Join D.O. as he sits down with Optimal Blue executive Mike Vough to pull back the curtain on how mortgage interest rates are really set in today’s industry. This episode is a must-watch for loan originators, mortgage brokers, homebuyers, and real estate agents who want to truly understand the mysteries behind the secondary mortgage market—including rate locks, hedging, pricing engines, and the latest trends in non-QM lending.

You'll learn why rates move independently of the Fed, how lenders use hedge strategies, and get actionable insights on the future of mortgage rates. If you’re in the mortgage space and want to better advise your clients and grow your business, this is the episode for you.

Dustin shares 15 invaluable life and career lessons he wishes he’d known in his twenties. Drawing from over two decades of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry, real estate, and business, he offers practical, actionable advice on a wide range of topics, including building strong partnerships, seeking out mentorship, understanding equity, achieving work-life balance, cultivating a growth mindset, managing money wisely, and prioritizing personal development.

Aimed at young adults just starting out, professionals looking to advance, and anyone striving for greater success, Dustin emphasizes the critical importance of nurturing relationships, thinking bigger than your current circumstances, being fully present in each moment, and making decisions with confidence and clarity. He shares personal stories and candid reflections, highlighting both his successes and the lessons learned from setbacks, to provide listeners with a realistic and inspiring roadmap for thriving in life, business, and relationships at any age.

Throughout the episode, Dustin encourages listeners to invest in themselves, embrace continuous learning, and take calculated risks. He discusses the value of surrounding yourself with positive influences, setting ambitious goals, and maintaining integrity in all aspects of life. Whether you’re navigating the early stages of your career, considering a major life change, or simply seeking motivation to reach your full potential, Dustin’s insights offer guidance and encouragement to help you overcome obstacles and achieve lasting fulfillment.

Join D.O. and Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage, for this insightful episode of The Loan Officer Podcast. Chris shares his journey from a young entrepreneur selling car stereos, through car sales and insurance, to becoming one of the mortgage industry’s top leaders.

Dive into stories about building market share, developing meaningful business strategies, and advice for originators on treating their database like a portfolio. With candid reflections on mistakes and wins, plus an outlook on new products and challenges facing mortgage professionals, this episode delivers actionable lessons and inspiration for anyone in the real estate or lending business.

In this insightful episode of The DO Show, host Dustin Owen—drawing on his extensive 20+ years of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry—delivers a comprehensive guide for mortgage professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re contemplating a career move, actively seeking new opportunities, or aiming to recruit and retain top-tier talent for your organization, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world wisdom.

Dustin begins by exploring the most common pitfalls that mortgage professionals encounter when considering a job change. He delves into the dangers of chasing after niche loan products or fleeting market trends, emphasizing the importance of focusing on long-term career growth rather than short-term gains. He also addresses the critical issue of mishandling client data, explaining how lapses in compliance and data security can not only jeopardize your reputation but also put your entire career at risk.

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with John Motowidlak, co-founder of Mpire Financial. Together, they dive deep into the ways technology—such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and SaaS solutions—is revolutionizing the mortgage industry and accelerating Mpire Financial’s impressive growth trajectory. John offers valuable insights into the process of developing proprietary technology, emphasizing how innovation and adaptability are crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultivating a strong company culture at Mpire Financial, and how this foundation supports both employee satisfaction and client success. John and Dustin discuss the upcoming Mortgage Con 2026 conference in Orlando, highlighting the event’s potential for learning, networking, and discovering the latest industry trends. Throughout the episode, they explore the exciting opportunities that come with tech-driven change in real estate, as well as the unique challenges that mortgage professionals face in adapting to new tools and processes. John shares his perspective on the future of coaching and mentorship in the industry, introducing innovative coaching platforms and resources designed to help loan officers and mortgage professionals thrive. Listeners will also hear about new networking opportunities, best practices for leveraging technology, and actionable strategies for navigating the dynamic landscape of modern mortgage lending.

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D.O. takes a deep dive into the growing buzz surrounding 50-year mortgages and portable mortgage products. Leveraging his two decades of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry, Dustin breaks down these trending topics, separating hype from reality for his listeners. He begins by explaining what 50-year and portable mortgages actually are, outlining how they function in theory and practice.

Dustin then explores why these unconventional loan products are unlikely to gain widespread acceptance in the United States, drawing insightful comparisons to the mortgage systems in Canada and the United Kingdom, where such products have seen varying degrees of popularity.

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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)*

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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.