The post WFG’s Industry Perspective Q1 2026: Patrick Stone and Dr. Bill Conerly Discuss Economic and Housing Market Trends appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>The quarterly podcast, a reboot of WFG’s longtime Quarterly Economic Outlook webinar, provides timely insights into market conditions, housing demand, interest rate trends, and emerging risks affecting the real estate transaction ecosystem.
In this episode, Stone and Conerly discussed the outlook for the U.S. economy in 2026, the balance between housing supply and demand, and how technologies such as artificial intelligence are improving efficiency across real estate transactions.
Conerly noted that the U.S. economy is expected to continue growing, though at a more moderate pace than in recent years. Demographic trends and reduced immigration are contributing to slower labor force growth, but productivity gains should continue supporting economic expansion.
Stone added that the housing market today appears more balanced than it has been in several years, with supply and demand moving closer into alignment across many regions. “Overall the market is as balanced as it’s been for quite a while,” Stone said during the discussion, noting that conditions still vary by region. While affordability challenges remain, rising incomes relative to inflation may gradually help restore consumer confidence over time.
The conversation also explored how artificial intelligence is beginning to streamline real estate transaction processes. WFG is actively implementing AI-driven tools designed to reduce processing time and improve operational efficiency across the closing lifecycle. For example, automation of buyer and seller documentation packages has already reduced processing time by 30 to 40 minutes per transaction.
Throughout the discussion, both experts emphasized the importance of focusing on fundamentals: serving customers well, managing costs, and maintaining disciplined operations regardless of economic cycles.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, the panel encouraged industry professionals to closely watch key indicators such as employment, inflation and interest rates while continuing to focus on customer service, operational efficiency, and long-term strategic planning.
Key Takeaways
• Economic growth is expected to continue at a moderate pace as demographic shifts slow labor force expansion while productivity supports ongoing growth.
• Housing supply and demand are becoming more balanced across many markets after several years of volatility.
• Mortgage rates are influenced by global capital markets, not just Federal Reserve policy.
• AI is beginning to streamline real estate transactions, helping reduce processing time and improve operational efficiency.
• Strong fundamentals remain critical, including operational discipline, customer service and adaptability in changing market conditions.
Watch or listen to the Q1 2026 episode of WFG’s Industry Perspective here:
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]]>The post Volly’s Katharine Loveland Explains the Impact of Trigger Lead Legislation in MBA Asks the Expert Video appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>As the Home Buyers Privacy Protection Act takes effect and reshapes how lenders access borrower information, mortgage industry leaders are reevaluating their marketing strategies and customer engagement models.
In a recent MBA Asks the Expert video, Katharine Loveland, SVP and General Manager of Volly, joined Mortgage Bankers Association Vice President of Communications Adam DeSanctis to discuss the impact of the new trigger leads legislation and what it means for lenders navigating today’s competitive mortgage landscape.
The legislation, which took effect in early March, limits how lenders can access trigger lead data and emphasizes borrower privacy protections. As a result, lenders must increasingly rely on trusted relationships, strong brand engagement, and proactive marketing strategies rather than reactive outreach driven by credit bureau alerts.
According to Loveland, the shift represents a fundamental change in how lenders generate and sustain business.
Rather than relying on volume-based marketing tactics, lenders must focus on building long-term borrower relationships, engaging customers earlier in the mortgage lifecycle, and maintaining consistent communication across multiple channels.
During the discussion, Loveland outlines how Volly, a member of the Williston Financial Group family of companies, helps lenders succeed in this new environment through:
- Advanced analytics that identify borrower readiness signals within CRM data
- Automated, personalized marketing campaigns delivered at the right time
- Long-term engagement strategies designed to nurture borrower relationships over several years
- Co-branded marketing tools that strengthen collaboration between lenders and real estate partners
Loveland also highlights how WFG Enterprise Solutions supports lenders beyond marketing by integrating Volly’s marketing automation platform, Valutrust’s valuation services, and WFG Lender Services’ title and closing solutions into a coordinated ecosystem designed to streamline the mortgage lifecycle.
By applying practical AI and intelligent process improvements, WFG Enterprise Solutions helps lenders reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, and deliver a better borrower experience, strengthening customer loyalty and referral relationships.
Watch the full MBA Asks the Expert video here. https://youtu.be/B03fO5Cqzus?si=0yi1ImMBe-GGzb4S
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]]>The post October Research Releases 2026 State of the Industry Report Featuring Commentary from WFG’s Patrick Stone appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>The annual report brings together voices from across the real estate ecosystem, including lenders, title professionals, economists, and industry leaders. Among those featured is Patrick Stone, Chairman and Founder of Williston Financial Group (WFG), who shares his outlook on the housing market and overall industry conditions for 2026.
