Housing isn’t just math on a screen, it’s a story about stability, memory, and the people who fight to keep a roof overhead. We sit down with Julian Joseph, former FHA leader and founder of JYJ Consulting, to unpack what the “human side of housing” really means when rates are sticky, costs are rising, and trust is fragile. Julian takes us back to her time in foreclosure counseling, ground zero during the housing crisis, where desperate families taught her the North Star that still guides her work: every policy decision touches generations.

From there, we get practical. We talk about the AMI traps that exclude households who look “fine on paper” but are living paycheck to paycheck, and why empathy must be an operating system, not a slogan. Julian lays out a playbook for credit unions to lead: get creative with down payment assistance (split funds across points, closing costs, and principal to maximize life-of-loan affordability), layer support with HFAs and employer contributions, and bring real member stories to policymakers so rules track with reality. We also examine a cultural shift that turns originators into trusted advisors, coaching members to restructure debt, delay a close, or pursue a different path when that’s the right move. That honesty fuels referrals, lowers default risk, and rebuilds confidence in a market still shadowed by 2008.

Trust sits at the center of this conversation, and credit unions hold a unique advantage: multi-generational relationships and community roots. Use them on purpose. Host family days, financial wellness nights, and open-door hours where members can share what “affordable” really feels like in their ZIP code. Then carry those insights upstream. We close with a reminder that kindness isn’t soft; it’s how coalitions form and change happens.

If this resonates, share it with your team, subscribe for more human-first mortgage conversations, and leave a review telling us how you’re building trust and affordability in your community.

Consistency might be the most underrated superpower in the mortgage industry. While many professionals chase the next big strategy or market shift, Rebecca Lorenz, CEO and founder of Infinite Success Strategies, reveals a profound truth: your daily habits determine your ultimate success.

During this illuminating conversation with host Peter Benjamin, Rebecca unpacks how small, consistent actions compound over time to create extraordinary results for mortgage professionals. She challenges the disconnect between what originators say versus what they actually do, with most claiming to be relationship-focused while fewer than 10% maintain regular contact with their database.

The episode introduces practical frameworks anyone can implement immediately, including the powerful FROG method (Family, Recreation, Occupation, Goals) for transforming transactional interactions into meaningful relationships. This simple approach helps originators overcome call reluctance and connect authentically with clients, revealing the 80% likelihood that significant life changes will impact someone's real estate decisions.

For credit union mortgage professionals specifically, Rebecca addresses the unique challenges of balancing relationship-building with transactional responsibilities. She shares strategies like scheduling dedicated weekly client calls and intentionally structuring your time to ensure consistent follow-through. She powerfully states, "People do not decide their futures; they decide their habits, and their habits decide their futures."

Whether you're struggling to reach your production goals or looking to take your already successful mortgage business to new heights, this episode delivers actionable insights on building the daily habits that create long-term success. Connect with Rebecca at infinitesuccessstrategies.com or on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about transforming your mortgage business through the power of consistency.

Sponsored by Xactus

Annmarie Conboy-DePasquale from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck breaks down crucial policy issues facing credit unions today, from the looming government funding deadline to major legislative wins. We examine the state of play in Washington and highlight recent victories that will impact how credit unions serve their members.

Here's what you need to know:

• Government funding expires September 30th, but a continuing resolution is likely to extend it until mid-November. Without an agreement, a shutdown could occur, with impacts increasing the longer it lasts. The thin margins in both the House and the Senate make bipartisan cooperation essential but challenging.
• Trigger leads legislation was signed into law on September 5th and will take effect on March 5th, 2026
• The Unified Agenda reveals upcoming regulatory actions from CFPB and NCUA. The CFPB plans to revise UDAAP interpretation and issue advanced notices on loan originator compensation.
• The Road to Housing Act was passed unanimously out of the Senate Banking Committee with 28 provisions.• The Housing Act includes measures on housing supply, manufactured housing, appraisal process reform, and small-dollar origination. The bill may be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act to improve passage chances

Don't miss this and more on this edition of the ONpoint Podcast, the Policy Series. Tune in now!

