WFG Insights
Episodes
WFG Industry Insights | WFG’s Patrick Stone: 2026 Housing Update, Interest Rates, AI, and Industry Reset
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this latest episode of WFG Insights, Founder & Chairman Patrick Stone sits down with Brian Bushlach to unpack what lies ahead for the real esta...
WFG 15th Anniversary with Patrick Stone: Leadership, Legacy and Looking Forward
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
WFG 15th Anniversary with Patrick Stone: Starting Up During a Meltdown
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 industr...
WFG 15th Anniversary with Patrick Stone: From the Unexpected to the Unstoppable
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
WFG Founder & Chairman Patrick Stone: "I Can't Remember This Level of Uncertainty"
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
That headline is saying something, because Patrick Stone's career in the real estate industry spans the past 50 years. In this episode, he delive...
2025 Real Estate Forecast: WFG's Patrick Stone Delivers Optimistic Outlook with Caution
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 conce...
Patrick Stone Reacts to Fed Rate Cut and Offers Optimistic Outlook for 2025 Real Estate Market
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
September's long awaited and much anticipated Fed rate decision delivered a surprising 50 basis point cut, much to the delight of real estate pro...
Market Focus: A Tale of Two Cities as Austin and Dallas Grapple with Growth
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special edition of WFG Insights, Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone is back with us to discuss the Texas market- specifically ATX and DFW. L...
WFG + Volly: Leveraging Lending Expertise for the Real Estate Industry
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Focus on Affordability: WFG's Patrick Stone on What it Will Take, and How Long
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 diffi...
Higher for Longer? WFG's Patrick Stone Calls for One Rate Cut and Improving Market Conditions
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this timely download, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone downplays talk of economic stagflation and calls for one Fed rate cut, perhaps as earl...
Patrick Stone Offers a Cautiously Optimistic Outlook for the Second Half of 2024
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation persists impacting mortgage interest rates, and inventory is still scarce. But WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone believes in the builde...
Update: WFG Founder Patrick Stone Reacts to the Missouri Real Estate Verdict
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 S...
Advice from Patrick Stone: Filter Through the Noise and Focus on Business
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a challenging time, its easy to be lured into social media posts, dire predictions and gossip about the economy and the real estate market. We are ...
The Reality of the Real Estate Market: Patrick Stone's Path Forward in a Challenging Time
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Expectations of lower mortgage interest rates this fall are no longer in the forecast and it appears Q4 of 2023 and at least the first half of 2024 wi...
Ignore the Media Clickbait: The Housing Market is Healthy, Just as Patrick Stone Predicted
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In spite of dire predictions last year of another real estate market crash, home prices remain stable, competition is fierce is some markets, and cons...
High Rates and Low Inventory: Patrick Stone's Updated Outlook on the Market
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Headlines suggest a strong job market and slowing inflation. But WFG Founder & Chairman Patrick Stone always investigates what's beyond the h...
When Will the Real Estate Market Get Moving Again? WFG's Patrick Stone Shares His Roadmap
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The spring real estate season has arrived but there hasn't been much change in market conditions. Mortgage rates are still higher than most consu...
WFG Founder Patrick Stone: What's Driving a Surprisingly Good Start to 2023
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Predictions of doom & gloom in the real estate market are beginning to brighten- and spring is still over a month away! What's driving this s...
2023 Forecast: WFG's Patrick Stone Offers an Optimistic Outlook for the Second Half of the Year
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's no question the first half of this year will likely be the toughest real estate market ever. While the Great Recession was brutal, the in...
Guiding Your Real Estate Business Through the Challenging Year Ahead
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
No one expects 2023 to be a good year in the real estate industry. So if you haven't already made the tough decisions, now is the time. In this e...
A Candid Conversation and Real Estate Reality Check with WFG Founder Patrick Stone
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's almost impossible to ignore the real estate and economic headlines. If we're not already in a recession, we're on the verge, and t...
The Real Estate Market is Contracting: Now is the Perfect Time to Expand!
