Shows
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Nikki BialkaThis week, Rob and Rich are joined by none other than Nikki Bialka—an officially unofficial recurring guest and fan favorite from her last blockbuster appearance. Nikki leads affordable and CRA lending efforts at Fifth Third Bank, where she navigates the ever-shifting terrain of homeownership access with smarts, clarity, and just enough sass to make policy talk feel like a happy hour debate. After her last visit lit up our inboxes with praise, we knew we had to lock her down long-term, and the 9-year, $171 million deal basically wrote itself.Fresh from the latest MBA Affordable Homeownership Ad...2025-07-2447 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Pete MillsOn this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob welcomed Pete Mills, SVP of Residential Policy and Strategic Industry Engagement at the MBA, for a timely discussion on housing policy, political gridlock, and what lenders really need to know heading into an election year.Pete gave a clear-eyed breakdown of the legislative headwinds in D.C.—from the slim chances of housing-focused bills passing before November, to how the current political climate is shaping FHFA priorities, credit scoring drama, and GSE oversight. If you’ve been wondering why FICO 10T was left out of the la...2025-07-171h 01
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Bill Bodnar & Sue WoodardOn this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by Sue Woodard and Bill Bodnar for a lively breakdown of what’s working—and what’s still wildly broken—across the mortgage experience and capital markets. From Fed policy whiplash to the bond market’s split personality, Bill brought the macro insights while Sue translated them into what lenders actually need to hear about borrowers and behavior.We also tackled the industry’s cautious (read: glacial) response to the VantageScore announcement and what it’ll really take for adoption to catch on. With a shared hi...2025-07-1049 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Meredith WhitneyOn this week’s The Big Picture, legendary analyst Meredith Whitney returns to the spotlight with a candid breakdown of why she believes 2025 could mark the worst year in decades for the U.S. housing market. She unpacks the structural shifts reshaping homeownership—from generational imbalances to the hidden cracks in credit markets—and explains why a slowdown in housing could become a broader economic drag.But it’s not all doom and gloom. Meredith also shares why she sees a surprising bright spot in consumer spending, powered by younger Americans and a surge in home equity taps. Fr...2025-06-2647 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring James DwigginsIf you thought housing news might finally chill this week… nope. Bayview just picked up Guild like it was part of a two-for-one special at Costco, and the Fed once again ghosted rate cuts - because messing with the bond market is apparently their favorite pastime.Rich and Rob broke it all down with their usual cocktail of sharp analysis and mild disbelief.Then James Dwiggins of NextHome, Inc. joined the show to unpack the brokerage wars. Why did Zillow really pull listings from Compass and Redfin? Who actually owns the customer in 2025? And why ar...2025-06-1950 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Dustin OwenOn today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob welcomed Dustin Owen, CMB, AMP—co-founder of The Loan Officer Podcast and EVP at Lower—for a fast-paced, no-BS conversation on influence, branding, and where the mortgage business goes from here. Dustin pulled back the curtain on how TLOP was born, what it’s done for his platform, and why he thinks too many LOs are still trying to sell in 2008. Whether you're building a personal brand or scaling a retail operation, Dustin dropped actionable insights and a few spicy takes on what works (and what definitely doesn’t)....2025-06-1248 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Rob ChraneOn today’s Big Picture with Rich and Rob, we kicked things off with the Trump–Musk feud, soft jobless claim numbers, and growing chatter that the Trump 2.0 term could take Fannie and Freddie public—without ending conservatorship. It’s a bold, strange path that could reshape the GSE landscape without fully releasing the reins.Then we welcomed Rob Chrane from Down Payment Resource for a fast-paced breakdown of the DPA world. Rob highlighted that millions qualify for assistance but don’t know it, and explained why so few lenders embrace DPA despite its potential. We dug into misco...2025-06-0548 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Rod AlbaOn today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, the show opened with a brisk round of industry headlines, highlighting a continued wave of M&A activity in the mortgage sector and the potential implications of investor Bill Pulte’s outspoken critique of FICO. The hosts also discussed Donald Trump’s recent comments expressing a desire to take the GSEs public, setting the stage for a conversation centered around shifting regulatory and political dynamics in housing finance.The episode’s featured guest, Rod Alba, SVP of Mortgage Finance at the American Bankers Association, joined the disc...2025-05-2946 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Steve RichmanOn today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, featuring the legendary Steve Richman, we kicked things off by diving into Donald Trump’s recent comments about releasing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship. That