The Loan Officer Podcast

Join D.O. and Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage, for this insightful episode of The Loan Officer Podcast. Chris shares his journey from a young entrepreneur selling car stereos, through car sales and insurance, to becoming one of the mortgage industry’s top leaders. Dive into stories about building market share, developing meaningful business strategies, and advice for originators on treating their database like a portfolio. With candid reflections on mistakes and wins, plus an outlook on new products and challenges facing mortgage professionals, this episode delivers actionable lessons and inspiration for anyone in the real estate or lending business.

In this insightful episode of The DO Show, host Dustin Owen—drawing on his extensive 20+ years of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry—delivers a comprehensive guide for mortgage professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re contemplating a career move, actively seeking new opportunities, or aiming to recruit and retain top-tier talent for your organization, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world wisdom. Dustin begins by exploring the most common pitfalls that mortgage professionals encounter when considering a job change. He delves into the dangers of chasing after niche loan products or fleeting market trends, emphasizing the importance of focusing on long-term career growth rather than short-term gains. He also addresses the critical issue of mishandling client data, explaining how lapses in compliance and data security can not only jeopardize your reputation but also put your entire career at risk.

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with John Motowidlak, co-founder of Mpire Financial. Together, they dive deep into the ways technology—such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and SaaS solutions—is revolutionizing the mortgage industry and accelerating Mpire Financial’s impressive growth trajectory. John offers valuable insights into the process of developing proprietary technology, emphasizing how innovation and adaptability are crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultivating a strong company culture at Mpire Financial, and how this foundation supports both employee satisfaction and client success. John and Dustin discuss the upcoming Mortgage Con 2026 conference in Orlando, highlighting the event’s potential for learning, networking, and discovering the latest industry trends. Throughout the episode, they explore the exciting opportunities that come with tech-driven change in real estate, as well as the unique challenges that mortgage professionals face in adapting to new tools and processes. John shares his perspective on the future of coaching and mentorship in the industry, introducing innovative coaching platforms and resources designed to help loan officers and mortgage professionals thrive. Listeners will also hear about new networking opportunities, best practices for leveraging technology, and actionable strategies for navigating the dynamic landscape of modern mortgage lending.   TLOP's Originator Coaching ---> Visit Website

D.O. takes a deep dive into the growing buzz surrounding 50-year mortgages and portable mortgage products. Leveraging his two decades of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry, Dustin breaks down these trending topics, separating hype from reality for his listeners. He begins by explaining what 50-year and portable mortgages actually are, outlining how they function in theory and practice. Dustin then explores why these unconventional loan products are unlikely to gain widespread acceptance in the United States, drawing insightful comparisons to the mortgage systems in Canada and the United Kingdom, where such products have seen varying degrees of popularity.

