Beginner to Buyer

Latest Episodes:

¡Felicitaciones, eres propietario de una casa! Nov 01, 2023

El fin del proceso de compra es solo el inicio del viaje hacia la propiedad de una vivienda. Y, como descubre la nueva dueña de casa, Amaya Gunasekera, la emoción viene acompañada de nuevas preguntas y nuevas preocupaciones. Si eres, o pronto serás, un nuevo propietario, en este episodio encontrarás la sabiduría, tranquilidad y los buenos consejos que te prepararán para la vida bajo tu propio techo.

Cerremos el trato Nov 01, 2023

Has terminado tu búsqueda. Has hecho una oferta y fue aceptada. ¡Excelente! Ahora llega el momento del proceso de cierre.

¡Oferta aceptada! Y ¿Ahora qué? Nov 01, 2023

Puede parecer abrumador saber que tu oferta no fue aceptada, pero este episodio ofrece consejos y sugerencias sobre cómo seguir adelante... hasta llegar a una próxima oferta exitosa.

Hacer la oferta Nov 01, 2023

Has encontrado la casa perfecta, ahora ¿cómo haces una oferta para cerrar el trato? Nadeska se sienta con un experto para recopilar sugerencias sobre cómo navegar el mercado.

Encontrar la casa de sus sueños Nov 01, 2023

Drew y Jonathan Scott ofrecen sus consejos de expertos sobre cómo saber cuándo encuentras la vivienda de tus sueños.

Trabajar con un agente inmobiliario Nov 01, 2023

Tu agente de bienes raíces es el componente clave de tu equipo de compra de vivienda. Aquí, Nadeska invita a un agente experimentado para hablar sobre cómo armar un equipo ganador en todos los sentidos.

La hipoteca Nov 01, 2023

Seamos realistas: las hipotecas son complicadas. Los compradores potenciales tienen que pensar en la precalificación, los pagos iniciales y una variedad de tipos de hipotecas. Afortunadamente, los asesores de préstamos hipotecarios están aquí para ayudar. En este episodio, la presentadora Nadeska Alexis se sienta con una nueva dueña de casa para conocer su experiencia hipotecaria, y luego se comunica con un veterano gerente de préstamos hipotecarios para obtener consejos y recursos de expertos.

¿Cuánto puedo pagar? Nov 01, 2023

Puntajes de crédito, preocupaciones sobre ingresos y deudas, y pagos mensuales estimados-- incluso antes de hacer una oferta de compra, los detalles financieros pueden resultar abrumadores. En este episodio, la presentadora Nadeska Alexis escucha las preocupaciones de una madre soltera que que está atravesando por el mercado inmobiliario, y también se comunica con un planificador financiero certificado para ayudar a que todo tenga sentido.

¿Estoy preparado para ser propietario de una vivienda? Nov 01, 2023

¿La propiedad de la vivienda es realmente para mí? ¿Cómo puedo saber si estoy listo para comprar una casa? ¿Y, puedo comprarla y seguir viviendo la vida que amo? Estas son solo algunas de las preguntas que las personas hacen cuando consideran comprar una casa por primera vez. Pueden parecer simples, pero como descubre Nadeska Alexis, presentadora de Beginner to Buyer, en realidad son puntos de partida esenciales para un viaje exitoso hacia la propiedad de una vivienda.

La propiedad de la vivienda: Por qué es importante? Oct 31, 2023

La propiedad de la vivienda es buena para las familias, las empresas y la comunidad en general. Sin embargo, las barreras históricas han dificultado la compra de vivienda para muchos. Entonces, ¿qué debes saber sobre el historial, los datos y las tendencias actuales en la propiedad de vivienda antes de comprar? ¿Y por qué debería importarte?

Buying Your First Home: From Dream to Down Payment May 15, 2023

Whether you are a new homeowner or just beginning to think about how you will buy your first home, you’ve probably realized you have a lot to learn. From saving for a down payment, to taking advantage of special lending programs for first-time buyers, it’s important to have expert advice and insights from experienced professionals.

In Season 1 of Beginner to Buyer, we walked you through the basics of planning for and buying your first home. With Season 2 we’ll continue to guide you through the home-buying journey. In this first episode podcast host Nadeska Alexis sits down with new and prospective homeowners as well as Chase Home Lending expert Sean Grzebin to give a refresher on the home buying process, and how to navigate what is often one of the biggest and most meaningful purchases in a person’s life.

Nadeska speaks with prospective homebuyer Cheyenne Davis to address some common questions people have as they begin to think about how they can afford to buy a home. They discuss the significance of homeownership for multiple generations of women in Cheyenne’s family and address the realities of student loan debt and saving for a down payment. With this pragmatic perspective they talk about how to enlist the guidance of a home lending expert to determine your budget, as well as how to think about your home priorities from location to amenities. As Nadeska and Cheyenne compare notes and questions, they break down the process of home buying into clear and manageable steps.

To dig into how to take the next steps, Nadeska is joined by Chase Home Lending expert Sean Grzebin, who breaks down the basics of the real estate market, finding out whether you’re dealing with a buyer or seller’s market, and how to know if you’re ready to buy a house. With that understanding, Sean explains how to work with a home lending advisor to figure out how much house you can afford as you begin your search. Sean has great advice and perspective on potential tradeoffs to consider in buying a first home, why your commute matters, and additional costs beyond your down payment- from homeowners insurance to property taxes.

If you’re ready to get serious about your home-buying journey, hearing from Cheyenne, Nadeska, and Sean will help you get a sense of where you are now and what you need to do to take the next steps.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

ADU Basics May 15, 2023

What is an ADU and how can adding one help you earn income from your property? Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are becoming more and more popular to add space and potentially generate rental income. Navigating the decision to build one or convert an existing space can be tricky, but with this episode of Beginner to Buyer, we’ll take you through the process and what you need to do to be prepared if an ADU is the right choice for you.

Host Nadeska Alexis speaks with Keelan Sears, a new homeowner who spent time living in a converted RV while saving to buy a home and is now in the process of constructing an ADU. Keelan talks about feeling uncertain as a first-time homebuyer and how he and his partner saved money and found a good real estate agent to help them through the process. They learned about the possibility of buying a property zoned for ADUs and were convinced of the value an additional space can bring in rental income. Now that they are settled in their home, Kellan and Amy are in the thick of the ADU construction process and have practical insights into the permitting process, choosing a design firm and architect, and potentially drawing from home equity to fund the project.

Later, Nadeska is joined by ADU Specialist, Kol Peterson who represents an organization that offers training and accreditation to industry professionals. Kol explains the many types of ADU and how people traditionally use them either for extended family or as a source of rental income. He also breaks down the different types of ADU structure, from free- standing detached buildings to spaces converted within the main dwelling. Kol also breaks down a typical timeline for construction as well as typical costs in different regions of the country. Since the expense of an ADU can be considerable, Kol has insights into how people might think about paying for it— from a home equity loan to a personal line of credit— and how to determine whether potential rental income is sufficient to make additional loans prudent.

If you’re thinking about an ADU conversion or construction for your property, this episode is a must-listen.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

Stress to Satisfaction: The Psychology of Home Buying May 15, 2023

Does home ownership make you happier? The research is mixed, but most people agree that the security and stability of owning your own home offers a significant benefit and one that represents a level of achievement many strive for.

In this episode of Beginner to Buyer, host Nadeska Alexis speaks with new homeowner Holly Sprinkle about what home ownership means to her. Holly shares her experience as a single mom of two boys and the difficulties of finding rental properties that worked for her family and their large dog. Buying a home meant security and freedom for Holly and she describes how she navigated the process of going from financial insecurity to being prepared to buy the home she wanted. She also explains how it took time to find an agent who she felt was a real advocate for her needs, and details how being well understood by your agent can make a real difference in your search.

Holly worked hard to be able to buy her home and is realistic about the challenges she faced while also being clear on the benefits to her and her family. As you navigate your own process of home buying, you will likely face ups and downs as well. Being prepared for the emotional and psychological effects of what can be a stressful process and staying focused on the benefits can help you get through the hard parts with less anxiety.

To talk more about the benefits of home ownership and managing the worries that may come up, Nadeska is joined by Felton Ellington, Community Lending Manager at Chase. Felton and Nadeska express the pride and sense of achievement that come with homeownership, and how these fewer tangible benefits make the financial commitment worthwhile. Felton’s experience offers a pragmatic perspective alongside discussions of home ownership as the American Dream. As he describes the positive impact of ownership on communities and individuals, he is also clear on the necessity of preparing for ongoing expenses and the sometimes-stressful realities of owning your home.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

What You Need to Know About Interest Rates May 15, 2023

How do you know if it’s a good time to buy a home? Are you ready personally? How does the housing market with its changing interest rates affect the decisions you make?

In this episode of Beginner to Buyer host Nadeska Alexis begins by interviewing Jason Roberts, a California renter who recently experienced some of the ups and downs of the home buying process. They discuss Jason’s experience with a hot housing market and the decisions and tradeoffs he had to make at different stages and create some context to help you understand how to evaluate what you need to have in place to have success in each housing market. Through Jason’s experience listeners will get a sense of the challenges of home buying, while also gaining confidence that even when things don’t go as expected, the process itself provides lessons that can help you eventually find the right home at the right time.

Nadeska is then joined by Chase expert Andy Tisler for a primer on how the real estate market changes, what interest rates mean and how to understand your buying power. Andy also explains the benefits and drawbacks of different mortgage options, how to think about refinancing and the value of working with a Home Lending Advisor to evaluate the best options for your individual needs.

While the complexities of interest rates and the market overall can be daunting, Andy and Nadeska break down the basics to help you understand the right questions to ask and strategies to consider as you weigh your home buying options. They also discuss tools available on chase.com such as the mortgage calculator that can empower your search with information based on your situation and the current market and interest rates.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

Planning for Fixer-Uppers and Renovations May 15, 2023

Now that you have the home you’ve always wanted, how do you make it your own? Whether you bought a fixer-upper to save money and have a list of projects to take on, or you just want to bring your personality to home decor, in this episode of Beginner to Buyer, we’ll take you through how to make your home what you want it to be.