lit the fuse for a broader conversation about the GSEs’ outsized profits and the increasingly vocal commentary from housing advocate (and Twitter flamethrower) Bill Pulte, who called for the "obese GSEs" to hit the treadmill and took a direct shot at FICO in the process. Rob offered sharp insights from MBA Secondary, covering where capital markets sentiment sits today and how se...2025-05-2250 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Shmulik FishmanGavin Newsom just signed new legislation to make home construction cheaper and faster in California — which now makes it only the slowest and most expensive place to build… slightly more efficiently.Bill Pulte is back on the media circuit giving interviews like it’s 2019, and Lower just bought Movoto because, apparently, the portal wars have officially resumed.Meanwhile, the rest of us are still trying to figure out how income and employment verification can stop being such a nightmare.Enter Shmulik Fishman, CEO of Argyle, who joined Rob Ch...2025-05-1547 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Justin MesserOn today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, we kicked things off with a sharp look at the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady — a move that brought a sigh of relief to some and a collective eye-roll from others hoping for real movement. We also broke down UWM’s Q1 earnings report, which included a $247M loss and plenty of questions about where the broker channel narrative goes from here. And just when you thought the headlines couldn’t get weirder, we touched on Trump’s first official post-return trade deal... with England, because why not?...2025-05-0849 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Sarah MiddletonToday’s edition of The Big Picture was packed, as Rob Chrisman and I tackled another wild week in housing and finance. We covered the congressional investigation into Trump’s attempt to dismantle the CFPB, UWM’s move to bring servicing in-house amid 401k mismanagement allegations, and Bill Pulte’s bold ideas to boost GSE productivity. We also dug into this morning’s weak jobless claims report and previewed tomorrow’s April jobs print - all against the backdrop of a news cycle that feels like it was written by caffeine and chaos.We were joined by Sarah Middle...2025-05-0149 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Laird & Bernard NossuliOn this week’s edition of The Big Picture, hosts Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman opened with a look at the latest market-moving developments. Topics included President Trump’s recent public criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, rising volatility tied to tariff-related policy rumors, and a major shakeup in Washington as the Trump administration moved to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ... a decision that could significantly alter the landscape of consumer financial oversight.The episode then welcomed Laird and Bernard Nossuli of iEmergent for a data-rich discussion on current housing market trends. They examined national and...2025-04-2449 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Kelley HailstoneToday on The Big Picture with Rich & Rob:We kicked things off with a light topic: Mat Ishbia’s no-good, very bad month. Then things got serious — Trump vs. Jerome Powell (Spoiler: nobody blinked), and a look at who’s merging with who in mortgage these days... because it’s cheaper than therapy.Special guest Kelley Hailstone, CEO of Jet HomeLoans, joined us to break down the builder-lender battlefield, why margin matters, and how to stay competitive without selling your soul (or your...2025-04-1847 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Jodi HallToday’s episode featured special guest and President & CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. Jodi dropped by for a candid, timely conversation covering everything from market volatility to the power of lender collaboration.We unpacked:🔮 Tariff Madness 2025 – Holy volatility, Batman.🏦 Rocket’s $9.4B play for Mr. Cooper – What it signals, what it disrupts, and why it might reshape the competitive landscape 📊 How TMC members are navigating today’s environment – From margin compression to compliance chaos, what’s working on the ground 🤖 Real-world AI & automation adoption – Fresh takeaw...2025-04-1048 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Sean Dugan🎙 Episode Recap: Mortgage Megadeals, Myths, and the Dark Matter Behind It AllIn today’s episode, we were joined by a special guest who’s no stranger to transformation — Sean Dugan, newly named CEO of Dark Matter Technologies.We kick things off with the bombshell news shaking the industry: Rocket Mortgage’s acquisition of Mr. Cooper’s correspondent business — its second major deal in just two weeks. Is Rocket building a mortgage empire... or a regulatory headache? We break down what this move means for lenders, competitors, and the future...2025-04-0348 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Michael TannenbaumToday’s edition of The Big Picture was loaded with insight, opinions, and more than a few raised eyebrows. Rob Chrisman and I sat down with Figure CEO Michael B. Tannenbaum to dive deep into the hottest topics in housing and mortgage. From the policy side, we broke down the latest market volatility, ongoing mortgage rate drama, and the ripple effects of Bill Pulte’s SPCP bombshell. We also debated whether CoreLogic’s rebrand to “Cotality” is a masterstroke or a marketing misstep they’ll be walking back by summer.But that was just the warmup. Mike shared his u...2025-03-2749 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Chris BennettMortgage professionals are navigating a storm of volatility, and today’s Big Picture with Rich & Rob tackles the forces driving the chaos. With mortgage rates fluctuating wildly, Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets returns to break down the key factors at play—whether it’s Treasury yields, inflation, or unexpected market shifts. The conversation will also spotlight the MBS market, exploring how the Fed’s balance sheet runoff is impacting spreads and whether private-label securities are finally making a comeback.Beyond market mechanics, we’re diving into policy shifts that could reshape the industry. From potential changes under a Tr...2025-03-2053 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Nikki BialkaToday's episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob featured an in-depth discussion on Rocket Mortgage’s blockbuster acquisition of Redfin and its potential impact on the mortgage and housing landscape. The conversation explored how this move could reshape the homebuying experience, with Rocket aiming to create an all-in-one ecosystem where buyers search, finance, and close on homes seamlessly within a single platform. This week's special guest, Nikki Bialka, National Community Lending Strategy Manager at Fifth Third Bank, joined the conversation for a deep dive into equitable and fair lending. Nik...2025-03-1349 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Stan MiddlemanOn today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob sat down with Freedom Mortgage CEO Stan Middleman for a deep dive into the biggest shifts in the mortgage industry. They covered everything from the latest changes at the CFPB to the ongoing debate around GSE privatization and the impact of federal housing agency budget cuts. With mortgage bonds rallying, they explored what that could mean for rates in 2025, and Stan also gave his thoughts on the likely changes with the CFPB and FHFA.But it wasn’t all mortgages—Stan is also a part-owner of the Philad...2025-03-0647 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Jim ParrottOn today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Robbie sat down with Jim Parrott, former senior housing policy advisor to President Obama, for an in-depth discussion on the future of housing policy under the Trump administration. Key topics included potential rollbacks of Biden-era policies, shifts in agency leadership, and the broader impact of deregulation on the mortgage and real estate industries.Beyond regulatory changes, we explored how the administration might address the affordability crisis, including incentives for homebuilders, zoning reforms, and tax credits aimed at boosting housing supply. A major point of discussion was the renewed pu...2025-02-2752 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Patrick O'BrienIn today's episode of "The Big Picture," hosts Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman welcomed Patrick O'Brien, CEO of LenderLogix, to discuss current trends in the mortgage industry. The conversation covered various topics, including recent layoffs at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the impact of inflation on the housing market. O'Brien provided insights into how these factors are influencing loan originators and the broader real estate finance landscape.The trio also explored innovative solutions for non-delegated lenders, focusing on strategies to enhance onboarding processes and default management. O'Brien shared how LenderLogix is addressing these challenges through technology-driven...2025-02-2048 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Laura SchmidtToday’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured Laura Schmidt, SVP of Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit at Rate. The show started with Rich & Rob having a back and forth about the Fed’s losing battle against inflation, the temporary shutdown and defanging of the CFPB, and the shifting risk landscape for mortgage lenders. Laura also shared how she’s preps her team for regulatory and directional changes from administration to administration, the growing role of emerging tech in risk management, and why top lenders are self-regulating now rather than scrambling later. With massive industry shifts...2025-02-1347 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Joe TyrrellIn today’s episode, Joe Tyrrell dropped powerful insights on everything lenders need to know about navigating today’s mortgage landscape. We kicked things off by diving into the impact of rising rates, the Fed’s influence, and what lenders can expect from the Trump administration’s upcoming housing policies. Joe shared highlights from Optimal Blue’s recent inaugural user event in San Diego, offering a real-time pulse on lender sentiment. The key takeaway? Lenders are finding targeted capital markets opportunities heading into 2025, but flexibility and innovation are critical.The discussion heated up as we expl...2025-02-0647 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Mark CalabriaToday’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured special guest Mark Calabria, former FHFA Director, diving into the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, housing policy, and the evolving landscape of mortgage finance. Calabria provided key insights on the realistic timeline for releasing the GSEs from conservatorship, emphasizing the importance of recapitalization milestones and strategic regulatory adjustments