AI can be an incredible tool in your home buying journey, but only when it’s used the right way. In this episode, I break down how buyers are using AI to search for homes, what it does well, where it can steer you wrong, and why the quality of the input and the user matters just as much as the output. We’ll talk about making sure the advice you’re getting aligns with your local market, how to avoid common AI mistakes, and how to pair smart tech with trusted expertise to make confident, informed decisions. 

Buying your first home comes with a lot of unknowns. Especially when it’s time for the home inspection. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what happens during an inspection, what buyers should expect during the appointment, and how the process typically works from start to finish. We’ll talk about what inspectors look for, what shows up in a report, and why not every item is a deal-breaker. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on during a home inspection, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need before stepping into your own. 

The numbers are in, and they tell a powerful story. The median first-time buyer is now 40 years old, just 21% of buyers are entering the market for the first time, and down payments for first-time buyers have climbed to 10%. What’s driving these trends, and what does it mean for the future of homeownership? I’m connecting the dots between record setting stats and the growing talk of 50-year mortgages as buyers stretch to make ownership possible. 

Spring might be the most popular season for buying a home, but the buyers who truly win are the ones who prepare early. In this episode, I’ll share the smart steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success when the market heats up. From building your budget and boosting your credit to setting search alerts and visiting open houses, we’ll cover what to focus on this winter so you’re ready to make confident moves come Spring. 

A government shutdown can sound like something that only affects D.C., but the truth is it can influence everything from your mortgage approval to your next move. In this episode, I’m unpacking what really happens in the real estate world when the government hits pause, including how it can delay closings, shift mortgage rates, and shake buyer confidence. If you’re in the market to buy a home, here’s some information you should consider. 

Tired of getting lost in endless home listings that don’t fit what you want or need? In this episode, I’ll show you how to cut through the noise and set up a smart, focused home search that actually works. From customizing your search alerts to narrowing down the features that matter most, we’ll cover practical strategies to help you find the right home faster and with less stress. 

In this episode, we’re digging into the psychology of pricing. We’ll talk about how buyers subconsciously make snap judgments about value, what happens when a home is priced just above or just below your budget, and how algorithms on home search sites influence what you see first. I’ll also share how small pricing adjustments can change a home’s visibility, how your own budget filters can cause you to miss hidden gems, and why “sticker shock” is sometimes just an illusion.

Whether you’re casually browsing or actively making offers, understanding how pricing psychology works can help you spot opportunities, keep emotions in check, and make smarter decisions when it’s time to submit that offer.

The past year has been full of transactions that taught me something new, and in real estate, every deal has a lesson if you’re paying attention. In this episode, I break down the top five lessons I’ve learned from my most recent deals over the past year. Some of these insights were brand-new challenges, while others built on knowledge I thought I already had. From negotiation tactics to unexpected pitfalls, these takeaways can help buyers, sellers, and even other agents prepare for what really happens in today’s market. Tune in and walk away with practical lessons you can apply right now. 

Think of Open Houses as the window shopping stage of your home journey. Just like you would compare models, designs, and reviews before making a big purchase, touring homes helps you figure out what matters most. The challenge is that most buyers only spend about 20 minutes in a house before making life-changing decisions.

In this episode, I share why regularly attending Open Houses is one of the best ways to train your eye for detail, discover hidden red flags, and fine-tune your list of must-haves. Your Realtor is there to guide you, but ultimately no one knows your priorities better than you.

If you want to build confidence and develop the skill of touring homes, this episode will show you how to turn every Open House into a learning opportunity.

From the polished choices on House Hunters to the over-the-top mansions on MTV Cribs, pop culture has shaped the way we think about homes for decades. Add in Instagram and TikTok, and it’s no surprise that many buyers end up chasing picture-perfect houses that don’t always match real-life budgets or needs. In this episode of the Home Goals Podcast, I break down the myths these shows and trends create, why they set such high expectations, and how to focus on what really matters when you’re making your first purchase. Whether you’re dreaming about your future home or actively house hunting, this episode will help you sort out fantasy from reality and move toward a place that truly fits your life.