In the first release of our three-part anniversary series, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone reflects on his 50 years in the real estate industry, and the past 15 years since he founded WFG. From humble beginnings to pivotal moments that shaped his path, Patrick shares his personal story, full of lessons and inspiration including:

• The impact of growing up in a small North Dakota town
• His unique job in Mexico after serving two tours in Vietnam
• What, and who, influenced his academic interests

That headline is saying something, because Patrick Stone's career in the real estate industry spans the past 50 years. In this episode, he delivers an economic update, a revised mortgage interest rate forecast in lieu of the uncertainty, and a the potential for a gloomy outlook in the second half of 2025.

Last fall, what was widely anticipated to be a much improved real estate market in 2025 is now more cautious outlook due to continuing inflation concerns and higher mortgage interest rates. In this season-opening episode, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone also urges real estate professionals to prepare for what could be more uncertainty in the second half of this year. 

September's long awaited and much anticipated Fed rate decision delivered a surprising 50 basis point cut, much to the delight of real estate professionals. And while the Fed Funds Rate doesn't directly impact mortgage interest rates, it does impact the spread, which sparked an uptick in applications to refinance. In this episode, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone joins us to unpack the rate cut and offer his optimistic outlook for the close of 2024 and the year ahead.

In this special edition of WFG Insights, Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone is back with us to discuss the Texas market- specifically ATX and DFW. Like many attractive cities across America, Austin's growing pains include the high cost of housing. Meanwhile in Dallas-Fort Worth, a massive investment in multifamily housing has helped alleviate single family prices.

In this episode, host Brian Bushlach welcomes WFG Enterprise Solutions SVP Dan Bailey and Volly’s SVP and General Manager Kat Loveland to share the inside story on WFG's acquisition of Volly. Topics include:

• How Volly's lead generation and customer conversion tools align with WFG's title insurance, appraisal, and closing services.
• Increasing demand on behalf of WFG’s lender customers for enhanced marketing support to improve loan origination and retention rates.
• The complementary nature of Volly's CRM and marketing solutions with WFG's offerings.

Inventory is increasing and homes are on the market longer. But prices and mortgage interest rates remain high as we head into summer, making it difficult for median income home buyers to purchase a home. In this timely episode, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone joins us to address the affordability issue. How long, and what will it take to make homes affordable again? 

In this timely download, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone downplays talk of economic stagflation and calls for one Fed rate cut, perhaps as early as Q3. When that happens, Stone shares the impact it'll have on mortgage rates, and subsequently inventory as we hope to finish the year strong.

Inflation persists impacting mortgage interest rates, and inventory is still scarce. But WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone believes in the builders and an improving interest rate environment as we move through the year. In this episode, he delivers an upbeat forecast, but cautions there are several wildcards that could impact the economy and the real estate market conditions.

The real estate market is a media favorite for sensational headlines and clickbait. So it's no surprise the Missouri real estate verdict in the Sitzer/Burnett buyer broker commission lawsuit moved the needle. The outcome will no doubt change the way real estate agents conduct business, but to what extent? And how can the real estate industry come together to find consumer-friendly solutions moving forward? In this episode, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers perspective, insight and possible paths forward.