Most new Florida homeowners forget to file one of the most important documents after closing — the Homestead Exemption. In this episode, we break down how it works, why it matters, and how much it can save you.

We also unpack:

• The March 1st deadline that catches people off guard

• The Save Our Homes cap that protects you from tax spikes

• 7 other exemptions you may qualify for: veterans, seniors, disabilities, and more

• A heated debate: Should Florida eliminate property taxes altogether?

Don’t leave thousands on the table.

Are housing prices going to crash in 2026? Not likely — and especially not in Florida. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen and Derick break down the data behind why prices haven’t fallen (even with higher rates), why Florida is a unique real estate market, and how waiting to buy could actually cost you more in the long run.

Tax season is here — and if you're getting a refund, you're probably wondering what to actually do with it. In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen and Derick break down how to use your tax refund wisely — whether you're paying off high-interest credit cards, saving for a down payment, or planning to buy a home in 2026. We’ll cover: • Why a big refund isn’t always a good thing • How adjusting your tax withholding can boost your monthly cash flow • Smart ways to use a tax refund for debt reduction or homeownership • The truth about mortgage interest deductions • Why you should never spend money just for a write-off • Tips for W2 earners who want to reduce taxable income like self-employed pros 💡 Whether you’re a first-time buyer, homeowner, or just trying to make smarter financial moves, this episode is packed with real-world mortgage and money advice you won’t get from TikTok.

In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen and Derick sit down with Alyssa Guillermo, a real estate agent with over three years of experience, to talk about what real estate really looks like behind the scenes.

Alyssa shares her journey from the hospitality industry into real estate, the financial and mental challenges of her first year, and why experience matters more than hype in this business. Together, they unpack the myths created by social media and reality TV, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable, relationship-driven real estate career.

Are these “solutions” actually solving anything? In this episode of The Brutally Honest Loan Officers Podcast, Stephen and Derick break down the biggest headlines in housing and finance — and give their unfiltered take on what these changes mean for real buyers and homeowners.

▶️ We cover: • The $200 billion MBS buy from Fannie & Freddie • 50-year and portable mortgage proposals • Banning institutional investors from buying homes • The proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates • Jerome Powell’s DOJ investigation …and the real trade-offs behind each one.

No spin. No sales pitch. Just honest insights on what actually matters.

This isn’t a highlight reel of the biggest loans we closed. It’s the most meaningful ones.

In this episode, Derick and Stephen share four of their favorite files from 2025 — not because of the loan size, but because of the story behind the numbers.

🎧 You’ll hear:

• A client denied by Rocket Mortgage… who closed in 14 days after getting a second opinion

• A Realtor who used a creative bank statement strategy to buy a home and avoid a $50k tax bill

• A 19-year-old first-time buyer who bought a condo cheaper than rent

• A woman who turned one paid-off rental into two cash-flowing properties without touching her investments

These deals weren’t easy. But they’re the reason we do what we do.

If you’re a buyer, Realtor, or just someone who loves a good story — this one’s for you.

Episode 106 — Take Advice From People Who’ve Actually Done It

In this episode, Stephen and Derick get brutally honest about something that goes way beyond mortgages:

👉 Who should you actually take advice from?

This conversation was sparked by a first-time buyer who said: “I don’t want advice from someone who’s never done this.”

And honestly? He’s right.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why experience > theory when it comes to homebuying

• The difference between textbook knowledge and lived knowledge

• How to spot well-meaning but bad advice from family and friends

• Why your lender and Realtor should have walked the path you’re on

• Some tough love for first-time buyers getting pulled in the wrong direction

Bottom line: Good intentions don’t equal good advice. If you want results, take advice from people who’ve actually produced them.

This episode is different — and that’s intentional.

In this Brutally Honest Christmas Special, Stephen and Derick step away from rates, markets, and programs to talk about what home really means during the holidays.

They reflect on:

• Why Christmas hits differently than the rest of the year

• Favorite family traditions and slowing down with loved ones

• What it’s like closing homes around the holidays

• Lessons learned from a challenging year

• Why home is more than an investment — it’s where memories live

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, buyer, Realtor, or just someone finishing a tough year, this episode is a reminder to pause, reflect, and focus on what truly matters.

🎄 From our families to yours — Merry Christmas.