Power House

This week on Power House, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Sarah Middleton, the newly appointed Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Supreme Lending.Sarah walks through her journey to Supreme Lending and what it takes to succeed in mortgage — from strong leadership to Supreme’s tech-forward mindset, AI-driven marketing, and diverse product lineup. She also touches on M&A, the “branchpreneur” model, and her passion for training, onboarding, and helping loan officers grow, especially in difficult times.Here’s what you’ll learn: A diverse product offering is essential for competing in mortgage. The importance of technology and AI in streamlining many processes. M&A is currently a key growth strategy at Supreme Lending. Understanding the aspirations of loan officers enhances recruitment efforts. There will always be opportunities in the market, even during tough times. Related to this episode: Sarah Middleton joins Supreme Lending in C-suite roles | HousingWire 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, we’re tackling the big question on everyone’s mind: What is happening with the housing market right now? Between tariffs, mortgage rates, jobs data and general uncertainty, it’s hard to understand how to make sense of it all. HousingWire is joined by experts Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer to cut through the noise. Originally featured in a HousingWire exclusive event, this panel is now available for the Power House audience. Related to this episode: Compare Current Mortgage Rates | HousingWire Housing Market News and Commentary | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez chats with the CEO of HousingWire and the former host of this very podcast: Clayton Collins!Clayton dives into HousingWire’s journey—from steady organic growth to smart acquisitions—and why in-person events like The Gathering are more essential than ever for the industry. They also talk about the relaunch and rebranding of our new data-licensing business, HousingWire Data, and the kinds of granular housing market data it can provide for companies all across the housing ecosystem.Here’s what you’ll learn: Balancing organic growth with acquisitions is key to strategic business development. HousingWire Data tracks over 110 million properties and provides valuable insights. The ideal clients for HousingWire Data are innovators across the housing industry. Accurate and diverse data is essential for decision-making in a digital-first world. Listening to client needs drives product development and innovation. Related to this episode: HousingWire Data - Enterprise Solutions Altos data licensing product relaunches as HousingWire Data | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Suzy Lindblom, the new COO of Sierra Pacific Mortgage! Suzy stepped out semi-retirement to consult for Sierra Pacific before joining their executive team full time. Suzy and Diego talk about Sierra Pacific’s growth and winning market share strategies, including their entry into the non-QM space after 40 years in the conventional mortgage space. She also talks about embracing AI without replacing humans, rolling out new broker tools, and more.We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here!Here’s what you’ll learn: Sierra Pacific offers a wide range of mortgage products, including non-QM options. Sierra Pacific focuses on building relationships with brokers to win market share. They are methodical about hiring and aligning staff with its culture. AI is seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, human roles in the mortgage process. The company is preparing for various market conditions by being nimble and adaptable. Sierra Pacific is not actively seeking M&A but remains open to opportunities. Related to this episode: Sierra Pacific Mortgage hires Suzy Lindblom as COO | HousingWire Suzy Lindblom  | LinkedIn Sierra Pacific 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power House we are talking to the one and only Dave Lykken! Dave has over 50 years of mortgage industry experience under his belt and is likely a name familiar to many of you. He also hosts his own weekly podcast, Lykken on Lending, where he talks all things mortgage.Diego sits down with Dave to get his take on what’s happening in mortgage. They talk about where he thinks rates will stabilize in the next year and what’s on the horizon for cost reduction and data tools. He also talks about the importance of executive coaching and the strategies top agents are using to connect with consumers.We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here!Here’s what you’ll learn: Coaching plays a crucial role in helping executives stay motivated. Economic uncertainty always presents both challenges and opportunities for growth. Cost reduction is going to be essential for survival in mortgage AI and technology are streamlining and transforming the way business is done. Understanding and predicting market trends is vital for success in housing finance. Related to this episode: 2023 HW Vanguard: David Lykken | HousingWire Lykken on Lending | Apple Podcasts David Lykken David Lykken | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power House, Diego has the pleasure of being joined by Jonathan Reckford, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity has helped over 62 million people in