This podcast is designed to educate, motivate, entertain and inspire. Whether you’re looking for a new loan officer looking for training, a college graduate looking to pay off debt or a C-Level executive looking to expand your business - this podcast has something for you.
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Listeners of The Loan Officer Podcast that love the show mention: new lo,The Loan Officer Podcast is an exceptional resource for anyone working in or considering a career move into the mortgage industry. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from how to get the right training to become a Loan Officer, to deep dive analyses of the mortgage industry. The breadth and depth of the content is truly phenomenal, making it a must-listen for professionals in the field.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the quality of the content. Host Dustin Owen provides tangible information that is easy to understand while also being entertaining. As a Loan Officer with five years of experience, I have found this podcast incredibly valuable in expanding my knowledge and skills. I have even used Dustin's verbiage with my clients, which has been very effective. The episode on ARMS not being evil was particularly fantastic.
Another great aspect of this podcast is its relevance for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the industry. For someone just starting out as a Loan Officer, like myself, this podcast has been incredibly informative. I have binged through episodes over the last few weeks in preparation for my new job and feel like I have gained a head start into this career by listening to Dustin's advice.
However, one potential downside to this podcast is an inconsistent audio balance. Sometimes Dustin's mic is much hotter than his guests' mics, causing my ears to be blown out when he interjects during conversations. It would be great if they could improve the audio levels so that this doesn't happen.
In conclusion, The Loan Officer Podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone working in or considering a career move into the mortgage industry. The content is brilliant and covers a wide range of topics with depth and expertise. While there may be some issues with audio balance at times, overall, this podcast provides tremendous value and should not be missed by industry professionals.
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.
Thinking about starting a career as a loan officer or curious about what it takes to break into the mortgage industry? D.O. dives deep into the realities of becoming a successful loan officer in today's market. They answer common questions like how to get started, what kind of personality thrives in this business, and exactly how long it takes to “make it” in this entrepreneurial, customer-service-focused industry. Get
Drawing from decades of industry experience and countless coaching sessions, Dustin demystifies the process of building authentic and productive partnerships with realtors—whether you're a rookie loan officer unsure where to start, or a seasoned pro looking to expand your network.
"Perfection is the enemy of done." Drawing from real-world coaching experiences, Dustin shares why taking action—no matter how imperfect—is the secret to breaking through business barriers and boosting your sales success. If you're a mortgage professional struggling with overthinking, procrastination, or just need a dose of real-talk motivation, this episode delivers practical tips, candid humor, and actionable strategies to help you stop planning and start doing. Get
In this dynamic May 2025 Mortgage Market Update, D.O dives deep into the major shakeups rocking the mortgage industry halfway through the year. From cutting-edge AI advancements unveiled by UWM at their latest mega-event—where Dustin even had a chance to meet industry leaders like Matt Ishbia—to the headline-grabbing acquisition of Movoto, a top real estate lead generator, by Lower, this episode breaks down what these developments mean for loan officers, real estate agents, and anyone with a stake in the business. Get
What does it really mean if your loans keep getting denied? Whether you're a new or seasoned mortgage loan originator, understanding the balance between risk, opportunity, and responsibility is key to long-term success. Get Coached by D.O. - https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/?utm_source=TLOP&utm_medium=Description&utm_id=YouTube
In this candid, story-driven episode, D.O. shares the unforgettable tale of Lowell H. from Jacksonville—the client who shaped his entire career. From tenaciously following up on leads, to navigating tricky closings and learning the hard way about upfront appraisals, he recounts both the challenges and triumphs that taught him the essentials of sales, client relationships, and resilience in the mortgage business. Get Coached by D.O. https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/?utm_source=TLOP&utm_medium=Description&utm_id=YouTube
D.O. gets real about internet leads: why you're probably doing it wrong, what they're actually worth, and the hard truth most lead vendors won't tell you. No sugarcoating - just practical advice on turning cold clicks into actual clients. Get Coached by D.O. https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/?utm_source=TLOP&utm_medium=Description&utm_id=YouTube
Join the TLOP MLO Coaching Community! https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/?utm_source=TLOP&utm_medium=Description&utm_id=YouTube D.O. tackles one of the most frequently asked questions in real estate: “Is now a good time to buy a house?” Drawing from personal experience, industry insight, and a little bit of humor, he breaks down why the answer is almost always, "It depends," and outline the five essential questions every potential homebuyer should ask themselves before diving in.
