Advertise on podcast: Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion

The mortgage market has been testing people for three years. Barry Habib has been through far worse — and he has something to say about how you carry yourself through it. Barry Habib returns to Batting 1,000 for his fifth consecutive season to break down what is actually happening in the economy, where rates are headed, and what loan officers should be doing right now to prepare for the opportunities ahead. A #1 bestselling author, three-time Crystal Ball Award winner, and board member of Fannie Mae, Barry is the founder of MBS Highway and one of the most trusted voices in mortgage and financial markets. He was among the first to forecast interest rates below six percent in 2026 — and got it right while almost no one else did. This episode goes beyond the numbers. Barry opens up about his cancer battle, eleven months in remission, and the mindset that carried him through multiple failed treatments without losing optimism or forward momentum. His message to loan officers navigating a difficult market draws directly from that experience. In this Batting 1,000 conversation, Dale Vermillion and Barry cover the full picture — personal, economic, and tactical. They cover: Barry's cancer journey, what finally worked, and why he's fighting to get the treatment more widely availableThe Iran conflict, oil markets, and what they mean for interest rates right nowWhy Jerome Powell has been one of the most damaging Fed chairs in modern history — and what Kevin Warsh changesThe real state of the labor market and why unemployment claims no longer tell the full storyHow to use the strike rate strategy to lock in future refis before the window closesWhy homeownership builds 44x more net worth than renting — and how to explain it to any borrowerThe leveraged return math that makes real estate unlike any other investment If you want to understand the market, prepare your pipeline, and walk into borrower conversations with genuine conviction, this episode delivers the framework straight from the most accurate forecaster in the business. About Barry HabibBarry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway, is an American entrepreneur and frequent media resource for his mortgage and housing expertise. Amazon #1 bestselling author for his book “Money in the Streets”Director on Fannie Mae BoardWidely credited with saving the Mortgage Industry in 2020 from Margin Calls due to Fed Actions. His presentation to the Fed created stability at a critical time. Notable Awards The 2024 Crystal Ball Award by Fannie Mae, Pulsenomics, and Zillow for the most accurate real estate forecasts out of the 150 top economists in the US, marks his fourth win in seven years.2019 Mortgage Professional of the YearFinalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the YearNamed to Mortgage Global 100 List 2024 Distinguished Industry Service Award by NAMBThe St. Armand Ventures Businessman of the Year 2021Named to the list of 100 People to Watch in 2023 During his mortgage sales career, Barry personally originated over $2 Billion. Connect with BarryLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-habib-6b001910/ Web → https://www2.highway.ai Subscribe to MBS Highway → email [email protected] and mention Batting 1,000 About Dale VermillionDale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with more than 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze. Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope. Connect with DaleConnect with @DaleVermillion LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/company/dalevermillion Facebook → https://facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial X → https://x.com/dalevermillion Website → https://dalevermillion.com Email → [email protected] About Batting 1,000Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements. Copyright 2024 © Vermillion Consulting, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Most loan officers are already doing the right things. They're just not building systems around them. Cindy Ertman breaks down how she grew a personal production business to over $200 million — and what it actually takes to build a referral-driven mortgage business that scales without burning out. Named one of Mortgage Executive Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential Mortgage Executives five years in a row and a top 100 loan originator for over a decade, Cindy is the CEO of The Defining Difference®, a leading coaching and training company for mortgage professionals. She has shared the stage with Tony Robbins, Darren Hardy, Magic Johnson, and former President George Bush. Her approach is built on one conviction she discovered early in her career: the mortgage industry is not a mortgage business — it's a relationship business. Everything she teaches flows from that foundation, from how to communicate through every loan milestone to how to pursue a realtor partner for two years without hearing a single word back. In this Batting 1,000 conversation, Dale Vermillion and Cindy break down what separates consistent top producers from everyone else — and why the gap has almost nothing to do with talent. They cover: ‣ Why top producers aren't more talented — they just have better systems ‣ The 10-point milestone communication plan that wins realtor loyalty ‣ How to build and work multiple databases to generate business from every corner of your network ‣ The weekly time-blocking and call routines behind $200M in personal production ‣ The two-year pursuit story that landed a $1.4M loan and a career-defining referral partner ‣ How to make bold choices every day — and stop being tied to the outcome If your business isn't where you want it to be, Cindy's message is simple: you're not in enough action. This episode gives you a clear, proven framework for changing that. Schedule a complimentary coaching call with Cindy's team → cindyertman.com or thedefiningdifference.com

