Top 27 Resources For Your Mortgage Business

At PropertyRadar, we believe in a universal truth: you should be spending more time working on your business than you do figuring out where to turn for help.

From informative podcasts discussing the latest trends to insightful books that delve into the intricacies of mortgage lending, and engaging videos offering practical tips, we've compiled 27 of our favorite resources to help make an immediate impact on your mortgage business.

Let’s get started.

Top 10 Books For Your Mortgage Business

From textbooks on mortgage finance to industry-specific publications, books offer a wealth of information on topics like industry updates, business strategies, and personal narratives shared by experts in the field.

By immersing yourself in books, you can gain a deep understanding of the intricacies of the mortgage industry.

To get us started, let's dive into 10 of our favorite books for your mortgage business.

1. Mortgage Management for Dummies by Eric Tyson and Robert S. Griswold

Summary: This book offers an in-depth view of the world of mortgage management. Tyson and Griswold provide insights on everything from understanding the basics of mortgages to avoiding common mistakes and scams. They also offer advice on refinancing and tackling mortgage issues.

Actionable Steps:

• Study different mortgage types like fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, interest-only, and negative-amortization loans.
• Learn how to calculate mortgage payments manually.
• Advise your clients about refinancing options when the market rates drop below their existing mortgage rate by at least 1%.
• Keep an eye out for common mortgage scams and educate your clients on these potential pitfalls.
• Stay informed about the latest mortgage laws and regulations by subscribing to finance and mortgage news.

2. The Mortgage Marketing Manifesto: Unlocking the Holy Grail of Mortgage Lead Generation - Andrew Pawlak

Summary: Andrew Pawlak, drawing from his extensive experience in assisting various professionals in the mortgage industry, has compiled these strategies and systems in his book. By implementing the secrets revealed in the book, you can boost their return on investment (ROI) and achieve better outcomes from your marketing and business development endeavors.

Actionable Steps:

• Learn about the 15 essential components that contribute to a high-converting mortgage landing page.
• Gain insights on optimizing both digital and traditional marketing approaches to maximize your client acquisition from every advertising dollar spent.
• Explore effective strategies to establish yourself as the preferred mortgage professional in your local market through enhanced branding.
• Learn how to create a consistent stream of leads through social media and retargeting campaigns.
• Acquire techniques for utilizing real estate marketing to drive a significant increase of 5X in purchase leads.

Summary: In his comprehensive guide, Michael D. Zuren, PhD, reveals the proven steps for mortgage loan officers to achieve their goals and create successful businesses. This book covers everything from industry insights and job search strategies to advanced marketing techniques and exceptional customer service. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals, the Mortgage Loan Officer Success Guide provides all the necessary tools to turn your dream job into reality.

Actionable Steps:

• Essential foundational knowledge: Understanding the mortgage industry and its workings.
• Securing employment: Identifying desirable employers and guidance for establishing a successful career framework.
• Advanced strategies, tips, and techniques: Creating and maintaining effective marketing campaigns.
• Building strong rapport with clients and delivering excellent customer service.

4. Be the Better Broker, Volume 1: Become A Top Producer - Dustan Woodhouse

Summary: Be the Better Broker is a book series that guides individuals interested in real estate, finance, or insurance toward a successful career as a Mortgage Broker. The first volume focuses on developing the necessary traits, habits, and skills before entering the industry. Serving as a top producer starter kit, it offers actionable steps to enhance value for clients and employers. This book provides a roadmap for aspiring brokers to achieve success and become better professionals in their field.

Actionable Steps:

• The books provide insights and guidance for those considering a career in real estate, finance, or insurance.
• The first volume focuses on essential traits, habits, and skills needed for success in the industry.
• Knowing your numbers and focusing on payment rather than rate is a key aspect of Dustan's approach.

5. The Mortgage Professional's Handbook: Succeeding in the New World of Mortgage Finance by Jess Lederman and Tomasz Lasota

Summary: This handbook is an essential tool for every mortgage professional. The authors share their expertise on various aspects of mortgage finance including underwriting, loan closing, and post-closing in the new regulatory environment.

