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The Mortgage Athlete

The Mortgage Athlete

By: Tracy Hayes
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 The Mortgage Athlete is a podcast where highly experienced and respected mortgage loan officers collaborate. We will weekly discuss the real estate market, new loan products, and industry tips to help our fellow loan originators.2025 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • How to Buy a Home With No Money Down

    How to Buy a Home With No Money Down
    Nov 2 2025
    What if the only thing standing between you and homeownership… isn't money at all? In this episode of The Mortgage Athlete Podcast, Tracy and Tom uncover a little-known path to homeownership through Planet Home Lending's Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA). Forget what you've heard… no, you don't need 20% down, and no, DPA programs don't have to be slow, restrictive, or filled with gimmicks. With up to 5% in assistance, no income limits, and eligibility for non-first-time buyers, this program is transforming dreams into addresses. Tom and Tracy share real-life success stories, break myths about FHA loans, manual underwriting, and second mortgages, and provide critical insight into how buyers, even those with low credit or student debt, can still achieve homeownership. This episode is packed with strategic advice for agents, buyers, and anyone ready to move from "just looking" to "just closed." Ready to unlock the front door to your future home? Reach out to Tom, Tracy, or your local Planet Home Lending MLO today. Share this episode with someone who thinks they "can't buy a home", and show them they absolutely can. Highlights: 00:00 – 01:06 The Zero Down Payment Myth Debunked · You don't need a down payment · Introducing the Planet DPA Program · Up to 5% toward down payment or closing · No gimmicks, no third-party delays · A breakthrough for sidelined buyers 01:06 – 03:00 FHA Myths & Planet DPA Flexibility · Not just for first-time homebuyers · No income limits or FHA-only rules · Go up to 105% loan-to-value · No overlays, standard DU/LP approvals · Planet controls the entire process 03:00 – 05:00 How Real Estate Agents Win with DPA · 3.5% FHA covered + up to 1.5% more · Covering full closing costs · Collaborating with sellers · 360° win for buyers and agents · Getting to the table with $0 05:00 – 07:00 Credit Scores, Manual Underwriting & Success Stories · No credit score floor · 599+ possible with approval · Single mom pharmacist success · Manual underwrite wins the day · Closing in 32 days with tears of joy 07:00 – 09:00 Using OPM for Homeownership · Manufactured home buyer story · Saving $20K while buying · Putting money into improvements · Strategy for updates post-closing · Teaser for the renovation episode 09:00 – 13:33 Terms, Costs & Qualifying Details · Second mortgage setup explained · 2% higher rate, 10-year amortization · $80/month on $6,000 loan · No prepayment penalty, no delay · 5-minute video + fast approval Quotes: "You don't have to be a first-time homebuyer. That's probably the first myth I'll throw out there." – Tom Reber "She achieved something that most people aren't able to do… and she's done a great job." – Tracy Hayes "The gold is always in the cracks." – Tracy Hayes "We got to peel the onion back and put you in the best program possible." – Tom Reber Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #MortgageAthlete #HomeBuyingTips #NoMoneyDown #ZeroDownHome #MortgageAthlete #FirstHome #RealEstateHack #HomeOwnership #FHAloans #PlanetHomeLending #MortgageHelp #DPAProgram #RealEstateTips #BuyAHome #RealEstateFinance #CreditScoreHelp #HomeLoanSuccess #FinancialFreedom #Homebuyers #RealEstateInvesting #HomeOwnershipJourney
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    14 mins
  • How To Remove The Contingency and Close Faster!

    How To Remove The Contingency and Close Faster!
    Oct 29 2025
    What if you could sell your current home, buy your dream home, and skip the stress of a double move, all in under a month? In this episode of The Mortgage Athlete Podcast, Tracy Hayes and Tom Reber unveil the inner workings of the Purchase Edge program, a home-lending playbook that turns "maybe" into "move-in ready." Tom shares the captivating story of David and Diana, a couple who needed to relocate from Nashville to Florida but were financially stuck due to equity-rich, cash-poor circumstances. Through a creative strategy involving a HELOC, bridge loan, and a guaranteed cash offer, the team orchestrated a seamless triple-lien move without requiring both mortgages to be counted. Listeners are walked through every strategic touchpoint, from agent collaboration and timing advantages to how Planet Home Lending controls the entire lending process in-house for maximum efficiency. Whether you're an agent dealing with contingencies or a buyer fearing double mortgage payments, this episode shows you how to skip the wait and win big. Are you or your clients stuck waiting on a home to sell? Don't settle for delays or denials. Contact Tom or Tracy today to see if Purchase Edge can unlock your next move. Share this episode with a real estate partner who needs a game-changing strategy! Highlights: 00:00 - 03:00 The Purchase Edge Advantage · Introduction to the Mortgage Athlete · What makes the Purchase Edge program unique · The ideal client profile · Types of scenarios the program solves · Real-life setup of the "Triple Lindy" case 03:01 - 06:52 The Triple Lindy Case Breakdown · Introduction to David and Diana's problem · Equity-rich, cash-poor explained · Importance of purpose-driven moves · Mapping out the financial hurdles · The value of preparation with agents 06:53 - 09:52 Structuring the Solution · Using HELOC and bridge loan strategy · Why a $300k HELOC alone wouldn't work · How the guaranteed offer powers the plan · Avoiding double-payment disqualifiers · Understanding the third lien position 09:53 - 12:12 Agent Collaboration is Key · Conversations with the listing agent · Setting expectations on home readiness · Quick turnaround and multiple offers · The power of staging and polish · Results: Sold in 45 days! 12:13 - 15:35 Removing Contingencies for the Win · Other successful uses of the Purchase Edge · Creating optionality and confidence · How pricing and timing intersect · Why most Purchase Edge clients never use the guarantee · The nominal cost of $3,500 is worth the power 15:36 - 21:00 Bonus Wins & Condo Team Praise · Solving the 6-extension condo loan in a week · Working with internal appraisal teams · Lisa Baum and the in-house condo approval crew · The Cup of Tom: "Gold is in the cracks" · Why empowerment and control matter in lending Quotes: "You can be excellent at being average, or you can bring something to the table that's in the cracks, because that's where the gold is." – Tom Reber "We control all facets of the transaction, from the value of the property to the underwriting decisions." – Tom Reber "This program isn't about risk, it's about empowerment, giving agents and clients clarity and confidence." – Tom Reber "Most of our Purchase Edge deals don't even need the guarantee, but the option is what closes the deal." – Tom Reber Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #MortgageAthlete #RealEstateStrategy #HomeBuyingTips #PurchaseEdge #LoanSolutions #BridgeLoan #HELOC #HomeSelling #MoveFaster #RealEstatePodcast #TomReber #TracyHayes #MortgagePodcast #CashOffer #HomeEquity #MortgageExpert #ContingencyFree #RealtorLife #PropertySuccess #SellAndBuySmart
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    21 mins
  • Estate Planning and Wealth Advisors

