The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds
”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.
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Episodes
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
New construction sounds like a dream—brand new everything, no bidding wars, and builder incentives galore. But beneath that fresh paint and granite countertops are some serious details buyers must understand before signing on the dotted line.
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen and Derick pull back the curtain on buying new construction. From builder lender traps to costly upgrades, delayed timelines, and must-do inspections—we break it all down with our no-BS approach.
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
🚨 Want to keep your loan officer happy (and your home purchase on track)? Then DON’T make these mistakes! 🚨
In this brutally honest (and hilarious) episode, Derick and Stephen break down the biggest things that drive loan officers insane—from chasing low rates without understanding the real cost to making huge financial moves at the worst possible time.
👉 Why that “too good to be true” interest rate will cost you thousands👉 The #1 question to ask when shopping lenders (that most buyers forget!)👉 Why ghosting your loan officer is the fastest way to torpedo your deal
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Derick and Stephen sit down with Grace Gutierrez, a Realtor with an impressive background. From serving in the Army to working at the Social Security Administration, Grace brings a no-nonsense approach to real estate. She shares her journey into full-time real estate, her fearless attitude towards tough transactions, and even recounts the story of selling a home for a client who was serving time in prison. Tune in to hear how Grace's diverse experience helps her navigate the most challenging deals with confidence and integrity!.
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Just because you can afford a certain home doesn’t mean you should buy it. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, we break down the difference between what you qualify for and what’s actually comfortable for your budget and lifestyle. We cover the 28/36 rule, the hidden costs of homeownership, how interest rates impact affordability, and why buying at the top of your budget isn’t always the best move. Before you sign that mortgage, listen in and make sure you’re setting yourself up for long-term financial success!
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
It’s tax season! But are you making the right financial moves to set yourself up for homeownership? In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officer Podcast, Stephen and Derick break down how tax returns impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage—especially if you're self-employed. They’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of income reporting, tax deductions, and how to use your tax refund strategically. Whether you're a W-2 employee or a 1099 contractor, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate tax season like a pro!
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Derick and Stephen sit down with James Coyne, a seasoned Public Adjuster who once worked for one of the biggest insurance companies in Florida before switching sides to advocate for homeowners. With 5 years of experience and thousands of claims under his belt, James shares insider tips on how to navigate the complex world of property insurance. From common mistakes homeowners make when filing claims to how natural disasters impact policies, this episode is a must-listen for homeowners, real estate professionals, and loan officers alike.
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this episode, we get Brutally Honest with Tere Alvarez, a seasoned residential manager, to dive into the challenges and insights of managing residential properties. From market trends to tenant relations, Tere shares valuable perspectives that every real estate professional needs to hear. Don't miss this one! 🎙️🏡 #BrutallyHonest #RealEstate #PropertyManagement #Podcast
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
As January 2025 winds down, Derick and Stephen take a deep dive into the key trends shaping the housing and mortgage markets. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, they explore:
Why mortgage rates are staying near 7% and how that impacts buyers
The ongoing home shortage of 4.5 million properties and its effect on prices
Slowing home price appreciation in 2025—what buyers and sellers should know
Changes in buyer demographics: The rise of multigenerational homes and all-cash purchases
New tech in real estate: How AI, blockchain, and borrower portals are streamlining the process
What’s next for spring 2025: Regional price trends, rate expectations, and the affordability outlook
Tune in for brutally honest advice to help you navigate this evolving market with confidence!
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
n this episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds," hosts Derick and Stephen sit down with his "sister from another mister," Jillian Montague, Director of Business Development at CoreTitle. With over a decade of experience in the title industry, Jillian brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch to the conversation. They'll delve into the intricacies of title insurance, share stories from the field, and discuss how CoreTitle's commitment to competence and hospitality sets them apart in the industry. Don't miss this engaging and informative chat with one of the leading professionals in the title business.
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, Derick and Stephen sit down with Ricky and Jessica Smith, the inspiring founders of Guardian Angel Inspections. From a family tragedy to creating a business that serves and protects families, the Smiths share their incredible journey. They discuss the importance of home inspections, the hidden risks they uncover, and why their personal story fuels their passion for keeping homeowners safe. It’s an episode full of resilience, family values, and practical tips for homebuyers and sellers alike.