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
Standing Up to FinCEN: One Title Agent’s Fight – Celia Flowers & Luke Wake | S2E16
When the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced sweeping new reporting requirements, one Texas title agent decided she couldn’t stay silent. Instead of quietly complying, she became the lead plaintiff in a national lawsuit challenging the legality of the rule. Listen as she shares her story, alongside her attorney, Luke Wake of the Pacific Legal Foundation, about what’s at stake for the separation of powers, privacy and the future of compliance in real estate transactions. Keys to Real Estate host Mary Schuster facilitated the conversation, which covered a multitude of considerations real estate professionals will have to become familiar with if the rule, which originally was set to take effect Dec. 1, 2025, but has since been delayed until March 1, 2026.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:16 Meet Celia Flowers & Luke Wake
5:40 What FinCEN’s Rule Requires
12:15 Why Celia Said No
18:30 The Lawsuit Explained
26:10 Separation of Powers and Privacy Concerns
33:45 Implications for Compliance and Real Estate Transactions
41:00 How the Industry is Reacting
48:20 Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Case
52:30 Closing Thoughts
Get In Touch…
To learn more about Pacific Legal Foundation visit: www.pacificlegal.org
Celia Flowers (Guest), ccf@flowersdavis.com
Luke Wake (Guest), LWake@pacificlegal.org
Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com
To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.
Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com
Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com
From Inspiration to Action: Women Leading the Way – Jaime Johnson | S2E15
When a person acts on inspiration, amazing things can happen. Jaime Johnson, director of WFG Agent 3.0, demonstrated this concept by founding WFG’s Women at the (Closing) Table group. She credits the Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS), hosted by October Research, with providing the creative spark for her to take action. While speaking with Keys to Real Estate host Mary Schuster, Johnson described the impact her WLS experience had on her view of women in leadership within the title industry and recognition of the need for a supportive community for women leaders, which is often lacking in professional environments. The discussion highlights the challenges women face in the industry and the benefits of fostering connections to empower future leaders.
Chapters:
00:00 Empowering Women in Leadership
2:42 Building a Supportive Community
5:34 The Importance of Vulnerability
8:24 Creating Connections and Mentorship
11:01 Breaking Down Barriers
13:25 The Role of Women in the Industry
16:24 Fostering Collaboration and Support
18:59 Engaging Future Leaders
21:57 The Impact of Community
24:30 Encouraging Participation and Growth
Get In Touch…
Guest email: Jaime Johnson, JJohnson@wfgtitle.com
Guest company website: www.wfgtitle.com
Women at the (Closing) Table on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenattheclosingtable
Women at the (Closing) Table on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14917027
October Research’s Women’s Leadership Summit: https://octoberresearchwls.com/
To email the host: Mary Schuster, mschuster@octoberresearch.com
To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.
Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com
Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com
Property Rights on Trial: The USIP Seizure – George Foote, Esq. | S2E14
Property rights can be a contentious issue. But what happens when one of the parties claiming ownership of a piece of real estate is the federal government, regardless of legal precedents indicating otherwise? This is the saga George Foote, Esq., long-time general counsel at the US Institute of Peace (USIP) is grappling following the seizure of USIP’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. in March 2025. The event holds massive legal implications for private property rights issues, as well as for nonprofit organizations, the constitutional separation of powers and the rule of law itself. Foote set the stage by walking our host Mary Schuster through a first-hand account of the timeline of events leading to the unprecedented takeover of a building built and maintained with private funds. The two experts viewed the extraordinary circumstances at play through the lens of real estate professionals, for whom consistency in the rule of law is critically important for the purpose of drawing up contracts and defending clients’ ownership rights.
Chapters:
3:05 – Background on the U.S. Institute of Peace
7:30 – Key Executive Order
12:15 – Legal Challenges Begin
18:45 – The Armed Takeover
25:00 – Courtroom Battle Ensues
32:20 – Implications for Property Rights
38:10 – Separation of Powers Considerations
44:00 – Implications for Nonprofits
50:30 – Future Outlook for the USIP Legal Fight
55:00 – Conclusion
Get In Touch…
Guest email: gfoote@pkrllp.com
For more information on the ongoing case: https://www.usipfacts.com/
Read Judge Howell’s opinion here.
To email the host:
Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com
To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.
Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com
Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com
S2E13 | Andy Walden – Hidden Housing Market Trends & Risks
Join us as we delve into the latest insights from the monthly Mortgage Monitor report for August with Andy Walden, head of mortgage and housing market research at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). In this episode, we explore key topics such as housing affordability, inventory and cautiously optimistic expectations for the rate environment. Walden also shares what key metric(s) he finds more compelling when the report comes out each month, which could be invaluable for anyone trying to get a read on the state of the real estate market with respect to pricing trends, origination trends and what is driving the persistent push-and-pull between buyers and sellers.
S2E12 | David Deerson, Esq. – Housing Excess Equity, Eminent Domain and Hidden Costs of Regulation
In this compelling conversation, David Deerson, an attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation’s property rights practice group, sits down with host Mary Schuster to examine the evolving landscape of private property protections in the U.S. from eminent domain overreach to excess equity takings and inclusionary zoning policies. With deep expertise in land use, eminent domain, and regulatory takings, Deerson brings clarity and passion to issues that impact both individual homeowners and national housing policy. They walk through real-world cases, legal wins, and the trends every real estate professional should be watching. With insight into both litigation and legislation, this episode equips title professionals, real estate attorneys, and settlement agents with tools to spot red flags, understand the risks, and engage with efforts to defend constitutional property rights.
