Educating Homebuyers.

Most buyers never see what  really  happens behind the scenes when a home is built—but they feel it every step of the way. In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady Haye sits down with custom home builder  Derek Lines  to unpack what separates a smooth, well-run custom home build from a stressful one. From communication and budgeting to design decisions and vendor relationships, this conver...

Today’s episode features someone whose journey perfectly blends education, real estate, and authentic connection. Emma Jordison—better known across Des Moines as  Your DSM Home Girl —shares how she went from the classroom to becoming a trusted local real estate resource for buyers, sellers, and renters preparing for their next step. We walk through her transition from teaching to real estate, the...

Today on Educating Homebuyers, I sit down with Cedar Rapids & Iowa City’s top agent, Alexis Kemp — a powerhouse who has built a $60M+ real estate business in just four years by leading with care, high standards, and a deep commitment to her clients’ success. We talk through what a normal market actually looks like, how buyer conversations have changed since 2021, and why understanding resale v...

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with someone who’s played a massive role in my career — mentor, leader, investor, and friend,  Louie Wickett . Louie has spent over a decade helping families buy homes while also running a growing investment company AND raising a family. We break down what buyers should  actually  be thinking about heading into 2026: budgeting, variable income, cash-to-close, e...

Today’s episode features a 20-year real estate veteran whose career spans commercial real estate, custom new construction, and leading one of the top real estate teams in Ankeny. Ankeny Real Estate Group’s own Colin Panzi breaks down how the new construction process really works — from selecting the right lot, to budgeting properly, to the biggest surprises buyers don’t realize until it’s too late...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers,  Brady sits down with  Jalan Jones  — a Des Moines Realtor known for his sharp style, construction background, and genuine care for his clients. From working in sales and running a renovation business to becoming one of the metro’s most personable and respected agents, Jalan’s story is all about growth, mindset, and standing out for the right reasons. They...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady Haye sits down with  Bo Cosens , a RE/MAX Precision agent who’s been on  every side of real estate  — from mortgage lending to title closing to now representing clients as a top-producing Realtor. After more than  1,900+ closings , Bo shares what most agents  get wrong  about this business — and how to do it differently. From chasing volume instead...

This week, Brady sits down with central Iowa realtor  Steven Bunting  of RE/MAX Concepts to talk about what real estate is  really  about — people, not properties. From growing up in Ames and investing in fourplexes, to becoming a full-time realtor during the height of COVID, Steven shares how his focus shifted from  selling homes  to  educating and empowering people. They dive deep into what it m...

What you  don’t  see can cost you thousands — or even your health. In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , I sit down with  Mariah Klemp , a 12-year Des Moines real estate pro who opens up about the  hidden side of homeownership  — from  radon and roof age  to  toxic mold and water damage . Mariah’s story is personal: after battling mold poisoning in her own home, she’s made it her mission to h...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady sits down with  Rich Bales , owner of  Avanti Group , to talk about something every homeowner needs to hear:  why cheap insurance can actually cost you more in the long run. Rich shares how his team is redefining what it means to protect what you’ve built — from home and business coverage to client relationships built on trust, not transactions. You...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady Haye sits down with  Ela Knapp , a rising real estate agent in Ankeny, Iowa, who’s redefining what it means to start strong in real estate. With a background in marketing and social media, Ela brings a modern approach to connecting with clients, simplifying the process, and keeping authenticity at the heart of every transaction. Together, Brady and...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , I sit down with husband-and-wife duo  Dustin and Allison Kupka  to unpack their inspiring journey from setbacks to success in the real estate world. From running restaurants to facing financial hardship, to flipping homes and eventually building a thriving real estate business, the Kupkas share how resilience, faith, and community support shaped their pat...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady Haye sits down with  Megan Avila , a compassionate Realtor with Century 21 Signature, to talk about her journey from social work to real estate, and how her people-first approach helps clients feel informed, powerful, and comfortable. Megan shares her story of buying her first home, how mentorship from Jason Mickelson guided her into real estate, an...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , I sit down with  Jamie Thompson (@JamieThompsonRealEstate)  — a Des Moines real estate leader, community connector, and co-host of the  Waukee Podcast . With over 20 years in the business, Jamie shares: How she built her career through  referrals and authentic relationships The challenges and wins of running a business alongside her husband Why she create...

Thinking about buying a home but confused by the mortgage process? In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady Haye sits down with mortgage industry leader  @JohnCornish_KeyMortgage  to break down the  entire mortgage process from start to finish  — no fluff, no jargon, just real steps every homebuyer needs to know. ✅ What you’ll learn in this episode: How lenders evaluate your application a...

📄 Episode Description In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady sits down with  Angie Sly , one of the most caring and client-focused realtors in Des Moines. Angie shares her journey from leading a national direct sales team to partnering with her husband, Tony, to build a real estate business rooted in  trust, education, and family values . You’ll hear how the Sly Team: Guides clients thr...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady sits down with  Matt Mauro  — broker, investor, team leader, and part owner at RE/MAX Concepts with over 30 years of experience in the Des Moines market. Matt reveals why  2025 is the best time in 13 years for buyers to finally gain leverage . He shares his journey from getting licensed in 1995 at just 18 years old to becoming one of the most respec...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady sits down with  Katie Stiles  (@stilessells), a former middle school teacher turned Realtor who has built her business on relationships, advocacy, and guiding clients through one of life’s biggest decisions. Katie shares the  most common mistake first-time buyers make  — and how to avoid it. From inspections to negotiations, she breaks down the hidd...

In this episode of  Educating Homebuyers , Brady sits down with  Sydnee Yetmar (@SydneeYetmar), a Des Moines-area Realtor with RE/MAX Concepts, who built her business on relationships instead of transactions. We dive into the  secrets homebuyers often overlook , what it’s really like to buy and sell at the same time, and how communication between your Realtor and lender can completely change your...

Is 2025 the next 2008? Realtor Chris Ranallo says  no  — and he’s got the receipts. With 20 years of experience, he shares exactly how to avoid the next housing crash and make smart real estate moves today. 🎧 Like, follow, and get preapproved at  www.teambhaye.com 📲 Follow Chris: @ChrisRanallo 🎶 Music: Decoy  

Des Moines agent Blake Shaffer shares new construction secrets most buyers miss — and how we’re using builder incentives, USDA loans, and 2-1 buydowns to help people buy affordably in 2025. Apply at  teambhaye.com  

They started selling homes in college. Now Elli & Abigail Jennings lead one of Iowa’s top 1% real estate teams. We dive into how they help buyers win, what you need to know in today’s market, and how to prep the right way. 🎯 Ready to get preapproved? Reach out to me @BradyHayeMortgageTeam 📲 Follow: @ElliJenn @AbigailJennings_ @JenningsRealEstateTeam 🎧 Like, follow & share if this helped...

David Rodriguez bought a $75K condo at 22 and turned it into over $100K in equity—before ever buying a home for himself. In this episode, we talk about how one YouTube video sparked a real estate journey that now includes 14+ properties and a team of 60+ agents. From building wealth to calming first-time buyer nerves, this one’s packed with real advice and real stories. 📲 Follow David: @david_rod...

Welcome to the very first episode of the Educating Homebuyers podcast — where we cut through the noise and give you real, honest advice to help you feel informed, educated, and confident in your homebuying journey. In this episode, I’m joined by Des Moines realtor and team leader Emina Steward, who shares her journey in real estate, her approach to client relationships, and the biggest truths home...