Home Goals Podcast

Think of Open Houses as the window shopping stage of your home journey. Just like you would compare models, designs, and reviews before making a big purchase, touring homes helps you figure out what matters most. The challenge is that most buyers only spend about 20 minutes in a house before making life-changing decisions.

In this episode, I share why regularly attending Open Houses is one of the best ways to train your eye for deta...

From the polished choices on House Hunters to the over-the-top mansions on MTV Cribs, pop culture has shaped the way we think about homes for decades. Add in Instagram and TikTok, and it’s no surprise that many buyers end up chasing picture-perfect houses that don’t always match real-life budgets or needs. In this episode of the Home Goals Podcast, I break down the myths these shows and trends create, why they set such high expecta...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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, b...

Supporters call it a game-changing reform aimed at pulling back government interference, slashing taxes, and unleashing the free market. But what does the One Big Beautiful Bill really mean for affordable housing in America? In this episode, we unpack the bill's bold intentions: fewer zoning restrictions, less federal red tape, and financial incentives to spur new housing development. We also examine the ripple effects like pr...

Real estate contracts can feel overwhelming, but having a basic understanding of what you're signing is crucial when buying or selling a home. In this episode, we break down the key parts of a real estate contract, including due diligence, earnest money, disclosures, and common addendums.

With annual form updates rolling out in North Carolina, it's the perfect time to talk about why it matters to know the terms, timelines,...

Buying or selling a home is more than a financial decision, it’s an emotional one. In this episode, we explore how feelings like excitement, fear, pride, and nostalgia show up during the real estate process and how they can either move you forward or hold you back. We’ll cover real examples of deals influenced by emotion, when it helps (like acting decisively) and when it hurts (like overpricing or reacting to repair requests). Tun...

In real estate, everything boils down to leverage—and knowing how to use it can make or break a deal. In this episode, we break down how leverage works in real estate negotiations, especially in the North Carolina market. Sellers often have the upper hand with due diligence fees, while buyers gain leverage when inspections reveal issues or sellers are motivated to close. Plus, we’ll discuss how sellers can hold firm if their home h...

The housing market is showing signs of a shift—but not in the way you might expect. In this episode, we dive into a recent CNN article that reveals there are now around 500,000 more home sellers than buyers, signaling a potential market change. Yet, prices continue to climb, marking 22 straight months of year-over-year gains. We’ll explore why rising prices don’t always mean homes are more affordable, why sellers need to be more co...

What if your home could pay you instead of the other way around? In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful strategy of house hacking—an approach where you use your primary residence to generate rental income and drastically reduce (or even eliminate) your monthly housing costs. Whether it’s renting out a spare bedroom, living in one unit of a duplex, or turning your basement into an income stream, I’ll walk you through the mo...

Property taxes are one of the biggest—and most misunderstood—costs of owning a home. In this episode, we’re breaking down everything buyers and homeowners need to know about property taxes, including how they’re calculated, why your bill can suddenly spike, and what sneaky factors can make two similar homes have wildly different tax bills. I’ll also share tips for appealing an unfair assessment and how to avoid budget-busting surpr...

Thinking about buying a brand-new home? New construction can feel like the perfect blank canvas—but it comes with its own set of rules, risks, and hidden costs that many buyers overlook. In this episode, I’m breaking down how new construction really works, including what’s in those builder contracts, why timelines often shift, and how to protect yourself from costly surprises. Whether you’re considering a custom build or a builder-...