The Genuine Guide Podcast

Buying your first home isn’t just about what you can get approved for, it’s about whether the payment fits your life. I sit down with Chad Appleton of Compass Mortgage to break down mortgage basics in plain English for first-time and relocating buyers. We talk about why talking to a lender before touring homes matters, how to think through payments instead of just purchase price, and the differenc...

In today’s episode of The Genuine Guide to Real Estate , I’m sharing a simple mindset shift that can completely change the way you approach buying a home, especially if you’re relocating to Nashville. It’s called the Goldilocks Rule from Atomic Habits : the idea that we make our best progress when the process isn’t too overwhelming and isn’t too rushed… it’s just challenging enough. I talk about w...

In today’s episode of The Genuine Guide to Real Estate , I’m joined by my buddy Ben Seamon, a title attorney with Bell Alexander Title here in Brentwood, Tennessee. We’re talking about the red flags that can pop up during a real estate transaction, the stuff most buyers and sellers never see, but that can cause major problems if it gets missed. Ben shares real examples from the closing table, expl...

Investing in your first rental isn’t just about cash flow, it’s about whether the decision fits into your life. In this episode, I sit down with Heath Moore, a real-world rental property investor who still works a full-time W-2 job, to talk about what actually goes into buying your first rental. We discuss the fears that keep people stuck on the sidelines, how to evaluate deals realistically, and...

Buying a home isn’t just about numbers, it’s about how the decision fits into your life. In this episode, I sit down again with Christy Wedig of CMG Home Loans to talk about making home-buying decisions that feel sustainable, not stressful. We discuss the difference between what buyers can be approved for versus what they can truly afford, why slowing down matters, and how thoughtful planning can...

Most people don’t remodel because they want something “new.” They remodel because something isn’t working anymore. I sit down with Bobby Amezaga from The Designery to talk about how homeowners can gain clarity before starting a kitchen, bath, or home remodel. We explore why understanding your intention matters just as much as the budget, how small frustrations often point to bigger design issues,...

What if you did everything right and still missed the right house? In this episode, I share a story that completely reframed how I think about buying a home and why so many buyers feel frustrated even after “doing all the right things.” We explore the difference between executing well and aiming well and why clarity, not speed or pressure, is what actually leads to good decisions in real estate. T...

Most people think getting pre-approved is a simple yes or no, but there’s a smart way to do it that keeps you from getting in over your head. In this episode, I sit down with my friend McCain Marrow from United Home Loans to break down what approval really means and how to approach it with confidence. We talk about the difference between pre-qualification, pre-approval, and a full pre-underwrite,...

In this episode, Elliott Wittstruck tackles one of the biggest questions for anyone moving to Middle Tennessee: Where should I live? From understanding the real costs of different neighborhoods to knowing when it makes sense to look just outside the city, he shares practical advice to help you find a spot that truly fits your life. If you’re trying to get a feel for Nashville and the surrounding t...

In this episode, Elliott Wittstruck shares the real story behind his first fixer-upper, what it actually cost him, what went right, and what he wishes he knew before starting. From living in a construction zone to learning how far a budget can really stretch, Elliott’s experience gives a clear, honest look at the true cost of “fixing it up.” If you're thinking about tackling a remodel or buyin...

Did you know the smartest time to start preparing for a home purchase is six months before you’re ready to buy ? In this episode, I sit down with my friend McCain Marrow from United Home Loans, to break down what you should be doing right now if you’re planning ahead. We talk about getting pre-qualified early, checking your credit, understanding your true comfort payment, and why giving yourself a...

What are the three questions I have to answer before I even start looking at homes?” In this episode, I walk you through them one by one. Your why, your where, and your real comfortable monthly payment—these three things shape every decision you’ll make in the homebuying process. Buying a home can get emotional and expensive fast, especially in a market like Nashville. That’s why getting clear on...

Thinking about buying a home soon? Whether it’s your first or your fifth, this episode breaks down five simple and practical steps to get you ready, from knowing your finances to finding the right agent. In just five minutes, you’ll learn how to avoid being “house poor,” plan your savings wisely, and make confident moves in today’s housing market. If homeownership is on your 2026 vision board, thi...

Think you need perfect credit to buy a house? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Christy Wiedig from CMG Home Loans, and we talk about the biggest credit myths that keep people from buying a home. We talk about how to build and improve your credit, what lenders actually look for, and simple steps to start your home buying journey with confidence. Remember, clarity beats fear e...

In the final part of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re putting it all together — your one-year roadmap to homeownership. From setting your vision and budget, to connecting with lenders and narrowing down your ideal location, this episode walks you through what to focus on month by month. 🎧 Because buying a home isn’t about rushing the process, it’s about following a pla...

In Part 3 of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re talking money — turning “I hope I can afford it” into clear numbers that make sense. Learn how to plan your down payment, understand debt-to-income ratios, and why getting pre-approved early can set real guardrails for your search. 🎧 Because buying a home isn’t just about dreaming big, it’s about doing the math that gets yo...

Did you know there’s a way to save up to two months of mortgage payments just by timing your closing right? In this episode, we break down how escrow, prepaids, and closing dates really work and how a little planning can save you thousands. We also talk about reducing stress when moving, creating a smoother transition, and trusting that the right timing always works out. 🎧 Smart timing can make y...

Your dream home should bring peace, not pressure. In this episode, we talk about why stretching your budget isn’t worth the stress and how to find that financial “sweet spot” where comfort and confidence meet. Chad Appleton joins me to break down what it really means to buy smart, stay within your means, and work with a realtor who respects your limits. 🎧 Because the right home should fit your li...

In Part 2 of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re talking Needs vs. Wants, because your budget can’t buy everything, but it can buy the right things. Learn how to list and rank your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and compromises so you can focus on what really matters. 🎧 Location, size, condition, if you can hit two out of three, you’re doing great.

Before you start scrolling through Zillow, take a look in the mirror. In this episode, we talk about gaining clarity before buying a home, figuring out your why , your lifestyle needs, and your deal breakers. Whether it’s a job change, a new city, or just the next step in life, knowing your “why now” helps you make smarter moves later. 📝 Clarity first. Zillow second.

Still renting? In this episode, we break down why paying rent is like paying 100% interest and how buying a home can help you build real equity and long-term value. We talk about down payments, refinancing, and how to make the most of today’s buyer’s market. 🎧 If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to buy, this episode will show you why that time might be now.

“If my budget is $3,500 a month, what kind of house can I really buy right now?” We’ve all asked that question and in this episode, we finally break it down. From interest rates to down payments, we go step by step to show what a realistic home purchase looks like in today’s market. It’s not about selling homes, it’s about helping you understand what’s truly doable.

Welcome to The Genuine Guide to Real Estate with your host, Tanny Crawford. If you've ever felt unsure about where to start when buying a home, this show is here to help. Each episode shares real stories, simple explanations, and practical steps to guide you through one of life's biggest decisions. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or just curious about the market, you&#3...