For an exclusive look into business-critical information and key topics central to thriving under the ever-changing demands placed on real estate businesses today, tune into the October Research Keys to Real Estate podcast. This industry-centric podcast hosted by October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster features in-depth conversations for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the real estate ecosystem. The podcast series is available for streaming 24/7 at the time and place of your choosing.
Take education into your own hands (and ears) with our long-form conversations featuring today’s newsmakers and thought-leaders.
Thanks to Closinglock for being the presenting sponsor for Season 2 of the Keys to Real Estate podcast.
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Season 2
S2E4 | Rich Horn – Townstone, the CFPB and a Stunning Reversal
No one saw that coming! That was industry’s response when the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reversed its stance on a discrimination case it had already settled. The change of heart was directly connected to the change in leadership at the bureau under the Trump administration. Garris Horn LLP Co-Managing Partner Rich Horn was one of the lead defense attorneys in the years-long case against Townstone Financial. Listen as Horn dives into the legal depths of one of the bureau’s most high-profile cases that drew no shortage of headlines. Horn’s insider knowledge of the facts and legal arguments provide an eye-opening perspective on the matter and the implications of reopening a case that had already been settled – an unprecedented move for a federal agency.
S2E3 | Donna Anderson & Mary Anne Harris – Recruit. Train. Retain. Mastering Workforce Challenges
Recruiting top talent is only half the battle — keeping them is just as critical. In this episode, we dive into best practices for hiring, training, and retaining employees in today’s competitive market. From crafting compelling job offers to fostering a culture of growth, we explore what it takes to build a strong, long-lasting team. Listen and learn with host Mary Schuster and her guests Mary Anne Harris, founder of Real Estate Closing Path, and Donna Anderson, VP & agency development manager as they explore the positive impact of thoughtful communication.
S2E2 | Loretta Salzano – RESPA Reform & Regulatory Confusion
The evolving mortgage regulatory landscape, particularly changes within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and proposed RESPA reforms to RESPA have major implications for the mortgage industry. Loretta Salzano, founding partner of Franzen-Salzano, joined October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster to discuss the importance of modernizing marketing practices, and the need for clearer regulations to support compliance and consumer protection. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise from these regulatory shifts, emphasizing the need for a more industry-friendly dialogue and practical solutions. What can be done to alleviate confusion that arises from both regulated entities and regulators? Listen as Mary and Loretta discuss the nuances of marketing and advertising within the framework of RESPA, the evolving landscape of state enforcement, and the challenges businesses face in maintaining compliance amidst changing regulations.
For more on this topic:
S2E1 | Aaron Davis and Mike LaRosa – Can Your Business Weather a Natural Disaster?
Real estate businesses are no strangers to the need for resilience in the face of adversity. While most may have a gameplan for dealing with unfavorable market conditions or regulatory uncertainty, how many are prepared to weather adversity caused by Mother Nature? In this episode, October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster spoke with Mike LaRosa and Aaron Davis of the Florida Agency Network about their first-hand knowledge of the importance of being prepared for a crisis, having managed to maintain operations through two hurricanes in short succession. The experience of helping clients complete closings on their new homes while they and many of their staff were temporarily displaced from theirs was harrowing, to say the least. Fortunately, they received help as well from the close-knit title business community. Learn from their ordeal how proactive strategies and communication proved crucial to navigating unprecedented challenges.
Special Bonus Episode
Dr. Mark Calabria – Safety, Soundness and a Second Trump Administration
In this special episode of Keys to Real Estate, we interrupt our season break to bring you a timely and insightful conversation with Dr. Mark Calabria, former FHFA Director and key figure in the first Trump administration. With the recent presidential election in November, we explore what the housing and lending industries might face in a potential Trump 2.0 term from someone widely speculated to be tapped for a position in a second Trump administration.
Season 1
S1E20 | Deb Wiley – If You Build It, They Will Come
In Part 2 of our discussion with people operations expert Deb Wiley described the importance of considering the entire employee lifecycle, not just recruiting. This means developing and maintaining a positive workplace culture, which carves out space for recognition, clear communication, and facilitating healthy feedback. She also emphasized the importance of identifying and mitigating factors that could lead to employee burnout while fostering an environment where people feel they can grow their careers in ways that align with their long-term goals through professional development opportunities and one-on-one coaching. Listen and learn from someone who knows some of the keys to ensuring your real estate business is one that top talent will want to call home.
