The Loan Officer Podcast

Can 401(k)s and 529 Plans Solve the Housing Crisis? | Ep. 597

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, hosts Dustin Owen and Laura Zuluaga, joined by producer Karina, kick things off with a lively recap of Laura’s recent trip to a New England Patriots playoff game. Laura shares her firsthand experience of the electrifying atmosphere at the stadium, from the pre-game tailgating festivities to the nail-biting moments on the field, while Dustin and Karina chime in with playful banter and questions about her favorite highlights and the fan culture she witnessed. After some lighthearted conversation, the hosts transition to the main focus of the episode: answering a series of insightful listener questions related to real estate and mortgages.

 

They dive into the feasibility and potential implications of 50-year mortgages, discussing how such long-term loans could affect monthly payments, total interest paid, and overall home affordability. The conversation then shifts to creative ways buyers might fund a home purchase, including the pros, cons, and legal considerations of tapping into retirement accounts like 401(k)s or education savings plans such as 529s. Dustin and Laura break down the tax implications, penalties, and strategic scenarios where these options might make sense. The hosts also tackle the growing influence of institutional investors in the housing market, examining how large-scale property purchases by investment firms can drive up prices, reduce inventory for individual buyers, and impact neighborhood dynamics.

 

They provide context on recent trends and share their perspectives on what this means for first-time homebuyers and the broader market. In response to ongoing debates about housing affordability, Dustin and Laura analyze recent proposals aimed at lowering mortgage rates, such as government interventions or special loan programs. However, they emphasize that these measures are only part of the solution, arguing that the real key to making homes more affordable lies in increasing the overall housing supply. They discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in building more homes, including zoning laws, construction costs, and policy changes that could encourage development.

 

As the episode draws to a close, the team shares exciting announcements about upcoming industry events, educational workshops, and networking opportunities for listeners. They also tease details about an exclusive listener cruise, inviting fans of the show to join them for a unique chance to connect, learn, and have fun together on the open seas.

 

TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/?utm_source=TLOP&utm_medium=Description&utm_id=YouTube 

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

How to Leverage AI and Automation for Explosive Growth in Mortgage Production | Ep. 596

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Abdel Khawatmi, a top-producing mortgage loan officer based in New Jersey, for an in-depth conversation about success in the modern mortgage industry. Abdel shares his inspiring journey, detailing how he made the transition from a career in law to becoming a leading figure in the mortgage business. He explains the pivotal role that leveraging advanced systems, automation, and artificial intelligence played in rapidly scaling his business, resulting in a remarkable 30% increase in loan volume and an impressive 175% surge in overall profitability.

Throughout the episode, Abdel provides valuable insights into his strategic approach to team management, emphasizing the importance of building a cohesive and motivated team to support growth. He discusses his methods for coaching and empowering real estate partners, fostering strong relationships that drive mutual success. The conversation delves into the practical aspects of integrating cutting-edge technology into daily operations, highlighting the efficiencies and competitive advantages gained through thoughtful implementation. Abdel also opens up about his personal life, sharing how he strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance while raising a family. He talks about the significance of providing financial education to his children, instilling in them the values of responsibility and long-term planning. Additionally, Abdel and Dustin explore the critical role that consistency, discipline, and accountability play in achieving sustained success in the mortgage industry. Listeners will gain actionable tips and inspiration for building a thriving, future-ready mortgage business while maintaining personal fulfillment and strong family connections.

 

TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/?utm_source=TLOP&utm_medium=Description&utm_id=YouTube 

 

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop 

Why Hire a Virtual Assistant? Because Doing Everything Yourself is So Last Year! | Ep. 595

In this episode of "The Loan Officer Podcast," host Dustin Owen interviews Juan Carlos Barreneche, a former top-producing realtor who now runs a successful staffing agency. Juan Carlos shares his inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to real estate standout, and now to helping mortgage and real estate professionals scale their businesses with virtual assistants.