The report provides valuable context for professionals planning strategy, preparing for market shifts, and navigating an evolving regulatory and operational landscape.
Download your complimentary copy of the 2026 State of the Industry Report here: https://www.thetitlereport.com/industry-report-2026-ttr.aspx
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]]>The post WFG NATIONAL TITLE EVP SHAUN GONZALES TAKES THE HELM OF THE COMPANY’S COLORADO DIRECT OPERATIONS appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>Denver, CO — February 24, 2026 — WFG National Title Insurance Company, a full-service provider of title insurance and real estate settlement services for residential and commercial transactions nationwide, announced today that Shaun Gonzales, EVP and Managing Director of Operations, is personally stepping in to lead the company’s Colorado Direct Title Operations.
Colorado remains a strategic growth market for WFG. As part of its continued investment in the region, the company is expanding executive engagement and allocating additional operational resources to support performance, client service, and long-term market leadership.
“Colorado represents a significant opportunity for WFG, and we are increasing our focus and investment in the region,” said Gonzales. “I’m proud to take the helm during this next chapter and work alongside our talented team and valued partners to accelerate growth and strengthen our position in the market.”
Gonzales brings extensive operational leadership experience across title, escrow, and builder services. As EVP and Managing Director of Operations, he oversees direct operations nationally and has a proven track record of driving execution, aligning teams, and delivering measurable results.
“Colorado is an important market for WFG, and our commitment is unwavering,” said Steve Ozonian, President and CEO of Williston Financial Group. “The fact that Shaun is personally leading this market underscores the priority we place on Colorado. We are fully engaged at the executive level and investing resources to expand our presence and reinforce operational excellence.”
WFG remains focused on delivering trusted service and long-term partnership to its lender, real estate, and commercial clients throughout Colorado. For more information, contact Shaun Gonzales at [email protected] or call 949-683-5774.
About WFG National Title Insurance Company
WFG National Title Insurance Company (WFG), a Williston Financial Group company, is a leading provider of title insurance and real estate settlement services for commercial and residential transactions nationwide. WFG is one of just six truly national title underwriters, achieving a national footprint faster than any underwriter in industry history.
Built on the principles of communication, collaboration, and coexistence, WFG delivers innovative services and technology solutions that reduce friction, improve transparency, and elevate the real estate experience for agents, lenders, and consumers. Learn more at wfgtitle.com
Media Contact:
Darcy Patch
VP Marketing, Enterprise Solutions
MyHome, a Williston Financial Group Company
[email protected] | (714) 305-0136
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]]>The post How WFG’s People-First Culture Drove Exceptional Customer Outcomes in 2025 appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>The full feature in The Title Report dives into how trust, empowerment, and access to leadership translated to remarkable employee engagement and customer satisfaction across the company. From team members exceeding expectations to leaders reinforcing accountability and connection, the 2025 story is one of culture in action—and measurable, compelling outcomes.
Explore the complete insights and learn what this means for the future of customer experience in title and settlement services.
Read the article: https://www.thetitlereport.com/articles/how-wfgs-peoplefirst-culture-drove-exceptional-cus-96673.aspx
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]]>The post Williston Financial Group’s DecisionPoint® Named a 2026 Progress in Lending Innovations Award Winner appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>The award recognizes technology that meaningfully improves workflows, efficiency, and confidence across the lending process. DecisionPoint applies intelligent automation and data analysis to identify potential issues earlier, enabling lenders to reduce delays, improve accuracy, and support more predictable closings.
As part of WFG’s broader automation strategy, DecisionPoint helps streamline decisioning and reduce friction across complex mortgage workflows — delivering measurable operational benefits and a better experience for both lenders and borrowers.
This recognition underscores WFG’s continued focus on building practical, scalable technology solutions designed to move the mortgage industry forward.
WFG congratulates the DecisionPoint team for their commitment to innovation and industry progress.
View the full list of winners here:
https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2026-innovations-award-winners-are/
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]]>The post Volly Recognized as a 2026 Progress in Lending Innovations Award Winner appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>The award honors solutions that help lenders operate more efficiently while strengthening the customer experience. Volly’s marketing automation and engagement platform enables mortgage professionals to manage campaigns, nurture relationships, and deliver relevant communication throughout the homeownership journey.
By connecting data-driven marketing with borrower engagement tools, Volly helps lenders convert opportunities into lasting relationships — improving productivity and customer satisfaction.
This recognition reinforces WFG’s commitment to investing in technology that empowers mortgage professionals to grow sustainably while providing a more connected and transparent experience for homebuyers.
WFG congratulates the Volly team for continuing to raise the standard for mortgage marketing innovation.
