Advertise on podcast: Nestology Podcast

We've got a little news to share! Join us for a quick update on what's happening behind the scenes at Nestology and what it means for the podcast moving forward. Thanks for being part of this journey with us. We hope you'll stick around for whatever comes next!

What if one of the biggest selling points of your home wasn't the kitchen, the backyard, or the location, but your mortgage? In this episode, Jessica shares a recent real-life success story where an assumable loan wasn't just a nice perk. It became the key to successfully selling a home that otherwise may have been very difficult to sell in the current market. We break down how assumable mortgages work and why they can create a unique opportunity for BOTH buyers and sellers. For buyers, taking over an existing mortgage with a significantly lower interest rate can mean substantial monthly savings. For sellers, that low rate can become a powerful marketing tool that helps their home stand out from the competition. We also talk about the things you need to know before considering an assumption. There aren't necessarily a long list of downsides, but the process is different from a traditional mortgage and being prepared matters. We discuss longer timelines, the buyer's cash or financing needs for the seller's remaining equity, qualification requirements, and other details that can affect the transaction. Most importantly, we share what this process actually looked like in a real transaction, what we learned along the way, and why assumable loans are something more buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals should understand. If you have an assumable mortgage or you're shopping for a home with one, this episode could open your eyes to an option you didn't realize you had.

Most people want to stay in their homes as they age but is the home actually ready for that? In this episode, we’re joined by Allen Hall with TruBlue to talk about aging in place and what it really takes to make a home safer, more comfortable, and more functional for the years ahead. Allen walks us through what to expect from an aging-in-place home evaluation, from the initial consultation to the hundreds of details that may be considered throughout the home. We talk about common improvements, frequently overlooked safety concerns, and some of the recommendations that might genuinely surprise you. And while any handyman may be able to install a grab bar, there’s a big difference between completing a project and knowing what needs to be addressed in the first place. Allen explains why specialized training and certifications such as SHSS and CAPS matter when evaluating a home for aging in place. This episode isn’t only for someone who is already struggling at home. It’s for seniors who want to remain independent AND for adult children helping their parents plan for the future. Making small changes proactively can be much easier than trying to make major decisions after a fall, illness, or other unexpected event. If staying at home as long as possible is the goal, this episode is a great place to start planning! Here are some resources to help! For those in DFW, connect with Allen, visit https://www.trublueally.com/lake-country/senior-services/senior-home-safety-modifications or call him at 918 698-3318 If you are outside of DFW and looking for certified techs to conduct an evaluation, here are some resources: Age Safe America: https://www.agesafedirectory.com/ Aging in Place Directory: https://aginginplacedirectory.com/ Also consider checking out your local senior center. They can often recommend contractors with a good reputation in the area.

Trees are one of the most valuable features of a property but only if they're healthy and properly cared for. In this episode, we're joined by Mark Buri, Certified Arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts, to answer the questions every homeowner should know about caring for their trees. We discuss everything from how different tree species should be maintained to the biggest mistakes homeowners make. We also learn why there's a big difference between a certified arborist and someone with a chainsaw. In this episode, we cover: Why proper tree care is an investment in your homeThe difference between a certified arborist and a typical tree trimming serviceCommon tree health issues homeowners should watch forHow to know when a tree needs attentionBest practices for pruning and maintaining healthy treesTips for protecting your trees (and your property) for years to come Whether you have one tree in your front yard or a property full of trees, we think you will find this information helpful and possible save you headache and money in the long run. To contact Mark or any of Bartlett Farms experts, check out the link here. The company has been around since 1907 and pride themselves on being the experts. They have a wealth of knowledge to share. https://www.bartlett.com/staff/Mark-Buri

Here is part 2 of our amazing conversation with Story Builders! If you did not hear part 1, be sure to check that out first.

Ever dreamed about building a home that's completely, 100% yours? This week we're sitting down with our friends Erin and Derek Kvistad of Story Builders, a custom home building company. Today they are answering all our questions! We're covering all the big questions people have when they start thinking about going the custom build route: What does "true custom" actually mean? How long does it really take? What does it cost? And what surprises tend to catch people off guard along the way? Whether you're seriously considering a custom build or just curious about how the process works, this episode is packed with honest, practical insight straight from the people doing the building. Story Builders are unique in that Erin and Derek are in it from start to finish. From initial dreams and architectural design all the way to keys. So they know their stuff! Not only are they a wealth of knowledge, they are such a sweet and amazing couple...you're going to love them. Our conversation ran so long we ended up making this into 2 parts! Enjoy Part 1 and be sure to tune in for Part 2 next week! 🏠 Learn more about Story Builders: https://storybldrs.com/

Property surveys are one of the most important and most overlooked parts of a real estate transaction. In this episode, we break down what a property survey actually is, what it shows, and why it matters for buyers, sellers, and homeowners alike. We cover: What information a survey includesProperty lines, easements, and encroachmentsWhy fences don’t always mark the true boundaryWhen an old survey can be reusedWhat a T-47 affidavit is in TexasCommon survey issues that can delay closingHow title policies and surveys work together Whether you’re buying, selling, building, or simply trying to better understand your property, this episode will help make surveys feel much less intimidating and help you avoid costly surprises down the road.

VA loans are one of the most powerful mortgage options available, yet they’re often misunderstood. Today, we break down how VA loans work, who qualifies, and why they can be such an incredible benefit for veterans and active-duty military families. We cover: The biggest advantages of VA loansCommon myths and misconceptionsDown payments, interest rates, and funding feesVA appraisals and inspectionsWhat sellers and buyers should know in today’s marketAssumable VA loansWhether you’re a veteran considering homeownership, currently using a VA loan, or you are selling a home to a Veteran buyer and want to better understand the process, this episode will help simplify this amazing loan option. We’re also discussing some of the unique challenges and misunderstandings VA buyers can face and why education matters for both consumers and real estate professionals.

In this Q&A episode, we’re answering some of the biggest questions our listeners and our buyers and sellers are asking right now about the housing market. We cover: What’s happening with the market and interest ratesWhether it’s currently a good time to buy or sellWhat buyers are really looking for in today’s marketA real-world example of how a rate buy down worksThe biggest mistakes sellers make when listing their homes From market shifts and affordability to buyer expectations and pricing strategy, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you make informed real estate decisions in today’s changing market. Whether you’re actively buying or selling or just trying to stay informed, this episode will help you better understand what’s happening right now and what matters most.

In this episode, we’re joined by Renae Duhaime, Appliance Care & Maintenance Specialist, and she was an absolute blast to talk to! Renee shares practical, easy-to-follow advice on how to properly care for your appliances which is something most homeowners don’t realize they’re missing until something breaks. From simple maintenance tips to common mistakes that can shorten the life of your appliances, this conversation is packed with helpful information that can save you money (and frustration). Renae also has a wealth of knowledge on her social channels, but we loved having her on to answer some questions we see come up all the time. Because let’s be honest…appliance maintenance is one of the most overlooked parts of homeownership. Also, quick heads up, Jessica is getting over being sick for the past 3 weeks, so you may notice a slightly raspy voice and a few moments where she stayed muted to avoid coughing fits. We promise it’s worth it for the content! 😄 Check out Renae's website where you can find all her socials as well as her trouble shooting guides. https://renduh.com/

After our first episode on Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), AKA reverse mortgages, we received a lot of great questions from listeners and clients — so we’re back to answer your questions! In this follow-up episode, we’re answering the most common questions and clearing up confusion around how reverse mortgages actually work. Reverse mortgages can be a helpful tool in the right situation, but they’re often misunderstood. As always, we want to help make this simple and easy to understand. For more information on these loans, connect with Shelley: www.shelleyconnell.com

If you’ve been curious about investing in real estate but worried about qualifying for another mortgage, DSCR loans might be worth understanding. In this episode, we break down what DSCR loans are, how they work, and why they’ve become a popular financing option for real estate investors. Unlike traditional mortgages that rely heavily on personal income, DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans focus on the income the property itself can generate. That means qualifying for an investment property can look very different than qualifying for your primary home. In this episode, we cover: What a DSCR loan is and how it worksHow lenders evaluate rental incomeWho these loans are best suited forPros and cons compared to traditional financingWhat investors should know before using a DSCR loanWhether you’re thinking about your first investment property or growing a portfolio, this episode will help you understand how DSCR loans fit into today’s real estate financing landscape. To learn more or to start the process, connect with Shelley at www.shelleyconnell.com

Credit scores can feel mysterious, confusing, and sometimes frustrating, especially when you’re preparing to buy a home. In this episode, we break down how credit scores actually work and why they play such an important role in the mortgage process. We talk about what factors impact your credit score, common misconceptions about credit, and practical steps you can take to improve your score if you’re planning to buy a home in the future. Shelley also shares insight from the lending side about what lenders really look at and how your credit score affects your loan options and interest rate. Whether you're actively preparing to buy a home or just want to better understand your finances, this episode will help you feel more confident navigating the world of credit.

This week we are having some fun. We love HGTV. It’s inspiring, entertaining, and sometimes dangerously convincing. But as much as we enjoy the “TV magic,” real life buying, selling, and renovating doesn’t always happen in 30-minute segments with a perfectly wrapped bow at the end. In this episode, we’re breaking down the biggest things HGTV gets wrong and why it actually matters for homeowners. From unrealistic renovation timelines and budgets to surprise demo drama and effortless DIY projects, we talk about what really happens behind the scenes in real estate. We cover: Why renovation timelines on TV are rarely realisticThe truth about those “budget-friendly” remodelsWhat TV leaves out about the buying processThe fake drama (and lack of real drama)The emotional and financial realities that don’t make the final cutThis episode isn’t about ruining the fun... it’s about setting realistic expectations so you do not have surprises when you do live it! HGTV is great for inspiration… but real life requires a little less TV magic and a lot more planning.

In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Murray, a certified life and business coach and owner of Unleash You Coaching. We have conversation about fear, mindset, and the root causes that often keep us stuck — in business, home life, and personal growth. We talk about how fear shows up in different ways, why simply knowing what to do isn’t the hard part, and how uncovering the why beneath our fears is often the key to real change. Alex shares insight into the coaching process and how creating awareness around patterns, beliefs, and emotional blocks helps people move forward with more clarity and confidence. In this episode, we discuss: Common fears that hold people back from taking actionHow fear can disguise itself as procrastination, overwhelm, or perfectionismWhy surface-level fixes don’t create lasting changeSteps to start identifying the root cause behind fear and resistanceHow intentional self-reflection can lead to healthier balance and growth This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t come from pushing harder — it comes from understanding yourself better and taking intentional steps forward, even when fear is present. To connect with Alex, please find her here: https://www.unleashucoaching.com/ Website: www.unleashucoaching.com IG: www.instagram.com/unleashyoucoaching/ FB: www.facebook.com/unleashyoucoaching/ LI: www.linkedin.com/in/alexandramurray01/