, and what their future could look like under different Presidential administrations.

]]> Rich & Rob welcome back Bill Dallas to dive into the Federal Reserve’s recent 50 bps rate cut, exploring the reasoning behind it and potential market implications. They also share key insights and strategies for mortgage bankers to thrive in a slowly improving market. The episode wraps up with a deep discussion on the current state of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, and what their future could look like under different Presidential administrations.

]]> Buzzsprout-15783114 Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400 3006 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett The Big Picture - Featuring Chris Bennett On this week's show, Rich & Rob were joined by one of their favorite recurring guests, Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets.

The topic of the day - next week's Federal Reserve Board meeting. Will the Fed cut 25 or 50 bps next week? And what does it mean for mortgage rates in the short term? The group also took a look back at the Fed's action since the pandemic, handing out their letter grades for the Fed and their actions these last few years.

It was a great discussion spanning all aspects of the Fed's history, actions, and how they're likely to operate moving forward. Enjoy!

]]> On this week's show, Rich & Rob were joined by one of their favorite recurring guests, Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets.

The topic of the day - next week's Federal Reserve Board meeting. Will the Fed cut 25 or 50 bps next week? And what does it mean for mortgage rates in the short term? The group also took a look back at the Fed's action since the pandemic, handing out their letter grades for the Fed and their actions these last few years.

It was a great discussion spanning all aspects of the Fed's history, actions, and how they're likely to operate moving forward. Enjoy!

]]> Buzzsprout-15743650 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400 3035 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Jordan Bucher, Ashley Yarabinec & Alicia Goncalves The Big Picture - Featuring Jordan Bucher, Ashley Yarabinec & Alicia Goncalves On this week's show Rich & Rob are joined by Jordan Bucher, Ashley Yarabinec & Alicia Goncalves from the Mortgage Bankers Association. 

After touching on this week's critical jobs data that could have big impact on Fed action and mortgage rates, the fellas talked with the team from MBA on all the latest happenings at MBA as the Presidential election approaches. Jordan, Ashley, and Alicia provided the latest on things happening with policy, advocacy, and upcoming MBA conferences.

]]> On this week's show Rich & Rob are joined by Jordan Bucher, Ashley Yarabinec & Alicia Goncalves from the Mortgage Bankers Association. 

After touching on this week's critical jobs data that could have big impact on Fed action and mortgage rates, the fellas talked with the team from MBA on all the latest happenings at MBA as the Presidential election approaches. Jordan, Ashley, and Alicia provided the latest on things happening with policy, advocacy, and upcoming MBA conferences.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15703434 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400 3022 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Dave Savage The Big Picture - Featuring Dave Savage On this week's show, Rich & Rob are joined by Mortgage Coach founder & Trust Engine Chief Innovation Officer Dave Savage, who's been interviewing top real estate professionals on the now-implemented NAR settlement changes for the last several months.

In addition to the changes to how homebuyers interact with real estate agents, the group also discussed this week's Federal Reserve Annual Economic Symposium in Jackson Hole, WY - which concludes with an address from Fed Chair Powell on Friday.

The trio also discussed the series of housing proposals put forth by Vice President Harris last week ahead of this week's Democratic National Convention.

]]> On this week's show, Rich & Rob are joined by Mortgage Coach founder & Trust Engine Chief Innovation Officer Dave Savage, who's been interviewing top real estate professionals on the now-implemented NAR settlement changes for the last several months.

In addition to the changes to how homebuyers interact with real estate agents, the group also discussed this week's Federal Reserve Annual Economic Symposium in Jackson Hole, WY - which concludes with an address from Fed Chair Powell on Friday.

The trio also discussed the series of housing proposals put forth by Vice President Harris last week ahead of this week's Democratic National Convention.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15626176 Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2739 full false The Big Picture - Featuring Brendon Weiss & Amy Moses The Big Picture - Featuring Brendon Weiss & Amy Moses On this week's show, Rich was joined by EscrowTab's CEO & Co-Founder Brendon Weiss and their VP, Revenue Amy Moses.

The group started by talking about the recent inflation data, lower mortgage rates, and what that means for the real estate finance industry in the short term. Also discussed - how prepared lenders are in this next cycle, integrations between vendors, and current role of AI in the mortgage manufacturing process.

