Core Conversations

What Will a Second Trump Presidency Mean for U.S. Housing? Nov 13, 2024

As the U.S. looks ahead to Donald Trump once again taking office in January, the real estate and housing industry is watching closely. Given Trump’s previous term and recent rhetoric on the campaign trail, when the president-elect returns to the White House on January 20, the property market landscape could shift dramatically.

A Trump administration has historically leaned toward deregulation, favoring less federal oversight. This could mean a rollback of initiatives championed by the previous Biden administration and could spell major changes for property professionals, particularly in areas like climate policy, housing affordability, and regulatory reform.

From regulatory rollbacks to bipartisan debates over zoning, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Chay Halbert, a principal public policy and industry relations at CoreLogic, discuss the likely rollback of Biden-era climate initiatives, shifts in regulatory scrutiny, and the potential changes surrounding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac oversight. Halbert also sheds light on potential flood risk management alterations and how these moves could reshape lending and affordability across the country.

Tune in to this episode of Core Conversations hear a comprehensive breakdown of the policy changes that property professionals should watch for as they prepare for what lies ahead.

In This Episode

2:24 – What types of housing policies do we expect Donald Trump to favor?

3:50 – Are there any specific changes we can expect around climate policy?

4:58 – Will there be any changes to Biden-era policies?

8:34 – How will the new administration influence interest rates?

10:32 – Affordability is complex, but will the rules around institutional and foreign investment change to help with this?

11:52 – Will there be any international ramifications from these possible policy changes?

13:43 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

14:57 – How could federal policy changes affect local jurisdictions?

19:40 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

20:58 – What should property professionals pay attention to in the months leading up to an administration change?

Up Next: How to Solve the US Affordable Housing Crisis

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Nightmare on Main Street: Unpacking 10 Scary Housing Trends Oct 30, 2024

From soaring mortgage rates to climate risks, the economic landscape of buying a home is filled with uncertainties that could terrify even the most seasoned investor.

Whether it’s government policies or technological innovations, there are a wide variety of external factors that wield immense influence over the trajectory of the property market. As investors, homeowners, and property professionals alike grapple with these challenges, understanding the impact of demographic shifts, natural catastrophes, and economic fluctuations becomes paramount.

The scarcity of housing supply, coupled with investor competition, reflects critical socioeconomic trends affecting communities across the U.S. Meanwhile, the existential threat of climate risks underscores the urgency of integrating sustainability into real estate strategies.

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with senior principal economist Molly Boesel to discuss where the market pressures are and what these influences mean for the property market at large.

In This Episode:

1:45 –Mortgage Interest Rates

3:55 – Rising debt-to-Income Ratio

5:49 – Downpayments

9:36 – Competition with Investors

12:53 – Rental Rates

15:03 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

16:16 – Lack of Inventory

18:31 – Climate Change

20:51 – Insurance

22:17 – Taxes

27:33 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

Up Next: Debunked! Top Three Housing Myths Dispelled

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Property Cybercrime Rising: What You Need to Know Oct 16, 2024

In recent years, cybercrime has surged across nearly every industry, with real estate emerging as a prime target for hackers. The shift toward digital transactions, coupled with the sensitive nature of real estate data, has made the sector a lucrative focus for cybercriminals.

From wire fraud to data breaches, the threats are evolving, posing significant risks to real estate agents, brokers, title companies, and even buyers and sellers.

Among the most pervasive issues is social engineering. These attacks often exploit the fast-paced, high-stress nature of real estate transactions, making them especially dangerous as buyers and sellers scramble to meet deadlines. The consequences? Anything from financial losses and operational shutdowns to irreparable reputational damage.

In this episode of Core Conversations, we dive deep into the cybersecurity challenges facing the real estate industry. Interim Chief Information Security Officer Rob Tennant, and Rob Love, a principal in advisory services product management, share their expert insights on the growing risks and explain why cybersecurity has become such a hot button issue in the property industry. They explore the rise of real estate wire fraud, discuss the vulnerabilities of agents and brokers in handling sensitive data, and offer tips on preventing cyberattacks from derailing transactions.

In This Episode:

2:28 – Why is the property industry such an appealing target for cybercrime?

3:46 – What are the impacts on the real estate industry from cybercrime? What are the impacts of losing personal data specifically?

6:44 – Where are the bad actors coming from?

9:19 – Are there unique differences between cybercrime in residential real estate and commercial real estate?

11:04 – Why is data security important for individual real estate agents?

14:21 – Are there also vulnerabilities in mortgage and insurance too?

17:16 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

18:36 – How do cybersecurity breaches happen?

21:52 – What are things to look out for to prevent wire fraud in real estate transactions?

24:33 – How can someone plan to combat systemic cybersecurity risk?

26:31 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

27:27 – What does the future look like for cybersecurity risk?

Up Next: How Could Gig Work and Automation Lead to More Mortgage Fraud?

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Geospatial Data: Superpowering AI Infrastructure Planning Oct 02, 2024

Over the next few years, it's estimated that nearly a trillion dollars will be spent on data centers, semiconductors, and power grid upgrades. And this is all just to meet the growing computational needs of AI technologies. In fact, industry estimates suggest that global data center capacity could double by 2030, but this growth is far from straightforward.

As AI technologies like generative AI continue to expand, the infrastructure needed to support them is growing at an unprecedented rate. However, data centers cannot just be built anywhere. Placement of new data centers isn’t just about finding enough land — it’s about balancing proximity to power plants, high-capacity transmission lines, and broadband infrastructure, while also considering environmental factors.

Location intelligence plays a pivotal role in this expansion.

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Joe Francica, Principal Product Manager in CoreLogic’s Location Intelligence Group discuss how geospatial tools can help mitigate some of these risks by identifying locations that are less vulnerable to natural hazards while also balancing the need for power and broadband access. As AI continues to evolve and the demand for data centers grows, having access to detailed geospatial data will give companies a strategic advantage in making informed, forward-looking decisions.

In This Episode:

2:11 – How much data center capacity will AI technologies (and their power consumption) require?

4:49 – Why is AI consuming so much energy?

8:55 – Which energy sources are data centers using and where are they generally located?

9:31 – How does the availability of broadband play into the equation?

10:40 – How does climate resilience come into play when looking for optimal locations of data centers?

13:04 – how is proximity to an electrical grid or transmission facility part of the equation?

14:29 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

15:40 – How are all the variables for optimum data center placement weighted. Is there a hierarchy of importance?

16:42 – Where is the optimal place in the U.S. for data centers?

20:05 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

20:59 – Where is AI is going to take us in terms of the demand for the data centers, and what do companies that are trying to get ahead of the curve need to think about?

Up Next: What Makes Geospatial Data Unique for Expanding Telco Infrastructure?

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How to Solve the U.S. Affordable Housing Crisis Sep 18, 2024

Affordability remains a persistent challenge in the U.S. housing market. With increasing concerns over housing costs, particularly post-pandemic, the affordability crisis has grown to affect millions of households across the country.

With nearly one-third of American households now considered cost burdened, the crisis has reached national prominence, even making its way into recent presidential addresses.

In this episode of Core Conversations, CoreLogic Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Industry Relations, Pete Carroll discusses key factors behind this, including income inequality, the undersupply of housing, and outdated zoning laws.

Carroll also touches on potential solutions like light-touch density, alternative housing types like townhomes and tiny homes, and the role of government land and subsidies in addressing the crisis.

Whether you’re a homebuyer, policymaker, or industry professional, this episode unpacks the realities behind America's housing affordability crisis and discusses what it will take to find lasting solutions.

In This Episode:

2:18 – What exactly is the definition of “affordability” and how big of an issue is it across the U.S.?

5:06 – Do certain areas of the country or particular populations have a more pronounced affordability problem?

6:26 – How did we get into this affordability crisis?

10:13 – Are homebuyers even looking for single-family homes? Are starter homes at the crux of the affordability issue?

11:28 – What are the opportunities to lessen the burden of homeownership?

14:41 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

16:27 – How does zoning affect affordability?

20:27 – How do building codes affect affordability?

23:31 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

24:08 – What are the first steps to “curing” the affordability crisis in the U.S.?

Up Next: What Is the Affordable Housing Crisis?

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Do Appraisers Have What It Takes to Value Short-Term Rentals? Sep 04, 2024

As cities across the country grapple with the rise of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, the implications for the property industry are becoming more complex. How do you accurately value a property that doubles as a business? What happens when local regulations change?

Despite the lingering questions in the industry, the rising demand for vacation homes and the allure of short-term rental platforms have carved out a significant niche in the market.

However, their increasing popularity brings new challenges, particularly for appraisers, lenders, and underwriters who must navigate the complexities of valuing these unique assets.

As housing affordability concerns grow and the U.S. faces a persistent housing shortage, some communities are clamping down on short-term rentals and imposing stricter regulations. Yet, despite these restrictions, short-term rentals are far from disappearing. Instead, they’re evolving, requiring a fresh approach to property valuation that considers not just the physical attributes of a home, but its potential as a revenue-generating business.

In This Episode:

2:19 – Why are short-term rentals (STR) currently a hot topic in the appraiser industry?

3:38 – Why does the business aspect of an STR make it unique for valuation?

8:34 – What happens when an owner-occupied property is turned into a STR? Does the valuation change?

10:00 – Can any appraiser value an STR?

12:52 – How do 1007 forms apply to STRs?

16:08 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

17:28 – What happens if a homeowners association steps in and determines that STRs are no longer allowed?

20:01 – What does the process of getting a loan on a STR look like?

22:45 – Where are things headed for appraisers looking to value STRs?

25:32 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

Up Next: Appraising PropTech Innovation: Do Short-Term Changes Have Long-Term Effects?

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Which Areas of the US Are Most Vulnerable to Extreme Heat? Aug 21, 2024

Extreme heat doesn’t just challenge our physical endurance; it has a ripple effect on nearly every aspect of our lives.

From contributing to the intensification of natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires to affecting property values, insurance risks, and even migration patterns, rising temperatures are worth paying attention to.

As natural disasters continue to accelerate in pace and intensity, it’s becoming clear that both homeowners and businesses must adapt to a new normal—one where extreme heat and its related perils are key considerations in every decision.

In this conversation, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith talks to CoreLogic's Chief Scientist, Dr. Howard Botts to discuss how extreme heat is reshaping the property landscape. The conversation touches on the evolving risks that both homeowners and insurers must navigate as well as how extreme heat is affecting business considerations.

As the conversation explores these challenges, the pair also looks at how communities and businesses are beginning to adapt, using new technologies and strategies to build resilience against a hotter future.

In This Episode:

2:08 – What is extreme heat, scientifically speaking?

5:10 – What are the impacts of extreme heat from a property perspective?

7:12 – How many U.S. properties are exposed to extreme heat and what is the value of those exposed properties?

10:03 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

11:27 – How will additional days of extreme heat make natural disaster events worse?

15:53 – What are the knock-on effects of accelerating natural disasters on climate change?

19:22 – Do businesses have extreme heat on the radar as a peril that affects bottom lines?

21:03 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

22:51 – How will extreme heat affect land-use planning and climate resiliency?

Up Next: The Most Climate-Resilient Places to Live in the US According to Data Science

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What Drives Public Perception of Climate Migration? Aug 07, 2024

Have you ever wondered what happens to communities when climate change forces people to move?

The economic and social ramifications are both complex and far-reaching. From community fragmentation to insurers potentially refusing coverage in high-risk areas, there are profound consequences stemming from not adapting to a climate in which natural disasters are accelerating.

Dr. Kaitlin Raimi, an associate professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, has researched the multifaceted nature of climate migration, and in this episode of Core Conversations, she sits down with host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to examine how regions like the Rust Belt might emerge as new havens for climate migrants and what measures communities can adopt to enhance their resilience. Dr. Raimi and Maiclaire also discuss the potential for policies to help communities adapt and support their residents in the face of climate change.

In this episode, explore how Americans view climate migrants, how policies could become a crucial factor influencing climate migration, and what the broader impacts of migration may mean for American society and the economy.

In This Episode:

1:38 – What is climate migration and where do migrants typically originate from?

3:32 – How is the U.S. public reacting to major natural disasters and how are these disasters influencing migration patterns?

5:06 – Will it require insurers to cease writing new policies to raise awareness about the impact of accelerating natural disasters?

8:30 – How are U.S. communities perceiving the influx of migrants from wildfire-prone or hurricane-prone states?

10:38 – Why are the Rust Belt states gaining attention as a climate haven?

12:53 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

13:50 – What are some adaptability measure that are available to keep people in their communities?

