First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller

Shortly after being claimed #1 wholesale lender in the country and after suing several brokers for violating its “all-in” lender agreement, United Wholesale and its owner have been served a class action lawsuit for violations of the RICO ACT & RESPA.

NAR Commission Lawsuits: As the NAR commission lawsuits continue to pile on around the country, to make matters worse, on Friday, the court of appeals granted the DOJ the ability to reopen its antitrust investigation against NAR.

Have you ever had a moment when someone “pushes” that perfect button? They say the exact thing that pushes your buttons and makes you so mad that you instantly lash back and say or do something you wish you hadn’t.

This letter is dedicated to our dear friend Everette and his wife Donna who unexpectedly lost their young son in an accident this weekend.

“Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life.” — Jerzy Gregorek

Greatness isn’t a destination or an achievement, it’s a consistent series of personal hard choices. It’s a daily choice to obsess over improvement and growth in a given area and constantly sacrificing comfort today in exchange for what you want most in the future.

The recent NAR settlement is a huge buzz in the industry.  Social media and the press are blowing up with sensational headlines on what this will mean for the American real estate market.  

“You are who you chose to be” -Iron Giant Hogarth Hughes

As I was reading Warren Buffet’s shareholder letter, it really hit me that there is such a shortage of strong, compassionate, and wise leaders in this world. All too often leaders/ owners carry a “me first” mentality and struggle with transparency, communication, and empathy. It is amazing how quickly an organization can decline with distracted and weak leadership.

Many of you have heard me say “if you’re not growing your dying”. It might be the closest thing I have to a rally cry. This mentality has always been at the core of who I am for as long as I can remember.

“Businessmen go down with their businesses because they like the old way so well they cannot bring themselves to change.” —Henry Ford

I feel like Henry Ford was prophetically talking about our industry with this quote. It seems like every week there is a new announcement of a mortgage company merger/acquisition or a company tapping out.

Ironically on a day where we are being sold everything from Doritos to car insurance or BMW’s, I’m thinking about the exact opposite. How do we live our life feeling like we have enough?

As we break into February, past the dry January and into second quarter…. How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolutions or your goals for 2024? Are you performing like a Formula 1 race car or more like a Honda Civic? (And yes, for all you F1 fans, I am rethinking my Ferrari Fan choice)

“Do what I can when I can” is the new motto of a friend of mine who is working to defeat cancer. When he said those words, they really resonated with me.

David Steven’s a mortgage banker who formerly led both the Federal Housing Agency and the Mortgage Bankers Association died at the age of 66 this past week.

I’m in Park City with the wind blowing a crazy blizzard outside my office window. This weather is a perfect reminder of how quickly things can quickly change.

And so, closes the first week of the year. One quick blink and we are off to the races into the depths of 2024.

"Sometimes you never know the value of something, until it becomes a memory" - Dr. Suess

"It only takes five minutes to break the cycle. Five minutes of exercise and you are back on the path. Five minutes of writing and the manuscript is moving forward again. Five minutes of conversation and the relationship is restored. It doesn't take much to feel good again." - James Clear

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” – Molière.