WFG Insights
80 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsWFG National Title provides regular updates to its real estate industry partners with the WFG Insights Podcast. This podcast features WFG executives offering their perspective, along with industry influencers, agents and other real estate partners sharing their expertise and best business practices.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Patrick Stone Offers a Cautiously Optimistic Outlook for the Second Half of 2024
February 15, 2024 11:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBInflation persists impacting mortgage interest rates, and inventory is still scarce. But WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone believes in the builders and an improving interest rate environment as we move through the year. In this episode, he delivers an upbeat forecast, but cautions there are several wildcards that could impact the economy and the real estate market conditions.
Update: WFG Founder Patrick Stone Reacts to the Missouri Real Estate Verdict
November 24, 2023 22:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBThe real estate market is a media favorite for sensational headlines and clickbait. So it's no surprise the Missouri real estate verdict in the Sitzer/Burnett buyer broker commission lawsuit moved the needle. The outcome will no doubt change the way real estate agents conduct business, but to what extent? And how can the real estate industry come together to find consumer-friendly solutions moving forward? In this episode, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers perspective, insight and ...
Advice from Patrick Stone: Filter Through the Noise and Focus on Business
October 25, 2023 22:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBIn a challenging time, its easy to be lured into social media posts, dire predictions and gossip about the economy and the real estate market. We are experiencing an unprecedented period, and while the circumstances may be different this time, its nothing new for our industry. In this download, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone calms concerns about market conditions and offers advice looking forward.
The Reality of the Real Estate Market: Patrick Stone's Path Forward in a Challenging Time
August 18, 2023 23:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBExpectations of lower mortgage interest rates this fall are no longer in the forecast and it appears Q4 of 2023 and at least the first half of 2024 will continue to be challenging for real estate professionals. So what should you be doing now to prepare for the next cycle? And when will the market bounce back? In this download, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers his advice for the here & now, and a forecast for the future.
Ignore the Media Clickbait: The Housing Market is Healthy, Just as Patrick Stone Predicted
July 13, 2023 22:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBIn spite of dire predictions last year of another real estate market crash, home prices remain stable, competition is fierce is some markets, and consumers are adjusting to higher mortgage interest rates. WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone remains one of the few voices of reason in the real estate industry, and correctly forecast the market we're in now. In this episode, he sets the record straight on today's sensational headlines, and offers advice to industry professionals.
High Rates and Low Inventory: Patrick Stone's Updated Outlook on the Market
June 15, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBHeadlines suggest a strong job market and slowing inflation. But WFG Founder & Chairman Patrick Stone always investigates what's beyond the headlines. Armed with that data and 48 years experience in the real estate industry, he sees things differently that most prognosticators. In this episode, Stone reveals what he's watching, and why the housing market could bounce back sooner, and stronger than most expect.
When Will the Real Estate Market Get Moving Again? WFG's Patrick Stone Shares His Roadmap
April 16, 2023 03:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBThe spring real estate season has arrived but there hasn't been much change in market conditions. Mortgage rates are still higher than most consumers would like, housing inventory remains low, and until we see a significant uptick in construction these market conditions will hold. How long until things get moving again? What concerns are there in the meantime? In this episode, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers insight and direction.
WFG Founder Patrick Stone: What's Driving a Surprisingly Good Start to 2023
February 16, 2023 01:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBPredictions of doom & gloom in the real estate market are beginning to brighten- and spring is still over a month away! What's driving this solid start? And why does WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone feel so optimistic as we move through the year? In this download, he shares his reasons for optimism, along with key insight on The Fed, interest rates and why homeownership is more important now than ever.
2023 Forecast: WFG's Patrick Stone Offers an Optimistic Outlook for the Second Half of the Year
January 09, 2023 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBThere's no question the first half of this year will likely be the toughest real estate market ever. While the Great Recession was brutal, the industry was busy with foreclosures and short sales. This time, there are few transactions as the market is paralyzed due to higher rates, low inventory, and a significant lack of affordability. In spite of that, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone explains why he's optimistic that things will turn around in the second half of this year.
Guiding Your Real Estate Business Through the Challenging Year Ahead
December 06, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBNo one expects 2023 to be a good year in the real estate industry. So if you haven't already made the tough decisions, now is the time. In this episode, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone offers a blunt assessment of the market and advice on how to manage through it. He also offers an optimistic outlook for the latter half of next year- with an asterisk.
