Next Step Podcast

In this podcast, Abby Willens, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., talks about the different options for financing home improvement projects. Tune in to hear Abby’s thoughts on the following:

• How to prepare for home improvement costs
• Common home improvement loan options
• Helping you choose an option for your financial situation

In this podcast, Shaun Collings, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga., shares tips to help you remodel or improve your home. Listen to learn Shaun’s perspective on the following topics:

• How to remodel to increase your home’s resale value
• How to avoid prioritizing costs over quality when remodeling
• The importance of gathering several remodeling estimates
• Monitoring progress and preparing for the unexpected

In this podcast, Abby Willens, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., discusses what to consider when buying a home warranty. You’ll hear Abby’s perspective on these topics:

• The difference between a home warranty and homeowner’s insurance
• What a home warranty covers
• How to choose the right home warranty for your needs

In this podcast, Kariene Fortner, Financial Wellness Manager for Regions Bank’s North Region from Mobile, Ala., discusses some considerations to keep in mind when buying homeowners insurance for your new home or re-evaluating your existing policy. Listen to learn Kariene’s perspective on the following:

• The components of a policy and what they mean
• How these components can provide solutions for homeownership
• Understanding terms from deductibles to what’s included in flood insurance

In this podcast, Tamica Foster, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager with Regions Bank in Jackson, Miss., shares tips on prepping for and navigating your home inspection. Tune in to hear Tamica’s perspective on the following topics:

• How to conduct a thorough home inspection before sealing the deal
• Questions to ask and prepare during your home inspection
• What to check for during the inspection and common problems

In this podcast Jeff Prior, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., shares what you need to know when buying a vacation home or rental property. Jeff provides tips on:

• Determining whether to buy a second home
• What to keep in mind when financing a second property
• The difference between renting out a second home or using it as a vacation property

In this podcast, Kreg Newman, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., discusses how your home can act as a financial tool. Listen to learn from Kreg on the following topics:

• Considerations when borrowing against your home
• How to tap into your home’s equity with cash out refinance, HELOCs or HELOANs
• How to choose which option is right for your financial goals

In this podcast, Kreg Newman, a Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., discusses everything you need to know about adjustable rate mortgages, including:

• Differences between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
• How to determine which type of mortgage is right for you

In this podcast Jeff Prior, a Mortgage Loan Originator for Regions Bank in Birmingham, Ala., shares helpful information for the mortgage loan application process. Tune in to hear Jeff discuss the following:

• What lenders generally consider when reviewing your information for loan approval
• Steps to take when applying for a loan for your first home
• What it means to be pre-qualified and how to navigate the process

In this podcast, Alicia Somers, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Jacksonville, Fla., and Shaun Collings, a Financial Wellness Relationship Manager for Regions Bank in Atlanta, Ga., share what you need to know when buying a home. Alicia and Shaun provide tips on the following topics:

• Preparing for upfront costs
• Understanding all of the steps involved in buying a home
• Transition from homebuyer to homeowner