Learn more about the award and view the full list of winners here: https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2026-innovations-award-winners-are/
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]]>The post WFG LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE FINCEN COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF NATIONWIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2026 appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>Irvine, Calif. – February 11, 2026 — As the industry prepares for the March 1, 2026 start of mandatory nationwide reporting under the new FinCEN Residential Real Estate Rule, WFG National Title Insurance Company, a Williston Financial Group company, announced a suite of FinCEN reporting solutions designed to help title agents meet new federal requirements with speed, confidence and minimal operational disruption.
Beginning March 1, 2026, the Rule requires reporting for certain non-financed (all-cash) residential real estate transfers to legal entities and trusts. The Rule is intended to increase transparency in real estate transactions where no regulated financial institution is involved.
Already in use within the company’s direct operations, WFG’s FinCEN solutions are now available to members of WFG’s agent network as well as independent title agents, and are built to simplify compliance, reduce manual workload, and provide audit-ready documentation.
“FinCEN reporting is no longer a geographic specific requirement, it is becoming a routine part of residential real estate transactions nationwide,” said Don O’Neill, Executive Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Deputy General Counsel for WFG. “This Rule spans all 50 states and thousands of recording jurisdictions. The industry needs solutions that are both legally sound and operationally practical. Our goal is to help customers meet their obligations without adding friction to the closing process.”
Under the new rule:
- Scope: Applies to 1–4 unit residential properties, condos, and townhomes transferred to legal entities or trusts without a traditional bank loan.
- Reporting party: The reporting person, typically the title or closing agent or attorney, files the Real Estate Report.
- Exemptions: Transfers due to death and certain settlor/grantor trust transfers are generally exempt.
- Penalties: Non-compliance can result in civil and criminal penalties, with fines up to $5,000 per day.
WFG’s FinCEN reporting service is powered by Advalis’ FinCENRealEstateReport.com, a technology-enabled workflow that automates data collection, validates entries against FinCEN standards, tracks deadlines, and files reports efficiently. The platform compresses what is often a four- to five-hour manual process into minutes while maintaining robust documentation, audit trails, and record retention consistent with federal requirements.
FinCENRealEstateReport.com integrates directly into existing title workflows, handling buyer and seller outreach, data validation, and the actual filing with FinCEN on behalf of the reporting person.
“This is about protecting our title agents and their customers while keeping transactions moving,” said Gene Rebadow, EVP, Agency Operations. “FinCEN compliance cannot be an afterthought. By giving agents practical tools and clear workflows, we help turn a regulatory mandate into a manageable process.”
WFG has also implemented the same reporting capabilities within its own direct operations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to using the solutions it recommends.
“Teams in our direct teams are preparing now so they are fully operational on day one,” said Steve Ozonian, President and CEO of Williston Financial Group. “We see compliance and technology as interconnected. When done right, they increase transparency, reduce risk, and ultimately improve the customer experience.”
In addition to reporting tools, WFG provides educational resources, exemption checkers, and client-facing explainers to help reduce confusion and resistance around FinCEN data collection.
With the March 1, 2026 compliance date approaching, WFG encourages agents, investors, and trustees to review their workflows now and ensure settlement partners are prepared.
For more information, contact Jaime Johnson at [email protected] or call 423-667-5616.
About WFG National Title Insurance Company
WFG National Title Insurance Company (WFG), a Williston Financial Group company, is a leading provider of title insurance and real estate settlement services for commercial and residential transactions nationwide. WFG is one of just six truly national title underwriters, achieving a national footprint faster than any underwriter in industry history.
Built on the principles of communication, collaboration, and coexistence, WFG delivers innovative services and technology solutions that reduce friction, improve transparency, and elevate the real estate experience for agents, lenders, and consumers. Learn more at wfgtitle.com
Media Contact:
Darcy Patch
VP Marketing, Enterprise Solutions
MyHome, a Williston Financial Group Company
[email protected] | (714) 305-0136
The post WFG LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE FINCEN COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF NATIONWIDE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2026 appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>The post WFG survey shows company employees in large part feel engaged, empowered appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>WFG’s Employee Experience Score rose from 34.4 to 42.4 year-over-year — nearly double the financial services industry benchmark of 24.6. More than 80% of employees were classified as engaged, significantly outpacing the industry average of 66.4%, while disengagement continued to decline.
Key strengths that stood out in the survey included:
- Inclusion: 90% favorable
- Working Environment: 88% favorable
- Employee Empowerment: 84% favorable
- Culture: 82% favorable
These areas not only exceeded industry benchmarks, but also showed meaningful year-over-year improvement.
As The Title Report noted, WFG leaders see these results as evidence that engagement is a powerful driver of both employee satisfaction and customer experience. Pride in work, collaboration, and commitment to WFG were all exceptionally high — with 95% of employees reporting pride in their work and 93% saying they actively help colleagues succeed.