    Estate Planning and Wealth Advisors
    Sep 13 2025
    What's more costly—paying for proper estate planning today, or leaving your family to fight it out in court tomorrow? In this episode of The Mortgage Athlete Podcast, Tracy Hayes and Tom Reber welcome estate and tax attorney Robert Daugustinis joins Tracy Hayes and Tom Reber on the Mortgage Athlete Podcast to demystify the world of estate planning. They dive into the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, how to protect your home and assets, and why even first-time homebuyers should start thinking about succession. With engaging stories of family disputes, quirky wills, and the costly consequences of skipping planning, Rob explains why having a plan in place isn't just for the ultra-wealthy. This episode also unpacks the hidden tax advantages of strategic gifting, how to use tools like Lady Bird deeds, and why collaboration between mortgage advisors and estate attorneys can save clients money and heartache. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or planning for future generations, this conversation delivers practical insights on protecting wealth, reducing taxes, and avoiding unintended consequences. Don't wait for a crisis—start your estate planning today. Share this episode with a friend or client who needs to hear it, and subscribe to the Mortgage Athlete Podcast for more strategies to protect and grow your financial future. Highlights: 00:00 - 06:00 Estate Planning Basics · Introduction of guest Robert Daugustinis · Revocable vs irrevocable trusts explained · Why homeowners need a plan early · Common misconceptions about wills and trusts · Who makes an ideal estate planning client 06:00 - 12:30 Avoiding Family Feuds · Stories of family disputes over estates · The hidden cost of probate in Florida · Planning to reduce stress and conflict · Role of communication with heirs · Importance of upfront planning vs. litigation 12:30 - 18:00 Protecting Homes and Titles · Risks of improper title transfers · Lady Bird deeds and homestead quirks · Costs of probate vs. upfront planning · Horror stories of title defects · How trusts and LLCs can protect property 18:00 - 24:00 Holistic Estate Planning · Power of attorney and healthcare decisions · Blended families and unintended consequences · Customized planning for unique situations · Intake process and client questionnaires · Why every plan must cover incapacity 24:00 - 30:00 Unique Trusts and Guardrails · Creative legacy trusts and incentive provisions · Guardrails vs. ruling from the grave · Building succession for family businesses · Humor and eccentric client stories · Importance of peeling back layers with clients 30:00 - 38:37 Taxes, Gifting, and Strategy · Annual vs lifetime gift exemptions · Strategic gifting to reduce estate tax · College funds and seed money for kids · How appreciation outside the estate saves taxes · Closing thoughts from Tom and Tracy Quotes: "Having a good plan in place can save you ten times the cost and stress compared to fighting it out after someone passes." – Robert Daugustinis "Probate in Florida is expensive—it's a percentage of the value of assets. A few thousand upfront can save tens of thousands later." – Robert Daugustinis "You can pay me a little now to do it right, or a lot later to fix it." – Robert Daugustinis "If you can dream it up, I can usually put it on paper for you." – Robert Daugustinis To contact Robert Daugustinis, learn more about his business, and make him a part of your network, make sure to follow him on their website and LinkedIn. Connect with Robert Daugustinis! Website: https://ivanlawgroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-daugustinis-b1394083 Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #MortgageAthlete #EstatePlanning #WealthManagement #TrustsAndWills #FinancialFreedom #MortgageAdvice #TaxPlanning #FamilyWealth #AssetProtection #HomeOwnership #SuccessionPlanning #RealEstateInvesting #ProbateAvoidance #GenerationalWealth #FinancialPlanning #TrustLaw #MoneyMatters #WealthPreservation #BusinessLaw #SmartInvesting #MortgageAthlete
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    39 mins
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