A new year is the perfect time to rethink what “success” actually looks like. Kara Whitman shows how top producers can scale production past $100M without sacrificing their family, their energy, or their enjoyment of the business. A multi-year Scotsman Guide Top 40 originator and one of the highest-producing consumer-direct loan officers in the country, Kara has built a career defined by sustained performance, not short-term wins. With over a decade in the business and years leading production at a national lender, she is known for her ability to combine volume, service, and life balance at the highest level. Her approach centers on mastering the fundamentals, simplifying complex decisions for borrowers, and creating a client experience that is memorable, consultative, and built on trust. In this Batting 1,000 conversation, Dale Vermillion and Kara break down what truly separates elite loan officers from the rest—and why “rate” is rarely the deciding factor. They cover: ‣ Why consistency is the real secret behind sustained top performance ‣ How to take control of the rate conversation and shift it to value ‣ The role of relationships in building a scalable, referral-driven business ‣ Practical strategies for managing high volume without sacrificing service ‣ How to win at work while still winning at home If you’re looking to produce more, convert better, and build a business that lasts, this episode offers a clear, experience-tested framework from one of the industry’s most accomplished performers.

Social media doesn’t have to be about posting more or going viral. Michelle Berman-Mikel explains how mortgage and real estate professionals can use social media to prospect, build relationships, and generate consistent business. A nationally recognized keynote speaker and author of The Black Line, Michelle is the founder of Berman Media PD. As the creator of Beyond The Method™, she helps mortgage and real estate professionals turn social media into a true prospecting engine by focusing on leverage and utility rather than vanity metrics. Her work centers on the psychology behind connection, teaching practical systems for building credibility, deepening relationships, and generating business online without gimmicks or trend chasing. In this Batting 1,000 conversation, Dale Vermillion and Michelle break down what actually works on social media today and why most professionals approach it the wrong way. They cover: ‣ Lessons learned swimming the mile as a Division I athlete and how that discipline translates to business ‣ The story behind her book, The Black Line ‣ The most common social media mistakes mortgage and real estate professionals make ‣ Why leverage matters more than virality when it comes to online prospecting ‣ Practical tools for converting conversations into real business If social media feels like something you should be doing but have never seen results from, this episode provides a clear and practical framework for making it work. Save 20 percent on Michelle’s program, including her Drivers and Levers tool → https://michelle-berman.mykajabi.com/offers/n67Bi93J/checkout?coupon_code=BTM20 Or schedule a free 30 minute strategy call → https://calendly.com/bermanmedia/strategycall Buy your copy of The Black Line by Michelle Berman-Mikel → https://a.co/d/dTQxMcn

Owen Lee has spent nearly three decades shaping the mortgage industry. Owen is the CEO of Success Mortgage Partners, Vice Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association, and a relentless advocate for lenders and borrowers alike. And in this episode, he joins Dale to unpack what’s next for lending—including leadership, technology, and legislation. From building a billion-dollar company to fighting for industry-wide reforms, Owen shares the principles that have guided his success—and how they can help you thrive amid rapid change. He explains why honesty is the foundation of strong leadership, how to create partnerships that elevate both sides, and why technology must enhance human relationships, not replace them. They also dig into the biggest forces reshaping the industry, from AI and automation to looming regulatory shifts, and the wins MBA has delivered on Capitol Hill that every mortgage professional should know. In this episode, Dale and Owen dive into: ‣ Why truth-telling is the cornerstone of effective leadership ‣ How to build partnerships that drive exponential growth ‣ What it takes to balance technology with trust in a digital age ‣ The biggest legislative wins (and looming battles) facing lenders ‣ Why involvement — not passivity — is the key to shaping the industry’s future If you’re serious about leading well, scaling sustainably, and staying ahead of what’s coming next, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

Barry Habib is back—the only guest to appear every season of *Batting 1,000*. He’s the industry’s most trusted market voice, credited with guiding lenders through COVID-19’s margin call crisis and winning the Crystal Ball Award a record four times. Barry is CEO & Founder of MBS Highway (now Highway.ai), author of the best-seller *Money in the Streets*, and the newest member of Fannie Mae’s governing board. Simply put: nobody calls the market like Barry. In this episode, Dale and Barry dive into: Why investment loans are a huge opportunityA hidden provision in the Big Beautiful Bill borrowers will loveWhy trust is more valuable than ever in the AI eraThe exact playbook top LOs are running right nowAnd what beating cancer taught Barry about happiness Conversations like this usually cost thousands at industry events—this one’s free, wherever you listen or watch.

