Do you own a home? Then you need an estate plan—here’s why.

In this episode of Home & Finance Insights, mortgage and real estate pro Kevin Mathews sits down with estate planning attorney Mauriah Conway (of Meisner, Ruggles & Thompson, Inc.) to explore the most important legal and financial strategies homeowners need to protect their home, family, and legacy.

They cover:
✔️ The difference between a will and a trust
✔️ How to avoid probate (and why you definitely want to)
✔️ What happens to your property if you don’t have a plan
✔️ Important documents you should have in place by age 18
✔️ Mistakes that lead to tax burdens, legal disputes, or lost assets
✔️ Estate planning for non-married couples and blended families
✔️ Real talk on costs, timelines, and why online templates can backfire

Whether you’re a new homeowner, nearing retirement, or managing family property, this episode is packed with essential knowledge—and real-world examples—to help you make informed decisions.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Why Estate Planning Matters for Homeowners  
02:05 - Meet Mauriah Conway, Estate Planning Attorney  
04:10 - What Happens to Your Home If You Don’t Have a Plan  
06:20 - Wills vs. Trusts: Key Differences Explained  
10:55 - Avoiding Probate: Why It’s So Important  
15:40 - Common Estate Planning Mistakes Homeowners Make  
18:30 - When Should You Start Estate Planning?  
21:15 - What Documents Every Adult Should Have by Age 18  
25:40 - Non-Married Couples, Blended Families & Property Rights  
29:10 - Titling Your Home Properly: What to Watch Out For  
32:45 - Using a Trust to Protect Real Estate Assets  
36:50 - Life Events That Should Trigger an Estate Plan Update  
40:10 - Estate Planning and Real Estate Taxes  
45:25 - Why Online Estate Templates Can Be Risky  
49:15 - How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?  
51:10 - Final Thoughts & Where to Get Help


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📧 Contact Kevin: [email protected]
📍 Guest Info: www.lawofficeinc.com | [email protected] | (916) 920-5983

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your own attorney for personalized guidance.

Notes: The process to move a primary residence to a beneficiary that is under $750,000.00 will be a Petition to determine Successor to Primary Residence See Judicial Counsel Form DE-310.

The value of using an affidavit of personal property is that a gross estate must be below $208,850 if the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2025.  See Judicial Counsel Form DE-300

HIPAA is short for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 

Kevin Mathews NMLS #234253.  CA DRE #00884691. 
Empire Home Loans, Inc., NMLS ID#1839243, CA DRE# 02086593, CFL License #60DBO-95315, AZ Lic: MB-1012019. Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org to see additional licensing information. The corporate office address is 4401 Hazel Ave., Ste. 135, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; www.empirehomeloans.com. This communication is for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. All programs are subject to change or cancellation at any time and without notice. Empire Home Loans, Inc. supports equal housing opportunity

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