The Brutally Honest Loan Officers

Hosted by Stephen Brock and Derick Brown

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

”The Brutally Honest Loan Officers” is a refreshingly candid podcast hosted by two seasoned mortgage lenders, Stephen Brock NMLS 1926015 and Derick Brown NMLS 1640146, from The Mortgage Firm. This podcast cuts through the jargon and complexity of the mortgage industry, offering unfiltered insights and straightforward advice. Each episode delves into the often-overlooked aspects of mortgage lending, from navigating market trends to understanding credit scores. Our hosts bring their extensive experience and a touch of humor to demystify the mortgage process for consumers and realtors alike. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional seeking to enhance your knowledge, this podcast is your go-to source for honest, actionable mortgage wisdom. Join us as we break down the walls of the lending world, one truth at a time. The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 Equal Housing Lender CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550. THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 14130 min

The Dark Side of Sports Betting.

Football season means sports betting ads are everywhere — and they make losing look like fun. In this episode, Derick and Stephen break down what the numbers actually say about sports betting, why 95% of bettors lose money over time, and what that money could be doing instead. This is not about telling people they can not enjoy the games. It is about the financial habits that build quietly in the background and what they cost you when life does not go according to plan.

September 2, 2026Episode 14026 min

The Fed Just Warned Us. Are You Listening?

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh spoke at the Jackson Hole symposium — and the bond market heard it loud and clear. In this episode, Derick and Stephen break down what Warsh actually said, why a September rate hike suddenly became a real possibility, and what all of this means for mortgage rates heading into fall. They also clear up a critical misconception: the Fed funds rate and your mortgage rate are not the same thing. Plus, practical takeaways for buyers who are wondering whether to keep waiting or stop trying to time a market that does not care what any of us want.

August 26, 2026Episode 13937 min

I Help People Buy Homes Every Day. Then I Had to Buy One.

Stephen just sold his home in South Florida and relocated his family to Tennessee. In this episode, Derick and Stephen pull back the curtain on what it actually felt like to go through the process firsthand — the emotional side of selling, the stress of buying in a new market, coordinating a cross-state move, and the moment Stephen caught himself doing exactly what he tells clients not to do. An honest conversation about what buying and selling really feels like when it is your own money, your own family, and your own home.

August 17, 2026Episode 13826 min

If We Could Start Over: Advice We'd Give Our Younger Selves

Derick and Stephen step away from market talk to share the financial advice they'd give their 20-year-old selves — protecting credit early, budgeting with intention, and not chasing appearances to impress others. They close with a reminder that wealth is built through small, consistent habits over time, not one big decision, and it's never too late to start.

August 10, 2026Episode 13731 min

Mortgage Insurance: The Cost Buyers Love to Hate

Stephen and Derick sit down with Michelle Mendez of Arch MI to break down what mortgage insurance actually is, why the borrower pays for something that protects the lender, and the biggest myths buyers believe about PMI. The conversation covers FHA vs. conventional MI, whether waiting for 20% down is always smarter, and how buyers can eventually get PMI removed.

August 3, 2026Episode 13619 min

The Fed Held Rates Steady...

The Fed held interest rates steady, inflation moved in the right direction... yet mortgage rates are still changing. So what's really driving the market, and what could happen over the next six months?

July 22, 2026Episode 13530 min

More Homes Than Buyers?

Just a few years ago, buyers were competing for every home. Today, sellers are competing for buyers. So what changed... and what does it mean if you're buying or selling right now?

July 13, 2026Episode 13430 min

7 Questions Lenders Don't Want You to Ask

Most homebuyers spend weeks shopping for a house... but only minutes shopping for a lender. That mistake could cost you thousands.

July 6, 2026Episode 13330 min

How Long Should You Live in a Home Before Selling?

Thinking about selling your home after only a year or two? Before you put that "For Sale" sign in the yard, there are a few costly mistakes every homeowner should know.

June 30, 2026Episode 13223 min

Should You Drain Your Savings to Buy a Home?

Would you rather save about $100 a month… or have an extra $20,000 sitting in your bank account? The answer might completely change how you think about buying your next home.