Power House

In part two of this conversation, Matt Weaver breaks down the systems, structure, and discipline required to build a high-performing mortgage team. He explains how scripted processes and clear standards create consistency, enable delegation, and allow teams to scale—even in flat or declining markets. Central to his approach is the “single lane” strategy, where each team member focuses on what they do best while eliminating distractions that limit production. The discussion also covers the difference between branch and team models, the role of mentorship, and why staying aligned with a defined purpose drives long-term success. For originators and leaders looking to improve performance and build scalable teams, this episode offers a practical playbook grounded in real-world execution. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Matt Weaver's LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Cross Country Mortgage⁠ ⁠Matt Weaver Team⁠ 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 Power House, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins speaks to Mike Detwiler about his return to the industry as CEO of Mortgage Cadence more than a decade after selling the company to Accenture, offering a rare perspective on how mortgage technology has evolved and where it’s headed next. Detwiler reflects on founding Mortgage Cadence in 1999 and his early vision of “manufacturing mortgages” through data, workflow, and automation. Now, with AI, intelligent automation, and advanced analytics reshaping the landscape, he argues the industry is at another inflection point. The conversation explores the competitive LOS market, the rise of new technology entrants, and Mortgage Cadence’s growth strategy with PartnerOne. Detwiler also shares leadership insights from his experience as a founder and investor, emphasizing team empowerment and long-term thinking. Looking ahead, he connects technology innovation to a broader challenge: restoring confidence in homeownership for the next generation. Related to this episode: Mike Detwiler's LinkedIn Mortgage Cadence 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Matt Weaver to discuss his unconventional path from high school dropout to top-performing real estate agent and mortgage originator. Matt shares how an early mentorship opportunity set his career in motion and the lessons that shaped his approach to serving clients and building relationships. At the center of the conversation is one of his defining philosophies: understanding who your real customer is—and why, in many cases, it’s the real estate agent. The discussion explores how treating agents as customers, building clear processes, and maintaining consistent communication can transform performance in both real estate and mortgage sales. For originators and agents looking to build durable, high-performing businesses, this episode offers practical insight rooted in real-world experience. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn Matt Weaver's LinkedIn Cross Country Mortgage Matt Weaver Team 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Dave Savage, co-founder of FirstHome IQ, to discuss a challenge that could shape the future of housing: preparing the next generation for homeownership. Drawing on insights from the NextGen Homebuyer Report, Savage explains why many younger buyers feel both overwhelmed by the process and disconnected from the mortgage industry. He argues that the solution isn’t more marketing—it’s education, storytelling, and leadership from housing professionals willing to guide buyers earlier in their journey. The conversation explores how lenders can engage Gen Z before they’re ready to transact, the growing role of parents in homeownership, and why rebuilding trust will be critical to expanding access in the years ahead. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn Dave Savage’s LinkedIn First Home IQ 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with developer Austin Tunnell to explore a bigger question than housing itself: how the built environment shapes the way we live. Austin shares his unconventional path into real estate, from accounting to the Peace Corps to hands-on construction, and the realization that much of modern development is optimized for efficiency, not human connection. He argues that today’s neighborhoods often prioritize cars, uniformity and short-term returns at the expense of community and daily life. The conversation explores an alternative approach: building walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods designed for long-term value, human interaction and quality of place. But that approach comes with real tension—because traditional financing models, comps and investor expectations don’t naturally reward it. For professionals in housing, the takeaway is clear: what gets built isn’t just real estate—it’s the foundation for how people live, connect and build their lives. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn Austin Tunnell's 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Jeremy Davis to discuss a leadership philosophy rooted in community trust, culture and long-term relationships. Davis shares how growing up in public housing shaped his understanding of how trust actually forms within underserved communities, and why lenders often miss the places where those relationships begin. He explains his concept of “community institutions of trust,” including barbershops, churches and neighborhood gathering spots where reputations and recommendations carry real influence. The conversation explores Davis’ “barbershop to browser” framework, which connects real-world community engagement with digital strategy. Instead of using online platforms to introduce lenders to new audiences, Davis believes digital presence should reinforce trust already built through authentic relationships. Inside Southern Bancorp, Davis has built a culture-first operating model that prioritizes service, consistency and community presence. The results include strong first-time homebuyer growth, deep rural market penetration and rare loan officer retention in today’s competitive mortgage environment. For leaders thinking about the future of lending, Davis offers a simple principle: trust can’t be scaled, but it can be built intentionally. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn Jeremy Davis' LinkedIn Jeremy Davis' Op-Ed Southern Bancorp 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with mortgage coach and industry veteran Dave Savage to discuss what separates the industry’s top originators from the rest and why that gap is likely to grow. Savage explains how shifting from a rate-focused sales approach to an advice-driven process transformed his own career and why consistent systems and repeatable customer experiences are the real differentiators among top producers. The conversation also explores the industry’s ongoing challenge with technology adoption and why investing in tools alone isn’t enough. Real competitive advantage, Savage argues, comes when technology becomes embedded in daily workflows and company culture. Looking ahead, Savage believes artificial intelligence will dramatically reshape how borrowers find loan officers and receive guidance. Rather than replacing originators, AI will amplify those who position themselves as trusted advisors. For mortgage professionals navigating a changing market, Savage offers clear guidance: build a personal brand, experiment with AI, and focus on delivering advice—not just transactions. Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe's LinkedIn Dave Savage's 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’s Zeb Lowe 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.

