In this inspiring episode of Home Story with Veronica, host Veronica Dicus welcomes Griselda Aleman business advisor, real estate investor, and leadership coach to explore how courage, clarity, and confidence can transform the way we make life-changing decisions. With a background in industrial engineering from Stanford University and a passion for empowering others, Griselda shares practical tools for overcoming fear, decision paralysis, and self-doubt. From visualizing success to taking calculated risks, she reveals how small, intentional steps can lead to extraordinary results in business, real estate, and personal growth.

In this insightful episode of Home Story, host Caroline Smith sits down with Matthew Johnson, industry expert and Head of Home Insurance Strategy, to explore what it truly means to protect what matters most — our homes, families, and peace of mind.As natural disasters, inflation, and rising construction costs reshape the insurance landscape, Matthew shares how innovation and transparency are redefining trust between insurers and homeowners. Together, they discuss how data-driven solutions and personalized coverage can make home protection smarter, simpler, and more human.

• (00:00:01) - Home Story with Veronica
• (00:00:49) - What Inspired You to Leave Wholesale Insurance and Work Directly
• (00:02:59) - Homeowners Insurance: What's Included and What's Not?
• (00:06:18) - What Are the Property and Casualty Exclusions?
• (00:08:35) - Is Trampolines covered under homeowners insurance?
• (00:09:35) - Property Damage Underinsured, Explained
• (00:11:17) - How Much Insurance Do You Need?
• (00:12:03) - Homeowners: How Much Insurance Should You Need?
• (00:16:34) - Do You Need To Update Your Home Insurance?
• (00:18:42) - What is the Difference Between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value?
• (00:23:45) - Homeowners: Get in Touch with Community Insurance
• (00:24:28) - Homeowner Insurance Premiums
• (00:26:28) - Homeowners Insurance, Part 2
• (00:29:39) - Do Car Claims Play a Role in Insurance Rates?
• (00:34:47) - Are you covered under your homeowner's insurance?
• (00:35:29) - Does a High Deduction Increase Your Home Insurance Premium?
• (00:36:47) - Home Story
• (00:37:24) - Homeowners Risk gaps
• (00:42:52) - Home Business Insurance, Explained
• (00:46:37) - What Do You Do About Furniture Damage?
• (00:47:41) - How do renovations, additions or roof changes affect insurance coverage?
• (00:49:13) - Homeowners Insurance: What's Really covered?

In this episode of Home Story with Veronica (10-24-25), host Veronica Deas sits down with Kendra Chi, CEO of Pronto & Precise General Contracting in Charlotte, NC, to uncover the secrets of smart home renovation.

From budget-friendly upgrades and lighting fixes to major structural repairs, Kendra shares expert insights every homeowner should know before starting a remodel. Learn how to boost your property’s value, spot red flags, and avoid costly disasters during large projects.

Discover why hiring a licensed general contractor early can save you thousands — and how to prioritize upgrades that truly make a difference when selling your home. Whether you’re planning a quick refresh or a full transformation, this episode will help you make informed, value-driven decisions.

• (00:00:00) - Home Story with Veronica
• (00:00:55) - Home Remodels: The Best Cost-effective Changes
• (00:04:45) - 7 Cost-Saving Tips For Your Home
• (00:09:01) - How to Enhance a Home With a General Contractor
• (00:11:21) - How to Build a Home With a Real Partner
• (00:11:54) - Home Story with Veronica
• (00:12:49) - How To Vet Contractors
• (00:15:06) - General Contractor Permits and Licensure
• (00:18:46) - How to Verify Workmanship and Quality Before Contractor Starts
• (00:20:15) - Do You Validate Your Work From Previous Projects?
• (00:21:26) - Risk Management in Contracting
• (00:22:27) - Building Trust with Your Clients
• (00:24:24) - What Small Enhancements Are Necessary for Your Home?
• (00:27:04) - Lighting makes a big difference in a home
• (00:31:16) - How to Clean Your Electrical Ceilings
• (00:31:26) - Structural Work Should Be Included on Your Home?
• (00:36:27) - Home Story with Veronica
• (00:37:48) - Most Common Remodel Mistakes
• (00:38:49) - Reasons to Remodel a Big Home
• (00:44:07) - How to Budget for Unforeseen Items
• (00:44:33) - Contractor Issues arise during the Contractor's Work
• (00:48:39) - Home Story with Veronica Dicas

The episode dives into how cozy corners invite connection, how textures and colors bring warmth, and how small details can completely transform the energy of a room. Whether it’s preparing to sell a property or simply creating a more inviting atmosphere, Home Story highlights how intention turns design into emotion.

In this episode of Home Story with Veronica, host Veronica Diges talks with Cesar from CLS Capital, a trusted expert in hard money and private lending, about how smart financing decisions can transform your path in real estate. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an aspiring investor, or a realtor ready to grow, this episode reveals how to evaluate properties that truly build wealth.

Cesar and Veronica break down the key steps to successful investing — from budgeting and calculating ARV (After Repair Value) to managing renovations, permits, and cash flow. Learn how to avoid emotional buying, minimize risk, and make data-driven decisions that lead to long-term financial growth.

Discover the strategies top investors use to build confidence, protect their investments, and thrive even in changing markets.

Loan officer Tyler Lombardo shares first-time homebuyer tips: budgeting, grants vs. DPA, pre-approval vs. pre-qual, seller concessions, credit score fixes, and stress-free closings.Loan officer Tyler Lombardo shares first-time homebuyer tips: budgeting, grants vs. DPA, pre-approval vs. pre-qual, seller concessions, credit score fixes, and stress-free closings.

• (00:00:00) - Home Story
• (00:00:53) - How to Save Money for the Future
• (00:02:45) - How to Budget for a Home Buy
• (00:04:07) - Home Prices Rise After Your First Savings
• (00:05:16) - Real Estate Minute: Down Payment Negotiations
• (00:07:01) - Saving money for the future
• (00:07:34) - House vs. Car Payments
• (00:08:39) - What are the Down Payment percentages for home loans?
• (00:09:50) - How to Buy a Home With a Down Payment
• (00:11:39) - Home Story with Veronica
• (00:13:22) - The Pre-Approval Process
• (00:16:16) - How to Get a Home Loan Approval
• (00:17:46) - Getting Pre-Approved for a Home Loan
• (00:21:33) - How to Buy a House
• (00:23:54) - Home Story
• (00:25:49) - What Should Clients Expect From a Mortgage Loan Officer?
• (00:27:41) - Loan Programs: A Client's Relationship With Their Lender
• (00:29:51) - Signs That a Partner Care About Their Clients
• (00:31:24) - Primary Housing: The Biggest Wealth Asset in Your Life
• (00:35:14) - Homeownership Made Easy
• (00:36:17) - Home Story with Veronica on NOW Media Television
• (00:37:16) - Home Finance: The Personal Story
• (00:42:02) - How a Client's Story Changed the Loan
• (00:45:17) - Mortgage Loans: Speak Up
• (00:47:44) - Home Story