before a full release is possible. He addressed whether privatization can occur without congressional approval, outlining the legal pathways available to FHFA leadership. As well as the potential impact on mortgage rates upon release.2025-01-3049 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Peter BenjaminRich and Rob(bie) kicked off today’s episode with a deep dive into some of the most pressing topics impacting the housing and mortgage industries. The discussion began with an analysis of President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at reducing housing costs through actions that bypass Congressional approval. The conversation also tackled the likelihood of Mexico, Canada, and China caving to Trump’s tariff threats and how these moves could impact mortgage rates in the short term.The discussion then transitioned to an insightful conversation with Peter Benjamin, President of the American Credit Union Mortgage Associ...2025-01-2348 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Ryan DonovanIn today’s edition of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, we were joined by special guest Ryan Donovan, President & CEO of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, for a deep dive into critical industry topics. We kicked off the discussion with insights on the nomination of Bill Pulte as the new FHFA Director, examining how his leadership could shape housing finance policy. We also explored the recent easing of inflation and its potential impact on mortgage rates, providing a cautiously optimistic outlook for borrowers. The conversation touched on the rampant M&A activity in the mortgage industry, re...2025-01-1648 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Sofia RossatoIn today’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman covered major industry news, including Sandra Thompson stepping down as FHFA director and the CFPB’s recent moves—wiping out medical debt reporting and suing Warren Buffett’s mortgage company.The conversation with Sofia Rossato, President of Floify, then shifted to the transformative impact of generative AI in 2024 and its potential to reshape the mortgage industry. Key points included advancements in system integrations, the future of AI-driven personalization for borrowers, and the challenges lenders face navigating an increasingly crowded and complex tech landscape.It was...2025-01-0947 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Jim ParkToday's episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured an engaging and thought-provoking discussion with Jim Park, one of the most influential leaders in housing and mortgage finance. Jim shared his insights on fostering a renewed sense of optimism in the housing market by highlighting the resilience and recovery signs emerging in the industry. The conversation explored actionable strategies to responsibly expand access to credit, making homeownership more attainable for underserved communities while maintaining market stability. Jim also addressed the rising age of first-time homebuyers, offering solutions such as creative financing options and policy changes to...2025-01-0248 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Laura EscobarToday’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob featured an incredible conversation with MBA Chair and Lennar Mortgage President, Laura Escobar. We started by breaking down yesterday’s Fed rate cut and Jerome Powell’s comments, diving into what this all means for mortgage rates in the short and medium term. Laura brought her signature leadership insights to the discussion, sharing her priorities as the incoming Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association. From tackling affordability and accessibility in homeownership to addressing regulatory challenges and advocating for thoughtful policy changes, Laura outlined an inspiring vision for the indust...2024-12-1949 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Kristin MesserliIn today’s insightful episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by special guest Kristin Messerli, a leading voice in housing innovation and diversity. The discussion kicked off with a deep dive into the November CPI report, which showed a 0.3% rise in overall and core inflation. Kristin shared her perspective on the housing affordability crisis, offering actionable ideas on how the mortgage industry can better support underserved communities. Kristin brought unique insights into engaging Millennial and Gen Z homebuyers, emphasizing the importance of fintech solutions and personalized experiences. Finally, the conversation shifted to potential hou...2024-12-1247 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Chris BennettToday’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob featured an in-depth conversation with Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets, offering valuable insights into the shifting mortgage and housing landscape. The discussion explored the potential impacts of a Trump 2.0 administration, including speculation on dismantling the CFPB, ending GSE conservatorship, and slashing regulations. The trio also examined the 5.2% increase in the conforming loan limit to $806,500, the bond market’s reaction to Scott Bessent’s Treasury Secretary nomination, and CFPB Director Chopra’s aggressive final moves targeting data brokers and mortgage brokers.Chris shared his expert analysis...2024-12-0548 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Bronwyn MorrisseyOn the latest episode of The Big Picture with Rich & Rob, special guest Bronwyn