Brick Buy Brick

12/04/2025

10/28/2025

In this episode of Brick buy Brick, hosts Kim Von Dohren and Ed Marko explain why saving matters and how to start — from building an emergency fund and trimming everyday expenses to using compounding interest and maximizing employer 401(k) matches.
They offer practical tips to reduce spending, prioritize short- and long-term goals, and begin retirement savings so listeners can steadily build financial security.

10/03/2025

On this episode of Brick buy Brick, realtor Kim Von Dohren and banker Ed Marko explain why mortgage rates can rise even after the Federal Reserve lowers its overnight rate. They clarify that mortgage rates track the bond market and Treasury yields, so market uncertainty can push investors into bonds and raise mortgage costs.
Key takeaways: short-term spikes often follow Fed actions or talk, watch Treasury yields instead of headlines, and consider locking a mortgage for certainty if you don’t want to gamble on future rate moves.

09/22/2025

Hosts Kim Von Dohren and Ed Marko explore why most money problems come from mindset, habits and relationships — not just income. Through real-life stories (from Ferrari's to gambling) they explain how honest budgets, delayed gratification and understanding your spending motives create financial freedom.
The episode offers practical advice: put all spending in your budget, confront the emotional drivers behind purchases, seek guidance from people who model healthy finances, and take disciplined steps to break cycles of poverty and build lasting wealth.

08/18/2025

Join Kim Von Dohren, your realtor, and Ed Marko, your banker, in an insightful episode of Brick by Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership. Dive deep into understanding that while interest rates are part of, they aren't the sole factors influencing your monthly mortgage payment. Discover how principal, taxes, insurance, and PMI can significantly impact your borrowing power, often more than interest rates themselves.
This episode takes you through a historical journey of interest rate fluctuations over the past 50 years, highlighting the importance of focusing on elements you can control, such as taxes and insurance, to make informed homeownership decisions. Learn how each $100 variance in non-mortgage costs can shift your home-buying capacity by up to $15,000, and find out how your credit score can vastly alter your PMI expenditure.
Perfect for potential home buyers and seasoned homeowners alike, this dialogue aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge to manage your home investment smartly and strategically. Don't let interest rates dictate your property dreams—tune in to find out how you can maximize your financial leverage and build wealth effectively through homeownership.

07/28/2025

Join hosts Kim VonDohren and Ed Marko in this insightful episode of 'Brick by Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership.' In the second part of their maintenance series, they delve into the importance of maintaining various aspects of your home's interior. From painting walls and cleaning carpets to servicing HVAC systems and ensuring plumbing and appliances are in good shape, they cover it all.
Discover practical tips on how to keep your home in great condition, whether it's replacing filters monthly, draining water heaters or maintaining wood and tile flooring. Learn the importance of regular servicing contracts for your heating and air conditioning systems and explore the benefits of home warranties.
This episode is packed with valuable advice for homeowners who want to maximize their property's longevity and value. Don't miss out on these expert tips to ensure your home remains a safe and welcoming space.

07/21/2025

In this celebratory 20th episode of Brick by Brick, hosts Kim VonDohren and Ed Marko dive into the importance of regular home maintenance to sustain and grow your home’s value. Drawing parallels between homeownership and a 401k, they emphasize the necessity of investing in both interior and exterior upkeep, starting this week with a comprehensive guide to exterior maintenance.
From inspecting your roof to maintaining your yard and gutters, Kim and Ed provide practical tips and anecdotes to help homeowners navigate the essentials. They discuss the longevity and care requirements of various roofing materials, the importance of regular gutter cleaning and driveway maintenance, and the need for diligent upkeep of windows, decks, and landscaping.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to preserve your property’s worth, tune in to learn how a little maintenance today can lead to substantial wealth tomorrow.

07/14/2025

Join Kim Von Dohren and Ed Marko in an insightful episode where they delve into the intricacies of property assessment and property taxes, focusing primarily on Berks County, Pennsylvania. While the details may vary by location, the principles discussed provide valuable guidance for all homeowners looking to appeal their property taxes.
Discover the importance of understanding fair market value, common level ratios, and how they affect your tax bill. Kim shares her experiences from a tax appeal seminar, explaining the significant benefits that appealing your property taxes can bring, especially if your home was built new by you.
Throughout the episode, learn useful tips on gathering evidence for tax appeals, including utilizing comparable properties and obtaining professional appraisals. Whether you are seasoned in property matters or a newbie, this episode equips you with the knowledge to potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually on property taxes.

07/07/2025

This session delves into the three pivotal stages of homeownership that mirror life’s changing needs: the starter home, the big family home, and the transition to a smaller, more manageable home for your golden years.
Kim and Ed explore why holding onto a house longer than beneficial can become a burden rather than a blessing. They share practical advice on recognizing the right moments to transition from a large family home to something more suitable, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead to maintain financial stability and enjoy a worry-free retirement.
Embrace these insights to prepare for a future that adapts to your lifestyle changes and aligns with your evolving personal and financial goals. Join us in this thoughtful discussion about making informed real estate decisions that support your journey through life's stages.

06/23/2025

Welcome to "Brick buy Brick: Building Wealth Through Homeownership," where hosts Kim Von Dohren, a dedicated realtor, and Ed Marko, an experienced lender, unravel the often-misunderstood role of a real estate agent in the home buying journey. In this episode, they guide listeners through what buyers can expect when purchasing a home, from initial interest to closing the deal.
Kim shares her approach to building trust with clients, ensuring they understand the step-by-step process of buying a home. She highlights the importance of looking beyond aesthetics to identify potential issues in a property, such as checking HVAC systems and looking for leaks. Kim also emphasizes the need for due diligence on the part of buyers, like reviewing the seller's disclosure document and considering a second viewing for more informed decision-making.
Furthermore, the episode delves into the nuances of negotiating terms with sellers and crafting offers that stand out in competitive markets. Ed and Kim also discuss the significance of the final walk-through, ensuring that the property is in expected condition before closing. This episode is a comprehensive guide for both first-time and seasoned buyers, reaffirming the indispensable role of a real estate agent in navigating the complexities of home buying.

06/16/2025

In this episode of 'Brick by Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership,' hosts Kim Von Dohren and Ed Marko delve into their personal choices of living in smaller, more manageable homes. They share the reasoning behind their decision to opt for simplicity and conservatism in their living spaces, despite having the means to choose more extravagant surroundings.
Listen in as they discuss the financial wisdom and personal satisfaction that come with maintaining small homes, emphasizing ease of upkeep, financial savings, and the joys of an efficiently utilized living space. Kim and Ed explore the concept that smaller homes can contribute more significantly to personal happiness and financial stability than larger, more demanding properties.
Discover how their living choices allow them to prioritize other life pleasures, such as travel and low-maintenance living, while still maintaining a welcoming space for family and guests. This candid conversation aims to inspire listeners to reflect on how their homes reflect their life choices and financial goals.

06/16/2025

In this episode of 'Brick by Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership,' hosts Kim Von Dohren and Ed Marko delve into their personal choices of living in smaller, more manageable homes. They share the reasoning behind their decision to opt for simplicity and conservatism in their living spaces, d...