The Miami Winter Mortgage Conference 2025 was a highly anticipated event that gathered some of the most distinguished professionals in the mortgage industry at the beautiful Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Held on January 23rd, the conference served as a unique platform for networking, learning, and building long-term business relationships. As a press media attendee, I had the privilege to witness firsthand the energy, insights, and innovative ideas that permeated the event.
From seasoned veterans with over 30 years of experience to newcomers eager to learn the ropes, the conference truly lived up to its reputation as an essential annual gathering for mortgage professionals. This year’s conference was no exception, showcasing a vibrant mix of education and entertainment, topped off with an unforgettable after-party for continued networking.
A Packed Day of Insightful Sessions and Networking
The conference started bright and early at 9 AM, kicking off with breakout sessions designed to dive deep into the latest trends, strategies, and insights in the mortgage industry. These sessions weren’t just for passive listening; they were highly interactive, featuring industry experts who offered actionable knowledge to attendees.
Key Breakout Sessions
The morning sessions were designed to engage attendees and provide them with tools to elevate their mortgage businesses. One of the first breakout sessions, “Construction and Fix & Flip Lending: Unlocking Profitable Opportunities,” led by industry experts Ed London of London Financial and Andres Saias of RBI Mortgage, gave professionals valuable insights into specialized loan programs, market trends, and the strategies to maximize profits in the growing construction and fix-and-flip sectors.
For mortgage professionals looking to master more complex types of lending, the session on “Hard Money Lending: Mastering Commercial and Construction Hard Money Loans” led by Michael Internoscia of M&M Private Lending, Gilbert Sanchez of NQM Funding, and Henry Jimenez of Benworth Capital provided detailed guidance on structuring and closing hard money loans. These professionals shared real-world case studies to help attendees navigate the intricacies of commercial and residential lending, as well as how to identify new opportunities in these sectors.
Next, the session “Unlocking Opportunities in Foreign National Lending,” featured experts like Jeff Gross from Bradesco, Milvia Castellano from BB Americas, and John Jeanmond from Angel Oak. They provided a comprehensive look into Foreign National Non-QM loans—a rapidly growing and highly lucrative niche in mortgage lending. In addition to insights on market opportunities, the experts shared strategies for navigating international regulations and creating financial products that catered to global clients.
Focus on Condo Financing
In light of the recent challenges surrounding condo financing in Florida, a session called “Condo Financing Approvals: Navigating the Challenges in Today’s Market” provided a deep dive into how industry professionals can tackle the growing crisis. Allan Ackles from HUD, Mike Pearson from A&D Mortgage, and Nick De Santis from Condo Analytics discussed how to navigate FHA, Non-QM, and Fannie Mae condo financing guidelines. Florida, known for its vast condo market, is facing significant hurdles in financing condos due to legislative changes and stringent compliance requirements. This session equipped attendees with essential knowledge on how to overcome these obstacles and remain competitive.
Insights from Top Loan Originators
Another key session at the Miami Winter Mortgage Conference brought together top loan originators for a panel discussion on how to succeed in a competitive mortgage market. Moderated by Allen Middleman, the panel featured Jose Blanchard of Nations Trust Mortgage, Thuan Nguyen of Loan Factory, Irina Sluysarchuk of A&D Mortgage, and Rodolfo Hernandez of Pioneer Mortgage Funding. These experts shared their strategies for fostering long-term client relationships, growing business volume, and staying ahead of market changes.
The session was filled with valuable insights on how loan originators can differentiate themselves in the marketplace through innovative strategies, customer service, and cutting-edge technology. For example, Thuan Nguyen discussed the importance of leveraging technology to streamline processes and provide a smoother experience for clients. The panelists also emphasized the importance of networking and attending industry events like the Miami Winter Mortgage Conference to stay connected with others and gain new perspectives.
Empowering Mortgage Professionals: UWM's Vision for 2025
One of the most exciting sessions of the day featured Allen Beydoun, Executive Vice President of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). His session, “Innovate, Educate, and Dominate – Mastering the 2025 Market with UWM,” was designed to empower mortgage loan originators with strategies to succeed in 2025 and beyond. UWM, known for revolutionizing the mortgage industry, shared innovative tools and solutions that have helped them stay at the forefront of wholesale lending.
Beydoun emphasized the importance of staying ahead of trends and market data, providing attendees with insights that would help them remain competitive as the market continues to evolve. The session was both empowering and educational, and it gave attendees the tools they need to position themselves for success in the years ahead.
Addressing Mortgage Fraud: A Critical Issue
As the day progressed, one of the most eye-opening sessions took place with FBI Special Agent Darin M. Didier, who led a session on “Unmasking Mortgage Fraud and Financial Crimes.” With nearly two decades of experience in tackling mortgage fraud, Special Agent Didier shared the latest trends and emerging risks in mortgage fraud, offering attendees an in-depth look at how to protect their businesses from financial crimes.
This session highlighted red flags to watch for and strategies to mitigate risks in today’s volatile market. Given the increasing complexity of mortgage fraud schemes, this session was a must-attend for anyone working in mortgage origination, underwriting, and compliance.
The Evening Trade Show and After-Party
After a day filled with invaluable sessions, attendees had the chance to network and forge new partnerships on the dynamic trade show floor, open from 4 PM to 8 PM. The trade show showcased a wide array of industry vendors, technology providers, and service professionals—offering a great opportunity to connect with potential business partners and clients.
The conference closed with a vibrant after-party from 8 PM to 10 PM, where networking continued in a lively atmosphere. The after-party allowed professionals to unwind and continue their conversations, further strengthening the bonds made throughout the day.
A Glimpse into the Future of Mortgage Lending
The Miami Winter Mortgage Conference 2025 not only delivered a packed day of learning and networking but also provided attendees with the tools and knowledge to remain competitive in an ever-evolving mortgage landscape. The insights shared by industry leaders, seasoned professionals, and innovators will surely resonate with participants long after the event concluded.
Whether it was through understanding niche markets such as construction and fix-and-flip lending, foreign national lending, or mastering the complexities of condo financing, the conference offered something for every professional in the mortgage industry. As the event wrapped up, it was clear that the Miami Winter Mortgage Conference continues to be an unmissable event that helps mortgage professionals connect, grow, and thrive.
Thank You the Sponsors
A special thank you goes out to the conference’s sponsors, including A&D Mortgage, UWM Wholesale Mortgage, Luxury Mortgage, Lendz, FAMP, and others. Their support helped make this year’s event possible and allowed attendees to benefit from a world-class experience.
In conclusion, if you were unable to attend this year’s Miami Winter Mortgage Conference, make sure to mark your calendars for next year’s event. It is clear that this conference is a must-attend for anyone serious about growing their mortgage business and staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving industry.
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