18:59 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

20:27 – What is the future of climate change migration and what ripple effects will this have at the national level?

Up Next: University of Miami Researcher Weighs in on Key 2024 Hurricanes Season Trends

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Why Measuring Climate Risk Means Financial Stability for US Banks Jul 24, 2024

Ever wondered how a hurricane might impact the financial sector, or why granular data on property locations is essential? Curious about how these findings might influence future governmental policies and corporate risk management strategies?

The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) was too. This year, the FRB asked six major U.S. banks to scrutinize their resilience to physical climate risks. This pilot study aimed to understand the financial stability of the mortgage loan ecosystem in the face of accelerating climate risk, and the results revealed significant data gaps and reliability issues that banks need to address.

The identification of these gaps underscores the need for detailed, data-driven understanding when measuring the evolving impact of climate risk.

To discuss the link between understanding climate risk and financial stability, Kent David, Director of Hazard Science and Analytics Consulting, and George Gallagher, Director of Climate Risk and Natural Hazard Solutions join Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith.

In this episode, the trio discusses how the banks approached climate risk, the challenges of integrating granular data, and the critical importance of understanding insurance market dynamics in this context.

In This Episode:

2:08 – Why is the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) looking at the intersection between climate risk modeling and enterprise risk management?

5:09 – What exactly did the FRB find in their pilot study?

8:15 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

9:23 – The FRB study found that there was limited data and limited reliability in model output. What does that mean?

13:40 – How will more granular data help improve models? And what exactly qualifies as quality granular data?

16:45 – Why can’t historical climate patterns be used for forecasting models?

18:27 – What are some of these consequences that the different industries might be facing in the wake of accelerating climate risk?

21:58 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

22:35 – Is it possible to anticipate what may happen long-term with the climate and how it will affect business operations?

Up Next: SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline Pause: Why Companies Benefit

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University of Miami Researcher Weighs in on Key 2024 Hurricanes Season Trends Jul 10, 2024

As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, the climate signals are anything but typical. The transition from El Niño to La Niña and unprecedented sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic have meteorologists and communities paying close attention to the potential severity and frequency of this year's hurricane potential.

Warmer ocean temperatures can fuel more intense hurricanes that cause widespread destruction, including severe flooding and wind damage, as well as long-term economic and social disruptions. With coastal populations growing, the consequences of a major hurricane can be catastrophic. The combination of this season’s meteorological patterns and growth along the Gulf Coast underscores the need for proactive planning and resilience.

In this episode, Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science talks to podcast host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to explore the implications of current climate conditions and how they might influence hurricane activity for the 2024 season. The discussion will also include an exploration of how communities should prepare for a hurricane season that is expected to be quite active.

In This Episode:

1:55 – What can we expect from the 2024 hurricane season?

3:33 – To what degree do the current metrological phenomena make this season unprecedented?

6:56 – Why didn’t ocean temperatures result in an extreme hurricane season in 2023?

9:17 – Why doesn’t a major hurricane year always equate to a large loss year for insurance?

11:08 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

12:28 – What does sea level rise mean for hurricane season?

15:06 – Is there still room for the National Hurricane Center to reduce incertitude in its cone of uncertainty models?

19:33 – How do hurricane models differ and how can they be interpreted for different uses?

23:12 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

23:58 – Where can you find more of Brian McNoldy’s research?

Up Next: Building Codes Cost. But What is Resiliency Actually Worth?

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Where Are Labor and Material Cost Affecting Housing Affordability? Jun 26, 2024

As the landscape of the housing market continues to evolve, one topic continues to remain at the forefront: affordability.

It’s a topic we frequently explore on this podcast because it touches every facet of the property market, including the rising costs of construction. With more people moving to more affordable regions, there’s a notable impact on both home prices and the costs associated with building new homes.

As inflation remains elevated, people are migrating to more affordable areas, and the construction industry is feeling the strain with a shortage of workers, causing affordability to erode.

Building a house involves numerous components — drywall, copper pipes, shingles, and more. Each of these materials, along with labor costs, plays a significant role in the overall price of construction. While the prices of materials have decreased since their peak during the pandemic, the overall cost of building remains a challenge due to labor shortages and other economic pressures.

To delve deeper into the dynamics between material and labor costs and affordability in the housing market, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith is joined by Jay Thies, associate vice president of Pricing Analysis and Delivery at CoreLogic.

In This Episode:

2:30 – What has changed in recent months in terms of construction and labor prices?

5:59 – How will declining material costs influence new construction trends?

7:45 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

9:24 – There is increasing interest in the construction trades. How will this affect the property market long-term?

12:11 – How are natural catastrophes affecting labor and material costs?

13:31 – Is there a correlation between population migration patterns and the price of labor and materials?

16:29 – In which markets are construction prices cooling off?

17:24 – Crystal Ball: What does the future of labor and material costs look like?

19:35 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

Up Next: Is There Actually a Lumber Shortage?

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Building Codes Cost. But What is Resiliency Actually Worth? Jun 12, 2024

As the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes intensify, the need to strengthen the resiliency of communities against these perils is increasingly urgent. Building codes are a critical tool in this endeavor. However, their adoption and enforcement vary significantly across states. A recent report from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) underscores the lack of uniformity in building code implementation among states vulnerable to hurricanes.

While some states, like Florida, have stringent codes that help to reinforce home resilience, other states like Texas grapple with disparities in code adoption, amplifying vulnerability to hurricane-related damages.

This divergent approach to building codes has far-reaching implications for disaster preparedness and response.

With the arrival of the 2024 hurricane season, understanding the intersection between building codes, community resilience, and climate change is key for entities developing mitigation strategies anchored in resilience.

To talk about the importance of building codes, address concerns regarding up-front costs versus long-term benefits, and discuss the success of stronger structures in weathering storms, Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith is joined by CoreLogic's Director of Catastrophe Response, Jon Schneyer.

In This Episode:

2:41 – Why are building codes so important, and how can older buildings be retrofitted to code?

6:18 – Examining one of the most famous examples of building codes in action.

8:04 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

9:14 – Looking at the differences between Texas and Florida building codes, according to the IBHS report.

11:21 – Is mitigation through building codes a financially sound investment?

14:36 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

15:41 – What could the inconsistent use of building codes in Texas mean if a strong hurricane hits the state this year?

17:52 – How is hurricane risk developing, and how can you understand your risk?

Up Next: SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline Pause: Why Companies Benefit

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What Are the Ethical Implications of AI in the Property Industry? May 29, 2024

A full 67% of IT senior leaders are prioritizing generative AI for their businesses, according to Salesforce data. This statistic underscores the growing importance of AI in today's business landscape and highlights the urgency of understanding its implications.

Although AI is not new technology, over the past couple of years, it has reshaped industries. But with its rise comes a myriad of questions and concerns, ranging from technical complexities to ethical implications.

From forecasting floods to streamlining insurance claims, AI is revolutionizing how we interact with property data and make decisions. But as we navigate this technological landscape, we must also address the ethical dimensions of AI, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Amy Gromowski, CoreLogic vice president, head of Data Science, delve into these questions surrounding AI, exploring its potential, challenges, and ethical considerations.

In This Episode:

2:35 – Explain AI like I’m a five-year-old.

5:31 – AI not new technology. How long has CoreLogic been using it?

7:05 – Why is data security and integrity so crucial for AI models?

10:03 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market with The Sip.

11:12 – What can we do to limit implicit bias and explicit bias in AI models?

15:52 – What does it mean to responsibly use AI?

18:48 – Erika Stanley talks about what is happening in the world of natural disasters.

20:19 – What will widespread adoption of AI look like for the property industry? Will this ever transpire?

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Up Next: Some Insurers Banned AI — Will Insurtech Bring It Back?

Can Housing Market Foreclosures Remain Low as Consumer Debt Rises? May 15, 2024

As housing prices remain elevated, it's crucial to examine the other side of the coin, where worries about affordability linger despite the substantial equity many homeowners have amassed.

In a housing market characterized by high prices, soaring equity, and ballooning consumer debt, it is worth examining mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates, which are currently hovering around historic lows.

But what's behind this trend, and what does it signify for the future of the housing market and real estate?

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel examine the monumental increases in home prices over the past decade, the subsequent strain on affordability, and how these trends have been exacerbated by a surge in mortgage rates and a persistent scarcity of housing supply.

Compounding the market complexity is the relationship between mortgage delinquencies and consumer debt. Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, mortgage delinquencies are at historic lows, buoyed by a robust job market and homeowners' substantial equity cushions.

Maiclaire and Molly unpack how rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas are stretching household budgets and how people can navigate through the uncertainties of potential economic shifts while maintaining an optimistic outlook for the housing market.

In This Episode:

1:54 – What is the state of affordability in the U.S. economy?
3:26 – How are mortgages affected by overall real estate market trends?
5:15 – Why is it important to track mortgage delinquencies?
7:49 – How does rising consumer debt affect property owners’ ability to pay mortgages? Is it a leading indicator that there may be more late payments soon?
11:15 – What is the status of foreclosures in the market?
12:42 – How are mortgage servicers using equity to protect property owners from late payment and foreclosure?
15:46 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.
17:08 – How have home equity gains differed across the U.S.?
19:52 – Are there certain states where the potential for mortgage delinquencies is higher?
20:35 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world
22:00 – What does the future look like for mortgage delinquencies are foreclosures?

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Up Next: Are Investors and Interest Rates Abolishing the Dream of Homeownership?

Why Valuing Barndominiums, Tiny Homes Needs the Cost Approach May 01, 2024

Whether you're valuing, insuring, underwriting or even simply buying and selling real estate, understanding the nuances of property valuation is crucial.

But why do homes have so many different values and what role does each value play in the grand scheme of things? From market value to insurable value to the cost approach, who you are and what type of value you’re looking for plays a pivotal role in how you consider property values.

But then there is the world of unconventional homes like barndominiums and tiny houses.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Ed Martinez, director of industry solutions at CoreLogic, discuss how a home's location, size and effective age make the cost approach an excellent benchmark when valuing these unique properties.

In This Episode:

2:12 – An explanation of why there are different values on the same property.

3:26 – What is the cost approach and why can’t all property valuations be uniform?

5:38 – How does the value of land factor into overall valuations?

6:58 – How do you influence the effective age of a structure? Is it really kitchen and bathroom remodels?

8:42 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

10:05 – Why are barndominiums so popular right now?

12:27 – For non-traditional homes, why is the cost approach the most accurate method?

15:22 – How much of a cost savings do barndominiums offer, really?

18:12 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

19:22 – What are the most important factors when assessing the value of a home?

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Up Next: Which U.S. Metros Sit in the Crosshairs of Remote Work Migration?

SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline Pause: Why Companies Benefit Apr 17, 2024

On March 6, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sent shockwaves through the financial world by mandating that publicly traded companies disclose details about how climate change affects their businesses. However, this rule hit a roadblock on April 4 when legal challenges led the SEC to pause the implementation timeline, throwing compliance requirements into uncertainty.

While the future of this rule is in limbo, the implications of such a mandate for businesses, investors, and the economy are immense. Should the SEC reinstate the rule following litigation, it will be a fundamental shift in how corporations assess and report climate-related risks, potentially reshaping investment strategies and business models.

To navigate this labyrinthine, we're joined by Russell McIntyre, a seasoned policy analyst at CoreLogic. Russell sheds light on the intricacies of the SEC ruling, dissecting its reporting requirements and the implications of the uncertain implementation timeline.

This discussion also covers the reasons why, despite this pause in implementation, businesses should prepare for these reporting requirements and what data and analysis future compliance will require.

In This Episode:

1:56 – What happened with this SEC ruling? What does the stay mean for implementation timelines?

4:07 – What is the mood on Capitol Hill following the pause on this landmark rule?

5:43 – What happened to make the SEC put these rulings into effect now?

8:45 – What are the reporting requirements in this rule?

11:06 – Even though there’s a pause, why should companies still prepare for this type of reporting?

13:46 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

15:03 – Russell and Maiclaire discuss what parts of the rule they wish weren’t removed.

16:49 – Why insurance recovery data may soon be public investor information.

19:49 – How can companies gather the necessary data to comply with these rules in the future?

20:28 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

21:37 – Is this just the first step in a larger effort to disclose climate risk?

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Up Next: Can Property Data Accurately Predict Shifts in the Property Market?

Can Property Data Accurately Predict Shifts in the Property Market? Apr 03, 2024

In today's ever-changing property market, decisions can be swayed by fluctuating interest rates, population shifts, affordability concerns, and climate challenges. However, one constant remains to provide a clear path forward: data-driven insights.

