The Loan Doctor Podcast

What does a title attorney actually do and why does it matter more than most people realize? On this episode of The Loan Doctor Podcast, Richard Brandt sits down with Kim De Biase of Empire Title Services to walk through the real role of a title attorney from contract to closing.

They break down why owner’s title insurance is critical, share real stories of unexpected title claims, and explain how issues like unsatisfied mortgages, probate complications, open permits, and improper signatures can create major problems if not handled correctly. They also discuss escrow deposits, wire fraud prevention, underwriting, 1031 exchanges, FIRPTA, and what buyers and sellers should be doing before they ever sign a contract.

If you are buying, selling, or investing in Florida real estate, this conversation will help you understand what happens behind the scenes and how to protect one of the biggest investments you will ever make.

Kim De Biase 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberleed/
https://empiretitleservices.com/kimberlee-de-biase/561-225-2676
561-225-2676

To see the full list of updated conforming loan limits and find out what you qualify for, contact the Brandt Lending Team at (954) 476-8223 or visit thebrandtlendingteam.com.

In this episode of the Loan Doctor Podcast, hosts Rich Brandt of the Brandt Lending Team at North Pointe Bank and Giselle Andres dive into the most critical metric in mortgage lending: Debt-to-Income Ratio, or DTI.
To see the full list of updated conforming loan limits and find out what you qualify for, contact the Brandt Lending Team at (954) 476-8223 or visit thebrandtlendingteam.com.

In this episode of the Loan Doctor Podcast, host Rich Brandt of the Brandt Lending Team discusses the essential role of insurance in financial planning, especially when purchasing a home.

Guest: Dwayne Merchant, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with Northwestern Mutual and over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.
https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/duane-merchant/

To see the full list of updated conforming loan limits and find out what you qualify for, contact the Brandt Lending Team at (954) 476-8223 or visit thebrandtlendingteam.com.

The Fed has lowered interest rates and conforming loan limits are increasing for 2026. In this episode of The Loan Doctor Podcast, Richard Brandt breaks down what these two major changes mean for homebuyers, homeowners, and investors.

We cover how lower rates impact mortgages, credit cards, and consumer loans, why the new $832,750 conforming loan limit matters, and how it compares to jumbo loans. You will learn the real differences between conventional and conforming loans, what lenders look for when approving a mortgage, and how credit, income, down payment, and debt ratios work together as a full financial picture.

Richard also explains why the lowest rate is not always the best choice, how strategy matters more than shopping numbers, and why starting the mortgage process early can save you thousands. If you are thinking about buying, refinancing, or planning for 2026, this episode will help you make smarter financial decisions.

To see the full list of updated conforming loan limits and find out what you qualify for, contact the Brandt Lending Team at (954) 476-8223 or visit thebrandtlendingteam.com.

Is AI planning to take over the human race?

That’s the question Rich Brandt (The Loan Doctor) asks to kick off this deep dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence. Joined by Stephen Wang—an AI expert with a unique background in personal training and real estate—this episode moves past the sci-fi fear and gets straight to the practical business applications.

Stephen shares his journey from owning gyms to helping agents master technology, explaining how the discipline of fitness translates perfectly to the structure required for business growth.

In this episode, Rich and Stephen strip away the complexity of AI. They discuss why AI should be viewed as a power tool rather than a replacement for human connection. You’ll learn actionable strategies to reclaim your time, the economics of AI (and why big tech is burning cash), and why "speaking" to your AI is more effective than typing

Connect with Steven!
https://aubreighhutchison.exprealty.com/

Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brandt/
https://www.northpointe.com/home-lending/get-started/richard-brandt/

In this episode of The Lone Doctor Podcast, host Rich Brandt of the Brandt Lending Team discusses the biggest challenges business owners face with his guest, Josh Blum of Ivolve and Thrive. 

Josh Blum
https://ivolveandthrive.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh3837/

Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brandt/
https://www.northpointe.com/home-lending/get-started/richard-brandt/

Richard Brandt, the "loan doctor," and Giselle Andres discuss the controversial 50-year mortgage proposal and its potential to improve home affordability for first-time buyers. While it may offer short-term help, they warn it's not a long-term solution, won't help build wealth, and could slow home sales. The conversation ties current housing issues to pricing, inventory, policy, a shortage of housing (especially affordable housing), and interest rates. Brandt and Andres detail the financial difference between a 30-year and 50-year mortgage on a $500,000 house, noting a 50-year term could result in paying three and a half to four times the house's worth. They also consider whether this increased demand could raise overall home prices. A potential "workable and fair" alternative discussed is the temporary buy-down, which lowers the monthly payment using a lower interest rate for a period.

Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brandt/
https://www.northpointe.com/home-lending/get-started/richard-brandt/

On this episode of The Loan Doctor Podcast, host Rich Brandt is joined by Aubreigh Hutchison of the Aubreigh Hutchison Group with EXP Realty. Aubreigh, a real estate agent in Florida, discusses the reasons people are moving to Florida, including the political climate and the lack of state income taxes.

Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brandt/
https://www.northpointe.com/home-lending/get-started/richard-brandt/

On this edition of the Loan Doctor podcast, Rich Brandt, the Loan Doctor, speaks with John Tolly of the JT Law Firm about property insurance claims, especially concerning recent changes in legislation and its impact on homeowners. 

Connect with us!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brandt/
https://www.northpointe.com/home-lending/get-started/richard-brandt/

The Loan Doctor, Rich Brandt, breaks down what makes buying a condominium different from buying a single family home, and why condo financing can get tricky, especially in Florida. He explains how lenders approve not only the borrower, but the entire condo project, and why things like HOA financial health, owner occupancy, investor concentration, single owner concentration, and even unanswered condo questionnaires can determine whether a loan gets approved.

This episode covers the key difference between warrantable and non warrantable condo projects, what FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae guidelines actually mean, and how down payment and property use impact your financing options. Rich also dives into the post Surfside changes that pushed HOA fees and assessments higher, why lenders are asking tougher structural questions, and how buyers and owners can navigate big assessments, including using equity when it makes sense.

Connect with us!
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brandt/

https://www.northpointe.com/home-lending/get-started/richard-brandt/