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Power House
Power House
Author: HousingWire
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© 2024 Power House
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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
373 Episodes
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This week on Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Anthony Casa, President and CEO of UMortgage, for a candid conversation about what actually drives long-term success in the mortgage business.
Anthony reflects on his decades in the industry, sharing why mentorship remains one of the most critical (and most overlooked) factors for loan originators. He explains how building early relationships with real estate agents compounds over time, why consistency matters more than short-term wins, and how earning trust is still the foundation of every successful career.
The conversation also takes a personal turn as Anthony opens up about his own transformation, including sobriety and renewed focus on health and wellness, and how those changes reshaped his leadership style. He connects personal discipline to professional performance, arguing that sustainable success in mortgage lending starts with how leaders take care of themselves.
Anthony and Zeb also dig into the industry’s structural shift from retail to broker channels, discussing why compensation, flexibility, and culture are driving that movement—and how marketing strategies must evolve to support it.
This episode is a grounded look at mentorship, leadership, and why the long game still matters in mortgage.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Why mentorship is essential for new loan officers
How early agent relationships compound into long-term success
What Anthony’s personal transformation taught him about leadership
Why health and wellness matter in high-pressure careers
How the broker channel is reshaping mortgage competition
Why culture and autonomy attract top talent
How marketing strategies should match individual sales goals
Why consistency beats intensity over time
How to succeed in today’s market conditions
Why earning trust still matters more than tactics
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
This week on Power House, Clayton Collins sits down with Kristin Messerli to unpack one of the most persistent challenges in housing: why first-time homebuyers feel overwhelmed, underprepared, and increasingly distrustful of the financial system.
They explore the role of education in bridging the knowledge and trust gap, emphasizing the importance of empowering loan officers to build relationships within their communities. The discussion also highlights the impact of the ambassador program and the goals for 2026, focusing on sustainability and advocacy in the housing market.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Why first-time buyers often feel overwhelmed and uncertain
How trust in lenders has declined over time
Why education is the foundation of buyer confidence
What loan officers need to become effective educators
How ambassador programs strengthen community relationships
Why financial literacy is missing from traditional education systems
How personal stories help buyers see themselves as homeowners
The sustainability challenges facing housing nonprofits
Why advocacy matters for loan officers and their clients
What the future of homeownership depends on
Related to this episode:
FirstHome IQ
Kristin Messerli
This week on Power House, Zeb sits down with David Kooris, Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority, for a wide-ranging conversation on how urban planning shapes the long-term success of communities.
David explains why urban planning is no longer just about zoning and land use, but a holistic approach that balances infrastructure, housing, climate resilience, and economic development. He shares insights from his own unconventional path into the field (spanning architecture, archaeology, and planning) and how that perspective influences his work supporting municipalities across Connecticut.
The conversation explores why demand is shifting away from sprawl toward walkable, compact communities; how climate risk is reshaping development decisions; and why community engagement has become central to successful projects. David also offers practical guidance for investors and developers interested in transit-oriented development, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the public and private dimensions of place-making.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Why urban planning is becoming a holistic community strategy
Why walkable, compact communities are gaining demand
How community engagement shapes successful development
Why investors must consider the broader neighborhood context
How climate risks are influencing planning decisions
What best-in-class community engagement looks like today
Why successful developers actively curate amenities and public space
Related to this episode:
David Kooris LinkedIn
Connecticut Municipal Development Authority
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
In this conversation, Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, discusses the evolution and significance of dedicated rental communities in the housing market. Richard explains how dedicated rental communities differ from traditional build-to-rent models, why they are purpose-built specifically for renters, and what years of real estate experience have taught him about shifting housing preferences. He also breaks down how COVID accelerated demand for single-family rentals, changed renter demographics, and reshaped expectations around space, privacy, and community.
The conversation digs into why the average resident in these communities is 38 years old, how thoughtful community design and longer lease structures foster stability, and why outdated perceptions of renting continue to hold back policy progress. Richard also makes the case for regulatory reform as a necessary step toward solving the country’s housing shortage.
This episode offers a grounded look at where rental housing is headed—and why the future of housing won’t be defined by ownership alone.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
What separates dedicated rental communities from traditional build-to-rent
Why today’s renters prioritize community, amenities, and flexibility
How COVID permanently shifted rental demand and preferences
Why the average renter age is older than many assume
How community design drives satisfaction and retention
The role of long-term leases in creating stability
Why renting is increasingly a long-term lifestyle choice
Common misconceptions that frame renting as “second class”
The scale of the U.S. housing shortage
Why streamlined regulation is critical to expanding supply
Related to this episode:
Richard Ross – Chief Executive Officer at Quinn Residences
Quinn Residences
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Crypto isn’t a side bet anymore; in this episode of Power House, Milo CEO Josip Rupena sits down with Zeb Lowe to discuss how Milo built the leading crypto mortgage model. How did they accomplish this? By solving a problem traditional lenders ignored: how to borrow against Bitcoin without giving it up, while addressing volatility, capital markets, regulatory clarity, institutional interest and the long-term implications of quantum computing on crypto security. The two also discuss misconceptions that are hindering traditional financing.
This episode discusses:
Why Bitcoin volatility can be structured as a strength, not a risk
How crypto mortgages allow borrowers to finance homes without selling their assets
What makes Bitcoin different from other crypto assets when used as mortgage collateral
How Milo underwrites crypto-backed mortgages and manages risk during market volatility
What traditional lenders and capital markets need to understand before entering crypto mortgage lending
Where regulation, institutional adoption, and emerging risks like quantum computing intersect with crypto-backed home financing
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
In this conversation, Tyler Hodgson shares his journey into the mortgage industry and discusses the emerging role of cryptocurrency in mortgage lending. He details a unique case involving a $4 million crypto asset depletion loan, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by this niche market. The discussion covers the verification of cryptocurrency ownership, the volatility of crypto assets, and the future of crypto lending in the mortgage industry. Tyler emphasizes the importance of curiosity and continuous learning for loan officers to stay relevant in an evolving market.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Tyler's journey into the mortgage industry began after serving in the Marine Corps.
How Tyler’s path from the Marine Corps to mortgages shaped his approach to lending
Why asset depletion loans matter for nontraditional borrowers
How cryptocurrency can be used to qualify for a mortgage
What “proof of Satoshi” means and why ownership verification is critical
How volatility changes risk calculations for both lenders and borrowers
Why crypto is slowly gaining recognition as a valid mortgage asset
The role curiosity plays in solving complex loan scenarios
Why loan officers must continuously learn to stay relevant
How edge-case loans often preview mainstream adoptionWhat the future may hold for crypto-backed mortgage lending
Related to this episode:
Tyler Hodgson LinkedIn
UMortgage
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
In this episode of Powerhouse, Diego Sanchez interviews Mike Malloy, CEO of Sage Home Loans, and Sakhi Gandhi, Director of Partnerships at Robinhood. They discuss the partnership between Sage and Robinhood, aimed at simplifying the mortgage process for homebuyers. The conversation covers the seamless experience provided to Robinhood Gold customers, the competitive mortgage rates offered, and the strategic focus of both companies on enhancing consumer finance accessibility. The episode highlights the importance of technology and efficiency in the mortgage industry and the future growth strategies of both organizations.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Sage Home Loans aims to revolutionize the mortgage industry by simplifying the process.
Robinhood's mission is to democratize finance and make investing accessible.
The partnership between Sage and Robinhood focuses on creating a seamless customer experience.
Sage offers competitive mortgage rates due to operational efficiencies.
The collaboration is designed to enhance the value for Robinhood Gold subscribers.
Sage's proprietary technology enables a digital-first mortgage experience.
The branding experience integrates both Sage and Robinhood for transparency.
Robinhood Gold has no minimum balance but an annual fee for access to benefits.
Sage is focused on growth and plans to expand its market presence.
The ultimate goal is to create a financial super app for consumers.
Related to this episode:
HousingWire - Sage Home Loans partners with Robinhood for exclusive rate offer
Sakhi Gandhi LinkedIn
Mike Malloy LinkedIn
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
In this episode of Powerhouse, Diego Sanchez interviews David Finkelstein, CEO of Annaly Capital Management. They discuss the company's position as a leading mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT), its growth strategy, and the importance of subservicing partnerships. David shares insights on the current mortgage rate environment, the challenges faced by the Federal Reserve, and the future outlook for the housing market.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Annaly Capital Management is the largest mortgage REIT.
The company has $15 billion in permanent capital allocated to housing.
Annaly's portfolio consists of $100 billion in assets.
The focus is on managing interest rate and prepayment risk.
Partnerships with subservicers create operational efficiencies.
The company is targeting 20% capital for its MSR portfolio.
Mortgage rates are expected to remain in a stable range.