A Candid Conversation and Real Estate Reality Check with WFG Founder Patrick Stone
October 21, 2022 02:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBIt's almost impossible to ignore the real estate and economic headlines. If we're not already in a recession, we're on the verge, and there appears to be no end in sight to rising rates and energy prices. So what is the timeline? How long will this market downturn last? And how will we rebound and return to business as usual- if there is such a thing in the real estate industry! For answers, we call on WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone, who sets the record straight and pulls no ...
The Real Estate Market is Contracting: Now is the Perfect Time to Expand!
September 08, 2022 22:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBWith business slowing and a challenging 12-18 month forecast ahead, it's natural to consider cutting back in response to the market. But in this episode, WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone leans in, announcing WFG's ambitious expansion plans in the builder market and commercial real estate. Stone also explains why you should invest in your business and customer service now instead of waiting for the market to bounce back.
Ignore the Headlines and Focus on Your Business! WFG's Patrick Stone Offers His Insight
August 15, 2022 10:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBInflation appears to be cooling, albeit slowly- just as WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone predicted in previous episodes. Now, it's time for a check up from the neck up: Try to ignore sensational headlines and focus instead on improving your business while you have time. In this episode, Patrick offers his checklist for what you should be doing now to prepare yourself and your business for the next upswing in the market.
The Only Thing Certain is Uncertainty: Five Factors Influencing the Housing Market
July 14, 2022 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBInflation is raging, rates are on a rollercoaster and a recession is looming, or may have already arrived. But that's not necessarily bad news for the real estate market, as consumers and the industry welcomes an uptick in inventory while adjusting to higher rates. In this episode, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone corrects the headlines, adds perspective and offers an outlook as we navigate through these uncertain times.
Bubble Babble: Patrick Stone Explains Why We're NOT in a Real Estate Bubble
June 09, 2022 01:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBMany "experts" are calling current conditions a housing bubble and predicting a significant reset in the real estate market. But while inflation rages, rates rise and segments of the economy slow, WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone shares why real estate prices will remain elevated. That doesn't mean the market won't be challenging, and Pat also shares his outlook and advice for the remainder of 2022.
Guidance, Insight and Advice During the Most Unpredictable Market Ever
May 05, 2022 21:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBInflation and high gas prices are impacting consumer spending habits. Mortgage rates have spiked to their highest levels since 2008. Supply chains are still impacted by lockdowns in China, and Russia's war on Ukraine has rocked the commodities market. Now, as the Fed raises rates to fight inflation, what will the impact be on the housing market? For that answer and much more, we call on WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone's perspective.
Mortgage Rates Spike as Inflation Rages: Patrick Stone's Game Plan
April 06, 2022 02:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBAs mortgage rates flirt with 5% and inflation impacts consumer buying power, now is the time to adjust your game plan, if you haven't already. This episode is a must-listen, as WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone provides a game plan and offers an outlook for the real estate market in 2022. Plus, clarity on the headlines and how to help your clients in this uncertain environment.
UPDATED FORECAST: The Impact of War, Inflation and Rate Hikes on the Real Estate Market
March 15, 2022 21:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBWFG Founder and Executive Chairman has seen it all in his 40+ years in the real estate industry. But even the veteran industry expert admits he's never seen anything like we're experiencing in 2022. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, inflation, and Fed rate hikes are creating a conundrum for economists with no consensus on the outlook. In this episode, Stone shares what he's watching, potential scenarios, and his latest forecast on interest rates in the year ahead. Also, an update on the commerci...
Rates on the Rise: WFG Founder Patrick Stone Forecasts Fed Action and Market Impact
February 10, 2022 22:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBWith inflation pegging the meter at rates not seen since the 1980's, the Fed will be forced to raise rates. The questions are how much, how quickly, and what the impact will be on longer-term mortgage interest rates and the red hot housing market. In this episode, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone addresses the hype in media reports, provides perspective on the housing market, and previews a more in-depth forecast coming in March.
Valutrust Solutions: Proprietary Technology and an Experienced Network of Appraisers
January 25, 2022 19:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBWith property values continuing to climb across the country, and a surge of buyers searching for homes as interest rates slowly rise, experienced appraisal technology and teams are critical. In this episode, we welcome Sean Pyle, President of WFG-owned appraisal management company and property valuation service provider Valutrust Solutions. Pyle discusses industry trends, and potential changes that could ultimately have a positive impact on valuations and closing timelines.
