The Long Game by Ryan Richards

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards, residential loan officer and real estate investor, breaks down the top five things you should always discuss with your loan officer before taking action.

Too often, buyers make big financial moves - like paying off debt or making a new purchase - without understanding how those decisions impact their ability to get approved for a mortgage. Ryan walks through common mistakes and explains how proactive conversations can save you time, money, and frustration.

What you'll learn:

• Why paying off the wrong debt first can sometimes hurt your approval chances
• The importance of getting pre-qualified before shopping
• How assumptions about credit scores or income can lead you astray
• Exploring secondary options with your loan officer before assuming you won't qualify

Whether you're buying your first home or investing in property, this episode gives you the clarity you need to make smart decisions before you apply.

In this solo episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan shares how networking has played a pivotal role in building his business, and personal life, as both a loan officer and a real estate investor.

Ryan reflects on the groups, events, and strategies that have helped him build meaningful connections, grow his client base, and open doors to new opportunities. If you're an entrepreneur, agent, investor, or someone just looking to build a stronger professional network, this episode will give you a practical roadmap to start making it happen.

What you'll learn:

• How to find the right networking groups in your community, with a nod to Ryan's local group, Connect Woo in Worcester, MA.
• Simple strategies to grow your network with intention
• Why relationships often matter more than technical knowledge
• How to turn one conversation into long-term business growth

If you're serious about expanding your opportunities in real estate or business, start by showing up. 

In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, Ryan Richards sits down with Sameul Ahsan, Managing Partner of Knightly Properties and a leading voice in the midterm rental and Airbnb space throughout Massachusetts.

Sam pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a profitable short- and midterm rental business, from finding the right markets to building a reliable operations system that keeps guests happy and properties performing.

What you'll learn:

• What makes a great Airbnb or midterm rental market
• How to find and evaluate potential short-term rental opportunities
• Tips for building cleaning and maintenance systems that scale
• The biggest operational challenges and how to overcome them
• Why central Massachusetts is becoming a hot spot for midterm rentals

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your Airbnb strategy, this episode is packed with tactical insights from someone doing it at a high level.

Guest Info: 

Sameul Ahsan, Managing Partner, Knightly Properties

[email protected] 

knightlyproperties.com

In this solo episode, Ryan Richards, residential loan officer and real estate investor, shares how his clients are navigating the current real estate market and winning despite rising interest rates, tight inventory, and shifting conditions.

Whether you're looking to buy your first home or invest in multifamily property, Ryan covers what’s working right now for buyers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and across the broader New England region. From strategy to timing to preparation, this episode is packed with real-world insights to help you move forward with confidence.

What you'll learn:

• How first-time buyers are landing homes in a competitive market
• Key differences between buying single-family, condo, and multifamily properties
• Why preparation is more important than ever
• What successful investors are doing right in 2025

If you’re planning to buy or invest this year, this episode will help you show up ready.

We’re pulling back the curtain on what might be one of the biggest real estate events Worcester has seen in years — the Informed Investor Mastermind Conference, happening May 29th from 5–9 PM at Off the Rails in Worcester, MA.

My business partner, Ben Carbone and I are hosting this one-night-only event to bring the best of our experience, knowledge, and connections to a wider audience. After years in the industry and months of planning, we’re delivering a high-impact lineup of speakers, resources, and networking opportunities to help investors take the next step in scaling their portfolios.

In this episode, I break down the vision behind the event, why we launched it after our successful mastermind group, and how we’re bringing some of the sharpest minds in real estate to the stage. You’ll hear about our keynote speaker, Anthony Lamacchia of Lamacchia Realty, and four powerhouse panelists: 

You’ll hear about our keynote speaker Anthony Lamacchia (Lamacchia Realty), and four expert panelists:

• Ricky Beliveau – Founder, EVO Real Estate Group
• Zachary Gray – Freedom Management
• Dominic Blad – Cardinal Capital Group
• Kyle Young – Young Strategic Ventures

Whether you’re new to the game or building momentum, this episode sets the stage for a night that could change your investment trajectory.

In this solo episode, Ryan Richards - residential loan officer and real estate investor - breaks down one of the most essential (but often overlooked) fundamentals in real estate investing: defining your buy box.