As the mortgage industry prepares for one of its largest annual gatherings, Diego Sanchez sits down with Bob Hart to preview what professionals can expect at Experience 2026, hosted by ICE Mortgage Technology at the Wynn Las Vegas. The event will bring together more than 3,000 industry leaders, hundreds of companies, and a full agenda focused on innovation, strategy, and the future of mortgage technology. Hart explains how the conference is designed to give attendees practical insights and tools they can immediately apply to their businesses. The conversation explores key themes shaping this year’s event—including artificial intelligence in mortgage operations, cybersecurity and fraud prevention, market conditions affecting lenders, and leadership development across the industry. Hart also previews new technology investments aimed at creating a more connected ecosystem linking originators, servicers, and consumers. For professionals navigating a rapidly evolving market, this episode offers an inside look at the conversations and innovations shaping the next chapter of mortgage technology. Related to this episode: Bob Hart's LinkedIn ICE Mortgage Technology 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 Power House, Dave Crosby, Chief Data Officer at Compass, joins the conversation to discuss how data and technology are reshaping the real estate industry. Crosby explains the role of a Chief Data Officer and how organizing data into actionable insights can help agents make better decisions in a rapidly changing market. The discussion explores the growing influence of AI, why its effectiveness depends entirely on data quality, and how companies must build cultures of accountability to successfully adopt new technologies. The episode also highlights Compass’s entrepreneurial approach to supporting agents, the importance of market insights, and why professionals who combine strong networks with data-driven decision-making will have an advantage in the years ahead. Related to this episode: Dave Crosby's LinkedIn Compass 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’s Zeb Lowe 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.

Recorded at the HousingWire Housing Economic Summit at the George Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, this episode shifts the conversation from forecasts to practical application: what should housing professionals actually do with economic data? Odeta Kushi, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains why housing economics behaves less like a machine and more like a living organism shaped by labor markets, demographics, inventory dynamics, and consumer psychology. She breaks down the small set of indicators that explain most of the market story — mortgage rate drivers, inventory trends, affordability fundamentals, and demographic demand. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions about down payments, market timing, and the “date the rate” narrative. For loan officers, brokers, and agents trying to make sense of a shifting market, this episode turns economic signals into practical insight. Related to this episode: Zeb’s LinkedIn Odeta's 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’s Zeb Lowe 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, Zeb Lowe speaks with Dr. Jessica Lautz about framing housing economics not as a machine, but as a living organism shaped by human behavior, demographics, and local dynamics. She breaks down the “80/20” of housing fluency (inventory and affordability) and explains why professionals don’t need to be economists, but must clearly understand what’s available and whether buyers can afford it. Dr. Lautz outlines the biggest structural forces shaping today’s market: a persistent inventory shortage, pent-up millennial demand, rising down payments, delayed first-time buyer entry, and shifting household formation patterns. She also challenges national headlines, emphasizing the importance of local data and reminding listeners that affordability extends beyond rates and prices to total cost of ownership. Looking ahead to 2026–2027, she highlights the key signals to watch: construction activity, existing inventory, mortgage applications, and demographic demand. For housing professionals seeking clarity in a noisy market, this conversation turns macro trends into practical insight. Related to this episode: Zeb’s LinkedIn Dr. Jessica Lautz’s 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 Power House, host Zeb Lowe sits down with mortgage marketing strategist Bri Lees to tackle one of the industry’s biggest tensions: how to create marketing that’s authentic, effective, and still compliant. Bri argues that bland mortgage marketing isn’t a creativity problem; it’s a leadership problem. When executive teams fail to define their compliance philosophy or brand identity, loan officers default to “safe” messaging that feels forgettable. With clear guardrails and alignment, she explains, companies can build marketing that feels human and differentiated without crossing regulatory lines. The conversation reframes compliance not as a creativity killer, but as a strategic constraint that, when clearly defined, can sharpen a brand’s message and strengthen trust. Related to this episode: Zeb’s LinkedIn Bri’s 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’s Zeb Lowe 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.

