Make Yourself at Home

Estate planning is about much more than preparing legal documents—it's about protecting your family, your real estate investments, and the legacy you leave behind. In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with estate planning attorney Cecilia Amo to discuss why every homeowner, investor, and business owner should have a comprehensive estate plan. Cecilia shares practical strategies for avoidi...

🚀 Is the traditional retirement plan still the best path to financial freedom? In this episode, Deana Brummett welcomes Chris Miles , founder of Money Ripples and author of The Work Optional Blueprint , to discuss why he left the traditional financial advising industry and embraced passive income investing. Chris shares his personal journey from Wall Street strategies to real estate investing, br...

🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Alex Mayer, a multi-award-winning real estate agent serving Rochester, Minnesota, and co-author of the Amazon bestseller Top Producer Secrets. Alex shares his journey from auto sales to becoming one of Rochester's top agents and explains why he abandoned the traditional team model to focus on direct client representation. The conversation explo...

🚀 Wildfires are becoming one of the biggest threats to homeowners across California and other high-risk states. In this episode, Jim Sprouse, co-founder of Ember Pro and Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, shares how homeowners can reduce wildfire risk through home hardening, defensible space planning, and innovative wildfire defense systems. Jim also explains the growing insurance crisis,...

🚀 In this insightful episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Susan Jones, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Sorrell Wealth Partners, to discuss how individuals and families can navigate major life transitions while protecting and growing their wealth. Susan shares expert advice on tax planning, estate planning, real estate investing, inheritance strategies, LLCs, trusts, diversification, and the...

🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Annika Lynn, Senior Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage, to discuss the realities of homeownership, financial literacy, and long-term wealth building. Annika shares her remarkable personal journey from overcoming life-changing adversity to becoming one of the nation's top lenders. Together, they dive into credit scores, emergency funds, debt mana...

🚀 In this episode, Thomas Castelli, CPA and CFP, shares how investors can use real estate and tax strategy together to build long-term wealth. From his journey into syndications and apartment investing to the biggest tax mistakes investors make, Thomas breaks down practical strategies for both beginner and seasoned investors. Learn how to build the right financial team, avoid costly tax misconcep...

🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Andrew Postell, Originating Branch Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage, to break down the realities of homeownership, passive income, rental property investing, and mortgage strategies that everyday people can actually use. From FHA and DSCR loans to down payment assistance and long-term wealth building, Andrew shares real-world advice from both his l...

🚀 In this powerful episode of Make Yourself at Home, Deana Brummett sits down with inspirational speaker, real estate investor, and 9/11 responder Craig Sotkovsky for a deep conversation about resilience, mindset, trauma, healing, and creative real estate investing. Craig shares his journey battling lung cancer after volunteering during 9/11 cleanup efforts, overcoming addiction and personal trau...

🚀 In this powerful episode, Ricky Carruth shares how he built an eight-figure real estate business as a solo agent and the hard lessons that shaped his success. From losing everything during the market crash to becoming a top-performing agent and coach, Ricky breaks down the mindset, strategies, and long-term relationship approach that truly drive sustainable success. Discover why real estate is...

🚀 In this episode, Caleb Christopher breaks down the realities of creative financing in real estate—what it is, when to use it, and the risks most people overlook. With a background in cybersecurity and law enforcement, Caleb shares how risk management, ethical deal structuring, and clear communication can make or break a deal. Whether you're an investor or a homeowner, this episode gives you...

🚀 In this powerful episode, Arnice Foster shares her incredible journey from attorney to mindset coach, fitness expert, and business strategist. Learn how she overcame challenges, built multiple businesses, and now helps high-performing women transform their health, mindset, and success. From neuro encoding to practical fitness habits, this episode is packed with actionable insights to level up y...

🚀 In this powerful episode, Chris Miles shares his journey from traditional financial advisor to cashflow expert after discovering the flaws in conventional wealth-building strategies. Learn how he overcame financial collapse, rebuilt his wealth, and now teaches others how to achieve financial independence through cashflow investing, smarter money management, and alternative income strategies. 🎧...

🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with seasoned mortgage expert Kim Venable to break down what every homebuyer really needs to know before purchasing a home. From understanding your budget and the true cost of a mortgage to avoiding common financial pitfalls, this conversation also walks you through how to read a rate grid. Kim shares insider insights on interest rates, mortgage compone...

🚀 In this eye-opening episode, Andy Gurczak shares insider knowledge on how insurance claims really work—and why homeowners and investors often leave money on the table. From costly mistakes to smart strategies, learn how to protect your property, maximize your claim, and avoid being taken advantage of by the system. 🎧 Hosted by: Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Andy Gurczak – Founder & CEO of All...

🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Daniel Berger of RE/MAX Prestige Properties in White Plains, New York, to explore his inspiring transition from beverage sales to real estate success. With over 30 years in sales and 10 years in real estate, Daniel shares how relationships, availability, and creativity drive his business. From navigating complex deals to writing his book Adventures...

🚀 In this eye-opening episode, Freddie Rappina shares his incredible journey from police officer to wealth advisor and breaks down the fundamental difference between “checkers” and “chess” strategies in building wealth. Discover why traditional financial advice may be limiting your potential, how strategic debt can accelerate income, and why real estate and cash-flowing assets are key to long-ter...

🚀 In this episode, relocation specialist Jen Ramirez shares expert insights on helping buyers confidently move to the Charlotte and Lake Wylie areas. Drawing from her personal experience moving across multiple states and even internationally, Jen explains why buying a home is really about choosing the lifestyle that fits your daily routine. The conversation explores common relocation mistakes, su...

🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Brendan McKay , Chief Advocacy Officer and Co-Founder of the Broker Action Coalition, to discuss the three-year fight to pass the Homebuyer Privacy Protection Act . Brendan shares the behind-the-scenes journey of advocating for consumer data privacy, how trigger leads affected homebuyers, and why this landmark legislation is a major win for both co...

🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with interior designer Claudette Rowley , founder of Claudette Rowley Design and creator of the Wired Method. Claudette shares how neuro aesthetic design connects science, wellness, and interior spaces to positively impact your mood, stress levels, and overall wellbeing. From color psychology to biophilic design, discover how to create a home that feels...

🚀 In this powerful episode, we welcome Colorado real estate expert Taylor Ratliff for an honest conversation about today’s shifting housing market. From buyer fears and social media misinformation to interest rate buy-down strategies and the dangers of working with the wrong agent, Taylor shares real-world stories and hard-earned lessons. If you’re nervous about buying or selling right now, this...

🚀 This conversation discusses PadSplit, a company offering affordable co-living solutions in major U.S. cities. Devon Aguirre, PadSplit's market manager, explains their model involving renting out individual rooms in shared houses, often converting common areas into additional bedrooms. This approach aims to address cash flow and vacancy problems for investors, while providing affordable hous...

🚀 In this episode, host Deana Brummett sits down with real estate industry veteran Joe Arnao to break down what truly makes a great real estate agent. From pricing strategy and communication standards to emotional control, market knowledge, and red flags consumers should watch out for, this conversation gives buyers and sellers the tools they need to make confident, informed decisions in today’s...

🚀 In this episode of Make Yourself at Home , host Deana Brummett sits down with Brett Swarts, founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, to unpack how real estate investors and business owners can preserve wealth, defer capital gains taxes, and create truly passive income. Brett shares real-world case studies, explains deferred sales trusts, and reframes wealth-building around ROT (Return on Time) i...

🚀 In this episode of Make Yourself at Home , host Deana Brummett sits down with certified public accountant Branden Chopelas to pull back the curtain on taxes, real estate myths, and the dangerous misinformation spreading on social media. From capital gains on home sales and hiring your kids to LLC misconceptions, audits, and W-4 mistakes, Branden breaks down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and when...