Episodes

Episode 37: Bank Statement Loans, Vacation Homes & Comfort Zone Confessions Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz – What to charge on multi-million-dollar bank statement deals and why undervaluing yourself costs more than you think. – How to correctly classify short-term rentals versus long-term leases when structuring vacation home refis. – A guide for LOs helping clients move from co-owned family homes into their own pr...

In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Ahles (Edge Home Finance) talks with Liz Rich, a former kindergarten teacher turned powerhouse mortgage broker, about what it means to build a business rooted in faith, service, and determination. Liz shares how she went from teaching in a classroom to closing over sixty loans a year, balancing business growth with family life, and creating systems that keep her business running smoothly. She opens up about her early hustle, from door knocking to cold cal...

Episode 36: The Fuse Experience, Team Trust & Owning Your Attitude Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Fuse Buzz Behind the scenes of AIME’s biggest event of the year, Fuse 2025. How the AIME team executes one of the mortgage industry’s top conferences with such a compact team. The lessons in leadership, autonomy, and trust that made this year’s event thrive. Sales Pitch Training | The Power of Team Trust From letting go of cont...

Episode 35: Cash-to-Close Confusion, Jumbo DTI Caps & Embracing the Repetition Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz Cash-to-close breakdowns that confuse even seasoned borrowers—and how to explain them clearly. Jumbo DTI limits: where the real investor caps are and what exceptions actually mean. How one missed disclosure can trigger an avoidable CD delay, and what top brokers do to prevent it. Sales Pitch Training | Emb...

In this episode of the WMN Podcast, Nike Ojo (Mortgage Broker, Sugar Land TX) and Nichole Foster (Account Executive, Kind Lending TPO) get real about mistakes. The ones they’ve made, the lessons they learned, and how they turned setbacks into stronger systems and relationships. They share why slowing down can prevent costly errors, the importance of honesty and owning your mistakes, and how collaboration and clear communication builds real trust with partners. Along the way, they highlight pract...

Episode 34: Sourcing Cash Gifts, FHA Late Payments & The “Future Pace” Sales Technique Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz – How to properly source and document cash gift funds from a wedding (even large cultural cash gifts) for a Fannie Mae loan. – Why FHA Cash-Out Refinances have strict late payment policies and the narrow exception for “extenuating circumstances.” – The consensus on charging for credit reports: stra...

Episode 33: School Transcripts, Variable Income for Nurses & The 3 Types of Clients Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz – Using school transcripts for employment when a borrower hasn’t graduated yet. – Qualifying a W-2 nurse with new variable income and a 1099 co-borrower with FHA. – Best practices for updating insurance on a refinance without triggering the current servicer. Sales Pitch Training | The 3 Types of Clie...

In this episode, Christine Beckwith (CEO & Founder of 20/20 Vision for Success Coaching) and Molly Meeker (Edge Home Finance) dive into the best practices brokers need to succeed in today’s challenging market. They talk about the importance of mining your database, building and maintaining strong realtor relationships, and using social media as a tool for visibility and connection. Along the way, they share candid stories, practical tips, and a healthy dose of encouragement for mortgage profess...

Episode 32: Gaps in Employment, Homebuyer Credit Programs & Building Future Leaders Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz How underwriters really view employment gaps and what documentation makes the difference. A breakdown of the new $15,000 homebuyer credit program and where it stands today. Why income stability, not just history, is the deciding factor for tricky files. Sales Pitch Training | From Problem Solver to L...

Fannie Mae West and Gabi Wiartalla open up in this episode about navigating some of life’s big changes. From becoming a new mom to publishing a debut book, and all the lessons they’ve learned about balance, boundaries and building a supportive community. They share candid stories about juggling family and career, setting intentional priorities, and finding success in ways that feel truly authentic. From the importance of adaptability to the power of leaning on your village, this conversation is ...

Episode 31: 1099 Nurse Income, Condo Special Assessments & The Power of Framing Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz – Can a 1099 nurse qualify with only one year of income and still access DPAs? – How special assessments impact condo guidelines for Fannie and Freddie. – What to do when a client’s purchase is threatened because their home sale fell through. Sales Pitch Training | Mastering the Art of Framing Jonathon ...

Episode 30: LOA Pay Structures, Cash on Hand & Calling Past Clients Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz Can licensed LOAs who don’t originate be paid as 1099 contractors? What really happens when clients try to use “cash on hand” for down payments. Why FHA underwriters are asking more questions about deposits and consistency. Sales Pitch Training | Past Client Calls That Work Jon breaks down his five-minute call scri...