Host Nadeska Alexis is first joined by Lindsay DeAlba who lives with her family and owns a home in Northern California. Lindsay shares what it was like to do renovations on her older property and how she and her husband figured out which projects they could take on themselves, and which needed to be hired out to professionals. She also talks about the value of the community they have found and the support and lessons from family that helped prepare them for homeownership. Lastly, Lindsay shares how she and her husband budget for ongoing renovations and repairs, and how she is making the space theirs with decor sourced from thrifting and community boards.

Nadeska then discusses the realities of buying a fixer-upper with renovation experts and stars of multiple home improvement shows, The Property Brothers, aka Drew and Jonathan Scott. The Scott Brothers talk about the pros and cons of buying a turnkey house vs. a fixer upper. They also discuss common features such as closet and storage space which people sometimes forget to look at while searching for a home and offer tips for easy ways to reduce consumption and expenses, such as replacing all incandescent lightbulbs with LED.

In terms of renovations, the Scott Brothers have valuable insights into the types of projects that should be completed before you move in as well as how to navigate permitting requirements and find trustworthy contractors. Their hands-on experience is helpful as they outline all the people you should bring into your team to get the best results in a renovation project and how to choose from new options available for energy efficiency as well as convenience in appliances, heating and cooling and lighting choices.

If you’re considering a fixer-upper or thinking about renovations in your home, this episode has everything you need to get informed and make decisions that will support your dream vision.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

Crunching the Numbers May 15, 2023

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. How do you know if you’re finally ready to make the leap? How much do you need to have for a down payment? What other expenses should you be prepared for as a new homeowner? Are there programs available that could help you as a first-time homebuyer?

In this episode, host Nadeska Alexis looks at all these questions for a deep dive into how to make sure you’re financially prepared for your first home. Nadeska speaks with new homeowner Dani Malloy about how she and her family started their house search when they realized they were quickly outgrowing their Chicago apartment. Dani shares how they decided between a larger city condo and a detached home and how HOAs affected their choice. She also describes why it was important to her to save for a traditional 20% down payment and how she and her husband were able to do that. She then offers her experience with learning to be picky while viewing houses and how that worked to their advantage when they eventually made an offer on an older home. Now settled into their new home, Dani has some concerns about the ongoing maintenance and yard work required and has questions about refinancing.

To address those concerns and questions, Nadeska is joined by Arielle Figueroa, a financial planner and Money Educator with a background as a loan officer. Arielle addresses one of the biggest concerns potential home buyers have— can I buy a home with existing debt? — and explains how your credit report is viewed by lenders. Arielle also explains different strategies for reducing your debt and saving for large expenses over time as well as how to create a budget that works for you and your goals. Lastly, Arielle breaks down the financial benefits of owning a home, explaining why it’s worth it to create a financial roadmap to achieve your goal.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

Your Real Estate Relationships May 15, 2023

If you’re like many people these days, your home-buying journey likely started online, browsing listings on platforms like Redfin and Zillow. Offering an easy way to view huge numbers of listings in any zip code, these platforms have surged in popularity— especially during the pandemic-influenced real estate bubble of the last several years. While online browsing can be a great way to start your search, there’s really no substitute for a trusted IRL (in real life) network— from friends or family members familiar with a given neighborhood to your realtor and mortgage lending agent, the people you surround yourself are key to the success of your journey.

In this episode, host Nadeska Alexis talks with new homeowner Joe Karlsson about how he found his house in St. Paul, Minnesota. From initial online browsing, to making lists of needs, to family recommendations for what to look for in a realtor, Joe explains how he relied on his network to help him navigate his search. Joe also tells Nadeska some of the tips his realtor offered, what he learned visiting fifteen to twenty houses before making an offer, and what it was like to meet his eventual home’s previous owners.

Later, Nadeska is joined by real estate broker and television star Ryan Serhant for a closer look at the rapidly changing real estate market and how online tools have changed how people interact with it. Ryan breaks down how the super-hot market of 2020 has affected home prices as well as people’s buying behaviors. With solid perspective on interest rates and how refinancing can eventually mitigate higher home prices now, Ryan offers pragmatic insights into how to think about buying a home today, when to act fast and when to exercise caution.

Beyond the current market perspective, Ryan emphasizes the value of a good relationship with your real estate agent and the benefits of maintaining that relationship over time. From the financial benefits of working with someone who really knows a given market and how to make the best offer possible, to the long-term possibilities of having a professional to return to as your needs and the market change, Ryan offers insider insights into what makes a good agent and how to find one.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

Truth or Myth: Common Misconceptions about Home Buying May 15, 2023

Do you really need 20% of a home’s cost for a down payment? Can you buy a home if you have student loans? Is it better to be pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage? Is your home guaranteed to increase in value? There are many misconceptions about the details of home ownership so if you’re starting the process of looking for a home this episode of Beginner to Buyer will get you up to speed on the reality behind common myths and misunderstandings.

