Mortgage Connects an MGIC Podcast

Hosted by MGIC MI

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Oct 2025

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About the show

On Mortgage Connects, we explore the minds and experiences of mortgage industry and lending innovators to bring our audience candid viewpoints on critical mortgage industry developments and influential insights about the unique challenges that lie ahead. Our hosts interview top mortgage professionals and thought leaders across the industry – from proven LOs to established CEOs – who have wide-ranging expertise to provide the best insights into market trends, best practices, marketing and referral strategies, training opportunities, and the future of the mortgage industry.

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39 recent

October 15, 20258 min

Sneak peek at the 2025 Loan Originators Survey results

In this episode, MGIC's Alexis Panaro and Liz Keuler share a sneak peek at the 2025 Loan Originators Survey. Hear insights on:Successful marketing tacticsReferral partner trendsHow loan officers help borrowers navigate affordability challengesOriginators' goals and their roadblocks to meeting those goalsFor a recap of this episode and quick access to related content, including the full Loan Originators Survey report, visit mortgageconnects.com. There you can subscribe for email alerts so you'll be among the first to know about new episodes or other resources, including the full loan originator survey report.Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

October 9, 202515 min

The latest credit updates from Mike Olden

MGIC’s Alexis Panaro brings you the highlights of a credit conversation with Mike Olden, American Reporting Company's (ARC) vice president of sales & education. Mike shares insights on:Trigger lead basicsWhy and how to encourage borrowers to opt out from solicitations What drives credit report costs and strategies to mitigate those costs Current medical debt reporting thresholds and delaysStudent loan delinquency rates and servicer optionsFor a recap of this episode and quick access to related content, including the full webinar recording, visit mortgagesconnect.com. There, you can subscribe for email alerts so you'll be among the first to know about new episodes or other resources.Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

March 20, 2025Episode 4416 min

Boosting affordability through down payment assistance programs

MGIC’s Concepcion Guerrero sits down with Angel Romero, Housing Finance Agency Relationship Manager at Down Payment Resource (DPR), to discuss the role down payment assistance programs (DPA) play in helping more families become homeowners. With over two decades of mortgage industry experience and a personal journey from foster care to homeownership, Romero brings unique insights to the conversation about housing affordability. In this episode, we discuss: Trends from DPR’s recent Homeownership Program Index, including the growing number of DPA programs nationwide How to layer down payment assistance for maximum affordability The importance of early financial education How to harness DPA programs as a loan officer Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

March 11, 202548 min

Credit clarity and updates for loan originators

For mortgage professionals, staying informed about current developments in credit reporting is crucial for providing excellent service. In this episode of Mortgage Connects, Mike Olden from American Reporting Company shares expert insights on trigger leads, credit score modernization, medical debt, and student loan forgiveness - plus strategies to help borrowers optimize their credit profiles.Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

November 11, 202416 min

Highlights of the 2024 Loan Originators Survey

In this episode, MGIC's Stephanie Budnik and Liz Keuler reveal key highlights from the fourth annual Loan Originators Survey by MGIC and Loan Officer Hub, including:How recent trends affect LOs' business activitiesHow originators are tackling affordability challenges and helping borrowers who don't yet qualify for a mortgageMarketing and social media trends in the mortgage industryThe most valuable referral sources for loan officers, including a popular referral source for top LOsOriginators' goals for the futureDownload your copy of the 2024 Loan Originators Survey report at loanofficerhub.com.Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

October 17, 202419 min

The untapped referral opportunity of financial advisors

Unlock the secrets to expanding your referral network by harnessing an often-overlooked partnership! Stephanie Budnik interviews Gibran Nicholas, founder of Momentifi and creator of the CMPS designation, on the untapped potential of financial advisors as high-quality referral sources for loan officers. Gibran discusses:Why financial advisors are an opportunity for high-quality referralsHow to approach financial advisors about partnershipsHow to prove your value to financial advisorsHow to earn financial advisor referrals by offering CE credit classes as a CMPS-certified instructorThanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

October 2, 202425 min

How to prepare borrowers for sustainable homeownership

We sit down with Heather Bowman, the manager of Education and Housing Counseling for Finally Home!, to discuss the power of education for homebuyers and homeowners throughout the purchase process and beyond. Heather unpacks the advantages of traditional homebuyer education, post-purchase education and life-of-loan counseling, emphasizing how these resources equip families with the tools needed to navigate the complex homeownership journey.In this episode, we discuss the: Best time for borrowers to take an education courseCritical differences between homebuyer education and housing counselingTrend toward accessible online education and counselingImportance of post-purchase education for sustainable homeownership Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

July 1, 202450 min

How to educate your way to a full pipeline

How can you ensure your mortgage pipeline remains full in today's unpredictable market? Join us for an insightful discussion with mortgage experts Heather Bauman, Tay Oliver, and Dustin Owens as they share their innovative strategies for educating potential borrowers. From first-time homebuyer programs to leveraging community events, our panelists offer a wealth of knowledge on reaching and informing a broader audience, ensuring that both lenders and consumers are well-prepared for the home buying journey.Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

April 18, 202427 min

Building a financial legacy through smart real estate investment

MGIC Connects Podcast interviews Marc Williams, Senior Loan Officer at Paramount Residential Mortgage Group. Marc is responsible for developing and providing mortgage loans, training and business consultations to consumers and industry partners throughout the state of Florida. Through his educational seminars on homeownership and foreclosures, Marc offers individuals help with developing self-reliance and control over their own economic destiny. In this episode, we discuss:The challenges of homeownership, from low inventory to affordabilityHow to lay the foundation for generational wealth through smart real estate investmentThe advantages of down payment assistance programs and how they're reshaping the landscape for new investorsStrategic benefits of multi-unit property ownershipMarc shares the wisdom he has gained from his years in the housing industry. You'll learn how financial literacy and a shrewd grasp of loan products can be game-changers for prospective homeowners, especially those venturing into the market for the first time. Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

January 24, 20248 min

Mastering self-employed borrower income analysis for tax year 2023

Sandra Sweeney, MGIC senior customer trainer, walks through self-employed borrower income analysis in our latest Mortgage Connects podcast episode. Sandra details what income calculation tools and resources are available to assist you in your calculation of self-employed borrower income for tax year 2023. She highlights the IRS tax changes that will impact your cash flowing process and also details GSE guidelines changes in the past year that you'll need to take into consideration. Find out how you, too, can become SEB-proficient! Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com.Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe