Keeping it REal

Welcome to Keeping It REal with Kelly and Amanda — the podcast where curiosity meets conversation.
In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of estate sales with special guest Tiffany Craig from New Chapter Estate Sales. Whether you’re thinking about hosting one, love hunting for hidden treasures, or simply want to understand how estate sales really work, Tiffany offers an insider’s look at the process, the surprises, and the stories behind the sales. You’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation—and maybe even the motivation to plan one of your own!

This week on Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of construction loans with our amazing guest, Erin Merryman, loan officer at Highlands Residential Mortgage. If you’ve ever wondered how to go from owning a piece of land to living in your custom-built dream home—or even creating a full-blown family compound—this is the episode for you.

Erin walks us through how construction loans really work, how lenders handle everything from land-only purchases to full build-out plans, and how the financing flows as your vision becomes reality. She shares how she masterfully manages all the moving parts—builders, budgets, inspections, timelines—to keep things smooth, clear, and on track.

Whether you’re just dreaming or ready to break ground, Erin’s insights will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle your own project from the dirt up.

When most people hear “USDA,” they think of food labels—not home loans. But in this episode of Keeping it REal, Kelly and Amanda sit down with mortgage broker Gavin Foley from Motto Mortgage to talk about one of the most overlooked financing options out there: USDA loans. Designed to help buyers in rural and some suburban areas, USDA loans offer unique advantages, including zero down payment and competitive interest rates. Gavin breaks down what these loans are, who qualifies, and how they can make homeownership more accessible—especially for first-time buyers. Whether you’re actively house hunting or just exploring your options, this episode is packed with helpful insights to guide you through an often-misunderstood part of the mortgage world. Tune in and learn how the USDA might be the unexpected key to your next home. 

This week on Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, we’re talking insurance—but don’t worry, it’s way more interesting (and important) than you think! Our guest, Brian Reese from Cash & Forbes Insurance Group, LLC, breaks down why homeowners insurance should never be an afterthought.

Brian shares why you should get a sort of “insurance pre-approval” before you even close on a home—because those policy costs can seriously shift your budget. One major factor? The roof. Yep, it’s often the priciest part of your quote and could even derail a deal.

He also spills why shopping around is key and how his team makes the whole process painless by offering a one-stop shop for all your insurance needs. Tune in for smart tips, surprising insights, and a few laughs along the way!

In this episode of Keeping it REal, Kelly and Amanda are joined by Lance LaGarce, a loan officer from Nations Lending, for a clear and informative conversation about conventional loans. Lance breaks down key aspects like credit scores, down payments, and debt-to-income ratios, making the process easy to understand. He shares practical advice and real-world examples, emphasizing the importance of education and preparation. With thoughtful questions from the hosts, this episode offers valuable insight for both agents and buyers looking to better navigate the lending landscape.

Buying or selling a home? A home inspection can make or break a deal, but knowing what to expect can help you navigate the process with confidence. In this episode of Keeping it REal, Kelly and Amanda sit down with Clint Fischer of Falcon Real Estate Inspections to walk through the inspection process from start to finish.

Clint breaks down what inspectors look for, common issues that arise, and how both buyers and sellers can prepare. He also shares expert insights on setting realistic expectations, understanding inspection reports, and addressing concerns before they become deal breakers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned seller, or a real estate pro, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Kelly and Amanda are keeping it real! Join them as they open up about their own lives, the moments that brought them together, and the experiences that shaped their friendship. They’re also diving into the framework and content that will matter most to listeners — sharing stories, laughter, and a few hard truths.

Their mission? To make everybody feel like a somebody. Whether it’s navigating life’s ups and downs or celebrating small victories, Kelly and Amanda are here to remind you that you’re not alone. Plus, they’ll share some of their favorite resources and tips to help you on your journey.

Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and tune in for a heart-to-heart that feels just like catching up with old friends.

Kelly and Amanda chat with Grant Oneal from Fulcrum Home Loans about FHA loans—one of the most accessible financing options for homebuyers. They discuss qualification requirements, the loan process, and common misconceptions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or re-entering the market, this episode offers key insights to help you navigate FHA loans with confidence. 

In this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, the hosts dive into the spirit of spring – a season of new beginnings, renewal, and growth. As they “spring forward,” Kelly and Amanda reflect on the valuable insights shared in past episodes and the expert advice from their guest speakers. They discuss how this guidance can help listeners take the next steps in their home buying, selling, and personal growth journeys. Filled with inspiration, practical tips, and encouragement, this episode aims to empower listeners to move forward with confidence and embrace the fresh opportunities spring has to offer. Tune in for a boost of motivation and valuable guidance to renew your mindset and prepare for the exciting possibilities ahead!

Welcome to Episode 8 of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda! Today, we’re excited to have Paula Griffin May, loan officer at Success Mortgage Partners, with us to talk about one of the most important factors in your financial journey—your credit.

Paula will guide us through the steps to get your credit where it needs to be, whether you’re looking to buy a home now or in the future. We’ll discuss how to improve your credit score and make a solid plan to strengthen your financial profile. Paula will help highlight the positives in your credit situation and help to turn things around for your future! 

If you’re not quite there yet, don’t worry—Paula is here to help you map out a clear path to improving your credit! Everyone deserves the opportunity to build strong credit, stop the bleeding now and with Paula’s guidance, you’ll be empowered to take those next steps. Let’s jump in and get started on your journey to better credit!