Sponsored by Loan Vision

Ever wonder what it's like to step into a room of 600 mortgage professionals who feel more like coworkers than competitors? The unique collaborative spirit of credit unions takes center stage in this episode recorded live from ACUMA's Make Your Mark Conference in Denver.

We sit down with two first-time attendees who offer refreshingly candid perspectives on joining the ACUMA community. Kellie Drew, a 34-year credit union veteran from Massachusetts (who's "wicked excited" to be there), reveals how quickly her networking anxiety dissolved in the welcoming environment. Meanwhile, Katie Wilson, who's spent her entire 16-year career at Greater Iowa Credit Union, explains why MI companies consistently recommend this particular conference above all others.

What emerges is a fascinating look at how credit union professionals approach growth differently. Rather than guarding knowledge as a competitive advantage, they actively seek forums to share expertise on everything from ITIN lending practices to navigating regulatory challenges. The conversation highlights ACUMA's deliberate approach to connecting newcomers through first-timer sessions, roundtable discussions, and ongoing virtual networks that extend relationships far beyond the conference itself.

Whether you're considering attending an industry event, looking to expand your professional network, or simply curious about the collaborative culture that sets credit unions apart, this episode offers valuable insights into how collective wisdom strengthens the entire movement. Listen now to discover why, as Kellie puts it, "credit union people are fun" and how these connections translate to better service for members nationwide.

Tony Humphrey, VP of Mortgage Lending at One Nevada Credit Union, takes us deep into the strategic imperative facing credit unions today. As financial institutions nationwide enter budget planning season, Tony reveals why leveraging member data through predictive analytics represents the untapped competitive advantage credit unions desperately need.

While credit unions constitute 43% of mortgage originators, they capture only 18% of originations – a gap Tony attributes to an overreliance on rate-based marketing and failure to harness existing member data. "We know more about these members than some of their families," Tony explains, highlighting the gold mine of information credit unions already possess but rarely use strategically.

The conversation explores why credit unions must transition from generic, one-size-fits-all communication to personalized outreach aligned with predictable life events. Tony shares how meeting members at crucial financial junctures – college graduation, marriage, family formation – positions credit unions as trusted advisors rather than mere product providers. This approach builds the brand loyalty essential for weathering market fluctuations and rate environments.

Most provocatively, Tony confronts an uncomfortable truth: despite their mission-driven nature, credit unions lag behind non-bank lenders in serving underserved communities. By combining predictive analytics with financial education and targeted products, credit unions can fulfill their founding purpose while growing market share in communities traditionally overlooked by mainstream financial institutions.

For credit union leaders seeking strategies beyond rate competition, this conversation offers a roadmap for leveraging your greatest asset – member relationships and data – to thrive in tomorrow's mortgage marketplace.

Subscribe to ACUMA's ONpoint podcast for more insights on building sustainable mortgage operations in today's challenging environment.

Sponsored by Optimal Blue

What if we approached each day in mortgage lending not as a series of transactions, but as opportunities to be good stewards of the gifts we've been given? Mark Seeley, AVP of Mortgage Lending at America's Credit Union, brings this refreshing perspective to our conversation about what makes credit union mortgage lending truly different.

After 20+ years in the industry and experience on both sides of the fence, Mark shares how the credit union approach transforms lives through relationship lending rather than transactional banking. "I'm blessed to be in the credit union space," he reflects. "It's probably the best time I've had in the mortgage industry."

Through powerful examples, Mark demonstrates how credit unions see beyond numbers to the humans behind loan applications. He shares a story about helping a member refinance from a 65% debt-to-income ratio down to 52%—a loan most traditional lenders would immediately reject, but one that significantly improved the member's financial situation. These decisions stem from a philosophy that values stewardship over short-term gains.

This mindset didn't develop overnight. Mark candidly discusses how his perspective evolved through career experiences, family responsibilities, and leadership lessons—both positive and negative. "I honestly learned more from bad leaders than good leaders," he admits, explaining how these experiences shaped his commitment to intentional positivity and servant leadership.

The conversation offers a timely reminder about what truly matters in financial services. While the industry often takes success for granted during boom periods (like the recent refinance wave), credit unions maintain their north star by focusing on members first. As Mark puts it: "Money should never be one's motivator in this type of business. It's about putting families in homes and putting them in the best possible position financially."

