Ready to sell your home this spring? In this episode, broker Meghan Heritage from BlueWest Properties shares her top tip to get your house market-ready: decluttering! www.bluewestproperties.comLearn how clearing out closets, garages, and unused spaces can make your home more appealing to buyers—and give you peace of mind. Whether you’re moving or just want a fresh space, this actionable advice will help you take the first step toward a successful sale.For more expert real estate tips and answers to all your questions, visit bluewestproperties.com and put Meghan Heritage’s 20+ years of experience to work for you! Don’t forget to subscribe for more home selling strategies every week.

Welcome to the Positivity and Practice Podcast! In this episode, host Megan Heritage sits down with Erin Lyon, Grand Haven City Council member, entrepreneur, and passionate nonprofit leader behind Kinsey’s, a café creating meaningful employment for people with disabilities.

Erin shares her inspiring (and winding!) journey from international finance and law school to local coffee shop owner and changemaker. Discover how she transformed personal pivots and a desire for purposeful work into a movement, launching and supporting workforce development cafés that empower people with disabilities to gain job skills and independence. Learn what sets Kinsey’s apart, how the B Café model is spreading, and why inclusive employment is good for everyone.

The conversation also dives into Erin's candid experiences with public service—running for and now serving on Grand Haven City Council—and how she brings compassion, courage, and real-world perspective to tough community issues like affordable housing, public transportation, and supporting marginalized groups. Megan and Erin talk about balancing hats, overcoming negativity, and the power of joy, collaboration, and grassroots kindness to transform lives and communities.

Whether you’re interested in disability inclusion, nonprofit startups, city leadership, or just need a boost of positivity, this episode is packed with authentic stories, practical ideas for action, and hope for a more welcoming world.

Timecodes:

00:00 – Meaningful Work: Employment for People with Disabilities

01:15 – Meet Erin Lyon: From Law & Finance to Coffee & Community

04:52 – Career Pivots & The Journey to Jumpin Java

09:18 – The B Café Model: Workforce Training that Changes Lives

13:01 – Growing a Movement: Replicable Nonprofit Cafés

18:14 – The Joy & Social Impact of Inclusive Spaces

21:10 – Facing Opposition & Choosing Positivity

28:00 – Community Rallies: The Power of Paying it Forward

29:10 – Serving Grand Haven: City Council, Housing, Transit, & More

36:00 – Why Affordable Housing Matters Locally

38:44 – Bringing Compassion & Collaboration to Civic Leadership

40:17 – How YOU Can Get Involved & Make a Difference

Links:

Kinsey’s Café – https://www.kinseyscafegf.com/

Connect with Grand Haven City Council – https://www.grandhaven.org

B Café Model Info – https://thebcafe.org/

Join us for a heartwarming, honest conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the practical ways we can all help build a more inclusive, joyful community.

#disabilityinclusion #community #nonprofit #positivity #grandhaven #citycouncil #employment #housing #kindness

Like, subscribe, and share to support more inspiring conversations!

Welcome to the Positivity and Practice Podcast! In this episode, host Meg Heritage welcomes Josh Bytwerk, Executive Director of Love in Action of the Tri Cities. Together, they dive deep into the incredible impact of Love in Action, exploring how this local nonprofit brings "love in action" to life through food programs, healthcare services, housing assistance, and so much more.Josh shares his inspiring journey from volunteering to leading the organization, and reveals how Love in Action addresses poverty by focusing on freedom, empowerment, and community transformation. Discover how programs like the co-op market, food trucks, financial fitness classes, and free dental and medical clinics are making a real difference in the Tri Cities area.Whether you're passionate about community service, curious about nonprofit work, or looking for ways to get involved, this episode is packed with heartwarming stories, practical insights on addressing poverty, and the power of generosity and partnership. Plus, learn about exciting new developments like The Storehouse, Love in Action’s expanded food and donation warehouse serving thousands in need.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!Timecodes:00:00 – Introduction: The Opposite of Poverty is Freedom00:19 – Meet Josh Work & The Story Behind Love in Action04:33 – How Love in Action Serves Food, Health, Housing & More09:58 – Opening The Storehouse: Expanding Local Impact13:46 – Who Can Receive Help? Serving the Greater Tri Cities15:42 – Financial Literacy & Building Long-Term Freedom18:51 – The Hidden Healthcare Crisis & Love in Action Clinics22:35 – Volunteer Power: The Heartbeat of Love in Action28:46 – The Challenge of Affordable Housing & Community Growth31:35 – The Power of Generosity & Invitational ServiceLinks:Love in Action of the Tri Cities Website – https://loveinactiontricities.org/Volunteer or Donate – https://loveinactiontricities.org/get-involved/Join us for a powerful conversation on compassion, local leadership, and the practical steps we can all take to make our communities stronger!#community #nonprofit #positivity #poverty #generosity #housing #foodsecurity #healthcareLike and subscribe to support more inspiring conversations!

