The Genuine Guide to Real Estate

Think paint is just about picking a color? There’s a lot more to it. 🎙️I’m joined by Kenneth Wells as we break down how painting your home inside and out can impact value, protect your investment, and completely change how a space feels.From common mistakes homeowners make to simple upgrades that go a long way, this conversation covers both the practical side and the bigger picture.If you own a home or plan to sell one, this is definitely worth a listen.

Think you know real estate? Put your knowledge to the test. 🎙️I’m joined by Julie McConnell for a fun short real estate trivia episode where we look back at some of the biggest home trends, market moments, and memorable features from the 80s to today.From sunken living rooms and granite countertops to mortgage rates and housing crashes, this quick conversation mixes humor, nostalgia, and real estate insight.If you enjoy learning while being entertained, this one’s for you.

Thinking about building a home but not sure where to start?I’m joined by Christi Wedig of CMG Home Loans as we break down construction loans in plain English—how they work, what first-time builders should expect, common mistakes to avoid, and how to prepare before breaking ground.If building a home feels exciting and overwhelming, this episode is packed with practical insight to help make the process feel a whole lot more doable.

Closing day feels like the finish line… until it’s not.In this episode with Ben Seamon, we unpack what really happens behind the scenes and why deals can still fall apart at the last minute.From title issues and surprise liens to last-minute financial mistakes (yes… even buying a boat before closing), this conversation pulls back the curtain on the part of real estate most people never see. If you’re buying or selling, this is the kind of insight that can save you stress, money, and a whole lot of headaches.Because getting to the table is one thing… getting through it is another.

Buying a home shouldn’t feel like learning a whole new language… but sometimes it does. 🏡In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew Warren and McCain Marrow as we break down the things that confuse buyers the most—mortgages, insurance, and everything in between so you can move forward with confidence (and avoid costly mistakes).From understanding what you really need before closing to clearing up common myths like credit scores, down payments, and monthly costs, this conversation keeps it simple, honest, and actually helpful.If you’ve ever thought, “I found the house… now what?”, this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in, learn the basics, and make smarter moves on your home journey.

Insurance is something every homeowner has, but not everyone understands how much the market has changed over the past few years.In this episode, Matthew Warren from Goosehead Insurance joins the podcast to talk about what’s happening in the insurance world in 2026. We discuss why rates increased so much in recent years, why companies are becoming more strict with policies, how insurance scores work, and what homeowners and buyers should be paying attention to today.We also talk about how the market is starting to stabilize, what affects the cost of your policy, and why reviewing your insurance regularly can make a big difference.Whether you already own a home, planning to buy, or just want to better understand how insurance works today, this episode breaks things down in a simple and practical way.

Real estate can get complicated, but sometimes the best way to understand it is to make it fun.In this episode, we switched things up and did a real estate trivia game with Matthew Warren from Goosehead Insurance. We covered topics like escrow, PMI, appraisals, insurance deductibles, seller’s markets, and even some fun facts about famous homes.Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just curious how real estate works, this episode breaks down important concepts in a way that’s easy to follow.If you think you know real estate, try playing along and see how many you get right.

A lot of homeowners don’t realize how much their insurance can change over time.Your roof, your escrow, and even how often you review your policy can affect what you pay every month.In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Warren from Goosehead Insurance to talk about what really impacts homeowners insurance costs. We go through things like roof age, policy reviews, escrow payments, and why checking your coverage every few years can save you money.If you own a home or plan to buy one soon, this is something you’ll definitely want to understand before your next renewal.

If you’ve been in Middle Tennessee lately, you felt it. The ice storm, downed trees, power outages, and a lot of homeowners asking, “Is this covered?”In this episode of The Genuine Guide to Real Estate, I’m joined by Matthew Warren with Goosehead Insurance to walk through what homeowners insurance actually covers after a storm. We break down real life scenarios like fallen trees, water damage, ice dams, deductibles, and when it makes sense to file a claim and when it doesn’t.If you’re buying a home in Nashville or already own one, this episode will help you understand your coverage, avoid surprises, and be better prepared before the next storm hits.

Buying your first home isn’t just about what you can get approved for, it’s about whether the payment fits your life. I sit down with Chad Appleton of Compass Mortgage to break down mortgage basics in plain English for first-time and relocating buyers. We talk about why talking to a lender before touring homes matters, how to think through payments instead of just purchase price, and the difference between what you qualify for and what you can comfortably afford.We also cover common misconceptions like needing 20% down, fixed vs. adjustable-rate mortgages, and how to avoid becoming “house poor” while still setting yourself up for long-term success.This conversation is for busy professionals who want clarity and guardrails — not jargon, pressure, or financial stress.If you’re thinking about buying a home in the next 6–12 months, this episode will help you build a plan with confidence instead of guesswork.

