Ashely McCaleb | Open House w/ Anthony Sharp #002

In this episode of Open House, Anthony sits down with Ashley McCaleb of Leader One Financial (18+ years in banking, 11 as a lender) to break down the real mortgage process for first-time and repeat homebuyers.

They cover where to start (lender vs. realtor), how pre-approvals actually work, what can secretly kill your loan, and why communication and transparency with your lender matter more than you think. If you’re doom-scrolling Zillow but afraid to take the next step, this conversation will help you move from confused to confident.

Topics Covered & Timestamps

• 0:00 – Intro & Ashley’s Background
  • What the Open House podcast is about
  • Ashley’s experience in banking and lending

• 2:00 – Where to Start the Homebuying Process
  • Why you should talk to a lender before you start house hunting
  • Pre-approval vs. what you’re actually comfortable paying

• 3:50 – What Makes a Good Lender
  • Personality, accessibility, and communication
  • Difference between local lenders and big online lenders

• 4:40 – Why Transparency Matters
  • What lenders really look at (bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs)
  • Why it’s better to be proactive than reactive

• 5:50 – Loan Programs & Overlays Explained
  • FHA, USDA, VA, conventional basics
  • What “overlays” are and why some banks deny loans Ashley can approve

• 12:10 – Real Problem-Solving Stories
  • How Ashley closed a loan another lender denied over overtime income
  • Being a “problem solver” vs. just a paper pusher

• 12:50 – Credit Score vs. Credit History
  • Why recent late payments can hurt more than you think
  • How to smartly improve your score (utilization, timing, not overreacting)

• 17:30 – The “10 Commandments” of Mortgages
  • What NOT to do after you’re under contract:
    • Don’t change jobs (especially W2 → 1099)
    • Don’t take on new debt or buy a car
    • Don’t make unexplained large cash deposits
    • Be careful with Afterpay / Affirm “buy now, pay later”

• 20:45 – Horror Stories That Blew Up Loans
  • The truck driver who became 1099 and almost lost everything
  • The buyer who bought a truck a week before closing

• 23:10 – “Marry the House, Date the Rate”
  • Why waiting on lower rates can cost you more in rising prices
  • How refinancing later can improve your payment

• 24:30 – How Refinances Actually Work
  • Do you need a new down payment?
  • When it makes financial sense (and when it doesn’t)

• 27:00 – Avoiding Being House Poor
  • Setting a monthly payment you’re truly comfortable with
  • Why Ashley won’t push you to your max approval just to close a deal

• 29:20 – Picking the Right House for the Right Loan
  • When a house won’t pass certain loan guidelines
  • Renovation loans vs. just buying something more move-in ready

• 30:45 – Why Early Communication Matters
  • Undisclosed debts and BNPL accounts that kill deals late
  • Saving buyers from wasting inspection/appraisal money

• 32:20 – Best Advice for First-Time Buyers
  • Finding a lender you trust (and who won’t judge your past)
  • Ashley’s personal story: rebuilding after divorce and bad credit

• 34:10 – Realtor–Lender as a True Team
  • How good training and communication protect the buyer
  • Why asking questions beats guessing every time

• 35:55 – Ashley’s App & Tools for Buyers
  • Payment calculator that gets you within a few dollars of final payment
  • Uploading docs, tracking your loan, and e-signing in one place

• 37:10 – How to Contact Ashley
  • Name: Ashley McCaleb
  • Company: Leader One Financial (Winfield, AL office; serves all of AL & MS)
  • Phone: 205-544-5555
  • Website

Connect with Anthony Sharp (Host)

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Crye-Leike Properties Unlimited

• https://www.cryeleikepropertiesunlimited.com/