2022 Kickoff Report with Patrick Stone: Inflation Nation, Fed Hikes and Trusted Advice
January 10, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBWFG Founder and Executive Chairman is well-known and trusted for his candid and accurate predictions about the real estate market and the economy. While others drink the real estate Kool-Aid, Patrick tells it like it is- good, bad, or otherwise. In in our opening episode of 2022, Patrick provides his outlook and advice for real estate professionals on how to leverage their expertise in what he anticipates will be a changing market.
Deja Vu All Over Again? 2022 Interest Rate Prediction and Real Estate Forecast
December 13, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBWill runaway inflation lead to a spike in mortgage interest rates? Are tight inventory and the lack of affordable housing the ingredients for a price correction? And after a record-setting two year run in real estate, is the party finally over? For answers, we call on WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone who also shares his concerns about issues nobody else is talking about.
Inflation Infatuation? Patrick Stone's Perspective and the Impact of Rising Rates on the Real Estate Market
November 16, 2021 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIf you're a real estate professional, you have two choices: You can drink the Kool Aid and cross your fingers with friendly forecasters. Or, you can tune-in to candid analysis and perspective, good, bad or otherwise. WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is famous for telling it like it is, with warnings when appropriate, and unmatched guidance and perspective from almost 50 years experience in the profession. Inflation is the real deal, but so are ongoing inventory issues. In thi...
Inflation Infatuation? Patrick Stone's Perspective and the Impact of Rising Rates on the Real Estate Market
November 16, 2021 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIf you're a real estate professional, you have two choices: You can drink the Kool Aid and cross your fingers with friendly forecasters. Or, you can tune-in to candid analysis and perspective, good, bad or otherwise. WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is famous for telling it like it is, with warnings when appropriate, and unmatched guidance and perspective from almost 50 years experience in the profession. Inflation is the real deal, but so are ongoing inventory issues. In thi...
Bubble Trouble? Perspective & Insight from Patrick Stone
May 11, 2021 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBThe market is red hot, there's almost no inventory, and the price of lumber has skyrocketed. Some of the pundits are using the dreaded B-word to describe the current market frenzy. Should we brace for another housing crash? Not so fast... With almost 50 years experience in real estate and a pulse on all aspects of the economy that impact the market, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is the industry's candid voice of experience and analysis. In this episode, Stone relieves concer...
Agent Alert: Plan Ahead for Disasters or Risk Losing Your Business
April 20, 2021 23:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBIf we've learned anything in the past year, the threats to our business extend beyond customer service and on-time closings. Whether it's a global pandemic or a natural disaster, title agents across the country are constantly facing external factors that can, and often will, impact business operations, or the livelihood of the business itself. In this episode, WFG Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Don O'Neill leads the conversation with Jaime Kosof...
Recap & Economic Forecast with Patrick Stone
January 06, 2021 00:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB2020 was without question the craziest, busiest and most challenging year ever, and that's saying something in a real estate industry that has seen & done it all over the years. In this episode of the WFG Insider Report, Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone recaps the year that was. He also offers his economic insight and delivers a preview of what to expect with interest rates, inventory and more in the year ahead.
Creating Superfans: Brittany Hodak's Formula for Success
November 10, 2020 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBAs a title agent, differentiating yourself in what many consider a commoditized business can be a challenge. So how about a different, more creative approach? In this episode, Brittany Hodak shares her simple, SUPER formula to create Superfans that will grow your business exponentially and set you apart from your competition.
Tech Check-Up with Stavvy Co-Founder Kosta Ligris
September 24, 2020 20:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBWhat do you get when you combine a legal background with tech expertise, curiosity, and a passion for positive transformation? Answer: Stavvy, led by Co-Founder Kosta Ligris, who is applying relevant and meaningful technology to the lender & settlement services. In this episode, Kosta joins us to share his journey in the real estate profession and the tech tools that are streamlining the flow of information during a transaction.
