In this episode of Your Favorite Mortgage Guy Podcast, host Steve Rockefeller sits down with seasoned mortgage expert Holly Cross from CMG Home Loans to break down the biggest questions and misconceptions about home loans. With 20 years of experience, Holly shares why having a true mortgage advisor—not just a lender—is critical when navigating one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. They cover everything from pre-approvals vs. pre-qualifications, the truth about grants and first-time homebuyer programs, to what really impacts your loan options—like student loans, childcare expenses, and being self-employed. Whether you're buying your first home or just want to be better informed, this episode is packed with real-world insights and advice you won't get from a website.

In Part 2 of our series with Holly Cross from CMG Home Loans, we tackle one of the biggest concerns for future homeowners: credit. What if your credit score is less than ideal? What if it's downright terrible? Don't worry—we break down exactly what that means, what steps you can take, and how we can still help you work toward buying a home. From Credit Karma confusion to real talk about financial responsibility, this episode is filled with practical tips, tough love, and real-life examples that prove homeownership is still possible—even with bad credit. Tune in as we debunk myths, talk strategy, and share what it really takes to rebuild and move forward.

In this episode, Steve Rockefeller is joined by Holly Cross to tackle some of the most common myths and questions homebuyers face. From whether you should wait for rates to drop, to the truth about 20% down payments, renting vs. buying, and credit concerns—they cover it all. With real examples and honest advice, Steve and Holly break down what you actually need to know before starting your homeownership journey. Don't miss Part 1 of this insightful series.

In this episode of Your Favorite Mortgage Guy Podcast, host Steve Rockefeller sits down with real estate power couple Kathy and Phil Durban to shed light on the Homes for Heroes program—a nationwide initiative that helps military members, first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, and even pastors achieve homeownership. With over 35 years of combined experience in real estate, Kathy and Phil share how they've helped countless heroes save thousands on their home purchases and sales.

They discuss the perks of the program, how eligible buyers can access benefits, and why this initiative is so much more than just a discount—it's a way to give back to those who serve our communities. You'll also hear about Phil's background in the Marine Corps and law enforcement, how Kathy got her start in real estate, and how they're making a difference together, one hero at a time.

Whether you're a hero yourself or know someone who is, this episode will leave you informed and inspired.

Join us for a deep dive into the financial side of homeownership with special guest Brian Lindberg, licensed fiduciary and financial planner at Fitzwilliams Financial. In this episode, we unpack how real estate can build generational wealth, the pros and cons of turning your first home into a rental, and why your financial plan needs more than just a 401(k). Whether you're dreaming of retiring early or wondering how to make smart investment decisions in your 30s, this episode is packed with real-world advice on money management, mindset, and long-term strategy. Don't miss it—your future self will thank you.

Join us as we break down the mystery behind one of the most talked-about steps in the homebuying process: the appraisal. In this episode, we sit down with Phil Hines of Hines Appraisals to talk about what appraisers really look for, why Zillow doesn't cut it, and how appraisals are different from home inspections. From surprising stories to must-know advice for buyers and sellers, this episode is packed with insights that will help you feel confident when it comes to property value, deal breakers, and what can actually derail a loan. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, you'll walk away knowing why the appraisal matters—and how to be prepared.

Join us as we dive into the Homes for Heroes program with special guest Charlene Wales from Better Homes and Gardens Native American Group. Charlene breaks down who qualifies, how it works, and why this program is a game-changer for those who serve our communities, from healthcare workers and educators to military personnel and first responders. If you or someone you know fits the bill, this episode could be the key to saving thousands when buying or selling a home. Let's demystify this powerful resource together.

In this first episode of Your Favorite Mortgage Guy Podcast, host Steve Rockefeller sits down with media expert Sean Fitzgibbons from Thrive Media to talk all things marketing in the world of real estate and homeownership. They dive into why video and social media are no longer optional, which platforms are worth focusing on (hint: Instagram), and how to create content that grabs attention in under a second. Sean shares practical tips on batching content, staying compliant, and building an educational strategy that keeps your name top of mind with potential clients. Whether you're a realtor, lender, or home pro looking to level up your marketing game, this episode is packed with value and real-world advice.