Power House

Latest Episodes:

Suzy Lindblom: Abandon the “factory line” of brokers to win market share Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Suzy Lindblom, the new COO of Sierra Pacific Mortgage! Suzy stepped out semi-retirement to consult for Sierra Pacific before joining their executive team full time.

Suzy and Diego talk about Sierra Pacific’s growth and winning market share strategies, including their entry into the non-QM space after 40 years in the conventional mortgage space. She also talks about embracing AI without replacing humans, rolling out new broker tools, and more.

We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Sierra Pacific offers a wide range of mortgage products, including non-QM options.
Sierra Pacific focuses on building relationships with brokers to win market share.
They are methodical about hiring and aligning staff with its culture.
AI is seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, human roles in the mortgage process.
The company is preparing for various market conditions by being nimble and adaptable.
Sierra Pacific is not actively seeking M&A but remains open to opportunities.

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

The low down on mortgage with industry veteran Dave Lykken Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

This week on Power House we are talking to the one and only Dave Lykken! Dave has over 50 years of mortgage industry experience under his belt and is likely a name familiar to many of you. He also hosts his own weekly podcast, Lykken on Lending, where he talks all things mortgage.

Diego sits down with Dave to get his take on what’s happening in mortgage. They talk about where he thinks rates will stabilize in the next year and what’s on the horizon for cost reduction and data tools. He also talks about the importance of executive coaching and the strategies top agents are using to connect with consumers.

We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Coaching plays a crucial role in helping executives stay motivated.
Economic uncertainty always presents both challenges and opportunities for growth.
Cost reduction is going to be essential for survival in mortgage
AI and technology are streamlining and transforming the way business is done.
Understanding and predicting market trends is vital for success in housing finance.

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Habitat for Humanity’s building solutions for our housing crisis Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

This week on Power House, Diego has the pleasure of being joined by Jonathan Reckford, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity has helped over 62 million people in over 1,000 U.S. communities and 71 countries.

Diego and Jonathan dive into Habitat’s complex role in both the federal and local level of the US housing market and their work to help the affordability crisis, including their involvement in local zoning campaigns and advocating for federal pro-housing programs. They also talk about their collaboration with banks, builders, and local governments, and why this cooperation is the key to solving the housing crisis.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

There is a significant supply gap in the U.S. housing market that needs to be addressed at a larger scale.
Nationwide NIMBYism is a challenge to building affordable housing in communities.
Collaboration with local governments is essential for effective, boots-on-the-groud housing policy.
The housing crisis is a national issue that affects all demographics.
Creating more starter homes is crucial for improving access to homeownership.
Habitat believes that a mixed-income community benefits everyone.

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Why M&A will boom in 2025 with Anywhere CEO Ryan Schneider Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

This week on Power House, we are welcoming guest host Tracey Velt as she sits down with Ryan Schneider, the CEO of Anywhere Real Estate, formerly known as Realogy. Anywhere is the parent company of many other notable real estate brands, such as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran Group and Sotheby’s International Realty.

Ryan and Tracey talk about Anywhere’s rediscovered focus on the luxury market and what’s on the horizon for M&A activity as the market shifts. They also talk about AI’s current and future impacts on operational efficiency, and the value of seeking mentorship from your own agents.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Settling litigation early provided a competitive advantage for Anywhere.
Investing in luxury markets has led to significant growth.
M&A opportunities are expected to increase as the market shifts.
Market predictions indicate a potential recovery in home sales over the next year.
Mentorship from agents is important for leadership development.
Proactively embracing change is crucial for success in the industry.

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Jason Bressler: UWM levels the playing field with Sphere LOS Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with a familiar face to the HousingWire audience — Jason Bressler, the Chief Technology Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage. UWM recently announced its partnership with Sphere LOS, and today’s episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what that means for the UWM team and beyond.

Diego and Jason talk about the decision-making behind Sphere’s integration, as it’s both free and is not limited to UWM’s ecosystem. Their goal is to provide free technology to level the playing field in the mortgage space. Jason also talks about AI breakthroughs, his philosophy of failure for team members, and gives a sneak peek of upcoming UWM announcements in 2025.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

UWM's integration with Sphere is aimed at enhancing broker workflows.
The mortgage industry lacks a seamless end-to-end system, which Sphere aims to provide.
AI is revolutionizing the mortgage industry, whether you realize it or not.
Creating a feedback loop within your company’s ecosystem brings ideas to fruition.
UWM's innovation focus can be seen in their large tech team and devoted resources.
Failing is the most important part of taking risks and innovating.

