The Loan Officer Podcast

In this special live episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with renowned mortgage industry leader Jason Purcell at the Central Florida Mortgage Bankers Association's highly anticipated year-end event. Surrounded by a dynamic live audience comprised of mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and prospective homebuyers, Dustin and Jason engage in an in-depth conversation that explores the evolving landscape of the mortgage industry. Throughout the episode, they delve into the qualities and strategies that define effective leadership in today's fast-paced market, sharing personal experiences and actionable advice. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence on lending practices, underwriting, and customer service, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of the industry. They also address the challenges and opportunities presented by shifting market cycles, providing practical tips for navigating periods of uncertainty and change. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the importance of coaching, mentorship, and building strong partnerships, emphasizing how collaboration and continuous learning can drive both personal and professional growth. The interactive format allows for real-time audience participation, with a lively Q&A session that brings forth practical questions and insightful answers. These exchanges offer valuable, real-world perspectives on topics such as client communication, regulatory changes, and business development. This mastermind session, enriched by the collective wisdom of industry experts and audience members alike, serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to achieve lasting success and resilience in the mortgage business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode delivers inspiration, education, and actionable takeaways to help you thrive in a competitive marketplace. TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/

Join D.O. as he sits down with Optimal Blue executive Mike Vough to pull back the curtain on how mortgage interest rates are really set in today's industry. This episode is a must-watch for loan originators, mortgage brokers, homebuyers, and real estate agents who want to truly understand the mysteries behind the secondary mortgage market—including rate locks, hedging, pricing engines, and the latest trends in non-QM lending. You'll learn why rates move independently of the Fed, how lenders use hedge strategies, and get actionable insights on the future of mortgage rates. If you're in the mortgage space and want to better advise your clients and grow your business, this is the episode for you.

Dustin shares 15 invaluable life and career lessons he wishes he'd known in his twenties. Drawing from over two decades of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry, real estate, and business, he offers practical, actionable advice on a wide range of topics, including building strong partnerships, seeking out mentorship, understanding equity, achieving work-life balance, cultivating a growth mindset, managing money wisely, and prioritizing personal development. Aimed at young adults just starting out, professionals looking to advance, and anyone striving for greater success, Dustin emphasizes the critical importance of nurturing relationships, thinking bigger than your current circumstances, being fully present in each moment, and making decisions with confidence and clarity. He shares personal stories and candid reflections, highlighting both his successes and the lessons learned from setbacks, to provide listeners with a realistic and inspiring roadmap for thriving in life, business, and relationships at any age. Throughout the episode, Dustin encourages listeners to invest in themselves, embrace continuous learning, and take calculated risks. He discusses the value of surrounding yourself with positive influences, setting ambitious goals, and maintaining integrity in all aspects of life. Whether you're navigating the early stages of your career, considering a major life change, or simply seeking motivation to reach your full potential, Dustin's insights offer guidance and encouragement to help you overcome obstacles and achieve lasting fulfillment.

Join D.O. and Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage, for this insightful episode of The Loan Officer Podcast. Chris shares his journey from a young entrepreneur selling car stereos, through car sales and insurance, to becoming one of the mortgage industry's top leaders. Dive into stories about building market share, developing meaningful business strategies, and advice for originators on treating their database like a portfolio. With candid reflections on mistakes and wins, plus an outlook on new products and challenges facing mortgage professionals, this episode delivers actionable lessons and inspiration for anyone in the real estate or lending business.

In this insightful episode of The DO Show, host Dustin Owen—drawing on his extensive 20+ years of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry—delivers a comprehensive guide for mortgage professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you're contemplating a career move, actively seeking new opportunities, or aiming to recruit and retain top-tier talent for your organization, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world wisdom. Dustin begins by exploring the most common pitfalls that mortgage professionals encounter when considering a job change. He delves into the dangers of chasing after niche loan products or fleeting market trends, emphasizing the importance of focusing on long-term career growth rather than short-term gains. He also addresses the critical issue of mishandling client data, explaining how lapses in compliance and data security can not only jeopardize your reputation but also put your entire career at risk.