HousingWire brought leading housing economists and capital markets experts to Dallas for the Housing Economic Summit with one goal: translate charts and forecasts into what actually matters for professionals trying to close deals every day. In this episode, John Toohig of Raymond James breaks down whole loan trading—the buying and selling of unsecuritized mortgages—and explains why understanding liquidity on the back end is now just as important as originating the loan itself. As originators adjust to life after the 2021–2022 refinance boom, John outlines where the real opportunities are today: HELOCs, second liens, ARMs, and purchase loans—especially in a market full of “trapped equity.” He also explains why mortgage credit is historically clean (perhaps too clean), why banks are re-entering the ARM market, which loan types are hardest to sell in the secondary market, and what separates lenders who consistently move loans from those who struggle with due diligence. For originators, capital markets teams, and executives navigating 2026, this episode turns macro signals into actionable insight. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Whole loan trades are faster and simpler than securitization HELOCs and second liens represent major opportunity amid trapped equity Banks are returning — especially in ARMs Credit is extremely “clean,” perhaps tighter than necessary Organized files and disciplined underwriting drive repeat investor demand Related to this episode: John Toohig's Bio John Toohig's 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’s Zeb Lowe 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 solo Power House episode, Zeb Lowe breaks down a quiet but powerful shift happening in mortgage marketing: AI is becoming the place consumers go for recommendations, not just information. As traditional search behavior evolves, Zeb explains why loan officers and agents must think beyond SEO and start positioning themselves inside AI recommendation engines. He walks through the economic forces behind the shift, why early adopters have a finite window of advantage, and the practical steps professionals can take now to become the name AI suggests when buyers are ready to decide. If search is changing from browsing to delegating, this episode explains what that means and how to stay ahead of it. Download the AI Visibility Guide Related to the episode: Zeb Lowe's 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’s Zeb Lowe 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.

Zeb Lowe sits down with Rick Grant to unpack why “more content” isn’t the answer and why clarity, authenticity, and narrative structure matter more than ever. They dig into what actually makes content stick, why audiences are tuning out polished but hollow messaging, and how brands can define thought leadership without sounding like everyone else. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: Good content is memorable and impactful. Stories are more effective than bullet points for retention. Simplifying messages helps break through content noise. Authenticity is key to effective communication. AI can be a valuable tool for content creation. Thought leadership is accessible to anyone passionate about their knowledge. Understanding your audience's journey is crucial for content strategy. Leverage personal experiences to craft unique narratives. The basic brand promise is foundational for effective messaging. Helping others is the best way to establish expertise. Related to this episode: Rick Grant's 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's Zeb Lowe 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 Power House, Diego Sanchez and Zeb Lowe discuss the transition of hosting responsibilities and Zeb’s perspective on where housing and mortgage conversations need to go next. Drawing on his background in origination and content creation, Zeb explains why storytelling, collaboration, and community matter more than ever in a crowded, fast-moving industry. The conversation explores HousingWire’s evolving content strategy, shifting generational attitudes toward homeownership, and the importance of education in addressing affordability challenges. They also unpack the role of AI in housing, making the case for technology as an amplifier of human judgment rather than a replacement, and why empowering teams with the right tools is key to productivity and engagement. This episode sets the tone for Power House’s next chapter: focused on people, perspective, and practical insight. 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

In this special Power House episode, host Zeb Lowe previews the conversations coming to the show and unpacks a core challenge facing the industry today.As automation and AI continue to accelerate productivity, the industry’s cost problem isn’t a technology issue, but an economic one. He explains why human judgment, trust, and accountability have become the most valuable (and expensive) parts of the mortgage process, and what that shift means for leaders heading into 2026. The episode also offers a look ahead at upcoming Power House guests, setting the stage for conversations focused on building with intention, not reaction. 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 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.