The Federal Reserve faces challenges with inflation and employment.
Annaly aims to grow its Resi and MSR portfolios significantly.
Technology and data analytics are crucial for future growth.
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Dan Sogorka, GM of Rocket Pro, for a forward-looking conversation about the tools, technology, and strategic shifts Rocket is deploying as they move into 2026.
Dan offers an inside look at how Rocket Pro is investing in AI-driven efficiencies, reshaping its broker support model, and strengthening its position through recent acquisitions. He also dives into the story behind the Broker Manifesto and how it fits into Rocket’s broader mission to build trust and choice for brokers nationwide.
From competition to technology, narrative change to partner support, this episode breaks down how Rocket Pro is positioning itself to lead in one of the industry’s most dynamic and competitive segments.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why Rocket Pro is energized heading into 2026 with a renewed innovation roadmap
How new AI tools elevate broker efficiency and streamline everyday workflows
The strategic role of recent acquisitions in strengthening Rocket’s market position
Why the Broker Manifesto is central to reshaping industry perception
How Rocket Pro plans to support business growth for broker partners
What more events and in-person engagement will mean for brokers in 2026
Why Rocket’s strategy emphasizes tools that enable choice—not constraint
The value of stronger, more intentional broker partnerships
How Rocket’s narrative is evolving as the company reinvests in the broker ecosystem
Why innovation remains Rocket Pro’s north star for 2026 and beyond
Related to this episode:
Daniel Sogorka LinkedIn
Rocket Pro
HousingWire | YouTube
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Kristen Seifert, President of Finance of America, for a candid and forward-looking conversation about the evolution of reverse mortgages and the growing role home equity plays in retirement planning.
Kristen breaks down why reverse mortgages still face widespread misconceptions, how Finance of America is investing in education to change the narrative, and why partnerships and proprietary products are shaping the next chapter of the industry. She also opens up about her personal leadership journey, the importance of mission alignment, and what it means to navigate mergers and acquisitions while scaling responsibly.
From growth strategy to women’s leadership, from product innovation to industry perception, this episode offers an inside look at the forces redefining reverse lending—and how Finance of America plans to lead the way.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Why mission alignment unlocks innovation and long-term growth
How mergers and acquisitions support Finance of America’s market strategy
Why education remains the strongest tool for combating reverse-mortgage misconceptions
The role home equity plays as a retirement-planning pillar
How strategic partnerships expand capabilities and reach
Kristen’s perspective on women in leadership and developing future talent
Why personal development fuels professional momentum
How reverse mortgages should be integrated into traditional mortgage conversations
The rising importance of proprietary products in a competitive landscape
Why expanding the market is essential for the future of reverse lending
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Susan Milazzo, the outgoing CEO of the California Mortgage Bankers Association, who reflects on two decades of transformative change in the mortgage industry.
Susan shares her insights on the massive tech adoption that has reshaped every aspect of the loan lifecycle and how AI is becoming integral to mortgage processes while regulators keep a close eye on consumer protection. She also talks about her proudest advocacy achievements, discusses the smooth transition to Paul Gigliotti and her plans for retirement after dedicating over 20 years to leading the California MBA.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How technology integration became the biggest change in mortgage over the past 20 years
Why compliance costs have multiplied despite technological advances
The role AI plays in streamlining processes while maintaining regulatory oversight
Susan's legislative victories during COVID-19 and beyond
How the Urban Institute study proved IMBs already serve minority and low-to-moderate income borrowers
What the future holds for the California MBA under new leadership
Related to this episode:
California MBA
Susan Milazzo | LinkedIn
Paul Gigliotti Appointed New CEO of California MBA
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Robert Pieklo, the president and CEO of eLEND, formerly known as American Financial Resources. Rob is a passionate advocate for wholesale and has led eLEND in a 900% growth period in the wholesale channel.
Robert talks about why he believes the broker channel creates the ultimate competitive environment that benefits consumers, how eLEND competes with giants through nimble execution and superior capital markets strategies, and why he thinks current MSR valuations are built on unrealistic assumptions. He also shares how eLEND has managed to scale dramatically without significantly increasing their headcount.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why competition in the broker channel drives down prices and spurs innovation
How AFR rebuilt its culture into customer-obsessed service
Strategies for competing with wholesale behemoths
The reality behind MSR valuations and recapture rate assumptions
Scaling operations through technology, AI, and high-performance team building
AFR's approach to capital markets execution and pricing strategies
Related to this episode:
Robert Pieklo | LinkedIn
eLEND
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Today on Power House, Zeb sits down with Rachel Clark, Executive Director of the Broker Action Coalition (BAC), a grassroots advocacy network that's been advocating for the mortgage industry since 2022. Rachel is also a co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, a Houston-based brokerage that specializes in serving first-responders, veterans, and minority homebuyers.
Rachel breaks down how the BAC took on abusive trigger lead practices, their work that led to the Home Buyers Privacy Protection Act, explaining how they turned a complex legislative process into wins that brokers could understand.
They also talk about what goes into sustaining grassroots movements, why showing up matters more than most small business owners realize and what's next on BAC's radar.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How the BAC transformed from a small advocacy group to a legislative force in just three years
Why trigger leads were poisoning broker-client relationships and how the industry fought back
The coalition strategy that brought together brokers, bankers, and consumer advocates
How to sustain momentum in grassroots movements when progress feels slow
Why bipartisan messaging around data privacy made all the difference
What policy battles are coming next for the mortgage industry
Practical steps for small business owners who want to make their voices heard
Related to this episode:
The Broker Action Coalition
Rachel Clark | LinkedIn
FireHouse Mortgage
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Today on Power House we are bringing you a conversation between Zeb Lowe and Aaron Clark, a firefighter and co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, a Houston-based mortgage brokerage that is owned and operated by first responders and veterans. Aaron shares his journey from fighting fires to becoming a loan officer and how a layoff led to the creation of Firehouse with his wife — who will be joining us on the show later this week!
Aaron discusses their approach to serving veterans, minorities, and low-income borrowers, his concerns about AI's impact on personal relationships in mortgage, and the challenges of staying competitive as a smaller, relationship-focused company.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How Aaron transitioned from firefighter to real estate agent to loan officer
Why Firehouse Mortgage's team of first responders creates unique trust with clients
The community-focused business model that prioritizes giving back over profit maximization
How they serve veterans, minorities, and low-income borrowers with transparent pricing
Aaron's perspective on AI threatening personal relationships in mortgage lending
The organic growth strategy that built their business through community connections
Related to this episode:
FireHouse Mortgage
Firehouse Mortgage | LinkedIn
Aaron Clark | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
On today’s sponsored episode, HousingWire CEO and returning Power House host Clayton Collins sits down with Jennifer McGuinness, the CEO of Pivot Financial. With her extensive Wall Street background and her experience at Deutsche Bank, CoreVest, and WinWater, Jennifer brings unparalleled expertise to today’s conversation about non-QM products and the future of mortgage securitization
Clayton and Jennifer dive deep into product diversification strategies, the importance of prudent underwriting, and the innovative securitization framework that Pivot is developing to level the playing field for small and mid-sized lenders. They also tackle persistent non-QM misconceptions, explore the untapped potential of first and second lien HELOCs, and discuss how VantageScore 4.0 could reshape credit evaluation.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why non-QM products are essential for lender survival in today's market, not risky subprime lending
How first lien HELOCs can serve as game-changing cash management tools for borrowers
The real story behind VantageScore vs. FICO and what bond markets aren't telling you
Pivot's revolutionary securitization framework could democratize liquidity for smaller lenders
Why product innovation — not just rates and asset prices — holds the key to housing affordability
Related to this episode:
Jennifer McGuinness | LinkedIn
Pivot Financial | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
This week on Power House, Zeb sits down with Kristin Messerli, a strategist and speaker on millennial and Gen Z housing trends and the founder of FirstHome IQ. Kristin talks about the 2025 NextGen Homebuyers Report, which surveyed over 8,000 millennials and Gen Z consumers to uncover the financial literacy gaps when it comes to homeownership.
Kristin dives deep into why financial myths persist despite widespread information availability, how AI is rapidly changing how young buyers research homes, and how community partnerships can bridge the trust gap in an age of information overload.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why 92% of next-gen buyers are wrong about down payment requirements and how this myth persists across all education and income levels
How information overload is causing young buyers to delay major financial decisions and shut down completely
The surprising correlation between confidence levels and actual financial literacy test scores
Why building relationships and empathy is becoming more critical than knowledge sharing in the AI age
How First Home IQ is partnering with high schools and community organizations to tackle financial literacy at the source
The broader community impact when entire generations feel priced out of homeownership
Related to this episode:
Kristin Messerli | LinkedIn
FirstHome IQ
2025 NextGen Financial Literacy Report
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Scott Everett, President of Supreme Lending, and Sarah Middleton, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer of Supreme Lending. Scott, who recently made his LinkedIn debut after years of behind-the-scenes leadership, discusses why Supreme Lending is no longer the industry's "best kept secret." Sarah shares her strategic approach to growth and the famous 26-point checklist she used to evaluate Supreme before joining the team.
The conversation covers Supreme's debt-free, tech-first approach to business, from building their own PPE 20 years ago to preparing for AI disruption in the mortgage industry. They also discuss their successful M&A strategy and how they've achieved a 97% retention rate on recent acquisitions.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How Supreme Lending built a 26-year track record of fiscal stability without debt or private equity
The tech decisions that positioned them ahead of industry disruption
Sarah's 26-point evaluation framework for choosing the right mortgage company
Why Supreme's "enrich each other's lives" core value drives everything they do
How they're preparing for AI transformation while maintaining their competitive edge
The M&A approach that prioritizes cultural fit and employee retention over pure growth
Related to this episode:
Supreme Lending
Scott Everett | LinkedIn
Sarah Middleton | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
This week on Power House, Zeb sits down with Ryan Grant, the president and co-founder of NEO Home Loans. Originally trained in martial arts from age four under his father, Ryan brings the unique disciplined thinking of a martial artist to the table to revolutionize mortgage.
Ryan talks about how his background shaped his approach to business and leadership, teaching him emotional consistency and the compounded effect of disciplined training. He also discusses NEO's partnership with Better.com's tech stack to transform LOs into true mortgage advisors who provide lifelong value to clients.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How martial arts discipline translates to sustainable business success
Why the traditional LO model is dead and the mortgage advisor era has begun
How NEO's AI-powered tech reduces team size while increasing meaningful client interactions
Why financial literacy and holistic wealth planning are essential for modern mortgage professionals
How to create proactive, long-term client relationships that extend 30 years beyond closing
Related to this episode:
The loan officer’s job is gone, but the Mortgage Advisor’s job is here to stay
Ryan Grant | LinkedIn
2024 Vanguard: Ryan Grant - HousingWire
NEO Home Loans
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, the world's fastest-growing, cloud-based brokerage with over 83,000 agents across 27 countries. Leo discusses his transition to CEO during the NAR settlement announcement and how eXp has evolved from a bootstrapped startup to a major industry player.
He shares how eXp built a distributed workforce and why transparency in real estate data benefits everyone. Leo explains eXp's strategy of attracting entrepreneurial agents who build their own brand and how their virtual-first approach creates competitive advantages in today's hyper-localized market.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How eXp scaled from just a startup to a global brokerage without physical offices
Why 2026 will be a hyper-localized real estate market and what that means for agents
The importance of transparency sharing versus private listing strategies
How eXp's distributed workforce model creates operational advantages over traditional brokerages
Why sellers think it's 2021, buyers think it's 2008, and the reality is neither
Leo's approach to innovation and staying curious about AI and emerging technologies
Related to this episode:
eXp Realty
Leo Pareja / LinkedIn
eXp Realty | RealTrends Verified
eXp Realty | HousingWire
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Hector Amendola, the president of Panorama Mortgage Group, formerly known as Alterra Home Loans. In 2022, Panorama rebranded from Alterra to what we now know as Panorama, with Alterra remaining as their retail arm. Panorama focuses on specifically serving underserved and underrepresented communities now through their brand new wholesale channel, Travisa Financial.
Hector shares his journey from loan officer assistant to president and discusses Panorama's post-COVID pivot that included establishing their Mexican operations and launching their wholesale division. He explains the business opportunity in serving black and brown communities and why they believe in finding the "yes" rather than the easy "no" when it comes to lending.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How Panorama transformed from retail-focused Altera into diversified lending
The strategic advantages of establishing back-office operations in Mexico
Why Travisa Financial targets wholesale lending to underserved communities
How Panorama maintains a 50% servicing retention rate on payoffs
Hector's career journey from LO assistant to president and the power of mentorship
How the company's "find the yes" philosophy drives their underwriting approach
Panorama's 2026 growth strategy balancing retail and wholesale expansion
Related to this episode:
Hector Amendola | LinkedIn
Panorama Mortgage Group
Panorama Mortgage Group enters TPO market with new brand Travisa Financial
Alterra Home Loans
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
















