It’s our one-year anniversary! 🎉 In this special 52nd episode of the Home Goals Podcast, we're celebrating by answering the most-Googled questions homebuyers are asking right now. From “Should I buy a house in 2025?” to “How much house can I actually afford?” — we're tackling the biggest uncertainties with clear, no-fluff answers. Whether you’ve be…

The new 10% tariff on all imports is making waves—and not just on Wall Street. In this episode, we unpack how these sweeping trade policies could potentially drive up the cost of building materials, appliances, and everyday goods tied to homeownership. From delayed construction timelines to shrinking buyer budgets, the ripple effects are real. Tune…

Think your real estate agent has your back? Maybe… but what if they’re actually the reason your offers keep getting passed over? In this episode, we’re breaking down 4 subtle but serious signs that your agent might be costing you the deal — without you even knowing it. From poor communication to sloppy offer strategy, we’ll walk you through what to…

Just bought your first home and wondering where to start with updates? In this episode, we’re diving into five smart, budget-friendly renovations that pack a punch. These upgrades will help you add value, boost functionality, and truly make the place your own—without breaking the bank. From fresh paint to curb appeal, we’ll walk you through practic…

Real estate scams are more common—and more sophisticated—than ever, and whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, it’s easier than you think to fall into a trap. In this episode, we break down the most common scams happening in the real estate world right now and the red flags you need to watch for. From fake rental listings and wire fraud during…

Think buying a home is all about luck? Think again! In this St. Patrick’s Day special, we’re revealing proven negotiation tactics to help first-time homebuyers save thousands and keep more gold in their pockets. From getting the seller to cover closing costs to turning inspection issues into cash savings, we’ll break down the best ways to negotiate…

Is now the right time to stop renting and buy a home? In this episode, we break down five key signs that indicate you might be ready to take the leap into homeownership—or whether you should keep renting a little longer. From getting your finances in order to understanding the market, we cover the most important factors that can make or break your …

What if you could set your kids up for financial success before they even graduate high school? In this episode, we’re diving into why teaching kids about homeownership early can be a game-changer for their future. From understanding the difference between renting and owning to learning about credit, savings, and building wealth, we’ll break down s…

In this episode, we delve into the history of systemic barriers—redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and racially biased policies—that have long impeded Black families from building generational wealth. Through personal narratives, expert insights, and historical analysis, we uncover how these past injustices continue to reverberate today, …

Buying a home is just like winning the Super Bowl—you need the right team to execute the perfect game plan. In this episode, we’re breaking down the key players who will help you cross the goal line and secure your dream home. From the professionals who guide you through the process to the experts who protect your investment, we’ll cover why assemb…

Buying your first home is a big milestone, but choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as picking the perfect house! In this episode, I break down the practical factors that can make or break your living experience—like commute times, schools (even if you don’t have kids), property taxes, home appreciation trends, and the little things…

Home warranties promise peace of mind, but are they really worth the cost? In this episode, we break down what home warranties cover, how they differ from homeowners insurance, and the pros and cons of investing in one. We’ll also discuss common misconceptions, real-life scenarios where a home warranty can save you money (or be a waste), and key fa…

In this episode, we examine the Trump administration’s latest immigration policies and how they may affect the real estate industry. With undocumented immigrants making up a significant portion of the construction labor force, we explore the potential impact on housing supply, affordability, and the costs of home repairs and renovations. We also di…

Preparing for your first mortgage meeting can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step toward buying your dream home. In this episode, we’ll guide you through what to expect, the key information you’ll need to share, and why choosing the right lender can make all the difference. Learn how to position yourself for success and avoid common mistakes…

Real estate attorneys play a critical role in ensuring your transaction goes smoothly, but choosing the wrong one can lead to costly mistakes and stressful delays. In this episode, we explore the essential functions of a real estate attorney, how to pick the right one for your needs, and share real-life stories of what can go wrong. Whether you’re …

Bidding wars can be intimidating, especially for first-time homebuyers. In this episode, we uncover the common mistakes that often cause buyers to lose out on their dream home and share actionable tips to help you come out on top. Learn what sellers are really looking for in a winning offer and how to make yours stand out in a competitive market. W…

As we wrap up 2024, join us for the final episode of the year, where we look ahead to the top 10 real estate trends shaping 2025! From the ongoing impact of remote work on where and how people choose to live, to the ripple effects of fluctuating interest rates, and the evolving demographics redefining homeownership, we cover the shifts you need to …

Thinking about using down payment assistance to make your dream of homeownership a reality? From grants to loans, we’ll explore some of the different options available and the benefits they can offer. We’ll also discuss key considerations to keep in mind before committing to a program, including potential long-term impacts on your finances and flex…

The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but overspending can derail your financial goals—especially if you’re saving for a home. In this episode, we share practical holiday budgeting tips to help you enjoy the season without breaking the bank. Learn how to set spending limits, find creative ways to give meaningful gifts, and avoid common f…

Thinking about buying a home but feeling overwhelmed by the process? In this episode, we break down the home-buying journey into simple, manageable steps. From determining your budget and getting pre-approved for a mortgage to finding your dream home and closing the deal, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or…

Ending homelessness may feel like an overwhelming challenge, but there are meaningful ways you can make a difference today. In this episode, I share practical steps you can take to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. I'll spotlight some incredible housing non-profits I've personally worked with, sharing their missions and im…

Are you self-employed and dreaming of homeownership? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about getting a mortgage with irregular income. Learn what lenders look for, how to prepare your finances, and key strategies to avoid surprises during the loan process. Drawing from personal experience, I’ll share tips and insights to he…

Closing costs can feel like a mystery when buying a home—but not after this episode! I’m breaking down exactly what closing costs are, how much you can expect to pay on average, and what they cover. To bring it all home, I’m sharing a real-life example from my own home purchase, detailing every fee involved and what it meant for my bottom line. Whe…

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest questions for anyone dreaming of homeownership: How much house can you actually afford? We'll unpack the common misconception of comparing rent payments directly to mortgage qualifications and dive into why it’s not always that simple. I’ll break down the key components of a mortgage payment—including p…

Is the winter season the right time to make a move in the housing market? In this episode, we break down the advantages and disadvantages of buying a home during the colder months. From motivated sellers and potential price reductions to limited inventory and holiday distractions, we’ll explore how the winter season can both benefit and challenge h…

In this episode, we dive into the affordable housing crisis and examine how the 2024 Presidential candidates plan to tackle this critical issue. From down payment assistance to inflation reduction, each candidate brings their own vision to the table, but which proposals stand a real chance of making housing more affordable? Join us as we break down…

Understanding your credit score can be one of the most crucial steps in the homebuying journey. In this episode, we break down what a credit score really is, how it's calculated, and why it plays such a pivotal role when securing a home loan. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, knowing how lenders use your credit score to det…

In the wake of Hurricanes Helen and Milton, many homeowners are discovering painful gaps in their insurance coverage. In this episode, we break down the critical differences between home insurance and flood insurance, so you can ensure you're protected before the next storm hits. We'll explore what each policy covers (and doesn’t), debunk common my…

In this episode, I share five must-read books for anyone aiming to buy their first home. We'll explore two key factors that make all the difference: your income and how you manage it. From improving your financial situation to mastering money stewardship, these book recommendations will give you the insights and tools you need to confidently move t…

In this episode we dive deep into the world of real estate numbers to help you make sense of the stats you see in the market. From median home prices to inventory levels and days on market, we’ll break down the key indicators that shape the real estate landscape. Learn how to interpret these metrics and use them to your advantage. Tune in to gain t…

You’ve found the perfect home, gone under contract, and your loan is pre-approved… what could go wrong? A lot, actually! In this episode, we dive into the real-life horror stories of homebuyers who thought they were in the clear, only to have financing issues derail their dreams at the last minute. Discover the costly mistakes you must avoid to kee…

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of home pricing. While we don’t have the power to set the price—that's the market's job—we do analyze six key factors to estimate a home's value accurately. Join us as we explore these variables and uncover the intricacies behind predicting what a home will sell for. Whether you're a seller, buyer, or…

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of unmarried couples buying a home together. Whether you're planning to get married or have no intention of tying the knot, purchasing property as a couple brings unique challenges and important decisions. Should you prioritize the wedding or the home purchase? What legal and financial considerations d…