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Fifth Third Bank is all about the (mortgage) lending life Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Jay Plum, a 35-year banking veteran and the EVP of Consumer Lending at Fifth Third Bank. As the 10th largest bank servicer in the country, Fifth Third Bank has over a thousand branches and $200 billion in assets.

Today’s conversation is all about mortgage lending. Jay and Diego talk about Basel III and its impact on warehouse lending, and the important role that the affordability programs like downpayment assistance play in increasing homeownership. They also talk about Fifth Third’s focus on MSRs and home equity products, and what they’re doing to increase market share in a high-rate environment.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Fifth Third has many mortgage channels, including retail and correspondent.
Regulatory changes, such as Basel III, significantly impact the mortgage industry.
Affordability remains a key concern for potential homebuyers in a high-rate environment.
Fifth Third engages in community initiatives to promote homebuyer education and assistance programs.
Servicing mortgages allows Fifth Third to offer additional consumer lending products.

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Marketing automation is the future — and Fello wants to help Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

This week on Power House, we are bringing you a special sponsored conversation between HousingWire’s Director of the Content Studio, Zebulon Lowe, and the CEO and co-founder of Fello, Ryan Young. Founded in 2022, Fello is a marketing automation and lead-generation CRM attachment that uses public and MLS data to enrich your database and improve engagement and listings.

Zeb and Ryan talk about exciting things happening in Fello in 2025, including their 30-Day Listing Challenge and their expansion into mortgage. They also talk about the current state of real estate technology at large and Fello’s vision for using their tools to empower small businesses across various sectors.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Marketing automation processes can significantly enhance database engagement.
Technology should be used to simplify processes for real estate agents.
Fellow’s 30-Day Listing Challenge aims to empower agents and foster community.
Focus on controlling what you can control.
AI can enhance marketing strategies if used effectively.
Fello’s plan to expand into the mortgage sector presents new opportunities for growth.

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How daily accountability and coaching is fueling Windsor Mortgage's growth Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

This week on Power House, Diego chats with Windsor Mortgage CEO Chris Vinson. After his company, Journey Mortgage, was acquired by the South Dakota-based Plains Commerce Bank, Chris joined the Plains Commerce team to head their growing mortgage division.

He and Diego talk about how Windsor is differentiating itself from other wholesale competition by personalized and localized coaching and tech services. They also talk about Windsor’s daily accountability strategy for account executives, their focus on community banks, and how they maintain growth amid a high-rate environment.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Windsor focuses on the wholesale channel, primarily conforming agency and jumbo loans.
They pride themselves on personal customer service with a small team of account executives.
Chris emphasizes the importance of coaching and support for originators.
The company leverages personalized technology to enhance the closing experience.
Chris believes in accountability and metrics for account executives to drive success.
Windsor Mortgage aims to be the best fit for brokers and originators, not the biggest.

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NAR’s plan to build back trust with Sherry Chris Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s episode of Power House, Diego talks to Sherry Chris, the special advisor to National Association of REALTORS CEO, Nykia Wright. Sherry retired from her role as Anywhere Expansion Brands president and CEO in 2023, but now she’s back to offer her unique perspective and advice on some of the current challenges that the industry is facing.

Diego and Sherry talk about NAR’s work to rebuild relationships with stakeholders and consumers and she shares her thoughts on controversial dual agency and clear cooperation policies. She also discusses some of the ongoing advocacy efforts they’re working on amid the presidential administration transition.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

NAR is focusing on rebuilding relationships with key stakeholders.
Dual agency requires transparency and full disclosure to benefit consumers.
NAR membership offers ethical standards, advocacy, and comprehensive support.
The clear cooperation policy is under review based on member feedback.
NAR's advocacy team is actively engaging with new Congress members.

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Discovering non-QM’s potential with Deephaven’s Tom Davis Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Tom Davis, the chief sales officer at Deephaven Mortgage. Deephaven has been a pioneer in the non-QM space since its founding in 2012, and Tom joins us today to talk about all things non-QM and 2025 market growth.

Deephaven’s non-QM focus accounted for $70 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to over $80 billion in 2025. Tom talks about specializing in lending, market opportunities in a high-rate environment, and growing a second-lien product line. He also talks about focusing on investor and realtor relationships to unlock and capitalize on market share opportunities.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

In a high-rate environment, there are still opportunities for growth.
Home equity and second lien products are new key areas for growth.
Building relationships with investors can lead to multiple loan opportunities.
The supply-demand imbalance in housing presents opportunities for growth.
Targeting the top 5% of realtors can yield better results.
There is a significant need for renovation loans in the current market.

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