Mortgage Connects an MGIC Podcast: Recent Episodes
MGIC MI
On Mortgage Connects, we explore the minds and experiences of mortgage industry and lending innovators to bring our audience candid viewpoints on critical mortgage industry developments and influential insights about the unique challenges that lie ahead. Our hosts interview top mortgage professionals and thought leaders across the industry – from proven LOs to established CEOs – who have wide-ranging expertise to provide the best insights into market trends, best practices, marketing and referral strategies, training opportunities, and the future of the mortgage industry.
MGIC’s Alexis Panaro brings you the highlights of a credit conversation with Mike Olden, American Reporting Company's (ARC) vice president of sales & education. Mike shares insights on:
- Trigger lead basics
- Why and how to encourage borrowers to opt out from solicitations
- What drives credit report costs and strategies to mitigate those costs
- Current medical debt reporting thresholds and delays
- Student loan delinquency rates and servicer options
For a recap of this episode and quick access to related content, including the full webinar recording, visit mortgagesconnect.com. There, you can subscribe for email alerts so you'll be among the first to know about new episodes or other resources.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
Often the conversation around early financial and homebuying education focuses on teens or college students. To help educate even younger audiences, veteran real estate broker Twala Lockett-Jones published "Princess Mackie Buys a House" in 2022, sponsored by the Mortgage Bankers Association. In this episode of Mortgage Connects, Lockett-Jones shares how:
- Simple explanations of real estate terminology can help make the homebuying process more approachable to children and adults alike
- Transparent communication is key to reaching and helping more borrowers
- Lenders can build strong partnerships with real estate agents
- Her nonprofit Girls Build Kalamazoo helps empower middle and high school girls to explore careers in construction, real estate, skilled trades and entrepreneurship
About Twala Lockett-Jones
Twala Lockett-Jones is a real estate broker, community advocate, and author of "Princess Mackie Buys a House", a children’s book that introduces young readers to the concept of homeownership and generational wealth.
With over 30 years of experience in real estate, Twala is passionate about financial literacy, equity, and representation. She is the founder of Girls Build Kalamazoo, a nonprofit organization that empowers middle and high school girls to explore careers in construction, real estate, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
MGIC’s Concepcion Guerrero sits down with Angel Romero, Housing Finance Agency Relationship Manager at Down Payment Resource (DPR), to discuss the role down payment assistance programs (DPA) play in helping more families become homeowners.
With over two decades of mortgage industry experience and a personal journey from foster care to homeownership, Romero brings unique insights to the conversation about housing affordability. In this episode, we discuss:
- Trends from DPR’s recent Homeownership Program Index, including the growing number of DPA programs nationwide
- How to layer down payment assistance for maximum affordability
- The importance of early financial education
- How to harness DPA programs as a loan officer
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
For mortgage professionals, staying informed about current developments in credit reporting is crucial for providing excellent service. In this episode of Mortgage Connects, Mike Olden from American Reporting Company shares expert insights on trigger leads, credit score modernization, medical debt, and student loan forgiveness - plus strategies to help borrowers optimize their credit profiles.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
In this episode, MGIC's Stephanie Budnik and Liz Keuler reveal key highlights from the fourth annual Loan Originators Survey by MGIC and Loan Officer Hub, including:
- How recent trends affect LOs' business activities
- How originators are tackling affordability challenges and helping borrowers who don't yet qualify for a mortgage
- Marketing and social media trends in the mortgage industry
- The most valuable referral sources for loan officers, including a popular referral source for top LOs
- Originators' goals for the future
Download your copy of the 2024 Loan Originators Survey report at loanofficerhub.com.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
Unlock the secrets to expanding your referral network by harnessing an often-overlooked partnership! Stephanie Budnik interviews Gibran Nicholas, founder of Momentifi and creator of the CMPS designation, on the untapped potential of financial advisors as high-quality referral sources for loan officers. Gibran discusses:
- Why financial advisors are an opportunity for high-quality referrals
- How to approach financial advisors about partnerships
- How to prove your value to financial advisors
- How to earn financial advisor referrals by offering CE credit classes as a CMPS-certified instructor
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
We sit down with Heather Bowman, the manager of Education and Housing Counseling for Finally Home!, to discuss the power of education for homebuyers and homeowners throughout the purchase process and beyond. Heather unpacks the advantages of traditional homebuyer education, post-purchase education and life-of-loan counseling, emphasizing how these resources equip families with the tools needed to navigate the complex homeownership journey.