With major players racing to own the entire homeownership journey, AI reshaping how we work, and digital natives entering their prime buying years, the mortgage industry is at a turning point. So, Dale Vermillion sat down with the president of its largest tech provider to ask a simple question: Where is this all going? The answer might surprise you. Tim Bowler, President of ICE Mortgage Technology, isn’t just focused on making lending faster or more efficient—he’s on a mission to make it more human. From mobile-first tools to predictive analytics and AI-driven servicing, ICE is building technology that helps mortgage professionals deliver both speed and personalization—at every stage of the borrower journey. In this episode, Tim and Dale dive into: ‣ Why the future of lending is high-tech and high-touch ‣ How AI can elevate people instead of replacing them ‣ What today’s borrowers actually need from lenders ‣ What gives Tim hope about where the industry’s headed ‣ A case study on rebuilding homeownership in Detroit If you’re wondering how you or your company fit into the future of lending—and want a competitive edge to get there—this episode will leave you encouraged, inspired, and ready to lead.

In real estate, relationships aren’t just a bonus—they’re the foundation. Few understand that better than Michael Tomlin, one of the top 1.5% of agents in the country and a top 5% Coldwell Banker producer globally four years running. Based on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Michael has built a thriving real estate business on one principle: relationships over transactions. In this episode, Dale and Michael unpack: ✅ How the NAR settlement is actually playing out ✅ What agents want from lenders (beyond rates) ✅ The #1 deal killer—and how to avoid it ✅ Why niche products and problem-solving matter ✅ How faith and family fuel Michael’s success Whether you're in lending, real estate, or both, this conversation is a masterclass in how to build trust, deliver value, and stay ahead in a changing market. #RealEstate #MortgageLending #LoanOfficers #NARSettlement #MichaelTomlin #DaleVermillion #Batting1000 About Michael TomlinMichael Tomlin is a top-performing real estate professional on Florida’s Emerald Coast, ranked among the top 1.5% of agents nationwide by America’s Best in both 2023 and 2024. He has earned Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Circle Award for four consecutive years—an honor reserved for the top 5% of agents globally. Known for his “relationships over transactions” approach, Michael has built a reputation for integrity, dedication, and deep local expertise. He specializes in condos, single-family homes, first-time buyers, and new construction. When he’s not helping clients navigate the real estate market, Michael enjoys life as a devoted husband and father of four. Connect with MichaelInstagram → instagram.com/mrmichaeltomlin Facebook → facebook.com/michaeltomlinrealestate LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/michael-tomlin-9b183b112 YouTube → youtube.com/c/itsmichaeltomlin About Dale VermillionDale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with more than 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze. Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope. Connect with DaleLinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/dalevermillion YouTube → youtube.com/@DaleVermillion Facebook → facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial X → x.com/dalevermillion Website → dalevermillion.com Email → [email protected] About Batting 1,000Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements.

