Home Insurance 101: What Every Buyer Should Know with Ben Kacprzyk

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make — and protecting that investment is just as important as purchasing it.

In this episode of Keys to the Coast, Kensie and Kelly sit down with Ben Kacprzyk from Michigan Insurance & Financial Services (MIAFS) to break down the basics of home insurance.

We discuss why home insurance matters, what policies typically cover (and what they don’t), how costs are determined, and common mistakes buyers should avoid. Whether you’re preparing to buy your first home or simply want to better understand your coverage, this episode will help you feel more confident navigating the process.

🔑 In This Episode We Cover

• Why home insurance is essential when buying a home
• What a standard homeowner’s policy typically covers
• Common misconceptions about coverage
• How insurance costs are calculated
• When to start shopping for insurance during the buying process
• Mistakes first-time buyers should avoid
• Tips for saving money on premiums
• The importance of reviewing coverage annually

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• First-time home buyers
• Future buyers planning ahead
• Homeowners wanting to better understand their coverage
• Anyone navigating the home buying process

🏡 Key Takeaway

Having the right insurance coverage provides financial protection, peace of mind, and confidence as a homeowner. Building your team early — including your real estate agent, lender, and insurance professional — helps create a smoother and more successful buying experience.

Ben Kacprzyk
Michigan Insurance & Financial Services (MIAFS)

📞 Phone: 616-918-6868
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://www.miafs.com/contactus
📍 Location: Michigan

Kensie & Kelly — Keys to the Coast
Real Estate Along West Michigan’s Lakeshore

If you’re thinking about buying or selling along the lakeshore, we’d love to help guide you through the process.

📞 616-502-5551

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In this episode of Keys to the Coast, Kensie and Kelly sit down with Eric Hesse from Lake Michigan Credit Union to break down the home buying and lending process in a way that’s clear, approachable, and empowering.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or planning ahead for a future move, understanding financing is one of the most important steps in the journey. Eric shares expert insights on pre-approvals, credit scores, common lending myths, down payment expectations, and how buyers can prepare themselves financially to purchase with confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered what lenders really look for — or felt unsure about whether you’re ready to buy — this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take the next step.

📌 Key Topics Covered

• Pre-approvals and why they matter
• Common lending myths and misconceptions
• Credit scores and mortgage eligibility
• Down payment options and expectations
• How to financially prepare for buying a home
• Choosing the right lender
• Communication during the loan process

🎤 Guest

Eric Hesse
Loan Officer, Lake Michigan Credit Union

Contact information:

[email protected]

(616) 638-5713 (mobile)

In this episode of Keys to the Coast, we’re excited to introduce the newest member of the Sandi Gentry Team — Ryan Slack.

Ryan’s path to real estate is anything but traditional. Before stepping into the world of buying and selling homes, Ryan spent years serving students and families as an Athletic Director at a local Christian high school. In that role, he built strong relationships, led with integrity, and supported families through important moments — skills that now translate seamlessly into his real estate career.

Host Kensie is joined by Kelly on the second mic as they sit down with Ryan to talk about his background in education and athletics, his family life, and what ultimately led him to plant roots here in West Michigan along the lakeshore. Ryan shares how his faith, leadership experience, and passion for helping others continue to guide the way he shows up for his clients today.

From coaching and communication to navigating high-pressure decisions with confidence and care, this episode highlights why Ryan is such a natural fit for both real estate and the Keys to the Coast community.

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, relocating to the lakeshore, or just love hearing stories about the people who make our coast feel like home — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCAST
Keys to the Coast is hosted by Kensie with the Sandi Gentry Team and highlights the people, places, and properties that make life along the West Michigan coast so special. From real estate conversations to community spotlights and local business owners, this podcast is all about connection, service, and coastal living.

📣Thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to West Michigan?
 Connect with the Sandi Gentry Team — we’re always here to help you find your place along the coast. Text HOME to 616.502.5551

🎙️We’re kicking off the New Year with a conversation about intentions, choosing a word for the year, and letting go of the pressure that often comes with resolutions, and goal setting. Kensie, Kelly, and Sandi share their personal words, what they’re hoping to cultivate this year, and why community and local businesses are at the heart of Keys to the Coast. 

Topics We Cover:

• Resolutions vs. intentions
• How to choose a word for the year
• Personal & professional goals without pressure
• The future of the Keys to the Coast podcast
• Celebrating community and local businesses

Listener Prompt:
What’s your word for the year? Send it to us or share it on social and tag us — we’d love to cheer you on.

In this episode of Keys to the Coast, Mckensie introduces the newest powerhouse on the Sandi Gentry Team — Kendall Stratton, our new Social Media + Marketing Coordinator. With her beauty, wellness, and marketing background, aesthetic eye, and ability to bring strategy to the chaos, Kendall is already transforming the way we show up online.

