The Construction Lending Podcast

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.

In this can't-miss episode of The Construction Lending Podcast, we sit down with Congressman Sam Liccardo—a policymaker who's no stranger to the frontlines of America's housing crisis. Representing California's 16th district, Liccardo gets right to the heart of the matter: the persistent lack of housing affordability, the thorny realities of municipal zoning, and the barriers that stop good projects from breaking ground. 

Join this insightful conversation with Robert Turbeville, Chief Lending Officer at First Federal Bank. Robert shares his journey from his first job doing roofs in Florida to overseeing a vast portfolio of lending divisions, including commercial, residential, SBA, and specialty banking. Discover how his unique career path shaped his leadership, the dramatic shifts he's witnessed in the lending industry, and First Federal Bank's innovative partnerships. The conversation also covers the current trends impacting construction lending, from tariffs and labor shortages to the transformative power of technology and AI, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of building and scaling a construction lending program—from the days of paper files to launching innovative programs at Churchill Mortgage that span multiple states and product types. Dana Solberg discusses everything from builder relationships and risk management to best practices for launching a successful program, all while weaving in memorable analogies and practical tips for thriving in this unique industry.

Join us in this episode as Sarah Bender, Builder Relationship Manager of Mortgage Sales at BECU Home Loans, reveals her unique career path into construction lending. Discover her expert perspectives on what drives success in this sector, including key growth factors, building robust relationships with builders, successful program implementation, and how a foundation of flexibility, transparency, and a people-first approach can truly differentiate you.

This podcast episode features Ed Peace and Joaquin Tremols discussing the USDA Single-Close Construction-to-Permanent Loan Program. Ed and Joaquin detail the program's unique features, such as its one-time close, locked-in rates, and the ability for qualifying borrowers to roll in reserves and closing costs, often with no down payment. The conversation highlights how this program supports affordable housing in rural areas and stimulates local economies by creating jobs. Ed also shares his own experiences with USDA lending. They address the program's underutilization, citing limited awareness, and discuss its benefits for lenders and secondary markets. This episode provides valuable information on how USDA programs can facilitate homeownership and community growth in rural America.

Tim Roy and Ron Haynie from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) join this episode to share their unique perspectives on the regulatory and legislative challenges shaping today’s banking landscape, from navigating 5,000+ pages of new regulations to grappling with industry changes since Dodd-Frank. They explore how community banks serve as the financial backbone of rural and small-town America and why tailored regulation is essential for their survival and growth. The discussion delves into policy initiatives, the impact of big data and compliance burdens, and the future interplay between housing trends and community banking.