
Top of Mind
The Top of Mind podcast features top real estate industry insiders and experts to unpack the most important housing, real estate, mortgage data and trends that are shaping the housing market. Hosted by Altos founder Mike Simonsen and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Latest episodes

4 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 52min
Real Solutions to the Homeless Crisis with DignityMoves’ Elizabeth Funk
Elizabeth Funk, Founder and CEO of DignityMoves, shares her groundbreaking work in addressing homelessness. She discusses innovative interim housing solutions that are both cost-effective and supportive. The conversation highlights success stories from California cities reaching 'functional zero' unsheltered homelessness. Funk emphasizes the importance of community engagement and flexible policies in tackling the crisis. Listeners will discover how empowering individuals with housing choices can transform lives and foster lasting change.

9 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 18min
Home price signals continue to weaken for 2025 (3/31/2025 Market Update)
The podcast dives into the evolving U.S. housing market as spring 2025 unfolds. Increased home supply contrasts with modest sales, raising questions about price stability. The conversation highlights how stable mortgage rates have sparked a small growth in sales, despite looming economic concerns. Listeners will discover the delicate balance between rising listings and the downward pressure on home prices, while reflecting on how these trends differ from past market crises.

7 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 15min
Weekly Pending Home Sales Are Finally Above Last Year (3/24/25 Market Update)
This week, the discussion spotlights a notable rebound in pending home sales for March 2025, showing growth compared to last year. As mortgage rates decrease and inventory rises, the landscape of the housing market appears to shift. Yet, this may bring upcoming challenges for home prices. Tune in for insightful data and trends that paint a clear picture of where the real estate market is headed.

21 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 17min
Are we seeing the first “bad economy sellers” in 15 years? (3/17/25 Market Update)
Explore the shifting dynamics of the U.S. housing market as high mortgage rates collide with rising inventory. Discover how these economic changes are altering seller behaviors, leading to potential new trends in home sales and pricing. Gain valuable insights into what buyers and sellers need to navigate this evolving landscape.

12 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 38min
Mortgage Tech Insights with Adam Carmel
In this conversation with Adam Carmel, founder and CEO of Polly, you'll discover why he ventured into mortgage tech in 2019. Adam reveals how his team aims to slash loan origination costs from $12,000 back to $2,000. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing mortgage processes and what Polly’s data forecasts for lenders in 2025. The dialogue also covers the future of America’s 30-year mortgage and the impact of privatizing Fannie and Freddie. Join them as they navigate the complexities of today's mortgage markets with innovative solutions.

8 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 15min
Could homebuyers find bargains this spring? (3/10/25 Market Update)
Dive into the dynamics of the U.S. housing market this spring! Discover the rising pending sales in the face of unsold inventory and buyer hesitance. Analyze key indicators like interest rates and new listings that could signal a market turnaround. Explore the implications for homebuyers looking for bargains amidst current challenges. Tune in for insightful data trends that paint a clearer picture of what's ahead in real estate!

5 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 15min
Will falling mortgage rates finally help the housing market? (3/3/25 Market Update)
Declining mortgage rates are sparking discussions about their impact on buyer demand and housing inventory as spring approaches. The analysis pits single-family homes against condos, revealing fascinating trends. A case study on a San Francisco condo showcases seller strategies amid a shortage of new listings. The complexities of the current housing market are explored, emphasizing the crucial role of local data in making informed decisions. Join in for insights that could redefine your understanding of real estate dynamics!

Feb 26, 2025 • 52min
How the Brokerage Business is Changing
In this discussion, Jason Waugh, President of Coldwell Banker Affiliates, reveals the transformative shifts in the real estate brokerage landscape as we approach 2025. He highlights findings from the Global Luxury Trends report, detailing a 35% increase in luxury home sales and changing demographics of buyers. The conversation also delves into how recent legal changes are reshaping agent commissions and consumer relationships. Waugh emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the face of evolving market dynamics and consumer expectations.

Feb 25, 2025 • 18min
2025 could be the last year of inventory shortage (2/24/25 Market Update)
Get ready for a deep dive into the U.S. housing market as experts analyze the latest trends. Home prices are showing signs of slowing growth, which could change the game for buyers and sellers alike. Inventory levels are critical, with predictions suggesting 2025 might be a turning point. The dynamics between supply and demand are shifting, driven by economic conditions and interest rates. Stay tuned for insights that could help you navigate the evolving landscape of real estate.

5 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 14min
Could Home Prices Turn Negative This Year? (2/17/25 Market Update)
Explore the fascinating dynamics of the U.S. housing market, where home prices might turn negative this year. Discover how inventory levels and regional differences shape the market, with potential price drops in the Sunbelt contrasted by expected appreciation in Northern cities. Get insights from a data-driven approach that identifies trends ahead of major headlines. Real estate enthusiasts won't want to miss the analysis of supply and demand that's crucial for understanding the future of homeownership.