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With business slowing and a challenging 12-18 month forecast ahead, it's natural to consider cutting back in response to the market. But in this ...
Ignore the Headlines and Focus on Your Business! WFG's Patrick Stone Offers His Insight
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation appears to be cooling, albeit slowly- just as WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone predicted in previous episodes. Now, it&apo...
The Only Thing Certain is Uncertainty: Five Factors Influencing the Housing Market
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation is raging, rates are on a rollercoaster and a recession is looming, or may have already arrived. But that's not necessarily bad news fo...
Bubble Babble: Patrick Stone Explains Why We're NOT in a Real Estate Bubble
09 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many "experts" are calling current conditions a housing bubble and predicting a significant reset in the real estate market. But while infla...
Guidance, Insight and Advice During the Most Unpredictable Market Ever
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inflation and high gas prices are impacting consumer spending habits. Mortgage rates have spiked to their highest levels since 2008. Supply chains are...
Mortgage Rates Spike as Inflation Rages: Patrick Stone's Game Plan
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As mortgage rates flirt with 5% and inflation impacts consumer buying power, now is the time to adjust your game plan, if you haven't already. Th...
UPDATED FORECAST: The Impact of War, Inflation and Rate Hikes on the Real Estate Market
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
WFG Founder and Executive Chairman has seen it all in his 40+ years in the real estate industry. But even the veteran industry expert admits he's...
Rates on the Rise: WFG Founder Patrick Stone Forecasts Fed Action and Market Impact
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With inflation pegging the meter at rates not seen since the 1980's, the Fed will be forced to raise rates. The questions are how much, how quick...
Valutrust Solutions: Proprietary Technology and an Experienced Network of Appraisers
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With property values continuing to climb across the country, and a surge of buyers searching for homes as interest rates slowly rise, experienced appr...
2022 Kickoff Report with Patrick Stone: Inflation Nation, Fed Hikes and Trusted Advice
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
WFG Founder and Executive Chairman is well-known and trusted for his candid and accurate predictions about the real estate market and the economy. Whi...
Deja Vu All Over Again? 2022 Interest Rate Prediction and Real Estate Forecast
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Will runaway inflation lead to a spike in mortgage interest rates? Are tight inventory and the lack of affordable housing the ingredients for a price ...
Inflation Infatuation? Patrick Stone's Perspective and the Impact of Rising Rates on the Real Estate Market
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a real estate professional, you have two choices: You can drink the Kool Aid and cross your fingers with friendly forecasters. Or, you ...
Bubble Trouble? Perspective & Insight from Patrick Stone
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The market is red hot, there's almost no inventory, and the price of lumber has skyrocketed. Some of the pundits are using the dreaded B-word to ...
Agent Alert: Plan Ahead for Disasters or Risk Losing Your Business
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If we've learned anything in the past year, the threats to our business extend beyond customer service and on-time closings. Whether it's a ...
Recap & Economic Forecast with Patrick Stone
06 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
2020 was without question the craziest, busiest and most challenging year ever, and that's saying something in a real estate industry that has se...
Creating Superfans: Brittany Hodak's Formula for Success
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As a title agent, differentiating yourself in what many consider a commoditized business can be a challenge. So how about a different, more creative a...
Tech Check-Up with Stavvy Co-Founder Kosta Ligris
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What do you get when you combine a legal background with tech expertise, curiosity, and a passion for positive transformation? Answer: Stavvy, led by ...
One-On-One with Amrock CEO Brian Hughes
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An industry leader who's led exponential growth at Amrock for 20+ years, Brian Hughes is an advocate for innovation, putting his people and custo...
Market Update & Outlook with Patrick Stone
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is back with us for the first time since the outset of the global pandemic. It's been a remark...
ATA President Bill Robinson: What Sets Your Agency Apart?
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What makes your agency different, or better than your competition? People? Technology? Experience? All of the above? In this episode ATA National Titl...
Tech Spotlight: TitleBox Creator Matthew Einheber
29 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
WFG is an industry leader in technology and cyber security, providing agents across the country with the latest tools to streamline their services, ma...