👉 Get Coached through TLOP's Originator Coaching Join TLOP In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Bob Niemi, a highly experienced mortgage professional, compliance consultant, and industry thought leader. Together, they delve into a range of critical and timely topics affecting mortgage professionals today. The conversation begins with an in-depth exploration of the ongoing challenges surrounding loan officer compensation, including the complexities of structuring pay in a way that aligns with both regulatory requirements and business objectives. Bob and Dustin analyze the current state of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), noting its relative inactivity and discussing the potential implications for lenders and loan officers who may be tempted to relax their compliance standards during this period of regulatory lull. The discussion then shifts to the significant risks associated with non-compliance, highlighting real-world examples of enforcement actions and the long-term consequences for individuals and companies who fail to adhere to industry regulations. Bob provides valuable insights into the evolving Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) attestation process, explaining recent changes, common pitfalls, and best practices for ensuring accurate and timely submissions. A major focus of the episode is the legal and ethical complexities involved in compensating real estate agents for referrals. Bob breaks down the nuances of RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) compliance, clarifies what constitutes a violation, and offers practical advice for mortgage professionals seeking to build strong referral relationships without crossing legal boundaries. Throughout the conversation, Dustin and Bob emphasize the critical importance of maintaining a robust compliance culture, seeking ongoing legal counsel, and adopting a long-term perspective on career growth in the mortgage industry. They stress that, amid ongoing regulatory changes and shifting market dynamics, mortgage professionals must remain vigilant, proactive, and committed to ethical business practices to ensure sustained success and avoid costly missteps. *Introduction & Guest Background (00:00:00)* *Bob’s Early Mortgage Career & Transition to Compliance (00:02:21)* *State Regulator & MLS Ombudsman Experience (00:04:16)* *Current Role & Bridging Compliance and Production (00:05:36)* *Advocacy & Industry Involvement (00:06:18)* *Typical Week & MLS Ombudsman Duties (00:09:33)* *CMB Community & Professional Development (00:13:05)* *Top Reasons Clients Contact Bob/Weiner Brodsky Kider (00:15:55)* *Loan Officer Compensation (LO Comp) Issues (00:17:02)* *Risks of Non-Compliance & Real-World Scenarios (00:21:24)* *State Regulators & Individual Liability (00:24:03)* *CFPB’s Current State & Regulatory Landscape (00:25:06)* *State Regulators Increasing Enforcement (00:28:38)* *Industry Need for Regulation & Historical Context (00:31:13)* *Paying Real Estate Agents for Referrals (00:33:30)* *Compliance Challenges with Dual Roles (00:34:27)* *Risks & Best Practices for Realtor Compensation (00:36:31)* *Additional Considerations for Dual Roles (00:39:30)* *Upcoming MLS Disclosure Changes (00:41:29)* *Potential Impact of MLS Changes (00:42:39)* *Guidance and Resources for MLS Changes (00:44:43)* *Closing & Personal Insights (00:47:19)* Subscribe!  @TLOPentertainment ​

In this episode of The D.O. Show, host Dustin Owen leverages his extensive 20+ years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industries to deliver a comprehensive and practical guide to real estate investing. Dustin breaks down essential investment strategies, including buy-and-hold, house flipping, wholesaling, and the powerful B.U.R.R. (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance)*method, providing listeners with a clear understanding of how each approach works and when to use them for maximum return on investment.  

In this power-packed episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, D.O. sits down with Jonathon Haddad, President of NerdWallet Mortgage Experts and CEO of AIM, live from Nashville during AIM Fuse. Jonathon shares actionable strategies for mortgage professionals to maximize client retention, work their database, and elevate their advisory roles. The conversation gets tactical, offering scripts, touchpoints, and insights on leveraging systems and building real relationships. D.O. and Jonathon also dive into the importance of sales skills and neuro-linguistic programming in achieving long-term success in lending. Get ready for a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to dominating the mortgage business in 2025 and beyond.

D.O. sits down with LinkedIn expert Dan Smokoska in Dallas, Texas, during the Sales Mastery event. They dive deep into Dan's unique journey from mortgage industry executive to mastering LinkedIn as a tool for professional survival and growth. Dan shares his firsthand experience using LinkedIn to rapidly expand his network and build a personal brand after job loss, as well as five actionable tips every sales and business professional can use to turn LinkedIn into a revenue engine. Packed with practical strategies and honest conversation, this episode is a must-watch for anyone wanting to level up their social selling and personal branding game.

In this episode of *The DO Show* mortgage expert *Dustin Owen* tackles one of the most pressing questions in today’s real estate market: *Is there a housing bubble in 2025?* Drawing on his extensive experience in the mortgage industry, Dustin debunks the widespread myth of an impending housing market crash. Instead, he explains that *today’s high home prices* are largely driven by a persistent *housing shortage* and strong buyer demand, not by risky lending practices or speculative bubbles.

Welcome to another episode of "The DO Show," hosted by mortgage industry veteran Dustin Owen! In this insightful and engaging episode, Dustin draws from his extensive 20-year career as a top-performing mortgage loan originator to provide a comprehensive look into the world of mortgage lending. Whether you’re considering a career in the mortgage industry, are a new loan officer, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field, this episode is packed with valuable information and real-world advice. Dustin Owen shares his personal journey, revealing the highs and lows he’s experienced over two decades in the business. He breaks down the unique rewards and challenges that come with being a mortgage professional, from helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership to navigating the ever-changing landscape of lending regulations and market conditions.

