Claim OwnershipThe Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds
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”The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds” is a refreshingly candid podcast hosted by two seasoned mortgage lenders, Stephen Brock NMLS 1926015 and Derick Brown NMLS 1640146, from The Mortgage Firm. This podcast cuts through the jargon and complexity of the mortgage industry, offering unfiltered insights and straightforward advice. Each episode delves into the often-overlooked aspects of mortgage lending, from navigating market trends to understanding credit scores. Our hosts bring their extensive experience and a touch of humor to demystify the mortgage process for consumers and realtors alike. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional seeking to enhance your knowledge, this podcast is your go-to source for honest, actionable mortgage wisdom. Join us as we break down the walls of the lending world, one truth at a time.
The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 Equal Housing Lender
NC License # I-219794
CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550. THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.
The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 Equal Housing Lender
NC License # I-219794
CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550. THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.
91 Episodes
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The Fed just cut rates—but mortgage rates actually went up. In this episode, Stephen and Derick break down why that happened, what the Fed really controls, and how the bond market drives mortgages instead.
You’ll learn:
Why the Fed cut its benchmark rate and what their cautious tone signaled to markets.
Why mortgage rates follow the 10-year Treasury and MBS spreads—not the Fed funds rate.
What this means for homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate agents right now.
Four smart refinancing moves to take before rates drop again.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to refinance or an agent answering client questions, this episode gives you the brutally honest truth about how Fed moves impact mortgage rates.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Derick and Stephen break down one of the most overlooked pieces of mail Florida homeowners receive every year: the TRIM Notice.
They explain:
What a TRIM Notice actually is (and why it’s not your tax bill).
How mistakes on your assessed value can cost you thousands in property taxes.
Why changes to your TRIM Notice can directly increase your monthly mortgage payment.
Common homeowner questions on exemptions, millage rates, and appeals.
How Realtors can use TRIM season as a smart client touchpoint.
If you own a home in Florida—or you’re a Realtor advising clients—this episode gives you the knowledge to save money and avoid surprises before the tax bill shows up in November.
This week, Stephen Brock and Derick Brown break down the shocking jobs report that shook the markets and sent mortgage rates lower. What does this really mean for buyers, sellers, and realtors? Stephen explains why the bond market moves faster than the Fed, how labor data is finally showing cracks, and why this might be the opportunity buyers have been waiting for.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why mortgage rates dropped immediately after the jobs report
How the bond market leads while the Fed lags
What “labor over inflation” really means for housing
The brutally honest truth buyers and realtors need to hear right now
📌 Don’t wait for the Fed’s blessing. The market has already moved.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Derick and Stephen unpack the inspiring story of a 25-year-old first-time homebuyer who’s already building wealth through smart money habits.
They break down:
How starting with just $130 a month can grow into over $1 million by retirement.
The power of compound interest and why time—not income—is the real multiplier.
Why waiting for the “perfect” situation in real estate or investing can cost you years of growth.
How homeownership + consistent investing can work together to build generational wealth.
Whether you’re in your 20s or 40s, this episode will change how you think about money, investing, and real estate.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen and Derick break down the recent Federal Reserve meeting in Jackson Hole and what it really means for buyers, sellers, and realtors.
They simplify the complex:
Why the Fed’s decision not to change rates doesn’t directly set mortgage rates.
How mortgage rates are tied more to the 10-year Treasury yield than to Fed Funds.
Why waiting for a “perfect” rate is risky, and how to focus on your own financial timing instead.
Real-life client stories that show how small rate shifts impact buying power.
Practical tips for credit management, avoiding late fees, and staying loan-ready.
Whether you’re a buyer, realtor, or just watching the economy, this episode cuts through the noise and helps you make smarter decisions in a volatile market.
This week on The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Derick and Stephen sit down with Alex, a CPA and Cash Flow Expert, to tackle the money side of real estate and small business.
From the biggest tax mistakes homeowners make, to the hidden benefits of homeownership, and what realtors and entrepreneurs can do to hold onto more of their income — Alex breaks down complex topics into brutally honest, practical steps you can take today.
You’ll learn:
How taxes impact buying a home (and why waiting until the last minute can cost you)
The often-overlooked tax advantages of owning vs. renting
Smart bookkeeping strategies for realtors and small business owners
Whether setting up an LLC or S-Corp really makes sense for agents
The #1 money habit everyone should start tomorrow
If you’re a homeowner, investor, realtor, or running your own business, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
👉 Get a free consultation with Alex at Stronghold Associates here: https://www.strongholdassociates.com/freeconsult
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen Brock and Derick Brown pull back the curtain on assumable mortgage loans. With today’s higher interest rates, many buyers wonder if they can simply take over the seller’s loan — and sometimes, the answer is yes.
We break down:
Which loans are actually assumable (hint: FHA, VA, USDA… but not conventional).
The real benefits — like inheriting a 2% or 3% rate and saving on closing costs.
The roadblocks that can kill the deal, from big equity gaps to VA entitlement issues.
Why the process can drag out longer than expected.
If you’re a buyer hoping to score a lower rate or an agent with a listing that needs an edge, understanding mortgage assumptions could be a game-changer.
Rates feel like they’re doing the cha-cha—up one day, down the next—and everyone’s asking the same thing: “When will mortgage rates finally come down?” In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Stephen and Derick unpack why predicting rates isn’t as simple as watching the Fed.
They break down the full cocktail of factors influencing rates—from inflation and investor emotions to global headlines and media hype. You’ll hear why waiting for that “perfect” rate might cost you more than you think, how refinancing fits into the bigger picture, and the key questions to ask yourself before jumping into the market.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen Brock and Derick Brown break down the latest tax changes that could put more money in your pocket — and make homeownership more attainable. From a bigger Child Tax Credit to a higher standard deduction for seniors, and the permanent tax-deductibility of PMI, these updates can improve your cash flow and even help with mortgage approval.
Stephen and Derick explain why these changes matter for first-time buyers, current homeowners, and retirees looking to move or downsize. Plus, they share why the current buyers’ market creates unique opportunities to negotiate seller concessions, secure lower effective payments, and potentially get ahead of the competition before rates drop.
If you’ve been on the fence about buying, this episode will show you how smart timing and new tax perks can work in your favor.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen Brock and Derick Brown dive into a question that could shake the markets: What happens if Jerome Powell resigns as Chair of the Federal Reserve? This isn’t just a political hot take—it’s a serious conversation about leadership at the top of the economic food chain and how it impacts mortgage rates, homebuyers, and the housing market as a whole.
They break down what the FED actually does, how Powell's policies have shaped the market, and what kind of chaos—or opportunity—could follow a sudden change in leadership. Most importantly, they bring it back to the consumer: how loan officers, realtors, and homeowners should prepare for what comes next.
If you want to understand the ripple effects of FED decisions (without the Wall Street jargon), this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, we sit down with David Custons to talk about what it really means to do real estate the right way. David shares how decades of experience in construction, property management, and home services gave him the foundation to finally step into real estate full-time—when he knew he could truly add value. We dive into the importance of loyalty, why relationships (not just transactions) matter, and what makes South Florida such a unique market. If you value straight talk, local expertise, and long-term thinking in this business, you’ll want to hear David’s story.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, Derick and Stephen explore what the American Dream really means today — and how homeownership is still one of its most powerful cornerstones. From building equity and gaining tax advantages to creating generational wealth, they break down why owning a home is more than just having a roof over your head.
What makes Derick brutally honest? Stephen gets the unfiltered backstory in this episode of truth, grit, and growth.
This week, the spotlight flips as Stephen interviews fellow Brutally Honest Loan Officer, Derick. From humble beginnings to building a mortgage career rooted in transparency and grit, Derick shares the mindset, lessons, and defining moments that shaped his brutally honest approach to lending—and life. It’s real talk between two professionals who don’t hold back.
Hurricane season is officially here—and if you're in the mortgage or real estate world, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, Stephen and Derick break down what every buyer, homeowner, agent, and loan officer needs to know to keep deals on track during storm season. From insurance binding deadlines to home prep checklists and deal-saving tips, we’re giving you the brutally honest truth about how hurricanes impact the mortgage process. Don’t let one storm blow up your closing—get ahead of it now
There’s a lot of buzz around Governor DeSantis’ push to overhaul property taxes in Florida—but what’s actually happening, and what’s just talk? In this episode, Derick breaks down the headlines and the real impact behind the proposals. From the $1,000 rebate check to a long-term plan to eliminate property taxes for lifelong residents, we unpack what this could mean for homeowners, the housing market, and the mortgage industry. If you're buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of Florida's tax shake-up, this one's for you.
Dive headfirst into the real challenges homeowners and buyers face today. From the rising costs of daily living and how small spending habits (hello, Doordash) can derail homeownership dreams, to what it really means to make your mortgage work for you—this one’s packed with brutally honest advice.
In this episode, Brett Boettge shares his journey from weathering the 2008 housing crash in Wisconsin to establishing a successful real estate career in Florida. He emphasizes the significance of data-driven consulting, high-quality marketing, and building lasting client relationships through programs like the "Happiness Guarantee." Brett also offers advice for new agents on commitment, consistency, and focusing on exceptional client service to build a referral-based business.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Derick and Stephen are joined by Sheri Nedley, COO of The Mortgage Firm, for a no-BS breakdown of what’s really moving the mortgage market right now. From the ripple effects of tariffs and the Fed’s interest rate decisions to the rise of a potential buyer’s market, they tackle the tough questions: Should you buy now or wait? What’s a “float down” policy and why should your clients care? Plus, Derick and Stephen open up about their own realtor coaching playbook, sharing strategies like the powerful “apology letter” that’s winning listings. This episode is loaded with insights, real talk, and actionable tips for mortgage pros and realtors alike.
In this brutally honest conversation, Stephen and Derick sit down with Oscar, a seasoned entrepreneur who made the bold leap from the corporate world into running a pool service and retail business. They unpack the highs and lows of small business ownership—from managing staff and educating clients to the real challenges of leak detection and hardscaping. Whether you're a homeowner thinking of DIY pool maintenance or a business owner navigating service-based work, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay afloat in a competitive industry.
Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Think again.
In this episode, we’re diving into one of Florida’s best-kept secrets: the return of the Hometown Heroes Program—offering up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. We’ll break down the eligibility requirements, credit score tips, and why so many buyers are missing out on this opportunity.
We also talk about other DPA programs like the FL Bond, Essex Fund, Cheona Fund, and local county options that might surprise you.
If you're a first-time buyer, veteran, or full-time employee in Florida—you might already qualify and not even know it.
Let’s pull back the curtain on what’s available—and how to take advantage of it.
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