In today’s shifting mortgage landscape, lenders are navigating tighter margins, rising costs, and increased regulatory pressure—yet few topics stir more frustration than the hidden financial burdens behind every transaction. In our latest LinkedIn Live episode, “The Real Cost of Lending: Credit Bureaus, Regulation & The Fight for Housing,” we sit down with Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage, and Alice Alvey, longtime industry executive, to unpack what’s really driving up costs in lending—from credit bureau fees to outdated compliance frameworks. We also explore what needs to change—at both the industry and policy level—to preserve access to homeownership and support the future of mortgage banking. This is a must-watch conversation for lenders, originators, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of housing finance.
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Bill Cosgrove is the president and chief executive officer of Union Home Mortgage, a high-growth, full-service retail, wholesale and consumer direct independent mortgage banking company. Mr. Cosgrove has accrued more than 33 years of mortgage banking industry experience since the beginning of his career in 1986 as a residential loan officer. He later joined Union Home Mortgage in 1994 and became its sole owner in 1999. As a result of Mr. Cosgrove’s leadership, Union Home Mortgage has experienced incredible growth, expanding from 2 branches and 35 Partners in 1999, to 165 branches and more than 1,300 Partners nationwide. Mr. Cosgrove has developed a culture and operating philosophy that grew the company from its humble roots in Cleveland, to a nationally acclaimed mortgage bank. In 2019, the company originated nearly $5 billion in home loans, making it one of the largest family-owned mortgage banking companies in America. From the onset of his career, Mr. Cosgrove has developed a reputation as one of the leading innovators for the mortgage banking industry in Northeast Ohio and the country. In addition to his responsibilities as president and chief executive officer of Union Home Mortgage, Mr. Cosgrove also served as the Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association (OMBA) president in 2007 and the national chairman of the Mortgage Banker Association (MBA) in 2015, making him the first professional in Ohio history to serve in both capacities. Mr. Cosgrove also founded the MBA Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference in 2012. Mr. Cosgrove’s advocacy for mortgage banking is well evidenced by requests to testify before Congress as an expert in the mortgage lending industry. He has given testimony before the House Financial Services and Senate Banking Committees in Washington, D.C. as well as the Ohio House of Representatives. Mr. Cosgrove was awarded the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Andy Woodard Distinguished Service Award in 2016, the highest recognition an individual member of the MBA can receive. Mr. Cosgrove is proud to have been inducted into the Bedford, Ohio High School Distinguished Hall of Fame for his mortgage banking accomplishments. Mr. Cosgrove was named a “40 Under 40” executive by Crain’s Cleveland Business. Mr. Cosgrove is an engaged member of the Northeast Ohio community, serving on the board of directors for both the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. He is a proud father of three children and a loving husband.