To start, host Nadeska Alexis talks with new homeowner Dave Brown about how he and his fiancé found their first home and managed to save for it as well as an upcoming wedding. Dave and his partner are both planners which shaped how they approached their search for a home as they were determined to do the research to avoid common myths around the process. Initially based in Washington, DC, they wound up looking in Minneapolis, Minnesota to be closer to family and find lower cost of living and housing prices. Dave is open about the frustrations of the process and how he and his fiancé communicated and created organizational tools to break down their priorities and evaluate how different houses fit them. Their focus eventually paid off and Dave shares perspective about what was challenging and ultimately rewarding. Nadeska is then joined by Cerita Battles, Managing Director, head of Community & Affordable Lending at Chase for a deep dive into common myths and misconceptions about the home buying process. Cerita explains different down payment options, how your debt affects your ability to buy a home and breaks down the expenses associated with home buying beyond the down payment. She also explains how home equity works, why your home is not always guaranteed to increase in value, and the realities of renovations in terms of home value.

Whether you’re new to the home buying process or settling into home ownership, Nadeska and Cerita’s conversation is filled with important insights and detailed breakdowns of how to avoid common mistakes and misconceptions.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

Understanding Home Equity May 15, 2023

So, you are in the market to buy your first home and want to understand its value, or perhaps you own your home and aren’t sure how to make the best use of your home equity. In this episode of Beginner to Buyer, we’ll take you through the basics of home equity and how to realize the true value of your home.

Host Nadeska Alexis is first joined by Ronnie and Miriam Lopez to discuss their recent experience buying their first home. They share some of the ups and downs of the process and are open about how family contributions to a down payment helped them to begin their search. They also discuss some of the challenges they faced, including dealing with a prejudiced lender, an unfortunate reminder of some of the lasting inequities in American home buying. Despite this difficult experience, Miriam and Ronnie eventually found a lending agent who helped guide them through the process of building up their credit before eventually getting a loan approval, emphasizing the importance of finding the right team for your home buying journey.

Nadeska is then joined by Dan Hofacker, Chase Home Lending collateral Valuations Group Executive, to talk more about the value of your home and how to build equity. Dan explains the relationship between a property’s value and the amount of a mortgage and outlines the appraisal process and everything it entails, as well as situations in which an appraisal may be waived. He also provides examples of how renovations or new appliances can increase the value of a home, and how needed repairs or updates can negatively affect value.

Beyond the value of a home, Dan provides a primer on equity— essentially, the difference between what your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage. He offers strategies to build equity such as making additional mortgage payments to reduce your loan’s principle, as well as how staying on top of your home’s maintenance and managing repairs early can help prevent damages and loss of your home’s value.

For anyone thinking about buying or selling a home, this episode will help you prepare to get the best deal and maximum value on your property.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

So, You’re Ready for an Investment Property? May 15, 2023

Now that you have the home you worked so hard for, you might feel ready to continue your real estate adventure with an investment property. If so, there are many pros and cons to consider and in this episode of Beginner to Buyer host Nadeska Alexis will cover them all.

Nadeska is joined by homebuyer Matt Sustaita who successfully navigated the expensive San Francisco real estate market and is now, with his wife, enjoying the process of making their home just right for their growing family. Since they know they won’t stay in this home forever due to schools in the area not being up to par when their children hit that age, Matt spends time browsing real estate apps. Through this research he and his wife can take time to evaluate a future purchase based on the changing needs of the family and their priorities in terms of space, neighborhood, and price. While they haven’t made the decision to move yet, they do know they will be keeping their current home once they upgrade and using it for a rental property. This comes with its own challenges and Matt and his wife are already thinking about what they might be willing to spend to have someone manage the property for them and the role their Home Lending Advisor will play.

To discuss more of the pros and cons of an investment property Nadeska speaks with Chase expert Alexis Hart McDowell. Alexis helps break down the concept of your Risk Tolerance Level and how to evaluate your own. Using this understanding she explains the different reasons you might choose an investment property— as a vacation home, a source of rental income, or to house extended family members— and how your risk tolerance might shape decisions about each. Nadeska and Alexis talk about the different types of investment properties such as multifamily units and vacant land commercial properties and how to get familiar with local laws around renting. From there, they dig into how budgeting for an investment property might be different than for your primary home. From insurance changes to the possibility of hiring a property manager or lawyer for guidance as a new landlord, they break down everything you’ll want to consider. Alexis also emphasizes some of the potential challenges to owning a rental property such as the risk that a property might go unrented and not generate income for some time, or how to navigate complicated tenant/landlord laws.

If you are considering purchasing an investment property, be sure to listen to this episode of Beginner to Buyer to be more prepared and feel more confident in the search and process.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website

Beginner to Buyer: Season 2 May 15, 2023

Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but it can also be overwhelming. Join Nadeska Alexis as she sits down with real people to talk about their essential home buying questions, and hear from the top real estate experts in the country as they weigh in. This 10 part series will help you get an insider's view into the home buying process. Learn more by visiting beginnertobuyer.com

Congratulations, you’re a homeowner! Aug 17, 2021

The end of the homebuying process is just the kickoff to your homeownership journey. And, as new homeowner Amaya Gunasekera finds, the excitement comes along with some new questions—and new worries.

