In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers, Derick and Stephen explore what the American Dream really means today — and how homeownership is still one of its most powerful cornerstones. From building equity and gaining tax advantages to creating generational wealth, they break down why owning a home is more than just having a roof over your head.

What makes Derick brutally honest? Stephen gets the unfiltered backstory in this episode of truth, grit, and growth. This week, the spotlight flips as Stephen interviews fellow Brutally Honest Loan Officer, Derick. From humble beginnings to building a mortgage career rooted in transparency and grit, Derick shares the mindset, lessons, and defining moments that shaped his brutally honest approach to lending—and life. It’s real talk between two professionals who don’t hold back.

Hurricane season is officially here—and if you're in the mortgage or real estate world, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, Stephen and Derick break down what every buyer, homeowner, agent, and loan officer needs to know to keep deals on track during storm season. From insurance binding deadlines to home prep checklists and deal-saving tips, we’re giving you the brutally honest truth about how hurricanes impact the mortgage process. Don’t let one storm blow up your closing—get ahead of it now

There’s a lot of buzz around Governor DeSantis’ push to overhaul property taxes in Florida—but what’s actually happening, and what’s just talk? In this episode, Derick breaks down the headlines and the real impact behind the proposals. From the $1,000 rebate check to a long-term plan to eliminate property taxes for lifelong residents, we unpack what this could mean for homeowners, the housing market, and the mortgage industry. If you're buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of Florida's tax shake-up, this one's for you.

Dive headfirst into the real challenges homeowners and buyers face today. From the rising costs of daily living and how small spending habits (hello, Doordash) can derail homeownership dreams, to what it really means to make your mortgage work for you—this one’s packed with brutally honest advice.

In this episode, Brett Boettge shares his journey from weathering the 2008 housing crash in Wisconsin to establishing a successful real estate career in Florida. He emphasizes the significance of data-driven consulting, high-quality marketing, and building lasting client relationships through programs like the "Happiness Guarantee." Brett also offers advice for new agents on commitment, consistency, and focusing on exceptional client service to build a referral-based business.

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers: The Unfiltered Mortgage Minds, Derick and Stephen are joined by Sheri Nedley, COO of The Mortgage Firm, for a no-BS breakdown of what’s really moving the mortgage market right now. From the ripple effects of tariffs and the Fed’s interest rate decisions to the rise of a potential buyer’s market, they tackle the tough questions: Should you buy now or wait? What’s a “float down” policy and why should your clients care? Plus, Derick and Stephen open up about their own realtor coaching playbook, sharing strategies like the powerful “apology letter” that’s winning listings. This episode is loaded with insights, real talk, and actionable tips for mortgage pros and realtors alike.

In this brutally honest conversation, Stephen and Derick sit down with Oscar, a seasoned entrepreneur who made the bold leap from the corporate world into running a pool service and retail business. They unpack the highs and lows of small business ownership—from managing staff and educating clients to the real challenges of leak detection and hardscaping. Whether you're a homeowner thinking of DIY pool maintenance or a business owner navigating service-based work, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay afloat in a competitive industry.