In this episode of Lending Forward, host Bill Hitchcock sits down with Shawn Gerald, President and Managing Partner of Lifestyle International Realty for the Carolinas. Shawn shares his inspiring journey from the Marine Corps to retail entrepreneur to real estate leader, revealing how his “three-foot rule” and relentless follow-up fueled rapid growth.

He discusses how Lifestyle International Realty is expanding across the Carolinas and beyond, the importance of servant leadership, and why personal culture drives recruiting and retention. Shawn also explains how he’s helping agents embrace AI to future-proof their businesses.

Whether you’re in real estate, lending, or simply curious about leadership and growth, this conversation is packed with energy, practical advice, and forward-thinking insights.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Bill Hitchcock sits down with Rob Zimmer, Principal at TVDC and Executive Director of External Affairs for the Community Home Lenders of America. Rob shares his perspective as a former Army captain and longtime industry advocate to break down what today’s buyers, lenders, and veterans need to understand about the market.

Together, they explore why VA loans remain such a powerful tool, how trigger lead reform aims to protect consumers, and why preserving small and mid-sized lenders is essential to maintaining real choice for homebuyers. Rob also offers insight into the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the challenges facing young buyers, and what true affordability must look like going forward.

Lending Forward is the home for real conversations about the industry’s future, shaped by the people who live it every day.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, hosts Hannah McManus and Bill Hitchcock sit down with Kyle Draper and Shane Kidwell to challenge how originators think about business planning. Together, they unpack why traditional planning often falls short—and how shifting from reactive habits to intentional, authentic action can redefine success in 2026 and beyond.

From social media strategy and brand building to mindset and purpose, Kyle and Shane share how loan officers can create impact by showing up as their real selves—without the burnout or the endless to-do list. They discuss what top originators are doing differently, why “top of funnel” is where the fun really happens, and how authenticity is becoming the ultimate differentiator in today’s market.

A huge thank you to our friends at The Collective Coaching for sponsoring this conversation!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from people at the heart of the business—Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more—as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Hannah McManus sits down with Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy at Optimal Blue, to pull back the curtain on the secondary mortgage market. Mike breaks down how secondary departments protect profitability, manage risk, and ultimately shape the rates offered to borrowers.

From global events and regulatory changes to the role of technology and AI, Mike explains the forces driving rate volatility and why transparency and communication between loan officers, secondary teams, and investors are more important than ever. He also shares exciting innovations at Optimal Blue, including a breakthrough in direct lock technology, and looks ahead to how non-QM lending and digital assistants could reshape the mortgage landscape.

A huge thank you to our friends at Capacity for sponsoring this conversation!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Bill Hitchcock along with special guest host Juan Giraldo sit down with Laura Arce, Senior VP of Economic Initiatives at UnidosUS, to discuss the future of Latino homeownership and the barriers and opportunities that shape it.

Laura shares insights on building authentic trust with Hispanic communities, the younger demographics driving first-time home purchases, and how affordability challenges are shifting the definition of the “American Dream” of homeownership. She also highlights the importance of policy changes, representation, and community-based outreach in expanding access to credit and sustainable housing.

This episode offers both data-driven perspective and heartfelt storytelling from one of the industry’s leading voices.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Hannah McManus sits down with Emenyo “E” Segbefia, Director of Business Development at Chenoa Fund, a national down payment assistance provider dedicated to expanding access to homeownership.

E shares his personal story of discovering the power of down payment assistance (DPA), explains how Chenoa’s tribal ownership makes their programs unique, and dives into how lenders can build stronger partnerships to better serve buyers. From dispelling myths about DPAs being “too hard” to walking through compliance considerations, E highlights why these programs are essential tools in today’s housing market.

You’ll also get a sneak peek into Chenoa’s upcoming builder-focused product, designed to make affordable homeownership even more accessible. Whether you’re a lender, Realtor®, or homebuyer advocate, this episode sheds light on how DPAs can transform lives and communities.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Bill Hitchcock sits down with Bryan Greene, Vice President of Policy Advocacy at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), for an in-depth conversation on housing policy, transparency, and the challenges facing today’s homebuyers.

Bryan shares his unique journey - from consulting on an Oscar-winning documentary to leading critical housing policy initiatives at NAR. Together, Bill and Bryan unpack the aftermath of the NAR settlement, the impact on first-time buyers and veterans, and the urgent need to expand housing supply.

Listen to gain insight into how federal policy, tax reform, and innovative approaches like accessory dwelling units could reshape affordability and access to housing. Bryan also offers a candid look at what’s on the horizon, and how the industry can preserve and expand opportunities for future homeowners.

Whether you’re a Realtor, lender, or industry professional, this conversation sheds light on the resilience of the housing industry and the importance of policy in shaping its future.

Thank you to our friends at Experience.com for sponsoring this episode!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Bill Hitchcock sits down with Rich Binsacca, Editorial Director at ProBuilder Magazine and Endeavor Business Media, to discuss the state of the homebuilding industry and where it’s headed. From labor shortages and material costs to the impact of government policy and changing consumer demands, Rich brings decades of insight into the challenges and opportunities builders face today.

Tune in as they explore the connection between housing supply, affordability, and regulation, and why collaboration across the mortgage, real estate, and building industries is more important than ever.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts every week from the people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?