Join Michael Neef every week on Mondays as he interviews professionals in and around the Mortgage Industry. Our goal is to talk about the challenges that Loan Officers and other business leaders face every day, and ways to overcome those challenges to improve your business.
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Pre Approve Me Podcasts
Unlocking the Mystery of Mortgages: Join us as we explore the ins and outs of one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. From understanding interest rates to navigating the home buying process, we'll help you make informed choices about your mortgage. Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and much more.
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Listen to the cover stories from National Mortgage Professional. Hear the most compelling stories from NMP Magazine, Mortgage Banker Magazine, Mortgage Women Magazine, California Broker Magazine, Lone Star LO Magazine, and Florida Originator Magazine.
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Learn the steps of how to patent your invention, from initial concept to issued patent. Host and registered patent attorney, Adam L. Diament, J.D., Ph.D., guides you through the complicated process of patenting your invention. This podcast starts from the beginning of what to do when you first have an idea, all the way through the steps that lead to an issued patent. Other intellectual property areas will also be covered, such as trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and licensing. Adam Dia ...
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Welcome to The Smart Homebuying Podcast! This is the podcast for parents who are ready to create a lasting foundation for their family. If you’re dreaming of a safe, stable home that you can truly call your own, where your kids can grow up with confidence and security, you’re in the right place. I’m Laura—a mom of two, a proud homeowner, and a dedicated homebuying coach here to help you achieve more than just a house. This journey is about building a secure future, investing in generational ...
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Games Builders Play… And How To Beat Them
27:31
27:31
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27:31In today’s high-rate housing market, builders are luring buyers with rate buydowns, closing credits, and upgrade perks. The Incentive Era shows loan originators how to compete — not on flash, but on strategy, service, and long-term value.
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It’s a heavyweight fight for the future of mortgage lending: Mortgage Bankers vs. Mortgage Brokers. Industry leaders Rick Roque and Jason duPont go head-to-head in the debate that could reshape the market for the next decade.
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You Have The Right To Remain Pre-Approved
14:04
14:04
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14:04Anthony Marone clocks out of the police department at dawn and heads into the mortgage office by noon — living a double life fueled by discipline and drive. From night shifts to national awards, he’s proof that structure, hustle, and a little Jersey grit can build an empire.
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When Ideas Defend Themselves: The Strange Rules of Intellectual Property Ep.160
10:03
10:03
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10:03Not all intellectual property rights are automatic. Some appear the moment you create, others only when you use, file, or keep them locked away. Join me in the latest episode of "The Patenting for Inventors Podcast," as we explore the hidden logic of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, and why the law treats your poem, your logo, yo…
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Legacy platforms like Encompass and Calyx once ruled mortgage tech, but their reign is slipping. Tech Me Home Tonight tells the story of scrappy challengers building their own tools and redrawing the map for the entire industry.
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Brokers Pivot From Trigger Leads To Trusted Advisors
17:48
17:48
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17:48Industry leaders Alex Reinig, Steven Grossman, and Jonathan Haddad reveal how the end of trigger leads is reshaping the broker playbook. From high-volume, fast-close strategies to relationship-driven sales, brokers must adapt to longer cycles, rising costs, and the demand for genuine advisory roles in a market where quick money is no longer on the …
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Matthew Healy, Originator at Washington Equities Mortgage Corp., and Nick Grobnagger, Co-Owner of Green Home Loans, go head-to-head on the age-old debate: pounding the pavement versus cold calling.By National Mortgage Professional
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Ben Lavender leads a ten-person team at Madison Mortgage that closes over 100 loans a year — not by chasing leads, but by building a system that draws them in. With regular live events, podcast appearances, and a steady stream of explainer videos, “New York’s Favorite British Mortgage Broker” has turned consistent visibility (and a British accent) …
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In today’s competitive mortgage market, success doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from doing less, but better. Discover how focusing on a niche can set you apart, streamline your operations, and build a business that thrives no matter the market.By National Mortgage Professional
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As the CEO of Absolute Home Mortgage and Mortgage Automation Technologies, Matthew VanFossen is building tech that’s fast, flexible, and intentionally different — starting with the name. This profile looks at how his bold, unapologetic approach is pushing the mortgage industry to think faster, build smarter, and break free from business as usual.…
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Lululemon Sues Costco - A Fashion Lawsuit You Can’t Just Downward Dog Out Of Ep.159
13:55
13:55
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13:55Lululemon wants Costco to stop selling its copycat couture. In this episode, I cover the juicy new lawsuit between the premium yoga brand and the king of bulk, breaking down Lululemon's patent, trademark, trade dress, and unfair practices claims against Costco for selling lookalike fashion. What's actually protectable in fashion and why is winning …