In an industry where profitability and production often take center stage, credit unions have a unique edge: a service-first mindset that puts members ahead of margins. No one understands this better than Peter Benjamin, President of ACUMA and a seasoned leader in the lending industry. A Certified Mortgage Banker and Six Sigma Black Belt, Peter has spent nearly two decades helping credit unions navigate the complexities of mortgage lending while staying true to their mission. In this episode, Peter and Dale dive into: ‣ Why credit unions are uniquely positioned to thrive in today’s market ‣ The key habits of top-performing lenders that set them apart ‣ The “S-word” credit unions need to embrace to remain competitive ‣ How technology, social media, and proactive marketing can drive real growth If you’re in the mortgage industry—whether at a credit union, bank, or IMB—this conversation will challenge the way you think about customer relationships, mortgage marketing, and long-term borrower retention. About ACUMAThe American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA) is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting and advancing credit unions in the mortgage lending industry. Exclusively composed of credit union professionals and their primary suppliers, ACUMA serves as a vital resource for networking, education, and advocacy in home finance. 🔗 Become a member 🔗 Explore upcoming events 🔗 Get involved in ACUMA's community About Peter BenjaminPeter Benjamin is the President of ACUMA and a seasoned leader with nearly two decades in the lending industry. A Certified Mortgage Banker and Six Sigma Black Belt, he has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, driving growth, and streamlining processes for efficiency and profitability. A graduate of the MBA’s Future Leaders Program, Peter brings deep expertise in lending, finance, product development, and strategic planning—all with a people-first, service-driven approach. He also serves as a board member of the Bollinger Foundation, reflecting his commitment to making a lasting impact beyond the industry. Connect with PeterLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjbenjamin/ About Dale VermillionDale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with more than 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze. Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope. Connect with DaleLinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/dalevermillion YouTube → youtube.com/@dalevermillion Facebook → facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial X → x.com/dalevermillion Website → dalevermillion.com Email → [email protected] About Batting 1,000Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements. Copyright 2024 © Vermillion Consulting, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion, Dale sits down with Shant Banosian, America’s #1 loan officer with over $9 billion in funded loans, to break down what it takes to build a thriving mortgage business—even in challenging markets. Shant shares 10 powerful lessons on how loan officers can level up by mastering the fundamentals, controlling conversations, and building high-impact teams. Shant doesn’t just talk about success—he lives it. From cultivating lifelong client relationships to staying ahead of market shifts, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for mortgage professionals, sales leaders, and anyone in the lending space looking to hit their own home run. Key Takeaways:Relationships > Transactions — Build trust and focus on long-term partnerships, not just quick deals.Control Your Calls — A structured call approach is essential to guide clients and differentiate yourself.Become an Expert — You can’t fake it. Stay informed on products, market trends, and processes.Educate Your Clients — Help clients understand what matters beyond just rates to build lasting trust.Build a Strong Team — Scale by surrounding yourself with talented people in clearly defined roles.Know Your Numbers — Track key metrics weekly and make quick adjustments to stay on target.Work Smart, Stay Balanced — Build systems that allow you to focus during work hours and unplug at home.Never Stop Learning — Seek mentorship, coaching, and continuous improvement to stay ahead.See Hard Markets as Opportunities — Difficult times are when you can gain market share and loyalty.Stay Ahead of Changes — Anticipate future trends and be ready to adapt before the market shifts. Links & Resources:Connect with Dale Vermillion on LinkedIn: Dale Vermillion LinkedInLearn more about Shant Banosian: Shant Banosian LinkedInFollow Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion for more episodes. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to leave us a review and share it with your network. Every rating helps us reach more people with practical strategies to grow their businesses and lead with excellence.

