Buying a home often means seeing beyond what it looks like today and imagining what it could become. But here’s the catch: not every project is as simple as a YouTube tutorial makes it seem. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to decide which updates you can confidently handle yourself and which ones are better left to the professionals. Even if you’re still just dreaming about buying your first home, this is valuable insight to keep in mind as you tour properties. Understanding the difference between a manageable weekend project and a major undertaking could be the key to choosing the right home without biting off more than you can chew.

Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges buyers face today, but there’s a model that’s helping more people break into homeownership without being priced out. In this episode, I share my experience attending the groundbreaking of a new community built through a Community Land Trust partnership. We’ll unpack what a CLT is, how it works, and why it just might be one of the most powerful tools for keeping housing affordable for generations to come.

Think you’re ready to buy a home? Let’s put your knowledge to the test! In this special “pop quiz” episode, I’ll challenge you with 10 real-life questions every buyer should be able to answer. We’ll cover everything from earnest money to home warranties, and the key factors that determine a home’s value. I’ll also share a personal bonus question that saved my family a ton of money. Whether you ace the quiz or learn a few new things along the way, this episode is packed with insights that will help you feel more confident when it’s time to make your move.

Before you start running numbers or touring homes, it’s worth asking if you're mentally ready for the journey to homeownership. In this episode, I share why the right mindset matters just as much as your credit score. We’ll talk about how gratitude and learning contentment can help you stay motivated in today’s challenging market, the role my faith played in helping me achieve my own home goals, and how financial struggles in my past shaped the empathy I have for buyers today. Whether you’re actively saving for a home or feeling discouraged about the market, this conversation will help you refocus on what you can control and prepare your heart as much as your budget.

The Federal Reserve just held interest rates steady, again, but what does that really mean for mortgage rates, home prices, and your next move in real estate? In this episode, I break down the Fed’s latest decision, how it could shape the housing market this fall, and what buyers and sellers should be watching as we look toward September’s meeting.

Not all lenders are created equal — and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five essential questions you need to ask before committing to a mortgage consultant. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just haven’t applied for a loan in a while, these questions will help you spot red flags, understand your options, and find a lender who’s truly on your side. If you're serious about buying a home, don’t skip this one!

From rate buy-downs to closing cost credits, builder incentives are heating up. But how do they compare to buying a resale home when it comes to value and building equity? In this episode, we dive into what builders are offering, how to use those perks strategically, and what buyers should consider before choosing new construction over an existing home.

In this episode, we break down real-life strategies for efficient grocery shopping and meal planning that can help you stretch your budget. Whether you're saving for your first home or already a homeowner looking to build up a repair fund. I also weigh in on the common debate: Is it actually cheaper to eat out? While cutting your grocery bill won’t erase the deeper financial hurdles like student loan debt or wage stagnation, building better habits around food spending can still be a meaningful step in your financial journey. Every bit counts, and this is one area where small, consistent wins can add up.