In this special MikeDrop episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Mike and Mike take you on a lively tour of the fix & flip landscape—complete with “Caddyshack” references, tongue-in-cheek jabs at country club culture, and a clear path to unlocking lucrative origination opportunities. They’re joined by the incomparable Shelley Duffy, Executive Vice President of National Sales at Incenter Capital Advisors, who brings her expansive knowledge of mortgage lending, enterprise sales, and strategic partnerships to the table in a big way.
From the outset, the conversation brims with energy: The hosts riff on Rodney Dangerfield’s comedic take on high-society golf clubs, bridging that playful imagery into the very real potential for mortgage originators to stand out as fix & flip experts—even if they feel like “outsiders” stepping onto a fancy, manicured course. The transcript highlights the eureka moments that spark when you realize how these specialized loans provide a prime opening for originators to expand beyond traditional Fannie and Freddie deals.
Shelley underscores how Incenter Capital Advisors has built a powerful network of relationships designed to help lenders, servicers, and investors break into new revenue streams—specifically in the realm of fix & flip financing. She highlights that many realtors themselves are actively flipping homes, making it all the more crucial for originators to position themselves as the “go-to money person.” The synergy is evident: if roughly a quarter of all realtors are flipping houses, imagine the value an originator can offer by providing them with competitive loan options, smoothing out the entire process from purchase to renovation to resale.
One of the podcast’s memorable comedic moments compares fix & flips to saving a spouse from the dreaded “home improvement couch” scenario. If the property is already upgraded by a professional flipper, that means less household stress for the end buyer. Mortgage professionals can be the hero here, Shelly explains, by connecting dedicated investors with the capital they need to flip properties quickly. While the fees on these loans can be higher than standard mortgages—Shelley and the hosts note that four points on a fix & flip loan might not even faze dedicated investors—these entrepreneurs understand such costs are simply part of doing business.
The real magic, though, is how Shelley and the Incenter team step in to offer guidance and assurance that the underwriting process, due diligence, and product structuring are all top-notch. They’re acutely aware of potential pitfalls, such as buybacks, which can be terrifying for lenders. But by collaborating with a dedicated partner who has the knowledge and capability to mitigate risk, originators can feel confident in diversifying their loan portfolio with a line of products that consistently generates profits.
Throughout the discussion, Shelly’s impressive background shines through. She has more than 15 years of high-level experience in housing finance and has served in senior roles with entities like Computershare Loan Services and Radian. Her mission at Incenter is to continue crafting comprehensive solutions—covering everything from capital markets to loan diligence, student lending, insurance, property tax, accounting, and marketing solutions—so that lenders can excel even in a shifting market.
In addition to fix & flip opportunities, Shelley teases other innovations in Incenter’s pipeline. The company has been pulling out all the stops to help originators stand tall amidst fierce competition. With her newly expanded responsibilities as EVP of National Sales, she’s overseeing a rapidly growing Enterprise Business Development team that’s on a quest to bring fresh ideas to the mortgage industry.
If you’re an originator who’s ever felt anxious about venturing into uncharted territory, take heart in the laid-back, comedic style of this MikeDrop episode. You’ll walk away with actionable insights into how fix & flip loans can radically alter your trajectory, carve out new relationships, and position you as a truly indispensable partner to investors and realtors alike. By aligning with Shelley and Incenter Capital Advisors, you’ll be able to handle the complexities of fix & flip financing with grace—and maybe even enjoy a round of golf at that fancy country club once your numbers start soaring.
So tune in, soak up the humor and expertise, and discover why fix & flip might just be the most exciting corner of the housing market for originators right now. As always, Mike and Mike keep it fresh, lively, and full of real-world takeaways that will inspire you to chase new deals, partner with top-tier professionals, and make waves in your local market. Don’t sleep on this golden opportunity—your next big success story might be a hammered-and-nailed property away.