Morrissey shared her inspiring journey into leadership within the mortgage industry. She reflected on pivotal moments that shaped her career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges. Bronwyn discussed how leadership in the mortgage sector has evolved over the years, highlighting the critical skills of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to foster innovation. She emphasized that leadership is not just inherent but a skill that must be consciously developed, sharing insights on how intentional strategies can help aspiring leaders succeed in...2024-11-2150 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Mark CalabriaIn today’s episode of The Big Picture with Rich and Rob, former FHFA Director Mark Calabria returned to provide insights into the future of housing finance under the potential changes brought by the Trump administration. A key focus was on the timeline for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s potential exit from conservatorship, with Calabria offering a nuanced view of what steps could expedite the process. He also explored strategies to mitigate market disruption, emphasizing a careful, phased approach to ensure stability and prevent sudden shifts in mortgage rates or housing affordability.Calabria and the hosts delv...2024-11-1453 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Bob BroeksmitIn today's episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob were joined by MBA President and CEO Bob Broeksmit, who provided a comprehensive update on the latest initiatives and priorities of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Broeksmit recapped highlights from the recent MBA Annual Convention, where issues like the proposed Trigger Leads Ban Bill and the MBA’s plea to modernize RESPA Section 8 took center stage. Broeksmit then shifted to discuss what a potential second Trump administration could mean for housing policy. He explored the likelihood of deregulation, bipartisan support for homebuilder assistance, and potential changes to the...2024-11-0746 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring James DwigginsIn the recent episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob interviewed James Dwiggins, CEO of NextHome, diving into pressing topics within the real estate industry. Dwiggins shared his perspective on current market trends, highlighting how NextHome is adapting to shifts in buyer behavior and economic challenges. The conversation then touched on the impacts of the recent NAR settlement and potential changes to commission structures. Dwiggins discussed how NextHome is proactively preparing for shifts in agent-client fee negotiations and adjusting training programs to equip agents with skills that align with the new compliance requirements. The interview wrapped u...2024-10-3149 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Kingsley GreenlandIn this episode of The Big Picture, hosts Rich and Rob welcome Kingsley Greenland, a leading climate risk expert from Verisk Extreme Event Solutions, to explore the critical impacts of climate change on the real estate and mortgage industries. Kingsley shares his deep expertise on how extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, wildfires, and rising sea levels—are shaping the future of property values, insurance policies, and lending practices. He offers insights into how businesses, investors, and homeowners can better prepare for these inevitable risks while discussing the regulatory and financial shifts that are...2024-10-2447 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Mark CalabriaIn Rich & Rob's interview with Mark Calabria on The Big Picture, the former FHFA Director offers his expert insights into the future of housing and finance policy. Calabria shares his unique perspective on the political landscape shaping housing finance reform, particularly regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's role in the mortgage market. Drawing from his tenure, he discusses the implications of potential policy changes and the increasing risks posed by the current structure of the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).Calabria delves into how the upcoming 2024 election could influence housing policy, with both...2024-10-1846 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Eric LapinThis week on The Big Picture, hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman welcome Eric Lapin, President of FormFree® to the show. The group dove into several pressing topics in the mortgage industry. They discussed the recent spike in mortgage rates following a stronger-than-expected jobs report and explored how the upcoming election, just 26 days away, could impact housing and the industry at large.They also tackle the evolving challenges of climate risk in the mortgage space, as lenders and regulators adapt to environmental changes, and highlight recent developments in open banking. 2024-10-1049 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Teresa BazemoreOn today's episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob welcomed Teresa Bazemore to the show. The group provided their insights on the housing policies discussed in Tuesday's Vice-Presidential debate, analyzing how each party's approach might look to shape the housing industry. Teresa also shared her expertise on tackling the affordable housing crisis—an issue she’s worked on throughout her impressive career, including her leadership roles at the FHLB of San Francisco and as President of Radian. 