After ten years as a mortgage lender, I’ve learned one core truth: a mortgage is never just a loan. It’s a life moment.

In this solo episode of Educating Homebuyers, I reflect on a decade of helping first-time buyers, growing families, investors, and repeat clients navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. I break down the 10 lessons that consistently create smoother closings, less stress, and more confident homebuyers.

This episode is not about chasing the lowest rate or timing the market perfectly. It’s about clarity, preparation, communication, and aligning your mortgage strategy with your life.

Whether you’re buying your first home, thinking about your next move, or just want to understand how the mortgage process actually works, this episode will help you feel informed, educated, and comfortable before you ever write an offer.

Most buyers never see what really happens behind the scenes when a home is built—but they feel it every step of the way.

In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, Brady Haye sits down with custom home builder Derek Lines to unpack what separates a smooth, well-run custom home build from a stressful one. From communication and budgeting to design decisions and vendor relationships, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the parts of the process most people never get explained.

If you are considering building a home now or in the future, this episode will help you feel more informed, educated, and comfortable before ever breaking ground.

🏡 Topics covered:

• What actually makes a custom home build a great experience
• Why communication matters more than finishes
• How most homes go over budget and how to avoid it
• Designing homes around real life, not just floor plans
• What buyers should know before choosing a builder
• How mortgage planning fits into the custom build process

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

📩 Questions about building or financing a home? Reach out anytime

00:00 – Welcome to Educating Homebuyers
00:33 – What Buyers Never See Behind the Build
01:02 – Meet Derek Lines
03:33 – From Farm Kid to Custom Home Builder
06:23 – Starting a Construction Business at the Wrong Time
08:02 – Transitioning From Roofing to Custom Homes
09:45 – What Actually Differentiates a Great Builder
10:44 – Why Most Builds Go Over Budget
11:32 – Communication vs “Stress-Free” Promises
14:17 – Handling Mistakes Without Finger-Pointing
16:27 – Why Builder–Vendor Relationships Matter
18:47 – Designing Homes Around How People Live
19:23 – The Discovery Meeting Explained
22:00 – Why the Final Walkthrough Is So Emotional
24:15 – How Many Homes a Custom Builder Can Handle
25:53 – How Buyers Discover Builders Today
27:07 – Avoiding Being Pigeonholed Into One Style
29:34 – Designing a Spec Home Without a Buyer
31:49 – Selling the Home Before the Show Opened
32:53 – Mortgage Perspective on Custom Builds
36:06 – Education vs Sales
39:44 – Long-Term Reputation in a Small Market
42:00 – Final Advice for Future Homebuilders

Today’s episode features someone whose journey perfectly blends education, real estate, and authentic connection. Emma Jordison—better known across Des Moines as Your DSM Home Girl—shares how she went from the classroom to becoming a trusted local real estate resource for buyers, sellers, and renters preparing for their next step.

We walk through her transition from teaching to real estate, the lessons she carries over from the classroom, why early planning dramatically improves the homebuying and selling experience, what today’s buyers truly care about, and how new construction compares to resale in a shifting market.

Emma’s perspective is rooted in education, service, and helping people feel confident and comfortable—values that align closely with what this podcast stands for. Whether you're planning to buy, preparing to sell, or simply want to understand today’s Des Moines market, this conversation will help you take your next step with clarity.