Amaya was thrilled when she moved into her very own house in Greenville, SC, last summer. As a single person working full time, though, she has found it tedious to accomplish home improvement projects alone. On top of that, she has also run into a major problem with wiring that didn’t come up in her inspection. Amaya talks with Beginner to Buyer host Nadeska Alexis about these issues as well as building equity and budgeting for homeownership.

In addition to financial issues, being a new homeowner brings a host of emotions. Amaya and Nadeska review her homebuying process, including why she decided to buy, what it means to her to be a homeowner, and her hopes and concerns as she looks forward. To finish up their discussion, they talk about the costs of being a homeowner as well as Amaya’s budgeting and saving goals.

To help new homeowners get a handle on these things, Nadeska brings in two experts. Arielle Figueroa is back to share best practices for making a homeowner’s budget and explains some of the routine expenses a new homeowner should expect. She helps take the mystery out of property taxes and helps homeowners plan for the costs of routine maintenance. For those who belong to a homeowners association, she explains what these organizations do—and cost. And, as you get settled into your new place, what projects should you invest in first?

Arielle also discusses equity, refinancing, renovations, and when is the right time to sell, as well as the benefits and costs of renting to a tenant. Listeners will come away with Arielle’s three priorities for first-time homeowners to keep in mind.

Nadeska’s second guest is Amy Bonitatibus, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Home Lending at Chase. Amy takes a deeper look at a new homeowner’s relationship with their home lending advisor after their purchase is complete and the services available to them. Many homebuyers featured on Beginner to Buyer have talked about building equity, and Amy discusses when is a good time to think about doing a renovation or improvement project. How can they prepare for and finance this kind of project?

If you are, or soon will be, a new homeowner, you’ll find wisdom, reassurance, and sharp advice in this episode to get you ready for life under your very own roof.

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

Let’s close the deal Aug 17, 2021

The closing process can feel complex and overwhelming. With so many important details to manage, many people choose to hire an attorney to counsel them through the legal process, and some states require it. For 29-year-old homebuyer Omar George, the closing process was frustrating and anything but smooth. He talks with Beginner to Buyer host Nadeska Alexis about his experience with closing on his first home—an apartment in Chicago.

Omar didn’t grow up hearing about investments or homeownership, and he was cautious about the homebuying process. In talking about his perspective on becoming a homebuyer, he reveals that financial stability is a primary concern for him, and he is looking at his first home as more of an investment than a forever home. Omar tells Nadeska about his buying process, explaining the tactics his realtor recommended.

In the second part of the show, Nadeska brings in Alexis Hart McDowell, a real estate attorney based in Chicago with sale, purchase, and community revitalization experience. Alexis provides a broad overview of the closing process, with tips for buyers to prepare for the big day. Besides explaining what needs to happen during closing, Alexis answers a few core questions many buyers have, such as Should I consult a lawyer during closing? What is escrow? What’s a title, and do I need title insurance? What should I bring to closing, and what exactly are all those forms I’ll be signing? What’s in all that fine print?

Alexis explains closing costs and whether they can be negotiated, as well as other fees that might crop up. Learn about the HUD-1 settlement statement, a standard mortgage lending form used in the United States, and three things you should do before sitting down at the closing table. Finally, learn Alexis’s number one piece of advice for new homebuyers who might be feeling intimidated.

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

Offer accepted! Now what? Aug 17, 2021

Congratulations, your offer was accepted! But there are still a few steps to take before you get those keys in hand. In this episode, host Nadeska Alexis talks with prospective buyers and a real estate expert to discuss what to expect when your offer is accepted, and what comes next.

Andrew and Lauren Adams are based in Columbus, Ohio, with their one-year-old daughter. They paused their original search three years ago when an offer went sideways. Now, they’re looking in Upper Arlington, attracted by the school districts and proximity to downtown. They’re ready to make an offer if they find the right place, and they have a knowledgeable realtor on their team, but the market is extremely competitive. They’ve submitted a couple of unsuccessful offers. At this point, they feel like it’s getting harder to make a competitive offer, especially when they’re not sure who they’re up against.

The Adams worry they might end up settling for the wrong house because they’re so sick of the process. They need insight into the kinds of concessions they could safely make to secure a house, and which things they should not negotiate on. They’re wondering about the outlook on the market: Are they buying at the peak of a bubble? Should they buy the most or least expensive house in the neighborhood? And can they add value later through renovations?

Nadeska takes those questions to Matt Laricy, Managing Broker for Americorp Real Estate. She asks Matt to walk listeners through what happens when an agreement is reached, and what kinds of issues can come up when navigating next steps like a home inspection.

Overall, Matt says buyers should strive to ensure that they’re not over-compromising on the things they want in a house, or getting in their own way with unrealistic expectations.

