The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds

SAVING & SPENDING (The Dos and Don’ts)

Stephen and Derick discuss the critical impact of saving and spending habits on your financial health and credit score. Derick shares a cautionary tale about a buyer, "Jill," who misunderstood key financial concepts like credit utilization and balance transfers. They break down the consequences of late payments, improper use of credit, and the pitfalls of relying on potential student loan forgiveness. The episode underscores the importance of saving over spending on unnecessary wants and how creating better financial habits can significantly improve your credit score. By the end, listeners will understand how saving just $193 a week can lead to $10,000 in a year, emphasizing the power of disciplined saving.

Advice for Loan Officers

In this episode of the Brutally Honest Loan Officer Podcast, Stephen and Derick share practical tips for loan officers to succeed in any market, especially challenging ones. They emphasize the importance of tracking leads, staying organized by monitoring weekly activities, and maintaining detailed lists of realtors, VIPs, and clients. They also discuss the necessity of knowing loan programs inside and out, but stress that regular communication with clients and partners is key. The hosts offer actionable advice on time management, setting goals, and asking the right questions to recommend the best loan programs. Tune in for expert guidance on thriving as a loan officer.

Realtor Success with Shannon Riva

In this episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds," Derick and Stephen sit down with Shannon Riva, a dynamic realtor with Coldwell Banker, to dive into the world of real estate and beyond. Shannon shares her journey into the real estate industry, juggling her roles as a mom, wife, and successful realtor, and dishes on her favorite aspects of the job. The conversation gets candid as they discuss market trends, pricing strategies, and the challenges realtors face today. Plus, a surprise question about aliens kicks off the interview, adding a fun twist to this insightful episode. Whether you're in the real estate market or just curious about what it takes to succeed, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the industry from one of its rising stars.

How Quickly Can You Get Pre-Approved and Under Contract?

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Derick and Stephen dive into the speed and efficiency of getting pre-approved and under contract for a home. Derick shares a recent experience where a couple went from loan application to being under contract in just 15 hours. The duo emphasizes the importance of submitting all necessary documents promptly to expedite the pre-approval process. They discuss what documents are needed for both W-2 employees and self-employed borrowers, highlighting the potential pitfalls of working with online lenders who may not provide accurate pre-approvals. The episode wraps up with tips on maintaining a smooth mortgage process, including realistic timelines and understanding the need for specific documentation.

Realtor Success With Shannon Burrows: Finding Purpose: The Intersection of Passion and Pain

In this compelling episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds," we sit down with Shannon Burrows, a dynamic realtor with an inspiring journey. Shannon shares her story of growing up in East Aurora, NY, and transitioning to the sunny lifestyle of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Following in her mother's footsteps, Shannon has carved out a successful career in real estate, driven by her passion for helping others.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Shannon opens up about her battle with breast cancer in 2017. She reveals how this life-changing experience led her to discover her true purpose at the intersection of passion and pain. Shannon is now a fierce advocate for women's health, emphasizing the importance of early detection and empowerment. She also became a certified cancer exercise specialist, striving to bridge the gap between the medical and fitness industries.
Join us as Shannon discusses her mission to help others create their lifestyle by design, embodying her mantra of Health, Homes, and Happiness. Whether she's finding your dream home or coaching women through health and fitness, Shannon's approach is all about the experience. Don't miss this episode, filled with inspiration and practical advice for living life to the fullest.

Unlocking Homeownership with Non-QM Mortgages

In this episode of “The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds,” Stephen and Derick explore the world of Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans. They break down various Non-QM options such as bank statement loans, investor cash flow mortgages, 1099 income loans, and more. Discover how these flexible mortgage solutions cater to the unique needs of self-employed individuals, freelancers, investors, and even foreign nationals. Whether you're struggling with traditional income verification or looking to expand your investment portfolio, this episode has the insights you need.

VA Loans Explained: Unlocking Benefits for Veterans and Service Members

In this episode of “The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds,” hosts Stephen Brock and Derick Brown dive into the incredible benefits of VA Home Loans for veterans and active military members. They explain why VA loans are often considered the best in America, highlighting key advantages such as zero down payment, no mortgage insurance, and higher chances of approval for those with higher debt-to-income ratios. The hosts clarify eligibility criteria, discuss the concept of entitlement, and dispel common misconceptions about VA loans. Tune in to learn how VA loans can be a game-changer for veterans looking to purchase or refinance their homes.

Homeowners Insurance with Kris Allan

In this episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds," Derick and Stephen dive into the intricacies of homeowners insurance with special guest Kris Allan from Brightway Insurance. Kris shares his expertise on the basics of homeowners insurance, essential coverages for Florida residents, and the impact of living in Florida on insurance rates. The discussion also covers hurricane coverage, flood insurance, factors influencing insurance costs, discounts, and tips for filing claims. Kris provides invaluable advice for first-time homebuyers and highlights common mistakes to avoid when it comes to insurance. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of homeowners insurance and how to ensure you have the right coverage.

What is PMI and How Long Do I Have to Pay It?

In this episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers," Derick and Stephen break down everything you need to know about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). They explain why PMI is required when you put less than 20% down on a home, how much it typically costs, and the differences between PMI for Conventional Loans and Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) for FHA loans. Derick and Stephen also discuss how long you need to pay PMI and ways to potentially remove it earlier. Tune in to get the facts and tips to navigate your mortgage more effectively.
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brutally-honest-loan-officers-the-unfiltered/id1719876731
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xa9pFuEeSYKwXvzQbVMGc?si=0046842781e24856

Aimee Lee Lucas - Realtor Success

In this episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers" Derick and Stephen sit down with Aimee Lee Lucas, a top real estate agent in Knoxville, TN. Aimee shares her journey from growing up in a real estate family in California to becoming a successful realtor in Knoxville. She dives into her unique approach to the market, favorite real estate stories, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Aimee also discusses her strategies for balancing motherhood with a thriving career and offers invaluable advice for aspiring realtors. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with tips on navigating the real estate world, mastering social media, and more!