Together, Mckensie and Kendall dive into:
 ✨ Kendall’s journey from the beauty and wellness industry to real estate marketing
 ✨ How storytelling ties both industries together
 ✨ The fun (and occasional chaos) of content days
✨ Social media trends to watch in 2026
✨ Why authenticity and community-driven content are the future
✨ A rapid-fire Q&A that reveals their coffee habits, workplace chaos, and more

🔗 Connect with Us

Follow along for coastal living, real estate insights, behind-the-scenes fun, and gorgeous Michigan homes:
 Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

⭐️ If you enjoyed the episode…

Leave us a review, share with a friend, and tag us when you’re listening! We love hearing from you.

🎙️ Thanksgiving Special-Turkey Talk- Keys to the Coast Podcast

In this light-hearted episode of Keys to the Coast, the crew gathers around the mic for a warm, funny, and nostalgia-filled conversation that feels just like sitting around the holiday table with friends.

From playful debates over whether the turkey really deserved its national-bird status (sorry, eagle), to swapping stories about their favorite Thanksgiving traditions, the episode is packed with humor and heart.

The hosts also dive into:

🦃 Costco vs. Sam’s Club — the great holiday-prep showdown
☕ Local coffee culture — their go-to spots and newest sips
🏘️ New businesses popping up along the coast — and why they’re excited
🎄 Upcoming events in Grand Haven — what to mark on your holiday calendar
💛 A moment of gratitude — for listeners, local businesses, and the coastal community that makes this place feel like home

It’s an episode full of laughs, community spirit, and the cozy vibes we love about the season. Grab a cup of something warm and join us for this festive Thanksgiving conversation!

In this cozy coffee-chat episode of Keys to the Coast, Kensie, Sandi, and Kelly catch up on life, real estate, and all things West Michigan. They dive into what’s happening in today’s market—from shifting buyer behavior to the reality behind rate changes—while sharing behind-the-scenes stories from their busy fall season.

The trio also highlights their favorite local spots, seasonal traditions, and the charm of West Michigan as the holidays approach. From pumpkin patches to the Sparkle Kickoff in Spring Lake, this episode blends real estate insight with hometown warmth.

A feel-good mix of market knowledge, community love, and festive excitement—perfect for anyone who loves the Lakeshore lifestyle.

🎙️ Show Notes – Episode 12 of Keys to the Coast

Title: Behind the Scenes of Real Estate Title with Julio Ramos

When it comes to buying or selling a home, one step often feels like a mystery: title. What is it? Why do you need it? And what happens if there’s an issue?

In this episode, Kensie sits down with Julio Ramos, Title Officer with Chicago Title, to demystify the world of real estate title. Julio shares his personal journey into the industry, explains what title really means, and answers some of the most frequently asked questions from buyers and sellers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Julio’s story and how he became a Title Officer
• What real estate title is and why it matters
• The difference between title and title insurance
• Common title issues that can delay closings—and how to avoid them
• FAQs: liens, unpaid taxes, multiple owners, and more
• Pro tips for making your transaction smoother

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this conversation will give you the knowledge and confidence you need when it comes to title.

📲 Connect with Julio and Chicago Title [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 10 – “New Chapters & Community Roots with Bill Van Lopik”

Keys to the Coast Podcast | Hosted by Mckensie Gentry

🔑 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Mckensie sits down with someone who embodies what it means to serve — both in real estate and in life. Meet Bill Van Lopik: a former client turned real estate agent, a community leader, and a perfect example that it’s never too late to start something new.

After a successful career and retirement, Bill chose to dive into the world of real estate and is now a licensed agent on the Sandi Gentry Team. Beyond buying and selling homes, Bill stays deeply connected to the Grand Haven and lakeshore communities through his involvement in various boards, councils, and service initiatives.

Whether you're considering a new chapter in your career or you're just curious about how community and real estate intertwine, this episode will leave you inspired.

💬 What We Talk About:

• Bill’s professional journey before real estate
• What inspired him to start a new chapter after retirement
• His experience transitioning from client to agent
• The role of community involvement in real estate
• Advice for others thinking about making a late-career switch
• Why West Michigan is such a special place to serve

📍 Favorite Quote from the Episode:

"You’re never too old to start something new — especially when that something connects you deeper to your community." – Bill Van Lopik

📲 Connect with Us:

Follow along for more inspiring interviews and local highlights!
 Instagram: @thesandigentryteam

In this episode, Mckensie sits down with renowned interior designer Kristin McNeil, founder of Anne Rae Designs. With features in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, The NY Times, and more, Kristin has made her mark across the country — and now calls West Michigan home.

Together, they talk about:
 ✨ Kristin’s journey into design (and her move from California to Grand Haven)
 ✨ The mission and growth of Anne Rae Designs
 ✨ Behind-the-scenes of her personal home remodel downtown Grand Haven
 ✨ Current design trends she’s loving (and the ones she’s leaving behind)
 ✨ How to elevate your home, even on a budget
 ✨ Plus… her favorite paint color, local shops, and a few rapid-fire fun facts

Whether you're looking for design inspiration or dreaming up your next renovation, this episode will leave you full of ideas and ready to bring beauty and intention to your space.

🎧 Listen now and follow Kristin’s work at @anneraedesigns or annerae.com