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

Making the offer! Aug 17, 2021

Falling in love with your dream house feels wonderful—until you start to feel anxious about making an offer. How much should you offer? What about contingencies? How soon do you need to act? In this episode, host Nadeska Alexis talks with a woman who is feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of putting in an offer on a house in a hot real estate market. Nadeska gets many of her questions answered when she sits down later with real estate expert Matt Laricy.

Tasha French Lemley has been renting from the same landlord in Nashville for 11 years. Her rental is in a great location at a low cost, but she and her husband have decided it’s time for them to buy their own home. The pandemic was a big factor; all of the uncertainty has made her want more security, and being home all the time while she’s working remotely has only added to that desire. Tasha and her husband tried to buy a home for sale by owner, which turned out to be a frustrating disappointment. At that point, prices had gone up considerably, and they weren’t prepared to put in truly competitive offers. Since then, they’ve had a couple of unsuccessful offers and have worked with two realtors. Now, they’re facing the potential that they’ll be priced out of their neighborhood. Tasha is feeling emotional about the process and unsure about putting higher offers in. Her main question is, how do you know when you’re too late to make an offer?

To get answers for Tasha, her husband, and homebuyers everywhere, Nadeska turns to Matt Laricy, the Managing Broker for Americorp Real Estate and the head of his own team, Laricy. Matt specializes in all facets of the real estate business, including helping first-timers navigate the market. Matt understands that the process can feel intimidating. He also says it can move quickly, and the more prepared homebuyers are, the more likely they’ll be to put in a successful offer.

Nadeska asks Matt to describe the process for first-time buyers, including what their first move should be once they’ve toured a home and love it. Listening to their conversation, you’ll learn how the process works as well as the kind of information you should have ready so you can quickly put in an offer. Matt describes tactics agents and buyers might use to make their offer more competitive.

Since deciding to make an offer can be such a quick decision, Matt says it’s helpful to have strategies for avoiding emotional offers and ensuring you’re making an offer on a house you can actually afford. He also outlines the next steps after an offer is submitted, how to respond to a counteroffer, and what happens once an agreement is reached.

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

Finding your dream home Aug 17, 2021

Prequalified for your mortgage and signed with a real estate agent? You’re ready for the fun (and hard!) part: finding your dream home. In this episode, host Nadeska Alexis sits down with recent homebuyers who discuss their complicated path to finding the right home—and then she brings in television personalities Drew and Jonathan Scott to offer an expert perspective on how to identify the kind of home that will fit both your short- and long-term lifestyle goals.

Nadeska first talks with Lisa Greene, who just closed on her new home with her husband. They were actively home hunting in South Carolina and had relocated from Denver, living temporarily in Alabama. Because they weren’t living in the location where they were looking, they felt an added sense of urgency. And they had to either tour houses virtually or make a five-hour drive to tour in person. The couple didn’t want a new build, but they knew they couldn’t handle a true fixer upper, so they ended up looking for older homes that needed some updating. They wanted to be closer to their family in the South, and they were expecting that the lower cost of living would be reflected in their search. But, they explain to Nadeska, reality did not meet expectations and they found themselves being consistently outbid.

Television personalities Drew and Jonathan are no strangers to the story of reality not matching expectations. In the second half of this episode, they sit down with Nadeska to offer tips and perspective on how prospective homeowners can answer questions such as What kind of home do I need? What kind of home do I want? What should I look for when touring houses? and What are some long-term considerations?

The Scott brothers acknowledge that the homebuying process can be daunting, especially for those who have never gone through it. They offer listeners some ideas for how first-time homebuyers can prepare themselves and set realistic expectations. Early preparation, they share, will pay off in the long run. They suggest that homebuyers try to narrow down exactly how much they can afford and limit their searches to below that price range.

The brothers also talk about short- and long-term considerations when buying a house. Knowing whether they are searching for a home they can grow into or one that is a right fit for today is an important factor. Thinking about longer-term considerations can help homebuyers prioritize features and amenities. Sometimes it’s a matter of figuring out which features are important to them versus which ones are important for resale value.

Nadeska also asks about remodeling and fixing up older homes—a particular area of expertise for the Scott brothers, whose television show helps participants find, buy, remodel, and transform extreme fixer-uppers into their ultimate dream. They have advice about the main considerations when looking at a fixer upper as well as the kinds of upgrades and repairs that tend to add to a home’s value. They also offer tips to help homebuyers make sure their fixer upper goals are reasonable—and have advice about how to identify what they can and can’t handle themselves.

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

Signing with an agent Aug 17, 2021

Having the right team of trusted advisers along with you on your homebuying journey is key. In this episode, host Nadeska Alexis chats with a potential first-time homebuyer who’s currently trying to select a real estate agent. Nadeska also brings in a veteran agent to provide expert advice on how to go about assembling a top-notch team to guide your own buying process.

