WFG Insights

In this latest episode of WFG Insights, Founder & Chairman Patrick Stone sits down with Brian Bushlach to unpack what lies ahead for the real estate and mortgage markets in 2026 and beyond.

From economic uncertainty and interest rates to affordability, industry consolidation, and the real-world impact of AI, Pat delivers a candid, forward-looking perspective on where the market is headed and what leaders should be focused on right now.

He also shares powerful insights on leadership during volatile times and why communication, adaptability, and investing in people are more critical than ever.

Listen to the full episode now and get Pat’s take on what’s next for our industry.

As we conclude 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. In this download, Patrick reflects on his values and vision. Key points in this episode include:

• Leadership, legacy and culture
• Why giving back is so important
• The future of the real estate industry

In the second episode in 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. Pat discusses why he stressed the "Three C's" from the beginning: Communicate, Collaborate and Co-Exist. Highlights from this episode include:

• Why he launched WFG in the depths of the Great Recession
• How he got his start in the title insurance industry
• What he's learned in his career, and advice for industry professionals

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?