by admin admin | Oct 9, 2023 | President's Message
Dear Members and Friends of the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association,
I am deeply honored to address you as the new President of the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association (WMBA). It is with great enthusiasm that I step into this role, and I look forward to working alongside all of you in the coming year.
Earlier this year, our Annual Planning Meeting served as the starting point for the creation of WMBA’s vision statement. After additional work was completed by Board Members, Andy McDonough and Mike Olden, the final version was completed in September. This statement embodies our organization’s work, and it is meant to guide us as we make decisions on how to best serve our members and industry. I’d like to share the vision statement with you all below:
The Washington Mortgage Bankers Association is the voice of the mortgage industry community in Washington State.
The WMBA exists to educate, connect, and inspire our members, clients, and partners to engage, advocate, and positively impact the communities we live and serve.
Education is the foundation upon which we build a brighter future for our industry. In an ever-evolving landscape, staying informed and continuously improving our knowledge is essential. WMBA is committed to providing educational resources and opportunities that empower our members to excel in their roles. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to equip you with the tools and insights needed to thrive in an ever-changing mortgage environment.
Advocacy is a vital function of the WMBA. As the only Washington state mortgage lending association with a full-time Lobbyist, we are committed to advocating for policies and practices that promote a thriving mortgage industry and ensure homeownership remains accessible to all. We will work diligently to represent our members’ interests to policymakers and regulators, advocating for responsible lending practices and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable homeownership. Your involvement and input in this advocacy process are essential, as we seek to make a meaningful impact on the future of our industry.
Connection and community lie at the heart of what we do at WMBA. Our organization brings together a diverse group of professionals from the mortgage industry, each with a unique perspective and expertise. Together, we form a community dedicated to supporting and enhancing the mortgage industry in Washington State. As we move forward, let us strengthen our commitment to this community, fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and working collaboratively to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As your President, I am committed to advancing these core values and working tirelessly to serve our community’s best interests. I invite each of you to actively participate in WMBA’s activities, contribute your expertise, and join us in our pursuit of a successful, impactful, and sustainable mortgage industry.
Together, we will strengthen our sense of community, foster collaboration, expand our knowledge, and advocate for the continued growth and success of the mortgage industry in Washington State.
Thank you for your trust and support, and I look forward to the exciting journey ahead.
Sincerely,
Tony Fernandez, President, Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
As I drove home this evening from our 2019/2020 kick off dinner meeting reflecting on the plans, energy and excitement that was created, I must say I’m so proud to be a Mortgage Banker and have the ability to change people’s lives and be able to help them with the dream of home ownership. I also feel very honored and blessed to be asked to serve this great organization not only last year as the 100th President of the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association, but to be asked to come back and serve again as President of this organization as we commence the next 100 years. Thank you for your vote of confidence in me and my abilities to lead this amazing organization that I hope reflects the voice of our members, community and industry.
As we change in to the Fall season, send kids back to school, and wind down 2019, we also are seeing a lot of very important mortgage topics in the press. The current administration addressed GSE Reform on the 2nd day in office. Since that day we have seen the change of Executive Leadership in the every housing- related agency that effect the way we are able to lend money and help fulfill our customers dreams of Homeownership:
- FHA
- HUD
- GNMA
- CFPB
- Freddie MAC
- FHFA
At the recent Pacific NW Lenders conference we heard from MBA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and many Executives from our industry. Below are a few items that were shared as speculation of what’s ahead for our industry.
- The QM Patch that implemented with Dodd Frank expires in January of 2021; there is concern that it will expire without resolution. Potential impact includes the possibility that 35% of all originations (per the National MBA) do not meet QM guidelines 43% ratio). (Brian Stevens with the National Real Estate post shared 52%) of find. The implication is that 30 % of loans we made since Dodd Frank/QM wouldn’t be made without private equity investors entering the market to replace the GSEs.
- Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and GNMA all are in competition for the same buyers and FHA is being adversely selected for the low end buyers.
- One of the solutions I heard is FHA will limited to first time homebuyer only (and can only be used once. No 2nd and 3rd purchases.)
- Fannie and Freddie would be limited to
- 10% down payment
- Fannie and Freddie may be only for Owner Occupied – This is only Speculation
- Cashout and 2nd home and Non Owner may need to be picked up by Private equity marketplace
With all this said, it is so important to be involved! I would like to start by saying thank you and recognizing all of you and to all of our members who voted with their two feet and showed up for last Tuesday’s Dinner meeting at Overlake. We had a great evening kicking off our 101st year and a well-attended Loan Officer Panel; 4 amazing Loan Originators who shared their knowledge, wisdom, tips and tricks. I think everyone in attendance walked away with at least two or three ideas they could implement in their own business.
