Power House

4.7 (63)
Entrepreneurship
Updated Weekly

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire's Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

21h ago

James Wong: The branding mistakes holding you back

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with James Wong, CEO of MAXA Designs, to explore a deceptively simple question: What actually makes a brand matter? For an industry obsessed with logos, colors and marketing campaigns, Wong argues that branding has very little to do with design alone. The strongest brands aren’t built on aesthetics—they’re built on trust. They make a clear promise, deliver on it consistently and create a story people remember. Wong shares how an early project helping real estate agents unexpectedly launched his career and revealed a pattern among top producers: long before personal branding became fashionable, the best agents understood that visibility and trust compound over time. The conversation breaks down why so many mortgage and real estate professionals misunderstand branding, how companies can define a brand beyond visuals, and why storytelling and consistency remain the most powerful competitive advantages in a crowded market. Wong also shares lessons from the Exhibit Awards, the national branding competition he created, and what separates award-winning organizations from the ones that struggle to stand out. The discussion concludes with AI’s growing role in marketing and why technology won’t replace great brands—it will amplify them. The companies that win the next decade won’t be the loudest. They’ll be the clearest, most consistent and most trusted. Related to this episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ James Wong's LinkedIn MAXA Designs Exhibit Awards Book a demo with MAXA Designs Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

25 min
21h ago

Why Fifth Third Bank expanded when others pulled back

What happens when a bank decides to invest in mortgage while much of the industry is pulling back? On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with James Sias, Head of Mortgage Lending and Indirect Dealer Services at Fifth Third Bank, to discuss leadership, growth and the long-term future of mortgage lending. The discussion also tackles the broader forces shaping mortgage today—from Basel III capital requirements and regulatory policy to the role customer relationships play in a large banking environment. Throughout the conversation, Sias argues that sustainable growth comes from staying focused on the customer, investing through market cycles and creating an environment where loan officers can succeed. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ James Sias' LinkedIn Fifth Third Bank Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

36 min
Jun 18

Why this housing market feels different

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with mortgage veteran Joey Hansen to discuss what it takes to build a lasting career through multiple housing cycles. Drawing on more than two decades in the business, Hansen shares lessons from navigating changing markets, evolving borrower behavior and shifting industry dynamics. The conversation explores affordability challenges, the lock-in effect and why many consumers remain overly focused on interest rates while missing the bigger financial picture. Hansen also reflects on a major career move after 12 years with the same company, discussing the realities of rebuilding relationships, evaluating support systems and stepping into a new leadership role. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes a simple but powerful theme: markets change, but trust, education and consistent client guidance never go out of style. For loan officers and housing professionals trying to navigate today’s market, Hansen offers a practical perspective shaped by experience, adaptability and a long-term view of success. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Joey Hansen's LinkedIn Huntington National Bank Want more from Zeb? Don't forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

16 min
Jun 11

The independence problem: Rethinking senior housing transitions

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Simone Kelly, founder of Seniornicity, to discuss one of housing’s most overlooked challenges: helping seniors navigate the later stages of homeownership. Drawing on experience across mortgage, real estate and senior services, Kelly explains why many older homeowners aren’t staying put because they refuse to move—they’re staying because the alternatives are complex, emotional and overwhelming. The conversation explores aging in place, reverse mortgages, caregiving and the growing opportunity for housing professionals willing to serve an aging population. Kelly argues that success in this space isn’t about generating leads. It’s about building trust, relationships and support systems that help families navigate major life transitions. In an industry increasingly focused on speed and automation, she makes the case for a more human approach. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Simone Kelly's LinkedIn Seniornicity The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

28 min
Jun 4

From attention to intention: Adam O’Daniel on the future of mortgage marketing

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Adam O’Daniel of Guild Mortgage to discuss one of the defining challenges facing housing professionals today: building trust in an era where information is everywhere and credibility is harder to earn than ever. Drawing from recent consumer research, O’Daniel explains why younger buyers increasingly trust friends, family, online communities and digital content more than traditional financial institutions. For lenders and real estate professionals, that shift changes the game. Trust is no longer inherited through a logo or brand name—it must be built through education, transparency and consistent value. The conversation explores the transition from the attention economy to the intention economy, where AI-powered search and recommendation tools are reshaping how consumers find information. Rather than competing for clicks, O’Daniel argues that professionals should focus on becoming the most helpful answer when consumers actively seek guidance. That means creating educational content, answering real questions and building a digital presence that establishes expertise over time. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Adam O'Daniel's LinkedIn Guild Mortgage The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