In this episode, we dive into the popular phrase "Marry the House, Date the Rate" that's been making waves in the real estate world. Is it wise to focus on securing your dream home while planning to refinance later if rates drop? Or does this strategy come with hidden risks that could leave buyers in a tricky financial situation? We explore the pro…

In this episode, we discuss the concerning question, "is your real estate agent truly looking out for your best interest, or are they more focused on their commission?" Through personal stories and candid discussions, we explore the often unspoken concerns that many buyers have but may be hesitant to ask. Tune in to learn how to ensure your agent i…

In this episode, we dive into the world of off-market home purchases, where the best deals often stay hidden from public listings. We'll walk you the process, from finding these elusive properties to negotiating directly with sellers. Whether you're considering buying or selling an off market property, learn the insider tips that can give you a com…

In this episode, we explore two major changes shaking up real estate practice, specifically affecting buyer agents. We’ll unpack how these shifts are redefining buyer representation, commission structures, and the homebuying experience. It will also include insights on the legal and practical impacts to help agents and clients navigate this evolvin…

In this week's episode, we discuss why making the most of your home tour is crucial in finding the perfect property. We'll cover how to prepare both before and during a home showing, ensuring you know exactly what to look for and how to research effectively. We'll also highlight common mistakes buyers make and provide practical advice to help you a…

In this episode, we dive into the dangers of letting the desire to impress others hold you back from making important decisions, particularly when it comes to purchasing a home. Additionally, we discuss the concept of "opportunity cost" and how waiting for the perfect moment or a better deal can actually set you back.…

Join us as we explore the key clues to watch for during the home search process. Helping you identify potential issues before they become costly problems. We'll cover what to expect in the overall condition of a home you intend to purchase and offer practical advice on ensuring your investment is sound. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a se…

In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial decision of finding the best school for your child and how it intertwines with your home buying process. We'll explore various factors to consider, such as school ratings, extracurricular offerings, and community culture, ensuring you make an informed choice for your family's educational needs. I’ll al…

In this episode, we dive into the world of home property types, exploring the various options available to prospective homeowners. From single-family homes to condos and everything in between. We'll break down the key differences between each property type and what these differences mean for your ownership experience. Learn about the unique respons…

In this episode, we're diving into the top ten tweets in response to a question posed about the home buying features that initially seemed minor, but ended up being the bane of the homeowners' existence. From quirky design choices to unexpected maintenance nightmares, we'll break down these common pitfalls. I'll analyze the most popular/interesting…

In this episode, we dive into the essential questions you need to ask yourself before borrowing money from a family member for a home purchase. Navigating financial transactions with family can be tricky, and it's crucial to consider all aspects to maintain harmony and transparency. We'll unpack many of the key considerations, helping you make an i…

In this episode, I explain all about the my journey as a renter. The good, bad, and "bug infested" ugly of places I rented in the past. From my college days, all the way to being a married, parent of two. Renting played a major factor in the different phases of my life and the prices have risen astronomically. I'll also discuss how those price jump…

In this episode, I take you through the rollercoaster ride of my home buying journey—a story filled with unexpected twists, daunting challenges, and rewarding milestones. Unlike those who follow a straightforward path to homeownership, my experience was anything but linear. From financial hurdles and fluctuating markets to surprising setbacks and m…

In this episode of the Home Goals Podcast, we dive into the critical strategies you need to successfully save for your dream home. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, these five tips will help you build the financial foundation necessary to make a confident and timely purchase without relying on external programs…

In this episode of Home Goals Podcast, we dive into the golden rule of real estate: "location, location, location." Join us as we discuss the key factors to consider when deciding on the best place to call home. Understanding the nuances of location can make or break your real estate decision. Plus, we'll discuss how much weight you should give to …

Join us as we explore whether or not a Realtor® is essential for your home search and what factors you should consider when making this important decision. Discover the advantages of having a professional guide you through the process, learn scenarios where buying a home with a Realtor® would be most beneficial, and identify warning signs that indi…

In this episode, we explore the myths and realities of renting, weighing its financial implications, lifestyle benefits, and long-term prospects. Through expert insights and real-life examples, we offer practical advice for deciding whether to rent or buy. Tune in to gain clarity on this pivotal decision and empower yourself with the knowledge need…