Keys to Real Estate

October Research, LLC
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

An industry-centric podcast, Keys to Real Estate features in-depth conversations for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the real estate ecosystem. Listeners can take charge of their self-learning in business-critical information and key topics that are central to thriving under the ever-changing demands placed on businesses today. Our long-form conversations featuring today’s newsmakers and thought-leaders, allow listeners to engage with each episode at the time and place of their choosing.

  1. 4d ago

    Who’s in Your Corner? The Career Advantage Women Build Together - Kim Whitlock | S3E26

    What if the woman across the room you’re a little intimidated to introduce yourself to is thinking exactly the same thing you are? Women in Title founder Kim Whitlock joins Mary Schuster for a candid and often funny conversation about what happens when women stop assuming they have to figure out their careers alone. They talk about imposter syndrome (yes, even the women you think have none), getting brave enough to make the first introduction, and the people who don’t just mentor you – but say your name in rooms you’re not in. Kim also shares how one conversation with another title professional planted the seed for Women in Title, why she wishes she’d stepped outside her own shell much sooner, and the simple challenge she has for women still sitting on the sidelines: take the leap. You may be surprised by who’s waiting to welcome you on the other side. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to Kim Whitlock and Women in Title 2:11 Kim’s origin story and motivation for founding Women in Title 4:01 The growth and impact of Women in Title across the country 5:58 The importance of local connections and community 7:54 Common challenges women face, including imposter syndrome 9:59 Reframing fear and excitement in public speaking 12:00 The role of mentorship, champions, and sponsors 13:55 The importance of male allies and industry support 15:57 The future vision for women in the industry 19:58 Encouragement to join professional development communities 22:05 Why women should step outside their comfort zones Get In Touch… Women in Title’s website: https://womenintitle.net For more information on the Women’s Leadership Summit: https://octoberresearchwls.com Guest email: info@womenintitle.net Host email: 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 TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

  2. Aug 20

    From AI Policy to Practice: Texas Insurance Commissioner on What Title Companies Should Expect - Amanda Crawford | S3E25

    The bulletin was only the beginning. In Part Two of this exclusive conversation, Texas Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford moves beyond policy and into the practical realities of AI adoption. From vendor responsibility and audit trails to data privacy and examination readiness, Commissioner Crawford offers a rare look into how one of the nation's largest insurance regulators is thinking about the challenges every title company is beginning to face. Whether you're evaluating new technology, developing internal governance or simply trying to understand where regulators are headed, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone helping shape that future. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction: AI regulation and due diligence 1:49 Accountability concerning AI systems 3:08 Importance of audit trails and transparency in AI 4:04 Balancing innovation with consumer data protection 6:01 Principles-based regulation approach in Texas 9:06 Comparing Texas regulation with NAIC models 11:08 Regulators’ focus on AI decision-making in policy and claims 12:00 Emerging AI trends and regulatory watchpoints 12:59 Future updates and how regulated entities can stay informed 13:55 Closing remarks and resources for compliance The Commissioner’s Bulletin #B-0003-26 on the Use of AI: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/bulletins/2026/b-0003-26.html Information about Commissioner’s recent transparency initiative: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/news/2026/tdi06222026.html Read the findings from the regulatory efficiency review by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Governor’s Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) with more than 300 potential opportunities to streamline TDI rules: https://efficiency.texas.gov/ Get In Touch… Guest email: GovernmentRelations@TDI.texas.gov Host email: 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 TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

  3. Aug 13

    Inside a Regulator’s Thinking on AI: A Texas Conversation with National Implications - Amanda Crawford | S3E24

