In this episode, Adam sits down with financial advisor Cory Nichols — a self-described “non-bro” voice in the finance world — to break down one of the biggest questions facing today’s home buyers: how do money, mortgages, and mindset collide in the real estate market?

Adam and Cory kick things off by unpacking recent interest rate shifts and what they actually mean for buyers, sellers, and builders. Cory explains why chasing low rates can backfire, how affordability should really be measured, and why “what the bank approves” and “what you should buy” are very different numbers.

From there, the conversation moves into the realities of today’s housing market — low inventory, rising prices, cash buyers, and why Adam hasn’t designed a “starter home” in years. They explore building versus buying, the emotional side of home decisions, and how long you should really plan to stay in a house.

Then things get fun. Cory breaks down real estate investing, land ownership, short-term rentals, and the tax strategies high-income earners are using — including depreciation, cost segregation, and why some real estate “losses” exist only on paper. Adam shares his own thoughts on buying land for future builds and designing experiential short-term rentals.

Finally, they dig into real estate transaction costs, agent commissions, industry disruption, and what home buyers should know before signing on the dotted line.

If you’re thinking about building, buying, investing, or just trying to make smarter financial decisions around your home — this episode delivers real talk, practical insight, and a few laughs along the way.

In this episode, a home designer/drafter and a licensed architect team up to break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the residential design process: how long it really takes to create a full set of drawings. From early concepts to permit-ready plans, we dive into what phases take the most time, what clients can expect at each step, and what factors can slow things down (or speed things up). Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or just curious about how the sausage gets made, this episode pulls back the curtain on the timeline behind the blueprints.

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