Actionable Steps:

• Understand the impact of new regulatory changes on your business and adjust accordingly.
• Learn how to manage risk in the underwriting process effectively.
• Improve your loan closing process to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Understand how to deal with post-closing issues effectively.
• Stay updated with the latest technology trends in the

6. The Mortgage Wars: Inside Fannie Mae, Big-Money Politics, and the Collapse of the American Dream by Timothy F. Howard

Summary: Timothy Howard, former CFO of Fannie Mae, provides an insider's perspective on the financial crisis of 2008, focusing on the role of Fannie Mae. The book gives a detailed history of the rise and fall of Fannie Mae, providing valuable insights for mortgage professionals.

Actionable Steps:

• Understand the role and function of government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the mortgage industry.
• Learn from the mistakes that led to the 2008 financial crisis to better prepare for potential economic downturns.
• Understand the impact of political policies on the housing market and mortgage industry.
• Stay informed about macroeconomic trends and indicators that can affect the mortgage market.
• Learn about risk management strategies used during the financial crisis and how they can be applied in your business.

7. The SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator National Exam Study Guide: Second Edition by Patricia O'Connor

Summary: This guide is an excellent resource for anyone preparing for the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator National Exam. O'Connor provides clear explanations of complex mortgage concepts, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.

Actionable Steps:

• Brush up on key mortgage concepts and terminologies.
• Take the practice questions seriously and use them as a tool to assess your understanding of the topics.
• Use the test-taking strategies provided in the book to improve your performance on the exam.
• Set a study schedule leading up to the exam and stick to it.
• Identify your weak areas from the practice exams and focus your study efforts on those topics.

8. The Mortgage Originator Success Kit: The Quick Way to a Six-Figure Income by Darrin J. Seppinni

Summary: This book offers a comprehensive overview of how to be successful as a mortgage originator. Seppinni provides practical advice on lead generation, networking, and closing deals, all with the goal of earning a six-figure income.

Actionable Steps:

• Implement the lead generation strategies suggested in the book to expand your client base.
• Develop your networking skills and use them to build strong relationships with real estate professionals and potential clients.
• Master the techniques of closing a deal effectively.
• Understand the importance of good customer service and strive to exceed your clients' expectations.
• Implement strategies for earning repeat business and referrals from satisfied clients.

9. Becoming Your Own Banker: Unlock the Infinite Banking Concept by R. Nelson Nash

Summary: Nash's book introduces the concept of Infinite Banking, where individuals effectively become their own bankers. Although not a traditional mortgage guide, the book provides interesting insights into finance that could be beneficial for mortgage professionals.

Actionable Steps:

• Understand the concept of Infinite Banking and its potential benefits.
• Consider how the principles of Infinite Banking could be applied to the mortgage industry.
• Study the case studies provided in the book for practical examples of Infinite Banking.
• Consider discussing the concept with your clients as part of a broader financial conversation.
• Keep an open mind about non-traditional approaches to finance and banking.

10. Mortgages 101: Quick Answers to Over 250 Critical Questions About Your Home Loan by David Reed

Summary: This book provides clear and concise answers to common mortgage questions. Reed covers a wide range of topics including mortgage rates, amortization, and refinancing, making it an invaluable resource, helping you answer some of your clients' most common questions, fast.

Actionable Steps:

• Use the book as a reference guide for answering your clients' questions.
• Understand how mortgage rates are determined and how they fluctuate based on market conditions.
• Explain the concept of amortization to your clients and how it affects their mortgage payments.

Top 10 Videos For Your Mortgage Business

With over 200 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every hour, you'd be hard-pressed to find any topic that doesn't have an endless catalog of educational videos dedicated to it.

Luckily, the world of Mortgages and Loan Officers is no different.

 From informative videos on industry updates to insightful business advice and firsthand experiences shared by experts in the mortgage industry, there's a wealth of knowledge waiting for you on YouTube.

Let's check out some of the best.

1. The Mortgage Loan Process Explained Start to Finish - The Mortgage Reports

Why You Should Watch: This video provides a clear and comprehensive explanation of the mortgage process. It's a great resource for brushing up on your own understanding and for finding ways to explain complex concepts to clients.