over 1,000 U.S. communities and 71 countries. Diego and Jonathan dive into Habitat’s complex role in both the federal and local level of the US housing market and their work to help the affordability crisis, including their involvement in local zoning campaigns and advocating for federal pro-housing programs. They also talk about their collaboration with banks, builders, and local governments, and why this cooperation is the key to solving the housing crisis. Here’s what you’ll learn: There is a significant supply gap in the U.S. housing market that needs to be addressed at a larger scale. Nationwide NIMBYism is a challenge to building affordable housing in communities. Collaboration with local governments is essential for effective, boots-on-the-groud housing policy. The housing crisis is a national issue that affects all demographics. Creating more starter homes is crucial for improving access to homeownership. Habitat believes that a mixed-income community benefits everyone. Related to this episode: Habitat for Humanity Jonathan Reckford | Habitat for Humanity Jonathan Reckford | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power House, we are welcoming guest host Tracey Velt as she sits down with Ryan Schneider, the CEO of Anywhere Real Estate, formerly known as Realogy. Anywhere is the parent company of many other notable real estate brands, such as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran Group and Sotheby’s International Realty.Ryan and Tracey talk about Anywhere’s rediscovered focus on the luxury market and what’s on the horizon for M&A activity as the market shifts. They also talk about AI’s current and future impacts on operational efficiency, and the value of seeking mentorship from your own agents. Here’s what you’ll learn: Settling litigation early provided a competitive advantage for Anywhere. Investing in luxury markets has led to significant growth. M&A opportunities are expected to increase as the market shifts. Market predictions indicate a potential recovery in home sales over the next year. Mentorship from agents is important for leadership development. Proactively embracing change is crucial for success in the industry. Related to this episode: For Anywhere, the challenges of 2024 were blessings | HousingWire Anyhwere HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with a familiar face to the HousingWire audience — Jason Bressler, the Chief Technology Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage. UWM recently announced its partnership with Sphere LOS, and today’s episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what that means for the UWM team and beyond.Diego and Jason talk about the decision-making behind Sphere’s integration, as it’s both free and is not limited to UWM’s ecosystem. Their goal is to provide free technology to level the playing field in the mortgage space. Jason also talks about AI breakthroughs, his philosophy of failure for team members, and gives a sneak peek of upcoming UWM announcements in 2025. Here’s what you’ll learn: UWM's integration with Sphere is aimed at enhancing broker workflows. The mortgage industry lacks a seamless end-to-end system, which Sphere aims to provide. AI is revolutionizing the mortgage industry, whether you realize it or not. Creating a feedback loop within your company’s ecosystem brings ideas to fruition. UWM's innovation focus can be seen in their large tech team and devoted resources. Failing is the most important part of taking risks and innovating. Related to this episode: Sphere Announcement Jason Bressler | LinkedIn Sphere UWM.com HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Jay Plum, a 35-year banking veteran and the EVP of Consumer Lending at Fifth Third Bank. As the 10th largest bank servicer in the country, Fifth Third Bank has over a thousand branches and $200 billion in assets. Today’s conversation is all about mortgage lending. Jay and Diego talk about Basel III and its impact on warehouse lending, and the important role that the affordability programs like downpayment assistance play in increasing homeownership. They also talk about Fifth Third’s focus on MSRs and home equity products, and what they’re doing to increase market share in a high-rate environment.Here’s what you’ll learn: Fifth Third has many mortgage channels, including retail and correspondent. Regulatory changes, such as Basel III, significantly impact the mortgage industry. Affordability remains a key concern for potential homebuyers in a high-rate environment. Fifth Third engages in community initiatives to promote homebuyer education and assistance programs. Servicing mortgages allows Fifth Third to offer additional consumer lending products. Related to this episode: Fifth Third Bank Home Lending | Fifth Third Bank Jay Plum | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a dynamic discussion, Ryan Young, CEO and co-founder of Fello, shares his unique journey from chef to real estate agent and now tech innovator. He highlights the transformative role of marketing automation in real estate, particularly through Fello's 30-Day Listing Challenge. Ryan emphasizes the importance of community support and the potential of AI to elevate marketing strategies. He also explores the exciting expansion into the mortgage sector, aiming to empower small businesses across various industries with enhanced technology.