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.