The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds

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...

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 ...

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 y...

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 clie...

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” p...

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 own...

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 F...

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 ...

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 brutal...

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, ...

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 ...

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 timelin...

🚨 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 👉 Th...

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 cl...

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 ...

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...

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. Fro...