Guest: Kristina Paulson

What’s changed since the last time Kristina was on the show? A lot. Mark and Kristina talk through what it is like to analyze and decide on lending in today’s “new normal.”

IN THIS EPISODE:

  •  [00:35] Mark explains what MBFS or Member Business Financial Services does, and Kristina explains her role at MBFS and how the company has grown since its inception. 
  • [08:19] Kristina explains the pros and cons of working from home.
  • [13:32] Kristina discusses how the higher interest rate is impacting the lending business and how those rates are impacting the economy in general. 
  • [19:30] Kristina talks about the affordability of real estate and how the value of the real estate and its cash flow could be devalued. 
  • [21:46] Kristina believes that credit unions should get back to basics and inform, educate and give options to borrowers who may need to renew a loan. 
  • [25:28] Discussion of the lack of residential apartment units and low inventory of homes available. 
  • [28:05] Discussion of warehouse space compared to office space and shopping malls and location, location, location. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Interest rates have affected the housing market; however, a credit union is still a great place to visit to obtain financing.
  • The necessity for office space is declining because of employees working remotely.
  • Destination malls are still thriving; however, many malls are nearly vacant.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter – Website

BIO:

Kristina Paulson is the AVP of Credit Services at MBFS. After a career in banking, Kristina shifted to credit unions to assist in credit analysis. Today she leads the team’s credit analysis on new loans, annual reviews and portfolio management.

Mark Ritter is the CEO of MBFS and an expert in credit unions and business lending. His primary role at MBFS is overseeing the strategy of helping credit unions assist members with business needs and consulting with credit unions on planning the delivery of services to their membership.