The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds

Stephen and Derick break down the three main ways to tap home equity—HELOC, Home Equity Loan, and Cash-Out Refinance—so homeowners can choose confidently. They clarify when each option fits (flexible access with variable rates for HELOCs; predictable lump-sum needs with fixed payments for Home Equity Loans; one new mortgage—and possibly a better rate—for Cash-Out Refis), along with pros, cons, costs, and risk considerations. The ho...

The Fed just cut rates—but mortgage rates actually went up. In this episode, Stephen and Derick break down why that happened, what the Fed really controls, and how the bond market drives mortgages instead.

You’ll learn:

• Why the Fed cut its benchmark rate and what their cautious tone signaled to markets.

• Why mortgage rates follow the 10-year Treasury and MBS spreads—not the Fed funds rate.

• What this means for homebuyers, h...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Derick and Stephen break down one of the most overlooked pieces of mail Florida homeowners receive every year: the TRIM Notice.

They explain:

• What a TRIM Notice actually is (and why it’s not your tax bill).

• How mistakes on your assessed value can cost you thousands in property taxes.

• Why changes to your TRIM Notice can directly increase your monthly mortgage pa...

This week, Stephen Brock and Derick Brown break down the shocking jobs report that shook the markets and sent mortgage rates lower. What does this really mean for buyers, sellers, and realtors? Stephen explains why the bond market moves faster than the Fed, how labor data is finally showing cracks, and why this might be the opportunity buyers have been waiting for.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why mortgage rates dropped imm...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Derick and Stephen unpack the inspiring story of a 25-year-old first-time homebuyer who’s already building wealth through smart money habits.

They break down:

• How starting with just $130 a month can grow into over $1 million by retirement.

• The power of compound interest and why time—not income—is the real multiplier.

• Why waiting for the “perfect” situation in r...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen and Derick break down the recent Federal Reserve meeting in Jackson Hole and what it really means for buyers, sellers, and realtors.

They simplify the complex:

• Why the Fed’s decision not to change rates doesn’t directly set mortgage rates.

• How mortgage rates are tied more to the 10-year Treasury yield than to Fed Funds.

• Why waiting for a “perfect” rate ...

This week on The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Derick and Stephen sit down with Alex, a CPA and Cash Flow Expert, to tackle the money side of real estate and small business.

From the biggest tax mistakes homeowners make, to the hidden benefits of homeownership, and what realtors and entrepreneurs can do to hold onto more of their income — Alex breaks down complex topics into brutally honest, practical steps you can take to...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen Brock and Derick Brown pull back the curtain on assumable mortgage loans. With today’s higher interest rates, many buyers wonder if they can simply take over the seller’s loan — and sometimes, the answer is yes.

We break down:

• Which loans are actually assumable (hint: FHA, VA, USDA… but not conventional).

• The real benefits — like inheriting a 2% or 3% rat...

Rates feel like they’re doing the cha-cha—up one day, down the next—and everyone’s asking the same thing: “When will mortgage rates finally come down?” In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Stephen and Derick unpack why predicting rates isn’t as simple as watching the Fed.

They break down the full cocktail of factors influencing rates—from inflation and investor emotions to global head...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen Brock and Derick Brown break down the latest tax changes that could put more money in your pocket — and make homeownership more attainable. From a bigger Child Tax Credit to a higher standard deduction for seniors, and the permanent tax-deductibility of PMI, these updates can improve your cash flow and even help with mortgage approval.

Stephen and Derick explain ...

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen Brock and Derick Brown dive into a question that could shake the markets: What happens if Jerome Powell resigns as Chair of the Federal Reserve? This isn’t just a political hot take—it’s a serious conversation about leadership at the top of the economic food chain and how it impacts mortgage rates, homebuyers, and the housing market as a whole.

They break down wh...

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 trans...

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...