In this episode, we discuss the:
- Best time for borrowers to take an education course
- Critical differences between homebuyer education and housing counseling
- Trend toward accessible online education and counseling
- Importance of post-purchase education for sustainable homeownership
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
How can you ensure your mortgage pipeline remains full in today's unpredictable market? Join us for an insightful discussion with mortgage experts Heather Bauman, Tay Oliver, and Dustin Owens as they share their innovative strategies for educating potential borrowers. From first-time homebuyer programs to leveraging community events, our panelists offer a wealth of knowledge on reaching and informing a broader audience, ensuring that both lenders and consumers are well-prepared for the home buying journey.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
MGIC Connects Podcast interviews Marc Williams, Senior Loan Officer at Paramount Residential Mortgage Group. Marc is responsible for developing and providing mortgage loans, training and business consultations to consumers and industry partners throughout the state of Florida. Through his educational seminars on homeownership and foreclosures, Marc offers individuals help with developing self-reliance and control over their own economic destiny. In this episode, we discuss:
- The challenges of homeownership, from low inventory to affordability
- How to lay the foundation for generational wealth through smart real estate investment
- The advantages of down payment assistance programs and how they're reshaping the landscape for new investors
- Strategic benefits of multi-unit property ownership
Marc shares the wisdom he has gained from his years in the housing industry. You'll learn how financial literacy and a shrewd grasp of loan products can be game-changers for prospective homeowners, especially those venturing into the market for the first time.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
In honor of Women's history month, we interview Dr. Courtney Johnson-Rose, current president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). She shares insights gleaned over the course of her impressive career, from property-flipping whiz kid to leading real estate broker and developer. We discuss NAREB's mission to increase Black homeownership in America, spotlighting NAREB’s ambitious “Two Million New Black Homeowners (2Mn5)” program. Dr. Johnson-Rose also gives us a tour of NAREB's other educational initiatives, like their “Building Black Wealth Tour,” designed to tear down the barriers detailed in the 2023 State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) report.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
Sandra Sweeney, MGIC senior customer trainer, walks through self-employed borrower income analysis in our latest Mortgage Connects podcast episode. Sandra details what income calculation tools and resources are available to assist you in your calculation of self-employed borrower income for tax year 2023. She highlights the IRS tax changes that will impact your cash flowing process and also details GSE guidelines changes in the past year that you'll need to take into consideration. Find out how you, too, can become SEB-proficient!
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
Special guest Kevin Peranio, chief lending officer at PRMG, reveals top strategies to thrive in the current interest rate environment amidst the challenges of the mortgage industry. He shares success stories and insights on how staying connected with clients, investing in personal development, and broadening knowledge about non-QM programs can pave the way for a successful career in the mortgage industry.
As we navigate the ups and downs of the market, we discuss his tips and tricks to stay motivated and engaged. Kevin breaks down the importance of staying at the forefront of clients' minds and how leadership can guide mortgage professionals through tough market periods.
Kevin also touches on the role of technology in the mortgage industry and shares his views on striking a balance between automation and the human touch in client interactions. He also covers how digital apps streamline processes and facilitate scalability and efficiency.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
We decode the art of social media for mortgage professionals with First International Bank & Trust’s Kayla Kallander, a.k.a. the "mortgage meteorologist," as she navigates LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Kayla’s experience and deep understanding of these platforms provide a treasure trove of insights on capitalizing social media’s benefits, and its potential to disrupt traditional search engines, to help you maximize your social media posting.
