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 what leaders should be focused on right now. He also shares powerful insights on leadership during volatile times and why communication, adaptability, and investing in people are more critical than ever. Listen to the full episode now and get Pat’s take on what’s next for our industry.

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:

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:

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:

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 unpack the rate cut and offer his optimistic outlook for the close of 2024 and the year ahead.

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:

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 moving forward? In this episode, WFG Chairman & Founder Patrick Stone offers perspective, insight and possible paths forward.

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 looking forward.

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 here & now, and a forecast for the future.

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 record straight on today's sensational headlines, and offers advice to industry professionals.

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 stronger than most expect.

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 & Founder Patrick Stone offers insight and direction.

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 important now than ever.

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 Patrick Stone explains why he's optimistic that things will turn around in the second half of this year.