In today’s episode of The Genuine Guide to Real Estate, I’m sharing a simple mindset shift that can completely change the way you approach buying a home, especially if you’re relocating to Nashville.It’s called the Goldilocks Rule from Atomic Habits: the idea that we make our best progress when the process isn’t too overwhelming and isn’t too rushed… it’s just challenging enough.I talk about why so many buyers get stuck in information overload, why “just buying something fast” can backfire, and how to find that sweet spot that keeps you moving forward with confidence.This is a great listen if you want your home search to feel clearer, calmer, and a whole lot more doable.

In today’s episode of The Genuine Guide to Real Estate, I’m joined by my buddy Ben Seamon, a title attorney with Bell Alexander Title here in Brentwood, Tennessee.We’re talking about the red flags that can pop up during a real estate transaction, the stuff most buyers and sellers never see, but that can cause major problems if it gets missed. Ben shares real examples from the closing table, explains why title insurance matters, and breaks down how fraud has become a bigger issue in real estate over the last few years.This is a great listen if you want to go into your next purchase or sale feeling more informed, protected, and confident.

Investing in your first rental isn’t just about cash flow, it’s about whether the decision fits into your life.In this episode, I sit down with Heath Moore, a real-world rental property investor who still works a full-time W-2 job, to talk about what actually goes into buying your first rental. We discuss the fears that keep people stuck on the sidelines, how to evaluate deals realistically, and what investing looks like when you’re building it alongside a career and family.This conversation is for people who want a clear, honest picture of rental property investing — not hype, shortcuts, or overnight success stories.If you’ve been thinking about buying a rental but haven’t pulled the trigger yet, this episode will help you think through it with confidence instead of fear.

Buying a home isn’t just about numbers, it’s about how the decision fits into your life.In this episode, I sit down again with Christy Wedig of CMG Home Loans to talk about making home-buying decisions that feel sustainable, not stressful. We discuss the difference between what buyers can be approved for versus what they can truly afford, why slowing down matters, and how thoughtful planning can prevent regret later on.This conversation is for buyers who want clarity, calm, and confidence not pressure or rushed decisions.📧 Contact Christy: [email protected]

Most people don’t remodel because they want something “new.” They remodel because something isn’t working anymore.I sit down with Bobby Amezaga from The Designery to talk about how homeowners can gain clarity before starting a kitchen, bath, or home remodel.We explore why understanding your intention matters just as much as the budget, how small frustrations often point to bigger design issues, and why the best remodels balance daily life, future plans, and long-term value.This conversation is for homeowners who want to make thoughtful decisions not rushed ones and who care just as much about how their home feels as how it performs on paper.If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, “Something needs to change, but I’m not sure what,” this episode is a great place to start.

What if you did everything right and still missed the right house?In this episode, I share a story that completely reframed how I think about buying a home and why so many buyers feel frustrated even after “doing all the right things.”We explore the difference between executing well and aiming well and why clarity, not speed or pressure, is what actually leads to good decisions in real estate.This conversation is for anyone who doesn’t just want a house, but wants the right house for their life, their season, and their future.Listen in if you’re buying soon or if you want to avoid making a well-executed mistake.

Most people think getting pre-approved is a simple yes or no, but there’s a smart way to do it that keeps you from getting in over your head. In this episode, I sit down with my friend McCain Marrow from United Home Loans to break down what approval really means and how to approach it with confidence.We talk about the difference between pre-qualification, pre-approval, and a full pre-underwrite, why your “CIA” (credit, income, and assets) matters, and how understanding your real numbers helps you avoid stress later on.We also get into comfort budgets, closing costs that buyers forget about, and simple ways to strengthen your offer without spending more money.It’s all about clarity, smart planning, and making decisions that let you sleep at night, not stretch your finances too thin.🎧 If you want to get approved the right way, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Elliott Wittstruck tackles one of the biggest questions for anyone moving to Middle Tennessee: Where should I live? From understanding the real costs of different neighborhoods to knowing when it makes sense to look just outside the city, he shares practical advice to help you find a spot that truly fits your life.If you’re trying to get a feel for Nashville and the surrounding towns, this episode gives a clear, simple starting point without the overwhelm.

