Power House

In this week’s episode, Clayton got the chance to sit down with the president & CEO of UMortgage, Anthony Casa, who joined us in person last month in Scottsdale for The Gathering. During their conversation, Anthony talks about how he went from dropping out of school at only 13 to being the president and CEO of UMortgage, and how his experience during the financial crisis carefully shapes how he approaches his business today. They also talk about finding growth in a shrinking market and the craft of walking a fine line between competition and a consumer-first approach. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Building relationships and providing a great customer experience are key in the mortgage industry. The housing crisis taught Casa the importance of focusing on relationships rather than transactions. Transitioning from one business to another requires developing a strong team and passing on the reins. Casa believes in putting the consumer first and creating a personalized experience. Competition and balance are important for the mortgage industry to thrive. Related to this episode: Anthony Casa | LinkedIn UMortgage | LinkedIn UMortgage HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are sharing an exclusive conversation recorded live at The Gathering in Scottsdale, this time with the esteemed Chris Heller, current president at OJO and former CEO of Keller Williams. Chris has worn many hats with over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry in multiple leadership and advisory roles under his belt. In today’s conversation with Clayton, they talk about OJO’s consumer-facing rebrand to Movoto and their recent acquisition of The LEAD Syndicate to launch Lever, a platform delivering an all-in solution suite for agents. They also talk about anticipated changes on the horion as the commission changes take effect, such as an industry-wide shift of fewer, more experienced agents and a downward trend in commissions. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The Lead Syndicate acquisition aims to enhance services for solo agents and provide support in areas such as database management, marketing, and transactions. The upcoming changes in the real estate industrywill require agents and brokerages to focus on higher-value services and adapt to new market dynamics. The industry is likely to see opportunities for consolidation and M&A as companies look to combine resources to navigate the changing landscape. The Department of Justice's ongoing scrutiny of the industry and potential consumer impacts should be closely monitored. Related to this episode: Chris Heller | LinkedIn OJO acquires The LEAD Syndicate, launches Lever by Movoto | HousingWire Movoto OJO Labs HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are bringing you a sponsored episode recorded live in Scottsdale at The Gathering 2024. Our wonderful guests are Scott Rerucha, the CEO and co-founder of Legacy Group Capital, and Ed Messman, the CIO of Legacy Group Capital. Legacy Group Capital is a private lending company that helps builders and real estate investors acquire property more easily than traditional bank financing. Scott brings over three decades of industry experience from several financial institutions throughout the Puget Sound Region. Ed has over two decades of executive leadership experience with venture capital and private equity-sponsored technology companies. Legacy Group Capital recently announced its acquisition of Rook, a home equity investment company that focuses on providing innovative financing solutions for homebuyers. They discuss the rationale behind the acquisition and their hopes to focus on a group of homebuyers they call the “missing middle.” They also discuss housing affordability issues at large, the state of the market for real estate professionals, and Legacy Group Capital’s model to create solutions for young professionals with fractionalized mortgages. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Legacy Group Capital helps builders and real estate investors acquire property more easily than traditional bank financing. They specialize in finding real estate deals that can produce affordable housing. The company recently acquired Rook, a home equity investment (HEI) company, to offer innovative financing solutions for homebuyers. HEI products reduce down payments and monthly payments for more affordable housing options. Related to this episode: Ed Messman | LinkedIn Scott Rerucha | LinkedIn Legacy Group Capital Legacy Group Capital acquires home equity investment fintech Rook Capital 2024 Finance Leader: Ed Messman | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s sponsored episode of Power House, we’re excited to chat with Pat Dodd, the CEO of CoreLogic. Pat brings decades of experience in data and analytics with various roles at Nielsen before joining CoreLogic in 2020 and being named President and CEO in 2022. During their conversation today, Clayton and Pat talk about CoreLogic’s data-driven approach to solving clients’ technology needs and how their Discovery Platform is providing unique granular property insights to help clients make informed decisions when predicting homebuyer behaviors and property risks. They also talk about the wave of different generative AI tools and how they’re fine-tuning their “truth set” to help professionals optimize their day to day. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Pat Dodd's diverse background in various industries, including data analytics, technology, media, marketing, retail, and package goods, influences his leadership at CoreLogic. CoreLogic focuses on providing B2B solutions and leveraging acquired data sets to drive growth in the housing industry. The importance of industry expertise and access to information and data for professionals to navigate challenges, particularly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Discovery Center platform offers valuable data transparency and insights, requiring collaboration and providing tools for better decision-making. Utilizing AI, machine learning, and data analytics is crucial for addressing practical needs, improving efficiency, and staying competitive in the real estate industry. Related to this episode: Patrick Dodd | LinkedIn CoreLogic Discovery Platform | CoreLogic® HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode of Power House, we're excited to have Steve Capezza, president of Side and former SVP of Business Operations at Zillow Group, where he spent nearly a decade shaping the future of real estate. According to 2023 RealTrends Verified data, Side had 23,000 transaction sides last year, equating to 22 billion in volume, making them the ninth largest brokerage in the country by volume and the third independent. In this conversation, Steve and Clayton discuss brokerage teams and teamerage-specific models, and the impact of the proposed NAR settlement on the real estate ecosystem. Steve also shares communication and coordination strategies between agents and lenders, explaining how those strategies lead to excellent consumer relationships. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The future of real estate is being held up by the best practitioners who provide the best service to consumers. The proposed settlement by NAR may accelerate the off-boarding of hobbyists from the industry. Buyers and sellers still need guidance and representation from professionals in the real estate industry, regardless of market conditions. Coordination between agents and lenders is crucial, especially in a tight inventory market. The focus should be on providing excellent service to consumers and staying attuned to the facts and proactive communication. Related to this episode: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Side RealTrends Verified - Side HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Power House, we welcome Liz Gehringer, the president and CEO of Anywhere Franchise Brands. She brings with her a depth of industry knowledge as she’s responsible for strategic growth, marketing and operations across Coldwell Banker Affiliates, Coldwell Banker Commercial, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, CENTURY 21, and ERA Real Estate. Clayton and Liz’s conversation today dives deep into the core themes of this show: business growth, leadership, and operational strategy. She talks about her path to leadership, helping others grow through challenges, and approaching the continuation of professional education. In a post-settlement landscape, Liz sees real value in being a generalist and developing a wide range of skills as agent’s roles continue to evolve. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Seek new challenges and take on stretch assignments to grow as a leader. Develop a wide range of skills to become a strong generalist. Trust and brand reputation are crucial in the real estate industry. Agents need to communicate with confidence and clarity, focusing on transparency and building trust with consumers. The role of agents is evolving in the post-settlement landscape, and they need to adapt to changing consumer needs and expectations. Related to this episode: Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Anywhere The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Power House, Clayton sits down with Cory Vasquez, the chief marketing officer and most recently promoted to co-president, alongside Vinnie Tracey, at Realty ONE Group. Cory is 20-year communications veteran and joined Realty ONE Group in late 2018 bringing along with her years of experience in a host of communications fields. During their conversation, Cory talks about her unique background in marketing and communications and how that fits into the world of leading a real estate brokerage at this really unique time for the industry. They also discuss Realty One’s 100% commission model and some of the 2023 performance stats that landed them on the RealTrends Verified Brokerage Rankings. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Realty One Group has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with over 400 locations throughout the US and 20 countries. The 100% commission model at Realty One Group attracts agents who want to keep more of their commission and offers comprehensive coaching and training programs. The company focuses on creating a unique culture and giving back to the community, which attracts agents to the brand. Effective communication and transparency are crucial during leadership transitions and in times of market change. Real estate professionals need to demonstrate their value and communicate their efforts to clients to combat misconceptions about their work. Related to this episode: Connect with Cory on LinkedIn Realty ONE Group RealTrends Verified Realty ONE promotes five women to executive positions The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we are bringing you a conversation with Leo Pareja, the Chief Strategy Officer at eXp Realty, recorded live with HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. eXp was reported as the largest brokerage in the county by sides with 355,000 transaction sides in 2023, according to RealTrends Verified 2024 broker rankings. This discussion with Pareja aims to bring clarity to chaos by squashing misinformation about the recently proposed real estate commission lawsuit settlement. Collins and Pareja discuss the proposed settlement's impact on the home purchase processes, compensation and home prices. Pareja provides guidance for agents and other housing professionals on communicating with consumers and partners and staying focused on servicing home buyers and sellers. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Agents should focus on operational strategy, clear communication, and adapting to the changes in the industry Buyer representation contracts and compensation structures will likely still see changes in the future. The settlement may lead to changes in the industry, but the demand for real estate transactions and the need for professional representation will remain. Agents and brokers should focus on articulating their value proposition and adapting to the new rules of engagement to thrive in the changing landscape. Mortgage professionals play a vital role in supporting agents and consumers by providing easy financing and facilitating successful transaction. Related to this episode: Connect with Leo on LinkedIn RealTrends Verified HousingWire Marketing Leaders 2024 Logan Mohtashami on HousingWire The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Power House, we are dropping a fantastic conversation with the myth, the legend: Logan Mohatshami, lead analyst at HousingWire. Logan gives a glimpse behind the curtains of his life and his transition to writing about real estate and economic data. In a previous life, Logan was a high school basketball coach, but has since built his housing career on his passion and obsession for timely and accurate economic data and analyses. He and Clayton talk about the challenges that come with managing a market that never sleeps, the impact of inflation, and the potential for a housing boom in the coming years. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Accurate and timely data analysis is crucial in the housing industry. Storytelling is essential for conveying complex economic concepts to a broader audience. Managing a 24/7 market requires passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic. The housing market has the potential for a boom in the 2020s. Related to this episode: Connect with Logan on LinkedIn Mortgage Rates Center Housing Market Tracker Logan Mohtashami on HousingWire The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Power House, we are bringing you a fantastic conversation with Mike Tassone, COO and co-founder of Own Up. Own Up is a concierge mortgage marketplace that allows consumers to access customized data and a network of vetted lenders. Prior to his current role, Mike co-led the residential lending business for Leader Bank, which he helped grow to a top 40 lender in the US during his tenure. During their conversation, Clayton and Mike talk about the mortgage lender growth strategies, tactics to recruit high-quality loan originators, and the pros and cons of being maniacal Fed-watchers. They also discuss the pricing ecosystem in the mortgage industry and how the NAR settlement may impact mortgage lead gen and the order-of-operations of the homebuying and financing journey. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The recent Fed meeting had no surprises and the market responded favorably to the expected rate cuts. Own Up was founded to solve the frustration of mortgage shopping and provide a better consumer experience. Recruiting high-quality loan originators and focusing on their strengths contributed to the growth of Leader Bank. The lead generation market has shifted from refinance to purchase, and lenders have had to adapt to the changing landscape. The future of real estate agents and loan officers depends on their ability to prioritize their time and provide value to consumers. Related to this episode: Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Own Up The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices