Mortgage Industry 2026 Outlook: Rates, Housing Supply & AI with John Hedlund
In this episode of the Connect Podcast, California MBA CEO Paul Gigliotti sits down with John Hedlund, Vice Chair of ICE, Vice Chairman of the National MBA, and California MBA Board Member. John shares powerful insights from ICE Experience “Win” event in Las Vegas and breaks down the biggest shifts facing mortgage finance today: • Interest rate forecasts and the realistic chances of a refi boom • Why housing affordability remains challenged despite potential market corrections • The truth about the U.S. housing supply shortage (and why oversupply could emerge in 5–10 years) • Changing demographics: Why younger generations are questioning traditional homeownership • Regulatory updates including Basel III, AI oversight, and state-level challenges • The role of technology and AI as core infrastructure (not just a feature) for efficiency and compliance • Real talk on cost per loan, productivity, scalability, and what originators need to focus on to stay competitive Whether you're a mortgage professional, lender, or industry leader, this conversation delivers thoughtful analysis and practical leadership perspectives you won't want to miss. Key Topics: • Mortgage rates and housing market outlook for 2026 • Housing supply & demand realities • AI and technology in mortgage operations • Regulatory landscape (Basel III, AI regulation) • Industry productivity and cost management Subscribe to the California MBA channel for more Connect Podcast episodes with top mortgage leaders. Sponsored by the 2026 President Council: AmeriHome, Western Alliance Bank, Consolidated Analytics, Loan DNA, CMG Financial, Guild Mortgage, Rocket Mortgage, and more.