Housing inventory is up 28.9% year-over-year — nearing post-pandemic highs — but does this mean buyers finally have leverage? In this week’s episode, Andy, Brian, and Will break down the real story behind the numbers, the psychology of sellers, and what today’s market means for buyers, sellers, and investors.

We cover:
🏠 Why prices aren’t falling despite a surge in inventory
⚖️ Buyer leverage: fact or fiction in summer 2025?
📉 How emotional pricing from sellers is impacting negotiations
📊 The role of appraisals, credits, and concessions in this market
🌍 California housing crunch: 20% of homes now investor-owned (80% in some counties!)
💡 Why VA buyers and first-time buyers need to act before investor share grows
🔑 How to compete with investors using creative financing & “Fix and Keep” strategies

Whether you’re buying, selling, or holding, this episode will give you the clarity and strategies you need to navigate an evolving housing market.

💬 Are you seeing buyers gain leverage where you live? Share your market take in the comments.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly real estate & mortgage insights.
📩 Share this with someone planning to buy or sell in 2025.

#MortgageHeroes #HousingMarket2025 #HomeBuyingTips #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #InvestorOwnedHomes #CaliforniaHousing #MortgageTips #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateInvesting #InventorySurge #BuyerLeverage #VAHomeLoan #FixAndKeep #DownPaymentAssistance #MarketUpdate2025

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we are joined by Captain Eugene Raymond Bailey, a 30-year U.S. Navy veteran, distinguished leader, and decorated officer. Captain Bailey reflects on his incredible journey from humble beginnings in Youngstown, Ohio, to the U.S. Naval Academy, and through a storied military career that includes:

🏅 Three Legion of Merit medals
🏅 Two Meritorious Service medals
🪖 Eight years of sea duty
🧭 Service under Special Warfare Command
🎖️ Rising to the rank of Captain (O-6)

He shares stories of leadership, accountability, and how mentorship and humility shaped his career — including pivotal moments like his first “sir” in a fire emergency aboard a wooden minesweeper, and how 77 sailors once petitioned to keep him as their division leader. Through laughter, wisdom, and perspective, Captain Bailey shows us how excellence is built through people, choices, and purpose.

From commanding 500+ sailors to advocating for education, strategic planning, and service beyond the uniform, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, gratitude, and resilience.

🎧 Whether you're military, a leader, or someone facing your next life chapter — this episode will inspire you to show up stronger and lead with heart.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most accomplished — and most humble — leaders we’ve ever had the honor to interview.

📌 Watch now and drop your questions or thanks in the comments!
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🔗 Connect with Us
💬 Have a question for Captain Bailey or want to share your story? Comment below!
📥 Contact us for speaking engagements or veteran-focused mortgage support.
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#VeteranLeadership #USNavy #MortgageHeroes #FriendsOfMortgageHeroes #CaptainBailey #LegionOfMerit #MilitaryTransition #NavyVeteran #LeadershipMatters #ServiceBeforeSelf #NavalAcademy #RealTalkLeadership #Empowerment #GratitudeInAction #NavyStories #VeteranSupport #MilitaryMortgage #MilitaryLife #InspirationForAll

In this episode of the Mortgage Heroes Podcast, Brian and Will tackle one of the biggest roadblocks to homeownership — the down payment. 💥 From crushing the myth that you need 20% down, to exploring real down payment assistance (DPA) options that actually work in today’s market, this episode is packed with real-world strategies that are helping buyers get into homes right now.

🚨 Plus — we break down the growing trend of "Fix and Keep": how everyday buyers (not just investors) are using renovation loans with VA, FHA, and Conventional financing to transform outdated properties into dream homes — and even add value with ADUs! 💪🏡

Whether you're a first-time buyer, someone without a large down payment, or a homeowner looking to build wealth by upgrading what you already own — this episode is for YOU.

🔑 Topics Covered:

- The truth about down payment assistance programs (grants, forgivable & repayable loans)

- Who qualifies and how to apply

- The power of renovation loans: "Fix & Keep" instead of flipping

- Using VA/FHA/conventional rehab financing

- Creating generational wealth through real estate

- Real-life case studies and financing strategies that are working right now

👇 Have questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out directly!

📲 Subscribe & turn on notifications to stay in the know.

#MortgageHeroes #DownPaymentAssistance #RealEstateInvesting #HomeownershipTips #RenovationLoan #FixAndKeep #FHA203k #VARehabLoan #RealEstateStrategy #BuildWealth #ADU #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #SanDiegoRealEstate #RealEstateEducation #RealEstatePodcast #MortgageTips #HomeLoanHelp

In this inspiring episode of Friends of Mortgage Heroes, we sit down with Jessie Wright of San Diego Real Producers — a powerhouse connector, community builder, and genuine leader in the San Diego real estate scene. 🌟

Jessie opens up about her journey from Cutco sales rep to building one of the most trusted platforms connecting top real estate agents with industry partners through high-impact events, a respected monthly publication, and authentic relationship-building.

