In this conversation, Mary Schuster and Hoyt Mann discuss the impact of technology on work-life balance and mental well-being. They explore the challenges of staying connected 24/7 and the importance of unplugging and taking time for yourself. As technology automates more and more functions people have been doing manually, the hope is for people to have more time to engage with the aspects of work that require authentic relationship-building, creativity, and ingenuity. Hoyt shares a variety of strategies for remaining intentional about managing technology and prioritizing personal well-being, as well as the danger of prioritizing efficiency over building meaningful connections. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by younger workers in developing soft skills and adapting to remote work and the role leaders can play in educating early-career workers.

Chapters:

03:00 The Impact of Technology on Work-Life Balance

08:40 Strategies for Balancing Life and Work

12:12 Unplugging and Prioritizing Mental Well-being

15:30 Reflection and Intentional Strategies

20:46 The Role of Technology in Human Interaction

23:14 Finding Balance: Technology and Personal Well-being

25:25 The Challenge of Developing Interpersonal Skills in Younger Workers

27:12 The Role of Leaders in Facilitating Soft Skill Development

30:07 The Impact of Remote Work and the Need for Adaptation

34:11 The Importance of Wisdom and Human Decision-Making

37:03 Restoration, Curiosity, and Wisdom in Navigating Technology

Get In Touch…

Hoyt Mann, President and Co-Founder, Alanna.ai (Guest), hmann@Alanna.ai

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Listen as Equity Protect CEO Ryan Marshall discusses the growing and latest types of fraud in the real estate industry and how to fight back -via the creative use of intentional title clouds. Marshall offers his perspective on unique and evolving methods bad actors use to perpetrate crimes such as seller impersonation, deed fraud, fake mortgages, fake assignments, and contract for deed fraud. Some high-tech fraudsters are even using AI to impersonate signatures and take advantage of stolen notary credentials. But the industry has access to its own high-tech methods of mitigating these risks, including how to spot properties most at risk. Just by listening to this episode you will be helping in the fight against fraud because, as Marshall notes, education and prevention go hand-in-hand in combating illegal activity in real estate transactions.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:25 The Evolving Methods Used by Fraudsters

09:53 Different Types of Fraud Attempts in Real Estate

14:13 Contract for Deed Fraud on the Rise

24:23 The Importance of Education and Prevention in Combating Fraud

30:55 Providing Ongoing Protection and Education to Consumers

Get In Touch…

Ryan Marshall, CEO, Equity Protect (Guest), ryan@equityprotect.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Additional support provided by Rynoh – https://www.Rynoh.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Listen as Kevin Nincehelser, chief operating officer for Premier One, covers everything from digital security to artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting some practical advice for protecting business data from a variety of potential risks and considering the growing impact of AI. Speaking with host Mary Schuster, he offers examples in programs and software companies use every day, including email systems, utilities used in remote work, and many often overlooked areas where vulnerabilities can crop up. The discussion goes beyond a typical overview of the latest advice you might hear from your IT department and connects the dots on instruments and outside factors companies need to consider that they may never have before.

Chapters:

00:00 Practical Advice for Businesses

09:59 The Impact of AI and the Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication

34:18 The Critical Role of Microsoft 365 in Digital Identity Security

41:43 Closing Gaps in Remote Workforce Security and Prioritizing Security Investments

Get In Touch…

Kevin Nincehelser, COO, Premier One (Guest), KevinN@premier-one.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Dr. Mark Calabria, former director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a senior advisor at Cato Institute and author of Shelter from the Storm: How a Covid Mortgage Meltdown was Averted, sat down with Mary Schuster at the 2024 National Settlement Services Summit (NS3). The discussion begins with Dr. Calabria describing his background in government, challenges faced, and his core beliefs, principles, and perspectives on government policies and housing sector. You won’t want to miss Dr. Calabria’s view on title insurance alternative products, the future of Frannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the need to focus on safety and soundness in the real estate ecosystem. Finally, they discuss his predictions for the future of title insurance and near-term interest rate changes.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Mark Calabria and FHFA Role

03:07 - Challenges and Career Background

07:11 - Overseeing Freddie and Fannie: Troubled Agency

10:13 - Government Policies and Safety vs. Profits

11:29 - Core Principles and Leadership in Government

23:47 - Navigating the Mortgage Market: Balancing Consumer Protection and Corporate Interests

27:12 - State of the Union and Economic Policies: Impact on the Mortgage Market

Get In Touch…

Mark Calabria, Senior Advisor, CATO Institute (Guest), mcalabria@cato.org

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

Mark’s book is available here: https://store.cato.org/products/shelter-from-the-storm

