In this episode, we sit down with Michael Delprete, a Phoenix City Council candidate for District 6 and real estate expert, to break down one of the biggest challenges facing our city: housing affordability.

We start from square one—what interest rates actually are, how they relate to mortgage rates, and why they matter if you’re trying to buy a home. Michael walks through the real costs of purchasing a house, what goes into your monthly payment, and what first-time buyers should realistically expect when it comes to down payments, home prices, and long-term planning.

The conversation dives into practical advice for young adults and first-time buyers who may have no savings and feel locked out of the market. We also explore the rise of build-to-rent housing, who’s behind it, how fast it’s growing, and what it means for Phoenix neighborhoods.

Michael explains House Bill 2721, why it matters for Phoenix and the Valley, and whether it will actually move the needle on affordability. We wrap up with a broader discussion on what the Phoenix City Council is getting wrong on housing, why real estate experience matters in city leadership, and how federal policy—under Donald Trump—may be influencing interest rates, investment behavior, and housing affordability nationwide.

Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or someone who thinks owning a home is completely out of reach, this episode breaks it all down in plain English.