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Recruiters from West Capital Lending, NEXA Mortgage, and Edge Home Finance represent the new vanguard of mortgage recruitment — each with their own style, but all with the same mission: re-establish mortgage brokers as the dominant players of the mortgage industry.By National Mortgage Professional
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Romina Zamanpour didn’t follow the traditional path to mortgage success. Instead, she charted her own as a self-proclaimed “numbers doctor,” blending diagnostic discipline with deep empathy. In just three years, she rose from industry unknown to loanDepot’s #2 consumer direct lender, proving that when you treat every client like family and every fi…
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Scott Valins, GoRascal, and the rise of New York’s #1 mortgage brokerage headline this deep-dive into how an Ivy-League grad turned industry maverick reshaped the home-loan game. From ditching med-school dreams to scaling a culture-first firm through the 2008 crash and pandemic rate swings, discover the strategies, setbacks, and serendipity behind …
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The Pre-Patent Power Play: Can I License My Invention While It’s Still Patent Pending? Ep.158
9:43
9:43
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9:43Can you really license your invention before your patent is granted? In this episode of The Patenting for Inventors Podcast, I break down the risks, rewards, and real-world strategies behind licensing a patent-pending invention. Whether you’re an inventor looking to monetize early, or a company weighing the value of exclusive rights before the ink …
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The first three months as a loan officer aren’t just about learning the ropes — they’re about setting the tone for your entire career. This guide walks you through what to master each month so you can build momentum, sharpen your skills, and start strong.By National Mortgage Professional
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Why This Lender Pays Borrowers To Call Him Out
18:03
18:03
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18:03Princeton Mortgage CEO Rich Weidel turned the traditional mortgage model on its head with the “Princeton Promise” — a borrower-first guarantee that pays clients $1,000 if they're dissatisfied at any point in the loan process. Designed to reveal, rather than conceal weak spots, the system forces originators to rethink communication, trust, and accou…
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With roots in street sales and an instinct for connection, Charafeddine turned his unconventional path into a powerhouse platform for developing top-performing mortgage professionals. Now, through Acez Academy and Takers Brokerage, he’s the secret weapon behind some of the most successful brokers in the country.…
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The Risk of Joint Ownership in Patents – And Why It’s a Trap Ep.157
6:38
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6:38In this episode of Patenting for Inventors, we dive into the hidden pitfalls of joint patent ownership—and why it’s often more trouble than it’s worth. From licensing surprises to enforcement roadblocks, you’ll learn how even the best-intentioned partnerships can turn into legal landmines. Find out how to protect your rights, avoid unwanted co-owne…
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Mortgage broker Jordan Gerard didn’t expect his weekend off to make waves — but his frustrations struck a nerve. In an industry where constant availability is often worn as a badge of honor, some loan officers are beginning to question the toll. Don’t Hustle Me explores the rising pushback against grind culture, the risks of unchecked hustle, and w…
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Face Value: Protecting Your Identity with Name, Image, and Likeness Rights Ep.156
8:22
8:22
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8:22In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights—what they are, why they matter, and how they’re shaping everything from college sports to social media and AI. Whether you’re an athlete, influencer, entrepreneur, or just someone with a digital presence, your identity has value—and the law is catching up to prot…
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Two loan officers sit side-by-side — one drowning in documents, the other flying through files with AI-powered precision. This isn’t a future fantasy; it’s the present-day split in mortgage lending, where those who adopt automation surge ahead while others fall dangerously behind. As AI reshapes everything from underwriting to client outreach, the …
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Trademark Refused, Patent Approved: Illegal Intellectual Property Explained Ep.155
9:53
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9:53Can you patent an illegal invention? What about trademarking a product that breaks federal law—or copyrighting something downright criminal? In this episode of The Patenting for Inventors Podcast, you'll learn about the surprising differences in how U.S. intellectual property law treats illegality. From patented bongs to denied THC trademarks, you’…
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In a modest office on the Boston Post Road, Dorothy Satti has quietly built one of the highest-performing mortgage brokerages in Connecticut. With nearly 40 years in the business, a fierce work ethic, and a deep commitment to helping others, she’s grown Gateway Mortgage Services into a powerhouse — while mentoring the next generation along the way.…
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As deportation fears mount and federal restrictions tighten, lenders are confronting a hard question: Are ITIN mortgages too risky to keep offering — or too valuable to abandon? While political pressures grow, industry leaders argue that ITIN borrowers represent one of the last untapped pillars of housing market growth. In a shifting landscape, the…
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Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be an Inventor? Guidance from the Patent Office Ep.154
8:13
8:13