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with John Motowidlak, co-founder of Mpire Financial. Together, they dive deep into the ways technology—such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and SaaS solutions—is revolutionizing the mortgage industry and accelerating Mpire Financial's impressive growth trajectory. John offers valuable insights into the process of developing proprietary technology, emphasizing how innovation and adaptability are crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultivating a strong company culture at Mpire Financial, and how this foundation supports both employee satisfaction and client success. John and Dustin discuss the upcoming Mortgage Con 2026 conference in Orlando, highlighting the event's potential for learning, networking, and discovering the latest industry trends. Throughout the episode, they explore the exciting opportunities that come with tech-driven change in real estate, as well as the unique challenges that mortgage professionals face in adapting to new tools and processes. John shares his perspective on the future of coaching and mentorship in the industry, introducing innovative coaching platforms and resources designed to help loan officers and mortgage professionals thrive. Listeners will also hear about new networking opportunities, best practices for leveraging technology, and actionable strategies for navigating the dynamic landscape of modern mortgage lending.   TLOP's Originator Coaching ---> Visit Website

D.O. takes a deep dive into the growing buzz surrounding 50-year mortgages and portable mortgage products. Leveraging his two decades of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry, Dustin breaks down these trending topics, separating hype from reality for his listeners. He begins by explaining what 50-year and portable mortgages actually are, outlining how they function in theory and practice. Dustin then explores why these unconventional loan products are unlikely to gain widespread acceptance in the United States, drawing insightful comparisons to the mortgage systems in Canada and the United Kingdom, where such products have seen varying degrees of popularity.

In this episode of The D.O. Show, host Dustin Owen leverages his extensive 20+ years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industries to deliver a comprehensive and practical guide to real estate investing. Dustin breaks down essential investment strategies, including buy-and-hold, house flipping, wholesaling, and the powerful B.U.R.R. (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance)*method, providing listeners with a clear understanding of how each approach works and when to use them for maximum return on investment.  

In this power-packed episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, D.O. sits down with Jonathon Haddad, President of NerdWallet Mortgage Experts and CEO of AIM, live from Nashville during AIM Fuse. Jonathon shares actionable strategies for mortgage professionals to maximize client retention, work their database, and elevate their advisory roles. The conversation gets tactical, offering scripts, touchpoints, and insights on leveraging systems and building real relationships. D.O. and Jonathon also dive into the importance of sales skills and neuro-linguistic programming in achieving long-term success in lending. Get ready for a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to dominating the mortgage business in 2025 and beyond.

D.O. sits down with LinkedIn expert Dan Smokoska in Dallas, Texas, during the Sales Mastery event. They dive deep into Dan's unique journey from mortgage industry executive to mastering LinkedIn as a tool for professional survival and growth. Dan shares his firsthand experience using LinkedIn to rapidly expand his network and build a personal brand after job loss, as well as five actionable tips every sales and business professional can use to turn LinkedIn into a revenue engine. Packed with practical strategies and honest conversation, this episode is a must-watch for anyone wanting to level up their social selling and personal branding game.

In this episode of *The DO Show* mortgage expert *Dustin Owen* tackles one of the most pressing questions in today's real estate market: *Is there a housing bubble in 2025?* Drawing on his extensive experience in the mortgage industry, Dustin debunks the widespread myth of an impending housing market crash. Instead, he explains that *today's high home prices* are largely driven by a persistent *housing shortage* and strong buyer demand, not by risky lending practices or speculative bubbles.

Welcome to another episode of "The DO Show," hosted by mortgage industry veteran Dustin Owen! In this insightful and engaging episode, Dustin draws from his extensive 20-year career as a top-performing mortgage loan originator to provide a comprehensive look into the world of mortgage lending. Whether you're considering a career in the mortgage industry, are a new loan officer, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field, this episode is packed with valuable information and real-world advice. Dustin Owen shares his personal journey, revealing the highs and lows he's experienced over two decades in the business. He breaks down the unique rewards and challenges that come with being a mortgage professional, from helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership to navigating the ever-changing landscape of lending regulations and market conditions.