Dustin and Juan Carlos discuss the importance of time management and how delegating tasks to virtual assistants can free up time for business owners to focus on what matters most. They talk about building strong teams and overcoming growth challenges in the mortgage and real estate industries. Juan Carlos explains how his company, Gold Bar Staffing, provides highly trained virtual assistants and support systems tailored for mortgage brokers, loan officers, and real estate agents. He offers real-world examples showing how virtual assistants can boost productivity, streamline operations, and cut costs without sacrificing client service. Listeners will gain practical tips for integrating virtual assistants into their businesses, whether for administrative support, customer service, or scaling operations.

 

TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-p...

Loan Officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

Stop Waiting: The Real Cost of Delaying Your Home Purchase

In this episode of "The DO Show," mortgage expert Dustin Owen takes a deep dive into the popular advice often given to homebuyers: to "just wait" for the perfect time to purchase a home. Dustin challenges this conventional wisdom by highlighting the pitfalls of waiting on the sidelines, such as missing out on valuable opportunities, losing precious time, and potentially delaying important life milestones like starting a family, building equity, or settling into a community.

He explains that while it’s natural to want to time the market perfectly, the reality is that predicting market highs and lows is nearly impossible—even for seasoned professionals. Dustin emphasizes that the decision to buy a home should be based less on trying to forecast short-term market trends and more on what will benefit your life over the next five to seven years. He points out that, historically, those who focus on their long-term goals and personal circumstances tend to fare better than those who wait endlessly for the "perfect" moment. Addressing concerns about today’s higher interest rates and the challenges of affordability, Dustin encourages buyers to look beyond current headlines and instead assess their own financial readiness, stability, and long-term plans.

Throughout the episode, Dustin urges listeners to prioritize responsible planning and personal preparedness over chasing ideal market conditions that may never materialize. He reassures buyers that while the market will always fluctuate, making a well-informed decision based on your unique situation is far more important than waiting for the stars to align. By focusing on what you can control—such as your budget, needs, and future goals—Dustin believes you can make a smart investment in your future, regardless of the current market climate.

Agentic Agents & AI Tools Every Loan Officer Needs for 2026 | Ep. 594

D.O. sits down with Legendary Mortgage President Mike Fitzpatrick for an in-depth conversation about technology and AI in the mortgage industry. Fitzpatrick shares his personal career journey from humble beginnings to leading a thriving mortgage division, including the pivotal role of operational mentors, leveraging social media, and how positivity drives success.

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

D.O. and Mike dive into the future of lending, highlighting the rise of agentic agents and automation, crucial advice for loan officers, and specific AI tools already transforming their business. The second half of the episode is packed with actionable insights for integrating AI, prompt engineering, creative curiosity, and embracing tech-forward practices for industry growth up to 2030.

Unleashing Your Inner Athlete: How Endurance Sports Fuel Business Success | Ep. 593

In this engaging episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Laura Zuluaga, a dynamic Central Florida-based endurance athlete and accomplished real estate investor originally from Medellin, Colombia. Laura shares her inspiring journey from immigrant to Ironman competitor, her high-level water polo experience, and how she and her husband built a mortgage-free real estate portfolio - offering valuable lessons on financial independence and property investment. Laura also provides practical tips for making the most of corporate travel and business conferences, drawing from her expertise as a successful travel agency owner. The conversation includes actionable strategies for maximizing networking and streamlining travel, plus an exciting announcement: a mortgage industry cruise set for 2026, inviting listeners to join this unique networking event at sea.

The episode highlights Laura’s remarkable background and delivers practical advice for mortgage and real estate professionals. Dustin and Laura wrap up by discussing future podcast collaborations, promising more expert guests and insightful content. Whether you’re interested in endurance sports, real estate investing, or professional growth, this episode offers inspiration and actionable takeaways for all.

TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/?utm_source=TLOP&utm_medium=Description&utm_id=YouTube

 

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

How to Thrive During Mortgage Mergers & Acquisitions | Ep. 592

D.O. sits down with Selene Kellam, COO of Lower Mortgage, for an insightful conversation on The Loan Officer Podcast. In this episode, Selene shares her unique journey from starting as a temp in the mortgage industry to becoming the CEO of Thrive Mortgage and now leading at Lower.

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

She discusses navigating mergers and acquisitions, tips for thriving during major transitions, the significance of mentorship and coaching, and her vision for the future with new technology and AI in mortgage lending. This episode is packed with strategies for mortgage professionals and inspiring stories of rising through the ranks.

JC Walks Out! & 4 Ways to Make More Money in 2026 | Ep. 591

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen kicks off 2026 with an exciting new format and a dynamic team lineup. Dustin introduces key team members, including marketing expert Mike Siciliano (“Marketing Mike”), who brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing and branding for mortgage professionals, and producer Karina Mojica (“Special K”), whose technical expertise and creative vision help shape the show’s engaging content and seamless production. Together, the team unveils a series of innovative podcast features designed to provide even more value to listeners, such as interactive Q&A segments, deep dives into industry trends, and exclusive interviews with top-performing loan officers and industry leaders. The episode also highlights a calendar of upcoming industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities that loan officers won’t want to miss in 2026. Dustin, Mike, JC, and Karina discuss the importance of ongoing education and professional development, emphasizing how coaching and mentorship can accelerate career growth and help mortgage professionals stay ahead in a competitive market. Listeners are treated to a wealth of actionable strategies aimed at boosting income and business success as a Loan Originator in 2026. The team shares proven techniques for generating high-quality leads, improving conversion rates, and strategically targeting higher-value loan opportunities. They break down practical steps for building stronger referral networks, leveraging technology for efficiency, and enhancing client relationships to drive repeat business. Throughout the episode, the team’s camaraderie and lighthearted banter create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Their authentic conversations set a positive tone for the year ahead, inspiring listeners to take action and engage with the growing Top community. The episode serves as both a roadmap for success in 2026 and an invitation for mortgage professionals to connect, learn, and thrive together.

How to Build a Top Company from Scratch | Ep. 590

In this episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, D.O. sits down in Nashville with mortgage industry powerhouse Vernon Miles. Vernon shares his journey from buying his first home and getting burned by a broker, to running Milestone Mortgage Solutions, now a top competitor in the nation. They discuss the sacrifices needed to succeed, the importance of spousal support, building the right team, and striving for both personal and professional growth.

D.O. pulls out lessons on purchase vs. refi business, mentorship, recruiting philosophy, and financial literacy—ending with practical advice for both seasoned professionals and newcomers trying to break into the business. Inspiring stories, actionable strategies, and a few laughs make this a must-listen episode.

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

The Best Strategies for Modern Loan Originators to Succeed Today | The D.O. Show

In this special live episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with renowned mortgage industry leader Jason Purcell at the Central Florida Mortgage Bankers Association’s highly anticipated year-end event. Surrounded by a dynamic live audience comprised of mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and prospective homebuyers, Dustin and Jason engage in an in-depth conversation that explores the evolving landscape of the mortgage industry.

Throughout the episode, they delve into the qualities and strategies that define effective leadership in today’s fast-paced market, sharing personal experiences and actionable advice. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence on lending practices, underwriting, and customer service, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of the industry. They also address the challenges and opportunities presented by shifting market cycles, providing practical tips for navigating periods of uncertainty and change. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the importance of coaching, mentorship, and building strong partnerships, emphasizing how collaboration and continuous learning can drive both personal and professional growth.

The interactive format allows for real-time audience participation, with a lively Q&A session that brings forth practical questions and insightful answers. These exchanges offer valuable, real-world perspectives on topics such as client communication, regulatory changes, and business development.

This mastermind session, enriched by the collective wisdom of industry experts and audience members alike, serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to achieve lasting success and resilience in the mortgage business. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode delivers inspiration, education, and actionable takeaways to help you thrive in a competitive marketplace.