Barry Habib
Template:Notability Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for deprecated parameters".Template:Wikidata image Barry Habib (born January 15, 1960) is an American entrepreneur and mortgage industry executive.He is the founder and chief executive officer of MBS Highway, a platform providing market analysis and tools for mortgage professionals. Habib is known for his forecasts on mortgage interest rates and has appeared as a financial commentator on networks including CNBC and Fox Business.[1][2]
Early life and education
Habib was born in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, to Sephardic Jewish parents of Turkish descent. His father worked as an international journalist and died when Habib was 11 years old. He later attended Baruch College in New York City, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.[2]
Career
Habib entered the mortgage industry in 1986. Over the course of more than two decades, he originated in excess of $2 billion in personal mortgage volume.[3] In 1989, he founded Certified Mortgage Associates, a firm he operated until its sale.
In 2001, he launched Mortgage Market Guide, a platform designed to help mortgage professionals interpret financial market trends. After selling the company, Habib established MBS Highway in 2012, a subscription-based service offering real-time mortgage market insights.[4] In 2020, he introduced the Certified Mortgage Advisor (CMA) certification program for mortgage professionals.
In 2022, MBS Highway acquired ListReports, a real estate data and marketing platform. Following the acquisition, MBS Highway, the CMA program, and ListReports were consolidated under a new parent company, Highway, with Habib remaining as CEO.[5]
Forecasting and industry commentary
Habib frequently delivers forecasts on mortgage interest rate trends at industry events, such as the Housing Economic Summit. His 2025 forecast projected mortgage rates would decline to the low 6% range by the end of the year, citing demographic and economic factors.[6] His predictions have been recognized with multiple awards for accuracy.
Entertainment work
Outside of finance, Habib has been involved in the entertainment industry. He was the lead producer and managing partner of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, which received five Tony Award nominations. A film adaptation was released in 2012, in which Habib made a brief cameo appearance.[7]
Media appearances
Habib has appeared as a guest financial analyst on networks such as CNBC and Fox Business, discussing trends in housing, mortgage rates, and monetary policy.[1] In 2015, Fox News published a feature article highlighting his work in mortgage forecasting and entrepreneurship.
Awards and recognition
- Crystal Ball Award – Habib has received the Zillow and Pulsenomics Crystal Ball Award on three occasions for accuracy in real estate market predictions.[8]
- Mortgage Professional of the Year (2019) – Awarded by National Mortgage Professional magazine.[3]
- Businessman of the Year (2021) – Presented by St. Armand Ventures.[9]
Personal life
In early 2024, Habib disclosed a diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma and began undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy. Despite health challenges, he has continued his professional work and public speaking engagements.[4]
Publications
- Money in the Streets – A business book written by Habib outlining his perspectives on opportunity and entrepreneurship.
References
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