The Genuine Guide Podcast

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...