From guiding high-level business decisions to shaping regulatory policies, data has become the cornerstone for professionals navigating the property market. But with the proliferation of data comes the challenge of harnessing its potential. Where does one begin when seeking actionable insights in a sea of information?

It all begins with technologies that can translate the vast quantities of data collected within the property industry into insights that inspire action. Whether it’s the transformative power of geospatial data, the role of predictive analytics in risk mitigation, or the implications of emerging technologies like generative AI, these technology solutions will leave their marks on the future of the property business.

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic’s Chief Innovation Officer John Rogers to dive into the untapped potential of data and its profound impact on the future of real estate.

In This Episode:

2:40 – What is Climate Risk Analytics and how does it help mitigate the financial impact of climate change that the SEC now requires?
5:24 – Can banks, companies, and homeowners see the effects of a changing climate on a single property?
8:12 – What kind of data is needed to power forecasting efforts and define development plans?
10:40 – How does geospatial data help define wildfire risk? What else can it help enterprises determine?
13:33 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.
14:51 – Have there been any surprising migration patterns that geospatial data has identified?
17:31 – Who is John and why does he always have a giant screen?
20:28 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.
21:51 – How can we ensure that there are good data inputs powering gen AI to avoid the consequences of the adage “garbage in, garbage out”?

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Up Next: Some Insurers Banned AI — Will Insurtech Bring It Back?

What Makes Geospatial Data Unique to Expand Telco Infrastructure? Mar 20, 2024

In the telecommunications industry, navigating infrastructure investments to draft a road map for 5G success is a complex but necessary undertaking. Success requires both location intelligence and geospatial data.

As the needs for 5G infrastructure increase in parallel with the demand for connectivity for everything from core networks to self-driving cars and wearable devices, it’s imperative to not only understand how much connectivity to provide today but also where it will be needed tomorrow.

From respecting regulatory compliance to pinpointing growth hot spots, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and guest Joe Francica, a principal on the location intelligence product team, discuss how infrastructure planners in the telco industry can get ahead in the race for connectivity supremacy.

In This Episode

2:11 – What is the difference between location intelligence and geospatial data, and how dramatically can the data points influence infrastructure project placement?
4:55 – How can the infrastructure required for the expansion of 5G networks rely on location intelligence?
8:55 – Are there any particular regions seeing especially high demand for bandwidth?
11:02 – Erika Stanley does the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.
12:59 – What is the first step to define a target area for 5G infrastructure expansion?
14:36 – Compliance and regulation considerations are woven into the telecommunications industry, how can location intelligent data help ensure compliance?
17:18 – Why is rural 5G infrastructure a big deal?
18: 02 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

Links:

Up Next: Which U.S. Metros Sit in the Crosshairs of Remote Work Migration?

Are Investors and Interest Rates Abolishing the Dream of Homeownership? Mar 06, 2024

Soaring U.S. rental prices have prompted discussions about the nation's trajectory towards a renter-centric society.

From the exorbitant rental prices in Miami to the ongoing wisdom that homeownership is an advantageous financial decision, as renters and homeowners search for affordability and stability, they will need to navigate an increasingly complex market.

With rental costs experiencing a staggering 30% increase over a three-year period, this episode of Core Conversations examines various factors contributing to this phenomenon, including a severe shortage of rental properties, heightened demand from new households, and the impact of high mortgage rates on homeownership rates.

As Americans search for solutions to growing rental prices, build-to-rent communities have stepped into this dynamic. These developments offer solutions to the rental supply crisis but also raise questions about the long-term impact of these communities on local economies and housing market dynamics.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel discuss the complex interplay between economic factors, housing policies, and societal trends shaping the rental landscape in the United States.

In This Episode

2:29 – Why are rents so expensive? Is the lack of affordability transforming the U.S. into a land of renters?
7:38 – How does the recent 30% increase in rental prices compare to the long-term average? How do rent-controlled apartments skew the growth?
9:10 – Looking at regional rent affordability and what happened in Miami.
10:15 – How is the rental economy distributed between single-family and multifamily units? Is the build-to-rent economy further tipping the balance?
16:46 – Who is investing in these build-to-rent communities? Is it venture capitalism? Banks? Individual investors? And how are these communities impacting local economies?
17:39 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market.
18:39 – How are high rental prices correlated with the slowdown in homeownership rates?
19:48 – Why are first-time homebuyers still making up a large share of buyers despite high interest rates?
21:42 – Erika Stanley reviews global natural catastrophes and their effect on the insurance market.
23:00 – Are there advantages to being a renter versus a homeowner even in the current rental market?

Links:

Up Next: Why US Property Retains Its Value Compared to Other Global Markets

What Can 2023 Teach Us About Future Natural Catastrophes? Feb 21, 2024

It already seems like 2023 is long ago, but the consequences of natural disasters and the lessons we’ve learned from them are far from the past.

Record-breaking hailstorms; devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii; and other catastrophic events made global headlines, and for good reason. Historical patterns are changing – just look at the increasing rapid intensification of storms and sea-surface temperatures. However, changing climate patterns do not mean that there is no way to ensure resilience.

Research, property data, stringent building codes, and a commitment to preparedness are all lessons that insurers and homeowners can glean from 2023 to get ready to mitigate property risk for the 2024 season.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Director of Catastrophe Response Jon Schneyer look into what happened in the world of natural catastrophes in 2023. They also examine what we can learn from these events to give listeners a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between weather phenomena, human settlement patterns, and disaster response strategies.

In This Episode

1:34 – What is the biggest natural catastrophe story from 2023, and why was it record-setting?

4:04 – Looking into how population growth centers are increasing hail damage costs.

6:20 – What dominated international headlines for natural catastrophes – it wasn’t hurricanes.

8:52 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in the Sip.

10:12 – How did El Niño and sea surface temperatures interact to influence hurricane season 2023?

13:35 – Wildfires in California were tempered, but will this continue in 2024?

16:17 – Why were the wildfires in Maui so devastating?

18:45 – What can we learn from these devastating natural catastrophes? (Hint: Building codes are important.)

21:42 – Erika Stanley discusses current natural catastrophe events.

Links:

Up Next: Are Insurers Prepared for an El Niño-Fueled Hurricane Season?

Some Insurers Banned AI — Will Insurtech Bring It Back? Feb 07, 2024

Insurance is a topic of perennial interest, but it is not often discussed for furthering cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and machine learning. However, Insurtech, with its ability to redefine business models and leverage cutting-edge technologies, has left an indelible mark on the insurance industry landscape.

Whether it’s a homeowner navigating insurance policies or an industry professional charting the course for future business growth, Insurtech’s broad reach has enabled companies to take on new types of risks to reshape risk management strategies in the face of evolving climate risk and changing regulations.

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with InsTech CEO Matthew Grant. The two unpack just how far the industry has come and how far things still need to go as bleeding-edge technologies come to the forefront of the international conversation and stand to bridge the gap between this traditional industry and the evolution of consumer expectations.

In This Episode:

3:13 – How insurance won out over technological innovations, leaving homeowners to purchase policies in a traditional manner.

4:22 – So why did technology revolutionize the way insurers underwrite policies?

7:22 – As data leads to increased visibility for risk, how does that affect insurers ability to offer coverage?

8:40 – How tech tools put the power in the hands of a policyholder to speed up the claims process.

10:17 – Where does AI have the most potential to expedite the claims process?

12:52 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market with The Sip.

13:55 – Will generative AI and algorithmic underwriting define the future of insurance decisions?

16:05 – Why has reinsurance been so quick to adopt new technology?

18:43 – Erika Stanley talks about what is happening in the world of natural disasters.

20:21 – Is the Insurtech revolution over, or is it only beginning?

Links:

Up Next: How Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD

4

How Will Big Data Automation Impact Insurance Field Data? Jan 24, 2024

As the claims and restoration business adapt to pressures of surging inflation, persistent labor shortages and the escalating frequency of natural disasters, automation has emerged as an investment avenue to help streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

However, not all technology solutions are created equal. In an industry when data fidelity is crucial for those in the field and automation is increasingly a stopgap amid ongoing staffing challenges, the insurance claims industry is increasingly seeking solutions that address these hurdles, while adhering to complex requirements from industry standards.

Discover the evolving landscape of insurance claims, the challenges it faces and the innovative solutions technology provides. Stay tuned for insights into the future, where CoreLogic Senior Principal of Industry Relations Brandon Burton unveils Mitigate, CoreLogic’s groundbreaking field documentation tool set to revolutionize data fidelity and reduce the time burden on technicians.

Find out more about CoreLogic's Mitigate product

In This Episode:

1:57 – How has technology altered the claims side of the insurance industry?

4:08 – Why hasn’t technology already solved existing challenges within the industry?

5:43 – What are some recent changes to industry standards and how have they specifically impacted the industry?

8:15 – How dramatically are labor shortages affecting the claims and restoration industries?

10:19 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

11:56 – How can automation help alleviate the strain imposed by labor shortages?

13:03 – The American National Standards Institute maintains a list of industry standards; which standards are upcoming and which are up for revision?

14:53 – Erika Stanley talks about what is happening in the world of natural disasters.

16:36 – What is on the horizon for claims professionals?

18:49 – What is Mitigate, and why is it going to facilitate industry advancement?

Links:

Up Next: How Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

4

Which U.S. Metros Sit in the Crosshairs of Remote Work Migration? Jan 10, 2024

In the first episode of Season 4 of Core Conversations, Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp dive into the aftermath of the pandemic's influence on migration patterns and how remote work has reshaped the housing landscape.

While the pandemic may no longer dominate headlines, it continues to exert its influence. Remote work opportunities flourished, prompting an exodus from high-cost coastal metros to more affordable regions. This migration then spurred home price inflation across the country, while also altering income distribution, patterns of gentrification and urban sprawl.

The consequences for major cities are profound. Already, large metros have been presented with challenges in retaining high-wage workers, navigating shrinking tax bases and facing declining home prices. Conversely, smaller towns have experienced upticks in wages and local spending.

This episode explores the ripple effects of these changes, discussing how cities like San Francisco and New York are adapting and how smaller, more affordable metros are seizing opportunities. Similarly, going forward, it will be critical to ponder the long-term consequences of remote work on cities' functions and how they can reinvent themselves.

In This Episode:

2:29 – What is "pandemic migration" and how did remote work enable this trend?

4:05 – Will there be any long-term consequences for cities and towns from remote work migration?

7:06 – What are the economic and housing market implications of migration to more affordable areas?

10:28 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

12:13 – What is the future for America's high-price cities and tech hubs?

16:11 – How will migration influence the future of small towns?

17:33 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.

18:40 – How have U.S. home prices fared in the face of this continued migration?

22:44 – How have high interest rates affected migration trends and home prices?

Links:

Up Next: 2023 Economic Look Back: A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

What Is the 2024 Economic Outlook for the Property Industry Dec 06, 2023

What is the future of the U.S. economy? Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp dive into this perennial question in the final episode of Core Conversations: Season 3.

From incremental home sales increases to gradually declining mortgage rates, there is a lot that we can expect to happen in 2024. However, geopolitical risks, such as oil prices and inflation, have the potential to impact the trajectory of mortgage rates and change the development of the overall housing market.

Tune into this final episode of the season to gain insights into the uncertain future of the housing market, as well as what current trends and property data indicate is likely to develop as we pass into the new year.

In This Episode:

0:40 – A summary of what happened in the 2023 housing market.

1:23 – What does Selma expect to be the 2024 economic outlook?

5:40 – Erika Stanley reviews the natural disasters reported on by CoreLogic's Hazard HQ Command Central

7:33 – INTRCONNECT 2024 is coming to Austin

Links:

Up Next: 2023 Economic Look Back: A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

2023 Economic Look Back: A Tale of Two Housing Markets Nov 29, 2023

In the season finale of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp dive into a discussion about the dynamic landscape of the U.S. housing market in 2023.

This year, mortgage rates surged by almost 500 basis points, home prices catapulted by 42% over three years and mortgage payments witnessed a staggering 60% hike. This episode peels back the layers of the housing market, exploring the sometimes-contrasting contexts of the real estate sector with the larger economy.

One of the major topics that this discussion covers is why some homeowners can navigate these economic shifts while others grapple with pressing affordability challenges. Although housing affordability is a crucial point for both homeowners and renters, according to Pete Carroll, executive of public policy for CoreLogic, the affordable housing crisis is a bit of a misnomer. At its core, the crisis is due to a lack of housing inventory with respect to demand.

So, how is it that the U.S. has arrived at a point where inventory is low, prices and interest rates are climbing, and rentals seem out of reach in some markets?

