09/02/2026
Episode 119 of the It’s Real Podcast is all about navigating real estate—and life—when there isn’t always an obvious “right” answer. Andrew Yaggie and Kayla Kallander catch up on the start of a new month, new goals and family life before diving into what they’re seeing firsthand with buyers, sellers, financing and today’s changing market. From affordability challenges and deals falling apart to using home equity wisely and planning for a mortgage payment you can actually live with long term, this episode is packed with real-world conversations about making informed decisions instead of simply hoping everything works out.
In Episode 119, Andrew and Kayla discuss:
* Why some buyers are unnecessarily disqualifying themselves before ever talking with a lender
* The growing role of parents, gifts and co-borrowers in helping today’s buyers purchase homes
* Why more real estate contracts are falling apart—and how inspections, insurance and affordability are playing a role
* The importance of sellers understanding their true market value, goals and net proceeds
* Creative ways to use equity from the sale of a home instead of automatically putting every dollar into the next house
* When buying down an interest rate may—or may not—make financial sense
* Why “buy the house and refinance later” can be a dangerous plan if the numbers don’t work today
* The risks of temporary rate buydowns, adjustable-rate mortgages and assuming rates will fall
* Why buyers need to plan for future taxes, insurance, special assessments and changing household expenses
* The bigger financial literacy problem Andrew and Kayla see among consumers—and why being your own advocate matters
* Plus, September resets, back-to-school traditions, family goals and Andrew’s plans for building a new home