The average age of a first-time homebuyer in 2024 was 38—nearly a decade older than it was just 10 years ago. For too many Americans, the dream of homeownership feels increasingly out of reach, causing their overall wealth to lag behind that of their parents at the same age. While headlines focus on the housing affordability crisis, another critical issue is unfolding—one that rarely makes the news: the widespread lack of financial literacy among American consumers. As an industry, we have a vested interest in ensuring future generations of homeowners not only understand how homeownership builds financial security but also develop the financial disciplines needed to qualify sooner rather than later. It's a challenge that FirstHome IQ, a nonprofit founded and supported by mortgage professionals, is working to solve. Leading this effort is Kristin Messerli, a home finance educator and advocate who has dedicated her career to making homeownership more attainable. Don’t miss this timely conversation about one of the most pressing challenges—and greatest opportunities—facing the mortgage industry today. About FirstHome IQFirstHome IQ is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing homeownership education, inspiration, and resources to ensure equal opportunities for the next generation to build wealth through homeownership. Their approach includes online education featuring engaging content on financial literacy, a curated selection of tools such as payment calculators and budgeting apps, and outreach efforts in collaboration with schools and community organizations to deliver on-site education. By enhancing financial literacy, they aim to help individuals avoid costly mistakes, reduce financial stress, and plan effectively for the future. 🔗 Learn more about FirstHome IQ 🔗 Sponsor a student or class 🔗 Become a FirstHome IQ Ambassador About Kristin MesserliKristin is a speaker and researcher on nextgen homeownership and financial wellness. Her background includes social work with unhoused youth, homebuyer education, and developing outreach programs. She founded and sold the digital marketing agency, Cultural Outreach, and authors the NextGen Homebuyer Reports, surveying over 4,000 millennial and gen z homebuyers. Connect with KristinLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinmesserli/ About Dale VermillionDale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with more than 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze. Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope. Connect with DaleLinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/dalevermillion YouTube → youtube.com/@dalevermillion Facebook → facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial X → x.com/dalevermillion Website → dalevermillion.com Email → [email protected] About Batting 1,000Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements. Copyright 2024 © Vermillion Consulting, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Endeared to history as the last great Philosopher King, Marcus Aurelius's legacy is shaped more by his stoic writings than by his imperial conquests. Similarly, I believe Nathan Knottingham—Chief of Staff at Vetted VA and Co-Founder of MLO Force—will be remembered more for his insights into leadership, the heart of service, and the centrality of purpose than for his daily impact in reshaping our industry. As an advocate for housing for veterans and an expert in continuing education training, Nathan is a wealth of knowledge for lenders and loan officers. But throughout this dynamic conversation, it became clear that he has a challenge for every originator, branch manager, and mortgage executive willing to listen: to be better and do better—not just for ourselves, but for our industry, our teams, and the borrowers we ultimately serve. This conversation will leave you reflecting on how you lead your team, serve your clients, and, ultimately, live out your purpose in business and life. About MLO ForceMortgage loan originators and brokers wield great power in the lives and dreams of American homeowners. With that power comes (you guessed it) great responsibility. MLO Force believes the mortgage journey should transcend the transactional and become transformational for the aspiring and existing homeowners we interact with. Our CE aims to bring out the best in every MLO—to be a mortgage hero to your borrowers; ethical, people-first, and ready to do what it takes to make a difference in their lives. 🔗 *Learn more:* https://www.mloforce.com/ 🔗 *Explore courses:* https://www.mloforce.com/courses 🔗 *Read the blog:* https://www.mloforce.com/blog-1 About Nathan KnottinghamNathan Knottingham is transforming online education in the mortgage sector. As the CEO of MLO Force, Nathan leverages his experience as both a leader and originator to make NMLS Continuing Education as affordable and painless as possible. A frequent speaker on the mortgage conference circuit, Nathan often sheds light on the best and highest use of the VA Home Loan. Since 2019, he has served as the COO of Vetted VA, which not only provides trusted information for the industry but also fosters a supportive community for lenders and originators serving veterans through homeownership. Nathan also serves as Chief of Staff for Be My Neighbor Mortgage, where he plays a key role in supporting borrowers on their homeownership journey. Connect with NathanLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanknottingham/ About Dale VermillionDale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with more than 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze. Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope. Connect with DaleConnect with @DaleVermillion LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/company/dalevermillion Facebook → https://facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial X → https://x.com/dalevermillion Website → https://dalevermillion.com Email → [email protected] About Batting 1,000Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements. Copyright 2024 © Vermillion Consulting, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