In this episode, D.O. shares a major career move: fully committing to TLOP and going brand agnostic after years of working within specific mortgage companies. He discusses the journey of turning a passion project into a full-scale mission to elevate the mortgage industry, supporting loan officers, brokers, and realtors with innovative coaching, consulting, and media content. D.O. dives into the challenges and excitement of entrepreneurship, the importance of industry relationships, and his vision for scaling impact across the mortgage space. Whether you're an industry newbie or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers refreshing insights, bold announcements, and true inspiration for anyone in the business.

D.O. sits down with Alec Hanson, SVP of Sales at Loan Depot, for a high-energy, no-fluff conversation on how AI is radically transforming the mortgage and real estate industries. Alec shares his journey from humble beginnings as a receptionist to becoming a top producer, marketing executive, and now a sales leader.

In the first episode of The D.O. Show, Dustin explores youth travel sports and the financial impacts it can have on your child's future education.

D.O. sits down with mortgage industry legend Todd Bookspan for a candid conversation packed with career insights and industry secrets. Todd shares his unique journey from entrepreneur and bicycle shop owner to top-producing mortgage originator and coach. Discover the story behind his game-changing "Win By Noon" philosophy, how he built a 550+ unit year, and lessons learned from coaching with icons like Bill Hart. Plus, Todd and D.O. dig deep into the impact of mentorship, accountability tools, and the power of communication—wrapping up with actionable advice for sales pros and originators looking to elevate their business. Don't miss these strategies, stories, and takeaways you can use right now to accelerate your growth!

D.O. sits down with top-producing Orlando real estate broker Yuritza Srichaiyan for an inspiring and energetic conversation. Yuritza shares her unique journey from growing up in Orlando, working a dream decade at Disney, and experiencing a major life shift into motherhood.

D.O. dives into the latest industry shake-ups after a rare two-week hiatus. He tackles the challenges behind AUS (Automated Underwriting System) denials, breaks down how government policies are shaping loan approvals, and discusses the dramatic changes around FICO credit algorithms and report costs. D.O. also explores the impact of a government shutdown on the mortgage process, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating these unpredictable times. 

D.O. breaks down the top 10 cities in the U.S. with the greatest increases in mortgage volume year-over-year—revealing the hottest spots for loan officers and brokers looking to ramp up their origination business. He also shares his insights on industry events, dives into the most buyer-friendly markets in 2025, and offers actionable tips for success in today's shifting mortgage environment.

D.O. shares actionable strategies for mortgage professionals to dominate their database and turn it into a powerful "data bank." D.O. walks through a step-by-step process—including celebrating client milestones, sending impactful newsletters, utilizing social media, and hosting events—to help you build brand loyalty and generate leads.

D.O. breaks down the five essential loan products every top-producing mortgage originator needs to master to make a million dollars a year. He dispels common myths around chasing niche and "sizzle" products, and instead focuses on proven, scalable choices backed by years of industry insight. D.O. also shares stories from his coaching career and reveals the patterns of mortgage millionaires across the country. Whether you're new to the business or looking to refine your product mix, this is a must-listen for actionable strategies, industry wisdom, and the mindset required for long-term success in mortgage lending.

D.O. unpacks the powerful connection between sales and storytelling. He breaks down four essential tactics every salesperson should use to capture attention, deliver value, and make their message memorable—whether one-on-one or to a packed audience. He shares how incorporating key phrases, strategic pauses, and deeper storytelling can help mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and anyone in sales build trust, drive engagement, and ultimately win more business.

D.O. tackles one of the most common challenges loan originators face: what to teach at Realtor events. D.O. breaks down actionable class topics, from getting more offers accepted and creating inventory, to leveraging low down payment programs and demystifying mortgages for real estate agents. He shares proven strategies and irresistible class titles that fill rooms, boost engagement, and ultimately help Realtors close more deals. 

D.O. broadcasts live from the Louisiana Mortgage Bankers Association event in Baton Rouge, diving deep into the ever-evolving topic of trigger leads. Despite recent legislative wins against trigger leads in the mortgage industry, D.O. reveals why the battle is far from over.

D.O. sits down with Kate deKay, CEO of Eustis Mortgage, for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Kate—who bought the company originally founded by her grandfather—shares her journey from summer receptionist to processor, loan originator, manager, and ultimately CEO. She candidly discusses the realities of being a female leader in a male-dominated mortgage industry, how she navigated family business dynamics, and the challenges and triumphs faced along her 20-year career.

D.O. sits down with top mortgage producer and TLOP coach Brian Kimball, aka Coach BK, for an inspiring and candid interview. BK's journey will resonate whether you're a mortgage professional, entrepreneur, or simply love a great story about personal growth and business leadership. D.O. and Brian explore a range of topics beginning with BK's unexpected entry into the mortgage world after a unique early career as a live sound engineer. Listen as Brian shares how he leveraged his upbringing as a second-generation mortgage professional, navigated the aftermath of the 2008-09 financial crisis, and ultimately built a thriving business through a commitment to helping everyday Americans.

D.O. breaks down actionable takeaways for loan officers and mortgage professionals at any stage in their career. Discover how these coaches achieved success (with some funding over 400 units a year!), the philosophies that drive their teams, secrets to balancing work and family, and practical frameworks you can implement immediately—like the Eisenhower Matrix and the “Here We Grow” mantra.

D.O. sits down with industry standout Gwen Swain for an inspiring conversation as part of the Top Producers series. Gwen shares her remarkable transition from being a fitness instructor and stay-at-home mom to consistently producing over $50 million in personal mortgage volume—highlighting the founding and growth of her "Gwenpire".

D.O. deep dives into the proposed privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, offering a balanced look at why this move is being considered, what it could mean for mortgage rates and access to credit, the financial implications for taxpayers and investors, and why both excitement and caution are warranted. 

Join D.O. as he interviews Ross Woods, one of the mortgage industry's elite performers. Broadcasting from Chicago, Ross shares his journey from small-town Missouri and humble beginnings in the title industry, through relentless hard work and determination, to becoming a top 1% mortgage originator and successful branch manager at Flat Branch Home Loans. The episode dives deep into Ross's work ethic, the sacrifices he made, his "magic formula" for success, and the importance of mentorship in reaching the top. 

D.O. breaks down the "11 Steps" every loan officer needs to bounce back, level up, or launch their business strong. D.O. shares actionable strategies pulled straight from his top-performing originator bootcamp, covering everything from tracking your daily habits to building your business plan and networking like a pro. The episode also features insights about coaching, events, open houses, and why storytelling and social media matter for modern mortgage professionals.

D.O. dives into the breaking Loan Depot class action lawsuit and its potential ripple effects across the mortgage industry. D.O. explains how LO compensation practices are under fire—drawing parallels to the seismic impact of the NAR commission lawsuit. 

D.O. explains the true role of Account Executives ("the plug") in the mortgage world and breaks down how AEs provide unparalleled value to brokers—not just with competitive rates, but through deal structuring expertise, business coaching, and driving growth with event marketing. Whether you're a mortgage veteran or curious about the AE path, this episode gives actionable strategies for success and uncovers surprising parallels between AE-broker and LO-realtor partnerships.

Join D.O. a "spicy" episode as he dives into one of the most debated topics in the mortgage industry: override managers. Are they truly earning the extra compensation, or are they just skimming from hardworking loan originators? Get

D.O. tackles the top FAQs submitted by loan officers, listeners, and viewers while sharing practical advice and seasoned insight on topics like how to stand out when rates and fees aren't the focus, creative ways lenders are making homeownership more affordable, and the impact of AI on the mortgage business.  Get

Join D.O. as he sits down with Peter Benjamin, President of ACUMA and one of the top experts in credit union mortgage lending. Dive deep into what sets credit unions apart in the mortgage world, why they're great places to work, and the challenges and opportunities they face in today's market.

