In this episode of Road to Close, Paul Apostolakis sits down inside the Clear2 Mortgage Sprinter studio with one of the most influential leaders in the mortgage industry: Brian Vieaux, CMB — President of MISMO.

MISMO is the digital backbone of the mortgage world, powering everything from DU and LP data to eMortgages, compliance, and the next era of AI-driven lending. Whether you’re a loan officer, lender, broker, tech provider, or real estate professional, you’ve relied on MISMO even if you didn’t realize it.

In this high-impact conversation, Brian breaks down:

• What MISMO actually is and why every mortgage touches MISMO standards

• The new Mortgage Compliance Dataset (MCD) and how it will change state audits and lender workflows

• How AI is transforming lending — and why loan officers who use AI will replace those who don’t

• The dangers of misusing AI tools (including a real example that will shock LOs)

• Why data security and standardization matter more than ever

• The first inning of AI in mortgage lending — and what guardrails the industry must build

• Affordable housing, inventory shortages, and the “3 percent rate lock” trap

• Why portable mortgages, 50-year loans, and next-gen products might emerge

• The real path to helping first-time buyers in today’s market

• Why now may actually be the best time to be in the mortgage business

Brian also shares insights on leadership, technology, industry collaboration, and how MISMO’s small core team leverages hundreds of experts across the country to create standards that move the entire housing finance system forward.

Finally, he joins Paul for three fun rapid-fire questions — including who he’d trade places with for a week and the one thing he’d bring to a deserted island.

This is one of the most informative and forward-looking episodes we’ve ever produced. If you want to understand where the mortgage industry is truly headed, this conversation is required listening.

Live from the Clear2 Mortgage Sprinter Van, this week on Road 2 Close, host Paul Apostolakis sits down with Renee Lossia Acho, one of Michigan’s most accomplished real estate agents and a top producer at KW Domain, to talk about what everyone’s arguing about right now — the 50-year mortgage.

When President Trump said it could “solve housing affordability,” the media went crazy. But is it really the answer, or just another sound bite? Paul and Renee break it all down — the truth about how longer amortizations actually affect affordability, equity, and long-term wealth building — and why most experts are calling it a Band-Aid on a broken system.

They go deep on:

• Why 6.5 % mortgage rates aren’t the problem — and why they might actually be healthy.

• The real issue behind affordability: America’s housing shortage and lack of inventory.

• How Gen Z’s stalled job market is creating ripple effects all the way up to Michigan’s luxury homes.

• Why investors should be watching the rental market boom instead of waiting for a crash.

• How luxury new-construction prices in Metro Detroit reached $600 to $1,000 per square foot — and are still selling.

• Why Zillow headlines are like WebMD for real estate — and what data professionals should actually trust.

Renee calls it like she sees it — unfiltered, funny, and loaded with insider perspective from one of the most experienced agents in the Midwest. Expect real talk, no fluff, and practical insight you can actually use to navigate today’s housing market.

Whether you’re a loan officer, agent, investor, or homeowner, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the road ahead — and why Michigan real estate is far more resilient than the national headlines suggest.

👉 Hit play and buckle up — this is Road 2 Close, where real estate meets real talk.

In this episode of Road 2 Close, host Paul Apostolakis sits down with Kyle Toma, one of Clear2 Mortgage’s top-producing loan officers, to break down what it takes to perform at an elite level in today’s mortgage market.

Kyle closed 25 loans in a single month, helping more than 20 families achieve homeownership — and he’s just getting started. From mastering both purchase and refinance business to building client trust through constant availability, Kyle shares how he maintains consistency, balance, and focus in a fast-moving market.

They dive deep into: 🏡 The current mortgage rate environment and where rates are heading in 2026 💰 Why small rate dips can trigger huge spikes in refinance volume 📈 The mindset and structure behind Clear2 Mortgage’s record-breaking production 🤝 How leadership and culture drive loan officer success ⚙️ The secret to closing high-volume pipelines without burning out 💡 The importance of great processing teams and real teamwork in lending

Paul and Kyle also discuss market projections showing a 13% increase in total originations and a 24% jump in refi volume for 2026 — and what that means for brokers and homeowners alike.

Whether you’re a loan officer, real estate agent, or homebuyer, this episode delivers actionable insights and authentic conversation from the front lines of the mortgage industry.

📍 Recorded inside the Clear2 Mortgage Sprinter Van in Downtown Royal Oak, Michigan.

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