How2Buy

In this episode of How2Buy, I sat down with Ken Furuya, a financial advisor with Prudential Advisors who not only runs his own practice but also leads over 160 advisors across the Mid-Atlantic region. Ken shares his journey from working with one of DC's top realtors right out of college to building a two-decade career in financial services. We dive into what separates great practitioners from great business owners, and Ken breaks down three key ingredients for scaling a practice: learning to relinquish control, hiring quality people who are better than you in their areas of expertise, and building automated processes that create an elevated client experience. If you're looking to transition from being a solo practitioner to a true business owner, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ken Furuya, Associate Managing Director, https://www.prudential.com/advisor/ken-furuya

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

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In this episode of How2Buy, I sat down with Libby Rodriguez, the lead of Luminate Bank's renovation department, to talk about something a lot of people don't fully understand: renovation and construction loans. Renovation loans let you finance construction or renovation projects before any work begins, and Libby breaks down how these loans work for different types of clients. She also walks through the planning process: identifying contractors, securing bids, and making sure everything is lined up before you even close. We also talked about how builders and developers can use these products to expand their client base. If you've ever wondered how to buy a fixer-upper without waiting months to start work, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Libby Rodriguez, Vice President, Construction at Luminate Bank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-rodriguez-649022a0

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

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In this episode of How2Buy, Yusuf Abugideiri CFP®, and I discussed Yusuf's journey from Virginia Tech to becoming a Co-CEO of YeskeBuie, a financial planning firm. We explored Yusuf's philosophy on financial planning as an iterative process and the importance of relationships with clients. Our conversation also covered the current affordability challenges, particularly in wealthy areas, and how to make decisions about major purchases like homes. Like me, Yusuf values having a detailed process and transparent communication with clients to empower them to make informed decisions.

Mentioned in this episode:

Yusuf Abugideiri, CFP®, Partner and Chief Investment Officer: https://yebu.com/yusuf-abugideiri-cfp

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

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In this episode of How2Buy, I speak with financial advisor Atricia Roberts, about her journey from studying abroad in Costa Rica to leading wealth management in the DC metro area. She discussed her approach to holistic financial planning, emphasizing the importance of integrating mortgage decisions with broader financial strategies. Atrica highlighted the value of long-term client relationships and personalized advice, contrasting it with the transactional nature of many financial services. She also addressed the challenges of providing bespoke financial guidance in an era of online financial influencers and the importance of seeking customized advice from qualified professionals.

Mentioned in this episode:

Atricia Roberts, COO & Partner, Curo Private Wealth: https://www.curoprivatewealth.com/team/atricia-j-roberts

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

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In this episode of How2Buy, I interviewed Jess Derr and Josh Beall from Corcoran McEnearney about their unconventional journeys into real estate and how they built their practice to be relationship-driven, process-focused, and deeply client-centric. This conversation dives into why predictable, written processes matter more than flashy marketing; how preparation and repetition allow teams to navigate high-pressure scenarios; and why winning offers often come down to confidence, speed, and coordination across the full homebuying team. We close the episode with insights into the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia as a growing, affordable market, and a reminder that the best real estate decisions are driven by life goals, not headlines.

Mentioned in this episode:

Jess Der, Real Estate Agent, Corcoran McEnearney, https://www.corcoran.com/real-estate-agents/detail/agent/jess-derr/13411

Josh Beall, Real Estate Agent, Corcoran McEnearney, https://www.corcoran.com/real-estate-agents/detail/agent/josh-beall/13355

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

In this episode of How2Buy, I sat down with Matt Buchanan to talk through his journey from running an insurance business to becoming a full-service financial planner. We dug into what it really takes to earn a client’s trust, including holding high standards in who we partner with and building the kind of strategic alliances that allow us to give more complete, coordinated advice. One thing we both agree on is that we have a responsibility to guide clients through financial outcomes, especially during times of economic uncertainty when fear can cloud decision-making.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Matt Buchanan, CFP®, CEO and Founder of Buchanan Wealth Management https://www.buchananwealth.com/ 

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/ 

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In this episode, I talk with Alex about how financial advisors can guide clients, especially those in their 30s and 40s, through smart real estate and investment decisions. We unpack different types of investors and why having a clear process and a trusted advisor makes all the difference.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Alex Vela, CFP®, FBB Capital Partners, https://www.fbbcapitalpartners.com/team/alex-vela-cfp/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/ 

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On this episode of How2Buy, I caught up with Sharmane Medaris, a top real estate agent here in Northern Virginia. Sharmane shares her career transition from hospitality into real estate, and we dig into the strategies that make her so successful with clients, from transparent processes and structured communication to proactive vetting and long-term relationship building. We also get into real estate investing, market trends, and why she values surrounding herself with experienced professionals who help her build lasting success.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Sharmane Fernandez-Medaris, Realtor: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/sharmane-fernandez-medaris/fnjndzs/ 

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/ 

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“But make sure that you're doing goals and understanding that first, and then solutions, not the reverse order.” That’s the advice financial advisor Anne shared when we sat down to talk about her 20-year career helping families make smarter money decisions. From real estate and college savings to retirement and financial literacy, we explored why starting with goals makes all the difference. 

Tune in to hear Anne share what to look for and how to choose the right financial advisor for your family’s goals. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Anne McCabe, CFP®, CRPC® of Curo Private Wealth: https://www.curoprivatewealth.com/team/anne-mccabe-triana-cfp-crpc

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/ 

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

In this episode of How2Buy, I sit down with Jack Shorb, leader of The Shorb Team, to talk about the homebuying process, market trends, and lessons from his years in real estate. During our discussion, Jack shares how his personal passions, tennis and food, connect to his approach in serving clients with energy and discipline. 

Listen and hear us dig into what buyers need to know right now to compete in today’s market and why creating a smooth process matters as much as negotiating a great deal.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Jack Shorb, Realtor ® DC/MD/VA: https://www.compass.com/agents/jack-shorb/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/ 

Blog: How Much Money You Can Gift Without Being Taxed: https://www.anzoleaga.com/post/gift-tax-myth-lifetime-exclusion

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!