2024-10-0348 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Jim ParrottHousing policy takes center stage on this episode of The Big Picture, as Rich & Rob welcomed back Jim Parrott for a deep dive into the latest proposals from Presidential candidates.Vice President Harris recently outlined her economic vision, with housing policies taking the spotlight. But how much of her plan stands a chance in the current political landscape? And what housing strategies might we see from former President Trump if he returns to office?Jim Parrott, today's guest, is uniquely qualified to provide answers. As a nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and owner of...2024-09-2648 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Bill DallasRich & Rob welcome back Bill Dallas to dive into the Federal Reserve’s recent 50 bps rate cut, exploring the reasoning behind it and potential market implications. They also share key insights and strategies for mortgage bankers to thrive in a slowly improving market. The episode wraps up with a deep discussion on the current state of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, and what their future could look like under different Presidential administrations.2024-09-1950 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Chris BennettOn this week's show, Rich & Rob were joined by one of their favorite recurring guests, Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets.The topic of the day - next week's Federal Reserve Board meeting. Will the Fed cut 25 or 50 bps next week? And what does it mean for mortgage rates in the short term? The group also took a look back at the Fed's action since the pandemic, handing out their letter grades for the Fed and their actions these last few years.It was a great discussion spanning all aspects of the Fed's history, actions...2024-09-1250 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Jordan Bucher, Ashley Yarabinec & Alicia GoncalvesOn this week's show Rich & Rob are joined by Jordan Bucher, Ashley Yarabinec & Alicia Goncalves from the Mortgage Bankers Association. After touching on this week's critical jobs data that could have big impact on Fed action and mortgage rates, the fellas talked with the team from MBA on all the latest happenings at MBA as the Presidential election approaches. Jordan, Ashley, and Alicia provided the latest on things happening with policy, advocacy, and upcoming MBA conferences.2024-09-0550 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Dave SavageOn this week's show, Rich & Rob are joined by Mortgage Coach founder & Trust Engine Chief Innovation Officer Dave Savage, who's been interviewing top real estate professionals on the now-implemented NAR settlement changes for the last several months.In addition to the changes to how homebuyers interact with real estate agents, the group also discussed this week's Federal Reserve Annual Economic Symposium in Jackson Hole, WY - which concludes with an address from Fed Chair Powell on Friday.The trio also discussed the series of housing proposals put forth by Vice President Harris last week ahead...2024-08-2245 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture - Featuring Brendon Weiss & Amy MosesOn this week's show, Rich was joined by EscrowTab's CEO & Co-Founder Brendon Weiss and their VP, Revenue Amy Moses.The group started by talking about the recent inflation data, lower mortgage rates, and what that means for the real estate finance industry in the short term. Also discussed - how prepared lenders are in this next cycle, integrations between vendors, and current role of AI in the mortgage manufacturing process.Finally, the group discussed the upcoming changes related to the NAR lawsuit settlement, that changes how real estate agents are paid.2024-08-1549 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture (8/1/24) - Featuring Anita PadillaRich & Rob were joined this week by Anita Padilla, founder & CEO of MegaStar Financial & Take Three Technologies. The trio discussed the Fed's recent interest rate policy statement, some troubling jobs data, and what it means for the mortgage interest rate market this fall.Also discussed - the use cases of AI in mortgage tech and the broader mortgage tech landscape currently.2024-08-0149 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture (7/25/24) - Featuring Doug DuncanThe fellas were joined by Fannie Mae SVP & Chief Economist Doug Duncan & got Doug's perspective on the economy as we sit at this interesting inflection point, seemingly on the cusp of a LONG awaited Fed cut.Doug & Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group also just released their latest monthly housing & economic outlook - which was discussed on the show.2024-07-2646 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture (7/18/24) - Featuring Stan Middleman!Rich and Rob were joined by Freedom Mortgage President & CEO (and Philadelphia Phillies owner) Stan Middleman! The group engaged in a fascinating discussion about President Biden's rent cap proposal, some of former President Trump's recent comments on the housing market, waning homebuilder confidence and production, and the government's role in mortgage lending.2024-07-1953 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture 07/11/24 Featuring - Kevin PeranioThis week on The Big Picture, Rich & Robbie Chrisman were pleased to be joined by PRMG Chief Lending Officer Kevin Peranio.The group discussed this week’s favorable inflation data and the high likelihood of a Fed rate cut at their September meeting, and what that means for interest rates and the mortgage industry.Also touched on this week - HUD’s enhancements to the 