    What happens when you get the chance to sit down with one of the country's most influential insurance regulators – not for five minutes at a conference, but for a candid, in-depth conversation? In Part One of this special two-part series, October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster welcomes Texas Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford to discuss one of the nation's first AI guidance bulletins for regulated insurance entities. More importantly, she explains the thinking behind it. Why issue guidance now? Where does AI belong in the real estate transaction? Where does human judgment remain indispensable? And how can innovation move forward without compromising consumer protection? Even if you don't operate in Texas, the questions Commissioner Crawford is wrestling with are the same ones regulators, underwriters and title companies across the country are beginning to confront. This special two-part conversation with Texas Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford explores how regulators are balancing innovation, consumer protection and professional accountability in the age of artificial intelligence. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to AI guidance in Texas 2:11 The importance of consumer protection laws 3:31 Commissioner Crawford's background and perspective 5:15 Defining AI and its impact on decisions 7:12 Human oversight and accountability in AI decisions 9:20 Licensed professionals versus AI capabilities 11:06 Examples of safe AI use in workflows 12:28 Frameworks for AI governance and risk management 13:23 Common misunderstandings about AI regulations 14:20 Final thoughts and guidance for industry The Commissioner’s Bulletin #B-0003-26 on the Use of AI: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/bulletins/2026/b-0003-26.html Information about Commissioner’s recent transparency initiative: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/news/2026/tdi06222026.html Read the findings from the regulatory efficiency review by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Governor’s Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) with more than 300 potential opportunities to streamline TDI rules: https://efficiency.texas.gov/ Get In Touch… Guest email: GovernmentRelations@TDI.texas.gov Host email: 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 TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

  4. Aug 6

    What’s Next for TRID: How to Make Your Voice Count - Rich Horn | S3E23

    Understanding the proposed changes is only half the story. In this episode, Garris Horn Co-Managing Partner and former CFPB Senior Counsel Rich Horn takes listeners inside the federal rulemaking process, explaining what happens after an RFI is issued, how agencies evaluate public comments, where the CFPB’s authority begins and ends, and why industry experience matters and thoughtful feedback can make a real difference. He also offers practical advice on writing effective comment letters, the importance of supporting recommendations with operational specifics and data and what professionals should expect if the bureau ultimately decides to move forward with a proposed rule. Chapters: 1:55 – Why the CFPB issues an RFI first 6:35 – Agency authority vs. congressional action 10:20 – How RFI comments are reviewed 13:50 – What makes a strong comment? 15:05 – What happens after the comment period closes? 18:10 – Implementation windows and next steps Rich’s analysis of the Executive Order: https://www.garrishorn.com/blog/trump-executive-order-targets-trid-atrqm-hmda-and-other-rules-for-revision-in-regulatory-relief-effort-for-banks-in-mortgage-industry-what-your-company-needs-to-know Rich’s analysis of the RFI: https://www.garrishorn.com/blog/cfpbtridrfi Full text of the CFPB’s RFI: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-09/pdf/2026-13834.pdf Get In Touch… Guest email: rich@garrishorn.com Host email: 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 TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com/ Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

  5. Jul 30

    After More Than a Decade, Is TRID About to Change? - Rich Horn | S3E22

    The CFPB has opened the door to the most significant review of the TRID rule since it took effect more than a decade ago. In this episode, Garris Horn Co-Manager Partner and former CFPB Senior Counsel Rich Horn breaks down the bureau's Request for Information and explains the specific changes under consideration – from disclosure timing and the three-day right of rescission to construction lending, reverse mortgages, and potential revisions to the TRID forms. Rather than walking through the RFI line by line, Rich helps listeners understand what the bureau is trying to accomplish, why these issues were selected, and which proposals could have the greatest operational impact on lenders, title companies, and settlement professionals. Chapters: 2:23 – Why the RFI matters now 5:03 – Why timing rules are under review 13:23 – The rescission period and waiver questions 19:33 – Construction lending and reverse mortgages 24:08 – Why form changes are hard Rich’s analysis of the Executive Order: https://www.garrishorn.com/blog/trump-executive-order-targets-trid-atrqm-hmda-and-other-rules-for-revision-in-regulatory-relief-effort-for-banks-in-mortgage-industry-what-your-company-needs-to-know Rich’s analysis of the RFI: https://www.garrishorn.com/blog/cfpbtridrfi Full text of the CFPB’s RFI: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-09/pdf/2026-13834.pdf Get In Touch… Guest email: rich@garrishorn.com Host email: 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 TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com/ Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