S1E19 | Deb Wiley – Win the Talent Race
Listen as people operations expert Deb Wiley offers real world examples of the impact company culture can have on hiring and retaining top talent as the real estate sector finds itself headed into a more growth-oriented business environment. Deb and Mary explore the differences between traditional HR and the people business, the unique challenges of hiring in real estate, and innovative approaches for attracting and retaining talent. What does a strong, inclusive company culture look like in action? How can leaders be more effective communicators both during and after the hiring process? And how do you strike a balance between technology and human interaction in recruitment? Find the answers to these questions and more by just clicking play!
S1E18 | Alan Frelix – Let’s Get Digital!
In this conversation, Alan Frelix, the founder of The Closing Exchange (now a part of ICE Mortgage Technology) discusses the importance of having a variety of ways to service customers. From his experience in both lending and title/settlement, Alan is clear on the importance of scaling and integrating ever-evolving digital technology into their processes. He says it will not only enhance the customer experience, but also to reduce fraud risk. Frelix advocates for proactive communication between settlement agents and lenders to drive innovation and improve the customer experience. Education is crucial for both consumers and industry professionals in adopting a digital processes that delights consumers. Frelix stressed the importance of having engaged notaries willing to walk borrowers through the closing process to make for a positive experience and, therefore, a positive perception of the companies and individuals involved. If you’re curious about production elasticity in a difficult to predict market, he says it is possible to expand your capacity and extend your reach, all while protecting your reputation and bottom line.
S1E17 | Alison Gareffa – Put Me In, Coach!
As a certified executive coach with a wealth of title industry experience, who better than Alison Gareffa to discuss various approaches real estate professionals can take to sharpen their leadership skills? How does coaching work and how does it benefit busy professionals? Alison explains the distinctions between coaching, consulting, and therapy, emphasizing how coaching is all about focusing on the present rather than the past or the future. Gareffa explains how taking the time to be intentional helps us meet our goals more efficiently. Thinking of honing your craft and skills as a leader? She also highlights the benefits of executive coaching when learning how to be a better boss by boosting employee retention and building trust and loyalty, as well as the importance of active listening while asking open-ended questions instead of ones that require only a simple “yes” or “no.” If you have questions about your company’s coaching approach but just never knew where to turn, Alison is here to help coach you on how to better coach others.
S1E16 | David Friend – Is a Regulatory Remodel in Our Future?
In the second part of our conversation with mortgage consultant and attorney David Friend, follow along as we discuss the potential impact changes in federal regulations could have on the real estate industry. As covered in part 1 of our discussion, the elimination of Chevron deference as a standard principle for interpreting ambiguous regulations could open the floodgates for a slew of litigation over agency rules and regulations. Will some rules be stripped down to the studs like old houses long-overdue for a remodel?? Here, we spend some time homing in on RESPA Section 8 and how specific court cases and outcomes could affect national providers and smaller independent agents. We also consider what this new environment means for small businesses that may not have the resources to engage in costly litigation to influence regulatory opinions, leaving larger players in the driver’s seat in that regard. Friend emphasizes the need for adaptability and flexibility in the face of regulatory changes and draws on his past experience as a regulator as he highlights the importance of understanding the underlying purpose of statutes and regulations.
S1E15 | David Friend – The post-Chevron World is Here! Now What?
What does a former CFPB attorney (who was a critical part of the crafting and implementation of TRID) think about the new world post Chevron? Follow along as David Friend, Esq., owner of Friend Mortgage Consulting, breaks down the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions with respect to the regulatory framework and, by extension, the real estate finance sector. This conversation explores the shift to a post-Chevron world with a more court-driven approach to regulatory oversight. Can you expect an uptick in litigation as a result of the Loper Bright and Relentless Inc opinion from SCOTUS? What might the impact be of individual court decisions and opinions? It’s not merely the Loper Bright decision that will change your world. We discuss two other cases that tie together to significantly change how federal regulations and enforcement will impact how you work. What could the Corner Post opinions mean for future statutes? What does the Jarkesy decision mean for statutory interpretations? Do any of these cases have more potential impact than the others? Don’t worry! Mr. Friend has plenty of insights on this subject. All you have to do is listen!