Lending Update with Kevin Breeland
15 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin Breeland has seen it all in his 41 years as a mortgage lender. From double digit interest rates in the early 1980's, to the pandemic we&apo...
Special Report: Reaction to CFPB Ruling
30 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Monday's Supreme Court ruling handed the Trump Administration, and future executive branch leaders, greater authority over the Consumer Financial...
CertifID: Fraud Drama Leads to Industry Innovation
23 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This story plays out like a made-for-TV movie: An international crime syndicate hijacking millions in real estate funds online. In this case, the hero...
WFG Blocks: Cost-Effective Health Insurance
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
For independent title agents and self-employed real estate professionals, gaining access to cost-effective health insurance is a challenge. But thanks...
Fair Housing: How Your Agency Can Get Involved
10 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With a national conversation underway, our focus is on the real estate market. In this episode, WFG Executive Vice President for Agency Development Ch...
Cyber Security Alert with Bruce Phillips, WEST
02 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the real estate and settlement services industry changing literally by the day and staff working from home, we're experience a significant i...
Shaun Graham: Call Center to C Suite Success
26 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Shaun Graham made the most of his opportunity at Southeast Mortgage, honing his sales & marketing skills in the lender's call center. He leve...
Commercial Real Estate Update & Outlook
19 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The COVID-19 crisis has already had a seismic impact on the commercial real estate market. In the months and years to come, the retail and office sect...
Now What? Market Outlook with WFG's Chuck Cain
12 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Communities across America are reopening and real estate professionals are hopeful that pent up demand will help drive the purchase market. In this ep...
Pandemic RX: Optimism from Arthur Sterbcow
05 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With over 40 years experience in the real estate profession, Arthur Sterbcow has seen & done it all in the New Orleans market, and nationally. Tha...
South Florida Focus: Richard Barbara, CG Title
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
No city or state can escape the impact of COVID-19. But with abundant sunshine, no state income tax, and a business-friendly environment, Florida welc...
First Title: Technology, Flexibility & Scale
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A decade ago, First Title introduced the nation's first instant GFE and closing cost calculator with the proprietary FirstVision program. Sensing...
Market Opportunities & Outlook with Texas Title
14 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Attorneys Bob Karlseng and Claude Rich co-founded Texas Title with a local focus and grassroots standards. They launched their full-service agency in ...
The New Normal: Ryan Marrie, Ohio Real Title
07 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As we open Q2 of 2020, the world, and the real estate profession as we knew it have changed dramatically. Some adjustments will be temporary. Others w...
Coronavirus: Challenges and Opportunities
01 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Days seem like weeks, and weeks feel like months ago. March of 2020 goes down as a period that none of us in the real estate industry, or our nation, ...
Special Report: Real Estate - What's Next?
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
COVID-19, the coronavirus, has shut down the US economy and that includes the real estate market. How long will this last? When will things start retu...
Industry Insight & Perspective with Brad Inman
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist, entrepreneur and respected observer Brad Inman is the most connected professional in the real estate industry. In this episode of the WFG ...
Coronavirus: Real Estate Survival Guide
17 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Even the most seasoned real estate professionals are struggling with unforeseen challenges as our nation shuts down to fight the spread of the coronav...
Business Building with Jonathan Holfinger
11 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We live & work in a profession that is influenced by external factors that are beyond our control. Events a world away can impact or extend to our...
Coronavirus: Impact on Real Estate Industry
04 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The global and national economy is already feeling the impact of the coronavirus. In spite of near record low mortgage interest rates, the US real est...
WFG Summit Preview: Justin Stutz
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Communicate. Collaborate. Coexist. A decade ago, Patrick Stone founded WFG National Title on "The Three C's". Now, as WFG celebrates it...
Building a Dream Team: Kevin Tacher
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Technology is creating efficiency in settlement services, but the real estate business is driven by relationships and old fashioned customer service. ...
WFG Blocks: Building Your Business
12 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The key to success in any real estate market is reducing or shifting fixed costs to variable costs that can be managed more easily. By leveraging the ...
