The efficiency trap: Why faster doesn't always mean better

Does making something more efficient always make it cheaper? On this solo episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe explores the Jevons paradox—the idea that making something cheaper and easier to use often leads to more demand, not less. From fuel-efficient cars and air conditioning to artificial intelligence, history shows that efficiency doesn't necessarily reduce consumption—it expands it. Zeb applies that same framework to housing and mortgage, examining how AI, automation and digital lending may increase loan volume, accelerate transactions and reshape the industry in ways few people are discussing. The question isn't whether efficiency is good. It's what happens after it succeeds. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.