What really happens after your offer is accepted? Get expert guidance on the entire post-offer process—download your free PDF here: http://bit.ly/48hY8fJIn this final episode of the "Top 10 Questions Home Buyers Ask" series, Megan Heritage with Blue West Properties answers a question every homebuyer wants to know: What happens once your offer is accepted? Megan walks you step-by-step through scheduling the home inspection, working with your loan officer and title agent, negotiating potential repairs, and understanding the appraisal process. She also breaks down what to expect with well and septic inspections, earnest deposit, and coordinating all the moving parts—so you know exactly what to do next.Discover why having a great real estate agent matters, how to manage timelines, get your home warranty questions answered, and what you can do to ensure your closing goes smoothly.Ready to feel confident about your home purchase? Download the free PDF for more tips, check out the rest of the series, and get in touch with Megan at Bluesproperties.com or (616) 581-2241 if you need guidance on your home buying journey.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your questions!

Want a straightforward guide to the 10 most common homebuyer questions—with expert answers to help you on your buying journey? Download your free PDF here: http://bit.ly/48hY8fJIs it better to buy a move-in-ready home, or should you take on a fixer-upper? In this episode of the "Top 10 Questions Home Buyers Ask" series, Megan Heritage from Blues Properties helps you answer one of the most common and important questions for homebuyers: should you buy something newer, or take on a renovation project?Megan walks you through the pros and cons of each choice, breaking down what it really takes to tackle a fixer-upper (and whether “sweat equity” is worth it). She shares real-life stories, discusses how lifestyle and time commitment factor into your decision, and points out what big-ticket items (like the roof, furnace, or HVAC) should be on your radar when weighing your options. Megan also explains how balancing your must-haves, budget, and available time will help guide you toward the best decision for your unique situation.Get the honest advice you need to choose the right home for your goals and lifestyle!Subscribe for more homebuyer tips, or contact Megan at (616) 581-2241 or Bluesproperties.com if you have questions about buying your next home.

Want all 10 of the most common homebuyer questions—and expert answers—in one easy-to-use guide? Click here to get your free PDF: http://bit.ly/48hY8fJWondering if you really need a buyer’s agent when purchasing a home? You’re not alone! In this series, "Top 10 Questions Home Buyers Ask," Meg Heritage from Lewis Properties explains exactly why working with a buyer’s agent is so valuable—and why it usually costs you nothing out of pocket.In this episode, Meg shares insights from her 20 years of real estate experience, breaking down how buyer’s agents work for you (not the seller), what services they provide—from writing offers and running comps to guiding you through negotiations—and how they advocate for your best interests every step of the way. She also discusses common misconceptions, the importance of a professional by your side, and why it’s a no-brainer to have expert support during one of life’s biggest transactions.Learn what a buyer’s agent actually does, how they’re compensated (hint: usually by the seller), and why going unrepresented could leave you at a big disadvantage.Ready to make your home-buying journey as smooth and stress-free as possible? Like and subscribe for more expert tips. Got questions or want personalized advice? Reach out to Meg at LewisProperties.com or call (616) 581-2241.Make your next move with confidence—and an expert in your corner!