If you had to rate your confidence in the mortgage industry in 2024 on a scale of 1 to 10, what number would you choose? For HousingWire president Diego Sanchez, it’s a solid 10—and for good reason. As someone who interacts daily with lenders, vendors, and a best-in-class reporting and editorial team, Diego has his finger firmly on the pulse of the mortgage industry. Despite high rates, low inventory, and persistent inflation, he sees a wealth of opportunities on the horizon for originators and shares his top insights on how to capitalize on them. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation between the industry’s most decorated sales expert and the president of one of the most influential (and fastest-growing) media companies in mortgage and real estate. Dale and Diego cover a wide range of topics, from key data trends to the impact of technology and information on modern originations, the downstream effects of the NAR settlement, and the ongoing transformation of the valuation and title insurance industries. Subscribe to Batting 1,000YouTube → youtube.com/c/dalevermillion Apple Podcasts → https://bit.ly/3GTqzDb Spotify → https://bit.ly/3AZ7P1b Amazon Music → https://bit.ly/3u9xssu In This Episode▸ How are lenders finding success in today's market? (starts at 4 mins 15 secs) As president of a leading industry publication—and notably, one that hosts some of the fastest-growing industry events—Diego Sanchez has his finger on the pulse of which lenders are succeeding and which are falling behind. Hear his perspective on how the best lenders are navigating today’s market: containing costs, targeting niche growth opportunities, and leveraging data more effectively. ▸ The flight to quality (starts at 10 mins 10 secs) The post-COVID market has, perhaps more than any other, separated the best from the rest in mortgage and real estate. Diego argues that this separation has enabled growing lenders to attract and retain top talent while avoiding—or, in some cases, shedding—underperforming employees. ▸ The role of information in modern originations (starts at 14 mins 17 secs) The mortgage industry has an information problem. Why? In part because loan officers are failing to use the information at their fingertips to help clients make informed lending decisions. But more significantly, borrowers now have more access to information than ever before—yet much of it is preventing them from making the right decisions at the right time. That’s why HousingWire is committed to breaking down silos and providing our industry—and, through it, the American homeowner—with the full picture. ▸ Consequences of the NAR Settlement (starts at 23 mins 47 secs) Are we living in a new world following the official implementation of the NAR settlement? Diego breaks down what he sees as the most significant downstream effects of the settlement, including a reduction in buyer’s agent compensation and a subsequent downsizing of buyer’s agents nationwide. ▸ Innovation in home valuations and title insurance (starts at 31 mins 12 secs) The post-COVID housing market stress-tested every facet of the home loan origination process, including appraisals and title insurance, both of which were shown to be ripe for innovation. Diego shares his concerns about an aging appraisal workforce, the limited applicability of AVMs, and the mounting expense of title insurance. He also discusses opportunities to streamline those costs through regulatory changes and title insurance alternatives, including attorney opinion letters. ▸ The threat of servicers to non-portfolio originators (starts at 34 mins 50 secs) With the Fed expected to cut interest rates within weeks of this episode’s release, the industry is poised for a refinance boom. However, many lenders have begun to worry about losing business to major servicers, who have strategically built up their database marketing capabilities and in-house origination teams over the past several years to capitalize on rising consumer demand. Diego shares his thoughts on the threat servicers pose to originators and how originators can prevent churn from their books of business. ▸ Where Diego believes the industry is headed (starts at 42 mins 48 secs) Diego believes the industry is heading into calmer waters. As inventory normalizes, home value increases plateau, the likelihood of near-term rate cuts remains high, and inflation dips below 3%, he anticipates borrower demand will recover and, with shifting demographics, begin to grow. Additionally, a small refinance boom for late-cycle borrowers is on the horizon, which should provide lenders with a modest boost to reinvest in serving the next generations of American homebuyers over the next 15 to 20 years. About HousingWireHousingWire's mission is to break down silos and provide industry leaders with the full picture to move markets forward. They combine original data, analytics, technology, media, and events to support informed leaders. 