You don't want to miss this episode, I sit down with Melissa (my wife) and get her perspective on different aspects of the consumer side of owning a home. Not only are you getting insight on what she wishes she knew before our first buy but you'll get to hear what she's learned being married to me. While in the mortgage industry vs when I was a pastor.

Mythbuster Monday with a special guest host! Rachel is under the weather, so Melissa (Michael's wife) is stepping in to bust today's myth: "You can't buy a home on one income." Is this true, false, or kinda true? We break down what lenders actually look at, whether a non-working spouse hurts your chances, and what Melissa would say to families who've assumed for years they can't afford homeownership. Spoiler: you might be more qualified than you think.

If you want to learn more or have questions about qualifying on one income, reach out to our team - we're here to help.

Can you use a VA loan to buy a fixer-upper? It depends. In this episode, we break down the VA's minimum property requirements, what repairs disqualify a home, and your options for buying a house that needs work - including the VA renovation loan most people don't know about.

If you're a veteran eyeing a fixer-upper, you need to hear this.

If you want to learn more or have questions about VA loans and fixer-uppers, reach out to our team - we're here to help.

They're back! Zuzu and MaryKate return for round 2 of trying to explain mortgage terms - and once again, they're confidently wrong but absolutely hilarious. From "debt-to-income ratio" to "contingency" to "amortization," my kids take another crack at decoding the mortgage industry. Spoiler: they still have no idea what I do for a living.

New episode of Home Buying Made Easy - listen now!

Reach out to our team anytime! 615-499-6335 or [email protected]

Mythbuster Monday is here! Today's myth: "New construction doesn't need an appraisal." WRONG. Even brand new homes have to appraise, and when they don't, it creates serious problems. In this episode, we explain why new construction gets appraised, what can go wrong, and how to protect yourself when building or buying new.

If you want to learn more or have questions about new construction financing, reach out to our team - we're here to help.

Spring is the busiest time in real estate - but what does that mean for you? In this episode, we break down the spring surge: why inventory jumps, why competition heats up, and what buyers and sellers need to know to win in the spring market. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, here's your game plan for spring 2026.

If you want to learn more or have questions about the spring market, reach out to our team - we're here to help. 615-499-6335 [email protected]

Can someone gift you money for your down payment? Yes - but there are strict rules. In this episode, we break down who can give you gift money, how much they can give, what documentation you need, and the mistakes that can derail your loan approval. If you're getting help from family for your down payment, you need to hear this.

If you want to learn more or have questions about gift money, reach out to our team - we're here to help! 615-499-6335 [email protected]

Title insurance is one of those closing costs that makes people ask, "Wait, what am I paying for?"

In this episode of Home Buying Made Easy, we break down what title insurance is, why you need it, and what it actually protects you from.

Unlike other types of insurance that protect you from future problems, title insurance protects you from past problems - things like previous owners' unpaid taxes, liens you didn't know about, forged signatures, or even someone claiming they actually own your property. We explain the difference between lender's title insurance (required) and owner's title.

Reach Out to our team at 615-499-6335 or email [email protected]

https://michaeldendy.com

Foreclosure, bankruptcy, bad credit - can you still buy a home? Yes. In this episode, we break down the waiting periods, credit score requirements, and what you need to do to rebuild and qualify for a mortgage after major credit setbacks. Your past doesn't have to define your future. Here's the roadmap to homeownership after financial hardship.

If you want to learn more or have questions about your specific situation, reach out to our team - we're here to help.

In today's hot markets—especially here in Middle Tennessee—many homes are attracting multiple offers, turning the buying process into a bit of a competition. As the buyer (offeree), you're not powerless!

In this episode, mortgage expert Michael Dendy breaks down proven strategies to make your offer rise to the top without overpaying or taking unnecessary risks. We cover everything from crafting a "clean" offer, using escalation clauses, sweetening with flexible terms, personal letters, higher earnest money, and when to walk away. Whether you're a first-time buyer, veteran using VA benefits, or moving up, these tips will help you compete confidently and avoid common mistakes. No fluff—just actionable advice to help you win your dream home.

Questions? Hit us up at [email protected] or 615-499-6335. New episodes drop Mondays and Fridays—subscribe now!