Special thank you to our 4 briliant loan officer panelists: Stephanie Maulding, Michelle Bruto Da Costa, Daniel Mery, Carese Busby and our masterful moderator David Hatlen.
Please take the time to REGISTER NOW for our exciting meeting in October. After the huge success at last year’s Pacific NW Lenders conference day two – Women in Mortgage Leadership – we are very excited to present a phenomenal panel of Women in Leadership. Register now because this event will sell out.
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
To all my fellow Washington Mortgage Bankers Association Friends and Family,
I want to thank everyone who attended our January 2020 kickoff dinner with Lennox Scott, the CEO of John L Scott.
I always say we vote for our organization and industry by showing up with our two feet. The people who showed up and voted last month got to be involved in a rare opportunity that Lennox shared with us. He brought lessons and expertise from his 40 years of leadership and inspired all of our attendees to partake in a very valuable lesson on who each of us are, where we want to go, and what we need to do in 2020 to make this happen. We also learned about our fellow peers as we shared with each other. And, as always, he provided his forecast for our Real Estate market and what is ahead.
I know I learned a very valuable tip from Lennox to focus on being a strategic leader and avoid getting stuck in the weeds, as he described from his Eagle Boy Scout experience, “getting the fire started”. Thank you Lennox for all you do for our industry and for being a great partner to the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association!
Speaking of dinners, I must say I’m getting very excited for next week’s dinner meeting with Chris George. It’s been almost 3 years since I last saw Chris present at the Pacific Northwest Mortgage Lenders conference and I still remember his true passion, drive, and caring commitment for our industry.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Chris on the national perspective and issues of the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Chris George is an innovator who has produced industry changing ideas; such as the Home Equity Accelerator and most recently Crowd Funding as a source of funds to close. Chris is the CEO of CMG along with being the Past Chairman of the National Mortgage Bankers Association.
Along with Chris’s presentation we will have a conversation and thoughts from a CEO’s seat; meaning Chris George and our local WMBA Chairman of the Board and CEO of Evergreen Home Loans, Donald Burton.
We are very excited to listen to these industry icons sit down and talk about current issues for our industry.
Please find Chris George’s bio below.
Registration for dinner ends Wednesday, February 12th at noon, so please register now.
Have a great day.
Robert Lipston
President, WMBA
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Welcome to March Washington Mortgage Bankers Association Friends and Family,
I want to thank everyone who attended our February 2020 dinner with Chris George. It was a great evening and Chris really lit up the room with his passion and knowledge of the industry. I would like to give a big shout out to Chris for his commitment to our industry and innovation that has helped us all.
Along with Chris I would also like to thank our very own Chairman of the Board Don Burton who led the question and answer session with Chris. Both of these CEO’s and Mortgage icons not only lead their organizations by example, they both give so much to the Local and National Mortgage Bankers Association so that we all benefit.
Thank you Chris and Don for your leadership and commitment.
Speaking of commitment to the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association and our industry I would also like to thank the following board members and members of our association who traveled to Olympia last Thursday to spend the afternoon with the Department of Financial Institutions and a full line up Senators and Legislators.
Thank you!
Lisa Goldsmith, Anne Marie Bachmann, Dan Rivisto, Gary Fallon, Sara Monzo, Don Burton, Andy McDonough, Liz Facemire, Randy Cowell, Teri Herman, Debbie Johnson and Jessica Fortescue.
Lobbyist Jessica Fortescue had a full agenda and important topics that we shared in our meetings. In every meeting we heard rave reviews on how Jessica is one of the most respected Lobbyist’s on the hill and on how she is considered a valuable resource for both the hill and our organization. Thank you Jessica for all your support and efforts.
I’m very excited for our March dinner being held on Saint Patrick’s day.
So don’t forget your Green!
We are hosting our annual Realtor Panel and we have 4 market leading panelists to share what is ahead in 2020 and all the tips and tricks of the Real Estate Market.
Please find our Panelists Bio’s and Registration for our March 17th Dinner at Overlake Country Club on the WMBA website: https://wa-mba.org/events/
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration for dinner ends Wednesday, March 11 th at noon.
Please don’t miss this great Panel and Event and vote with your two feet and show up for our March 17 th Dinner meeting at Overlake Country Club.
Robert Lipston
President WMBA
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Fellow WMBA Family,
As the world around us has slowed to a halt and our family’s safety has become the number one priority for our world, I must stop to share how truly grateful I am; for many reasons.
First, for the continued health, safety and security of our members, our member’s families, our friends and our colleagues.
Second, our industry is considered an essential work force and we remain employed, to help our customers with the American dream of home ownership and to leverage their homes as most people’s largest asset.
