The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds

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!.
 

How Much Home Should You Buy?

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!

Tax Season & Home Buying: Are You Setting Yourself Up for Success?

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!

Insurance Secrets Unlocked: What Every Homeowner Should Know with Public Adjuster James Coyne

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.