  6. Jul 23

    Beyond the AI Hype: What Lenders Value Most - TJ Harrington | S3E21

    Technology, such as artificial intelligence and automated solutions, are changing lending at an incredible pace. Listen as Stewart Lender Services Senior Vice President TJ Harrington shares what lenders are actually investing in, where companies are seeing real returns, and why trust remains an important competitive advantage in this episode of October Research’s Keys to Real Estate podcast, with host Mary Schuster. They sort out where AI is delivering measurable value versus just hype, what lenders really expect from title and settlement partners, and – perhaps most importantly – why relationships still outperform technology when transactions become difficult. Chapters: 1:37 - The importance of trust and relationships in a high-trust business 4:02 - Industry consolidation and integrated platforms 8:24 - Industry resilience and the importance of continuous innovation 12:49 - Strategic guidance for title executives: Make smart AI investments 14:12 - Industry's future challenges, hope for innovation, and closing thoughts Get In Touch… Guest email: tj.harrington@stewart.com Host email: 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 TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com/ Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

  7. Jul 16

    What Is the Title Industry Really Selling? - TJ Harrington | S3E20

    Listen as Stewart Lender Services Senior Vice President TJ Harrington challenges and reframes the way the title industry thinks about itself during this episode of October Research’s Keys to Real Estate podcast, with host Mary Schuster. The two subject matter experts explore what business title companies are really in, why the industry's invisible work creates enormous value, discuss questions that linger about attorney opinion letters (AOLs) and the pilot programs offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and why the true value of title insurance has never been a more important story to tell. This isn't another discussion about AI replacing jobs or title alternatives. It’s a conversation about why title insurance exists in the first place. Chapters: 2:31 - Changing landscape: title industry in 10 years 6:15 - The role of automation and AI in title manufacturing 10:42 - How title premiums are structured and risk premiums need updating 15:10 - Industry pilots from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac explained 20:14 - ROI on AI investments: Success stories and future potential 24:56 - Data ownership, AI training, and intellectual property concerns 30:05 - The importance of trust and relationships in a high-trust business Get In Touch… Guest email: tj.harrington@stewart.com Host email: 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 First American Trust – https://www.firstamtrust.com Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

  8. Jul 9

    Everything Is Fine Until It's Not - Tom Cronkright and Bill Svoboda | S3E19

    There is a lot of discussion around the need for trust among coworkers, but does that outweigh the need for frameworks that ensure the security of your company’s critical systems? CertifID Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Tom Cronkright and CloseSimple Co-Founder Bill Svoboda explained how too much trust and not enough objective verification can lead to major problems during the closing process. They joined October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster on the Keys to Real Estate podcast for a second time to talk about why companies are increasingly finding they are better off automating certain operations than relying on humans to spot every issue that could crop up during a closing amid a myriad of variables. Chapters: 1:15 – Why Fraud Has Become a Business Risk 3:30 – How Fraudsters Have Evolved 9:00 – Automation and Passive Identity Verification 13:35 – The Account Takeover Fraud Threat 18:10 – New Fraud Tactics Targeting Realtors 23:50 – Quick Wins for Better Fraud Protection 27:05 – Why Intentional Friction Matters 30:35 – What Helps Agencies Recover Faster Get In Touch… For more on CertifID: https://www.certifid.com/ For more on CloseSimple: https://www.closesimple.com/ Tom Cronkright’s email: tcronkright@certifid.com Bill Svoboda’s email: bill@closesimple.com Host email: 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 First American Trust – https://www.firstamtrust.com Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

An industry-centric podcast, Keys to Real Estate features in-depth conversations for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the real estate ecosystem. Listeners can take charge of their self-learning in business-critical information and key topics that are central to thriving under the ever-changing demands placed on businesses today. Our long-form conversations featuring today’s newsmakers and thought-leaders, allow listeners to engage with each episode at the time and place of their choosing.

Information

  • Creator
    October Research, LLC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Keys to Real Estate

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