Want all 10 of the most common homebuyer questions—and expert answers—in one easy-to-use guide? Click here to get your free PDF: http://bit.ly/48hY8fJCurious about how your credit score impacts your ability to buy a home? You’re not alone! In this series, "Top 10 Questions Home Buyers Ask," Meg Heritage from Blues Properties explains the credit score requirements most lenders look for—and shares practical tips to boost your chances of securing a great loan.In this episode, Meg discusses why your credit score matters, what score you typically need to qualify, and how your debt-to-income ratio comes into play. She shares insights from her 20 years of experience helping buyers who thought their credit was “too bad” to buy a home—plus actionable advice on what to do if your score isn’t ideal.You’ll also learn what NOT to do during the mortgage process (hint: don’t open new credit or finance big purchases until closing!), and how avoiding these mistakes can help protect your home purchase.Ready to make your home-buying journey a success? Like and subscribe for more expert tips. If you have questions or want personalized advice, contact Meg at Bluesproperties.com or call (616) 581-2241.Start your home search with confidence—and make your next move a great one!

Want all 10 of the most common homebuyer questions—and expert answers—in one easy-to-use guide? Click here to get your free PDF: http://bit.ly/48hY8fJWondering how long it actually takes to buy a home? You’re not alone! In this series, "Top 10 Questions Home Buyers Ask," Meg Heritage from Blues Properties walks you through the most important questions first-time buyers have—so you can approach your purchase with confidence.In this episode, Meg explains the timeline for buying a home, from your first offer to getting the keys in your hand. Learn what factors can influence the process—from market inventory and offer negotiations, to inspections, title, and closing periods. Meg also discusses possession after closing, and how flexible move-out dates can help make your offer more appealing to sellers.With insider tips on what steps you control as a buyer—and how to navigate common scenarios—you’ll be prepared for every stage of the journey to homeownership.For more expert guidance on making your home-buying experience a success, be sure to like and subscribe. If you have questions or need personalized advice, contact Meg at Bluesproperties.com or call (616) 581-2241.Start your home search with knowledge—and make your next move a great one!

Want all 10 of the most common homebuyer questions—and expert answers—in one easy-to-use guide? Click here to get your free PDF: http://bit.ly/48hY8fJCurious about the additional costs you’ll face when buying a house? You’re not alone! In this series, "Top 10 Questions Home Buyers Ask," Megan Heritage from Blues Properties breaks down the biggest questions from first-time buyers—so you can prepare with confidence.In this episode, Megan covers everything you need to know about hidden and upfront costs in the home buying process. She explains not only the monthly expenses you’ll need to budget for—like taxes, payments, and insurance—but also essential out-of-pocket costs that come before you even get the keys, such as inspection fees, appraisal charges, and application costs. Learn why it’s important to know these figures upfront, and how a good real estate agent can help you determine if the fees you’re quoted are fair.Megan’s tips will help you avoid surprises and make smart financial choices from day one. Get expert advice to guide you through inspections, appraisals, and more—so you can shop for your new home with clarity and peace of mind.For more tips on buying your dream home, be sure to like and subscribe. If you have questions or need personalized advice, contact Megan at Bluesproperties.com or call (616) 581-2241.Start your journey with confidence—and make your next move a great one!

Want all 10 of the most common homebuyer questions—and expert answers—in one easy-to-use guide? Click here to get your free PDF: http://bit.ly/48hY8fJ

Confused about the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval? You’re not alone! In this series, "Top 10 Questions Home Buyers Ask," Megan Heritage from Blues Properties unpacks the most asked questions she hears from buyers—so you can shop for your home with confidence.

In this episode, Megan gets real about one of the most important financial steps when buying a home: understanding pre-qualification vs. pre-approval. Discover why a pre-qualification letter won’t help your offer stand out—and why a pre-approval can make all the difference. Megan explains what lenders are really looking at, what paperwork you need to provide, and how to make sure you’re shopping within a comfortable budget (not just what the bank says you can afford!). Her goal? To help you win the house you love—without ending up “house poor.”

Get clear on what truly matters to sellers and agents when they see your offer, and learn how to set yourself up for a smooth home buying process from the start.

For more tips on buying your dream home, be sure to like and subscribe. If you have questions or need personalized advice, contact Megan at Bluesproperties.com or call (616) 581-2241.

Start your journey with confidence—and make your next move a great one!