🔗 Subscribe for free: housingwire.com/newsletter 🔗 Explore HW+ membership: housingwire.com/membership About Diego SanchezDiego Sanchez is a digital media veteran with over a decade in executive management. He has held senior leadership roles at Travelzoo, Rodale, Adtelligent, and now serves as President of HW Media. Diego holds a Bachelor of Arts in Governmental Studies from Harvard and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Prior to entering media, Diego worked in both nonprofit and for-profit education. He lives in Brooklyn, NY, with his wife and two sons. Connect with DiegoLinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/diegoesanchez About Dale VermillionDale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with more than 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze. Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope. Connect with DaleLinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/dalevermillion Facebook → facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial X → x.com/dalevermillion Website → dalevermillion.com Email → [email protected] About Batting 1,000Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements. Copyright © 2024 Vermillion Consulting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Where is the mortgage market headed? Mike Simonsen and the team at Altos Research can you tell you sooner than anyone. Since before the meltdown in 2008, Mike has been collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the most real-time real estate data available. And in this episode of Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion, he shares exactly what the data is indicating for future housing inventory levels, home prices, and more. Know exactly what to expect in today's mortgage market, and what you need to prepare for as the FED works to restore inventory from it's anemic levels. Subscribe to Batting 1,000Apple Podcasts → https://bit.ly/3GTqzDb Spotify → https://bit.ly/3AZ7P1b Amazon Music → https://bit.ly/3u9xssu Google Podcasts → https://bit.ly/3VjQxEl In This Episode▸ How Mike's data "saved" Goldman Sachs (starts at 1 min 25 secs) Enjoy Mike's tongue-in-cheek story about how 6 months after Goldman Sach's became Mike's first enterprise data licensing client, they shorted the housing market one quarter faster than the rest of Wall Street. ▸ The actual state of housing inventory (starts at 8 mins 39 secs) While there's 39% more unsold housing inventory in the United States today than there was a year ago and every state has more inventory today than this time last year, only 5 of 50 states have more inventory than they did in 2019. And if the data holds, YoY inventory gains will be closer to 20% by EOY. ▸ Contextualizing new construction in the inventory calculation (starts at 19 mins 15 secs) When calculating. the actual supply of available homes for sale, understanding where in the construction process new construction listings are is absolutely critical. Mike explains why, and how the Altos Research team factors for currently unsellable new construction in their inventory calculations. ▸ The impact of the NAR settlement on listings data (starts at 21 mins 48 secs) In short, the impact of the NAR settlement has drastically altered listings data. Inventory, while growing, remains below normal market targets, buyer demand remains low as rates hover above 6%, and price reductions have continued to accelerate modestly as we approach the offseason. ▸ Proving value with Altos Market Reports (starts at 27 mins) In the aftermath of the NAR Settlement, buyers are demanding proof than ever of the value their real estate agents provide. Having access to white-labeled Altos Research market reports is just another way to prove the value of your representation, or to help your partners prove the value of their representation. ▸ Where home prices are headed in America (starts at 28 mins 38 secs) There are so many factors that drive home prices, incl. rates, demand, inventory and equity just to name a few. Based on his decades pf experience (and best-in-class data), Mike sees home prices continuing to grow modestly, with select markets experiencing temporary drawbacks that will mostly affect late-cycle borrowers. But nowhere in the data does Mike see indications of a crash in home prices—not even in the most reduced markets, like Austin, TX. ▸ Bullish and bearish indicators for mortgage (starts at 41 mins) If there's one reason for a bullish attitude toward today's mortgage market, it's LTVs. According to CoreLogic, the median equity in America right now is an astonishing $305,000. However, for late-cycle borrowers and current buyers, DTI ratios are becoming a serious concern. At 40%, the national median debt-to-income ratio is troubling, a potential reason to temper bullishness towards the current mortgage market. About Altos ResearchAltos Research is the premier resource for real-time real estate data. We provide weekly market statistics, analysis and reporting for 99% of the zip codes in the U.S., helping real estate professionals, investors, financial institutions, and their clients make better-informed decisions. 🔗 Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@altosresearch 🔗 Request a demo: https://altosresearch.com/ About Mike SimonsenA true data geek, Mike founded Altos Research in 2006 to bring data and insight on the U.S. housing market to those who need it most. Altos provides national and local real estate data to financial institutions, real estate professionals, and investors across the country. In 2022 the company was acquired by HW Media, publisher of HousingWire and RealTrends. Mike uses Altos data to identify trends in the real estate market well before the headlines, and his work has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Fortune, Bloomberg and other publications. Connect with MikeLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonsen/ Twitter → https://twitter.com/mikesimonsen About Dale VermillionDale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with over 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of "Navigating the Mortgage Maze." Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope. Connect with DaleLinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/company/dalevermillion Facebook → https://facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial X → https://x.com/dalevermillion Website → https://dalevermillion.com Email → [email protected] About Batting 1,000Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements. Copyright 2024 © Vermillion Consulting, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion, Dale is joined by Barry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway, for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation. Barry shares his journey of battling cancer while continuing to make significant contributions to the mortgage industry. He discusses his experiences, the importance of gratitude, and the power of maintaining a positive mindset during challenging times. Barry also emphasizes the value of knowledge, vulnerability, and trust in building successful relationships, both personally and professionally. Subscribe to Batting 1,000Apple Podcasts → https://bit.ly/3GTqzDb Spotify → https://bit.ly/3AZ7P1b Amazon Music → https://bit.ly/3u9xssu Google Podcasts → https://bit.ly/3VjQxEl In This EpisodeBarry's battle with cancer (starts at 3 mins 29 secs)Barry talks about his diagnosis, treatment, and the challenges he faces. He shares insights on maintaining a positive outlook and the importance of gratitude during tough times. The importance of gratitude (starts at 8 mins 20 secs)Dale and Barry discuss how practicing gratitude can transform your mindset and improve both personal and professional relationships. Building trust through vulnerability (starts at 16 mins 27 secs)Barry explains how being open about your weaknesses can strengthen trust and foster deeper connections with others. Knowledge as a key to success (starts at 22 mins 45 secs)The conversation shifts to the critical role of knowledge in the mortgage industry and how understanding the market can help professionals better serve their clients. Barry's market insights (starts at 39 mins 09 secs)Barry provides his expert analysis on the current state of the mortgage market and shares his predictions for the future. ResourcesSusbcribe to MBS Highway Buy Barry's book, Money in the Streets Schedule a Call with Dale’s Team Soundbites"You just don't know how lucky you are." — Barry Habib"It's the journey that's important, not just the goal." — Barry Habib"The greatest feeling in the world is helping others achieve financial freedom." — Barry Habib"Gratitude transforms your mindset and improves relationships." — Dale Vermillion About Barry HabibBarry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway, is a renowned entrepreneur and media resource for mortgage and housing expertise. He is the author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Money in the Streets and played a crucial role in stabilizing the mortgage industry during the 2020 financial crisis. Barry is a three-time Crystal Ball Award winner for accurate real estate forecasts, the 2019 Mortgage Professional of the Year, and has been recognized in multiple prestigious industry lists. Besides his impressive mortgage career, Barry has produced the Broadway show Rock of Ages and Cris Angel’s Mindfreak. He is also a highly rated speaker and trainer with over 25 years of experience. Connect with BarryLinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/barryhabib Subscribe to MBS Highway → highway.ai About Dale VermillionDale Vermillion, an industry icon, has trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with over 600 organizations. He is a three-time HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and the author of "Navigating the Mortgage Maze." Dale is also the founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope. Connect with DaleLinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/dalevermillion Facebook → facebook.com/dalevermillionofficial X → x.com/dalevermillion Website → dalevermillion.com Email → [email protected] About Batting 1,000Batting 1,000 with Dale Vermillion is a production of Mortgage Champions. The show is produced and edited by Jake Vermillion. Music by Envato Elements. Copyright 2024 © Vermillion Consulting, Inc., All Rights Reserved.