On this week’s The Big Picture, Jim Parrott, nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and former senior housing adviser at the White House, joins the show to break down the fast-moving policy and political dynamics shaping today’s mortgage market. With deep experience inside Washington and across the housing finance system, Jim brings a clear-eyed perspective on what’s noise and what actually matters for lenders, borrowers, and the broader economy.

We dig into the latest developments around Federal Reserve leadership, the evolving role of the FHFA and credit scoring policy, and where things stand on long-debated GSE reform. The conversation also explores how political pressures, regulatory shifts, and capital requirements are influencing bank participation and housing affordability, along with what’s realistic (and what’s not) as the industry looks ahead to the next few years. It’s a candid, insider-level discussion on policy, power, and the future of housing finance.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Chase Gilbert, co-founder and CEO of Built, returns to the show to break down the evolving world of construction lending and explain why it remains one of the most complex (and overlooked) corners of mortgage finance. As the leader of a platform that has processed trillions in construction data, Chase offers a front-line view into how lenders, builders, and developers are navigating today’s housing challenges.

We dig into the structural issues driving affordability challenges, from rising construction costs to supply constraints, and why simply building more homes isn’t enough without addressing where and how they’re built. The conversation also explores how technology, especially AI and data-driven platforms, is transforming everything from draw management to cost estimation, helping lenders operate more efficiently while improving the borrower experience. It’s a sharp, insight-rich discussion on construction, innovation, and what it will actually take to move housing forward.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Chris Bennett, founder of Vice Capital Markets, returns to the show to break down the forces driving today’s capital markets and what they mean for mortgage lenders. With more than 30 years of experience and a front-row seat to rate volatility, Chris offers a clear, data-driven perspective on how global events, inflation pressures, and Fed policy are shaping interest rates and secondary market dynamics.

We dig into the ripple effects of recent oil shocks, the evolving conversation around credit scoring and FHFA policy, and what leadership changes at the Federal Reserve could mean for the path forward. The conversation also explores shifts in the servicing market, why retention strategies are becoming more critical, and how lenders should be thinking about capital markets execution in an unpredictable environment. It’s a sharp, practical discussion packed with insights for navigating today’s volatility.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Natalie Overturf, Vice President, Divisional Sales Leader at CMG Financial, joins the show to break down what’s really happening across today’s mortgage landscape from shifting buyer behavior to the realities of recruiting and developing talent in a challenging market. With more than 30 years of experience and a track record as a top-producing originator and leader, Natalie brings a practical, people-first perspective on navigating change.

We dig into regional dynamics like Hawaii’s affordability challenges, the impact of elevated rates on borrower psychology, and what recent industry deals signal for competition going forward. The conversation also explores strategies for building and mentoring high-performing loan officer teams, along with the role of technology, culture, and leadership in staying competitive. It’s a grounded, experience-driven discussion on how lenders can adapt, grow, and lead in today’s environment.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Liz Facemire and Justin Wiseman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) join the show for a timely conversation on the policy, regulatory, and advocacy forces shaping mortgage lending today. Bringing perspectives from both the state and national level, Liz and Justin break down how shifting political dynamics, market volatility, and global events are influencing the industry, and what lenders should actually be paying attention to.

We dig into the evolving regulatory landscape for IMBs and servicers, including the growing role of state-level oversight, AI-related policy considerations, and recent federal actions impacting housing and banking. The conversation also highlights MBA’s advocacy efforts, how lenders can better engage with policymakers, and why education and alignment across the industry are more important than ever. It’s a clear, practical look at the intersection of policy and business, and how to navigate both with confidence.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Bill Cosgrove, President and CEO of Union Home Mortgage and co-chair of the Tampa Bay Rays, joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, market dynamics, and building at scale. With more than 35 years in mortgage banking, Bill brings a seasoned perspective on how the industry is evolving and what it takes to stay competitive through cycles of volatility and change.

We dig into consolidation trends, the potential impact of Basel III relief and big bank re-entry into lending, and the broader role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in today’s housing finance system. The conversation also explores rising costs, the growing need for technology and AI-driven efficiency, Bill’s unique path into professional sports ownership, and how that experience connects back to leadership, culture, and long-term strategy. It’s a candid, big-picture discussion on where the industry stands today and where it may be headed next.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Dan Snyder, Founder and CEO of Lower(.com), joins the show to talk growth, innovation, and what it takes to build a modern mortgage platform in a rapidly evolving market. An entrepreneur with a builder’s mindset, Dan shares how Lower has expanded beyond traditional lending into a broader homeownership ecosystem by combining mortgage, real estate, and technology under one roof.

We dig into Lower’s multi-channel strategy, the role of acquisitions in accelerating platform development, and how the company approaches recruiting, training, and scaling top talent. The conversation also explores the real-world impact of AI and emerging technologies on mortgage operations, and what lenders should be thinking about as competition intensifies across retail, wholesale, and direct channels. It’s a candid, forward-looking discussion on building for the future while staying grounded in execution today.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Brian Vieaux, President of MISMO, joins the show to unpack the role of data standards in shaping the future of mortgage, and why they matter more than most people realize. With more than 30 years of experience across lending, fintech, and channel development, Brian brings a unique perspective on how infrastructure, not just innovation, will define the next era of housing finance.

We dig into the evolving conversation around trigger leads, market volatility driven by global events, and the broader forces impacting rates and capital markets. The conversation then turns to MISMO: what it is, how it’s funded, and why its work around data standardization, compliance datasets, and AI enablement is critical to driving efficiency across the industry. From practical applications to long-term adoption challenges, Brian offers a thoughtful look at how alignment, transparency, and shared standards can ultimately benefit both lenders and consumers.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Jodi Hall, President and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), joins the show for a timely conversation right after the TMC Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. With nearly 30 years of experience across lending, operations, and technology, Jodi brings a clear, operator-focused perspective on the themes that are resonating most with lenders right now, and what they signal for the road ahead.

We dig into the key takeaways from the conference, like shifting market dynamics and the strategic priorities top lenders are focused on as conditions continue to evolve. The conversation also explores how teams should be thinking about execution, culture, and technology in the current environment, and what it takes to stay competitive while building for the next cycle. It’s a practical, forward-looking discussion grounded in real conversations happening across the industry today.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Jay Arneja of nCino joins the show for a forward-looking conversation on where mortgage technology is headed and why progress sometimes feels slower than it should. With more than 25 years at the intersection of lending, partnerships, and digital transformation, Jay brings a candid perspective on the structural challenges facing banks and lenders as they adapt to shifting policy signals and evolving borrower expectations.

We dig into the role of AI, data standards, and digitization in modernizing the mortgage process, along with updates on remote online notarization, eNotes, and the push toward a truly paperless closing. The conversation also explores factory-built housing as a potential affordability solution and what meaningful innovation actually requires from lenders, regulators, and tech partners. It’s a straight-shooting discussion on the future of mortgage infrastructure, and what needs to happen next to move the industry forward.