The Closing Table

Howard Hanna
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Business

The Closing Table is built on one clear mission: empower those who drive the deal forward. Hosted by Duffy Hanna, this podcast reflects Howard Hanna Mortgage’s commitment to delivering a seamless, one-stop experience that protects transactions, earns clients’ trust, and creates a competitive edge no outside lender can match. Through real conversations with leaders and producers across Howard Hanna, each episode shares practical insights, timely updates, and field-tested strategies that strengthen partnerships and keep business moving.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 13 - Why Title Matters More Than Ever (Lori Morgan & Colleen Anthony)

    Title issues, wire fraud, and last minute surprises can put even the strongest real estate transaction at risk. Knowing what happens behind the scenes before closing can make all the difference in protecting the deal and keeping clients moving forward. In this episode, Duffy sits down with Lori Morgan, Settlement Officer with Barristers Land Abstract, and Colleen Anthony, Howard Hanna Real Estate Agent at our Lawrenceville - City Living Office, to discuss why title matters more than ever in today’s real estate environment. Through real examples from the closing table, they reveal the issues that can surface late in a transaction and the communication and problem solving it takes to resolve them. Lori and Colleen share stories involving tax liens, property boundaries, power of attorney documents, and wire transfers, showing how quickly unexpected challenges can arise. They also discuss the growing risk of wire fraud, the importance of verifying financial information, and why having direct access to trusted title and mortgage professionals can help address problems quickly. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the value of strong relationships and open communication throughout the title and closing process, giving real estate agents a closer look at the work happening behind the scenes to protect their clients and transactions. A practical conversation about title insurance, wire fraud, communication, and the people working behind the scenes to help real estate transactions reach the closing table. Learn more and stay connected to The Closing Table here: ⁠https://theclosingtable.howardhanna.com/⁠

  2. Aug 5

    Episode 12 - How Great Partnerships Build (Elaine Young & Angi Standish)

    Great client experiences rarely happen by accident. Behind every smooth real estate transaction is a strong partnership built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to helping clients navigate one of life's biggest decisions. In this episode, Duffy sits down with Angi Standish, Broker in Charge with Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, and Elaine Young, Loan Officer with Howard Hanna Mortgage Services, both from our Lake Norman, NC office, to discuss what it takes to build lasting partnerships between real estate agents and loan officers. Drawing from years of working together, they share how alignment, consistency, and mutual respect create a better experience for clients and stronger relationships across every transaction. Angela and Elaine offer practical insights on building trust with referral partners, becoming an integrated part of the office culture, communicating through challenges, and creating confidence for clients from contract to closing. They also discuss how newer real estate and mortgage professionals can establish credibility and develop meaningful professional relationships from the very beginning. Together, they explore why the strongest partnerships are about more than closing deals. They are about showing up consistently, solving problems together, and putting people first every step of the way. A conversation about partnership, leadership, client experience, and the relationships that help great real estate transactions feel seamless. Learn more and stay connected to The Closing Table here: ⁠https://theclosingtable.howardhanna.com/⁠

  3. Jul 22

    Episode 11 - Building Your Brand Through Social Media (ft. Jon House & Nick Whitman)

    Social media has become more than a marketing tool. It is often the first place clients go to decide who they want to work with, making visibility, authenticity, and consistency more important than ever. In this episode, Duffy sits down with Jon House, Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate agent, and Nick Whitman, loan officer with Howard Hanna Mortgage Services in North Carolina, to discuss how social media is changing the way real estate agents and mortgage professionals build trust, strengthen relationships, and grow their business. From creating authentic content to establishing a recognizable personal brand, they share what it takes to stand out in today's digital first world. Jon and Nick offer practical advice on creating content that provides value, balancing personal and professional posts, collaborating with industry partners, and using social media to stay connected with both clients and referral partners long before a transaction begins. Together, they explore why building your brand through social media is about more than gaining followers. It is about creating meaningful connections, earning trust, and turning visibility into lasting business opportunities. A conversation about personal branding, relationship building, and how showing up consistently online can help grow your business both on and off social media. Learn more and stay connected to The Closing Table here: ⁠https://theclosingtable.howardhanna.com/⁠

  4. Jul 8

    Episode 10 - Insurance Beyond the Policy (ft. Annie Hanna Engel & Marianne Hall)

    Homeowners insurance is no longer just another item to check off before closing. It has become an important part of the conversation from the very beginning of the transaction. In this episode, Duffy sits down with Annie Hanna Engel, President and COO of Howard Hanna Insurance Services, and top producing agent Marianne Hall from our Cranberry, PA office to explore how homeowners insurance is shaping today's real estate experience. From rising premiums and property conditions to evolving underwriting standards, they discuss why insurance is becoming a bigger factor in helping clients make informed decisions and keep transactions on track. Annie and Marianne share practical insights on bringing insurance into the process earlier, building strong partnerships between agents and insurance advisors, and creating a more connected experience for buyers from contract to closing. Together, they discuss how proactive communication, trusted relationships, and an integrated approach can reduce friction, build client confidence, and deliver a higher level of service throughout the transaction. A conversation about strategy, collaboration, and why insurance has become an essential part of the client experience. Learn more and stay connected to The Closing Table here: ⁠https://theclosingtable.howardhanna.com/⁠

  5. Jun 24

    Episode 9 - Exclusive Programs Move Deals Forward (ft. Jay Becker & John Mullen)

    Sometimes the biggest obstacle in a real estate transaction isn't the market or the timing. It's not knowing what options are available. In this episode, Duffy sits down with Ohio loan officers Jay Becker and John Mullen to discuss how exclusive mortgage programs can help clients navigate common obstacles with greater flexibility and confidence. From inventory challenges and timing concerns to affordability and uncertainty, the conversation explores how the right financing strategy can create opportunities that might otherwise be missed.J ay and John share insights on two of Howard Hanna Mortgage Services' exclusive offerings, Buy Before You Sell and SmartARM, explaining how these programs help clients move forward, reduce stress, and make more informed decisions throughout the homebuying and selling process. Together, they discuss the value of education, the importance of personalized guidance, and how giving clients more options often leads to better outcomes. A conversation about flexibility, confidence, and the power of exclusive programs to move deals forward. Learn more and stay connected to The Closing Table here: ⁠https://theclosingtable.howardhanna.com/⁠

  6. Jun 10

    Episode 8 - What Rates Really Mean for Buyers (ft. Mark McGoldrick & Jennifer Hubbard)

    Interest rates continue to dominate conversations about homebuying, but are buyers focusing on the right thing? In this episode, Duffy sits down with Mark McGoldrick, Executive Vice President of Howard Hanna Mortgage Services, and Jennifer Hubbard, agent with our Concord, NC Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, to explore how rates influence buyer behavior and why the broader financial picture often matters more than a single number. From affordability and market timing to confidence and decision making, the conversation examines some of the most common misconceptions buyers have about rates and the opportunities they may overlook while waiting for the perfect market conditions. Mark shares insights from nearly four decades in lending, while Jennifer offers a real world perspective on how education helps buyers move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Together, they discuss the emotional side of financing, the importance of historical perspective, and how the right mortgage conversation can help buyers make informed decisions in any market. A conversation about confidence, perspective, and what rates really mean for buyers. Learn more and stay connected to The Closing Table here: ⁠https://theclosingtable.howardhanna.com/⁠

  7. May 27

    Episode 7 - The Find It First Advantage (ft. Dennis Cestra Jr., Dina Castillo, & Jennifer Waters)

    In today’s market, how a listing comes to market can be just as important as the listing itself. In this episode, Duffy sits down with Dennis Cestra Jr., President of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh agents Dina Castillo and Jennifer Waters to talk about the strategy behind Find It First and the role HannaList is playing in helping agents manage listings more intentionally from the very beginning. From building momentum before a property officially launches to creating stronger alignment between agents, buyers, and loan officers, the conversation explores how a phased approach can lead to better preparation, stronger engagement, and a more seamless experience for clients. Dina and Jennifer share how they are using early exposure, agent relationships, and streamlined workflows to create opportunities before a home ever hits the MLS. Dennis also discusses the bigger shift happening across the industry and why agents who understand timing, strategy, and process are gaining a competitive edge. A conversation about momentum, relationships, and taking a more intentional approach to the way homes are brought to market. Learn more and stay connected to The Closing Table here: ⁠https://theclosingtable.howardhanna.com/⁠

  8. May 13

    Episode 6 - Doing Whatever It Takes (ft. Ryan Frankowski & Brendan O'Toole)

    Real estate deals rarely go exactly as planned. Behind every closing is a series of decisions, challenges, conversations, and moments that most clients never see. In this episode, Duffy sits down with Pennsylvania mortgage loan originator Brendan O’Toole and agent Ryan Frankowski from our Shadyside office to talk about the deals that tested their partnership early on and what it actually takes to get transactions across the finish line when things start going sideways. From appraisal issues and repair complications to creative financing solutions and last minute problem solving, Brendan and Ryan share real stories from inside difficult deals and the mindset that helped keep them moving forward. They discuss the value of trust, communication, and having the right people working together when pressure starts building. They also reflect on how a strong in house partnership creates faster collaboration, clearer roles, and a better experience for buyers throughout the process. A conversation about resilience, creativity, and the work that happens behind the scenes to make it to the closing table. Stay connected to The Closing Table here: ⁠https://theclosingtable.howardhanna.com/⁠

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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Closing Table is built on one clear mission: empower those who drive the deal forward. Hosted by Duffy Hanna, this podcast reflects Howard Hanna Mortgage’s commitment to delivering a seamless, one-stop experience that protects transactions, earns clients’ trust, and creates a competitive edge no outside lender can match. Through real conversations with leaders and producers across Howard Hanna, each episode shares practical insights, timely updates, and field-tested strategies that strengthen partnerships and keep business moving.

Information

  • Creator
    Howard Hanna
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Howard Hanna
  • Show Website
    The Closing Table