Kayla Kallander and Andrew Yaggie dive into a powerful conversation around homeownership, wealth-building, mindset, and why so many people delay getting into the game — often at a major long-term cost. They unpack insights sparked by a recent Diary of a CEO episode featuring David Bach (author of The Automatic Millionaire), and connect those ideas directly to what they’re seeing with real buyers and homeowners today. They discuss: • Why homeownership remains one of the strongest wealth-building tools for the average American • The concept of “forced savings” and how equity quietly builds over time • Why renters often underestimate the long-term cost of waiting • How younger buyers are rethinking homeownership earlier than previous generations • The myth of needing 20% down — and what’s actually possible • How small daily spending habits can dramatically change long-term outcomes • Why education and clarity matter more than timing the market Kayla and Andrew also reflect on real client stories, personal experiences, and why having the right conversations early can completely change someone’s financial trajectory. This episode is especially relevant if you’ve ever wondered whether renting and investing is “better,” if homeownership still makes sense today, or if you’re trying to build real, long-term stability instead of just chasing headlines. Referenced episode: 🎧 Diary of a CEO – David Bach on Why Renting Keeps You Poo

Kayla Kallander & Andrew Yaggie cover what’s really happening as the market wakes up after the holidays, why January momentum matters, and how clarity and education are becoming the biggest advantages for buyers and homeowners. They discuss: • The “circle back” effect and why buyer and refinance activity spikes after the new year • What open houses still accomplish today and where they’ve lost relevance • Where AI fits (and doesn’t fit) in real estate and mortgage conversations • Why consumers are researching agents and lenders more than ever • How to properly evaluate who you’re working with beyond a simple referral • What recent rate headlines actually mean — and what they don’t • How to think through refinancing decisions without chasing headlines • Why experience, education, and context matter more than ever in this market This episode is especially helpful for anyone navigating buying, selling, refinancing, or simply trying to make smarter decisions in a noisy, headline-driven environment. 

In Episode 96, Kayla and Andrew reflect on renewed energy for the industry, team growth, and the importance of relationships, networking, and long-term consistency. They discuss using technology and AI to work smarter, prioritizing quality over quantity, and navigating today’s real estate market with perspective, resilience, and purpose!

In Episode 95 of the It’s Real Podcast, hosts Kayla Kallander and Andrew Yaggie reflect on nearly 100 episodes of real, unfiltered conversations from the front lines of real estate and mortgage. This episode dives into year-end reflection, mindset shifts, and the headlines buyers and sellers should leave behind as they head into a new year—everything from waiting on rates, market crash fears, and self-diagnosing financial readiness, to why surrounding yourself with the right people truly matters. With real stories, practical insights, and a candid look at what worked (and didn’t) in 2025, Episode 95 sets the tone for smarter decisions and better conversations in the year ahead. 

The It’s Real Podcast with Kayla Kallander & Andrew Yaggie In this episode of The It’s Real Podcast, Kayla and Andrew discuss why December is anything but slow, how buyer motivation is showing up in unexpected ways, and why the holiday season often triggers serious reflection around housing, lifestyle, and long-term goals. They cover: • Why buyer activity remains strong heading into Christmas and early January • What they’re seeing with interest rates, buyer psychology, and momentum building for 2026 • Why homes that sat for months are suddenly receiving multiple offers • How the holidays naturally push people to rethink space, lifestyle, and family needs • Why buyers are focusing less on rates and more on life, timing, and readiness • The shift from selling bedrooms and layouts to selling lifestyle and vision • How reflection and planning now can create a strong start to the new year This episode is especially relevant for anyone who’s caught themselves thinking, “We can’t do another holiday season in this house,” or for those quietly planning a move in 2026. 

The It’s Real Podcast In this episode, Kayla and Andrew cover a surprisingly packed December, the myth of “slowing down” during the holidays, and what separation season really looks like for agents, lenders, and anyone trying to build momentum heading into 2026. We talk through: • Early-morning routines, burnout, and finding structure during December • How to balance grinding with being present for family and the holidays • Local market stories, surprising offer activity, and why 2026 may be stronger than people think • The shift from rate-watching to life-driven buying (space, safety, stability) • Why Zillow is under fire, how online platforms handle your information, and the importance of choosing local professionals • How buyers should prep now instead of waiting for January’s rush • The advantage of using holiday bonuses and setting up smarter financial planning for the new year 

The It’s Real Podcast In this episode, Kayla and Andrew talk through what buyers and sellers need to know as we head into the winter season and prepare for the 2026 market. We break down: • Why December is the smartest time to get pre-qualified • How to get ahead of the January and February rush • What interest rates are doing right now and how they’re impacting buyer confidence • What a more “normal” real estate market actually feels like • How to prepare financially if you plan to buy in the spring • Why gratitude and clear planning matter more than ever We also share a few personal stories from the week, including some reflections on family, community, and keeping perspective in a busy season.

🎙️Is the 50-Year Mortgage a Lifeline or a Landmine? Find out what real estate pros really think! In Episode 91 of the It's Real Podcast, Kayla Kallander and Andrew Yaggie dive into the controversial buzz around the proposed 50-year mortgage. Is it the future of affordability or a financial trap? Plus, we’re talking real market trends, holiday homebuyers, and why communication still rules in real estate. This one’s packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Episode 90 of *It’s Real* just dropped—Kayla Kallander & Andrew Yaggie are back! We’re chatting 90 episodes (!), the government shutdown slowing down USDA & flood insurance, why first-time buyers are now 38 😳, gift-money rules, and how to use AI without sounding like a robot. Then we laugh through 13 Halloween “monsters” haunting agents: ghost agents 👻, appraisal poltergeists, zombie listings… you name it. 

Join us for Episode 89 of the *It's Real* Podcast with Kayla Kallander and Andrew Yaggie! We’re breaking down the 2025 real estate hustle - debunking myths about chasing "COVID-era rates," tackling the government shutdown’s impact on USDA loans and flood insurance, and why renting could be the right call for some. Plus, real talk on why pre-qualifications are non-negotiable and how to sidestep costly pitfalls in today’s market.