Finally, the group discussed the upcoming changes related to the NAR lawsuit settlement, that changes how real estate agents are paid.

]]> On this week's show, Rich was joined by EscrowTab's CEO & Co-Founder Brendon Weiss and their VP, Revenue Amy Moses.

The group started by talking about the recent inflation data, lower mortgage rates, and what that means for the real estate finance industry in the short term. Also discussed - how prepared lenders are in this next cycle, integrations between vendors, and current role of AI in the mortgage manufacturing process.

Finally, the group discussed the upcoming changes related to the NAR lawsuit settlement, that changes how real estate agents are paid.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15590363 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2967 full false The Big Picture (8/1/24) - Featuring Anita Padilla The Big Picture (8/1/24) - Featuring Anita Padilla Rich & Rob were joined this week by Anita Padilla, founder & CEO of MegaStar Financial & Take Three Technologies. The trio discussed the Fed's recent interest rate policy statement, some troubling jobs data, and what it means for the mortgage interest rate market this fall.

Also discussed - the use cases of AI in mortgage tech and the broader mortgage tech landscape currently.

]]> Rich & Rob were joined this week by Anita Padilla, founder & CEO of MegaStar Financial & Take Three Technologies. The trio discussed the Fed's recent interest rate policy statement, some troubling jobs data, and what it means for the mortgage interest rate market this fall.

Also discussed - the use cases of AI in mortgage tech and the broader mortgage tech landscape currently.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15517035 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:00:00 -0400 2968 full false The Big Picture (7/25/24) - Featuring Doug Duncan The Big Picture (7/25/24) - Featuring Doug Duncan The fellas were joined by Fannie Mae SVP & Chief Economist Doug Duncan & got Doug's perspective on the economy as we sit at this interesting inflection point, seemingly on the cusp of a LONG awaited Fed cut.

Doug & Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group also just released their latest monthly housing & economic outlook - which was discussed on the show.

]]> The fellas were joined by Fannie Mae SVP & Chief Economist Doug Duncan & got Doug's perspective on the economy as we sit at this interesting inflection point, seemingly on the cusp of a LONG awaited Fed cut.

Doug & Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group also just released their latest monthly housing & economic outlook - which was discussed on the show.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15482140 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400 2818 full false The Big Picture (7/18/24) - Featuring Stan Middleman! The Big Picture (7/18/24) - Featuring Stan Middleman! Rich and Rob were joined by Freedom Mortgage President & CEO (and Philadelphia Phillies owner) Stan Middleman! 

The group engaged in a fascinating discussion about President Biden's rent cap proposal, some of former President Trump's recent comments on the housing market, waning homebuilder confidence and production, and the government's role in mortgage lending.

]]> Rich and Rob were joined by Freedom Mortgage President & CEO (and Philadelphia Phillies owner) Stan Middleman! 

The group engaged in a fascinating discussion about President Biden's rent cap proposal, some of former President Trump's recent comments on the housing market, waning homebuilder confidence and production, and the government's role in mortgage lending.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15437766 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 18:00:00 -0400 3239 full false The Big Picture 07/11/24 Featuring - Kevin Peranio The Big Picture 07/11/24 Featuring - Kevin Peranio This week on The Big Picture, Rich & Robbie Chrisman were pleased to be joined by PRMG Chief Lending Officer Kevin Peranio.

The group discussed this week’s favorable inflation data and the high likelihood of a Fed rate cut at their September meeting, and what that means for interest rates and the mortgage industry.

Also touched on this week - HUD’s enhancements to the 203(k) rehab program, some economists calling for a housing bubble in southern states, and trends we can expect to see after August 17th when changes related to the National Association of Realtors class-action lawsuit settlement will go into effect.

]]> This week on The Big Picture, Rich & Robbie Chrisman were pleased to be joined by PRMG Chief Lending Officer Kevin Peranio.

The group discussed this week’s favorable inflation data and the high likelihood of a Fed rate cut at their September meeting, and what that means for interest rates and the mortgage industry.