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to Educating Homebuyers
00:19 – What this show is all about
00:33 – Introducing DSM Homegirl
01:11 – Emma’s journey from teaching to real estate
02:27 – Early signs she loved the housing world
03:11 – Their first rental and entry into investment property
04:38 – Why owning real estate strengthens how you serve clients
05:52 – The importance of early buyer conversations
07:10 – Preparing renters 6–12 months out
08:14 – Buyer confidence and market readiness
08:56 – Why reaching out early improves outcomes
10:16 – Navigating the personal side of finances and privacy
11:09 – Why Brady connected with Emma’s approach
11:27 – The story behind “DSM Homegirl”
13:22 – Authenticity, community, and local resource building
14:16 – The meaning of home vs. a house
15:16 – Guiding sellers: maintenance, expectations, and presentation
16:42 – What buyers pay attention to in 2026
17:58 – Red flags and inspection considerations
19:39 – Should sellers update before listing?
20:18 – When renovations help—and when they don’t
22:03 – Why updates should be done for YOU, not the next buyer
23:23 – Changing timelines and unexpected moves
24:19 – Equity, improvements, and long-term value
26:18 – Spec homes, new construction, and resale dynamics
27:07 – Personalizing new construction after move-in
28:14 – Are spec neighborhoods more common now?
29:23 – Buyers returning after sitting out 2021–2022
30:45 – New construction advantages and warranties
32:23 – How the market has shifted for agents and clients
32:43 – Semi-custom homes and blending build styles
33:19 – Closing thoughts and where to follow Emma

Today on Educating Homebuyers, I sit down with Cedar Rapids & Iowa City’s top agent, Alexis Kemp — a powerhouse who has built a $60M+ real estate business in just four years by leading with care, high standards, and a deep commitment to her clients’ success.We talk through what a normal market actually looks like, how buyer conversations have changed since 2021, and why understanding resale value is more important than ever. Alexis also shares the emotional realities of helping both first-time homebuyers and long-time homeowners who are selling after 40+ years.We also dive into affordability, interest rates, the recent conversation around 40–50 year mortgages, and how buyers should think about long-term equity and comfort level over simply “what they qualify for.”If you want a grounded, honest look at what buyers and sellers can expect in 2026 — this episode delivers.

00:00 – Intro00:33 – Meet Cedar Rapids & Iowa City’s top agent: Alexis Kemp01:00 – Alexis’ path to real estate02:17 – From marketing coordinator to team leader04:01 – Growing a $60M+ business05:27 – Market changes: 2021 vs. now06:39 – How buyer conversations have shifted07:34 – What a normal market actually looks like07:56 – Iowa City vs. Cedar Rapids09:15 – Emotional differences: first-time buyers vs. long-time sellers10:39 – Using client stories to market homes11:07 – Des Moines vs. her market13:27 – How far she travels to help clients15:59 – Alexis asks Brady about the lending side16:14 – What buyers really need to understand about affordability17:18 – Why rates aren’t the whole story18:02 – The truth about 40- and 50-year mortgages20:23 – Equity, amortization & realistic timelines21:14 – Why the lender consultation matters22:08 – Evaluating resale value23:13 – Long-term appreciation & expectations24:21 – Closing thoughts24:42 – How to connect with Alexis

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with someone who’s played a massive role in my career — mentor, leader, investor, and friend, Louie Wickett. Louie has spent over a decade helping families buy homes while also running a growing investment company AND raising a family.

We break down what buyers should actually be thinking about heading into 2026: budgeting, variable income, cash-to-close, equity strategy, debt payoff, timing the market (and why you really can’t), and the mindset shift today’s market requires.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, move-up buyer, or a realtor wanting sharper tools to guide your clients — this episode is filled with real, practical, no-nonsense guidance for the year ahead.

Louie Wickett — welcome to Educating Homebuyers.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Intro
01:10 – How Louie entered mortgage lending
04:00 – Learning the business the hard way at Wells Fargo
06:30 – What makes Key Mortgage Group different
09:45 – Why accurate pre-approvals matter in 2026
12:15 – Understanding variable income (and common surprises)
15:50 – The preliminary income review and why it’s a game changer
17:30 – Balancing two businesses + family life
19:40 – How fatherhood changed Louie’s perspective
23:10 – Advice for first-time buyers in 2026
25:40 – Budgeting, comfort levels, and lifestyle planning
27:00 – Cash-to-close explained simply
29:30 – Loan Estimate videos: why they matter
31:20 – Should you wait or buy now?
33:00 – Leveraging equity to eliminate debt
35:20 – The hidden danger of easy consumer credit
37:50 – Protecting your future refinance options
40:20 – Why timing the market doesn’t work
42:30 – Closing thoughts + gratitude

Today’s episode features a 20-year real estate veteran whose career spans commercial real estate, custom new construction, and leading one of the top real estate teams in Ankeny. Ankeny Real Estate Group’s own Colin Panzi breaks down how the new construction process really works — from selecting the right lot, to budgeting properly, to the biggest surprises buyers don’t realize until it’s too late.