Third, as we navigate these unprecedented times our members have unified in so many ways to leverage the enormous wealth of knowledge, wisdom and talent to help each other make quick and fluid decisions for our members, families and for our industry.
Forth and most important, is that I would like to give an extremely loud shout out in gratitude to Jessica Fortescue, our Lobbyist, who through this ever changing, politically charged landscape, and the upheaval of our industry’s needs, has brought her years of experience, her extensive relationships, and her pure expertise to make our organization’s needs heard by our regulators, legislators, and most importantly our Governor. Please join me in thanking Jessica for your partnership and her commitment to the success of our organization, our families and our industry.
As we all work through these unprecedented times, unsettling conditions, and volatile market environment, I want to remind you that we are all one family united by our relationships and our industry. If there is something you or anyone needs I’m always a phone call away. My Cell phone is 206-650-4163.
Please be safe and know we are here to protect the health, safety and livelihood of our industry and our members.
From my family to yours, hang in there, be strong, and know we are more powerful as one united voice in solidarity and I will be here for you and so will the WMBA.
Robert Lipston
President | Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Fellow WMBA Family,
It seems that May has brought a glimmer of hope to us. As we see the wheels rolling to a slow and careful opening of our state, I know that many of us have been challenged with what the new normal will look like.
Thank you to the individual leaders and companies that have stepped up to help WMBA be the strong force that it has enjoyed for 101 years. It has been encouraging to me to see our members engage in the hopeful planning of our annual Golf Classic, to join us in our leadership meetings, to engage with their time and resources in ways that have helped the industry to be a voice in our government.
I hope that you are encouraged by the people around you as I have. We have had a lot to absorb, flex and change with, but WMBA and it’s members have been able to be in a position of strength during this time. We have a voice and alliance in our government to help us navigate this uncertain time. Be sure to learn more about Jessica our lobbyist at https://wa-mba.org/wmba-pac/
This week of May 4-8 th brings us to MAA Action Week. You will see emails and social media ads come out this week to encourage all to Join MAA and be a voice nationally for the Mortgage Bankers. You will get timely news and information on what is happening right now in the federal government that will affect you and help you to craft an action to help make a change! Please go to MAA Take Action for more information. Join MAA today .
So much has changed these last couple of months. I am thinking of all the 2020 High School graduates that did not get their senior year. WMBA has a scholarship program that is open to members with graduating high schoolers. We are now accepting applications, the deadline is June 1 st . Please take a look at more information and get the application at https://wa-mba.org/scholarships/2020-wmba-scholarship/
We have had some changes to our schedule, so please refer back often the website for more information as it unfolds. We are all looking forward to getting back out to see one another in a safe and healthy way.
Please join me in adding your voice to MAA this week.
From my family to yours,
Robert Lipston
President | Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Fellow WMBA Family,
Can you believe it is already June? With June full speed ahead we are operating differently. June usually brings a lot of excitement with the end of school, prom, graduations and the start of summer. This year that is all different, but with that said, it is with greathope with our Governor’s new Washington county phased re-opening plan in full force It has brought with it the hope and security of new things to come.
We have a new way of doing things; new experiences in virtual meetings, new work from home experiences, new rules of social distancing and new compassion for a hurting world.
It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the unrest and inequality protests that we are seeing up close and personal. I am proud to be part of an organization that has a purposeful process and program of inclusion. MBA has been long aware of social injustice and has taken aim for many years through MBA Diversity and Inclusion.
“Diversity and Inclusion give way to two other words, ‘deliberate and intentional.’ Diversity isn’t accidental and being inclusive should be purposeful. It’s something you focus on. Now, first of all, it’s the right thing to do – there’s no question about that. But beyond the right thing to do, it’s good for business. And it’s good for homeownership.” – Christopher M. George, 2018 MBA Chairman-Elect and Diversity Committee Chairman Founder, President and CEO, CMG Financial
May brought us MAA Action Month and it was with great pride that I saw our members step up and let their voices be heard. You have had many emails filling your inbox, but you have reacted, signed-up, wrote letters, and participated where it counts! The most powerful tool you have is your voice and so many of our members enrolled to use your voice. Thank you!
Although we enter our summer months we as an organization wanted to continue to give back. Please find some WMBA events ahead:
Upcoming events:
Coming up on June 16 th we have a virtual seminar on e-signing that is available for free. We are truly lucky to of assembled a great group of subject matter experts for this event.
Then on July 1 st you will have an opportunity to hear from our industry and WMBA friends Sen. Mark Mullet and Rep. Andrew Barkis , moderated by our Lobbyist Jessica Fortescue. Please see our events page for more information and registration links.
We have changed the date for the WMBA Golf Tournament. It will now be held September 9 th .
