People in the News, March 31, 2025

(From left: Mike Fratantoni, Joel Kan and Edward Seiler)

MBA Economists Win Crystal Ball Award

The Mortgage Bankers Association’s Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni, Deputy Chief Economist Joel Kan and Edward Seiler, MBA Associate Vice President for Housing Economics and Executive Director of the Research Institute for Housing America, were recognized by Pulsenomics, Acton, Mass.

Pulsenomics gives Crystal Ball Awards to the Home Price Expectations Survey panel members whose forecasts prove to be the most accurate. The accuracy and performance rankings are determined by comparing expectations to actual price changes as measured by the applicable benchmark index.

Fratantoni, Kan and Seiler were recognized with the first place prize for their 2-year predictions formulated in 2021, and received runner-up recognition for their 4-year predictions formulated in 2021 and 3-year predictions also formulated in 2021.

Certainty Home Lending Adds Dave Venugopal

Certainty Home Lending, Dallas, a Rate Co., added Dave Venugopal as Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending.

He will be based in Arlington, Va., and primarily serve the Mid-Atlantic market.

Venugopal has served clients in the mortgage space for more than 20 years with multiple top national lending firms.

Longbridge Financial Appoints Patrick Halonen

Longbridge Financial, Paramus, N.J., has announced Patrick Halonen as Head of Credit Policy, Underwriting and Quality Control.

He has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Halonen was most recently with TD Bank, and has also held roles at Citibank and US Bank.