In this episode, Elliott Wittstruck shares the real story behind his first fixer-upper, what it actually cost him, what went right, and what he wishes he knew before starting. From living in a construction zone to learning how far a budget can really stretch, Elliott’s experience gives a clear, honest look at the true cost of “fixing it up.”If you're thinking about tackling a remodel or buying a home that needs work, this episode will give you a grounded perspective before you jump in.

Did you know the smartest time to start preparing for a home purchase is six months before you’re ready to buy? In this episode, I sit down with my friend McCain Marrow from United Home Loans, to break down what you should be doing right now if you’re planning ahead.We talk about getting pre-qualified early, checking your credit, understanding your true comfort payment, and why giving yourself a few months of prep time makes your offer stronger and the whole process smoother.It’s all about reducing stress, building clarity, and making confident decisions without rushing.🎧 A little preparation now can make your homebuying journey feel a whole lot easier.

What are the three questions I have to answer before I even start looking at homes?”In this episode, I walk you through them one by one. Your why, your where, and your real comfortable monthly payment—these three things shape every decision you’ll make in the homebuying process.Buying a home can get emotional and expensive fast, especially in a market like Nashville. That’s why getting clear on these basics matters. This isn’t about selling you a house, it’s about giving you the clarity and confidence to make the right move for you.

Thinking about buying a home soon? Whether it’s your first or your fifth, this episode breaks down five simple and practical steps to get you ready, from knowing your finances to finding the right agent. In just five minutes, you’ll learn how to avoid being “house poor,” plan your savings wisely, and make confident moves in today’s housing market.If homeownership is on your 2026 vision board, this is your quick-start guide to making it happen!

Think you need perfect credit to buy a house? Think again. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Christy Wiedig from CMG Home Loans, and we talk about the biggest credit myths that keep people from buying a home.We talk about how to build and improve your credit, what lenders actually look for, and simple steps to start your home buying journey with confidence.Remember, clarity beats fear every time.

In the final part of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re putting it all together — your one-year roadmap to homeownership. From setting your vision and budget, to connecting with lenders and narrowing down your ideal location, this episode walks you through what to focus on month by month.🎧 Because buying a home isn’t about rushing the process, it’s about following a plan that gets you there with confidence.

In Part 3 of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re talking money — turning “I hope I can afford it” into clear numbers that make sense. Learn how to plan your down payment, understand debt-to-income ratios, and why getting pre-approved early can set real guardrails for your search.🎧 Because buying a home isn’t just about dreaming big, it’s about doing the math that gets you there.

Did you know there’s a way to save up to two months of mortgage payments just by timing your closing right? In this episode, we break down how escrow, prepaids, and closing dates really work and how a little planning can save you thousands.We also talk about reducing stress when moving, creating a smoother transition, and trusting that the right timing always works out.🎧 Smart timing can make your first months of homeownership a whole lot easier.

Your dream home should bring peace, not pressure. In this episode, we talk about why stretching your budget isn’t worth the stress and how to find that financial “sweet spot” where comfort and confidence meet.Chad Appleton joins me to break down what it really means to buy smart, stay within your means, and work with a realtor who respects your limits.🎧 Because the right home should fit your life — not strain it.

In Part 2 of the So You Want to Buy a House in 12–16 Months series, we’re talking Needs vs. Wants, because your budget can’t buy everything, but it can buy the right things. Learn how to list and rank your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and compromises so you can focus on what really matters.🎧 Location, size, condition, if you can hit two out of three, you’re doing great.

Before you start scrolling through Zillow, take a look in the mirror. In this episode, we talk about gaining clarity before buying a home, figuring out your why, your lifestyle needs, and your deal breakers. Whether it’s a job change, a new city, or just the next step in life, knowing your “why now” helps you make smarter moves later.📝 Clarity first. Zillow second.

Still renting? In this episode, we break down why paying rent is like paying 100% interest and how buying a home can help you build real equity and long-term value. We talk about down payments, refinancing, and how to make the most of today’s buyer’s market.🎧 If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to buy, this episode will show you why that time might be now.

“If my budget is $3,500 a month, what kind of house can I really buy right now?”We’ve all asked that question and in this episode, we finally break it down. From interest rates to down payments, we go step by step to show what a realistic home purchase looks like in today’s market.It’s not about selling homes, it’s about helping you understand what’s truly doable.

Welcome to The Genuine Guide to Real Estate with your host, Tanny Crawford. If you've ever felt unsure about where to start when buying a home, this show is here to help. Each episode shares real stories, simple explanations, and practical steps to guide you through one of life's biggest decisions. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or just curious about the market, you'll find honest conversations and useful takeaways to help you make confident choices.