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8:13Can AI be an inventor? The short answer is no—but the full story is more complex. In this episode, I break down the latest Patent Office guidance on AI-assisted inventions and what it means for inventorship. Learn when using AI still qualifies you for a patent, where the legal grey areas lie, and what to watch out for in your filings. If you’re inn…
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Loan officer, Blain Gentry, travels to the Ukraine to provide aid to civilians on the frontlines. While taking shelter from heavy artillery fire, he gets a text that his borrower is ready to close.By National Mortgage Professional
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Banking on Change: How One Mortgage Lender Became Texas’s Most Ambitious New Bank
18:24
18:24
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18:24In an era where banks are retreating from mortgage lending, Cornerstone Capital Bank is boldly running the other direction. Born from a unique merger between a beloved independent mortgage lender and a 110-year-old West Texas bank, Cornerstone has rapidly transformed into a full-service financial institution—with mortgage lending still at its core.…
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The future of lending belongs to those who can deliver not just loans, but seamless experiences that mirror the convenience consumers expect in every other aspect of their lives. While Rocket may have moved first, the game is far from over. For everyone else in the industry, the challenge is clear: adapt fast or risk becoming obsolete.…
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Lights, Camera, Patent! 10 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Patent Holders Ep.153
9:33
9:33
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9:33What do Michael Jackson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Prince, and Charlie Sheen all have in common? They all hold U.S. patents! In this episode of The Patenting for Inventors Podcast learn about 10 celebrities that you probably didn't know patented their inventions. Learn about additional celebrity patent holders and what it takes to be considered an inventor…
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Can a Fancy Leg Stand on Its Own as a Trademark? The Recent Case of In re Kason Ep.152
7:37
7:37
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7:37You cannot get a design patent or a trademark registered for something that is considered "functional" -- but here's the tricky part: what counts as "functional" depends on whether you're talking about trademark law or patent law. Kason Industries Inc. recently learned this the hard way when it was denied trademark registration, but received a desi…
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Better Mortgage is bridging tomorrow’s technology with today’s borrowers, unleashing AI-driven loans in a world not yet ready for a fully digital era. Discover how they plan to transform lending.By National Mortgage Professional
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Patent Me Maybe: (Carly Rae) Jepson-Style Patent Claims Ep.151
7:19
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7:19There are many ways to write patent claims. One way is called a Jepson-style patent claim, where you explicitly admit what is not inventive about your claim, and then state the part or parts that are inventive. It's not named after the singer named Carly Rae Jepsen, but what if Carly Rae Jepsen wanted to patent a method to get a crush to fall in lo…
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Equity Rising: Black Homeowners Reap Gains in Property Values
12:03
12:03
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12:03After decades of undervaluation, Black homeowners across the U.S. are seeing historic increases in property values—outpacing gains in majority-white neighborhoods. A mix of market shifts, federal policies, and anti-bias efforts in appraisals is helping close the racial wealth gap. From Detroit to Atlanta, Black communities are experiencing a long-o…
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From Sandwiches to Success: Jeff Tesch’s Journey to RCN Capital
15:53
15:53
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15:53Before becoming CEO of RCN Capital, Jeff Tesch learned the fundamentals of leadership by managing Subway franchises in Connecticut. From scrubbing toilets to training employees, his early experiences shaped the skills he’d later use to build a private lending powerhouse.By National Mortgage Professional
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Doubling Down: The Rise of Dual-Capacity Lenders
15:34
15:34
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15:34As shrinking commissions put pressure on buyer agents, many are turning to dual licensing to control both sides of the transaction. Industry leaders weigh in on the financial benefits, regulatory concerns, and what this shift means for the mortgage and real estate landscape.By National Mortgage Professional
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Can blockchain transform the mortgage industry? Editor Ryan Kingsley explores Figure Technology Solution’s bold innovations, blending compliance and cutting-edge tech to streamline lending. Learn how "truth over trust" is reshaping financial transactions.By National Mortgage Professional
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What is Obviousness? A "Reasonable Expectation of Success," or "Predictable Results"? Ep.150
7:12
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7:12You cannot get a patent if your invention is obvious. This can be tricky to determine for biotech and pharmaceutical patents. There are competing standards for how this is determined. One is the "reasonable expectation of success" standard, which is a lower threshold than the "predictable results" standard. The Supreme Court refused to hear a case …
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In a move to reform federal government, the Trump administration has set its sights on dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). What does this mean for the mortgage industry, financial regulation, and borrowers? Will this lead to a new era of financial freedom — or a dangerous return to the conditions that fueled the 2008 financ…
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