Understanding your buy criteria is the key to making smart, confident decisions in any market. Ryan walks you through how to define what you’re really looking for, how to filter through the noise, and how to align your expectations with the current market conditions — including factoring in your personal capacity to manage the property once you own it.

What you'll learn:

• How to build your buy box — and stick to it
• How to get clear on your financial goals and limits
• Why operational demands like management and maintenance should shape your strategy
• How to avoid analysis paralysis and chasing the wrong deals

If you're serious about getting started in real estate the right way, this episode is your blueprint.

Mortgage rates are back in the headlines, and for good reason. In this solo episode, Ryan Richards, Branch Manager at Northpointe Mortgage, breaks down what’s currently happening in the mortgage rate market as of mid-April 2025. Whether you're actively house hunting or just keeping an eye on the market, understanding rate trends can help you make smarter, more informed decisions.

Ryan pulls back the curtain on rate fluctuations, what’s driving the changes, and how buyers can best position themselves in today’s environment. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy or how to approach financing with rates in flux, this episode has the insights you need.

In this episode, Ryan covers:

• What’s happening with mortgage rates right now
• Key market factors influencing rate trends
• How to strategically navigate rate changes as a buyer
• Tips to stay financially ready in a fluctuating market

Whether you're buying your first home or preparing for a future purchase, this episode will help you feel more confident navigating today’s rate environment.

In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, host Ryan Richards welcomes Matt Ward, financial planner at Forward Financial Services, for an insightful conversation on preparing financially for real estate investment. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you take control of your finances and make smarter investment decisions.

Ryan and Matt share their real-world experiences working with clients to bridge the gap between financial planning and homeownership. They cover key topics including budgeting, saving with intention, understanding good vs. bad debt, and optimizing income allocation to achieve real estate goals faster. Matt also opens up about the personal story that inspired his career and how early planning can safeguard families during financial hardships.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to build liquidity, avoid common pitfalls like overfunding retirement at the expense of short-term goals, and structure their finances for long-term success.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start planning with a purpose, tune in for expert advice and a collaborative perspective that connects financial literacy with real estate success.

GUEST
Matt Ward | VP of Forward Financial Services | Forward Financial Services | 
[email protected] | forwardfinancialsrv.com 

In this episode, we’re joined by Brooke Coughlin, a dynamic real estate investor who’s made a name for herself by turning strategic thinking into real results. From buying her first single-family rental out of state to growing a multifamily portfolio across markets, Brooke shares the real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to scale in today’s competitive landscape.

She walks us through her evolution—from working in corporate sales to becoming a full-time investor—and how she used systems, relationships, and a mindset of continuous learning to fuel her journey. Brooke doesn’t hold back as she talks about how she financed her early deals with creative strategies, the realities of managing properties remotely, and the steps she took to build operational efficiency with virtual assistants.

We also get into how she’s built a brand on social media that attracts joint venture partners and off-market deals, and how she navigates the challenges of working with C-class properties while staying focused on long-term goals.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale smart, Brooke offers actionable insights on underwriting, team building, and staying disciplined in your investing criteria. If you’re serious about growing a real estate business that lasts, this episode is packed with value.

GUEST
Brooke Coughlin | Realtor | Lamacchia Realty | [email protected]

In this episode of The Real Estate Lens, we're diving into a topic that’s been a long time coming—three of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my journey through real estate and business. This conversation isn’t just about my experiences; it’s an invitation for you to reflect on your own path, the wins, the losses, and the pivotal moments that shape your success.

The first game-changing lesson? You can’t do it all alone. The myth of the solo entrepreneur is just that—a myth. The most successful business leaders understand that building a strong team and leveraging collaboration is the key to scaling and thriving. Shifting from a “how do I do this?” mindset to “who can help me achieve this?” opens up new levels of opportunity.

Next, I discuss the power of surrounding yourself with the right people. Growth happens when you put yourself in rooms where you’re learning from those who have already achieved what you aspire to. Success leaves clues, and by positioning yourself around high achievers, you accelerate your own journey.

Finally, we tackle the critical lesson of perseverance—when you feel like quitting, double down. The biggest breakthroughs often come right after the hardest moments. Business, like fitness, is a momentum game, and consistent effort is what separates those who succeed from those who stall.

If you’re serious about real estate investing and business growth, this episode is packed with insights that can reshape the way you approach success. Tune in now!