V-Man and Barko Podcast

In Episode 005, V-Man and Barko break down what's really happening with mortgage rates, decode the national average everyone keeps quoting, and introduce two hot new loan products, including an IHDA down payment assistance credit now up to $15,000. Then real estate investor and agent Collins Bonnema of Kale Realty joins to talk house flipping in the southwest suburbs, building a rental portfolio n...

Title: The "Lock-In" Effect: Are Portable Mortgages the Answer? Description: With millions of US homeowners "locked in" at 3% rates and hesitant to sell, the mortgage industry is buzzing about a potential solution: Portable Mortgages. In this episode, V-Man and Barko are joined by Aaron "Mitch" Mitchell, a teacher and podcaster from Vancouver, Canada, to give us a firsthand look at how portable mo...

In this episode of the V-Man and Barko Podcast, we take time to chat with Laki Hatzelis, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX 10 and talk about his path from growing up on the south side to building a successful career in real estate. He shares how family shaped his approach to business, how his connections to Mount Carmel and the wider Catholic League community opened doors, and how he’s steadily grown his net...

In this episode of The V-Man & Barko Podcast , we sit down with Neena Vlamis , Founder and CEO of A & N Mortgage , to talk about her journey from Downers Grove South to leading one of Chicago’s most respected woman-owned mortgage companies. Neena shares how she went from nearly becoming an English professor to building a thriving business, what drives her leadership philosophy, and how she...

Welcome to the very first episode of the V-Man & Barko Podcast! 🎙️ Mike “The V-Man” Vlamis and Brian “Barko” Barkowski sit down to share their journeys from teaching and coaching to helping families buy homes and refinance smarter. In this kickoff episode, you’ll hear: How their Brother Rice and Mount Carmel roots connect them to the Chicago community Stories from careers in real estate, lendi...

Announcing the V-Man and Barko Podcast as Mike Vlamis and Brian Barkowski join forces to bring you mortgage education, community news and hopefully some fun along the way. Subscribe and follow for updates as we begin this mortgage podcast series.