E15 - Taylor Stork - 2025 Mortgage Forecast

I am a big fan of Taylor Stork, CMB, so it’s no surprise that one of my favorite episodes of Minds of Mortgage Podcast in 2024 features him. As the COO of Developer's Mortgage Company and President of the Community Home Lenders of America, Taylor brings his signature straightforward approach that podcast listeners have come to know and love, but with a personal twist.

What makes this episode special is how Taylor reveals the reality behind the corporate facade. He shares that his role as COO goes far beyond the typical executive playbook. He remains actively involved in sales while also guiding technology and policy initiatives. However, what truly stands out is the personal story behind his commitment to housing advocacy—inspired by his father’s dedication to helping homeless veterans secure stable housing.

When we address the elephant in the room, the conversation takes an important turn: gender diversity in mortgage leadership. Taylor acknowledges the issue and delves deep into why having diverse perspectives at the decision-making table leads to better outcomes for everyone looking to buy a home. In this episode, as in our first conversation, Taylor’s advocacy for women is truly admirable in this industry.

We also explore an intriguing shift in the industry’s mindset. Remember when realtors were viewed as the primary customers? Taylor explains why this perspective is evolving, with an increasing focus on serving homebuyers directly, particularly in diverse communities where language barriers have historically posed challenges.

When the discussion turns to first-time homebuyers, the statistics reveal an interesting trend—the average age of first-time homebuyers has risen to 38. Taylor and I unpack what this means for mortgage professionals aiming to build long-term customer relationships.

The episode concludes with a look ahead to 2025, where Taylor offers a refreshing perspective that challenges the conventional wisdom of waiting for the next refinance boom. Instead, he highlights unexpected opportunities that could reshape the industry.