S2E11 | Andy White – Frontline Fraud Fighter: Protecting Real Estate Transaction
How can real estate professionals protect buyers, sellers and agents from the growing threat of wire fraud? In this episode of the Keys to Real Estate podcast, Closinglock Founder and CEO Andy White and host Mary Schuster discussed what industry stakeholders need to know now to secure transactions and customer trust. White explained how Closinglock has helped safeguard more than a million home sales using modernized payment systems designed to defend against sophisticated fraud schemes. The conversation highlights key trends in digital payments, the consequences of outdated practices and the real-world impact of enhanced transaction security. White also outlines how customer satisfaction and fraud prevention go hand in hand — and what the future holds for safe, seamless closings.
S2E10 | Ruth Dillingham, Esq. – Trust Transfers Trigger FinCEN Scrutiny: What Every Attorney Needs to Know
What will happen when the new FinCEN reporting rule takes effect Dec. 1, 2025? Industry veteran Ruth Dillingham, Esq. had no shortage of invaluable insight for attorneys, title & settlement agents, estate planners, financial planners, trust officers, Realtors and more about their role in accordance with the cascade of reporting responsibilities outlined in the rule. They also explore the implications for builders, developers, trusts, estate planning and even transactions involving cryptocurrencies. The conversation also delves into data privacy and security considerations, and what industry leaders will need to pay attention to in the months ahead to be in compliance.
Don’t miss Ruth’s guest blog on this important topic – click here to read it.
S2E9 | Dr. Bill Conerly – Adapting to the Future of Work
In Part 2 of our interview with Bill Conerly, we dig in deep to discuss what business leadership really need to understand about the current state of the U.S. economy. Interest rates, tariffs and recession talk can all be intimidating subjects for business leaders. That is, unless they know how to stay ahead of the game with proper planning for a variety of scenarios, whether good or not so much. What can we in the real estate game learn from companies that have weathered past economic storms? Conerly discussed the importance of building strong foundations for a future that could look very different from the present. What will retention and recruiting strategies look like as the labor market gets smaller in the years ahead and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a massive potential driver of productivity? Conerly covers many of the challenges and opportunities awaiting business leaders all here in this episode!
S2E8 | Dr. Bill Conerly – Are We on a Road to Recession or Just a Speed Bump?
Confused about the economy? It’s a topic to follow closely, especially right now. Dr. Bill Conerly keeps things straight forward and to the point in his discussion with Mary Schuster about how impact the rollercoaster economy is having on the housing market, touching on key factors, such as GDP, interest rates and, of course, tariffs. More than merely speculate about when the Federal Reserve may cut rates, Dr. Conerly dives into the logic underpinning those decisions so anyone watching at home can have a clearer idea of how the folks in charge of monetary policy view the current state of affairs. Listen along and gain a bit more certainty about these uncertain times.
S2E7 | Chuck Myers & Connie Van Slyke – The Regulators Are In: Debunking Myths and Building Trust
It’s no secret professionals often are hesitant to engage directly with regulators at industry events or in other forums. In this episode, we discuss why that sort of engagement is so important with a pair of incredibly personable leaders of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which regulates the title insurance industry. Chuck Myers and Connie Van Slyke offer insights into the aim of the NAIC’s working group intended to enhance industry participation to help regulators address existing issues and challenges. They dug into the historical context of title insurance regulation and the vital role open communication can play in addressing industry concerns, including current issues in title insurance and the future directions for the industry.
S2E6 | Jaime Kosofsky – Fake IDs, Real Consequences: How to Spot a Phony
Jaime Kosofsky knows how to spot a fake ID. It’s not a skill he acquired as a club bouncer or a police officer. He is a seasoned real estate industry pro who has learned that being able to spot a fake is a vital and often overlooked tactic for avoiding costly and all-too-common real estate scams. Listen as he relays lessons he’s learned through personal experience with host Mary Schuster, which prompted him to become well-acquainted with the security features of driver’s licenses and the technology available to help other industry professionals ID verification. The real-world insight he shared could save industry professionals and their clients a lot of money and heartache in the ongoing battle against fraudsters. You can catch Jaime at the 2025 National Settlement Services Summit (NS3) in Pittsburgh, where he will have plenty more insights to share to help safeguard your business.
S2E5 | Brian Carter – AI Without the Jargon: A Mindset for the Future
Ever wonder how this artificial intelligence stuff works? You’re not alone! Author and Futurist Brian Carter offered a taste of what NS3 attendees can expect during his keynote address next month with some of the most candid insights about the biggest tech revolutions in decades and how it is definitely more than just hype. He and host Mary Schuster discuss how the inner workings of AI models remain a mystery even to many of the people who use them on a daily basis while emphasizing the importance of understanding both its capabilities and limitations when applying it in your business operations. The time where humans can set it and forget is still a long way off. Listen as they explore the evolving relationship between humans and AI, discussing the psychological implications, changing communication dynamics and the future of work as this technology becomes more and more integrated into our daily lives.
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.