One-On-One with Amrock CEO Brian Hughes
September 08, 2020 23:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBAn industry leader who's led exponential growth at Amrock for 20+ years, Brian Hughes is an advocate for innovation, putting his people and customers first, and driving his company to advance technology and streamline business. In this episode, Hughes shares how he led the rise of Amrock, offers insight for title agents across the country, and a forecast for the rest of 2020.
Market Update & Outlook with Patrick Stone
August 13, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBWFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is back with us for the first time since the outset of the global pandemic. It's been a remarkable run the past few months as the industry reinvented itself once again. Record-low mortgage interest rates are driving a refi boom, and families across America are re-evaluating the importance of the size and location of their home. In this episode, Stone offers an update on market conditions and gives his guidance on what's ahead for the housing mar...
ATA President Bill Robinson: What Sets Your Agency Apart?
August 06, 2020 03:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBWhat makes your agency different, or better than your competition? People? Technology? Experience? All of the above? In this episode ATA National Title President Bill Robinson joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share his insight as a second-generation title professional. Bill has worked in small offices and regional giants, and transformed ATA from an REO focus to full service over the past decade.
Tech Spotlight: TitleBox Creator Matthew Einheber
July 29, 2020 23:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBWFG is an industry leader in technology and cyber security, providing agents across the country with the latest tools to streamline their services, make fixed costs flexible, and grow business. In this episode, TitleBox Creator Matthew Einheber joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share the massive effort he & his team are making to blend good old fashioned local title transfer knowledge with time saving technology for closing agents.
Lending Update with Kevin Breeland
July 15, 2020 20:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBKevin Breeland has seen it all in his 41 years as a mortgage lender. From double digit interest rates in the early 1980's, to the pandemic we're in the midst of, one thing remains constant: People need a roof over their head. In this episode, Breeland joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share his insight on interest rates, tighter credit & qualifying criteria for borrowers, and why we're fortunate to work in an essential industry that is thriving during what is a challenging time for many.
Special Report: Reaction to CFPB Ruling
June 30, 2020 21:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBMonday's Supreme Court ruling handed the Trump Administration, and future executive branch leaders, greater authority over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB. In this special report, WFG's Executive Vice-President for Agency Development, Chuck Cain, joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to discuss what this means for the real estate industry. Also, an update as we close out Q2, and a look ahead to the second half of what's already been an historic 2020.
CertifID: Fraud Drama Leads to Industry Innovation
June 23, 2020 16:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBThis story plays out like a made-for-TV movie: An international crime syndicate hijacking millions in real estate funds online. In this case, the hero was a title company owner who worked closely with law enforcement in multiple states to track down the fraudsters and recover most of the money. In this episode, Thomas Cronkright, CEO of Sun Title in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shares the real life drama that led him to launch CertifID, which now protects wire transactions for real estate estate ...
WFG Blocks: Cost-Effective Health Insurance
June 17, 2020 00:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBFor independent title agents and self-employed real estate professionals, gaining access to cost-effective health insurance is a challenge. But thanks to the WFG team and their popular Blocks program, title agents now have an option that works for them and could also benefit their partners in real estate. In this episode, Insider Host Brian Bushlach welcomes back Ryan Marrie, President of Ohio Real Title. Ryan shares how he worked with WFG & our insurance brokerage partner Youity to help des...
Fair Housing: How Your Agency Can Get Involved
June 10, 2020 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBWith a national conversation underway, our focus is on the real estate market. In this episode, WFG Executive Vice President for Agency Development Chuck Cain joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share instances of discrimination he's uncovered while working in the title industry. Chuck also offers his experience working to make the home buying process fair for everyone, and how your independent agency can get involved.
Cyber Security Alert with Bruce Phillips, WEST
June 02, 2020 18:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBWith the real estate and settlement services industry changing literally by the day and staff working from home, we're experience a significant increase in cyber security issues and fraud. In this episode of the WFG Insider Report, Host Brian Bushlach calls on Bruce Phillips, SVP and Chief Information Security Officer of WEST, a WFG company. Phillips shares statistics, advice, and how agents can protect their business and clients from fraud with assistance from WEST Protect.
Shaun Graham: Call Center to C Suite Success
May 26, 2020 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBShaun Graham made the most of his opportunity at Southeast Mortgage, honing his sales & marketing skills in the lender's call center. He leveraged that experience and a strong social media presence to quickly rise through the ranks in his Atlanta-based operation. In this episode, Shaun joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to share his insight, and offer an outlook as Atlanta and the rest of the country begin to reopen during the COVID-19 crisis.
