👉 Get Coached through TLOP's Originator Coaching Join TLOP

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Bob Niemi, a highly experienced mortgage professional, compliance consultant, and industry thought leader. Together, they delve into a range of critical and timely topics affecting mortgage professionals today. The conversation begins with an in-depth exploration of the ongoing challenges surrounding loan officer compensation, including the complexities of structuring pay in a way that aligns with both regulatory requirements and business objectives. Bob and Dustin analyze the current state of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), noting its relative inactivity and discussing the potential implications for lenders and loan officers who may be tempted to relax their compliance standards during this period of regulatory lull.

The discussion then shifts to the significant risks associated with non-compliance, highlighting real-world examples of enforcement actions and the long-term consequences for individuals and companies who fail to adhere to industry regulations. Bob provides valuable insights into the evolving Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) attestation process, explaining recent changes, common pitfalls, and best practices for ensuring accurate and timely submissions.

A major focus of the episode is the legal and ethical complexities involved in compensating real estate agents for referrals. Bob breaks down the nuances of RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) compliance, clarifies what constitutes a violation, and offers practical advice for mortgage professionals seeking to build strong referral relationships without crossing legal boundaries.

Throughout the conversation, Dustin and Bob emphasize the critical importance of maintaining a robust compliance culture, seeking ongoing legal counsel, and adopting a long-term perspective on career growth in the mortgage industry. They stress that, amid ongoing regulatory changes and shifting market dynamics, mortgage professionals must remain vigilant, proactive, and committed to ethical business practices to ensure sustained success and avoid costly missteps.

*Introduction & Guest Background (00:00:00)*

*Bob’s Early Mortgage Career & Transition to Compliance (00:02:21)*

*State Regulator & MLS Ombudsman Experience (00:04:16)*

*Current Role & Bridging Compliance and Production (00:05:36)*

*Advocacy & Industry Involvement (00:06:18)*

*Typical Week & MLS Ombudsman Duties (00:09:33)*

*CMB Community & Professional Development (00:13:05)*

*Top Reasons Clients Contact Bob/Weiner Brodsky Kider (00:15:55)*

*Loan Officer Compensation (LO Comp) Issues (00:17:02)*

*Risks of Non-Compliance & Real-World Scenarios (00:21:24)*

*State Regulators & Individual Liability (00:24:03)*

*CFPB’s Current State & Regulatory Landscape (00:25:06)*

*State Regulators Increasing Enforcement (00:28:38)*

*Industry Need for Regulation & Historical Context (00:31:13)*

*Paying Real Estate Agents for Referrals (00:33:30)*

*Compliance Challenges with Dual Roles (00:34:27)*

*Risks & Best Practices for Realtor Compensation (00:36:31)*

*Additional Considerations for Dual Roles (00:39:30)*

*Upcoming MLS Disclosure Changes (00:41:29)*

*Potential Impact of MLS Changes (00:42:39)*

*Guidance and Resources for MLS Changes (00:44:43)*

*Closing & Personal Insights (00:47:19)*

Subscribe! @TLOPentertainment ​

In this episode of The D.O. Show, host Dustin Owen leverages his extensive 20+ years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industries to deliver a comprehensive and practical guide to real estate investing. Dustin breaks down essential investment strategies, including buy-and-hold, house flipping, wholesaling, and the powerful B.U.R.R. (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance)*method, providing listeners with a clear understanding of how each approach works and when to use them for maximum return on investment.

In this power-packed episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, D.O. sits down with Jonathon Haddad, President of NerdWallet Mortgage Experts and CEO of AIM, live from Nashville during AIM Fuse. Jonathon shares actionable strategies for mortgage professionals to maximize client retention, work their database, and elevate their advisory roles.

The conversation gets tactical, offering scripts, touchpoints, and insights on leveraging systems and building real relationships. D.O. and Jonathon also dive into the importance of sales skills and neuro-linguistic programming in achieving long-term success in lending. Get ready for a fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to dominating the mortgage business in 2025 and beyond.

D.O. sits down with LinkedIn expert Dan Smokoska in Dallas, Texas, during the Sales Mastery event. They dive deep into Dan's unique journey from mortgage industry executive to mastering LinkedIn as a tool for professional survival and growth.

Dan shares his firsthand experience using LinkedIn to rapidly expand his network and build a personal brand after job loss, as well as five actionable tips every sales and business professional can use to turn LinkedIn into a revenue engine. Packed with practical strategies and honest conversation, this episode is a must-watch for anyone wanting to level up their social selling and personal branding game.

In this episode of *The DO Show* mortgage expert *Dustin Owen* tackles one of the most pressing questions in today’s real estate market: *Is there a housing bubble in 2025?* Drawing on his extensive experience in the mortgage industry, Dustin debunks the widespread myth of an impending housing market crash. Instead, he explains that *today’s high home prices* are largely driven by a persistent *housing shortage* and strong buyer demand, not by risky lending practices or speculative bubbles.

Welcome to another episode of "The DO Show," hosted by mortgage industry veteran Dustin Owen! In this insightful and engaging episode, Dustin draws from his extensive 20-year career as a top-performing mortgage loan originator to provide a comprehensive look into the world of mortgage lending.

Whether you’re considering a career in the mortgage industry, are a new loan officer, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field, this episode is packed with valuable information and real-world advice. Dustin Owen shares his personal journey, revealing the highs and lows he’s experienced over two decades in the business. He breaks down the unique rewards and challenges that come with being a mortgage professional, from helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership to navigating the ever-changing landscape of lending regulations and market conditions.

In this episode, D.O. shares a major career move: fully committing to TLOP and going brand agnostic after years of working within specific mortgage companies. He discusses the journey of turning a passion project into a full-scale mission to elevate the mortgage industry, supporting loan officers, brokers, and realtors with innovative coaching, consulting, and media content.

D.O. dives into the challenges and excitement of entrepreneurship, the importance of industry relationships, and his vision for scaling impact across the mortgage space. Whether you're an industry newbie or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers refreshing insights, bold announcements, and true inspiration for anyone in the business.

D.O. sits down with Alec Hanson, SVP of Sales at Loan Depot, for a high-energy, no-fluff conversation on how AI is radically transforming the mortgage and real estate industries. Alec shares his journey from humble beginnings as a receptionist to becoming a top producer, marketing executive, and now a sales leader.