In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officer Podcast, we chat with real estate coach and entrepreneur Dan Demott. From starting his real estate journey in South Florida to building a team that closed over 128 transactions a year, Dan shares the key strategies that fueled his success and his passion for coaching agents across the country. We dive deep into the evolving real estate landscape, including the impact of the recent NAR settlement, and how agents can stay competitive through innovation and delivering unparalleled value to clients.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Dan’s journey from solo agent to team leader and coach
• Insights on how the NAR settlement is reshaping the real estate industry
• Why consistency and building relationships are the keys to long-term success
• The biggest challenges new agents face—and how to overcome them
• Practical lead generation strategies to get ahead in today’s market

If you're a real estate agent or loan officer looking for practical, no-nonsense advice on how to level up your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

Follow Dan Demott: 📷 Instagram: @dandemott 🌐 Website: dandemott.com 📘 Facebook: Dan Demott

Follow Us on Instagram: 📷 Derick Brown: @derick_does_mortgages 📷 Stephen Brock: @stephenbrock_mortgage

On this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officer Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome real estate superstar Ricky Carruth. Ricky shares his raw and unfiltered journey from a college dropout to becoming a top real estate agent and coach. Known for his "relationships over transactions" philosophy, Ricky dives deep into why building genuine connections is the key to success in real estate—and how this approach helped him survive the 2008 market crash and come back stronger than ever.

We also discuss the recent NAR commission settlement and how Ricky believes it could reshape the industry (for the better). If you're looking to thrive in a tough market, Ricky’s strategies on cold calling, consistent follow-up, and long-term branding will give you the tools you need to crush it.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Ricky's unique approach to building a real estate career
• How to survive market downturns with the right mindset and strategy
• The truth about cold calling and why it's still essential
• Why the NAR commission settlement might be a good thing for agents
• Ricky's top book recommendations for real estate agents

Tune in for some brutally honest advice that can transform your real estate or lending business!

Connect with Ricky Carruth: 📷 Instagram: @rickycarruth 🌐 Website: zerotodiamond.com 🎥 YouTube: Ricky Carruth

Follow us on Instagram: 📷 Derick Brown: @derick_does_mortgages 📷 Stephen Brock: @stephenbrock_mortgage

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

In this episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds," Stephen and Derick demystify the Federal Reserve. They break down what exactly the Fed does, why they’re such a big deal, and how their decisions affect your mortgage rates. Spoiler alert: the Fed doesn't set mortgage rates directly, but their moves ripple across the economy. The big question everyone’s asking is, “When will they lower rates?” Tune in as Stephen and Derick offer brutally honest insights into what’s really driving the Fed's decisions and how you can plan ahead for when rates may finally drop. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or thinking about refinancing, this episode will help you understand how the Fed influences your wallet.

In this episode, Stephen Brock and Derek Brown sit down with the dynamic Holly Meyer Lucas, a Real Estate Baddie, Leader, and Hype Boss, to discuss the evolving real estate landscape. Holly shares her journey into real estate, starting from a pivotal moment in her life when she transitioned from the corporate world to building a powerhouse real estate team. The conversation touches on her strategies for success, the importance of personal branding, and how to stand out in a crowded industry. Holly gives candid insights on market changes, real estate agent best practices, and the value of coaching and mentorship. This is a must-listen for agents looking to level up their game as Holly doesn't hold back what she really thinks!

Stephen and Derick discuss the critical impact of saving and spending habits on your financial health and credit score. Derick shares a cautionary tale about a buyer, "Jill," who misunderstood key financial concepts like credit utilization and balance transfers. They break down the consequences of late payments, improper use of credit, and the pitfalls of relying on potential student loan forgiveness. The episode underscores the importance of saving over spending on unnecessary wants and how creating better financial habits can significantly improve your credit score. By the end, listeners will understand how saving just $193 a week can lead to $10,000 in a year, emphasizing the power of disciplined saving.

In this episode of the Brutally Honest Loan Officer Podcast, Stephen and Derick share practical tips for loan officers to succeed in any market, especially challenging ones. They emphasize the importance of tracking leads, staying organized by monitoring weekly activities, and maintaining detailed lists of realtors, VIPs, and clients. They also discuss the necessity of knowing loan programs inside and out, but stress that regular communication with clients and partners is key. The hosts offer actionable advice on time management, setting goals, and asking the right questions to recommend the best loan programs. Tune in for expert guidance on thriving as a loan officer.

In this episode of "The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds," Derick and Stephen sit down with Shannon Riva, a dynamic realtor with Coldwell Banker, to dive into the world of real estate and beyond. Shannon shares her journey into the real estate industry, juggling her roles as a mom, wife, and successful realtor, and dishes on her favorite aspects of the job. The conversation gets candid as they discuss market trends, pricing strategies, and the challenges realtors face today. Plus, a surprise question about aliens kicks off the interview, adding a fun twist to this insightful episode. Whether you're in the real estate market or just curious about what it takes to succeed, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the industry from one of its rising stars.

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Derick and Stephen dive into the speed and efficiency of getting pre-approved and under contract for a home. Derick shares a recent experience where a couple went from loan application to being under contract in just 15 hours. The duo emphasizes the importance of submitting all necessary documents promptly to expedite the pre-approval process. They discuss what documents are needed for both W-2 employees and self-employed borrowers, highlighting the potential pitfalls of working with online lenders who may not provide accurate pre-approvals. The episode wraps up with tips on maintaining a smooth mortgage process, including realistic timelines and understanding the need for specific documentation.