We talk candidly about:
✅ The evolution of collaboration over competition in real estate
✅ Building a business that’s rooted in service and community
✅ The power of staying authentic — even when it’s not trendy
✅ How life events (like the passing of a friend) can reshape your purpose
✅ Real advice for new agents and business owners
✅ And how to know when to say "no" in business and life

Whether you’re in real estate, mortgage, or any business built on relationships, this conversation is packed with real talk, great laughs, and game-changing takeaways.

👥 Know someone in San Diego real estate who deserves the spotlight? Drop their name in the comments or DM us!

🔗 Jessie’s upcoming event:
https://events.humanitix.com/burgers-and-backyard-bash

👇 Drop a comment with your favorite takeaway!

#RealEstateCommunity #SanDiegoRealEstate #RealEstateNetworking #WomenInBusiness #CutcoAlumni #MortgageHeroes #EntrepreneurLife #AuthenticLeadership #RelationshipMarketing #BusinessGrowth #MortgagePodcast #RealEstatePodcast #LocalLeaders #FriendsOfMortgageHeroes

📈 Homebuyer momentum is UP and investors are doubling down — but is now really the best time to buy, sell, or refinance?

In this episode of the Mortgage Heroes Podcast, we dive deep into why first-time buyers are back, how sellers can actually win in today’s market, and the powerful strategies homeowners and investors are using to tap into their equity without falling into financial traps.

We cover:
✅ The rise of first-time buyers despite high rates
✅ Why strategic pricing matters more than ever for sellers
✅ Home equity tips — HELOC vs. cash-out refinance explained
✅ The reality of consumer debt and how real estate can be a solution
✅ Real investor tactics: fix-and-flip, buy-and-hold, and creative financing
✅ Our take on the market outlook for the rest of 2025

If you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or curious about what moves to make in this housing market — you're not alone, and you're in the right place.

👉 Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly insights on mortgages, real estate, and how to navigate the current market with confidence.

🎯 Got questions or need a scenario review? Drop them in the comments or reach out directly — we’ve got your back.

🎙️ From Fraud Investigations to First-Time Home Buyers: The Story of Mike & Jenn Edwards

Meet Mike & Jenn Edwards — a dynamic husband and wife real estate duo with Real Brokerage who are breaking the mold of what it means to be a modern realtor team.

In this episode of Friends of Mortgage Heroes, we dive deep into their incredible career journeys — from scientific cancer research and pharmaceutical fraud investigations to running a successful media production business — and how ALL of it laid the foundation for their real estate success.

🚨 If you've ever wondered what it takes to pivot careers, work with your spouse, scale a business in a tough market, or turn past experience into new wins — this conversation is packed with golden insights!

🔍 Topics we explore:

- Mike’s journey from biotech & photography to real estate
- Jenn’s powerful background in fraud & retail investigations
- How working together as spouses actually works — and why they thrive
- Building systems, solving problems, and scaling with integrity
- Hitting 23 deals in year 2 of real estate (during a high-rate market!)
- Why relationships, trust, and faith drive everything they do
- Their mindset on mentorship, teamwork & gatekeeping in real estate
- Why they’re passionate about helping veterans and first-time buyers
- Plus… CVS theft rings, bridezilla radar, and surveillance stories 👀

📩 Mike & Jenn are the real deal — full of wisdom, grit, and heart. If you’re in the industry, aspiring to grow your business, or just love hearing real success stories — don’t miss this one.

👇 Drop a comment with your favorite takeaway & remember to subscribe!

#RealEstateSuccess #MortgageHeroes #MikeAndJenEdwards #FraudInvestigator #RealEstatePodcast #MarriedEntrepreneurs #CreativeBusiness #VeteranHomebuyers #GenerationalWealth #BNI #RealBrokerage #REALTORLife #HousingMarket2025 #SmallBusinessWins #SanDiegoRealtor #FaithAndFinance

Rates have dipped to 6.77%, Jerome Powell hinted at more cuts, and market sentiment is finally shifting… but are YOU ready to move when the moment hits?

In this week’s episode, Andy and Will break down three trending topics every homebuyer, homeowner, and real estate pro needs to understand right now:

🔥 1. Should you get pre-approved now or wait for rates to drop further?
🔑 2. Why “nepo buyers” (gifted down payments from family) are changing the game
💻 3. Zillow's new listing policy: transparency play or power grab?

Plus: A heartbreaking real-life story of a buyer who wasn’t ready and missed out on a life-changing deal — and how you can avoid the same mistake.

💡 Here’s what we cover:
✅ How just a 0.25% rate drop could save you $200+ per month
✅ Why being prepared early gives buyers a massive competitive edge
✅ The rise of intergenerational wealth in real estate (and how to tap into it)
✅ House hacking, co-signing, ADUs, and creative buying in 2025
✅ How Zillow’s new policy impacts pocket listings, MLS, and sellers
✅ What this all means for YOU — whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing

Whether you're a first-time buyer, market watcher, or seasoned investor, this episode is packed with strategies and real-world insight to help you win in today’s housing market.

💬 Got thoughts on Zillow’s new rules or nepo buying? Drop a comment below!
🔔 Subscribe for weekly real estate insights & mortgage strategy
📩 Want to get pre-approved or explore your options? Reach out to us directly!