S1E14 | Chuck Cain – Secrets of a Healthy Marketplace
Join part 2 of our conversation with FNF Senior Vice President Charles Cain as he covers the changing realities in the real estate industry and tips for increasing profitability. Together Chuck and Mary discuss: the challenges state regulators face today and how to effectively work with your regulator to achieve a healthy marketplace, the CFPB’s consideration of prohibiting buyers from paying for lender’s title insurance, how title agents are doing in this market and what are they doing differently to stay competitive and profitable, the use of AI for creating title commitments and policies, using AI effectively in other parts of title operations, data privacy, data security and wire fraud – how can you reduce your risks without going broke? Chuck also shares advice for updating your business processes for a new age, how to create a more valuable service offering, and how underwriters are helping agents in these unique times. Are you thinking about a new production software? Hear about an important first step in the process. How will the new world of MLS and real estate commissions unfold and how it will change what title and settlement agents do? It’s a wide-ranging discussion, full of practical tips for successfully navigating today’s market.
NOTE: This episode was recorded on July 17, 2024.
S1E13 | Chuck Cain – What the Presidential Election Could Mean for Real Estate
In this conversation, host Mary Schuster and FNF Senior Vice President Charles Cain discuss the potential implications of the November presidential election for the real estate sector. becoming more active and addressing issues in various industries. A second Trump administration is likely to look significantly different from one led by a member of the Biden-Harris administration in terms of regulatory leadership and policy, leaving the two industry insiders with plenty to discuss. They also touched on the housing crisis in the United States and the need for both public and private sector solutions. The hot topics of lenders title insurance, data privacy standards, and the recent overturning of the Chevron doctrine also merited some insightful ponderings from Cain and Schuster and they were well equipped for the task.
NOTE: This episode was recorded on July 17, 2024.
S1E12 | Lisa Walden – The Benefits of Creating a Human-Centric Workplace
In Part 2 of her conversation with Lisa Walden, co-founder of Good Company Consulting, host Mary Schuster discuss the changing social and professional compacts informed by the unique economic challenges faced by Gen Z, and how their lived experience and observations of older generations have shaped their worldview and approach to work. Walden addresses practical reasons companies should prioritize trust-building and psychological safety among teams, offering tips for how leaders can do so in hybrid workplaces. Schuster urges Walden to share perspectives from her book, “The Future of Work is Human,” about the importance of empathy and offers advice to help leaders create a human-centric workplace.
S1E11 | Lisa Walden – The Future of Work is NOW!
“These kids today don’t want to work!” is a sentiment that’s been prevalent in American society since at least 1894, according to research cited by Lisa Walden, co-founder of Good Company Consulting, in her discussion with October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster. Listen as they explore the concept of the “Great Chasm” in the evolving workplace, which refers to the growing disconnect between what leaders and owners think, want, and see, and what individual contributors think, want, and see. Walden and Schuster also examine the effectiveness of flexible and hybrid work arrangements, and look at the clash points between different generations in the workplace from a historical point of view.
S1E10 | Margaret Nelson-Quin – Appraisal Technology’s Impact on the Real Estate Transaction
In an episode for seasoned appraisal professionals and the merely curious, join October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster and Valuation Review Editor Mike Holzheimer as they shared hosting duties and interviewed Margaret Nelson-Quin, owner of Phoenix Appraisal Network. They explored the purpose of appraisals, the impact of emerging technology within the appraisal industry, and the multitude of changes in the Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) model. The various challenges presented by tighter lending thresholds, zoning changes, and broker compensation also made for hot topics of conversation, and a perfect segue into discussion about the need for appraisers to be adaptable and maintain strong relationships with other stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem to be successful.
S1E9 | Elizabeth Childers, Esq. – Chevron’s Done, Now What?
Following the Supreme Court’s historic decision to strike down Chevron deference, RESPA News Editor Elizabeth Childers, who is also an attorney, helps our audience unpack the various implications for the regulatory regime overseeing the real estate industry. Listen in as we explore the background and significance of Chevron and what its repeal could mean for existing regulations and new ones. The conversation also touches on related Supreme Court decisions, including Jarksky v. SEC and Corner Post Financial Planning v. SEC, as well as the potential changes they bring to administrative law and the regulatory landscape.
S1E8 | Hoyt Mann – Organic Intelligence
In this conversation, Mary Schuster and Hoyt Mann discuss the impact of technology on work-life balance and mental well-being. They explore the challenges of staying connected 24/7 and the importance of unplugging and taking time for yourself. As technology automates more and more functions people have been doing manually, the hope is for people to have more time to engage with the aspects of work that require authentic relationship-building, creativity, and ingenuity. Hoyt shares a variety of strategies for remaining intentional about managing technology and prioritizing personal well-being, as well as the danger of prioritizing efficiency over building meaningful connections. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by younger workers in developing soft skills and adapting to remote work and the role leaders can play in educating early-career workers.