As 2023 comes to an end, join the conversation to reflect on what happened, where we are now, and what we can expect in the future of the U.S. housing economy.

In This Episode:

1:58 – What have the general trends been in the U.S. economy in 2023?

4:09 – Why was there a disconnect in how the housing market and the overall economy fared?

6:05 – How much of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) does housing represent? Did inflation dramatically effect this percentage?

7:47 – Discussing the housing market slowdown of 2023

10:35 – Erika Stanley reviews the number in the housing market in The Sip.

12:08 – How did the U.S. rental market do in 2023?

15:26 – What is the future for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) with the current rates of inflation?

18:05 – How did the lock-in effect affect the overall housing market?

Links:

Up Next: Occupancy Fraud May Be the Next Risk for the Mortgage Industry

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Why the US Mortgage System Is a Shield From Inflation Nov 15, 2023

Ever wondered why the U.S. mortgage market offers 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages and what impact this unique loan offering has on housing prices? This is a question that host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Professional Economist Thom Malone dive into during part two of this episode on the differences between the U.S. and international housing markets.

From the surprising benefits of the U.S. system for homeowners to the potential hazards in concentrating mortgage risk, this conversation explores the effects of inflation on housing prices, drawing connections to global trends. Stay tuned until the end for insights into if and where property markets will experience shifts in the upcoming months.

To continue the conversation and connect the dots between interest rates, inflation and housing prices, make sure to tune into Episode 60 as well.

In This Episode

1:04 – What are the advantages/disadvantages of the U.S.’s 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage system?
2:56 – How do interest rate increases affect housing prices in other countries?
5:46 – Are there specific U.S. markets where we’re seeing the potential for people to default on their mortgages?
8:20 – How does the national cycle of housing price change express itself? (Hint: like a waterfall)
10:50 – Are international markets seeing similar home price trends to the U.S.?
12:11 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the globe.
13:51 – What can we expect to see from home prices in the next few months?

Links:

Up Next: Why US Property Retains Its Value Compared to Other Global Markets

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Why US Property Retains Its Value Compared to Other Global Markets Nov 08, 2023

Property is the world’s largest asset class, so any fluctuation within this market has far-reaching effects. Just consider how property values in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. have sent ripples throughout the global economy.

There are many factors that affect the housing market, and one is the amount of investment activity. Investors contributed to the dramatic home price growth seen in recent years. The surge in investor activity significantly impacted home prices, but the precise extent of this influence remains a subject of ongoing debate among economists.

Another factor affecting the property market is interest rates. When these rates plummeted several years ago, housing prices surged across the world. Then rates began to climb, and the substantial home price gains seen in the aforementioned countries began to correct. But home prices in the U.S. have remained above their 2020 peak, defying expectations.

That leaves the question: Why is the U.S. an outlier in the property market?

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Professional Economist Thom Malone to discuss the effect that the U.S. securitized mortgage system and investor activity has had on both the national and global property markets.

In This Episode:

2:04 – What has happened to housing prices since the pandemic and what makes 2023 such a pivotal year?

5:47 – Who are the investors that are participating in the market? Who are the mega investors and what role do they play?

8:33 – How has investor activity impacted home prices?

10:54 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.

12:05 – What is happening in the world of international housing prices?

14:16 – What are the advantages and disadvantages of the U.S.’s securitized mortgage system?

19:53 – Maiclaire Bolton Smith and Thom Malone talk about their experiences speaking with friends from their home countries about buying a house in the U.S.

Links:

Read CoreLogic Intelligence

Register for INTRCONNECT 2024

Up Next: What Is the Future of Mortgage Interest Rates in the Current Real Estate Market?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

How Could Gig Work and Automation Lead to More Mortgage Fraud? Oct 25, 2023

Instances of mortgage fraud have remained relatively stable in recent years. In the second quarter of 2023, CoreLogic estimates that 1 in 134 applications contained fraud, up from 1 in 131 during the same period in 2022. But that doesn’t mean that lenders shouldn’t be on the lookout for warning signs.

In the 2023 Mortgage Fraud Report, researchers found that suspected occupancy loans have nearly tripled since 2020. This type of fraud, which is difficult to spot during origination, typically occurs when someone identifies an investment property as a primary residence to obtain more favorable rates. Not only is this subcategory of fraud requiring more attention, but a changing economy and the increase in automation is bringing unique challenges to the industry.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Bridget Berg, a senior leader in loan solutions at CoreLogic, to talk about who ends up paying when someone defaults on a loan and how automation may open the door for increased fraud.

In This Episode:

0:53 – Who ends up paying when someone default on a loan that has fraud and what happens to lenders that have to buy back loans?

4:10 – Does the normalization of automated underwriting have the potential to lead to more mortgage fraud?

6:30 – Are cash-based borrowers without traditional credit histories turning mortgage fraud more of a concern?

9:07 – Erika Stanley gives an overview of natural disaster headlines from CoreLogic's Hazard HQ Command Central.

10:58 – What does the future of fraud risk look like.

Links:

Up Next: HELOC Loans May Be the Next Threat for Mortgage Fraud

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Occupancy Fraud May Be the Next Risk for the Mortgage Industry Oct 18, 2023

Elevated interest rates have had ripple effects across the U.S. property market. From the appearance of the lock-in effect, which has slowed down home purchases, to increasing questions of affordability, the climbing cost of taking out a mortgage has spurred many to consider how to lower the price tag.

One trend that CoreLogic® has spotted in the property market is an increase in suspected occupancy fraud. In the 2023 Mortgage Fraud Report, researchers found that suspected occupancy loans have nearly tripled since 2020. This type of fraud, which is difficult to spot during origination, typically occurs when someone identifies an investment property as a primary residence to obtain more favorable rates.

Despite this uptick in the subcategory, the overall instance of mortgage fraud has remained relatively flat. In the second quarter of 2023, CoreLogic estimates that 1 in 134 applications contained fraud, up from 1 in 131 during the same period in 2022.

But occupancy fraud is not the only tactic on the table. In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Bridget Berg, a senior leader in loan solutions at CoreLogic, to talk about the types of mortgage fraud, where it is most prevalent in the industry and why it can be so difficult to detect.

In This Episode:

2:19 – An overview of the prevalence of fraud through the years.

3:56 – Host Maiclaire describes what it’s like to go through a routine audit following a mortgage, and guest Bridget Berg explains the different ways people can defraud lenders.

5:56 – Is there more fraud happening now than in previous years? How did the pandemic change the trend?

8:29 – Why should occupancy fraud should be top of mind for lenders?

9:47 – Is mortgage fraud difficult to detect, and are there triggers and are there ways that lenders can identify risks?

11:16 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the property market in The Sip.

12:33 – A discussion about the fraud risk associated with occupancy declarations and HELOC loans.

Links:

Up Next: HELOC Loans May Be the Next Threat for Mortgage Fraud

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

How Will Climate Change Influence Wildfires in the US? Oct 04, 2023

Wildfires are an annual occurrence in many areas of the U.S. However, as our climate changes, fires are beginning to ignite in areas that are traditionally at low risk. Just look at the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Despite the increasing number of regions experiencing wildfires, only about 9% of U.S. properties meet the threshold for high or extreme wildfire risk. So how exactly is this risk measured and what role can mitigation play in reducing this natural danger?

In this episode host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Chief Actuary Howard Kunst to talk about this subject. The two will discuss the wildfire season with a focus on California — one of the most high-profile, wildfire-burdened states in the country — and how the historic rainfall from earlier this year will influence upcoming wildfire risk.

In This Episode:

1:25 – California had one of the wettest winters on record last year. How has that changed wildfire risk in the state? Hint: It didn’t necessarily improve things.

4:08 – Why is awareness of wildfires important for mitigation and how do we create awareness in low-risk areas?

6:07 – Is climate change really making wildfires worse?

7:30 – Erika Stanley talks about extreme weather events in the Natural Disaster Digest.

Links:

Up Next: Does Low Wildfire Risk Create a False Sense of Security?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Does Low Wildfire Risk Create a False Sense of Security? Spoiler: Yes Sep 27, 2023

Knowing the wildfire risk of a home is becoming increasingly important — both for homeowners and insurers. However, it is insufficient to simply know that there is a probability of a wildfire occurring at a certain property. It is imperative to understand the development of historic risks into current risks and how this score will evolve in the future. After all, low risk today does not mean no risk tomorrow.

While only about 9% of U.S. properties meet the threshold for high or extreme wildfire risk, it is worth questioning why wildfires are creating increasingly large damage figures for homeowners and insurers. In short, climate change, where homes are built, and their construction type all play a role.

However, that is not the full story.

Understanding how risk scores are created, what a property’s risk score actually means, and knowing how to promote mitigation — even among homes that qualify as low risk — are essential strategies for maintaining safety in environments that are experiencing prolonged and more frequent wildfire seasons than usual.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Chief Actuary Howard Kunst to talk about wildfire risk, how to use a risk score to map those potential threats, and what different actions insurers can take based on the score.

In this Episode:

2:14 – How do we calculate wildfire risk?

3:25 – How are these scores used and why are they different than probabilistic models?

7:04 – How long is a risk score valid, and why is it wise to annually evaluate risk scores across a property portfolio?

8:52 – What are the thresholds for low, medium and high risk? Why are nearly all U.S. properties low risk?

12:08 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the property market with The Sip.

13:15 – Why are low-risk areas like Maui, Hawaii seeing wildfire events that cause widespread devastation?

Links:

Up Next: Can Wildfire Mitigation Stop the California Insurer Exodus?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Are Insurers Prepared for an El Niño-Fueled Hurricane Season? Sep 13, 2023

El Niño has undoubtedly impacted the 2023 hurricane season. But it is not the only weather pattern that is exerting influence. Ocean temperature — also known as sea surface temperature — is also driving the storms swirling in the Atlantic Ocean. As reports of record-breaking temperatures in the Atlantic appeared this summer, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began to postulate that this season will be an above-average one.

As the season progresses, the question has now become: How will insurers fare if one, two or even several storms bring damage to the U.S. housing market?

Another burning question that this conversation touches on is how this summer’s Typhoon Dora in the Pacific Ocean may have created weather patterns that influenced the August wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith continues the conversation with CoreLogic's Director of Catastrophe Response Jon Schneyer to talk about if insurers are ready for another storm to hit the U.S. and what this season could bring.

In This Episode:

0:44 - How is the insurance industry going to fare if we get multiple bad storms this year?

3:45 – What does the appearance of EL Niño mean for Pacific hurricane activity? Are the devastating wildfires of Maui connected to this climate phenomenon?

6:18 – Erika Stanley talks about what is going on in the world of weather in the Natural Disaster Digest.

Up Next: Will Scorching Ocean Temps or El Niño Define Hurricane Season?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Will Scorching Ocean Temps or El Niño Define Hurricane Season? Sep 06, 2023

The 2023 hurricane season has so far been a wild ride — but that shouldn't be a surprise. With the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) swinging into an El Niño pattern and reports of triple-digit ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, June through November was bound to bring some noteworthy activity, and that pattern could continue.

But what does the combination of El Niño — which is known to dampen hurricane activity — and record-breaking sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic have to do with an active 2023 hurricane season? Well, a lot.

The influence of these weather phenomena is readily apparent from the activity in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of August. From Hurricane Idalia, which brought considerable damage to the Florida coast, to Hurricane Franklin, which soaked Hispaniola and spun a little too close for comfort off the coast of Bermuda, the 2023 hurricane season is peaking. Not to mention that the season started off with the simultaneous appearance of Hurricanes Bret and Cindy.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down again with CoreLogic Director of Catastrophe Response Jon Schneyer to talk about the science behind the interaction between ENSO and sea surface temperatures and how knowing a little science can help with seasonal hurricane predictions.

In This Episode:

2:20 – What is El Niño and what does it mean as we shift from La Niña to El Niño conditions?

3:50 – Are the patterns we are seeing this year abnormal?

6:42 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the property market.

7:53 – How do ocean patterns affect hurricane activity?

12:03 – Are we on track to fulfill NOAA's predictions of an above-average hurricane season in 2023?

13:51 – Update on the 2023 hurricane season.

Links:

CoreLogic monthly economic reports

Weather response and analysis by Jon Schneyer

Up Next: Can Wildfire Mitigation Stop the California Insurer Exodus?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Can Wildfire Mitigation Stop the California Insurer Exodus? Aug 23, 2023

More and more people live in high wildfire-risk areas across the United States. In fact, according to CoreLogic’s 2023 Wildfire Risk Report, California, Colorado and Texas lead the nation in the number of at-risk homes and their total reconstruction cost value. The influx of people into these areas means that there is continued demand for insurers to provide coverage, even though climate change is increasing the potential for and the severity of these wildfires.