The survey also reinforced the impact of WFG’s GOAT (Greatest of All Teams) culture initiative, which emphasizes collaboration, recognition, leadership accountability, and shared purpose.
Read The Title Report’s full coverage here: https://wfgcloud.com/secureStore/index.php/s/DzzW5DKB4xaaWwR
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]]>The post Built in Portland, Thriving in Oregon: WFG Oregon Marks 15 Years with Strong 2025 Customer Experience and Employee Engagement Results appeared first on WFG Lender Services.
]]>Portland, Ore. – February 10, 2026 — WFG National Title Insurance Company, a Williston Financial Group company, today announced strong 2025 performance results for WFG Oregon, underscoring both the strength of its local operations and the enduring impact of a company founded in Portland 15 years ago.
As WFG nears the end of its 15th anniversary celebration, the Oregon market, where the company was founded, continues to exemplify WFG’s commitment to exceptional customer experience, operational excellence, and a workplace culture that empowers its people to deliver their best.
In 2025, WFG Oregon achieved an overall customer satisfaction rating of 4.9/5 and a Net Promoter ScoreSM of 94 (70 and above is considered world-class), reflecting consistently high levels of trust, responsiveness, and partnership with real estate professionals across the state. These results reinforce WFG Oregon’s reputation as a reliable, collaborative, and forward-thinking partner in residential and commercial real estate transactions.
Equally significant are WFG’s enterprise employee engagement results, which reflect the culture that underpins performance in Oregon. As part of WFG’s annual survey administered by McLean & Company, WFG’s Oregon operations achieved an Employee Experience Score of 38.1, up from 32.0 in the prior survey, and 54.9 percent above the industry benchmark of 24.6 — a meaningful year-over-year gain. The survey generated a strong 74% response rate, demonstrating broad participation and confidence in leadership’s commitment to listening and continuous improvement.
Key engagement strengths that resonate deeply in the Oregon market include:
- High-performing driver scores for Inclusion (92%), Working Environment (90%), and Coworker Relationships (86%)
- 96% of employees report being proud of the work they do
- 91% say they are committed to the organization
“For WFG Oregon, these results reflect who we are at our core: a locally rooted team that genuinely cares about each other and the clients we serve,” said Noah Blanton, Division President, WFG Oregon. “Our strong NPS and customer ratings don’t happen by accident; they are the product of a collaborative culture, deep market expertise, and a shared commitment to doing right by our customers every single day.”
Blanton continued: “As we near the end of WFG’s 15-year anniversary celebration, it’s especially meaningful to see Oregon continue to shine. This is where the company began, and our performance this year shows that the same entrepreneurial spirit, service mindset, and community focus that launched WFG in Portland are still very much alive today.”
From the beginning, WFG’s Oregon roots have shaped the company’s broader culture and strategy.
“WFG was born in Portland because we believed there was a better way to serve customers and empower people in this industry,” said Patrick Stone, Chairman and Founder of Williston Financial Group. “Fifteen years later, seeing markets like Oregon deliver such strong customer and employee outcomes is incredibly gratifying. It proves that when you build a company around people — their growth, their voice, and their success — the results follow.”
Stone added, “Oregon has always been a special place for WFG, not just because it’s where we started, but because it continues to reflect the values that define our company: collaboration, integrity, innovation, and a relentless focus on doing what’s right for customers.”
WFG Oregon’s performance is part of WFG’s broader enterprise commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and people-first leadership. Feedback from both customers and employees continues to inform investments in technology, operations, and service delivery, helping WFG take time and cost out of real estate transactions while enhancing quality and consistency.
For more information about WFG Oregon, visit https://wfgtitle.com/oregon/.
About WFG National Title Insurance Company
WFG National Title Insurance Company (WFG), a Williston Financial Group company, is a leading provider of title insurance and real estate settlement services for commercial and residential transactions nationwide. WFG is one of just six truly national title underwriters, achieving a national footprint faster than any underwriter in industry history.
Built on the principles of communication, collaboration, and coexistence, WFG delivers innovative services and technology solutions that reduce friction, improve transparency, and elevate the real estate experience for agents, lenders, and consumers. Learn more at www.wfgtitle.com.
Note: Net Promoter®, NPS®, NPS Prism®, and the NPS-related emoticons are registered trademarks of Bain & Company, Inc., NICE Systems, Inc., and Fred Reichheld. Net Promoter ScoreSM and Net Promoter SystemSM are service marks of Bain & Company, Inc., NICE Systems, Inc., and Fred Reichheld.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Darcy Patch
VP Marketing, Enterprise Solutions
MyHome, a Williston Financial Group company
[email protected]
714-305-0136
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