203(k) rehab program, some economists calling for a housing bubble in southern states, and trends we can expect to see after August 17th when changes related to the National Association of R...2024-07-1140 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture 06/27/24 Featuring - Bill BodnarThis week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by Bill Bodnar, a leading mortgage market analyst and the CRO of Tabrasa. The conversation centered around the series of housing policy announcements from the Biden Administration in advance of the Presidential debate, and what is likely to be discussed related to housing.The group also talked about Friday’s big inflation data release, home prices being up 47% nationally since the start of the pandemic, and Freddie Mac being green lighted to start buying second mortgages from lenders and if this could be the start of consumer dir...2024-06-2747 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture 06/20/24 Featuring - Chris BixbyThis week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by Rice Park Capital’s Managing Director, Strategic Equity Investing - Chris Bixby.The discussion centers around the recent woeful construction housing starts figure that came in this morning and what it means for a worsening housing inventory problem in America.The fellas also picked Chris’s brain on the current state of mortgage technology, why our industry is so far behind others on the tech side, and the types of investments Rice Park has made and is looking at in the mortgage tech space.2024-06-2047 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture 06/13/24 Featuring - Jodi HallOn this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich and Rob are joined by Jodi Hall - who served as COO of CrossCountry Mortgage, President & COO of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers, and now consults mortgage lenders with her firm Danda Road.The group talked about the recent drop in mortgage rates amidst positive inflation news as well as the current state of mortgage tech. And how well mortgage lenders are positioned today vs. 2020 for a sharp increase in business.2024-06-1343 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture 06/6/2024 - Featuring Chris BennettThis week on The Big Picture, Rich & Rob welcomed Chris Bennett of Vice Capital Markets to get his thoughts on recent & upcoming employment data, next week's Fed meeting, and what it all could mean for mortgage rates in the weeks and months to come.2024-06-0652 minThe Big PictureThe Big Picture 05/29/2024 Featuring - Sue WoodardOn this week’s episode of The Big Picture, Rich & Rob are joined by mortgage industry titan Sue Woodard. The discussion centered around how big of a role housing affordability will factor into the June 27th Presidential Debate and the November election, AI in the mortgage industry, lender's relationships with tech vendors, and the importance of getting to the customer earlier & customer experience.2024-05-3058 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture (5/23/24) - Featuring Bill DallasOn this week's edition of The Big Picture, co-hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman are joined by housing finance industry trailblazer Bill Dallas.Discussed on this week's show are Rob's takeaways from the MBA Secondary Conference, where CFPB Director Rohit Chopra took aim the the credit reporting agencies for charging what he deems as excessive fees to customers. The fellas also talk through the evolving post-NAR settlement landscape, the government potentially getting into the second mortgage business, and Bill's keys to success moving forward for mortgage bankers.Next week's guest is Sue Woodard! Archives of past...2024-05-2452 min
The Big PictureThe Big Picture (5/16/24) - Featuring MBA President & CEO Bob BroeksmitOn this week's show, Rich Swerbinsky interviews MBA President & CEO Bob Broeksmit as housing and mortgage banking have evolved into a Main Street issue with Americans with a very tempestuous Presidential election now less than five months away.Bob provides his thoughts on Freddie Mac's recent proposal to purchase second mortgages, Fannie/Freddie repurchase requests, the recent report from FSOC on non-bank servicers, permanent replacements for Marcia Fudge & Alanna McCargo, and the Supreme Court recently ruling that the CFPB's funding structure is legal.2024-05-161h 03
The Big PictureThe Big Picture (5/9/24) - Featuring Steve RichmanCo-hosts Rich Swerbinsky & Rob Chrisman are joined this week by mortgage market expert & sales trainer Steve Richman for a lively discussion on all things housing.Topics discussed included the NAR settlement and all the scheming around the coming changes. Mortgage Broker lawsuits. FHFA pondering the GSE's buying second mortgages. The FTC trying to outlaw non-competes. Lenders trying to figure out how to differentiate themselves and how to "get to prospective homebuyers first". NIMBY vs YIMBY. AI gone right and wrong. And a Presidential election looming that will send housing down one of two dramatically different paths.2024-05-1047 min
Lodestar's Lending LeadersThe Decision Maker MindsetFor this week's episode of the Lending Leaders Podcast, Jim talks with Rich Swerbinsky about his long career, growth over the years, leadership, and developing a decision maker mindset.2024-03-2826 min
Talk Data To Me | Certified CreditSupporting Our Borrowers [Episode 21]Now more than ever before, it’s important to support our borrowers and help make the dream of homeownership a reality. But, what does it mean to truly support our borrowers?
