Best Firsthome Podcasts (2025)

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Gen Z Doesn’t Believe You: FirstHome IQ’s Kristin Messerli on Housing’s Trust Problem 1:01:28

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2h ago1:01:28

1:01:28

FirstHome IQ Co-Founder & Executive Director Kristin Messerli joins Housing Insiders to reveal the surprising stats & trends from the 2025 NextGen Homebuyer Report. The report covers Millennial and Gen Z homebuying trends, tying to Kristin’s mission of delivering homeowner education before the age of 25. Hear why Millennials and Gen Zers are less t…

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Beyond Blueprints: Turning Housing Ideas Into Action with Housing Innovation Alliance’s Dennis Steigerwalt 48:44

9d ago48:44

48:44

Housing Innovation Alliance President Dennis Steigerwalt joins Housing Insiders to talk about the work of his “crowd-accelerated innovation platform” to identify success stories in the market and bring together financiers and builders to scale innovation. From the Picket Fence Concept Home in Pittsburgh, PA to localized microfactories, Steigerwalt …

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Hispanic Homeownership: NAHREP’s Jason Riveiro on Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities to Reach Latino Buyers 46:02

28d ago46:02

46:02

Welcome to Season 2 of Housing Insiders, where we’ll be bringing you more of the conversations you won’t hear anywhere else – about how to make housing more innovative, affordable and accessible. Kicking us off this season is Jason Riveiro, Senior Advisor to the CEO of NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals). We talk abo…

1
From the Backyard to the Blockchain: This Week in Housing 58:51

1M ago58:51

58:51

On this “Value Meal” episode of Housing Insiders, Jonathan & Jeremy take a bite out of all the latest housing headlines. On the menu: the latest Bilt funding round and how it skyrocketed the platform’s valuation, what the proposed ADU bill on Capitol Hill could mean for homeowners & real estate professionals, the latest tweetstorm from FHFA Direct…

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Swing for the Fences: A Conversation with Clear Capital’s Kenon Chen about Disrupting the Status Quo 49:55

2M ago49:55

49:55

Kenon Chen, Clear Capital’s EVP of Strategy and Growth, joins the show for a round-robin discussion of the housing headlines, including FHFA Director Bill Pulte’s surprise announcement that Fannie and Freddie would now accept VantageScore for mortgage underwriting. It’s a big swing for the fences, but will it help more people qualify to be homeowne…

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Navigating Turmoil in the Mortgage World: A Conversation with Saul Ewing’s Trip Riley & Jason McElroy 1:05:13

2M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

Saul Ewing Partners Trip Riley & Jason McElroy are the perfect guests to shed light on the current regulatory ambiguity in the housing and mortgage market. Their expertise spans mortgage origination and servicing, regulatory counseling, compliance auditing, and litigation defense. On this episode, Riley and McElroy emphasize the challenges posed by…

1
Get Smoked or Get Smart: Rocket’s Bob Walters on AI and the Future of the Mortgage Industry 1:05:30

3M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

Former Rocket Mortgage CEO Bob Walters spent 28 years transforming the company from a small regional brokerage into the country’s largest mortgage lender. Walters joins Housing Insiders to share what he learned along the way from Rocket Founder Dan Gilbert and how their work simplifying and democratizing complex lending processes made Rocket a lead…

1
Solving the Housing Shortage with Mike Kingsella, Up for Growth 50:36

4M ago50:36

50:36

Up for Growth is a national, cross-sector member network committed to solving the housing shortage and affordability crisis through data-driven research and evidence-based policy. Founder & CEO Mike Kingsella joins Housing Insiders to talk why some cities grow and others struggle, whether the NIMBYs or YIMBYs have it right, and what he wants Congre…

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A New National Building Code: The Obvious Answer with Ivan Rupnik, MOD X 48:41

4M ago48:41

48:41

Ivan Rupnik is Associate Professor of Architecture at Northeastern University and Founding Partner of MOD X, a research-based advisory he started along with Ryan E. Smith and Tyler Schmetterer that supports the global offsite construction industry. He joins Housing Insiders to talk about building codes: how they work (and in the case of the US, cou…

1
The Apartment Equation: Talking Trends, Tech, and Tenants with NAA’s Bob Pinnegar 45:32

4M ago45:32

45:32

Bob Pinnegar is the President and CEO of the National Apartment Association (NAA), a trade association representing 95,000 members with over 12 million rental units nationwide. Bob joins Housing Insiders to talk about the state of multifamily housing and the complicated factors - from interest rates to tariffs - making the future of the rental mark…

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The Ivory Prize Top 10: A Conversation with Jenna Louie, Ivory Innovations 43:55

5M ago43:55

43:55

Drumroll, please! Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Jenna Louie of Ivory Innovations joins Housing Insiders to announce the Top 10 finalists for its prestigious Ivory Prize, a national award designed to recognize and support innovative and scalable solutions addressing the housing affordability crisis. Competing across the categories of Constru…

1
AI and the Future of Mortgage Infrastructure: A Conversation with Mike Yu, Vesta 36:41

5M ago36:41

36:41

In this episode of Housing Insiders, Jonathan & Jeremy are joined by Mike Yu to talk the past, present, and future of technology in mortgage lending - and the huge role AI will play in mortgage digitization. Mike is the Co-Founder & CEO of Vesta, a provider of next generation mortgage loan origination software, allowing financial institutions to im…

1
Upheaval at the GSEs: A Conversation with Jim Parrott, Urban Institute 55:10

6M ago55:10

55:10

In this episode of Housing Insiders, Jonathan & Jeremy are joined by Jim Parrott to talk about the latest shakeups at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including the removal of 14 board members and the firing of the CEO of Freddie Mac. With Bill Pulte as the new, self-appointed chairman of the board of both organizations, speculation is rampant about the…

1
Housing Hot Takes 37:18

6M ago37:18

37:18

On this episode of Housing Insiders, Jonathan & Jeremy discuss the latest housing news from Washington, starting with the DOGE staffers at HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and whether or not fears about their access to valuable data are overblown. Next, will the return to office further exacerbate the baby bust? And feedback on the confirmation…

1
Understanding RESPA: A Conversation with Attorney Trip Riley 1:05:23

7M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

In this episode of Housing Insiders, Jonathan & Jeremy talk GSEs and the potential impact on mortgage rates should the Trump administration pull Fannie and Freddie out of conservatorship. Next, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) may be on ice, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) has not gone away. Saul Ewing Partner…

1
A Chaotic 24 Hours: Federal Funding & HUD 28:27

7M ago28:27

28:27

On this episode of Housing Insiders, Jonathan & Jeremy discuss the confusion that reigned in Washington, DC last week, after the White House memo ordering a freeze on all federal grants and loans seemed to put a myriad of housing programs in jeopardy. According to Jonathan, “If you want to stop federal grants, you have to be a little more thoughtfu…

1
Reaching the Unbanked through Fintech: A Conversation with Steve Royster, MoCaFi 57:43

8M ago57:43

57:43

In this episode of Housing Insiders, Jonathan & Jeremy discuss what the wildfires mean for homeowners insurance nationwide and the long-term impact the wildfires will have on the homebuilding process, including the prognosis for factory-built homes. Next, Steve Royster, Head of Community Banking & Marketing at MoCaFi (Mobility Capital Finance), joi…

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The Year Ahead in Housing: 2024 Recap & 2025 Predictions for the Housing Industry 56:29

8M ago56:29

56:29

It’s a time unlike any other in the housing industry. In this special episode of Housing Insiders, Jonathan & Jeremy review the highlight reel of some of their favorite guests from 2024, discussing insights learned and revealing their big bets for 2025. Hear their positive & negative takes on the housing industry heading into 2025, including what r…

1
Investing in AI Housing Startups: A Conversation with Jared Stasik, Detroit Venture Partners (DVP) 35:59

9M ago35:59

35:59

Jared Stasik, Partner at Detroit Venture Partners (DVP), joins Housing Insiders to chat a day in the life of funding early-stage tech companies, including housing startups. DVP was founded in 2010 by Dan Gilbert, Quicken Loans/Rocket Mortgage Founder & Chairman and owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a vision to grow Detroit's entrepreneurial co…

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Momentum in Modular: A Conversation with Hugh Frater, Vessel Technologies 39:05

9M ago39:05

39:05

Hugh Frater, the former CEO of Fannie Mae (and Jonathan’s old boss) joins Housing Insiders to offer his blunt take on solving the housing crisis. According to Frater, "I don't think we should be promoting homeownership per se. I think we should just be finding ways to deliver more housing without regard to whether it's rental or for sale." As Chair…

1
Homebuying Mistake #10: "Not Negotiating Your Mortgage" 12:52

10M ago12:52

12:52

Many buyers don’t realize they have room to negotiate better mortgage terms, which can save thousands over the life of their loan. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to approach lenders, compare options, and get the best rate possible. 💡 For more tips on financial do’s and don’ts, check out my Smart Homebuying Finances. Enjoy 50% off with code S…

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Homebuying Mistake #9: "Making an Offer Without Understanding Contingencies" 14:36

9M ago14:36

14:36

Not including the right contingencies can put you at risk. In this episode, we’ll talk about the key contingencies you need to protect your interests. 💡 Protect your investment with the right contingencies. My Smart Homebuying Finances Course covers this crucial step. Use code SMARTPOD for 50% off until November 30, 2024! 📲 Visit my website: lauram…

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Homebuying Mistake #8: Underestimating the Value of a Good Agent 15:07

10M ago15:07

15:07

A skilled agent can be a game-changer! I’ll explain why finding the right agent can save you money, time, and help you get the best deal. 💡 Learn how to choose the best agent with my Smart Homebuying Courses! Get 50% off using code SMARTPOD until November 30, 2024. 📲 Visit my website: lauramoreno.com 📚 Course Link: Smart Homebuying Finances 📊 Data …

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Homebuying Mistake #7: Skipping the Home Inspection 12:21

10M ago12:21

12:21

Home inspections aren’t optional! In this episode, I’ll explain how inspections protect you from costly surprises down the road. Don’t make the mistake of skipping this crucial step! 💡 Make sure your investment is protected. My Smart Homebuying Course covers the inspection essentials. Use SMARTPOD for a 50% discount until November 30, 2024! 📲 Visit…

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Market Trends: A Conversation with Ivy Zelman 33:58

10M ago33:58

33:58

Ivy Zelman is the CEO of Zelman & Associates. When it comes to housing trends, Ivy has developed a reputation for “seeing around corners,’’ and her accurate forecasts – including predicting the 2008 housing crash - make her one of the most influential people we know. In this episode, Ivy takes out her crystal ball once again and has some harsh warn…

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Homebuying Mistake #6 Not Researching the Neighborhood 17:18

10M ago17:18

17:18

A home is only as valuable as its neighborhood! Today, we’ll cover why researching neighborhoods is essential for long-term satisfaction and wealth-building. 💡 Find the perfect area for your family with tips from my Smart Homebuying Finances Course. Use code SMARTPOD at checkout for 50% off until November 30, 2024! 📲 Visit my website: lauramoreno.c…

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Homebuying Mistake #5: Skipping the Pre-Approval Process 15:29

10M ago15:29

15:29

Skipping pre-approval can lead to heartbreak later on. In this episode, learn why getting pre-approved is a game-changer and how it gives you a competitive edge and a clear budget. 💡 Avoid costly surprises with my Smart Homebuying Course! As a podcast listener, enjoy 50% off with code SMARTPOD until November 30, 2024! 📲 Visit my website: lauramoren…

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Homebuying Mistake #4: Getting Too Attached to a Home 19:07

10M ago19:07

19:07

It’s easy to fall in love with a home—but emotions can lead to overspending or overlooking major issues. I’ll share advice on how to balance your heart and your budget in today’s episode, and why keeping your financial goals in mind is essential. 💡 Want help staying on track with your goals? My Smart Homebuying Course will help you make informed de…

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Homebuying Mistake #3: Ignoring Additional Costs 9:26

10M ago9:26

9:26

Buying a home involves more than just a mortgage payment! In this episode, we’ll go over hidden costs like HOA fees, maintenance, and property taxes that buyers often forget. Don’t let these expenses surprise you—get prepared with real-life budgeting tips. 💡 Get organized and stay ahead of expenses! My Smart Homebuying Course offers a Home Buying E…

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Homebuying Mistake #2: Skimping on the Down Payment 8:51

10M ago8:51

8:51

Today, we’ll discuss why your down payment matters more than you might think. A low down payment can lead to high monthly costs, added PMI, and long-term financial strain. Tune in to learn how to save smartly and set yourself up for financial success! 💡 Take charge of your home-buying journey! My Smart Homebuying Course has tools to help you plan t…

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Homebuying Mistake #1: "Not Knowing How Much You Can Afford" 16:18

10M ago16:18

16:18

Homebuying Mistake #1: Not Knowing How Much You Can Afford Description: In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest mistakes home buyers make—jumping into the search without understanding what they can realistically afford. We’ll go over the total costs of homeownership, beyond just the mortgage payment, and I’ll share practical tips to c…

1
The 401(k) for Homeownership: A Conversation with Landy Liu, Foyer 33:35

10M ago33:35

33:35

The down payment on a home continues to be unrealistic for many Americans. How can we change that? Landy Liu is the Founder of Foyer, a savings platform for first-time homebuyers. Think of it as the “401(k) for homeownership.” Hear him reveal how their savings platform works, the key things to keep in mind as a first-time homebuyer, what the govern…

1
Rent-to-Own Homes: A Conversation with K.C. Cleary, Pathway Homes 38:24

11M ago38:24

38:24

With traditional homeownership more unattainable than ever, aspirational homeowners are exploring ‘rent-to-own’ options. K.C. Cleary is the Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Pathway Homes, a real estate company that provides new construction rentals to tenants, with the option to purchase them over time. Cleary explains that renting gives tena…

1
Bonus Episode: Dissecting the Candidates’ Housing Promises with Jeb Mason, Mindset 38:40

11M ago38:40

38:40

The 2024 presidential election is only weeks away, and housing is front and center as a campaign issue like never before, with each candidate promising they have a plan to make housing more plentiful and affordable. To break down what Trump and Harris’ campaign promises are all about, we talk to Jeb Mason, a partner at public policy consultancy Min…

1
Homebuilding with UNskilled Laborers? A Conversation with Aleks Gampel, Cuby 32:41

11M ago32:41

32:41

The homebuilding process is slow and expensive. Jonathan says it’s driven by the Three L’s: Lumber, Laws, and Labor. Aleks Gampel, Co-Founder of Cuby, is here to help that. Cuby deploys Mobile Micro-Factories (MMFs) globally to solve challenges within the home construction economy and beyond. Aleks, Jonathan, and Jeremy discuss navigating the issue…

1
Fractional Home Ownership: A Conversation with Prosperity Now’s Marisa Calderon 31:44

12M ago31:44

31:44

If home ownership is still a key to wealth generation, how can more Americans get their piece of the pie? Marisa Calderon, the President & CEO of Prosperity Now, joins Jonathan and Jeremy to talk about new approaches to building prosperity, including fractional home ownership and other “on ramps to wealth” through collaborative ownership of differe…

1
Breaking Down the NAR Settlement 44:33

12M ago44:33

44:33

The recent National Association of Realtors settlement comes at a critical time for the housing industry, as startups continue to try to shake up the status quo and housing affordability remains at crisis levels. In this episode, Jonathan & Jeremy break down the outcome of the settlement and discuss what it means for every person involved in a home…

1
Cracking the Housing Industrial Complex 39:13

1y ago39:13

39:13

After Jonathan and Jeremy dissect the housing headlines (spoiler alert: the NAR settlement may not actually bring down costs for buyers and sellers) they vent about the glacial pace at which much-needed reform is happening. “‘Work harder and wait longer,’ that’s the message the housing industrial complex is sending,” says Jeremy. Jonathan, himself …

1
The State of Housing with Odeta Kushi 34:22

1y ago34:22

34:22

Welcome to Housing Insiders! In this pilot episode, your co-hosts Jonathan Lawless and Jeremy Potter welcome special guest Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist for First American Financial Corporation. Hear an overview of the state of housing affordability today, the cities Millennials and Gen Zers are migrating to, the impact of remote work on hous…

1
Trailer - Housing Insiders 1:18

1y ago1:18

1:18

Welcome to Housing Insiders! Meet your co-hosts, Jonathan Lawless and Jeremy Potter. They’re two housing wonks who know just about everyone in the housing industry, from founders and builders to lenders and regulators. The multi-trillion dollar housing market is complicated, and for all the great ideas and innovations, buying a home is not affordab…

1
What is a Buyer Representation Agreement, with Mary Cates 23:42

1y ago23:42

23:42

What is a Buyer Representation Agreement, - Introduction Mary Cates is a Realtor that found her happy place in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. Mary where she helps resale clients, out-of-state clients and first time homebuyers. She enjoys helping clients navigate the real estate process and ultimately finding the home of their desire. In…

1
The Truth About SONYMA Down Payment Assistance Program with Christine Perlow 35:47

1y ago35:47

35:47

SONYMA Down Payment Assistance Program - Introduction The Truth About SONYMA Down Payment Assistance Program with Christine Perlow Christine Perlow is a Sr. Loan Officer at Nationwide Mortgage Bankers. She has been in the mortgage industry for over 30 years and she is most passionate about helping her First Time Buyers. She has been in the SONYMA H…

1
Why It Is Essential To Talk To A Mortgage Officer Early On, With David Epstein 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

David Epstein - Introduction David Epstein is the Vice President of First Securities Home Mortgage, and independent mortgage broker in Royal Oak, Michigan. He has been in the mortgage industry since 1993 and he focuses on giving the best customer service, follow up and attention to detail because he believes this is essential when working on mortga…

1
Why Agents & Lenders Need To Lead With Value (Specially After NAR's Settlement), with Paul Abraham 43:47

1+ y ago43:47

43:47

Paul Abraham - Introduction Paul Abraham AKA BetterCallPaul is a mortgage lender and owner of LocalLender that has been in the mortgage business for 30 years. The first 10 years he was a loan officer and now he has become a loan officer trainer. He now runs a Facebook group with over 41k loan officers when he helps them to grow their business. Home…

1
Why Buying Overseas Could Be The Best Option for First Time Home Buyers Today, with Rodolfo Delgado 32:18

1+ y ago32:18

32:18

Rodolfo Delgado - Introduction Rodolfo Delgado is a real estate startup founder based in New York and CEO of Replay Listings and Forbes contributor. He also bought his first home overseas and he is coming to share his experience and what he learned in the process. When he is not working he loves swimming and boxing. Home Buying Resources Navigating…

1
3 Ways to Compensate Buyer's Agents (and Why) Starting July 2024 25:23

1+ y ago25:23

25:23

3 Ways to Compensate Buyer's Agents (and Why) Starting July 2024 In July 2024, significant changes are set to reshape how buyer's agents are compensated in real estate transactions. These changes have far-reaching implications for members of the real estate industry, as well as for home buyers and sellers. Let's delve into what these changes mean f…

1
Unlocking Wealth: Why Buying a Home Sooner is Your Best Investment with Nick Mullen 26:38

1+ y ago26:38

26:38

Nick Mullen - Introduction Nick Mullen is a real estate agent in Northern Virginia. He believes real estate is a great wealth building tool, and it’s available to everybody. Recently, he’s been working with buyers to acquire lots to build their dream homes. When he’s not working he enjoys the company of family, playing music with his friends, and t…

1
Demystifying Mortgages: A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Buyers by Annika Lynn 33:43

1+ y ago33:43

33:43

Annika Lynn - Introduction Annika Lynn is a Certified Mortgage Advisor based in South Carolina, with licenses spanning 14 additional states. She specializes in helping first-time home buyers and facilitating VA loans. Annika thrives on guiding clients toward building wealth through real estate and to getting them smoothly to the finish line and int…

1
The Art of Persuasion: Winning Your Dream Home with a Letter to the Seller, with Donovan Reyes 23:21

1+ y ago23:21

23:21

Donovan Reyes - Introduction Donovan Reyes is a real estate agent in Las Vegas. He sells over 100 homes a year to first time homebuyers, investors, professional athletes, and sellers. When he is not selling real estate, he is hanging out with his wife and 4 dogs. Home Buying Resources Navigating the world of home buying can be overwhelming, especia…

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Assumable Mortgages 101: The Key to Your First Home, with Michael Lorino 37:59

1+ y ago37:59

37:59

Assumable Mortgages 101 with Michael Lorino - Summary Michael Lorino is the founder and CEO of AssumeList, a site where you can see Assumable Mortgages. A military veteran with over 15 years of real estate experience, Michael recognized the coming affordability crisis with rising interest rates and wondered how homebuyers could more easily find hom…