This year’s NS3 Agenda is available here: https://ns3thesummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NS324_Printable_Agenda.pdf

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

What does a fishing boat have to do with long-standing judicial standards? Lauren Campisi, partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, spoke with host Mary Schuster about how the outcome of Loper Bright v. Raimondo – a case involving herring fishermen in New England – could have sweeping consequences for laws and regulations that mortgage and title professionals refer to everyday. This is because the case challenges the scope of the Chevron Doctrine, which courts have relied on for decades worth of high-stakes legal decisions in all manner of cases. The conversation highlights the potential consequences of changes in judicial deference and the need for clarity and certainty in the interpretation of laws.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Title Success and Table Setting

08:40 – Financing Options and Deal Structures

14:45 – Factors Influencing M&A Activity in the Real Estate Market

35:10 – Common Mistakes and Traps to Avoid

41:59 – Connecting with Underwriters and Industry Associations

49:01 – Conclusion

Get In Touch…

Lauren Campisi, Partner in Charge, Hinshaw Culbertson LLP (Guest), lcampisi@hinshawlaw.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.RamQuest.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

With an uptick in mergers and acquisitions in the title insurance industry, where buyers are looking to acquire companies before the market fully recovers, consulting firm Title Success looks to provide guidance for navigating the various components of these complex transitions, assisting with exit strategies, valuations, and connecting buyers and sellers. Prospective buyers and sellers have concerns about financing, culture fit, team retention, and payout structure. In this conversation, Title Success Partners Marcus Hunt and Wayne Stanley discuss cover topics such as the importance of culture fit, the structure of deals, tax implications, and the challenges of managing people during a transition. They also provide advice for prospective buyers and sellers, including the importance of clear communication and having a plan for day one and beyond.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Title Success and Table Setting

08:40 – Financing Options and Deal Structures

14:45 – Factors Influencing M&A Activity in the Real Estate Market

35:10 – Common Mistakes and Traps to Avoid

41:59 – Connecting with Underwriters and Industry Associations

49:01 – Conclusion

Get In Touch…

Marcus Hunt, Partner, Title Success (Guest), marcus@titlesuccess.com

Wayne Stanley, Partner, Title Success (Guest), wayne@bowedigital.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.ramquest.com/horizon

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Having just celebrated his 27-year anniversary in commercial real estate, FNF Vice President and Managing Underwriting Council Joe Powell had plenty of knowledge to share about the industry and the current state of the commercial real estate market. From its resilience following the pandemic to the diverse asset classes within commercial real estate, Powell emphasized the importance of conservative underwriting practices and discussed the challenges and opportunities in converting office buildings into residential properties with October Research’s own resident expert and host, Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster.

Chapters:

00:00 Celebrating 27 Years in the Commercial Real Estate Industry

09:49 The Importance of Conservative Underwriting Practices

14:24 Challenges and Opportunities in Converting Office Buildings

36:34 Innovation in the Title Insurance Industry

41:27 Building Strong Relationships and Providing Exceptional Customer Service

Get In Touch…

Joe Powell, Partner, FNF (Guest), joe.powell@fntg.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.ramquest.com/horizon

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Phil Schulman, Industry Legend. Who else would we choose as our inaugural guest? Listen in as Phil discusses his retirement, lessons learned over a professional lifetime, the importance of humor in business and how it can be used effectively. He shares memorable moments from his career as a lawyer and public speaker. Phil reflects on his passion for law and how he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a lawyer. He recounts his experience preparing for his very first trial and the lesson took from it about being prepared and flexible. He also shares the wisdom his father imparted to him on where to place focus when giving a great speech. Phil recollects how he became a RESPA attorney and predicts impacts of recent NAR settlements on the real estate industry. He concludes with some of the best life advice you'll ever hear.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation

01:54 Retirement and Family

07:00 The Power of Humor in Business

12:54 Unforgettable Moments in Public Speaking

30:48 Preparing for Trial: Lessons in Preparation and Flexibility

35:21 Delivering a Speech: Focus on the Audience

41:08 Being the Best Version of Yourself: Giving 110% Effort

48:26 The Potential Impact of NAR Settlements on the Real Estate Industry

Get In Touch…

Phillip Schulman (Guest), PSchulman@mayerbrown.com

Mary Schuster (Host), mschuster@octoberresearch.com

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit www.OctoberResearch.com.

Episode sponsored by RamQuest – https://www.ramquest.com/horizon

Episode produced by October Research, LLC – https://www.octoberresearch.com