Nadeska first sits down with China Wheeler, a prospective buyer, to check in on how the process of selecting an agent can go. China is a single mom saving up to buy her first home in Arkansas. She is the first person in her family to buy a home. She’s nervous about choosing a real estate agent, because she feels like the odds are stacked against her as someone from a low-income family with no history of homeownership.

After chatting with China, Nadeska brings up some of her questions and concerns with experienced agent Ryan Serhant. Ryan understands China’s nervousness and describes why it’s important for a first-time homebuyer to select a trusted group of advisors early on in the process. He notes that a team of advisors will help guide the process and describes the agent as the team captain. Filling out the team is a home lending advisor (a topic Nadeska covers in Episode 4) and any other people in the buyer’s orbit who can ground them throughout the process—that could be a partner or other family member, or even an acquaintance with homebuying experience.

Ryan discusses the role of a real estate agent and talks about when exactly a homebuyer should begin looking for an agent. He also offers tips on where a prospective homebuyer can find a real estate agent and how you can prepare for conversations with potential agents. You’ll hear ideas for questions you can ask when evaluating agents, and you’ll get examples of qualities to look for as you search for a good fit.

Once you’ve selected an agent, it’s helpful to know exactly what you should expect—and not expect—from your agent. Ryan breaks down the relationship and explains why you’ll want to enter the relationship with an understanding of how the communication is going to go throughout the process.

The emotional stakes are high during the homebuying process, and Ryan describes some common pitfalls or mistakes people encounter when selecting an agent. He offers tips for dealing with conflict or disagreement if it arises. Overall, when you have a good team in place you can spend more time focusing on the home you want to buy and less time worrying about the process of buying it.

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

The mortgage Aug 17, 2021

Let’s face it: mortgages are complicated. Would-be buyers have to think about prequalifying, down payments, and an array of mortgage types. Luckily, home lending advisors are here to help. In this episode, host Nadeska Alexis sits down with a new homeowner to hear about her mortgage experience, and then checks in with a veteran home lending manager to get expert tips and resources.

First Nadeska talks with Rita Hill, a veteran and a single mom who just bought her first home in Richmond, Virginia—an increasingly popular destination as people leave big cities. Rita bought with a VA loan and didn’t put any money down. Rita describes her homebuying process, including the team she worked with and what she learned along the way.

Rita’s experience with the home lending process was typical of many first-time home buyers. For help illuminating the process, Nadeska turns to Felton Ellington, the Community Home Lending Manager at JPMorgan Chase. Ellington describes why working with a home lending advisor is key to a smooth lending experience.

Felton advises listeners to involve a home lending expert while they are still in the early stages of homebuying. For one thing, getting your questions answered up front can ease the rest of the process for you. For another, an advisor can help you identify the type of mortgage that’s right for you and help you get prequalified so you can be more competitive as a buyer. A prequalification can also help you identify your price range so you can target your search more effectively, he notes.

Felton also offers tips for helping you select a home lending advisor, including questions you should ask and red flags you should be on the lookout for. He identifies some simple steps a homebuyer should take before sitting down with a lending adviser, as well as paperwork or information you should gather to bring to your first meeting.

Listeners of this episode will also learn some nuts and bolts about mortgages. Felton discusses some of the most popular types of mortgages and helps homebuyers learn how to evaluate if they would be a good fit. He talks about down payments and breaks down the fees and payments associated with a mortgage loan. He also goes over other lending terms that buyers should understand.

Overall, Felton says potential buyers should take the time to find a home lending adviser who is a good fit. Feeling comfortable with your advisor—and being able to ask questions at every step of the process—can help you select the right mortgage product and ensure that you don’t fall into traps such as over-buying or over-extending your finances.

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

How much can I afford? Aug 17, 2021

Credit scores, concerns about income and debt, and estimated monthly payments: the financial details before you even make an offer on a house can quickly feel overwhelming. In this episode, Host Nadeska Alexis hears the concerns of a single mom navigating the housing market and checks in with a certified financial planner to help it all make sense.

Nadeska talks with Nadia Harrald, who lives in Chicago with her nine-year-old daughter and her parents. Nadia’s looking to buy her first home, and she’s hoping to have it double as an investment property. She knows she needs to get her credit score up and pay off some debt—and she’s working toward both those goals. She’s proud of herself for her progress and she’s learning a lot.

But Nadia still has plenty of questions and concerns: How much should I save up for this kind of venture? What other costs might come up that I should be accounting for? Is there an amount of debt I should pay off before moving forward? Having only one income to work with makes her feel even more distressed. She’d like some reassurances that she’s on the right track, and she’d like to learn about any assistance programs that could help her.

These questions surrounding what you can afford as a homebuyer are quite common—and quite personal. For an expert perspective, Nadeska turns to Arielle Minicozzi Figueroa. Arielle is a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Student Loan Professional. Her mission is to help millennials achieve financial stability and sustainable homeownership skills, and she has many resources and much good advice to share with Nadia.

Listen to this episode to hear Arielle discuss how you can start to plan for a big investment like buying real estate. She offers tips to help you determine how much savings you might aim to have before embarking on the home-buying process, as well as other financial decisions or considerations first-time buyers should be aware of.