While some insurance companies have elected to no longer write new policies in California – a state that is particularly burdened by wildfires – there are opportunities to reduce risk both for homeowners and for carriers. Mitigation is a major component.

Mitigation is not just a trend but a long-term solution. When individuals, governments and insurers work together to create a buffer around a community by fortifying structures and removing potential sources of ignition, CoreLogic and Milliman showed that these efforts could correspond to a 55% reduction in the average total premium (not including reinsurance costs).

In part two of this Core Conversations episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith talks to Senior Product Manager Jamie Knippen about how preparedness for a hazard through education and mitigation is the key to creating resilience for individuals, communities, governments and the insurance industry.

In This Episode:

0:51 – What is the advantage of using models to determine wildfire risk?

1:46 – CoreLogic and Milliman studied how significantly mitigation would have affected the outcome of the fire in Paradise, California.

4:19 – How did CoreLogic and Milliman get involved in this study?

6:13 – How can understanding a view of future risk rather than looking at historic wildfire events improve outcomes?

6:52 – Erika Stanley goes over the Natural Disaster Digest

7:53 – Adopting probabilistic models: the when, why and how.

8:50 – What is the future of wildfire insurance across the U.S.?

Links:

Up Next: How Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

How Will Property Data Help Manage the California Insurance Crisis? Aug 16, 2023

Home insurance is a critical consideration when applying for a mortgage. Without insurance, it’s exceedingly difficult to purchase a property. However, with climate change influencing weather patterns and contributing to the increasing severity of natural disasters, some insurers are reassessing their coverage to better manage their risk.

Insurance risk management is a topic that has cropped up in several U.S. states. This summer, Allstate and State Farm announced that they would no longer write new policies in California and indicated that the frequency and intensity of natural disasters contributed to their decision.

What drove two of the largest insurers in the U.S. to make this decision? How can regulators help manage risk for insurers, carriers and homeowners?

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Senior Product Manager Jamie Knippen to talk about these questions and how understanding wildfire risk scores can help indicate where there are opportunities for risk mitigation.

In This Episode:

3:01 - What happened when two major insurers stopped writing new policies in California?

4:35 – Why are insurers only now saying “This is enough”?

5:54 – Are governmental regulations and mitigation requirements the only answer to rising risk?

8:37 – Erika Stanley gives an overview of the housing market in The Sip

9:36 – How do property, structural and community-level mitigation differ?

12:15 – Maiclaire and Jamie discuss how their jobs have made them hyper-aware of property-level risk

Links:

Up Next: Will Wildfire Risk Mitigation Requirements Change the California Insurance Industry?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

How Can Property Technology Delight Mortgage Customers and Widen the Net for Lenders? Aug 02, 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of the property market, recent years have been marked by volatility and unprecedented challenges. However, amidst this shifting environment, there is an opportunity for lenders to reassess their back-of-house operations and embrace the transformative potential of modern technology.

As the market cools, the stage is set for lenders to revolutionize their processes and cater to the demands of today's discerning consumers. The key lies in embracing automation and digitization to streamline operations and create a seamless borrower experience.

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Praveen Chandramohan, an executive in origination solutions at CoreLogic to discuss how automated underwriting, digital mortgage software, and property technology intertwine to define the future of the mortgage market. From improved borrower experiences to cost optimization, this conversation unveils the transformative power of embracing property technology and mortgage software in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

In This Episode

0:54 – What are the top priorities for lenders according to a Fannie Mae survey? And how will these priorities solve the “industry conundrum”?

4:28 – Digitizing a cumbersome process begins behind the scenes.

8:53 - Are there ways that technology can widen that net and increase business?

10:21 – How will technology lead the charge in creating new business?

12:42 – Erika Stanley provides the Natural Disaster Digest.

13:33 – Praveen offers some real-life examples of how technology is opening the door for self-employed borrowers and those who prefer to use digital currencies.

Links: 2023 Hurricane Risk Report

Up Next: Modernizing Loan Origination Workflows: A Shortcut Through the Mortgage Maze

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Why Are Automated Mortgages Real Estate Technology's Future? Jul 26, 2023

The last several years have been volatile for the property market. However, as the market is slowing, that is freeing up space for lenders to consider their back-of-house processes and rehabilitate them to accommodate the demands of modern consumers. Largely, that means automating and digitizing processes. Think automated underwriting of the borrower and the property, think about a fully digital experience to close alone.

And this is really where the future lies for the mortgage industry.

By separating out run-of-the mill applications to accelerate their processing, lenders are freed up to address the more complex cases that may require counseling or human expertise to fulfil the requirements and close the process.

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Praveen Chandramohan, an executive in origination solutions at CoreLogic to discuss why improving the mortgage workflow through technology is an essential next step for the industry.

In This Episode:

3:40 – The etymology of the word “mortgage” and why homeownership will remain the American dream.
6:15 – Why the mortgage industry is decades behind in technological advancements and what can be done.
8:15 – What are the key areas lenders can focus on to improve customer retention and acquisition?
12:32 – How the U.S. mortgage market is unique and what that means for both borrowers and lenders.
17:15 – The future of the mortgage industry lies in accelerating processing speeds.

Links: Learn about CLIP (CoreLogic Integrated Property number)

Up Next: Modernizing Loan Origination Workflows: A Shortcut Through the Mortgage Maze

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

What is the Future of Mortgage Interest Rates in the Current Real Estate Market? Jul 12, 2023

When it comes to financing a home in the current real estate market, the interest rate on a loan is of chief concern for buyers. That has resulted in a growing interest in rate locks from buyers, sellers, builders and lenders.

In fact, rate locks as a negotiation technique have bubbled up to the surface as another tactic for lenders looking to secure loans in the current economy.

In Part 2 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith continues the conversation with CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel to discuss what rate locks are, why they are trending in the housing market and what that may mean for lenders looking to retain or gain new business.

In This Episode:

1:31 – By how much can an extra payment lower the total cost of a mortgage?
5:55 – Are people starting to come back to the market, or are they still locked into their homes due to mortgage rates?
7:27 – Are first-time homebuyers the ones who will begin to break the cycle?
9:36 – Erika Stanley gives us insight into what is happening globally with natural disasters.
11:00 – What is the forecast for mortgage interest rates? How will inflation affect that?

Links: 2023 Hurricane Risk Report

Up Next: Are Rate Locks the Negotiation Key for Lenders to Secure Loans in this Economy?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Are Rate Locks the Negotiation Key for Lenders to Secure Loans in this Economy? Jul 05, 2023

Anyone who is buying a home with a mortgage almost certainly talks to their lender about interest rates. With real estate market trends defined by some of the highest interest rates in decades and annual home price growth reaching its lowest level in more than a decade, purchasing a property is an undertaking that requires buyers to look at the data and do the math.

The current environment is also opening up rate locks to become a negotiation tactic — a technique that falls in and out of favor with real estate trends.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel to discuss what rate locks are, why they are trending in the housing market and what that may mean for lenders looking to retain or gain new business.

In This Episode:

3:19 – What are rate locks and why are they trending?
6:24 – Mortgage rate locks come at a price. Does that make them a valuable negotiation tactic?
10:11 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market.
11:31 – Maiclaire talks about using rate locks as a negotiation tactic when buying her home.
13:09 – Are mortgage rate buydowns also becoming more common in this market?
16:30 – Are mortgage rate buydowns and rate locks the only tactics available to reduce monthly mortgage payments?

Links: CoreLogic’s monthly Home Price Index (HPI)

Up Next: Has the Economy Locked in US Housing Market Price Stagnation?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

How Can Property Data Influence Processes to Simplify Mortgage Loan Origination? Jun 21, 2023

Modernization can be boiled down to an equation. The more data and automation available to improve the overall mortgage origination process, the more the overall cost to originate the loan goes down.

In fact, one of the industry’s largest organizations, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO), is working steadily to streamline the mortgage origination process by replacing paper forms with digital processes.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Sage Nichols, an executive for client success at CoreLogic, to talk about how standards, best practices and property data can pave the way for modernizing the mortgage industry.

In This Episode:

0:45 –Why is digitizing data the No. 1 priority for customers?
1:50 – How do standards around property data contribute to affordability? High cost to originate
2:55 – What are the challenges surrounding the adoption of these standards?
5:34 – The Natural Disaster Digest with Erika Stanley
6:32 – How is MISMO blazing the path to simplify the mortgage closing process (hint: e-closings are important)
9:09 – How exactly does accurate and reliable property data reduce the likelihood of fraud?
10:33 – What’s next for MISMO?

Up Next: Appraising PropTech Innovation: Do Short-Term Changes Have Long-Term Effects?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

MISMO's Guide to Reshaping the Mortgage Industry, Leaving Paper for Pixels Jun 14, 2023

The word “mortgage” evokes myriad responses depending on one’s relationship with homeownership. But one thing is certain: Mortgages are a big deal for the U.S. — and global — economy. These property payment plans support a large portion of one of the world's largest asset classes and are, therefore, highly scrutinized.

This has led to the mortgage industry garnering a reputation for slow processes and a hesitation to adapt to modern technological innovations. However, reputations are not always representative of reality.

In fact, one of the industry’s largest organizations, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO), is working steadily to streamline the process by replacing paper forms with digital processes.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Sage Nichols, an executive for client success at CoreLogic, to talk about how standards and best practices can pave the way for modernizing the mortgage industry.

In This Episode:

3:47 – What is MISMO?
4:42 – How has the mortgage industry changed and moved toward digitization?
6:56 – COVID still has lasting effects on the mortgage industry
8:12 – Why are standards important anyways?
13:12 – The Sip: Erika Stanley gives a look under the hood at the current state of the property market
14:15 – Why are standards crucial for the secondary mortgage market?

Up Next: Appraising PropTech Innovation: Do Short-Term Changes Have Long-Term Effects?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

A Data Scientist's Guide to the Safest Places to Live in the US for Climate Change May 31, 2023

As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, not all areas of the U.S. will be equally exposed to natural hazard risks. While some locations may not be ideal choices for property investment in the future, there are other areas that data scientists have demonstrated will be sheltered from the damaging effects of natural catastrophes.

In Part 2 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith continues the conversation with CoreLogic Chief Scientist Howard Botts to see where the safest places to live in the U.S. will be in the face of climate change.

In This Episode

1:13 – So where are the safest places to live in the U.S. today?
2:44 – Are we expecting these areas to become boomtowns? They have affordable real estate.
5:22 – When factoring in future climate change scenarios, where will the safest places to live be?
6:21 – Macro- versus micro-migration patterns. Sometimes moving a few blocks can make a home more resilient.
9:33 – If El Nino arrives, how will it affect the weather and the subsequent natural catastrophes?
10:18 – Are millennial homeowners more likely than baby boomers to consider climate change when purchasing a property?
12:42 – How do earthquakes fit into climate change property risk profiles?

Up Next: Using Data Science to Examine Riskiest US Areas to Live Amid Climate Change

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

How to (Accurately) Use Data Science to Forecast the Riskiest US Areas to Live Amid Climate Change May 24, 2023

Natural catastrophes have long been of concern to the housing and property markets. However, as these events increase in severity and frequency, climate change data science is projecting that not all areas of the U.S. will be equally exposed to these risks in the future.

Despite the popularity of some migration destinations with Americans, data analysis indicates that, depending on how dramatically current climate patterns change, many of these locations may not be ideal choices for property investment in the future.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Chief Scientist Howard Botts to discuss the riskiest places to live in the U.S. for natural disasters.

In This Episode:

3:08 – The climate has always been changing, so what is going on now that makes it so imperative to analyze and forecast natural hazard risk?
6:16 – The IPCC’s new report. What is it and how does it change the game for predicting the future?
7:34 – So where are the riskiest places to live in the U.S. as climate change influences natural disasters?
10:28 – Our Facts Guru Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market.
11:49 – Is California really going to break off and float away?

Up Next: Listen to our team talk about what it was really like to live through the historic California floods this past winter.

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Learn More:

AR6 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2023 — IPCC

Seven of 10 Riskiest US Climate Locations Are Appreciating Faster than National Rate

Has the Economy Locked in US Housing Market Price Stagnation? | Part 2 | Two May 10, 2023

As annual home price growth reached its lowest level in more than a decade, all eyes are on the housing market as a bellwether for the larger economy.

In Part 2 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel to discuss what is really happening in the housing market and what low inventories, high interest rates and lack of upcoming supply mean for real estate.

