The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds

David Custons on Loyalty, Local Expertise, and Doing Real Estate the Right Way

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.

Let Freedom Ring with The American Dream

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.

Two Brutally Honest Loan Officers, One Mission: Derick’s Backstory

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 Here

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

Is Florida Really Eliminating Property Taxes?

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.

Real Talk on Money, Mortgages & Market Moves

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.

From Surviving the Crash to Thriving in Florida – Brett Boettge’s Real Estate Playbook

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.

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.