In closing, I want to say what a great privilege it has been these past two years as your President. WMBA has made me very proud to partner with such dedicated and service minded individuals and to be a part of a significant voice in our industry.
Thank you for stepping up in a time of crisis and uncertainty and making a difference.
All my best, Robert
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Fellow WMBA Family,
Well as I sit down this afternoon to send my last President’s Message I clearly have a full range of emotions. As you all know by now I have a great deal of passion and care for the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association and this industry. The last two years have been nothing short of unprecedented, amazing and a learning experience for me.
I have been so honored to be the President of this great organization for two terms and to have the privilege and honor to be the 100th and 101st President of the organization. I never took for granted the expectation and legacy left for me by the 99 other great leaders, mentors and President’s and how truly amazing it is this organization has been operating now for 101 years through so many industry cycles, changes and times.
As I look back at the last two years I could not have done this without an amazing board. My Vice President Lisa Goldsmith has been the most amazing human being I have ever had the privilege of serving with. Along with Lisa my Executive Board Andy McDonough and Jim DeMarco who committed to meeting a minimum of every two weeks to work on the organization versus just working in the organization. These three are your next three President’s and are so committed and ready to take this organization forward.
I also had a full and amazing board, plus committee chairs. They say it takes a village we definitely needed everyone who worked so hard to bring value to our members and industry.
As I reflect on my time as the President of this great organization one word keeps coming to mind over and over GRATEFUL.
I’m so grateful for my Mortgage Industry Family and all of the people who wake up every day to help American’s with the Dream of Home Ownership and leverage their homes to better their families lives.
On September 15th as I hand over the reigns and baton to Lisa Goldsmith I can tell you that you are in amazing hands. Lisa is qualified, driven and someone that deeply cares about making a difference and working on bettering our organization every day.
Lisa has been such an integral part of the success of this organization and worked hand in hand with the board, our lobbyist Jessica, National MBA and anyone and everyone to help navigate all of the craziness that has happened since COVID 19 started.
If you remember anything from my time at the podium I hope you remember two things.
- Vote with your two feet – Show up and be present at anything and everything. The biggest investment you can make is in yourself and being involved.
- The most powerful tool you have is your voice. Be involved and use your voice to help support our organization, our industry and your families future ability to earn.
As I move from President to “Past President” I ask you to attend our September meeting and help us swear in our new board. They are committed and ready to support your voice and take our organization to it’s 102nd year of success.
Thank you for the opportunity and privilege of serving you all and this organization.
Stay Healthy, Safe and strong.
Robert Lipston
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Dear WMBA Members,
As we begin this WMBA year together, change is virtually overwhelming. Our industry and our organizations are changing in the moment, day in day out. And, we are navigating that change together virtually. I believe that we are uniquely qualified to serve and lead now and into the new future.
For more than a year, I’ve consulted with past WMBA presidents and our leaders about how we can lead WMBA into what’s next. How can we both, preserve the legacy of the 101 years of our leadership, and, how can we find the path to a sustainable future? In the end, we all know that WMBA is the power of our united voices, visions, and collective share of knowledge. I believe that we have all always benefited from networking and exchanging ideas and experience.
If there is only one leadership outcome that we can generate in this time, let’s share and collaborate, leading from the top of all our member organizations, in a common cause to diversify WMBA, our member organizations, and our communities. We have the potential to make a meaningful difference by closing the gap in homeownership, building wealth for the broader population, and recruiting a diverse new generation of mortgage bankers. I believe that we are at a pivot point and now is the time that will sustain our future opportunities.
We are a fortunate group of essential workers. Many are accomplishing unimaginable results that will impact our organizations, communities, and families for future generations. I believe that all of us can recognize this opportunity and create this higher possibility.
I believe that we are inherently responsible to give back, pay it forward, create opportunity, and generate outreach, that reflects, replenishes, and sustains the power and privilege of our current and future economic and social position. Will you join me?
Lisa Goldsmith
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Dear WMBA Members,
In the season of gratitude, there are almost too many blessings to mention this year. We are essential workers, surviving long intense weeks of hard work, conveniently working from home. I believe that we are insulated from the challenges of many in this world.
Most of us have been blessed with safety and health for ourselves, our families, and our organizations. We are not on the frontline and can choose to shelter or be public. I believe that we are privileged in surprising ways.
Many of us have achieved unimaginable results in our work and our careers. Earlier this year I heard a prediction that we would have this opportunity, but, who could have known?!? I believe that we have a responsibility to share and pay it forward.
Because of all of us the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association is evolving, expanding, and generating new possibilities for our industry.
Consider ways that together we can share and give back and have an impact on our communities:
It is my honor and privilege to have this virtual podium and I appreciate every one of you who have read and consider these remarks!
Lisa Goldsmith
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