Up Next: Listen to Molly Boesel talk about myths in the housing market on Core Conversations.

In This Episode:

0:37 - How closely are people tracking interest rates? Is it worth doing so?
2:26 – Is this a brave new world full of high interest rates for first-time homebuyers?
6:27 – Why is inventory in the housing market still so low?
9:00 – Construction and labor costs are transforming starter homes into luxury purchases.
12:08 – The Natural Disaster Digest: Learn about global natural catastrophes’ effect on real estate
13:10 – What does the future hold for the property and housing market?

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Has the Economy Locked in US Housing Market Price Stagnation? May 03, 2023

The real estate market is one of the largest asset classes in the world. So, when economics shift in the sector, the larger economy feels the ripple effects. Recently, interest rates have been the highest in decades, home prices have seen the lowest recorded rise since 2019 and nearly 60% of homes sold below list price in March 2023. However, zooming out and looking at the bigger picture reveals that some of these trends shouldn’t be as surprising as they seem, and, maybe, they were even predictable.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel to discuss what is really happening in the housing market and what that means for first-time homebuyers, repeat homebuyers, investors and banks.

Up Next: Listen to Molly Boesel talk about myths in the housing market on Core Conversations.

In This Episode:

2:04 – Has the market slowdown been as bad as economists predicted?
5:35 – Interest rates, inflation and home prices: how intertwined is that relationship?
7:22 – Get the numbers in the housing market. Erika Stanley hosts The Sip.
9:25 – 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages vs adjustable rate mortgages. What is your best bet?
13:37 – How closely are people tracking interest rates? Is it worth doing so?

Post-Ian Florida: Did the Insurance Market Sink or Swim? Inside Scoop from Industry Experts | Part Two | 2 Apr 19, 2023

In Part 2 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton-Smith continues the conversation with CoreLogic’s Senior Catastrophe Response Manager Jon Schneyer to explore the ongoing impact of Hurricane Ian on Florida’s insurance and reinsurance industries.

In this installment, the two will talk about what the CoreLogic team actually saw when they went to southwestern Florida to observe the hurricane damage and how this helps improve models that can better secure the future of homeowners and insurers that increasingly face natural hazard events due to climate change.

In This Episode:

0:57 – Does storm surge, wind or flood account for the majority of uninsured loss from Hurricane Ian?
3:43 – How does damage from Hurricane Ian compare to other historic storms?
4:55 – CoreLogic went on a reconnaissance mission to southwestern Florida to survey the damage.
8:52 – How did the team’s observations feed into estimated loss valuation models?
11:06 – What can we anticipate for the 2023 hurricane season?

Post-Ian Florida: Did the Insurance Market Sink or Swim? Inside Scoop from Industry Experts Apr 12, 2023

In Part 1 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton-Smith sits down with CoreLogic's Senior Catastrophe Response Manager Jon Schneyer to discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Ian’s impact on the Florida coast six months later. The catastrophe impacted a state where the insurance market was already stressed, and now the government, homeowners and insurers are working to reorient themselves and build a stable environment in an area that increasingly faces natural hazard events due to climate change.

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In This Episode:

2:47 – Meet Erika Stanley, our new Facts Guru
3:30 – So why was Hurricane Ian so devastating?
5:26 – Let’s talk about the Florida insurance landscape and how Hurricane Ian will affect things
7:00 – How has the Florida Legislature worked to help the insurance industry recover?
10:20 – The Sip: The numbers you need to know in the property market
11:25 – Will Hurricane Ian make waves in the reinsurance market?
13:34 – Will this storm affect the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

What Was it Really Like to Live Through the California Floods? Our Team Spills | Part 2 | 2 Mar 29, 2023

In Part 2 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton-Smith continues the conversation with Kent David, a senior leader in analytics consulting, and Tom Larsen, an expert in catastrophe risk management and insurance solutions, to talk about the atmospheric rivers, bomb cyclones and snow that have made headlines and again put California’s natural hazard risks in the spotlight.

Get insights into the state’s wildfire risk, the consequences on reservoir capacity and the future impacts of the current snowpack while also learning a few choice colloquialisms from our guests.

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In This Episode:

2:02 – It snowed in California – a lot. But what happens when that snow melts?

5:55 – How much reservoir capacity is available in California to absorb the snowpack?

8:15 – Meteorologists modeled a dry winter. What happened?

10:37 – Do these winter storms change California’s wildfire risk?

12:44 – Katy, bar the door! Climate change will change flood insurance.

19:39 – Visit us in New Orleans, Louisiana!

20:15 – Mitigation is only the first step to becoming resilient.

What Was it Really Like to Live Through the California Floods? Our Team Spills Mar 22, 2023

The Golden State has endured months of inundations from atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones. As a result, the news is awash with images of submerged streets and mudslides, replacing our collective imagination of California as a state perennially filled with sunny beaches and golden hills. But not everyone in the state has had the same experience with this weird weather.

In Part 1 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton-Smith sits down with Kent David, a senior leader in analytics consulting, and Tom Larsen, an expert in catastrophe risk management and insurance solutions, to discuss what it has really been like to live through the continuous rain that has made headlines in California since these atmospheric rivers began at the start of the year.

Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In this episode:

1:31 – Come see us in New Orleans, LA!
3:27 – Maiclaire, Kent and Tom discuss whether they’ve experienced this amount of rain before
6:13 – How did these three Californians weather the storms?
11:01 – Katia hosts The Sip, summarizing the important numbers in the property market
12:54 – What was the flooding like north of the Bay Area?
13:36 – What is going to happen when the snowpack melts?

Will Wildfire Risk Mitigation Requirements Change the California Insurance Industry? | Part Two | 2 Mar 08, 2023

In Part 2 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith continues the conversation with CoreLogic’s director of Insurance Market Strategy for Hazard and Risk Management about how insurers will need to access big data to effectively translate homeowner wildfire mitigation efforts into insurance discounts.

Catch up on Part 1 here.

Find full episodes with these guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In This Episode:

1:21 – what exactly is the difference between a risk score and a CAT model?
3:15 – A brief primer on rate filings
3:41 – How do homeowners benefit from wildfire risk scores in their policies?
8:46 – What is the cost of providing transparency to homeowners?
9:43 – How can we be more resilient to natural hazards?

Will Wildfire Risk Mitigation Requirements Change the California Insurance Industry? Mar 01, 2023

No one wants 430% increases in wildfire insurance premiums and quotes of up to $20,000 per year. So, why are California homeowners dealing with these prices?

In Part 1 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith talks to Paul Brown, CoreLogic's director of Insurance Market Strategy for Hazard and Risk Management about legislative changes from the California Department of Insurance and how insurers will need to access big data to effectively translate homeowner wildfire mitigation efforts into insurance discounts.

Find full episodes with these guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In this episode:

1:39 – Who is Paul?
2:17 – Where to grab your limited-edition wildfire socks
3:26 – Why did California decide this was the year to change how insurance premiums were set?
5:13 – What do these changes mean for homeowners?
7:25 – Katia hosts The Sip, summarizing the important numbers in the property market
8:56 – The $15 million-dollar question: How does wildfire mitigation translate to insurance discounts?
11:35 – Quantifying mitigation strategies requires Big Data

PropTech’s Convenience Will Cost You, But How Much? | Part Two | 2 Feb 15, 2023

In Part 2 of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith continues the conversation with CoreLogic’s real estate tech solutions expert Mark Weaver to discuss what the market tipping point for the success of iBuyers will be and how much people will be willing to pay for the sake of convenience.

Find full episodes in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In this episode:

3:57 – What is the balance between convenience and profit?

6:00 – What is one single "point" so important? Hint: It’s a convenient insurance policy

7:52 – Who pays the convenience fee? The buyer or the seller?

9:13 – Will the iBuyer market bounce back?

11:02 – Optimize your business and meet us at MBA in Orlando

11:19 – How will major PropTech technologies evolve over the next couple of years?

PropTech’s Convenience Will Cost You, But How Much? Feb 08, 2023

In part one of this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down again with CoreLogic’s real estate tech solutions expert Mark Weaver to chat about how rising interest rates and a slowdown in buyer interest resulted in the once-red-hot iBuying and power buying segment being abruptly confronted with an environment designed to stress-test their business models.

Find full episodes with these guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In this episode:

0:52 - Meet Katia, the newest team member of Core Conversations

2:06 - Mark is back to introduce himself

3:09 - How is the current market testing the iBuying model?

4:30 - What is the future of iBuying?

6:26 - What is iBuying anyways?

7:07 - Maiclaire talks about her iBuying experience

8:36 - Mark explains how iBuyers are pivoting their business models

10:45 - Katia takes a coffee break to do the numbers in the market

12:00 - What are the current opportunities for iBuyers?

13:22 - Designing a buy-box

Appraising PropTech Innovation: Do Short-Term Changes Have Long-Term Effects? Jan 25, 2023

Most of us don’t have enough money in the bank to buy a house in cash. We need to convince someone to lend us the money. Listen to host Maiclaire Bolton Smith talk to CoreLogic Chief Appraiser Shawn Telford and learn about how banks are leveraging PropTech to determine the worth of a home, as well as the consequences that innovation has on markets, loans and affordability.

Learn more about how technology is transforming the property industry by following along with CoreLogic analysis: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In this episode:

1:17 – Who is Shawn and how did he end up in real estate?

3:19 – How did 2022 market conditions create challenges (and opportunities) in appraising?

5:03 – How will home price growth and inflation affect the future of appraising?

8:00 – How do you compare home values in a volatile market?

11:35 – Appraising staff shortages make room for remote desktop appraisals

13:26 – Are appraisal waivers here to stay?

16:16 – How was the pandemic a catalyst and a lingering influence for digitization?

18:39 – What do digital opportunities mean for the development of the appraisal industry?

22:01 – What is coming up for lenders, appraisers and homeowners?

Welcome Back to Season 3 of Core Conversations: A CoreLogic Podcast Jan 11, 2023

Curious about what Season 3 of Core Conversations has in store for listeners? Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith has a few fun ideas for next year. Listen in to find out what to expect starting January 25, 2023.

Catch Up With the Core Conversations Team! Dec 26, 2022

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith cedes the stage to the crew members of this podcast. Learn a little about what goes on behind the scenes to bring this podcast to life, and listen until the end for a special guest appearance!

Listen in or read more of the production crew's work here https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Also keep your eyes on future show notes sections for updates on our new monthly curated playlist centering around themes in the housing market. Check out this month's here: https://spoti.fi/3UFUzWj

What Does 2023 Hold for the Housing Market and Property Industry? Dec 14, 2022

As we wrap up this season, we are bringing back four of our favorite guests to get an update on what happened in 2022 and their outlook on the year ahead.

Find full episodes with these guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Check out NFIP Risk Rating 2.0 video vignettes here.

In this episode:

1:25 - Catch up with Tom Larsen about natural catastrophes in 2022

5:32 – Hear from Scott Giberson for the latest on the NFIP's Risk Rating 2.0

12:31 - Garret Gray returns to talk about where the insurance industry is headed

17:22 – Get an update from Selma Hepp about the U.S. Economy. *This portion of the episode was recorded at the beginning of Q4.

Diversity in Data: How DE&I Influences Our Business Nov 30, 2022

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith deviates from our typical discussions about the property industry to look inward at CoreLogic as a company and discuss how focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion is a vital part of the company and a big reason why CoreLogic has such a diverse group of people who work diligently to produce the data and analytics that are the driving engines behind the property market.

If you would like to know more about CoreLogic's culture visit us here: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In this episode:

Jay Kingsley, executive sponsor of CoreLogic Employee Resource Groups (1:32)
Lisa Youngblood, President of the African American Leadership & Learning Employee Resource Group (6:07)
Shannon Brown, president of the PRIDE Employee Resource Group (8:10)
Jackie Pham, president of the ASCEND Employee Resource Group (12:44)
Manuel Lopez, president of the LatinXCore Employee Resource Group (15:23)
Sage Nichols, president of the Women's Business Council (18:19)
Kurt Peterson, executive sponsor of the Military Engagement Association Employee Resource Group (20:57)

Propped Up on Data Nov 16, 2022

Curious about how technology is changing the process of homebuying? If you wish buying a home was like pushing the Easy Button, tune in to listen to Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sit down with CoreLogic's real estate tech solutions expert Mark Weaver to discuss how property technology — or PropTech — is influencing the property industry, as well as what the future of big data and AI might influence a centuries-old process.

Learn more about how technology is transforming the property industry by following along with CoreLogic analysis: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

In this episode:

3:10 - What is PropTech and its innovative role in the industry?