In this episode, D.O. shares a major career move: fully committing to TLOP and going brand agnostic after years of working within specific mortgage companies. He discusses the journey of turning a passion project into a full-scale mission to elevate the mortgage industry, supporting loan officers, brokers, and realtors with innovative coaching, consulting, and media content. D.O. dives into the challenges and excitement of entrepreneurship, the importance of industry relationships, and his vision for scaling impact across the mortgage space. Whether you're an industry newbie or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers refreshing insights, bold announcements, and true inspiration for anyone in the business.

D.O. sits down with Alec Hanson, SVP of Sales at Loan Depot, for a high-energy, no-fluff conversation on how AI is radically transforming the mortgage and real estate industries. Alec shares his journey from humble beginnings as a receptionist to becoming a top producer, marketing executive, and now a sales leader.

In the first episode of The D.O. Show, Dustin explores youth travel sports and the financial impacts it can have on your child's future education.

D.O. sits down with mortgage industry legend Todd Bookspan for a candid conversation packed with career insights and industry secrets. Todd shares his unique journey from entrepreneur and bicycle shop owner to top-producing mortgage originator and coach. Discover the story behind his game-changing "Win By Noon" philosophy, how he built a 550+ unit year, and lessons learned from coaching with icons like Bill Hart. Plus, Todd and D.O. dig deep into the impact of mentorship, accountability tools, and the power of communication—wrapping up with actionable advice for sales pros and originators looking to elevate their business. Don’t miss these strategies, stories, and takeaways you can use right now to accelerate your growth!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Loan Officer Podcast! In this episode, your host Dustin Owen sits down with the incredible Yaritza, a top Orlando real estate broker and former Disney employee, to dive deep into her remarkable journey from the magic of Disney to the fast-paced world of real estate. Yaritza opens up about her decade-long career at Disney and how the skills she learned there—like exceptional customer service and attention to detail—helped shape her approach to real estate. She shares the personal and professional challenges she faced, especially as a mother balancing the demands of parenting with the hustle of building a successful career. After being laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, Yaritza made the bold decision to pursue real estate full-time, turning a setback into a major comeback.

D.O. dives into the latest industry shake-ups after a rare two-week hiatus. He tackles the challenges behind AUS (Automated Underwriting System) denials, breaks down how government policies are shaping loan approvals, and discusses the dramatic changes around FICO credit algorithms and report costs. D.O. also explores the impact of a government shutdown on the mortgage process, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating these unpredictable times. 

D.O. breaks down the top 10 cities in the U.S. with the greatest increases in mortgage volume year-over-year—revealing the hottest spots for loan officers and brokers looking to ramp up their origination business. He also shares his insights on industry events, dives into the most buyer-friendly markets in 2025, and offers actionable tips for success in today’s shifting mortgage environment.

D.O. shares actionable strategies for mortgage professionals to dominate their database and turn it into a powerful "data bank." D.O. walks through a step-by-step process—including celebrating client milestones, sending impactful newsletters, utilizing social media, and hosting events—to help you build brand loyalty and generate leads.

D.O. breaks down the five essential loan products every top-producing mortgage originator needs to master to make a million dollars a year. He dispels common myths around chasing niche and "sizzle" products, and instead focuses on proven, scalable choices backed by years of industry insight. D.O. also shares stories from his coaching career and reveals the patterns of mortgage millionaires across the country. Whether you're new to the business or looking to refine your product mix, this is a must-listen for actionable strategies, industry wisdom, and the mindset required for long-term success in mortgage lending.

D.O. unpacks the powerful connection between sales and storytelling. He breaks down four essential tactics every salesperson should use to capture attention, deliver value, and make their message memorable—whether one-on-one or to a packed audience. He shares how incorporating key phrases, strategic pauses, and deeper storytelling can help mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and anyone in sales build trust, drive engagement, and ultimately win more business.