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...

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 Grea...

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 uniq...

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 unpa...

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 customer...

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? 

In this timely download, WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone downplays talk of economic stagflation and calls for one Fed rate cut, perhaps as early as Q3. When that happens, Stone shares the impact it'll have on mortgage rates, and subsequently inventory as we hope to finish the year strong.

Inflation persists impacting mortgage interest rates, and inventory is still scarce. But WFG Chairman and Founder Patrick Stone believes in the builders and an improving interest rate environment as we move through the year. In this episode, he delivers an upbeat forecast, but cautions there are several wildcards that could impact the economy and the real estate market conditions.

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 Sitzer/Burnett buyer broker commission lawsuit moved the needle. The outcome will no doubt change the way real estate agents conduct business, but to what extent? And how can the real estate industry come together to find consumer-friendly solutions m...

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 experiencing an unprecedented period, and while the circumstances may be different this time, its nothing new for our industry. In this download, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone calms concerns about market conditions and offers advice lookin...

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 will continue to be challenging for real estate professionals. So what should you be doing now to prepare for the next cycle? And when will the market bounce back? In this download, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers his advice for the her...

In spite of dire predictions last year of another real estate market crash, home prices remain stable, competition is fierce is some markets, and consumers are adjusting to higher mortgage interest rates. WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone remains one of the few voices of reason in the real estate industry, and correctly forecast the market we're in now. In this episode, he sets the rec...

Headlines suggest a strong job market and slowing inflation. But WFG Founder & Chairman Patrick Stone always investigates what's beyond the headlines. Armed with that data and 48 years experience in the real estate industry, he sees things differently that most prognosticators. In this episode, Stone reveals what he's watching, and why the housing market could bounce back sooner, and...

The spring real estate season has arrived but there hasn't been much change in market conditions. Mortgage rates are still higher than most consumers would like, housing inventory remains low, and until we see a significant uptick in construction these market conditions will hold. How long until things get moving again? What concerns are there in the meantime? In this episode, WFG Chairman &a...

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 solid start? And why does WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone feel so optimistic as we move through the year? In this download, he shares his reasons for optimism, along with key insight on The Fed, interest rates and why homeownership is more im...

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 industry was busy with foreclosures and short sales. This time, there are few transactions as the market is paralyzed due to higher rates, low inventory, and a significant lack of affordability. In spite of that, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Pa...

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 episode, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone offers a blunt assessment of the market and advice on how to manage through it. He also offers an optimistic outlook for the latter half of next year- with an asterisk.

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 there appears to be no end in sight to rising rates and energy prices. So what is the timeline? How long will this market downturn last? And how will we rebound and return to business as usual- if there is such a thing in the real estate industry! For...

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 episode, WFG Founder and Executive Chairman Patrick Stone leans in, announcing WFG's ambitious expansion plans in the builder market and commercial real estate. Stone also explains why you should invest in your business and customer service now...

Inflation appears to be cooling, albeit slowly- just as WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone predicted in previous episodes. Now, it's time for a check up from the neck up: Try to ignore sensational headlines and focus instead on improving your business while you have time. In this episode, Patrick offers his checklist for what you should be doing now to prepare yourself and you...

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 for the real estate market, as consumers and the industry welcomes an uptick in inventory while adjusting to higher rates. In this episode, WFG Founder & Executive Chairman Patrick Stone corrects the headlines, adds perspective and offers an outloo...