6:23 - Why are 65% of businesses saying PropTech is a huge priority?

7:45 - How are PropTech and the traditional property industries finding balance within the overall property industry?

10:46 - What is the Discovery Platform?

12:50 - Is the added expense of digital transformation worth it in the current market?

16:56 - The iBuyers role

20:40 - Will PropTech and traditional methods coexist long-term in the property industry?

Jumbo-Sized Financial Risk With a Side of Climate Change Nov 02, 2022

To prepare for the intensifying impacts of climate change and the resulting physical risks to property assets, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic’s Public Policy and Industry Relations Executive Pete Carroll to discuss how climate-related financial risk influences government policy, with a focus on President Biden’s Executive Order 14030.

Learn more about how governmental policy affects the property industry by following along with CoreLogic analysis: https://clgx.co/3zqhBZt

Read more about the Dodd-Frank Act here, and check out the following episodes for further discussions about the effects of climate change on the property market:

In this episode:

3:56 - Background on Executive Order 14030

5:28 - Who is involved in making this regulation a reality?

6:57 - Have there been any recommendations on how to implement the strategic goals outlined in this executive order?

11:20 - Which of these policy recommendations may be implemented?

14:00 - The future of climate change

16:25 - What is the timeline for the implementation of this executive order?

18:18 - What can property professionals do to prepare themself for these changes?

Weathering the Storm: Will Hurricane Ian Upend the Florida Insurance Landscape? Oct 19, 2022

As one of the worst hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S., Hurricane Ian was undeniably a catastrophic event. Its sweeping winds and heightened storm surge wreaked havoc on both the lives and property of Florida citizens. However, the insurance industry in the Sunshine State is also facing significant ramifications from the force of this storm, and only time will tell whether this event will change the face of Florida property and catastrophe insurance.

If you would like to know more about Hurricane Ian or are interested in following our hazard response in real-time visit hazardhq.com.

In this episode:

Hurricane Ian and hurricane season overview (3:58)
A comparison of Hurricane Ian to other historical storms (6:11)
Loss estimates for Hurricane Ian review (7:53)
What is the difference between an insured loss and economic loss? (11:22)
Is this hurricane a market-changing event? (14:32)
What happens to the homeowner if an insurance claim cannot be paid? (16:19)
Reconstruction cost values estimates (17:33)
What have we learned from these storms? What will future hurricanes look like? (20:20)

Total Home Value Extends Beyond the Numbers Oct 05, 2022

A look at the news lately can make people jittery. The Federal Reserve is ratcheting up interest rates, inflation is rampant and, as a result, mortgage payments have skyrocketed. However, these realities do not necessarily spell doom and gloom for the U.S. housing market. In fact, these trends may just indicate a light at the end of the tunnel.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel to talk about today’s economic trends in the housing market and how tracking them has revealed that perhaps things are not as dire as they might seem.

Keep pace with the changing economy by following CoreLogic analysis at corelogic.com/intelligence.

Understanding Weather Risk: The Consequences Will Blow You Away Sep 21, 2022

While most people know that carrying homeowners’ insurance is critical, few are aware of the extent to which climate change influences policies – after all, no two properties are created equal. Similarly, investors are often in the dark when it comes to the effects of changing weather patterns on pieces of property. To help lessen the confusion on this subject, the U.S. government is working to require publicly traded companies to put specific guidelines in their disclosures, so that investors will have more insight into weather events that might potentially negatively impact a portfolio of properties.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with George Gallagher, who is a principal account executive at CoreLogic, to discuss how climate change impacts the risk factors against which homes are insured. Additionally, the pair discuss recently released SEC guidance that is intended to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures for properties.

Follow along at HazardHQ.com for an up-to-date analysis of climate-related catastrophes.

Why Climate Change Should Take More Real Estate in Industry Conversations Sep 07, 2022

As a provider of data-driven insurance solutions, CoreLogic knows that damages from extreme weather events are stressful and expensive for everyone involved.

While repairing catastrophic property damage has never been simple, it is no secret that the magnitude — and the costs — of these events is expanding due to climate change. To ensure that owners can recover from these devastating natural catastrophes, the insurance industry requires the participation of insurers, reinsurers and sovereign governments. However, there is another segment of people who are invested in the outcomes of climate change: those who are involved with the insurance-linked securities (ILS) market.

To learn more about how the ILS market is intended to support the compensation of economic losses that result from extreme weather events, Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Kent David, a senior leader in analytics consulting at CoreLogic to answer some questions such as what are these securities? How do catastrophe bonds work? And how are investors hedging their bets against climate change by investing in this market?

To Be or Not to Be (A Scientist): We Must Ask Girls That Question Aug 24, 2022

By the time they reach middle school, many girls are already convinced that they will not pursue a career in the sciences — at least in the stereotypical sense of the profession. So how can these girls see the potential that a science career holds beyond lab coats and experiments? They meet female scientists in-person whose degrees have led to work in a wide array of positions from communications to project management.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Project Scientist Founder Sandy Marshall and CoreLogic's Project Scientist Liaison Trish Murray to discuss the link between this non-profit, STEM careers for women and CoreLogic’s integral support for this initiative.

Interested in supporting Project Scientist? Visit projectscientist.org or corelogic.com to learn more about CoreLogic's investment in STEM.

Know Your Past, Protect Your Future Aug 10, 2022

Insurance — it is an essential financial resource that homeowners and businesses rely upon to navigate the uncertainty that comes with disasters big and small. While most people know how critical carrying insurance can be when faced with a disaster, few have a full grasp of the different types of insurance, why policies are structured in certain ways and how the ecosystem of insurance providers works together. But there is a reason for all these choices.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with the President of CoreLogic's Protect Division, Garret Gray to discuss the past, present and future state of hazard insurance as well as explore how technology will help this industry evolve into a more streamlined ecosystem

You want that luxe life? You’ll pay the price. Jul 27, 2022

The location, design and architecture of a luxury home can grab the imagination and lead to fantasies about jet setting to the French Riviera or vacationing in an exclusive Asian metropolis. However, the luxury real estate market has so much more nuance in terms of location, price point and even buyer demographic than a daydream could ever convey.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Deputy Chief Economist Selma Hepp to discuss the luxury real estate market both in the U.S. and abroad, as well as dive into the trends driving the sales of these chic abodes.

Nothing is Certain Except Death and (Property) Taxes Jul 13, 2022

Discussions about property taxes are often met with a frown and a change of subject. But these homeowner taxes are not just one of life’s inescapable truths; they also help create essential revenue for cities and maintain healthy economies. So, when owners fall delinquent on property tax payments, the consequences can be pronounced.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down CoreLogic Senior Leader of Government Solutions John Gilberti to discuss property taxes, why and how they are collected, the way municipalities use them and what happens if someone is delinquent in paying them.

CoreLogic CEO: Why Foundational Support Comes from the Top Jun 29, 2022

Seasonal changes affect the property industry. They also affect companies. As summer arrives, CoreLogic is commemorating its one-year mark as a private company that is also now under the leadership of CEO Pat Dodd.

To discover what all this change means for the business, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Pat to discuss who he is as a leader, investigate what it is like to guide a private company and discover the insights he has gained about the property market during the first months in his new position.

A Bowtie of Many Colors Jun 15, 2022

This week, we are taking a moment to remember CoreLogic Chief Economist Dr. Frank Nothaft who was not only an influential force in the property industry but also a friend to many. In early June, Dr. Nothaft passed away unexpectedly. As the heart of CoreLogic in many ways, he will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith recounts her memories of Dr. Nothaft as well as the recollections of others. His passing will ripple throughout the industry underscoring his far-reaching influence and the profound impact he had on the lives he touched.

It’s a Bird. It’s a Plane. No, it’s Ballooning Interest Rates Flying High. May 25, 2022

As a topic of conversation, interest rates have come to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness in recent weeks as the Fed has incrementally raised the rates of federal funds, widely affecting prices. However, not all industries are equally impacted. Real estate is one sector where many people are watching closely to see whether the ballooning interest rates will cool off the red-hot real estate market with the force of a summer breeze or if they will usher in a polar vortex and change the investment appeal of property in the United States.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic’s Chief Economist Frank Nothaft to discuss the effects of the current rise in interest rates on the property market.

Catastrophic change is pushing real estate to redefine protection May 11, 2022

Weather and climate are important risk factors that we monitor closely here at CoreLogic since these phenomena affect not only homeowners but also insurers and the property market at large. However, climate change is altering familiar seasonal climatic patterns, leading to more frequent and severe weather events that are sweeping across the nation and leaving billions of dollars in damages in their wake.

Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Tom Larsen, an expert in catastrophe risk management and insurance solutions at CoreLogic, to answer some questions such as what led to the $56.92 billion in property damage in 2021? What is the difference between property damage and reconstruction cost value? How do natural disasters affect mortgage delinquency rates?

To take a deeper look at CoreLogic coverage of 2021 natural disasters, visit the company’s natural hazard risk information center, Hazard HQ™, at www.hazardhq.com or download the 2021 Climate Change Catastrophe Report at corelogic.com/catastrophereport.

Debunked! Top Three Housing Myths Dispelled Apr 27, 2022

It’s no secret that the property market has been out of the ordinary, but how far from the norm have things actually deviated? While a quick scan of recent headlines may lead to the assumption that the U.S. is facing a brewing housing bubble, the reality of the country’s economics and the future of the property market is far more complex.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with CoreLogic Principal Economist Molly Boesel about the top three myths that are currently circulating within the property market, which of these claims are false and which ones have grown from a grain of truth into urban legend.

Dive into the ins and out of the property market by visiting the CoreLogic Intelligence page at corelogic.com/intelligence.

What the Hail is Going on This Spring? Apr 13, 2022

At CoreLogic, one of the areas we keep close tabs on is

how weather and climate affect property as this can directly affect not only

homeowners but also insurers. While the CoreLogic Hazard HQ team keeps tabs on

an assortment of catastrophic weather events, one of the costliest but least

talked about is hail. And spring is hail season here in the U.S.

Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with meteorologist

and Senior Leader Curtis McDonald to answer some questions such as how much

damage does hail inflict and how is this damage measured? How rampant is

insurance fraud resulting from hailstorms? What can we expect from this year’s

hail season?

Monitor current climate catastrophes and see in-depth analysis at hazardhq.com.

A Flood of Change Comes with FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 Mar 30, 2022

In April, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be updating its flood insurance risk grading systems. After decades of using the same system to understand the flood risk for properties in and around flood zones, these changes will be far-reaching, and the results of this shift will be numerous.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Scott Giberson, principle of flood compliance at CoreLogic, to discuss the implications of this migration to Risk Rating 2.0.

Trailer — Season 2 of Core Conversations: A CoreLogic Podcast Mar 25, 2022

Season 2 of Core Conversations: A CoreLogic Podcast will air soon! Listen to our trailer to hear about what we have in store and subscribe to get notifications for the latest episodes.

What's In Store for 2022? Dec 01, 2021

We are wrapping up the season by bringing back five of our favorite guests from the year to get their take on 2021 and their outlook for the new year ahead.

What Lessons Can We Learn from the USS Arizona? Nov 10, 2021

At CoreLogic, supporting veterans is close to our hearts. One organization that we are proud to align with is the World War II Foundation. On Veterans Day, they will release a documentary, Elvis and the USS Arizona, and CoreLogic is a presenting sponsor.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith speaks with Tom Gray from the WWII Foundation to learn more about the documentary and the foundation.

What Are the Effects of Natural Hazards on Mortgage Delinquencies? Nov 03, 2021

Natural disasters can have long-term effects on a community. As noted in our 2021 Hurricane Report, lower-income homeowners are left with few options when homes are destroyed. When affected homes are deemed unsuitable for habitation, displaced people may resort to living at motels and similar, creating added expenses. Natural catastrophes can result in financial hardship as people struggle with additional expenses.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Amy Gromowski, senior leader of science and analytics at CoreLogic, to discuss financial implications as a result of natural disasters.

How Do You Solve Property Data's Oldest and Biggest Challenge? Oct 20, 2021

Real properties have a jumble of identifiers rather than a single standardized number that clearly defines each piece of property. Often, these overlapping and incomplete data sets of property information can result in a mess that takes hours to unravel before the property data is clean enough to use. This applies to if data is being used for understanding property vulnerability, to a natural hazard, how close it is to a power line, to a home or complying with regulations to build a pipeline.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Sachin Rajpal, head of enterprise data at CoreLogic, about this issue and the impactful ways that CoreLogic is solving it.