Kayla cuts through the noise and delves into the pillars of effective social media posting: education and connection. Our conversation explores the importance of showcasing personal interests to foster connections and humanize your online persona, making you irresistible to potential clients. From scheduling posts and optimizing hashtags to adapting strategies based on performance, our episode is brimming with actionable tips.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
Uncover vital mortgage industry insights with Loan Officer Hub Editor Liz Keuler as we dissect the findings from MGIC's 2023 Loan Originator Survey Report. Learn how loan officers are capitalizing on opportunities and tackling challenges in today's mortgage market. From factors that influence loan origination to current market activities and unexpected trends, we reveal insider strategies that can help you build your referral relationships and reach the next generation of homebuyers.
See the Loan Originator Survey Report results for yourself at LOHub.com!
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
Ever wondered how cultural knowledge can skyrocket your success in the mortgage industry? Well, you're about to find out! Join us for this episode as we sit down with Daniel Gomez, a rising star at DHI Mortgage in Florida. Daniel takes us through his fascinating journey from being a loan officer assistant to his current role as a branch manager. We get personal, uncovering how his mother's industry experience paved his career path, and how his rich Cuban heritage influences his marketing strategies for the Hispanic community.
We also discuss tapping into the Hispanic market and creating generational wealth. Daniel sheds light on the integral role the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) plays in this process. Looking to stay ahead in the industry? Daniel shares some insightful tips on leveraging technology and the importance of continuous learning. This episode is a goldmine for anyone seeking professional growth and a deeper understanding of the Hispanic market. Tune in, and let's bridge cultures together!
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry blog, MGIC Connects. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe | MGIC Connects
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry blog, MGIC Connects. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe | MGIC Connects
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry blog, MGIC Connects. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe | MGIC Connects
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry blog, MGIC Connects. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe | MGIC Connects
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry blog, MGIC Connects. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe | MGIC Connects
On this episode we cover the topic of down payment assistance (DPA) with Down Payment Resource’s EVP of Product and Operations, Sean Moss. With over 18 years of housing finance industry experience, Sean leads Down Payment Resource’s product strategy and operations, developing solutions that help housing professionals connect homebuyers with available DPA programs across the country.
Sean explains how Down Payment Resource functions as a central DPA repository that helps mortgage professionals match up aspiring homebuyers with the down payment assistance funds they need (or don’t even know exist). Down Payment Resource has enterprise tools specifically designed for lenders to help them from a product management perspective, so they can more easily find, explore, track and monitor all DPA programs currently available.
Thanks for listening to Mortgage Connects, an MGIC podcast. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, send an email to mortgageconnects@mgic.com. Looking for even more expert insights? Check out our mortgage industry blog, MGIC Connects. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe | MGIC Connects
We take a look at the findings from MGIC's soon-to-be-released 2022 Loan Originators Survey Report with MGIC Senior Business Partner Stephanie Budnik.
We surveyed loan originators to learn:
- Where LOs focus their outreach efforts
- The top marketing mediums for originators
- How LOs overcome the challenges facing borrowers over the past year
- How LOs generate referrals
This week on Mortgage Connects, we sit down for a conversation with Amber Lawrence, Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Mortgage Bankers Association or the MBA. Amber develops organizational-wide diversity and inclusion framework goals and equitable practices for the MBA, including member-facing DEI initiatives. We discuss:
- Why companies that are more diverse are likely to financially outperform their peers and have higher revenue due to innovation
- Why it’s critical that organizations incorporate DEI practices into workplace policies and culture
- The MBA's mission to foster a culture of DEI practices within the real estate and finance industry
- The Home for All Pledge, an action pledge to promote inclusion in housing
- Amber’s belief that staying educated and informed is the best approach to embracing DEI and creating an environment of authenticity
Dean Dardzinski, Vice President Managing Director of the Pacific region for MGIC, joins us as guest host on this special episode of Mortgage Connects. Dean interviews Ryan Hills, Regional Director of Movement Mortgage and host & CEO of RE Source TV. They discuss the evolution of Ryan’s business and the highlights of his successful career as a top originator and content creator.
