The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds

Tariffs, Rates & Real Talk with Sheri Nedley: What’s Next for the Mortgage Market?

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.

From Corporate to Chlorine: Oscar’s Dive into Pool Service & Small Business Grit

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.

Hometown Heroes & DPA Programs Uncovered

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.

Wild Ways to Fund a Down Payment

In this brutally honest (and highly entertaining) episode, Derick and Stephen dive into the craziest real-life stories of how homebuyers have scraped together money for their down payments. From setting up GoFundMe pages to cashing in on crypto spikes, selling plasma, and even living out of their car—this one is packed with creativity, hustle, and a little bit of madness.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or just here for the wild ride, these stories show there’s more than one way to close the deal. Tune in and maybe you’ll find a new (less extreme) idea to boost your own savings plan.

Spring Market Surge: Why Florida Real Estate Is On Fire

The Florida market is heating up—and fast. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officer Podcast, Derick Brown breaks down what Realtors, buyers, and loan officers need to know right now. From bidding wars to low inventory, it’s game time in the Sunshine State. Learn why affordability is tightening, how to win deals in a competitive market, and what buyers must do before they shop for homes. This one’s short, real, and brutally honest.

Tariffs & Rates: Is the Trade War Hitting Your Mortgage?

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, Derick and Stephen break down how international tariffs—yeah, those trade taxes—are impacting mortgage rates in ways most people never consider. From inflation ripple effects to how global negotiations might cool things off, they give you the brutally honest truth about whether this is just a short-term spike or something to watch in the long run. If you're a homebuyer, seller, or just rate-curious, this one's a must-listen.

They Said What?! Tackling the Top 10 First-Time Homebuyer Concerns

First-time buyers are freaked out—and honestly, we get it.In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Stephen and Derick break down the top 10 concerns they hear every day from nervous first-time homebuyers—and deliver the truth, straight up.
From the 20% down payment myth to “I’ll wait for the market to crash,” we tackle the fears, explain the facts, and give you real-world advice to move forward confidently.
Whether you're buying your first home, helping someone who is, or you're a loan officer learning how to educate your clients without the sales pitch—this one’s packed with gold.
🔑 Key Topics:
The truth about down payments
Credit score confusion
Why renting feels safer (but isn't)
Waiting for rates vs. waiting too long
How to guide without pushing
Like it? Share it. With a friend, a client, or your favorite agent.

Buying New Construction: The Hidden Truth Behind the Shine

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.

Don’t Piss Off Your Loan Officer!

🚨 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

From Battlefield to Real Estate: Grace Gutierrez Fearless Approach to Real Estate

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!.