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 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 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 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 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 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 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 content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

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 content portal, Mortgage Connects knowledge hub. Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the latest! Subscribe

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

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

Mortgage Connects podcast host Stephanie Budnik sits down for a conversation with Krystina Kohler from the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Krystina is the Financial Stability Portfolio Manager at United Way and since 2013, she has provided analysis and support for over 70 of its community fund programs. She also leads United Way’s Safe & Stable Homes initiative, which aims to end family homelessness in Greater Milwaukee.

Stephanie and Krystina discuss:

• How United Way invests its funds to support community health and human services initiatives, such as programs that further education and financial stability
• Krystina’s work overseeing United Way’s grants and how she leads its community impact initiative Safe & Stable Homes
• United Way’s efforts to improve housing and financial security, including ending family homelessness
• How a safe and stable home is the foundation for everything good in life: health, education, income and a strong social network
• How United Way encourages its community members to give, advocate and volunteer 

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 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we interviewed Karen Chiu, Builder Development Manager at New American Funding, to learn from her experience and gain insight into the challenges many Asian Americans face in homebuying and in the mortgage industry. Karen has over 20 years of experience as a top mortgage loan originator, and she specializes in working with first-time homebuyers and foreign nationals to obtain the American dream of homeownership. She's also an active member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, which works to improve homeownership among Asian communities.

Karen discusses why purchase business is especially meaningful to her, why she actively meets and supports other LOs in her organization, how her recently licensed daughter took her first loan app in fifth grade, and why Asian American representation is critical.

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