It's Real

Episode 120 of the It’s Real Podcast is live with Kayla Kallander and Andrew Yaggie!

This week, they break down what rising mortgage rates mean for homebuyers and why your interest rate is only one piece of the bigger financial picture.

They also discuss preparing for your next real estate move, why strong communication between buyers, real estate agents, and lenders matters, and the value of having experienced professionals in your corner.

Tune in for a real conversation about mortgage rates, home buying, real estate, and making informed financial decisions in today’s housing market.

Episode 119 of the It’s Real Podcast is all about navigating real estate—and life—when there isn’t always an obvious “right” answer. Andrew Yaggie and Kayla Kallander catch up on the start of a new month, new goals and family life before diving into what they’re seeing firsthand with buyers, sellers, financing and today’s changing market. From affordability challenges and deals falling apart to using home equity wisely and planning for a mortgage payment you can actually live with long term, this episode is packed with real-world conversations about making informed decisions instead of simply hoping everything works out.

In Episode 119, Andrew and Kayla discuss:

* Why some buyers are unnecessarily disqualifying themselves before ever talking with a lender
* The growing role of parents, gifts and co-borrowers in helping today’s buyers purchase homes
* Why more real estate contracts are falling apart—and how inspections, insurance and affordability are playing a role
* The importance of sellers understanding their true market value, goals and net proceeds
* Creative ways to use equity from the sale of a home instead of automatically putting every dollar into the next house
* When buying down an interest rate may—or may not—make financial sense
* Why “buy the house and refinance later” can be a dangerous plan if the numbers don’t work today
* The risks of temporary rate buydowns, adjustable-rate mortgages and assuming rates will fall
* Why buyers need to plan for future taxes, insurance, special assessments and changing household expenses
* The bigger financial literacy problem Andrew and Kayla see among consumers—and why being your own advocate matters
* Plus, September resets, back-to-school traditions, family goals and Andrew’s plans for building a new home

This week, Andrew Yaggie and Kayla Kallander are talking about what really matters when buying, selling, and financing real estate — and why the lowest mortgage rate isn’t always the best financial decision.

We’re digging into:
- Why buyers should look beyond the interest rate
- How homeowners can strategically use their equity
- Why mortgage options aren’t one-size-fits-all
- The importance of having experts — while still advocating for yourself
- How appraisals actually work and what happens after the report comes back
- Why a real estate deal isn’t done until it’s really done

Plus, Kayla shares insights from a recent HousingWire feature highlighting the importance of education and financial planning in today’s mortgage market.

Join Andrew Yaggie and Kayla Kallander LIVE for Episode 118 of the It’s Real Podcast — real conversations about real estate, money, and the things happening behind the scenes.

Episode 117 of the It’s Real Podcast is live with Kayla Kallander and Andrew Yaggie.

This week, they get into real estate, mortgages, and what it really takes to guide clients through today’s market. They discuss why the lowest advertised mortgage rate isn’t always the best deal, whether waiting for rates to drop could actually cost buyers, and the potential pros and cons of a 50-year mortgage.

They also talk about why good advice starts with understanding a client’s goals, the value of having the right real estate and lending professionals around you, and why experience, communication, and strong standards matter more than ever.

Plus, there’s a little summer lake life, flying, community events, and plenty of real-life conversation along the way.

Tune in to Episode 117 of the It’s Real Podcast for a candid conversation about mortgage rates, home buying, real estate, lending, and making smarter decisions in today’s housing market.

There’s no easy button in real estate.. or in life.

In this episode of the It’s Real Podcast, Kayla Kallander and Andrew Yaggie discuss where mortgage rates may be headed, why home equity is reaching record levels for many homeowners, and how AI is changing real estate and lending. They also talk about building stronger client relationships, asking better questions, and why you don’t have to work with everyone.

This episode is a candid conversation about navigating changing markets, demanding clients, and the reality that success in real estate, homeownership, and life comes from choosing your hard.

If you’re a homebuyer, homeowner, real estate agent, or mortgage professional, this episode offers practical insights on today’s housing market, mortgage trends, and long-term decision making.

In Episode 115 of the It’s Real Podcast, Kayla Kallander and Andrew Yaggie break down a surprising Truework homebuyer report that found 88% of recent homebuyers with a mortgage say a common financial setback could put their monthly mortgage payment at risk.

They discuss the difference between qualifying for a mortgage and comfortably affording a home, the hidden impact of rising housing costs and shared expenses, and why a mortgage pre-approval is only part of the home buying equation.

If you’re buying a home, refinancing, or planning your next move, this episode offers practical insight into home affordability, mortgage payments, and making a sustainable home buying decision.

Episode 114 of It's Real Podcast breaks down the latest Federal Reserve meeting, what it could mean for mortgage rates, and why homebuyers should focus on long-term affordability instead of chasing the lowest interest rate.

Kayla and Andrew also discuss why Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota continue to rank among the best places to live, along with practical insights on today's housing market, working with trusted real estate professionals, and making confident financial decisions. Whether you're buying a home or following the latest real estate and mortgage trends, this episode is full of timely advice.

Episode 113 of It's Real Podcast explores what sets great real estate agents and mortgage professionals apart. Kayla and Andrew discuss real estate fraud, using AI responsibly, building stronger client relationships, and why asking better questions leads to better outcomes.

They also share lessons on leadership, maintaining high standards, choosing the right clients, and creating a better experience throughout the home buying and mortgage process. Whether you're a homebuyer, real estate professional, or business owner, this episode offers practical insights for building trust and long-term success.

Episode 112 of It's Real Podcast breaks down the latest housing market trends after the Fourth of July. Kayla and Andrew discuss mortgage rates, buyer uncertainty, why a true mortgage consultation matters more than a pre-approval letter, and how sellers should approach pricing in today's market.

They also cover county assessed values, strategies for selling unique and lake properties, limited mortgage rate-relief programs, and the growing role emotions play in real estate decisions. Whether you're a homebuyer, home seller, or real estate professional, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate today's market with confidence.

Episode 111 of It's Real Podcast recaps the biggest lessons from the Hatch Real Estate Summit while exploring today's housing market. Kayla and Andrew discuss home affordability, consumer debt, why waiting to buy could become more expensive, and what real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and homebuyers should focus on in a changing market.

They also share practical insights on business growth, mindset, simplifying what matters most, and answer an unexpected real estate question about seller disclosures. Whether you're buying, selling, or building a career in real estate, this episode offers valuable perspectives for navigating today's market.