Mortgage Connects was recently featured on the "Best 35 Mortgage Podcasts" list - check it out here!
Every year mortgage professionals work with self-employed borrowers to determine their taxable income. MGIC Customer Trainer Jeff Platfoot joins us to discuss 2021 tax returns and what’s changed for this year, including mileage and meal deduction.
Todd Duncan, bestselling author and sales entrepreneur, has 5 million students worldwide who he has mentored and taught in the real estate, mortgage banking, and financial services areas. In this interview, Todd discusses uncovering your “why” so you can make wiser choices on your journey to becoming a top producer. We talk about business planning and “preparing for being your best, no matter what the market is,” and how failure is the necessary flip side of success.
Todd believes in the importance of accountability, establishing emotional connections and relationships vs. transactional ones, and that everything can be improved. His mantra is trust yourself, your relationships, your faith, and your future. When you do that, you set in motion a university of possibilities.
With a recent search increase of the term "standard coverage," we take a deeper dive with MGIC's customer trainer, Jeff Platfoot, to learn what MI standard coverage is and its direct impact on the lender.
Edgar Hernandez is a Senior Manager in the Multicultural Center of Expertise (MCOE). We chat with him about how simplicity and transparency can help create trust with consumers, especially in underserved markets. He discusses how lenders can support multicultural growth within their organization, being mindful of peer and management diversity in the workplace, as well as how to use job postings to attract diverse talent to your organization.
When volume slows, you'll need an effective sales and marketing strategy to grow your business. John Donnelly of Service First Mortgage talks about learning to market yourself again, the challenges of recruiting new loan officers, and ways to create a thriving remote work environment.
There’s quite the buzz around “social media” and the importance of using it on a regular basis to grow your digital platform, but are you using it correctly from a regulatory standpoint? Melissa Thomas from ActiveComply discusses the do’s and don’ts to keeping your social media profiles and posts compliant.
Get an insider’s scoop on the distinctive economic and social circumstances and challenges facing today’s generation of homebuyers from Freddie Mac’s Danny Gardner.He discusses who the borrowers of the future are and what the growth in diversity of homebuyers looks like. We also reveal the impact of the “triple pandemic” and how its factors have disproportionately affected minority groups, as well as how individuals who took advantage of forbearance options during the pandemic may see their credit affected in the long-term.
We interview top producer Joel Mahakian of Premium Mortgage Corporation, who explains why “When you do the right thing, the money will come.” We also discuss his words of wisdom and advice to others in pursuit of a successful career, including staying “in the know” when it comes to originating loans, noteworthy industry trends and developments, how homeowners have changed over the past several years (and why it matters), and effective ways to stay connected to referral partners.
In our society, social media dominates how we reach our customers. Get insights from Kyle Draper, social media guru, about where you should be spending your time to reach your clients. Learn how to leverage relationships and sell yourself. versus sell a product.
In the mortgage world when we hear the word "gift," we think: A gift involves money. In this episode, Hali provides insight into some of the specific requirements around gift documentation, including who is eligible to give a gift.
Over the past 14 months, there have been numerous announcements made jointly by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac regarding file documentation and evaluation during the COVID 19 pandemic. Recently we’ve started to see these flexibilities shifting back, but some are not and will remain in place until further notice. Let’s hear from MGIC’s National Trainer on what is changing and what’s not.
Chelsea Peitz dives into the essentials you should consider when building your personal brand on Instagram, from what to post and where to post it. Don't know the difference between a reel, story or IGTV? Tune in to learn more! She also discusses the benefits to using each of the different video content formats on the IG platform.
To honor and celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, MGIC interviewed Sean Phalon, AREAA Vice Chair, to shed some light on diversity in both his personal life and professional life. Tune in to gain better insight on what matters when working with the Asian community.
Managing your pipeline in today's industry can present its own set of challenges. Hear what Phil has to say about the industry and ways you can overcome obstacles you may be faces with today. Regardless of where the chaos of the housing market has you at the moment, maintaining your relationships is crucial to your continued success.