Power House

In this special Power House episode, host Zeb Lowe previews the conversations coming to the show and unpacks a core challenge facing the industry today.
As automation and AI continue to accelerate productivity, the industry’s cost problem isn’t a technology issue, but an economic one. He explains why human judgment, trust, and accountability have become the most valuable (and expensive) parts of the mortgage process, and what that shift means for leaders heading into 2026.

The episode also offers a look ahead at upcoming Power House guests, setting the stage for conversations focused on building with intention, not reaction.

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 president Diego Sanchez 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.

This week on Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Anthony Casa, President and CEO of UMortgage, for a candid conversation about what actually drives long-term success in the mortgage business.

Anthony reflects on his decades in the industry, sharing why mentorship remains one of the most critical (and most overlooked) factors for loan originators. He explains how building early relationships with real estate agents compounds over time, why consistency matters more than short-term wins, and how earning trust is still the foundation of every successful career.

The conversation also takes a personal turn as Anthony opens up about his own transformation, including sobriety and renewed focus on health and wellness, and how those changes reshaped his leadership style. He connects personal discipline to professional performance, arguing that sustainable success in mortgage lending starts with how leaders take care of themselves.

Anthony and Zeb also dig into the industry’s structural shift from retail to broker channels, discussing why compensation, flexibility, and culture are driving that movement—and how marketing strategies must evolve to support it.

This episode is a grounded look at mentorship, leadership, and why the long game still matters in mortgage.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

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 president Diego Sanchez 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.

This week on Power House, Clayton Collins sits down with Kristin Messerli to unpack one of the most persistent challenges in housing: why first-time homebuyers feel overwhelmed, underprepared, and increasingly distrustful of the financial system.

They explore the role of education in bridging the knowledge and trust gap, emphasizing the importance of empowering loan officers to build relationships within their communities. The discussion also highlights the impact of the ambassador program and the goals for 2026, focusing on sustainability and advocacy in the housing market.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Related to this episode:

This week on Power House, Zeb sits down with David Kooris, Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority, for a wide-ranging conversation on how urban planning shapes the long-term success of communities.

David explains why urban planning is no longer just about zoning and land use, but a holistic approach that balances infrastructure, housing, climate resilience, and economic development. He shares insights from his own unconventional path into the field (spanning architecture, archaeology, and planning) and how that perspective influences his work supporting municipalities across Connecticut.

The conversation explores why demand is shifting away from sprawl toward walkable, compact communities; how climate risk is reshaping development decisions; and why community engagement has become central to successful projects. David also offers practical guidance for investors and developers interested in transit-oriented development, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the public and private dimensions of place-making.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Related to this episode:

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 president Diego Sanchez 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.

In this conversation, Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, discusses the evolution and significance of dedicated rental communities in the housing market. Richard explains how dedicated rental communities differ from traditional build-to-rent models, why they are purpose-built specifically for renters, and what years of real estate experience have taught him about shifting housing preferences. He also breaks down how COVID accelerated demand for single-family rentals, changed renter demographics, and reshaped expectations around space, privacy, and community.

The conversation digs into why the average resident in these communities is 38 years old, how thoughtful community design and longer lease structures foster stability, and why outdated perceptions of renting continue to hold back policy progress. Richard also makes the case for regulatory reform as a necessary step toward solving the country’s housing shortage.

This episode offers a grounded look at where rental housing is headed—and why the future of housing won’t be defined by ownership alone.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Related to this episode:

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 president Diego Sanchez 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.

Crypto isn’t a side bet anymore; in this episode of Power House, Milo CEO Josip Rupena sits down with Zeb Lowe to discuss how Milo built the leading crypto mortgage model. How did they accomplish this? By solving a problem traditional lenders ignored: how to borrow against Bitcoin without giving it up, while addressing volatility, capital markets, regulatory clarity, institutional interest and the long-term implications of quantum computing on crypto security. The two also discuss misconceptions that are hindering traditional financing. 

This episode discusses:

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 president Diego Sanchez 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.

In this conversation, Tyler Hodgson shares his journey into the mortgage industry and discusses the emerging role of cryptocurrency in mortgage lending. He details a unique case involving a $4 million crypto asset depletion loan, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by this niche market. The discussion covers the verification of cryptocurrency ownership, the volatility of crypto assets, and the future of crypto lending in the mortgage industry. Tyler emphasizes the importance of curiosity and continuous learning for loan officers to stay relevant in an evolving market.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Related to this episode:

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 president Diego Sanchez 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.

In this episode of Powerhouse, Diego Sanchez interviews Mike Malloy, CEO of Sage Home Loans, and Sakhi Gandhi, Director of Partnerships at Robinhood. They discuss the partnership between Sage and Robinhood, aimed at simplifying the mortgage process for homebuyers. The conversation covers the seamless experience provided to Robinhood Gold customers, the competitive mortgage rates offered, and the strategic focus of both companies on enhancing consumer finance accessibility. The episode highlights the importance of technology and efficiency in the mortgage industry and the future growth strategies of both organizations.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Related to this episode:

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 president Diego Sanchez 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.

In this episode of Powerhouse, Diego Sanchez interviews David Finkelstein, CEO of Annaly Capital Management. They discuss the company's position as a leading mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT), its growth strategy, and the importance of subservicing partnerships. David shares insights on the current mortgage rate environment, the challenges faced by the Federal Reserve, and the future outlook for the housing market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Annaly Capital Management is the largest mortgage REIT.

The company has $15 billion in permanent capital allocated to housing.

Annaly's portfolio consists of $100 billion in assets.

The focus is on managing interest rate and prepayment risk.

Partnerships with subservicers create operational efficiencies.

The company is targeting 20% capital for its MSR portfolio.

Mortgage rates are expected to remain in a stable range.

The Federal Reserve faces challenges with inflation and employment.

Annaly aims to grow its Resi and MSR portfolios significantly.

Technology and data analytics are crucial for future growth.

This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Dan Sogorka, GM of Rocket Pro, for a forward-looking conversation about the tools, technology, and strategic shifts Rocket is deploying as they move into 2026.

Dan offers an inside look at how Rocket Pro is investing in AI-driven efficiencies, reshaping its broker support model, and strengthening its position through recent acquisitions. He also dives into the story behind the Broker Manifesto and how it fits into Rocket’s broader mission to build trust and choice for brokers nationwide.

From competition to technology, narrative change to partner support, this episode breaks down how Rocket Pro is positioning itself to lead in one of the industry’s most dynamic and competitive segments.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

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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 president Diego Sanchez 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.