Due to the holiday, Keys to Real Estate’s next episode will drop next Thursday, Dec. 11, when we’ll be speaking with Nick Friedman, president of HomeLight Homes about his views on relationship-driven service, rates, AI and why lenders should still expect growth in 2026 despite consumer financial strain.

Get In Touch…

Host email: Mary Schuster - [email protected]

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 Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

MISMO’s new president, Brian Vieaux, took part in an exclusive interview with Keys to Real Estate host Mary Schuster to discuss his new role and the transformative changes occurring in the housing industry. He described how MISMO is evolving its data-driven standardization mission to account for shifts in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as they gain more and more prevalence in the mortgage industry. He touched on how loan officers are adopting digital innovations, like electronic closings, into their brands. The conversation also covered the potential of AI in mortgage finance and the regulatory challenges that the industry faces, and the need for education and collaboration to navigate these changes effectively.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to MISMO and Brian's New Role

4:30 Understanding MISMO's Impact on the Mortgage Industry

9:00 The Role of Loan Officers and Consumer Trust

11:57 Adoption of Digital Innovations in Mortgage

15:54 The Future of AI in Housing Finance

21:19 Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities in Mortgage Compliance

Get In Touch…

To Learn More About MISMO, visit their Educational Offerings page: https://www.mismo.org/events-education/educational-offerings

Host email: Mary Schuster - [email protected]

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 Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Ted Rossman had plenty of insight to share about recent changes in FICO scoring models, invoking his expertise as a longtime industry analyst at Bankrate. During this episode, he described the significance of the introduction of FICO 10T, which incorporates trended data and the impact of Buy Now Pay Later services on credit scoring. He highlighted the generational differences in attitudes towards credit and debt, the regulatory landscape affecting consumer protection, and the evolving relationship between FICO and mortgage lending. Rossman also emphasized the importance of incorporating rent payments into credit scores and provides advice for real estate professionals navigating these changes.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to FICO Score Changes

01:58 Understanding FICO 10T and Trended Data

04:24 The Impact of Buy Now Pay Later on Credit Scoring

08:31 Generational Perspectives on Credit and Debt

13:38 Regulatory Landscape and Consumer Protection

16:54 FICO's Direct Approach to Mortgage Lending

20:32 Incorporating Rent Payments into Credit Scores

23:29 Advice for Real Estate Professionals

26:04 Future Outlook on Mortgage Rates and Credit Scoring

Get In Touch…

Host email: Mary Schuster - [email protected]

Guest email: Ted Rossman - [email protected]

For More About Ted’s Work & Expertise: Ted Rossman | Bankrate.com - Compare mortgage, refinance, insurance, CD rates

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 Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Mortgage fraud is back in the headlines — but understanding how it really happens requires a closer look. In this episode, attorney and former CFPB Senior Counsel David Friend joins host Mary Schuster to unpack the difference between “fraud for money” and “fraud for housing,” why proving intent is so difficult and what real estate professionals should watch for in today’s market. He highlighted the many scenarios in which details included on mortgage documents can be misrepresented, either intentionally or by mistake, and the tax implications of different occupancy statuses.

Chapters:

Get In Touch…

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 Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

When the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced sweeping new reporting requirements, one Texas title agent decided she couldn’t stay silent. Instead of quietly complying, she became the lead plaintiff in a national lawsuit challenging the legality of the rule. Listen as she shares her story, alongside her attorney, Luke Wake of the Pacific Legal Foundation, about what’s at stake for the separation of

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

2:16 Meet Celia Flowers & Luke Wake

5:40 What FinCEN’s Rule Requires

12:15 Why Celia Said No

18:30 The Lawsuit Explained

26:10 Separation of Powers and Privacy Concerns

33:45 Implications for Compliance and Real Estate Transactions

41:00 How the Industry is Reacting

48:20 Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Case

52:30 Closing Thoughts

Get In Touch…

To learn more about Pacific Legal Foundation visit:

Celia Flowers (Guest), [email protected] Luke

Mary Schuster (Host), [email protected]

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 Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

When a person acts on inspiration, amazing things can happen. Jaime Johnson, director of WFG Agent 3.0, demonstrated this concept by founding WFG’s Women at the (Closing) Table group. She credits the Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS), hosted by October Research, with providing the creative spark for her to take action. While speaking with Keys to Real Estate host Mary Schuster, Johnson described the impact her WLS experience had on her view of women in leadership within the title industry and recognition of the need for a supportive community for women leaders, which is often lacking in professional environments. The discussion highlights the challenges women face in the industry and the benefits of fostering connections to empower future leaders.

Chapters:

00:00 Empowering Women in Leadership

2:42 Building a Supportive Community

5:34 The Importance of Vulnerability

8:24 Creating Connections and Mentorship

11:01 Breaking Down Barriers

13:25 The Role of Women in the Industry

16:24 Fostering Collaboration and Support

18:59 Engaging Future Leaders

21:57 The Impact of Community

24:30 Encouraging Participation and Growth

Get In Touch…

Guest email: Jaime Johnson, [email protected]

Guest company website: www.wfgtitle.com

Women at the (Closing) Table on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16Xp8YRKCf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Women at the (Closing) Table on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14917027

October Research’s Women’s Leadership Summit: https://octoberresearchwls.com/

To email the host: Mary Schuster, [email protected].

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 www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com.

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Property rights can be a contentious issue. But what happens when one of the parties claiming ownership of a piece of real estate is the federal government, regardless of legal precedents indicating otherwise? This is the saga George Foote, Esq., long-time general counsel at the US Institute of Peace (USIP) is grappling following the seizure of USIP’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. in March 2025. The event holds massive legal implications for private property rights issues, as well as for nonprofit organizations, the constitutional separation of powers and the rule of law itself. Foote set the stage by walking our host Mary Schuster through a first-hand account of the timeline of events leading to the unprecedented takeover of a building built and maintained with private funds. The two experts viewed the extraordinary circumstances at play through the lens of real estate professionals, for whom consistency in the rule of law is critically important for the purpose of drawing up contracts and defending clients’ ownership rights.

Chapters:

3:05 – Background on the U.S. Institute of Peace

7:30 – Key Executive Order

12:15 – Legal Challenges Begin

18:45 – The Armed Takeover

25:00 – Courtroom Battle Ensues

32:20 – Implications for Property Rights

38:10 – Separation of Powers Considerations

44:00 – Implications for Nonprofits

50:30 – Future Outlook for the USIP Legal Fight

55:00 – Conclusion

Get In Touch…

Guest email: [email protected]

For more information on the ongoing case: https://www.usipfacts.com/

Read Judge Howell’s opinion here.

To email the host:

Mary Schuster (Host), [email protected]

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 www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Join us as we delve into the latest insights from the monthly Mortgage Monitor report for August with Andy Walden, head of mortgage and housing market research at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). In this episode, we explore key topics such as housing affordability, inventory and cautiously optimistic expectations for the rate environment. Walden also shares what key metric(s) he finds more compelling when the report comes out each month, which could be invaluable for anyone trying to get a read on the state of the real estate market with respect to pricing trends, origination trends and what is driving the persistent push-and-pull between buyers and sellers.

Chapters:

02:15 The Evolution of the Mortgage Monitor

05:30 Key Takeaways from the August Report

08:45 Mortgage Performance and Delinquencies

12:00 FHA Delinquencies: A Canary in the Coal Mine?

15:20 Foreclosure Trends and Market Resilience

18:35 Interest Rates and Homeowner Equity

22:00 Housing Market Dynamics and Inventory

25:15 Affordability Outlook for the Coming Year

28:30 Negative Equity Concerns

31:45 Under-the-Radar Market Indicators

35:00 Conclusion and Future Expectations

Get In Touch…

Mortgage Monitor email: [email protected]

View or Subscribe to the monthly Mortgage Monitor data report here - https://mortgagetech.ice.com/resources/data-reports?tagIdGroups=

To email the host:

Mary Schuster (Host), [email protected]

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 www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

In this compelling conversation, David Deerson, an attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation’s property rights practice group, sits down with host Mary Schuster to examine the evolving landscape of private property protections in the U.S. from eminent domain overreach to excess equity takings and inclusionary zoning policies. With deep expertise in land use, eminent domain, and regulatory takings, Deerson brings clarity and passion to issues that impact both individual homeowners and national housing policy. They walk through real-world cases, legal wins, and the trends every real estate professional should be watching. With insight into both litigation and legislation, this episode equips title professionals, real estate attorneys, and settlement agents with tools to spot red flags, understand the risks, and engage with efforts to defend constitutional property rights.

Chapters:

1:30 - Guest Introduction: David Deersen

3:00 - Understanding Property Rights

6:15 - Eminent Domain Explained

10:45 - Home Equity Theft: The Tyler Case

15:30 - Legislative Responses to Home Equity Theft

20:00 - Inclusionary Zoning Policies

25:00 - Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Victories

30:45 - State vs. Local Control in Real Estate

35:00 - Advice for Real Estate Professionals

40:00 - Future Legal Concerns in Property Rights

Get In Touch…

Guest email: [email protected]

The Legal Description editor email: [email protected]

More Resources…

Pacific Legal Foundation: https://pacificlegal.org/

The Legal Description’s Excess Equity Watch Library: https://www.thelegaldescription.com/TLD/ExcessEquityWatch.aspx

To search active PLF cases near you or to look at model legislation from PLF: State Policy | Pacific Legal Foundation

For more coverage from The Legal Description as well as subscription info or free E-News signup: https://www.thelegaldescription.com

Home Equity Theft by State (map by PLF): https://homeequitytheft.org/

To email the host:

Mary Schuster (Host), [email protected]

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 www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

How can real estate professionals protect buyers, sellers and agents from the growing threat of wire fraud? In this episode of the Keys to Real Estate podcast, Closinglock Founder and CEO Andy White and host Mary Schuster discussed what industry stakeholders need to know now to secure transactions and customer trust. White explained how Closinglock has helped safeguard more than a million home sales using modernized payment systems designed to defend against sophisticated fraud schemes. The conversation highlights key trends in digital payments, the consequences of outdated practices and the real-world impact of enhanced transaction security. White also outlines how customer satisfaction and fraud prevention go hand in hand — and what the future holds for safe, seamless closings.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Andy White and Closing Lock

05:10 - The Current State of Real Estate Fraud

8:10 - Estate Planning: Impact on trusts and management

11:00 - Real Estate Pros: Key considerations for agents and attorneys

12:45 - Innovative Solutions for Fraud Prevention

19:10 - Reporting Chain: Understanding responsibilities and roles

20:25 - Real-Life Stories of Fraud Prevention

24:15 - Compliance Tips: Strategies for effective adherence

28:15 - The Future of Digital Payments in Real Estate

39:50 - Data Collection: Importance of timely information gathering

42:50 - Reporting Needs: Obligations and data retention overview

Get In Touch…

To email our guest:

Andy White, [email protected]

To email the host:

Mary Schuster (Host), [email protected]

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 www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by Closinglock – https://www.closinglock.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com