In a market defined by economic uncertainty\, affordability pressures and rising transaction risk\, understanding both the data and the policy landscape is critical. This opening general session sets the stage for the conference by grounding attendees in the economic realities shaping today’s housing market before zooming out to examine what comes next.
The session will begin with a high-level economic outlook from Mark Fleming\, chief economist at First American Financial Corp. Fleming will break down current housing market conditions\, including transaction volume\, interest rates\, affordability challenges and broader economic volatility. Drawing on real data\, he will connect these trends to the essential role of title insurance\, putting clear facts behind its cost\, value and long-term consumer protection while addressing common misconceptions that frequently arise in policy discussions. Attendees will leave with practical economic insights and data points they can confidently reference in conversations with policymakers.
Building on that foundation\, ALTA CEO Chris Morton will moderate a big-picture conversation with two of the most influential voices in housing policy and advocacy. Edward DeMarco\, president of the Housing Policy Council and former acting director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency\, brings a perspective shaped by his leadership of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during a pivotal moment in housing finance. He is joined by Shannon McGahn\, executive vice president and chief advocacy officer for the National Association of REALTORS®\, who leads federal legislative and political strategy for the nation’s 1.5 million REALTORS®.
Together\, the panel will explore the forces shaping the housing market today\, from supply constraints and affordability to emerging policy priorities and the evolving consumer experience. The discussion will focus on how coordination across housing sectors\, including lending\, title and advocacy\, can reduce friction\, manage risk and strengthen long-term market stability and consumer confidence.
Sponsored by FNF Family of Companies\, this opening general session equips attendees with the economic context and policy perspective needed to engage effectively on Capitol Hill and beyond.
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