Conversations with Larry Hoyt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Hoyt.

Hi Larry, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?I didn’t start out thinking I’d become a mortgage broker—it actually grew out of my passion for helping people and my own personal journey with homeownership. Like many, I saw how complicated, intimidating, and stressful the mortgage process could feel. What stood out to me was how often people weren’t treated as people—they were treated as numbers. I knew there had to be a better way.

That’s what inspired me to build my own practice. I wanted to create a client-first experience where every borrower feels understood, supported, and empowered—whether it’s their first home, their dream upgrade, or an investment property. Over time, I developed a reputation for going the extra mile: being accessible, breaking down complex concepts in plain language, and tailoring solutions that fit each client’s unique goals.

Today, as the founder of That Mortgage Foodie, I get to combine two things I love: connecting with people and celebrating life. Mortgages are my profession, but food, culture, and relationships are what make me who I am. That balance keeps me grounded and relatable. I serve clients in NC, SC, and FL for traditional mortgages, and across 40+ states for investor programs like DSCR loans. I’m also proud to serve in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so more families and investors feel at home in the process.

Looking back, what got me here was simple: showing up with heart, hustle, and honesty. I believe buying a home or investing in real estate should be as exciting as it is rewarding—and I’m grateful I get to be a part of that journey every single day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—very few meaningful journeys are. In the beginning, I had to learn how to navigate the complexity of the mortgage world while also building trust with clients who were making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. That meant long nights studying guidelines, early mornings meeting with clients, and plenty of moments where the learning curve felt steep.

One of the biggest struggles has been market volatility. Rates shift, regulations change, and client expectations evolve quickly. There have been times when the industry slowed down, and like many in real estate and lending, I had to adapt fast. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation to get more creative, diversify the loan programs I offered, and expand my reach nationally to better serve both local families and international investors.

Another challenge has been balancing business with being human. I never wanted to lose the personal touch, even as I scaled. Making sure every client feels like more than just a transaction takes intention and consistency. But honestly, those challenges are what shaped me. They pushed me to create That Mortgage Foodie as a brand that’s not just about numbers—it’s about relationships, trust, and celebrating life along the way.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?At my core, I’m a mortgage broker—but to me, it’s never been just about rates and paperwork. What I really do is guide people through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives in a way that feels clear, approachable, and even enjoyable.

I specialize in helping three main groups of clients:

First-time homebuyers, who need education and reassurance to feel confident in taking their first step.

Homeowners looking to refinance, who want to maximize savings or free up cash flow without the stress.

Real estate investors, both in the U.S. and internationally, who need creative financing solutions like DSCR loans to build and scale their portfolios.

I serve traditional mortgages in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, and offer investor-friendly programs in 40+ states. On top of that, I work in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, which allows me to connect with a much broader audience and make sure language never becomes a barrier to opportunity.

What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve built That Mortgage Foodie into more than just a business. It’s a brand built on trust, accessibility, and humanity. Clients often tell me that I made them feel comfortable during a process they expected to be stressful—that I explained things in a way that clicked, or that I was always just a phone call away when they needed clarity. That kind of feedback means more to me than any number on a balance sheet.

What sets me apart is the personal touch. I’m not just a “loan officer”—I’m a partner in my clients’ journey. I blend professional expertise with genuine connection. I bring in my love for food and culture as a way to remind people that life is about more than just transactions—it’s about celebrating milestones and making memories. Whether it’s a family buying their first home or an investor closing on their tenth property, I treat every deal with the same level of care and attention.

At the end of the day, I believe what makes me different is simple: I put people first. Mortgages may be my profession, but relationships are my purpose.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?I’m a big believer that inspiration can come from anywhere—not just the mortgage world. For me, blogging has become one of my favorite ways to process what’s happening around me and share it with others. Writing about real estate, food, travel, and life in general keeps me grounded and helps me connect with clients on a human level. It’s not just business; it’s storytelling.

When it comes to resources, I pull from a mix of professional and personal influences:

Books: I’m drawn to books that challenge my mindset and push me to grow. Titles around personal development, leadership, and resilience have helped me not just in business, but in life.

Podcasts: I enjoy listening to podcasts that mix motivation with humor and real talk—something in the spirit of the comedians I admire like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Bill Burr. They remind me that perspective and laughter are just as important as strategy.

Apps: I rely on a few practical apps daily—everything from mortgage tools that help me run scenarios quickly for clients, to fitness and meditation apps that keep me balanced. Hot yoga and weightlifting are a big part of my routine, so staying mindful of my health helps me show up better at work.

Blogs & Culture: I follow blogs and food accounts that celebrate culture, community, and experiences. Food has always been a passion of mine—it’s where my brand, That Mortgage Foodie, was born. Exploring new restaurants or writing about a great meal reminds me that life’s about enjoyment, not just achievement.

What ties all of these together is balance. I want to perform at my best for my clients, but also for myself, my family, and my community. Whether it’s through a blog post, a podcast episode, or just sharing a moment over great food, these resources keep me inspired and constantly evolving.

Originally Published at: https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/conversations-with-larry-hoyt?fbclid=IwY2xjawNZGPRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5dVBjczI5ZmQ0QlVtNHY5AR71nz591RY2wOoOIdFzdl2nURbam5GTtjjKL5llfsxI1Jfd_pAbyhAZC7Ap-w_aem_giW8Cl85b1SKLomO5nsCPA