Bulletin: Builder Business Opportunity
03 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With inventory extremely tight in many markets across the country, WFG's EVP for Agency Development Chuck Cain joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach ...
Agency Forecast with WFG's Chuck Cain
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Technology continues to reshape settlement services and 2020 brings more change. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) will have a direct impact ...
Patrick Stone: Economic Outlook + Agency Advice
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
WFG's Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone is back to recap the past year and offer his forecast for 2020. Patrick also shares his advice...
Marketing Reset with WFG's Justin Tucker
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Good news! If you've developed deep relationships, delivered exceptional customer service, and taken time to put a personal touch on your marketi...
Rescue Your Business: Kevin Tacher, TitleRate.com
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin Tacher left his job as a firefighter on Long Island, NY just days before 9/11. He moved to Florida and experienced the ups, and the downs of the...
Richard Barbara: Closing Agent =Problem Solver
10 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome Richard Barbara, Esquire & COO at Coral Gables Title in South Florida. Richard joins Host Brian Bushlach to discuss ho...
2020 Agency Outlook with Chuck Cain
03 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, WFG Executive Vice President for Agency Development, Chuck Cain, joins Insider Host Brian Bushlach to discuss changes on the horizon ...
Agency Outlook and Business Planning
12 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
With the year winding down, attention turns to business planning and budgets for 2020. In this episode, WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Sto...
Technology Talk: Lender Real Time Loan QA
05 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Chuck Cain serves as WFG's Executive VP for Agency Development, traveling extensively to assist agency partners across the country. In this role,...
Disaster Recovery: Success Thanks to Preparedness
16 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's every settlement agent's worst nightmare: Disaster strikes in the middle of the night, destroying files, servers, computers and everyth...
Home Stretch: Economic Update with Patrick Stone
02 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
With Q4 underway, host Brian Bushlach meets Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone for this installment of the WFG Insider Report Podcast. Pat...
Accountability: A Key for Agency Success
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Accountability should be a key initiative for settlement services providers. But how can agents hold employees accountable and achieve results without...
Cyber Security Issues and Wire Fraud Update
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this download from the WFG Insider Report Podcast Library, Bruce Phillips, Senior VP and Chief Information Security Officer for West, a WFG Company...
Creating a Winning Culture in Your Company
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode from the WFG Insider Report Podcast Library, Host Brian Bushlach welcomes back Chuck Cain, Executive VP for Agency Development, to dis...
Real Estate Outlook with Founder Patrick Stone
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode from the WFG Insider Report Podcast Library, Host Brian Bushlach connects with WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone in S...
Maximizing Agency Profits in an Improving Market
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode from the WFG Insider Podcast Library, Executive VP for Agency Development Chuck Cain joins host Brian Bushlach to share his insight an...
Economic Update with WFG Founder Patrick Stone
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode from the WFG Insider Report Podcast Library, Host Brian Bushlach welcomes WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone who provide...
Leveraging Tech and Protecting Agency Business
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As technology continues to transform the settlement services industry, the question many closing agents ask is what services to implement, when to ado...
Wire Fraud Victim: Happy Ending Thanks to WFG
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Aaron Cole and his family were just days away from closing on their dream home. Aaron received email instructions and wired his $122,850 down payment,...
Settlement Services: Opportunities & Challenges
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode from the WFG Insider Report Podcast Library, Executive VP of Agency Development Chuck Cain joins host Brian Bushlach to outline areas ...
The Big Picture on Marketing
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
While technology continues to transform the real estate industry, there's nothing like good old fashioned customer service. In this episode from ...
Agency Business Management
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Only one thing is constant in real estate, and that's change! In this episode from the WFG Insider Library, Executive VP for Agency Development C...
Cyber Fraud Prevention
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The real estate industry is a prime target for cyber fraud. In this episode from the WFG Insider Report LIbrary, WFG's National Escrow Administra...
Who is WFG?
01 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
From the WFG Insider Report Podcast Library, Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone joins host Brian Bushlach to share "Who is WFG?", ...