Advisor Joe Cucchiara on the Power of High-Touch Lending in an AI-Driven World

Joseph Cucchiara (Joe) of Golden Empire Mortgage (GEM)

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms industries at an unprecedented pace, mortgage lending is no exception. Automated underwriting and AI-powered decision-making have streamlined home loan approvals, particularly for traditional, government-backed mortgages. However, for high-net-worth individuals with complex financial profiles, the mortgage process is anything but simple. This is where Joseph Cucchiara, a veteran in real estate lending and host of Real Estate Radio Live, is making a difference, advocating for a personalized, high-touch approach to financing that AI simply cannot replicate.

With over two decades of experience, Cucchiara has built his career on providing tailored mortgage solutions, particularly for clients in Silicon Valley. Now working with Golden Empire Mortgage (GEM), a direct seller and servicer for American publicly traded, government-sponsored enterprises, he specializes in jumbo and non-conforming loans, which require a more nuanced, hands-on underwriting process. Unlike traditional conforming loans that rely on automated approvals, jumbo loans demand manual underwriting, where financial experts meticulously review tax returns, business income, restricted stock units (RSUs), and investment portfolios.

For Cucchiara’s clientele, may it be entrepreneurs, business owners, or executives with multiple income streams, this personalized approach is not just beneficial but essential. “AI works great for straightforward cases like those with W-2 income and a predictable financial history,” Cucchiara explains. “But once you step outside that framework, human expertise becomes critical. You need someone who can assess complex financials, understand long-term wealth strategies, and tailor a solution that works for the client.”

For high-net-worth borrowers, securing financing isn’t just about getting approved; it’s about trust and flexibility. Many of Cucchiara’s clients have intricate financial portfolios, including multiple businesses, partnerships, or significant investments. Others are retirees or asset-rich individuals without a traditional income stream. In such cases, AI-driven models struggle to assess financial stability accurately.

“We work with clients who may not have a typical paycheck but have substantial assets,” Cucchiara says. “With the right strategy, we can convert those assets into qualifying income. AI can’t make those nuanced determinations. It requires a human element of understanding.”

Beyond income evaluation, personalized lending also ensures that busy professionals receive direct, immediate responses to their questions. “This type of clientele is always busy,” Cucchiara adds. “They don’t have time to wait on an automated system. They expect a high level of service, where they can get on a call, ask complex questions, and receive clear answers from an expert.”

Cucchiara’s commitment to education and transparency extends beyond his mortgage business. Since 2011, he has hosted Real Estate Radio LIVE, a top-rated podcast that demystifies real estate and mortgage lending for consumers. With over 1,700 episodes, the show has become a go-to resource for those looking to navigate the real estate market with confidence.

“I’ve always been an advocate for education,” Cucchiara says. “I believe that an informed consumer makes better financial decisions. Through the podcast, we bring in experts, analyze market trends, and help people understand the complexities of real estate and lending.”

His podcast covers a range of topics, from mortgage market trends and home financing strategies to tax implications and investment insights. By combining real-world expertise with a commitment to client education, Cucchiara ensures that his audience, whether first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or high-net-worth individuals, has access to reliable, expert-driven information.

While AI is revolutionizing parts of the mortgage industry, Cucchiara believes that high-touch lending will always have a place, especially for complex transactions. “AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a replacement for experience, relationships, and strategic thinking,” he emphasizes. “For clients with straightforward financials, automation works. But for those with unique needs—business owners, investors, or retirees—personalized lending provides security, flexibility, and trust that AI simply can’t replicate.” As mortgage lending continues to evolve, Joseph Cucchiara remains committed to preserving the human element in real estate financing.