2. Mortgage Loan Origination Sales Training Video (1 of 2) - Sales Remastered

Why You Should Watch: This is the first in a two-part series that offers valuable tips for improving your sales techniques, focusing on interaction with clients. 

3. Understanding Loan Documents - Loan With Jen

Why You Should Watch: This video provides a deep-dive into various loan documents, helping you understand their importance and how to explain them to clients.

4. How to generate Mortgage Leads on Facebook and Instagram. - Mortgage Marketing With Chris Johnstone

Why You Should Watch: Social media is an invaluable tool for lead generation, and this video gives practical advice on how to use it effectively.

5. The Mortgage Underwriting Process - What You Need To Know - FinanceWithFoss

Why You Should Watch: FinanceWithFoss explains the mortgage underwriting process in an easy-to-understand way, an essential skill for all mortgage professionals.

6. Loan Officer Sales Training: How to Pitch and Create Urgency - SalesRemastered

Why You Should Watch: This video gives insight into how to pitch effectively to potential clients and create a sense of urgency, which can be crucial for closing deals.

7. 7 Biggest Mistakes That Cause Loan Officers to Fail - BNTouch

Why You Should Watch: Learning from mistakes is essential, and this video presents common mistakes in mortgage origination and how to avoid them.

8. How Do Principal Payments Work on a Home Mortgage? - Khan Academy

Why You Should Watch: Understanding how balloon mortgage payments work is crucial for explaining them to clients. This video by Khan Academy does a fantastic job of making complex concepts accessible.

9. Mastering The Mortgage Loan Presentation - Summit Funding, Inc.

Why You Should Watch: Presentation skills are a must-have for all mortgage professionals. This video offers useful tips to help improve these skills.

10. 5 Ways To Obtain New Clients - Summit Funding, Inc.

Why You Should Watch: This video provides excellent tips on how to win new clients, laying the foundation to grow and scale your mortgage business. 

Top 7 Podcasts For Your Mortgage Business

Want a convenient way to stay up to date on all things related to mortgage lending? Podcasts are an invaluable resource for mortgage professionals, providing a diverse range of shows that cover everything from the latest industry developments to practical business advice.

By tuning in, you can tap into the knowledge and experiences of seasoned experts within the mortgage industry. 

Here are some of our favorites:

1. Loan Officer Freedom - Carl White

Why You Should Listen: Hosted by Carl White, this podcast is the #1 podcast for Loan Officers in America. The podcast covers a variety of topics including lead generation, team building, loan officer strategies, and more.

2. Mortgage Marketing Expert - Phil Treadwell

Why You Should Listen: Phil Treadwell provides insights from top mortgage industry experts and helps listeners stay current on marketing strategies and industry trends.

3. The Mortgage Impact Podcast - Jake Fehling

Why You Should Listen: This podcast highlights the incredible people, organizations, and partners that have made a significant impact on the mortgage industry and communities. It's a great source of inspiration and tips for positive impact.

4. Mortgage Marketing Radio - Geoff Zimper

Why You Should Listen: Geoff interviews leading mortgage officers from across the country to deliver unique insights from the most respected authorities in the industry. 

5. Growing Your Mortgage Business w/ Dave Savage - Data Driven Real Estate Podcast by PropertyRadar

Why You Should Listen: Dave is a recognized leader in the mortgage industry for his contributions to improve the professionalism and quality of advice that originators provide homeowners. Before Mortgage Coach, Dave was one of the nation’s top loan originators and President of a national mortgage company. 

6. Mortgage Lending Mastery - Jen Du Plessis

Why You Should Listen: This podcast delivers proven marketing strategies for mortgage loan officers to build a consistent personal brand, amplify their message, and grow their team.

7. The Mortgage Success Blueprint Podcast - Peter Conti

Why You Should Listen: The Mortgage Success Blueprint shares the insider secrets of successful mortgage brokers who are generating more leads, converting more appointments into applications, and closing more loans despite the strong headwinds of 2021.