Genuine Guide Forward

Did you know the smartest time to start preparing for a home purchase is six months before you’re ready to buy? In this episode, I sit down with my friend McCain Marrow from United Home Loans, to break down what you should be doing right now if you’re planning ahead.

We talk about getting pre-qualified early, checking your credit, understanding your true comfort payment, and why giving yourself a few months of prep time makes your offer stronger and the whole process smoother.

It’s all about reducing stress, building clarity, and making confident decisions without rushing.

🎧 A little preparation now can make your homebuying journey feel a whole lot easier.

What are the three questions I have to answer before I even start looking at homes?”

In this episode, I walk you through them one by one. Your why, your where, and your real comfortable monthly payment—these three things shape every decision you’ll make in the homebuying process.

Buying a home can get emotional and expensive fast, especially in a market like Nashville. That’s why getting clear on these basics matters. This isn’t about selling you a house, it’s about giving you the clarity and confidence to make the right move for you.

Thinking about buying a home soon? Whether it’s your first or your fifth, this episode breaks down five simple and practical steps to get you ready, from knowing your finances to finding the right agent. In just five minutes, you’ll learn how to avoid being “house poor,” plan your savings wisely, and make confident moves in today’s housing market.

If homeownership is on your 2026 vision board, this is your quick-start guide to making it happen!

Think you need perfect credit to buy a house? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Christy Wiedig from CMG Home Loans, and we talk about the biggest credit myths that keep people from buying a home.

We talk about how to build and improve your credit, what lenders actually look for, and simple steps to start your home buying journey with confidence.

Remember, clarity beats fear every time.

In the final part of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re putting it all together — your one-year roadmap to homeownership. From setting your vision and budget, to connecting with lenders and narrowing down your ideal location, this episode walks you through what to focus on month by month.

🎧 Because buying a home isn’t about rushing the process, it’s about following a plan that gets you there with confidence.

In Part 3 of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re talking money — turning “I hope I can afford it” into clear numbers that make sense. Learn how to plan your down payment, understand debt-to-income ratios, and why getting pre-approved early can set real guardrails for your search.

🎧 Because buying a home isn’t just about dreaming big, it’s about doing the math that gets you there.

Did you know there’s a way to save up to two months of mortgage payments just by timing your closing right? In this episode, we break down how escrow, prepaids, and closing dates really work and how a little planning can save you thousands.

We also talk about reducing stress when moving, creating a smoother transition, and trusting that the right timing always works out.

🎧 Smart timing can make your first months of homeownership a whole lot easier.

Your dream home should bring peace, not pressure. In this episode, we talk about why stretching your budget isn’t worth the stress and how to find that financial “sweet spot” where comfort and confidence meet.

Chad Appleton joins me to break down what it really means to buy smart, stay within your means, and work with a realtor who respects your limits.

🎧 Because the right home should fit your life — not strain it.

In Part 2 of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re talking Needs vs. Wants, because your budget can’t buy everything, but it can buy the right things. Learn how to list and rank your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and compromises so you can focus on what really matters.

🎧 Location, size, condition, if you can hit two out of three, you’re doing great.

Before you start scrolling through Zillow, take a look in the mirror. In this episode, we talk about gaining clarity before buying a home, figuring out your why, your lifestyle needs, and your deal breakers. Whether it’s a job change, a new city, or just the next step in life, knowing your “why now” helps you make smarter moves later.

📝 Clarity first. Zillow second.