20 min
Jun 2

Everything you need to know about housing economics but were afraid to ask

In this solo Power House episode, Zeb Lowe delivers an overview of housing economics built specifically for the professionals working inside the industry every day. Framing the conversation around a simple idea — that housing professionals are expected to be experts without ever being formally taught how the market truly works — Zeb breaks down the core economic concepts that separate good operators from elite ones. The episode spends significant time on the psychology driving today’s market, particularly the way buyers remain anchored to pandemic-era 3% mortgage rates that were never historically normal. Zeb explains why professionals who can contextualize the market (rather than simply repeat headlines) become indispensable advisors to clients navigating uncertainty. He also pushes back on some of the industry’s most persistent myths, including the inevitability of another 2008-style crash, the belief that buyers need 20% down, and the assumption that waiting for lower rates will automatically create better affordability. Throughout the episode, the central theme remains clear: America’s housing shortage is still the defining force shaping affordability, pricing and transaction activity. Ultimately, Zeb makes the case that market fluency is no longer optional. In an environment flooded with national headlines, misinformation and economic noise, the professionals who understand local data, behavioral trends and long-term supply dynamics will be the ones clients trust most. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

24 min
May 29

Bob Hart: Inside ICE’s vision for the future of mortgage technology

LIVE from the New York Stock Exchange, Diego Sanchez talks with Bob Hart about how Intercontinental Exchange is modernizing mortgage infrastructure through AI, cybersecurity and connected loan technology. Hart explains that ICE’s experience digitizing markets like the New York Stock Exchange gives the company a strong foundation for improving efficiency and transparency in mortgage lending, which still relies heavily on paper-based processes. He also discusses the company’s cautious but aggressive approach to AI — using automation to improve workflows while maintaining compliance and human oversight in critical parts of the lending process. The conversation also focuses on ICE’s push to connect origination and servicing through platforms like Encompass and technology gained from the Black Knight acquisition, creating a more seamless borrower experience from application through servicing. Looking ahead, Hart says ICE’s growth strategy centers on AI investment, operational efficiency and building a more connected mortgage ecosystem. Related to the episode: ⁠Diego Sanchez’ LinkedIn Bob Hart's LinkedIn ICE Mortgage Technology The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

6 min
May 28

Coby Hakalir: Credit Scores, chaos and the future of mortgage lending

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with longtime mortgage executive, consultant and podcast host Coby Hakalir for a candid conversation about one of the housing industry’s most contentious topics: credit reporting, FICO scoring and the future of mortgage regulation. The discussion centers around his viral op-ed challenging the current mortgage credit ecosystem and questioning whether the industry has become too defensive of legacy systems at the expense of competition and innovation. Zeb and Coby unpack rising credit report costs, the role of the FHFA, unintended consequences of regulation and why loan officers need a deeper understanding of the systems shaping borrower outcomes. The conversation also explores misinformation in today’s market, the importance of industry engagement and why difficult cycles often reveal which professionals are truly committed to evolving with the business. At its core, this episode is about challenging assumptions, questioning entrenched systems and asking what a smarter, more competitive mortgage industry could actually look like. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Coby Hakalir's LinkedIn Opinion: FICO, the 3Bs: Fruit from a rotten tree. Here’s how we fix It. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

22 min

See All (408)

4.7

out of 5

63 Ratings

Insightful, Informative

03/25/2024

Nasdaqx

If you’re operating in the real estate or mortgage industries, PowerHouse is a must listen on the important trends impacting the business. Clayton asks great questions of his interviewees and I regularly learn something new. Highly recommend!
Great Content & Insights

07/13/2023

jamesd44

The team and HousingWire always manages to put together great interviews with industry professionals who provide very valuable insights into the trends, changes, and important developments impacting the real estate industry. This is a great series and hugely important information for any real estate professional.
Very informative!

07/12/2023

dcgirlkayla

This is a great housing podcast that provides a great variety of information and insights on all things housing. 10/10 recommend.
Great interview

12/06/2022

DoPa!

As always, excellent questions by Clayton. Today he spoke with the CEO/Founder of Milo Mortgage and they demystified the crypto mortgage business model. Now I get it.