Whether you're a mortgage professional looking to reconnect with your purpose or a member curious about the credit union difference, this discussion will leave you with renewed appreciation for approaching each day as a gift and each interaction as an opportunity to make a positive impact.

Sponsored by Cloudvirga

Financial regulation is undergoing a seismic shift, creating unprecedented challenges for credit unions and mortgage lenders. Our expert guest, Leah Dempsey, a Shareholder with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, walks us through the complex policy landscape reshaping credit unions' operations.

The CFPB stands at a pivotal moment following a DC Court of Appeals decision that could enable significant staff reductions. While the Bureau has already fulfilled many statutorily mandated duties, this ruling raises questions about its capacity to undertake planned initiatives like payday loan rule revisions and review market participant thresholds. The legal battle continues with potential appeals, creating regulatory uncertainty for financial institutions navigating compliance requirements.

Meanwhile, "debanking" receives renewed attention through a recent executive order addressing discrimination against legally operating businesses in banking relationships. Dating back to Obama-era policies that identified disfavored industries, inconsistent application of these guidelines resulted in legitimate businesses losing access to financial services. Credit unions should review their membership policies to ensure they don't categorically exclude industries or individuals without proper cause.

Perhaps most dramatic is the unprecedented leadership vacuum at the NCUA, where legal maneuvers have left Chairman Kyle Hauptman as the sole board member – a situation never before seen in the agency's history. This extraordinary circumstance raises profound questions about decision-making authority and regulatory guidance, particularly for emerging areas like cryptocurrency. Credit unions face significant operational challenges amid this leadership uncertainty.

The potential IPO for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac adds another layer of complexity, with discussions accelerating about releasing the GSEs from conservatorship. Questions persist about government guarantees, implementation timelines, and the impact of complex financial arrangements from the conservatorship period. These decisions will fundamentally reshape mortgage markets and lending operations.

Subscribe now to stay informed as these critical policy developments unfold, and join us next time for more expert analysis on the issues that matter most to credit unions and their members.

Ever wonder what happens when a team of mortgage industry professionals willingly subjects themselves to progressively spicier hot sauces while reflecting on their year? The ACUMA team delivers exactly that in their annual mid-year review episode, blending genuine reflection with watery eyes and burning sensations.

The episode kicks off with diving into the team's favorite moments from the first half of the year.

• Kate, the newest team member, shares how meaningful it was experiencing her first workshop in Savannah and meeting everyone face-to-face.
• Camryn celebrates her return from maternity leave,
• Others reminisce about baseball games, successful workshops, and surprisingly competitive rock-paper-scissors tournaments that had mortgage professionals channeling their inner playground selves.

Between increasingly fiery hot sauce tastings, the team candidly discusses lessons learned and areas for improvement.

• Krista opens up about her apprehension regarding their first convention center venue for the annual conference, citing the many uncontrollable variables compared to their usual hotel settings.
• Justin reflects on transportation challenges from previous events.
• Peter acknowledges that having back-to-back workshops in the Southeast might not have been the optimal geographical strategy.

The conversation takes a delightfully spooky turn when the team shares stories about their stay at a haunted hotel in Savannah, formerly a mortuary, complete with ghost tours, mysterious occurrences, and Kate successfully terrifying Krista on an evening walk. This storytelling reveals the close-knit nature of the team and how they balance professional excellence with genuine camaraderie.

Looking ahead, excitement builds around several initiatives for their annual conference, including

• "ACUMAx" (a new speaking platform featuring six selected presenters)
• An innovative exhibit hall layout, charity activities, and yes, therapy animals including dogs, possibly bunnies, and maybe even a mini horse (not a pony, as Justin learns through some gentle ribbing).

The episode wraps with increasingly uncomfortable hot sauce reactions and groan-worthy dad jokes, showcasing the team's ability to maintain humor even when their mouths are literally on fire. Whether you're a credit union professional looking for industry insights or simply enjoy witnessing good-natured suffering in the name of content, this episode delivers both substance and entertainment in equal measure.