S1E7 | Ryan Marshall – Can Title Clouds Fight Fraud?
Listen as Equity Protect CEO Ryan Marshall discusses the growing and latest types of fraud in the real estate industry and how to fight back -via the creative use of intentional title clouds. Marshall offers his perspective on unique and evolving methods bad actors use to perpetrate crimes such as seller impersonation, deed fraud, fake mortgages, fake assignments, and contract for deed fraud. Some high-tech fraudsters are even using AI to impersonate signatures and take advantage of stolen notary credentials. But the industry has access to its own high-tech methods of mitigating these risks, including how to spot properties most at risk. Just by listening to this episode you will be helping in the fight against fraud because, as Marshall notes, education and prevention go hand-in-hand in combating illegal activity in real estate transactions.
S1E6 | Kevin Nincehelser – Securing Your Business Data
Listen as Kevin Nincehelser, chief operating officer for Premier One, covers everything from digital security to artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting some practical advice for protecting business data from a variety of potential risks and considering the growing impact of AI. Speaking with host Mary Schuster, he offers examples in programs and software companies use every day, including email systems, utilities used in remote work, and many often overlooked areas where vulnerabilities can crop up. The discussion goes beyond a typical overview of the latest advice you might hear from your IT department and connects the dots on instruments and outside factors companies need to consider that they may never have before.
S1E5 | Live @ NS3! Mark Calabria – Navigating the Politics and Policies of Now
Dr. Mark Calabria, former director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a senior advisor at Cato Institute and author of Shelter from the Storm: How a Covid Mortgage Meltdown was Averted, sat down with Mary Schuster at the 2024 National Settlement Services Summit (NS3). The discussion begins with Dr. Calabria describing his background in government, challenges faced, and his core beliefs, principles, and perspectives on government policies and housing sector. You won’t want to miss Dr. Calabria’s view on title insurance alternative products, the future of Frannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the need to focus on safety and soundness in the real estate ecosystem. Finally, they discuss his predictions for the future of title insurance and near-term interest rate changes.
S1E4 | Lauren Campisi – Fishing for Answers about Chevron Deference
What does a fishing boat have to do with long-standing judicial standards? Lauren Campisi, partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, spoke with host Mary Schuster about how the outcome of Loper Bright v. Raimondo – a case involving herring fishermen in New England – could have sweeping consequences for laws and regulations that mortgage and title professionals refer to everyday. This is because the case challenges the scope of the Chevron Doctrine, which courts have relied on for decades worth of high-stakes legal decisions in all manner of cases. The conversation highlights the potential consequences of changes in judicial deference and the need for clarity and certainty in the interpretation of laws.
S1E3 | Marcus Hunt and Wayne Stanley – Change Management and Tough Decisions
With an uptick in mergers and acquisitions in the title insurance industry, where buyers are looking to acquire companies before the market fully recovers, consulting firm Title Success looks to provide guidance for navigating the various components of these complex transitions, assisting with exit strategies, valuations, and connecting buyers and sellers. Prospective buyers and sellers have concerns about financing, culture fit, team retention, and payout structure. In this conversation, Title Success Partners Marcus Hunt and Wayne Stanley discuss cover topics such as the importance of culture fit, the structure of deals, tax implications, and the challenges of managing people during a transition. They also provide advice for prospective buyers and sellers, including the importance of clear communication and having a plan for day one and beyond.
S1E2 | Joe Powell – Let’s Talk Commercial
Having just celebrated his 27-year anniversary in commercial real estate, FNF Vice President and Managing Underwriting Council Joe Powell had plenty of knowledge to share about the industry and the current state of the commercial real estate market. From its resilience following the pandemic to the diverse asset classes within commercial real estate, Powell emphasized the importance of conservative underwriting practices and discussed the challenges and opportunities in converting office buildings into residential properties with October Research’s own resident expert and host, Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster.
S1E1 | Phillip Schulman – The Power of Humor in Business
Phil Schulman, Industry Legend. Who else would we choose as our inaugural guest? Listen in as Phil discusses his retirement, lessons learned over a professional lifetime, the importance of humor in business and how it can be used effectively. He shares memorable moments from his career as a lawyer and public speaker. Phil reflects on his passion for law and how he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a lawyer. He recounts his experience preparing for his very first trial and the lesson took from it about being prepared and flexible. He also shares the wisdom his father imparted to him on where to place focus when giving a great speech. Phil recollects how he became a RESPA attorney and predicts impacts of recent NAR settlements on the real estate industry. He concludes with some of the best life advice you’ll ever hear.