In this episode of Lending Forward, host Hannah McManus sits down with Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy at Optimal Blue, to pull back the curtain on the secondary mortgage market. Mike breaks down how secondary departments protect profitability, manage risk, and ultimately shape the rates offered to borrowers.

From global events and regulatory changes to the role of technology and AI, Mike explains the forces driving rate volatility and why transparency and communication between loan officers, secondary teams, and investors are more important than ever. He also shares exciting innovations at Optimal Blue, including a breakthrough in direct lock technology, and looks ahead to how non-QM lending and digital assistants could reshape the mortgage landscape.

A huge thank you to our friends at Capacity for sponsoring this conversation!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from 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, host Bill Hitchcock along with special guest host Juan Giraldo sit down with Laura Arce, Senior VP of Economic Initiatives at UnidosUS, to discuss the future of Latino homeownership and the barriers and opportunities that shape it.

Laura shares insights on building authentic trust with Hispanic communities, the younger demographics driving first-time home purchases, and how affordability challenges are shifting the definition of the “American Dream” of homeownership. She also highlights the importance of policy changes, representation, and community-based outreach in expanding access to credit and sustainable housing.

This episode offers both data-driven perspective and heartfelt storytelling from one of the industry’s leading voices.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from 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, host Hannah McManus sits down with Emenyo “E” Segbefia, Director of Business Development at Chenoa Fund, a national down payment assistance provider dedicated to expanding access to homeownership.

E shares his personal story of discovering the power of down payment assistance (DPA), explains how Chenoa’s tribal ownership makes their programs unique, and dives into how lenders can build stronger partnerships to better serve buyers. From dispelling myths about DPAs being “too hard” to walking through compliance considerations, E highlights why these programs are essential tools in today’s housing market.

You’ll also get a sneak peek into Chenoa’s upcoming builder-focused product, designed to make affordable homeownership even more accessible. Whether you’re a lender, Realtor®, or homebuyer advocate, this episode sheds light on how DPAs can transform lives and communities.

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, host Bill Hitchcock sits down with Bryan Greene, Vice President of Policy Advocacy at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), for an in-depth conversation on housing policy, transparency, and the challenges facing today’s homebuyers.

Bryan shares his unique journey - from consulting on an Oscar-winning documentary to leading critical housing policy initiatives at NAR. Together, Bill and Bryan unpack the aftermath of the NAR settlement, the impact on first-time buyers and veterans, and the urgent need to expand housing supply.

Listen to gain insight into how federal policy, tax reform, and innovative approaches like accessory dwelling units could reshape affordability and access to housing. Bryan also offers a candid look at what’s on the horizon, and how the industry can preserve and expand opportunities for future homeowners.

Whether you’re a Realtor, lender, or industry professional, this conversation sheds light on the resilience of the housing industry and the importance of policy in shaping its future.

Thank you to our friends at Experience.com for sponsoring this episode!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from 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, host Bill Hitchcock sits down with Rich Binsacca, Editorial Director at ProBuilder Magazine and Endeavor Business Media, to discuss the state of the homebuilding industry and where it’s headed. From labor shortages and material costs to the impact of government policy and changing consumer demands, Rich brings decades of insight into the challenges and opportunities builders face today.

Tune in as they explore the connection between housing supply, affordability, and regulation, and why collaboration across the mortgage, real estate, and building industries is more important than ever.

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, host Hannah McManus sits down with Len Wolfson, Principal at Breakaway and former Acting FHA Commissioner, to break down the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and its impact on housing policy.

Len shares insights from his decades in Washington, including his time at HUD and FHA, and explains key provisions that matter most to homebuyers, lenders, and the housing market at large. From making the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit permanent to restoring mortgage insurance deductibility, Len outlines how these changes could influence affordability and supply in the years ahead.

The conversation also dives into GSE reform, agency-level deregulation, and why bipartisan momentum in housing policy is giving him hope for the future.

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?

And a big thank you to Chenoa Fund for sponsoring this episode!

In this powerhouse episode of Lending Forward, host Hannah McManus sits down with Matt Linville, VP of Marketing at Investors Title and a nationally recognized expert in real estate investment strategy.

Matt breaks down the often misunderstood 1031 exchange - what it is, how it works, and why it's one of the most powerful tools available to real estate investors and their advisors. Whether you're a real estate agent, loan officer, or investor, you'll walk away with eye-opening insights on timelines, tax deferral, financing, and strategic portfolio growth.

Plus, Matt debunks common myths and shares how you can "swap ‘til you drop" while creating generational wealth. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to level up in real estate investing.

And a big thank you to our friends at Atlantic Carolinas Title for sponsoring this episode!

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, host Hannah McManus sits down with Julian Hebron, founder of The Basis Point and a leading voice in fintech, mortgage strategy, and market insight. With over two decades of experience across both legacy institutions and fintech disruptors, Julian shares powerful industry stats, challenges mainstream housing narratives, and provides a grounded look at the future of home financing.

From AI and blockchain to market share myths and ROI-focused innovation, this episode is a must-listen for loan officers, lenders, and housing professionals who want to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting market. Learn how today’s tech isn’t here to replace humans - it’s here to empower them.

And a big thank you to our friends at Optimal Blue for sponsoring this episode!

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?