What's My House Worth? Oct 06, 2021

Browsing for a new home is a hobbyist activity, even for people not looking to immediately purchase. The home buying experience tends to now start online, and shoppers are seeing estimates from an automated valuation models or AVMs.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Ann Regan, Executive Product Manager from Collateral Solutions to learn what exactly is an AVM? How does it work? What is it used for?

What's in a Loss Estimate? Sep 22, 2021

At CoreLogic, one of the areas we keep close tabs on is how weather and climate affect property as this could have some surprising downstream effects. The CoreLogic Hazard HQ team keeps a close eye on the state of weather covering catastrophes in the US and around the world.

Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with David Smith, Senior Leader of Science and Analytics to answer some questions about what is a loss estimate? What exactly are we estimating? Why are reconstruction costs different from actual losses?

18 Months Later, How is COVID-19 Affecting the Housing Economy? Sep 08, 2021

It’s been over a year since the beginning of the pandemic, and in that time, much has changed in the world of property. Home prices, rent prices and construction costs have skyrocketed, and housing inventory has only been getting slimmer.

Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Chief Economist Dr. Frank Nothaft to get a status update on the situation. When will home prices come down? What will happen when the forbearance moratorium ends, and what’s in store in 2022?

How Is Climate Change Affecting Real Estate? Aug 25, 2021

When we think about climate change, we often think of its impact on life as a whole, and the lifestyle changes that will occur from rising temperatures and sea levels to solar panels and electric cars. But one of the most profound areas, a changing climate can impact is our homes.

Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Chief Scientist Dr. Howard Botts to ask the questions on everyone's mind: Will our dream beach home be underwater in the next century? Will the reclaimed land of Louisiana disappear into the Gulf? And how will we grapple with the cost, both human and financial, of major disasters to come?

What's the Secret to Increasing Appraised Value? Aug 11, 2021

Let's put in a pool. Remodel the kitchen. Upgrade the bathroom hardware. Throughout the pandemic especially, people have been putting in some serious elbow grease into home renovation--but how much does this make a difference when selling a house?

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith is joined by the Appraiser Coach, Dustin Harris. He discusses the value of truth, the impact of appraisal bias and reveals the secret to increasing the appraised value of a home.

Is There Actually a Lumber Shortage? Jul 28, 2021

In the U.S. lumber prices were up 54% year over year as of the second quarter of 2021, and this trend reflected across the globe. In simpler terms, the cost to build just about anything, but in particular homes, skyrocketed. These price increases go well and beyond normal demand surge.

To unpack this, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with construction aficionado Glenn Bearden. He peels back what's really causing this—from the pandemic, to labor problems, all the way to the core of human behavior.

Where is a House, Really? Jul 15, 2021

In the real estate economy, we all know the old adage "location, location, location," but location matters for far more than just determining the market value of a home, and the science of finding the answer of where that home is located is a lot more involved than meets the eye. Is it behind the Whole Foods? Is it halfway down the street, at a specific pair of coordinates, or where the building sits on the land?

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith talks to geospatial and location expert Matt Karli. He unravels the complicated question of "where?"--and reveals how location intelligence can even save lives.

From Kodak to 3D: What is the Future of Selling Homes? Jun 30, 2021

The past 10, 20, even 30 years have been momentous in changing the ways we live, and real estate agents have been tasked to stay nimble to these changes. From the old days of pay-per-minute phone calls to today's free social internet, the way agents interact with clients and sell homes has undergone a great transformation.

To share their insights on this revolution, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith welcomes Creig Northrop, founder and CEO of Northrop Realty, and Kevin Greene, senior leader of Property Marketing Solutions at CoreLogic. They discuss the fundamentals of being an excellent agent and consider what the future has in store for the industry.

What Do Tomorrow's Smart Cities Look Like? Jun 16, 2021

The future, complete with interconnected and coordinated utilities and buildings, can help people live better. Whether it's managing a city's power supply or the flow of traffic, mitigating for burst pipes or improving delivery service accuracy, smart cities are the next big leap in fundamentally reimagining how we live. And this future is closer than you might expect.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith talks to data enthusiast Ty Tucker about the possibilities--and risks--of the smart world before us.

How Do Communities Recover from Climate Disasters? Jun 02, 2021

Hurricane season kicked off on June 1, and 2021 is projected to be another above-normal year. Last year, Hurricanes Laura and Delta decimated the Louisiana coastline. Lake Charles, Louisiana, was hit exceptionally hard, but in spite of the devastation and hardships, the community came together. Two veterans who were so inspired by the courage and kindness teamed up to make a documentary series that aims to give back to the organizations that helped the community recover.

In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith chats with Justin Roberts and Hank Barbe, the dynamic duo behind the project, about what they experienced, how the documentary series Do Good came to be, and how communities can prepare for the 2021 hurricane season ahead.

How Is New Technology Revolutionizing the Homebuying Experience? May 19, 2021

According to a survey conducted by CoreLogic in 2021, nearly 80% of people looking to buy homes agreed that the homebuying process was very stressful. 58% noted that the pandemic has made the homebuying process much more difficult. And despite the digital world we live in, the process can still be cumbersome.

Matt Fagioli, owner and founder of BKG Brokerage Atlanta and broker advisor to CoreLogic, sits down with host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to talk about a new AI-enabled technology revolutionizing the homebuying experience: OneHome.

How Do We Deconstruct Home Values? May 05, 2021

Market value. Replacement value. Reconstruction value. Assessed value. Appraised value. The real estate ecosystem is filled with hundreds of similar-sounding names, with similar-sounding purposes, and even seasoned professionals get them confused.

In this episode, Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith chats with valuations expert Sherrie Clevenger to get to the bottom of this matter: what do all of these values mean? And how do we ensure they're accurate?

How Does Real-Time Tornado Intel Protect Homes? Apr 21, 2021

Over 1,000 tornadoes are recorded each year in the United States. With their ability to arrive unannounced, coupled with hundreds-of-miles-an-hour winds, they can obliterate everything in their path before disappearing, destroying homes and lives in the process.

Curtis McDonald, resident meteorologist at CoreLogic, joins the podcast to talk with host Maiclaire Bolton Smith about how, despite his mother's fears, he got into storm chasing, how valuable these observations are to creating rapid intel and algorithms for insurers and financial institutions, and what climate change might mean for the future of tornadoes and severe weather.

How Do We Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis? Apr 07, 2021

April is Financial Literacy Month, and to recognize the importance of the topic, Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Pete Carroll to talk about the Affordable Housing Crisis in the U.S.

Homeownership is a major pathway for people build and grow wealth, so when buying a home becomes increasingly expensive, those who don't already own one are locked out of achieving economic mobility. He shares the connection between financial literacy and homeownership and how we can help our most economically vulnerable secure the opportunity to rise up.

What's the Secret to Being a Rockstar Real Estate Agent? Mar 24, 2021

Finding the dream home can be incredibly competitive these days. From "sight unseen" home purchases to bidding wars, a combination of low supply, low interest rates, and the pandemic-driven desire for space have raised the stakes for buyers, sellers and agents alike.

Deneka Waddell, from the Holmes Realty Group, is the expert on the ground. In this episode, she sits down with Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to reveal what is actually happening, how data can improve the home purchase process, and whether freshly baked cookies actually sell homes.

Why Was the Texas Deep Freeze So Extreme? Mar 10, 2021

A few weeks ago, Texas was on thin ice. A combination of below freezing temperatures and widespread power outages resulted in a multi-pronged crisis: no heat, no water, no food, no gas.

In this episode, catastrophe risk expert Tom Larsen dives deep with Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to answer the lingering questions. What caused people to suffer? How were homes damaged so badly? And is this sort of phenomenon the new normal?

How Did Swiss Re Pioneer Parametric Hail? Feb 24, 2021

The insurance industry had a big shake up last year, and Swiss Re was at the heart of it. Traditional insurance hasn't fundamentally changed since the '80s--the 1880s, that is--but with new technologies, Swiss Re has been able to innovate and create protection for the most frequently occurring, highest-claims-causing natural disaster out there: hail.

Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith chats with Dr. Megan Linkin and Cole Mayer from Swiss Re about how they did it and why it matters, and they address the question on everyone's minds: what's the next frontier for insurance?

Innovation is a Buzzword. What Does It Really Mean? Feb 03, 2021

When we think about innovation and invention, everything from flying cars to Steve Jobs to TikTok comes to mind. But when it comes to the nuts and bolts of it, how does innovation come to be? How did we get to the airplane, and why is Google as successful as they are?

CoreLogic Chief Innovation Officer John Rogers chats with host Maiclaire Bolton Smith to let us in on the magic, science and marketplace understanding of what it takes to innovate.

How Can Californians Protect Their Homes from the Next Big One? Jan 20, 2021

Earthquake are unique: they come without much warning and they can be incredibly destructive. California, in particular, is notorious for its propensity for earthquakes, yet the earthquake insurance uptake rate in California remains very low.

In this episode of Core Conversations, host (and earthquake seismologist) Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Shawna Ackerman, Chief Risk and Actuarial Officer for the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) to talk about the 1994 Northridge earthquake, how homeowners can better prepare for the next Big One, and what the future holds for the CEA.

How is Automation Affecting the Appraisal Industry? Jan 06, 2021

Change is upon us all, and the appraisal industry is no different. New technologies like homeowner-assisted valuations, drones and more have shifted the way appraisals have traditionally been conducted. In this episode, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith and CoreLogic Chief Appraiser Shawn Telford discuss how automation has affected the industry and what the future holds for the profession.

Is Digital Transformation Here to Stay? Dec 21, 2020

There's no doubt about it: the pandemic has caused change for us all, and the housing market is no different. Digital transformation has rocked the property ecosystem across real estate, lending and insurance. Virtual tours have changed the way families find their dream home, the CARES act has impacted the lending and mortgage process, and even property insurance, typically inclusive of in-person surveys and in-person adjusting, has been affected.

In the latest episode of Core Conversations, host Maiclaire Bolton Smith invites Scott Little, Pete Carroll and Mikhail Palatnik to talk about the data-driven changes in these spaces--and whether these changes are here to stay.

How Do We Prepare for 2021's Wildfires? Dec 09, 2020

The amount of wildfire activity in 2020 can seem overwhelming, ranking among the most devastating years in recent memory.

Core Conversations host and California resident Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with wildfire scientist Dr. Tom Jeffery to unpack what all has happened, why this year was so bad, and what we can do to prepare for the future.

How Has COVID-19 Affected the Global Economy? Nov 25, 2020

Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith explores the economic impact of this year's pandemic from two perspectives: the United States and Australia.

CoreLogic Chief Economist Dr. Frank Nothaft, based in the Washington, D.C. area, and Tim Lawless, Executive Research Director for Asia Pacific, based in Brisbane, explore the extent of the impact varying lockdowns, social distancing orders and other coronavirus regulations have had on each country--and find what the similarities and differences are, from labor to GDP to the housing market and beyond.

How Do We Create Opportunity for the Future? Nov 11, 2020

In this episode, Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith sits down with Kagan Coughlin, co-founder of Base Camp Coding Academy in Water Valley, Mississippi.

The academy is a hands-on, tuition-free program that seeks to train students to be software developers within 12 months, and in a time where the cost of higher education is increasing, Kagan describes how the program opens doors to students who may have otherwise not had the opportunity--and how this program is a model for how the rest of the country can think about higher education in rural America.

What are the Implications of an Overactive Hurricane Season? Oct 28, 2020

In this episode, Core Conversations host (and self-proclaimed natural catastrophe freak) Maiclaire Bolton Smith converses with Dr. Daniel Betten, meteorologist and principal hazard scientist at CoreLogic.

2020's hurricane season is one for the books, and Daniel, who has had a colorful history in storm chasing, relates his personal experience with feeling the wrath of Hurricane Florence, the lessons that can be learned from each encounter with Mother Nature and how this year is...different.

How Has COVID-19 Affected the Housing Market? Oct 15, 2020

In this episode, Core Conversations host Maiclaire Bolton Smith chats with Pete Carroll, Executive of Public Policy and Industry Relations at CoreLogic, to talk about the event that has upended the housing economy this year: COVID-19.

The housing market is a markedly different place than it was just a year prior, and Pete discusses the long-term implications of this new world, including the CARES Act, homebuying trends and behaviors, digitalization and virtualization, affordable housing and more.

Welcome to Core Conversations Oct 13, 2020

CoreLogic introduces a new podcast: Core Conversations, hosted by Maiclaire Bolton Smith. This series explores timely insights and in-depth conversations with experts to keep a finger on the pulse of the global housing economy.

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