In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with someone who’s played a massive role in my career — mentor, leader, investor, and friend, Louie Wickett. Louie has spent over a decade helping families buy homes while also running a growing investment company AND raising a family.

We break down what buyers should actually be thinking about heading into 2026: budgeting, variable income, cash-to-close, equity strategy, debt payoff, timing the market (and why you really can’t), and the mindset shift today’s market requires.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, move-up buyer, or a realtor wanting sharper tools to guide your clients — this episode is filled with real, practical, no-nonsense guidance for the year ahead.

Louie Wickett — welcome to Educating Homebuyers.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Intro
01:10 – How Louie entered mortgage lending
04:00 – Learning the business the hard way at Wells Fargo
06:30 – What makes Key Mortgage Group different
09:45 – Why accurate pre-approvals matter in 2026
12:15 – Understanding variable income (and common surprises)
15:50 – The preliminary income review and why it’s a game changer
17:30 – Balancing two businesses + family life
19:40 – How fatherhood changed Louie’s perspective
23:10 – Advice for first-time buyers in 2026
25:40 – Budgeting, comfort levels, and lifestyle planning
27:00 – Cash-to-close explained simply
29:30 – Loan Estimate videos: why they matter
31:20 – Should you wait or buy now?
33:00 – Leveraging equity to eliminate debt
35:20 – The hidden danger of easy consumer credit
37:50 – Protecting your future refinance options
40:20 – Why timing the market doesn’t work
42:30 – Closing thoughts + gratitude