In this wide-ranging discussion, Barry Habib - CEO of Highway.ai - and host Bill Hitchcock explore the complex issue of tariffs and their broader implications for the U.S. economy and the housing market. Barry explains how tariffs act as a consumption tax paid by importers, often passed on to consumers, and how they can shrink margins and slow economic activity, potentially increasing the risk of recession.

Yet, Barry offers perspective: despite media alarm, the actual impact on consumer prices may only be around 4–5%, not the full value of the tariff. He compares implementing tariffs to starting a new fitness regimen - painful at first, but potentially necessary for long-term health, in this case, economic sustainability amid ballooning deficits.

Bill and Barry also underscore the importance of mortgage professionals staying educated and focused. They point out that housing often performs well during recessions, with falling interest rates and stable or rising home values - except during the 2008 financial crisis. Barry’s national forecast? A solid 4.1% appreciation in home values this year, which, when combined with mortgage leverage, can translate into significant wealth creation for homeowners.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

Thank you to our friends at Highway.ai for sponsoring this episode!

Is your CRM just a digital filing cabinet, or is it the engine behind your growth? In this episode of Lending Forward, we sit down with Dan Catinella, Chief Lending Officer with Total Expert, to uncover how originators and mortgage companies can go from viewing their database as a “Rolodex” to treating it like the gold mine it truly is.

We talk about the tech evolution in lending, how to avoid shiny object syndrome, and the critical role of sales and marketing alignment. You’ll hear how top-performing lenders are leveraging AI, data, and CRM platforms to 10X their customer retention, drive conversions, and build scalable, future-ready businesses.

Whether you're a tech-savvy originator or just starting to explore CRM beyond flyers and printouts, this episode will change how you look at your tech stack AND your future.

Thank you to our friends at Evocalize for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at evocalize.com/signup.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, we're diving into real talk with social media coach, speaker, and author Kyle Draper. From his journey as a pastor and roofer to becoming a leader in authentic marketing, Kyle shares why your past holds the key to building trust and connection in today's noisy digital world. Co-hosts Hannah McManus and Bill Hitchcock explore how loan officers can stop chasing likes and start cultivating relationships - whether it’s through one-to-one videos, revisiting old connections, or simply embracing who they truly are.

Kyle also unpacks how fear of video is often fear of visibility, and how even the smallest win (like sending a 14-second video to a past client) can lead to breakthroughs in business and life. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes peek at Kyle’s book series, Rethink Everything, and the “why” behind his mission to help professionals communicate with authenticity.

Whether you’re camera-shy or content-curious, this episode will leave you encouraged, equipped, and ready to make deeper connections - one story at a time.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

Thank you to our friends at Total Expert for sponsoring today’s episode. Total Expert is THE purpose-built customer engagement platform for modern financial institutions. Trusted by hundreds of financial services enterprises, Total Expert turns customer data into actionable insights that help marketing and sales teams engage and guide consumers through complex financial decisions. Fusing digital touchpoints and human interactions, Total Expert humanizes the customer journey to create better financial outcomes, build deeper relationships, and win customers for life. Visit Total Expert dot com to learn more.