As the refinance cycle begins to stir, mortgage lenders are quietly building AI systems capable of calling borrowers, analyzing credit, and identifying refi opportunities at record speed. This cover story examines how United Wholesale Mortgage, Lendware, and frontline originators are using “Terminator tech” to defend refi recapture against servicing giants — and why industry leaders like GoRascal CEO Scott Valins warn that the real threat may not be servicers at all, but how quickly AI is learning the loan officer’s job.

This story follows Jonathan Fry of My Community Mortgage and Daryl Lionnet of West Capital Lending, two high-producing loan officers whose paths couldn’t be more different — one powered by community, visibility, and relentless networking, and the other by digital funnels, automation, and precision follow-up. Together, they reveal how the next generation of originators is rebuilding trust with borrowers and rewriting the playbook for success in today’s market.

This story follows Houston firefighter and co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, Aaron Clark, who built a thriving mortgage business by treating every loan like an emergency response. His firehouse training and service-first mindset helped him solve bottlenecks, earn client trust, and navigate two demanding careers at once. Learn how Clark chooses partners, mentors new LOs, and leverages flexibility to build a business grounded in integrity and teamwork.

This issue highlights two mortgage pros who excel at building human connection. Jaime Rhude — a former casino worker who became a dedicated VA loan advocate — helps close communication gaps for deaf clients and veterans. Meanwhile, John Pavlakovich demonstrates how mentorship and gratitude can shape a career, and why paying it forward remains essential.

Everyone’s talking about AI, but few are delivering real transformation. In this story, we unpack why generic chatbots fall short in mortgage lending — and how deterministic, transactional AI is setting a new standard for compliance, accountability, and borrower experience.

Inside the mortgage industry’s new wave of broker acquisitions with Jonathan Haddad, David Lykken, Samir Dedhia, and Jamie Cavanaugh — where deals are as much about alignment and identity as they are about dollars.

In today’s high-rate housing market, builders are luring buyers with rate buydowns, closing credits, and upgrade perks. The Incentive Era shows loan originators how to compete — not on flash, but on strategy, service, and long-term value.

It’s a heavyweight fight for the future of mortgage lending: Mortgage Bankers vs. Mortgage Brokers. Industry leaders Rick Roque and Jason duPont go head-to-head in the debate that could reshape the market for the next decade.