Also touched on this week - HUD’s enhancements to the 203(k) rehab program, some economists calling for a housing bubble in southern states, and trends we can expect to see after August 17th when changes related to the National Association of Realtors class-action lawsuit settlement will go into effect.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15400832 Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0400 2425 full false The Big Picture 06/27/24 Featuring - Bill Bodnar The Big Picture 06/27/24 Featuring - Bill Bodnar This week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by Bill Bodnar, a leading mortgage market analyst and the CRO of Tabrasa. The conversation centered around the series of housing policy announcements  from the Biden Administration in advance of the Presidential debate, and what is likely to be discussed related to housing.

The group also talked about Friday’s big inflation data release, home prices being up 47% nationally since the start of the pandemic, and Freddie Mac being green lighted to start buying second mortgages from lenders and if this could be the start of consumer direct efforts from the GSE’s.

]]> This week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by Bill Bodnar, a leading mortgage market analyst and the CRO of Tabrasa. The conversation centered around the series of housing policy announcements  from the Biden Administration in advance of the Presidential debate, and what is likely to be discussed related to housing.

The group also talked about Friday’s big inflation data release, home prices being up 47% nationally since the start of the pandemic, and Freddie Mac being green lighted to start buying second mortgages from lenders and if this could be the start of consumer direct efforts from the GSE’s.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15324617 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2823 full false The Big Picture 06/20/24 Featuring - Chris Bixby The Big Picture 06/20/24 Featuring - Chris Bixby This week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by Rice Park Capital’s Managing Director, Strategic Equity Investing - Chris Bixby.

The discussion centers around the recent woeful construction housing starts figure that came in this morning and what it means for a worsening housing inventory problem in America.

The fellas also picked Chris’s brain on the current state of mortgage technology, why our industry is so far behind others on the tech side, and the types of investments Rice Park has made and is looking at in the mortgage tech space.

]]> This week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by Rice Park Capital’s Managing Director, Strategic Equity Investing - Chris Bixby.

The discussion centers around the recent woeful construction housing starts figure that came in this morning and what it means for a worsening housing inventory problem in America.

The fellas also picked Chris’s brain on the current state of mortgage technology, why our industry is so far behind others on the tech side, and the types of investments Rice Park has made and is looking at in the mortgage tech space.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15285912 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2832 full false The Big Picture 06/13/24 Featuring - Jodi Hall The Big Picture 06/13/24 Featuring - Jodi Hall On this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob are joined by Jodi Hall - who served as COO of CrossCountry Mortgage, President & COO of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers, and now consults mortgage lenders with her firm Danda Road.

The group talked about the recent drop in mortgage rates amidst positive inflation news as well as the current state of mortgage tech. And how well mortgage lenders are positioned today vs. 2020 for a sharp increase in business.

]]> On this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob are joined by Jodi Hall - who served as COO of CrossCountry Mortgage, President & COO of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers, and now consults mortgage lenders with her firm Danda Road.

The group talked about the recent drop in mortgage rates amidst positive inflation news as well as the current state of mortgage tech. And how well mortgage lenders are positioned today vs. 2020 for a sharp increase in business.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15246985 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2636 full false The Big Picture 06/6/2024 - Featuring Chris Bennett The Big Picture 06/6/2024 - Featuring Chris Bennett This week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob welcomed Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets to get his thoughts on recent & upcoming employment data, next week's Fed meeting, and what it all could mean for mortgage rates in the weeks and months to come.

]]> This week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob welcomed Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets to get his thoughts on recent & upcoming employment data, next week's Fed meeting, and what it all could mean for mortgage rates in the weeks and months to come.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15207805 Thu, 06 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400 3128 full false The Big Picture 05/29/2024 Featuring - Sue Woodard The Big Picture 05/29/2024 Featuring - Sue Woodard On this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by mortgage industry titan Sue Woodard. The discussion centered around how big of a role housing affordability will factor into the June 27th Presidential Debate and the November election, AI in the mortgage industry, lender's relationships with tech vendors, and the importance of getting to the customer earlier & customer experience.



]]> On this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by mortgage industry titan Sue Woodard. The discussion centered around how big of a role housing affordability will factor into the June 27th Presidential Debate and the November election, AI in the mortgage industry, lender's relationships with tech vendors, and the importance of getting to the customer earlier & customer experience.