Arielle also addresses the thorny issue of debt. (Spoiler: Yes, you can still buy a home if you have large debt.) She discusses some steps for managing debt while moving forward on a home and identifies debt guidelines for some grants and other assistance programs.

As far as the bigger questions of Am I ready? and What can I afford?, Arielle describes how these decisions are ultimately personal—but can and should be backed up by sound financial understanding. She acknowledges that there are some financial red flags that might indicate someone should wait to buy a home, and there are also some misconceptions about financial readiness that prevent people from moving forward. A good way to understand if you can in fact live with a potential monthly mortgage payment, she says, is to “practice” paying that amount—you’ll soon see what it feels like to live with that reality.

With a good strategy and financial planning, Arielle assures, you can achieve homeownership and maintain financial stability for a lifetime.

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

Am I ready for homeownership? Aug 17, 2021

Is homeownership really for me? How do I know if I’m ready to buy a home? And can I afford to buy and still live the life I love?

These are just a few of the questions people ask as they consider buying a home for the first time. They may sound elementary, but as Beginner to Buyer host Nadeska Alexis uncovers, they are actually essential starting points for a successful journey to homeownership. In this episode, she hears from a first-time home-buying couple and then discusses their questions and concerns with Keosha Burns, Executive Director and Senior Advisor for Community and Affordable Lending at Chase.

Brandy Stone and her husband Shawn Butler currently rent a home in Rancho Cucamonga, California. They want to buy a home, but they’re not quite sure they know the best way to get started. Brandy is 30, she’s still paying off student loans, and she feels she’s spending too much on rent. She tells Nadeska that she doesn’t know where to look or who to trust for advice. At this point, she feels confused, intimidated, and naive.

Brandy has many questions for Nadeska: How do I get started? Who should I talk to? How much money do I need to have saved up? Is there a certain credit score I need to qualify for a mortgage? And are there going to be any surprise costs? Can I negotiate? Are there resources available to help me navigate this process?

And finally: How do I do this without spending so much that I can’t also live my life?

Nadeska knows these are common questions. To help Brandy and Shawn feel more confident moving forward, she turns to Keosha Burns, Executive Director and Senior Advisor for Community and Affordable Lending at Chase. Keosha has dedicated her career to the human side of homeownership and aims to make homebuying more accessible to young people and historically underrepresented groups, especially single women.

Keosha acknowledges that buying a home is a huge milestone—and knowing whether you’re “prepared” for it might look different for different people. But there are questions that every potential homebuyer can ask themself as they evaluate their own circumstances. For instance, she says, emotional readiness is a big factor, and homeowners who have prepared themselves for the ups and downs they might encounter will likely be more successful—and less stressed. She also has information about practical matters such as how your income, debt, savings, and credit score can impact your mortgage application.

Listen to this episode to hear Keosha’s advice to people who are already feeling overwhelmed or discouraged by the process. Often, she shares, an image of a certain kind of family or home comes up when people talk about homeownership in the United States. But homeowner demographics are changing, and there are key differences between millennial homeowners and their older counterparts.

Keosha’s advice includes “practicing” your potential mortgage payment for several months before signing a purchase agreement. This can help you understand if you can really afford it and see how it will impact the rest of your finances. Overall, she shares, the best way to avoid buyer’s remorse is to have a deep understanding of what life looks like post-purchase, and to budget ahead of the purchase so you won’t be shocked about life on the “other side.”

You can read the full episode transcript on the Chase Website

Homeownership: Why it matters Aug 17, 2021

Homeownership is good for families, businesses, and the broader community—but historical barriers have made it difficult for many to succeed at buying a home. So what should you know about the history, data, and current trends in homeownership before you buy? And why should you care?

In this episode, Beginner to Buyer podcast host Nadeska Alexis sits down with Cerita Battles, Head of Community & Affordable Lending at Chase to talk about these historical trends and unpack why they are relevant to homebuyers today. Cerita overviews data on the importance of ownership to family stability as well as the benefits that higher rates of homeownership confer on communities. She outlines historical barriers to entry that excluded some groups more than others from homeownership, and she describes how those policies and norms have impacted generational wealth in this country for centuries.

It’s enough to discourage many minority or less-privileged individuals from even attempting to buy a first home, but Cerita delivers an encouraging perspective. As Head of Community & Affordable Lending at Chase, her mission is to help tear down those historic barriers faced by minority consumers and underserved communities. And, she shares, the demographics around homeownership are improving. For instance, according to the National Association of Realtors, nearly 25 percent of properties today are owned by single women.

Cerita also shares how the financial services industry is prioritizing strategies aimed at expanding homeownership to more families and individuals. You’ll hear her discuss both the real obstacles and the misperceptions about homebuying that can impact your progress toward homeownership. So if you’re someone who wants to buy a home but is concerned about qualifying for a mortgage or other aspects of the homebuying journey, you’ll find inspiration and pearls of wisdom as Nadeska and Cerita de-mystify the process and arm you with knowledge for success.

You can read the full transcript on the Chase Website