In this “Talk Data to Me” episode, we revisit our conversation with industry thought leaders and experts at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Annual Conference (MBA Annual 22) in Nashville, TN. Each conversation is focused on a different area of borrower support, from housing equity to empowering underserved communities to understanding the impacts of consumer debt to aiding borrowers and lenders with education.
Our first guest is...2023-01-121h 04
The Walk PodcastEp 31. Collaboration, Fintech, The Cleveland Browns & The race to differentiate | The Walk PodcastEric Levin is joined by Rich Swerbinsky, President & Chief Operating Officer at The Mortgage Collaborative. Eric and Rich dive into the importance of industry collaboration, all things fintech, the Cleveland Browns and the race to differentiate.2022-08-0157 min
Two Middle-Aged Men in Cleveland7/6/2022 - Episode 92On this week’s show, the 8th Annual Twinsburg World Series of Wiffle Ball is next month, and we will talk with the man who puts it all together. Rich Swerbinsky is here. So is our Cleveland Sport Guru, Dusty Sloan… We will talk with him about a historical event for the Cavaliers and Lebron James. Cleveland Historian John Grabowski is here – we will talk with him about the old Cleveland arena. And Jen Brasdovich from Destination Cleveland is ready with the Cleveland Calendar – because the fun didn’t end on July Fourth. All that plus Over Achievers, Good News, Klop...2022-07-061h 10
The Insight Interviews - Powered by Rewire102 Rich Swerbinsky - Networking with IntentIn his role as President of The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), Rich's primary responsibility is to be fully engaged and to develop the framework to plan, direct, and coordinate all financial, operational, and cultural objectives of TMC's national network of lender members and preferred partners. And to provide effective and satisfactory leadership, ensuring impactful benefits and services to its members and partners, while meeting financial and operational goals and objectives In this episode Jason and Rich discuss:Pouring yourself into something newRecognizing your team members Gatekeeping new members to ensure alignmentUtilizing technology to serve clients be...2022-04-0128 min
Lykken on Lending02-07-2022 The Current State Of The Mortgage Industry With Rich SwerbinskyIn our Hot Topic this week, we have Rich Swerbinsky, President & Chief Operating Officer at The Mortgage Collaborative, on the program to discuss what they are seeing the mortgage industry doing……… A complete 180 in terms of the type of business climate, they are now close to two years of record production, massive amounts of refinancing activity, 30-year fixed rates, and the low to mid twos throughout all of that. And for lenders, it is really just about executing their pipeline and then managing some of the pandemic-related changes, like work from home and some of the chang...2022-02-0731 min
Laugh, Lend and EatCollaborating One Lender At A TimeRich Swerbinsky, President and COO of The Mortgage Collaborative joins us for the final episode of season 2. We dove into multiple topics that the independent mortgage lender is facing, as well as the solutions to those issues. When the topic turned to pierogis, well Rich was full of ideas!!2021-11-3038 min
Mortgage Vault PodcastHow the Mortgage collaborative brings 'Power of Network' to mortgage lenders : In conversation with Rich Swerbinsky, COO at The Mortgage CollaborativeIn this episode we are in conversation with Rich Swerbinsky, COO at The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC). Over the years, TMC has grown into a powerful networking & collaboration platform for mortgage lenders. Rich shares how TMC helps lenders leverage the power of network through its networking workshops, events and collaboration labs.He also shares the vision for the recently launched TMC fund - that intends to invest in fintech companies to expedite technology adoption in mortgage lending space.There's a lot more that Rich talks about. So do not miss out on this super-charged e...2021-04-2227 min
Clear to Close007: How Leaders Guide Their Teams through Turmoil feat. Rich Swerbinsky, COO, The Mortgage CollaborativeOn today's pod, we sit down with The Mortgage Collaborative COO Rich Swerbinsky to look at what lenders are doing to make the most out of these tumultuous times and set themselves up to thrive in the future.
2020-05-2050 min