Educating Homebuyers.

In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, Brady sits down with Matt Mauro — broker, investor, team leader, and part owner at RE/MAX Concepts with over 30 years of experience in the Des Moines market.

Matt reveals why 2025 is the best time in 13 years for buyers to finally gain leverage. He shares his journey from getting licensed in 1995 at just 18 years old to becoming one of the most respected voices in Iowa real estate — plus the biggest lessons he’s learned along the way.

Inside the episode:

• Why buyers have more leverage today than at any time since 2012
• The $23,000 flipping mistake Matt will never make again (and how you can avoid it)
• The truth about renting vs. buying in today’s market
• Creative negotiation strategies that actually work right now
• What first-time buyers need to know about equity, timeframes, and risk

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home — this episode explains why it might be here.

👉 Connect with Matt: @MattMauroDSM @MauroTeam_RemaxConcepts
👉 Follow Brady: @BradyHayeMortgageTeam

In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, Brady sits down with Katie Stiles (@stilessells), a former middle school teacher turned Realtor who has built her business on relationships, advocacy, and guiding clients through one of life’s biggest decisions.

Katie shares the most common mistake first-time buyers make — and how to avoid it. From inspections to negotiations, she breaks down the hidden pitfalls and practical steps that can save buyers thousands.

We also dive into:

• How Katie made the leap from teaching to real estate
• Why first-time buyers need to budget beyond the down payment
• The real value of inspections (and why sewer scopes matter)
• How to negotiate closing costs in today’s balanced market
• Why choosing the right Realtor and lender makes all the difference

Packed with stories and strategies, this episode is a must-listen for first-time buyers and anyone thinking about making a move.

In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, Brady sits down with Sydnee Yetmar(@SydneeYetmar), a Des Moines-area Realtor with RE/MAX Concepts, who built her business on relationships instead of transactions.

We dive into the secrets homebuyers often overlook, what it’s really like to buy and sell at the same time, and how communication between your Realtor and lender can completely change your experience.

Sydnee also shares her personal journey — from working in corporate logistics to finding her passion in real estate — and how she now guides clients through one of the most important decisions of their lives.

And before we dive in, a huge congratulations to Sydnee and her husband on their recent wedding! 🎉

Is 2025 the next 2008? Realtor Chris Ranallo says no — and he’s got the receipts. With 20 years of experience, he shares exactly how to avoid the next housing crash and make smart real estate moves today.

🎧 Like, follow, and get preapproved at www.teambhaye.com
📲 Follow Chris: @ChrisRanallo
🎶 Music: Decoy

Des Moines agent Blake Shaffer shares new construction secrets most buyers miss — and how we’re using builder incentives, USDA loans, and 2-1 buydowns to help people buy affordably in 2025. Apply at teambhaye.com

They started selling homes in college. Now Elli & Abigail Jennings lead one of Iowa’s top 1% real estate teams. We dive into how they help buyers win, what you need to know in today’s market, and how to prep the right way.

🎯 Ready to get preapproved? Reach out to me @BradyHayeMortgageTeam
📲 Follow: @ElliJenn @AbigailJennings_ @JenningsRealEstateTeam
🎧 Like, follow & share if this helped you!

David Rodriguez bought a $75K condo at 22 and turned it into over $100K in equity—before ever buying a home for himself. In this episode, we talk about how one YouTube video sparked a real estate journey that now includes 14+ properties and a team of 60+ agents. From building wealth to calming first-time buyer nerves, this one’s packed with real advice and real stories.

📲 Follow David: @david_rodriguez_realtor

Welcome to the very first episode of the Educating Homebuyers podcast — where we cut through the noise and give you real, honest advice to help you feel informed, educated, and confident in your homebuying journey.In this episode, I’m joined by Des Moines realtor and team leader Emina Steward, who shares her journey in real estate, her approach to client relationships, and the biggest truths homebuyers need to know in today’s market.We dive deep into:✅ What buyer’s agency agreements really mean✅ Why expectation-setting changes the game✅ A wild walkthrough story (yes, the bed was built into the house!)✅ How authenticity and connection beat “just business”✅ The limitations of AI and the irreplaceable human touch✅ How smart financing and creative solutions can change your lifeWhether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or just curious about the market — this conversation will give you the insights you actually need.

📲 Follow Amina
🔗 Instagram – @eminastewardrealestate
🔗 Facebook – Steward Real Estate Group

💬 Connect with Brady
🔗 Instagram – @bradyhayemortgageteam
🏠 Want to Buy a House? DM me or apply to be preapproved here

👇 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments & don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every week.