In this wide-ranging discussion, Barry Habib - CEO of Highway.ai - and host Bill Hitchcock explore the complex issue of tariffs and their broader implications for the U.S. economy and the housing market. Barry explains how tariffs act as a consumption tax paid by importers, often passed on to consumers, and how they can shrink margins and slow economic activity, potentially increasing the risk of recession.

Yet, Barry offers perspective: despite media alarm, the actual impact on consumer prices may only be around 4–5%, not the full value of the tariff. He compares implementing tariffs to starting a new fitness regimen - painful at first, but potentially necessary for long-term health, in this case, economic sustainability amid ballooning deficits.

Bill and Barry also underscore the importance of mortgage professionals staying educated and focused. They point out that housing often performs well during recessions, with falling interest rates and stable or rising home values - except during the 2008 financial crisis. Barry’s national forecast? A solid 4.1% appreciation in home values this year, which, when combined with mortgage leverage, can translate into significant wealth creation for homeowners.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

Thank you to our friends at Highway.ai for sponsoring this episode!

Is your CRM just a digital filing cabinet, or is it the engine behind your growth? In this episode of Lending Forward, we sit down with Dan Catinella, Chief Lending Officer with Total Expert, to uncover how originators and mortgage companies can go from viewing their database as a “Rolodex” to treating it like the gold mine it truly is.

We talk about the tech evolution in lending, how to avoid shiny object syndrome, and the critical role of sales and marketing alignment. You’ll hear how top-performing lenders are leveraging AI, data, and CRM platforms to 10X their customer retention, drive conversions, and build scalable, future-ready businesses.

Whether you're a tech-savvy originator or just starting to explore CRM beyond flyers and printouts, this episode will change how you look at your tech stack AND your future.

Thank you to our friends at Evocalize for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at evocalize.com/signup.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, we're diving into real talk with social media coach, speaker, and author Kyle Draper. From his journey as a pastor and roofer to becoming a leader in authentic marketing, Kyle shares why your past holds the key to building trust and connection in today's noisy digital world. Co-hosts Hannah McManus and Bill Hitchcock explore how loan officers can stop chasing likes and start cultivating relationships - whether it’s through one-to-one videos, revisiting old connections, or simply embracing who they truly are.

Kyle also unpacks how fear of video is often fear of visibility, and how even the smallest win (like sending a 14-second video to a past client) can lead to breakthroughs in business and life. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes peek at Kyle’s book series, Rethink Everything, and the “why” behind his mission to help professionals communicate with authenticity.

Whether you’re camera-shy or content-curious, this episode will leave you encouraged, equipped, and ready to make deeper connections - one story at a time.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

Thank you to our friends at Total Expert for sponsoring today’s episode. Total Expert is THE purpose-built customer engagement platform for modern financial institutions. Trusted by hundreds of financial services enterprises, Total Expert turns customer data into actionable insights that help marketing and sales teams engage and guide consumers through complex financial decisions. Fusing digital touchpoints and human interactions, Total Expert humanizes the customer journey to create better financial outcomes, build deeper relationships, and win customers for life. Visit Total Expert dot com to learn more.

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, Lending Forward is celebrating by highlighting one of the most influential women in the mortgage industry—Marcia Davies. As the Chief Operating Officer of the Mortgage Bankers Association and the founder of mPower, Marcia has dedicated her career to uplifting and empowering women in the industry.

In this episode, host Hannah McManus sits down with Marcia to discuss her journey, the impact of mPower, and what it takes to navigate and thrive in your career. From taking bold risks to embracing leadership opportunities, Marcia shares invaluable advice for women looking to make their mark. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable takeaways to help you step into your power.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, we dive deep into the evolving regulatory landscape with Mike Silver, Partner at Husch Blackwell and former CFPB insider. With over a decade shaping consumer finance law, Mike unpacks the uncertain future of the CFPB, its leadership shake-ups, and the impact on mortgage regulations.

Tune in as we discuss:
-The current legal battles surrounding the CFPB
-How state regulators may step up enforcement
-What industry professionals should do to stay compliant
-The need to modernize mortgage regulations to reflect today’s tech-driven landscape

This is a must-listen for mortgage professionals, compliance officers, and industry leaders navigating an unpredictable regulatory environment.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Bill Hitchcock dives deep into the power of mindset with special guest Steve Scanlon, founder of Rewire, a coaching company specializing in mindset transformation. Steve unpacks the science behind narrative circuitry, explaining how the stories we tell ourselves shape our actions, leadership, and success in the mortgage and real estate industries.

Tune in to hear Steve cover-
- Why behavior change without mindset change is ineffective
- How our brains resist change, and how to overcome it
- The role of self-awareness in leadership and sales success
- Practical strategies to shift your mindset for sustainable growth
- and more!

If you’ve ever struggled with action reluctance, habit formation, or self-limiting beliefs, this episode will challenge you to think differently and take actionable steps toward lasting transformation.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this insightful episode of Lending Forward, host Hannah McManus sits down with Pete Mills, Senior VP, Residential Policy & Member Engagement at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and Justin Wiseman, VP for Residential Policy & Managing Regulatory Counsel at MBA, to break down the major shifts happening in the mortgage industry.

With a new administration in place, economic policy changes, and evolving regulatory oversight, Pete and Justin share their expert perspectives on:
-How administration changes impact mortgage lending
-GSE reform: What happens if Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac exit conservatorship?
-The future of the CFPB and what it means for mortgage professionals
-Key compliance considerations for lenders in an uncertain regulatory environment
-The impact of market shifts on first-time homebuyers

This episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the road ahead, so tune in now and stay informed about the future of mortgage lending!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Cody Fox sits down with Mortgage Industry Leader and Coach Rebecca Lorenz to uncover the key strategies that mortgage and real estate professionals need to thrive in 2025. With industry attrition, shifting market dynamics, and evolving homebuyer motivations, success isn’t just about working harder, it’s about working smarter.

Rebecca shares data-driven insights that help break down key industry trends, including the growing demand for multi-generational housing and the power of client referrals. Beyond the numbers, this episode is about mindset - why some professionals see opportunity while others feel stuck, and how shifting your perspective can transform your production.

Whether you’re a mortgage banker, real estate agent, or industry professional, you’ll walk away with tangible steps to take control of your business and create abundance this year.

Tune in for your 2025 roadmap to action!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?