Commercial Real Estate Update & Outlook
May 19, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 9.8 MBThe COVID-19 crisis has already had a seismic impact on the commercial real estate market. In the months and years to come, the retail and office sectors will experience a transformational shift as the virus reshapes how we go about work & play. In this episode Erin Sheckler, WFG's SVP of our Commercial Division, joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to recap the last 60 days and look ahead to the future in CRE.
Now What? Market Outlook with WFG's Chuck Cain
May 12, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBCommunities across America are reopening and real estate professionals are hopeful that pent up demand will help drive the purchase market. In this episode, WFG Executive VP for Agency Development, Chuck Cain, joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to discuss residential, commercial, tech, and the future of sales & marketing in settlement services.
Pandemic RX: Optimism from Arthur Sterbcow
May 05, 2020 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBWith over 40 years experience in the real estate profession, Arthur Sterbcow has seen & done it all in the New Orleans market, and nationally. That includes navigating through and recovering from Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters in American history. So if you're looking for optimism in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, call on Arthur, who believes that people in real estate are resilient, creative, and will always find a way to succeed!
South Florida Focus: Richard Barbara, CG Title
April 28, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBNo city or state can escape the impact of COVID-19. But with abundant sunshine, no state income tax, and a business-friendly environment, Florida welcomes over 900 new residents every day. In this episode, Insider Host Brian Bushlach welcomes Richard Barbara, COO of Coral Gables Title & Escrow. Rich shares why the South Florida market is so resilient, and better positioned to weather this crisis than it was a decade ago during the Great Recession.
First Title: Technology, Flexibility & Scale
April 21, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBA decade ago, First Title introduced the nation's first instant GFE and closing cost calculator with the proprietary FirstVision program. Sensing opportunity to expand, President Steve Papermaster made strategic acquisitions to diversify First Title's footprint. Today, in the midst of the COVID-19 Crisis, the investment in cutting edge technology, diversified markets, and long term vision positions the company to seize more opportunities.
Market Opportunities & Outlook with Texas Title
April 14, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MBAttorneys Bob Karlseng and Claude Rich co-founded Texas Title with a local focus and grassroots standards. They launched their full-service agency in 2013 and have quickly expanded to 9 locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, plus a satellite office serving Houston. The team at Texas Title found opportunities in the midst of March mayhem, and now they have eyes on expanding while larger competitors contract.
The New Normal: Ryan Marrie, Ohio Real Title
April 07, 2020 07:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBAs we open Q2 of 2020, the world, and the real estate profession as we knew it have changed dramatically. Some adjustments will be temporary. Others will transform our business model for years to come. In this episode of the Insider Report, we call on Ryan Marrie, President of Ohio Real Title. Ryan delivers a recap of the March Madness from his front row seat, an assessment of where we stand, and how he's managing his company for the rest of 2020 and beyond.
Coronavirus: Challenges and Opportunities
April 01, 2020 01:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBDays seem like weeks, and weeks feel like months ago. March of 2020 goes down as a period that none of us in the real estate industry, or our nation, will ever forget. As we open Q2, there are more questions than answers. In this episode, we call on WFG Executive VP for Agency Development Chuck Cain to offer an update, provide perspective, and share guidance for the next 60-90 days. There will no doubt be challenges, but also opportunities.
Special Report: Real Estate - What's Next?
March 24, 2020 22:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBCOVID-19, the coronavirus, has shut down the US economy and that includes the real estate market. How long will this last? When will things start returning to normal? What's the forecast for the rest of 2020 & beyond? And what impact will this unexpected timeout have on the future of the real estate industry? Will it accelerate change in technology and streamline transactions? For answers and guidance to these questions and more, Insider Host Brian Bushlach calls on WFG Founder and Executive...
Industry Insight & Perspective with Brad Inman
March 24, 2020 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBJournalist, entrepreneur and respected observer Brad Inman is the most connected professional in the real estate industry. In this episode of the WFG Insider Report, Inman joins Host Brian Bushlach to share how his small town upbringing led to a big-time role in America's most pivotal industry. Inman also provides key information on the direction of the real estate profession in this time of crisis, along with key advice for those looking to capitalize as the industry continues to evolve.