Remodeling is about to become more than half of all residential construction in America — and NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz has the data behind it. In this mid-year housing market outlook, Dr. Dietz breaks down the forces powering renovation's rise from a third of construction activity in 2007 to 45% today: more than $35 trillion in homeowner equity, a housing stock averaging over 40 years old, and a mortgage rate lock-in effect keeping homeowners in place and reinvesting in the homes they have. Construction lenders will find a practical map of where renovation lending demand is growing — including the fastest-growing remodeling markets in the Northeast and Midwest — plus the rise of teardown construction, the outlook for HELOC and renovation loan demand as rates fall, the risks that could slow the boom, and a first look at NAHB's new quarterly state-level remodeling estimates.

California has long been synonymous with housing impossibility — sky-high costs, entrenched red tape, and years-long permitting nightmares. But something is changing. In this episode, Sean Faries sits down with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, District 14, one of Sacramento's most active housing reformers, to break down the policy shifts reshaping the California construction landscape.

Assembly member Wicks authored AB 2011, helped eliminate CEQA for infill housing, and is now championing a package of bills to unlock factory-built and modular construction at scale. If you finance construction in California — or you're watching this market to understand where the regulatory tide is turning — this conversation belongs in your queue.

As Austin has transformed from a mid-size city to a booming urban hub, it’s faced the growing pains of rapid migration, skyrocketing housing costs, and the challenge of balancing affordability with development. Our guest, Dr. Eric Johnson, Austin’s Assistant City Manager, shares perspectives on how the city is evolving its approach to growth, embracing greater housing density and community benefits, and—most notably—deploying cutting-edge AI tools to make Austin “open for business” and dramatically speed up permitting and development processes. Whether you’re interested in urban housing policy, regulation, or the latest in construction tech, this episode is a can’t-miss look at how Austin is navigating its next big leap forward.

This conversation with David Kooris, Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority (CMDA) explores the innovative "carrot-based" model that is currently supporting 43 member communities. Learn how the CMDA acts as an honest broker between developers and municipalities, ensuring that projects align with both local visions and state economic goals.

Marcia Fisher, Director of Mortgage Operations at UVA Community Credit Union, details her transition from sales to operations and how she leveraged that experience to build a high-performing construction lending team. She digs into the operational realities of the product, explaining why construction lending is "90% process and 10% gut," and offers critical advice on builder vetting, reviewing contracts, and utilizing contingency reserves to mitigate risk. Gain actionable insights on launching or scaling a construction loan program, emphasizing the necessity of strong processes and intimate borrower-builder management throughout the 12-month lifecycle.

In this episode, we welcome Sheronda L. Carr, CEO of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). As the industry prepares for the 60th anniversary of Women in Construction (WIC) Week, Sheronda explores the critical role women play in stabilizing the "built environment". The conversation cuts through the fluff to address the hard realities of retention, workplace safety, gender advocacy, and building community for women across all roles in the construction industry.

Dr. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), analyzes the housing market's 2025 performance and the outlook for 2026. The discussion examines the current structural housing deficit and the industry's path toward normalization by the 2030s. Dr. Dietz tackles questions about housing deficits, the boom in townhouses, custom home market trends, regulatory roadblocks, and why remodeling is making up an ever-larger share of construction activity.

John McMullen, from the Mortgage Bankers Association, unpacks the recent policy shifts achieved through targeted industry advocacy. John details the MBA's direct influence on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, leading to immediate changes that will reshape the construction lending landscape. We cover the recent policy change of extending construction loan documentation to 18 months, the effort to secure upfront securitization for single-close construction-to-perm loans , and the exciting proposal to lower the completion threshold for HomeStyle renovation loans to 50% to spur more renovation activity. 

Mastering Builder Trust, Structuring Loans, and the Art of Saying 'No'

Industry veteran Mitzi Hutchens joins the podcast to demystify construction lending. She shares the strategies for success, including the critical differences between fixed price and cost-plus contracts and the key to unbreakable builder trust. Mitzi breaks down essential risk management tactics — from requiring contingency funds to paying vendors directly. She closes with a bold pitch to the agencies.

Navigating today's lending landscape is challenging, but what if you could take your construction program from regional to national? In this episode, we're joined by Cory Bearden, SVP of the construction division at Luminate Bank, who shares his journey and insights on scaling a construction lending program. Cory highlights what it takes to build the right team, manage risk, and leverage technology for success. He also provides a clear look at how his team has created a buffet of options for borrowers, making new construction and affordable housing more accessible for everyone.