]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15160313 Wed, 29 May 2024 19:00:00 -0400 3500 full false The Big Picture (5/23/24) - Featuring Bill Dallas The Big Picture (5/23/24) - Featuring Bill Dallas On this week's edition of The Big Picture, co-hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman are joined by housing finance industry trailblazer Bill Dallas.

Discussed on this week's show are Rob's takeaways from the MBA Secondary Conference, where CFPB Director Rohit Chopra took aim the the credit reporting agencies for charging what he deems as excessive fees to customers. The fellas also talk through the evolving post-NAR settlement landscape, the government potentially getting into the second mortgage business, and Bill's keys to success moving forward for mortgage bankers.

Next week's guest is Sue Woodard! Archives of past shows and a list of upcoming guests can be found at watchthebigpicture.com.

]]> On this week's edition of The Big Picture, co-hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman are joined by housing finance industry trailblazer Bill Dallas.

Discussed on this week's show are Rob's takeaways from the MBA Secondary Conference, where CFPB Director Rohit Chopra took aim the the credit reporting agencies for charging what he deems as excessive fees to customers. The fellas also talk through the evolving post-NAR settlement landscape, the government potentially getting into the second mortgage business, and Bill's keys to success moving forward for mortgage bankers.

Next week's guest is Sue Woodard! Archives of past shows and a list of upcoming guests can be found at watchthebigpicture.com.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15128896 Fri, 24 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400 3179 full false The Big Picture (5/16/24) - Featuring MBA President & CEO Bob Broeksmit The Big Picture (5/16/24) - Featuring MBA President & CEO Bob Broeksmit On this week's show, Rich Swerbinsky interviews MBA President & CEO Bob Broeksmit as housing and mortgage banking have evolved into a Main Street issue with Americans with a very tempestuous Presidential election now less than five months away.

Bob provides his thoughts on Freddie Mac's recent proposal to purchase second mortgages, Fannie/Freddie repurchase requests, the recent report from FSOC on non-bank servicers, permanent replacements for Marcia Fudge & Alanna McCargo, and the Supreme Court recently ruling that the CFPB's funding structure is legal.

]]> On this week's show, Rich Swerbinsky interviews MBA President & CEO Bob Broeksmit as housing and mortgage banking have evolved into a Main Street issue with Americans with a very tempestuous Presidential election now less than five months away.

Bob provides his thoughts on Freddie Mac's recent proposal to purchase second mortgages, Fannie/Freddie repurchase requests, the recent report from FSOC on non-bank servicers, permanent replacements for Marcia Fudge & Alanna McCargo, and the Supreme Court recently ruling that the CFPB's funding structure is legal.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15082843 Thu, 16 May 2024 16:00:00 -0400 3781 2 full false The Big Picture (5/9/24) - Featuring Steve Richman The Big Picture (5/9/24) - Featuring Steve Richman Co-hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman are joined this week by mortgage market expert & sales trainer Steve Richman for a lively discussion on all things housing.

Topics discussed included the NAR settlement and all the scheming around the coming changes. Mortgage Broker lawsuits. FHFA pondering the GSE's buying second mortgages. The FTC trying to outlaw non-competes. Lenders trying to figure out how to differentiate themselves and how to "get to prospective homebuyers first". NIMBY vs YIMBY. AI gone right and wrong. And a Presidential election looming that will send housing down one of two dramatically different paths.

]]> Co-hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman are joined this week by mortgage market expert & sales trainer Steve Richman for a lively discussion on all things housing.

Topics discussed included the NAR settlement and all the scheming around the coming changes. Mortgage Broker lawsuits. FHFA pondering the GSE's buying second mortgages. The FTC trying to outlaw non-competes. Lenders trying to figure out how to differentiate themselves and how to "get to prospective homebuyers first". NIMBY vs YIMBY. AI gone right and wrong. And a Presidential election looming that will send housing down one of two dramatically different paths.

]]> Rich Swerbinsky Buzzsprout-15044834 Fri, 10 May 2024 07:00:00 -0400 2830 1 full false