D.O. dives into a controversial and crucial topic in the mortgage industry—how loan officers handle requests for kickbacks from real estate agents. With real world anecdotes, he breaks down the legality, ethics, and business consequences of kickbacks, and explores alternative solutions like co-marketing through Zillow, MSAs, and Joint Ventures.

D.O. breaks down the current state of the housing and mortgage markets, why interest rates remain stubbornly high, and the persistence of market challenges. He dives deep into the introduction of the Vantage credit scoring model 4.0, reveal how AI is reshaping the mortgage industry, and share their take on the presidential drama surrounding Chairman Powell.

Join D.O. as he sits down with Denise Donahue, aka The Mortgage Nerd, for a candid and inspiring interview recorded at Mastermind Summit 2025 in Las Vegas. Denise shares her powerful backstory—from family struggle and foreclosure to financial empowerment—and reveals how those experiences shaped her career as one of the most respected mortgage professionals in the industry.

D.O. sits down with mortgage industry legend Cindy Ertman to discuss her extraordinary journey from breaking into the mortgage world as a young mother to becoming one of the top 100 most influential mortgage executives in the country.

Join D.O. live from the Mastermind Summit 2025 in Las Vegas as he sits down with Mike Preito, an Air Force veteran and affordable lending expert from Attainable Housing Advocates (AHA). Discover HOPER, an innovative program offering up to $13,000 to FHA borrowers for down payments, closing costs, and more—with zero income or credit restrictions.

D.O. welcomes powerhouse guest Michelle Berman-Mikel, founder of Berman Media PD and creator of "Beyond the Method." Broadcasting live from the Mastermind Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, D.O. and Michelle dive into effective social outbound prospecting—exploring how mortgage and real estate pros can build real influence online.

D.O. interviews Ashley Bedford, a “silent assassin” in the mortgage world who's gone from working multiple jobs as a new Florida transplant to becoming a powerhouse mortgage broker in Orlando. Ashley details her personal story, including the choices and grit that helped her break into the business while raising a family and prioritizing mentorship. The conversation covers industry challenges, team building, maintaining boundaries, and advice for both new and seasoned loan officers. Listeners will walk away inspired by Ashley's ethos of hard work, service, and never settling for less than excellence.

Special guest PJ Crescenzo joins the podcast to share his journey to becoming a top producer - under the age of 30.

D.O. tackles the age-old claim that "it's not about the money"—and delivers some hard truths about what it really takes to get to that point in a career. Sharing personal milestones, financial lessons, and the realities of building significant savings, D.O. discusses when and how your work stops being exclusively about the paycheck. 

D.O. (Dustin Owen) sits down with Laura Kay Sheely, an industry powerhouse with over 20 years of experience in the mortgage world. From her unexpected start in lending to her current role as SVP of Sales at Watermark, Laura shares the real story behind her career journey, the importance of continuous learning, and what it takes to truly stand out as a loan originator and a leader.

This episode dives into a real-life business crossroads from D.O.'s loan officer journey—when keeping his #1 referral partner suddenly came with a $10k/month price tag. Get

D.O. shares multiple ways loan officers can grow their mortgage business without calling on real estate agents. Get tactical insight on alternative referral sources, content creation, buying leads, and building your circle of influence for maximum lead generation.

D.O. shares the "7 Habits of Highly Successful Loan Officers." Drawing inspiration from Atomic Habits by James Clear and real-world experiences from top-producing mortgage pros, this episode is packed with actionable advice for mortgage professionals who want to elevate their game.

D.O. dives deep into what he calls “the curse of the mortgage industry.” He breaks down why so many mortgage brokers and loan officers plateau at that comfortable six-figure mark—and what holds most back from reaching higher income levels or even crossing into seven figures. He shares real-life stories from his own career, from the early struggles and wild stories of breaking into the industry, to the mindset and systems required not just to survive, but to truly thrive.  If you're ready to stop coasting, push beyond your limits, and capitalize on the incredible opportunities in the mortgage business—this episode is your wake-up call. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, D.O. lays out what it takes to overcome the curse, future-proof your career, and build lasting wealth.