Laura Brandao and Katrina Carter dive into an eye-opening conversation about the personal and professional impact of A.I., and talk about the ways that it’s reshaping the mortgage and real estate industries. From streamlining business operations to offering unexpected emotional support, they share their experiences with how AI tools helped them navigate challenges, save time, and deepen client relationships. Plus, they explore the balance between leveraging technology and keeping human connect...

Episode 29: ADUs, Rental Income Rules & The SELL Framework Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz Unfinished ADUs & Appraisals: What Fannie Mae actually allows, how appraisers treat zoning and comparables, and when “subject to” conditions will derail a deal. Rental Income Without Taxes Filed: When it’s acceptable, when it’s not, and the hard truths about clients trying to qualify with unreported income. FHA Occupancy Rule...

Episode 28: Jumbo Loan Recasts, Unemployment Income & Taking Control of Sales Conversations Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz – Jumbo Loan Recasts: Why most investors won’t allow them, what it means for your client’s payment, and how to structure smarter refi options. – Unemployment Income & Qualification: When it counts (union rules, seasonal work, tax returns) and when lenders will say no. – The “Unlimited Resource...

Ashley Miller and Melissa Rifai talk about the power of supporting women and share how the Women’s Mortgage Network has created a game-changing community where collaboration has overtaken competition. From overcoming industry challenges to celebrating wins together, they reveal how this sisterhood helps women thrive, both personally and professionally. Hear real stories of mentorship, vulnerability, and the confidence that comes from knowing you’re never alone in this business. Subscribe to o...

Episode 27: Navigating Overlays, Building Underwriter Trust & The “One More” Mindset Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz – Removing Sold Car Debt: Why your underwriter may still require it on DTI and how to handle overlays without derailing closing. – SBA Loan Defaults & FHA Eligibility: Understanding CAVRS, bankruptcy implications, and realistic workarounds. – “Why Use a Broker?”: Two powerful scripts that win client ...

Episode 26: Mastering Loan Challenges & Team Empowerment Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz – Disputed Credit Accounts? How to resolve lender disagreements with one simple AUS trick. – Variable Income Denials: Why “40-hour pay stubs” aren’t enough and understanding the math lenders actually use. – Trigger Bill Update: What’s next after the unanimous passing and how to prepare. Sales Pitch Training – ‘Root Canal’ Framing: W...

Amy Hulett and Aria James bring a refreshing and relatable conversation to life in this week’s episode of the WMN Podcast, exploring the power of authenticity in both personal and professional life. From embracing vulnerability to building genuine connections, they explore how authenticity fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and fuels success. Tune in for practical tips on navigating networking with confidence, leveraging social media to grow your business, and why being unapologetically...

Episode 25: Embracing Responsibility & Winning Client Trust Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Broker Buzz – Top bottlenecks for new vs. experienced LOs (and how to fix them). – Understanding the timing of hiring an LOA. – How to handle bad realtor advice without burning bridges. Sales Pitch Training – 6 psychology-backed principles to make clients come to you. – Why “vanilla milkshake” pitches fail (and what to say instead). ...

Episode 24: Navigating Loan Approvals & Mastering Client Conversations Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. Welcome back to the Broker Power-Up Podcast, where we help you turn industry challenges into wins. In this episode, we dive into hard-earned lessons, overlooked loan-approval factors and the art of owning your expertise. Here is what’s in store: Broker Buzz – Secrets to Success: Exploring why celebrating clients (not yourself) is t...

Kim Clancy and Michelle Chretien dive into a powerful conversation about the transformative role of connection and community across the mortgage industry. As leaders in their field, they share personal stories of building authentic relationships, the impact of the Women’s Mortgage Network (WMN), and how collaboration, not competition, fuels success. From radical authenticity to the joy of referrals, they explore why trust and engagement matter, how to balance business with personal wellness, a...

Episode 23: Closing More Deals with Fewer Choices | CRM Security, Condos & the BCG Method Hosted by Jonathan Haddad (AIME’s Chairman & CEO) and Tommy Golightly (AIME’s Marketing Manager) Welcome back to the Broker Power-Up Podcast, where we turn industry insights into actionable wins. This episode is your playbook for simplifying decisions, protecting your business, and mastering the art of the pitch: Broker Buzz – Why personalized payment estimates beat self-service tools (and how to turn t...

Julie Yarbrough and Samantha Shelton are here to kick off the Women’s Mortgage Network Podcast with a lively conversation about the relaunch of WMN—and what it means for women in the mortgage industry. They share personal stories, discuss the mission of WMN and empowering women in the mortgage industry and why creating pathways for the next wave of female leaders is so vital. Straightforward insights on lifting each other up, owning your growth, and creating a space where women don’t just succ...