Whether you’re comparing new construction to resale or thinking about building a custom home someday, this episode will help you feel informed, educated, and comfortable as you plan your next step.

Chapters:
00:00 — Intro
00:34 — Colin’s Story and Start in Real Estate
02:40 — Fargo New Construction + Extreme Home Makeover
05:30 — How Builders Plan Fast Build Schedules
08:00 — Budgeting, Floor Plans & Lot Selection
11:00 — Common Costs Buyers Forget (blinds, landscaping, appliances)
14:30 — Why Rooms Look Small During Construction
17:00 — How Pricing Changes During the Build
19:00 — The 8-Foot vs 9-Foot Ceiling Mistake
21:00 — Entry-Level New Construction vs Resale
23:40 — Local Builders vs National Builders
26:00 — Understanding What You Get For the Money
29:00 — What to Ask Before Building
30:50 — Wrap Up + Colin’s Contact Info

In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, Brady sits down with Jalan Jones — a Des Moines Realtor known for his sharp style, construction background, and genuine care for his clients.

From working in sales and running a renovation business to becoming one of the metro’s most personable and respected agents, Jalan’s story is all about growth, mindset, and standing out for the right reasons.

They dive into what it really takes to be successful in today’s real estate world — from communication and preparation to handling tough transactions with professionalism and grace.

You’ll hear real stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs as Brady and Jalan talk about:

• The transition from construction to real estate
• Why clients should interview multiple lenders (and what questions to ask)
• The lessons learned from tough deals and delayed closings
• The importance of working with local professionals who actually pick up the phone
• Staying grounded in business, family, and life — because “this too shall pass”

A fun, real, and relatable conversation with Des Moines’ self-proclaimed best-dressed Realtor — and a reminder that doing things the right way never goes out of style.

In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, Brady Haye sits down with Bo Cosens, a RE/MAX Precision agent who’s been on every side of real estate — from mortgage lending to title closing to now representing clients as a top-producing Realtor.

After more than 1,900+ closings, Bo shares what most agents get wrong about this business — and how to do it differently.

From chasing volume instead of relationships, to ignoring what clients actually care about (their payment and comfort, not the price tag), Bo brings a refreshing and brutally honest perspective that every agent, lender, and homebuyer needs to hear.

They talk about:

• Why so many agents are too transactional
• What actually happens behind the scenes before a deal closes
• How understanding lending and title gives Realtors a massive edge
• Why posting about rates isn’t helping your business
• And what it really means to build a business on relationships, not deals

Whether you’re an agent looking to sharpen your approach or a buyer who wants to know how things really work, this episode will leave you informed, educated, and comfortable — the way every transaction should be.

This week, Brady sits down with central Iowa realtor Steven Bunting of RE/MAX Concepts to talk about what real estate is really about — people, not properties.

From growing up in Ames and investing in fourplexes, to becoming a full-time realtor during the height of COVID, Steven shares how his focus shifted from selling homes to educating and empowering people.

They dive deep into what it means to build trust through education, how to guide clients before they fall in love with a home, why structure and systems matter, and how to keep balance while being “on” 24/7 in this business.

Whether you’re a homebuyer, a realtor, or just someone curious about how great real estate pros operate — this one’s packed with wisdom, heart, and real stories from the field.

What you don’t see can cost you thousands — or even your health.

In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, I sit down with Mariah Klemp, a 12-year Des Moines real estate pro who opens up about the hidden side of homeownership — from radon and roof age to toxic mold and water damage.

Mariah’s story is personal: after battling mold poisoning in her own home, she’s made it her mission to help clients avoid the same fate. Together, we unpack how to protect your investment, the home inspections most people skip, and how real estate success isn’t about selling more — it’s about living well.

Whether you’re buying your first home, investing, or just want to avoid costly surprises, this episode will help you feel informed, educated, and comfortable in your next move.