Ready for the biggest lessons from 500+ episodes and half a decade behind the mic? Join D.O. as he reveals the top business, mortgage, and personal growth lessons he's learned from growing The Loan Officer Podcast community. From epic mistakes and hilarious stories - to what it's like moving studios and building a loyal coaching tribe, this episode is a deep dive into the real, unfiltered truth of podcasting and entrepreneurship. Get Coached by D.O.
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More loan originator training and content: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/ D.O. explores Rocket's latest purchase and what this means for the rest of the mortgage industry.
D.O. explores the critical balance between attracting and retaining clients, customers, and talent in the mortgage industry.
Join D.O. for a comprehensive mortgage market update as Q1 closes and Q2 2025 begins!
D.O. interviews communication coach Jamie Miller about mastering effective communication skills for loan officers. Originally from East London, Jamie shares his expertise on question-asking techniques, conversation frameworks, and how to provide value through clear communication. This episode offers practical strategies for mortgage professionals looking to improve their client and referral partner interactions.
D.O. interviews Julia Brown about navigating mergers and acquisitions in the mortgage industry, addressing three key questions that mortgage professionals often face: - What do you do when your company is purchased by another organization? - What happens when two companies (including yours) announce a merger? - What should you look out for when anticipating a job change? Julia Brown, founder of Teloscope Advisory, brings her expertise in guiding mortgage professionals through organizational transitions. Originally from Detroit and now based in Columbus, Ohio, Julia has extensive experience helping loan officers navigate the complexities of company changes. She offers strategic advice on interpreting merger announcements effectively, including what questions to ask and how to position yourself advantageously during periods of change. For those contemplating job changes, she emphasizes the importance of due diligence and evaluating company culture.
Let's talk about what nobody wants to discuss: getting sued as a mortgage professional.
D.O. breaks down Rocket's $250 million acquisition of Redfin and what it means for the mortgage industry. Get the inside scoop on why this deal matters, how it impacts loan officers, and what strategic moves you should make in response. Whether you're a broker, retail LO, or branch manager, this episode delivers the insights you need to position yourself in this rapidly evolving market.
D.O. John breaks down the 5 crucial reasons your buyers' offers keep getting rejected. If you're tired of losing deals and frustrated clients, tune in for actionable strategies that'll get your offers to the top of the pile. Perfect for loan officers and real estate pros navigating today's competitive spring market.
D.O. tackles the top 5 questions from mortgage professionals across the country. From handling interest rate objections to managing realtor relationships and prioritizing tasks during chaotic periods, they deliver practical advice you can implement immediately to grow your business. Whether you're struggling with lead generation, time management, or messaging during political uncertainty, this Q&A episode provides real-world solutions from industry veterans.
D.O. explores how mortgage professionals can leverage the massive $35 trillion in home equity through HELOCs and HELOANs. Learn the key differences between these products, when to recommend each option, and practical strategies to help your clients tap into their home equity responsibly. Whether you're looking to expand your product knowledge or better serve homeowners in today's high-rate environment, this episode delivers actionable insights every loan officer needs.
D.O. breaks down the top 5 AI tools every sales professional in the mortgage industry needs to master in 2025. From content creation to meeting transcription, learn how these powerful technologies can multiply your productivity, improve your client communications, and help you stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're AI-savvy or just getting started, these practical recommendations will transform your mortgage business.
D.O. reveals the real habits that set top-producing loan officers apart from the pack. After interviewing hundreds of mortgage superstars, he breaks down the daily routines, mindset shifts, and strategic approaches that create consistent success.
D.O. sits down with Jonathan Haddad to explore why "Brokers are Best" in today's mortgage industry. From Jonathan's journey from bartender to mortgage call center star to selling his brokerage to NerdWallet, this conversation dives deep into the advantages of the broker channel. Learn why more loan officers are making the switch and how you can leverage the broker model to build a more sustainable and profitable mortgage business.
D.O. breaks down the universal formula for greatness that applies to everything from raising puppies to growing your mortgage business. Learn how the perfect balance of structure, love, and discipline creates the foundation for success in any endeavor. This is essential viewing for loan officers looking to level up their business and leadership approach.