Young & Invested

Karen Wilkins—my mom—is a real estate broker, entrepreneur, rental property owner, wife, and what I like to call a true “super mom.” With years of industry experience, she has helped hundreds of individuals and families build wealth through homeownership, making a lasting impact on the people and communities she serves. Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of observing her work ethic and intention in everything she does. Her success comes as no surprise considering her consistent and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. That dedication has earned her recognition as one of Central Florida’s top real estate agents. In this episode, Karen breaks down the 1, 2, 3’s of homeownership—covering everything you need to know to get started from the very beginning. From financial preparation to understanding the process step by step, she provides real, practical ways to support you on your journey to buying a home. Karen’s approach stands out because she simplifies complex concepts and makes them clear. She gives people tools, confidence, and clarity to move forward, no matter their starting point.

Eric Putt is an experienced lender, father, and husband. He brings years of experience helping individuals achieve homeownership. Through his long-standing partnership with my mom’s brokerage, The Wilkins Way, Eric has become more than just a professional connection—he’s been part of my family's life for years and has consistently shown what it means to guide others with knowledge and integrity. With a deep understanding of the lending process, Eric focuses on what it really takes to financially prepare to buy a home. He breaks down the key steps future buyers should take early on—from building credit to creating a plan that sets you up for long-term success. His approach makes the process feel less overwhelming and much more achievable. In this episode, Eric shares practical tips and strategies to help you move closer to your goal of homeownership. He emphasizes that preparation isn’t something you wait to start—it’s something you begin now, no matter your age or stage in life. One of the biggest takeaways from Eric’s perspective is that you’re never too young to start preparing. The habits, decisions, and mindset you build early can make all the difference when the time comes to buy your first home.

PJ Crescenzo is a Gen Z lender, husband, and father who works closely with The Wilkins Way Real Estate Brokerage in Florida. Pj has a strong understanding of the lending process and a passion for educating others. PJ brings real-world insight into what it takes to make smart financial decisions in today’s world. I met PJ through my mom’s brokerage, where he plays a key role in guiding clients through one of the most important parts of the homebuying journey—financing. What stood out to me right away was his strong character and the way people around him speak so highly of him—something that reflects both his professionalism and the way he shows up for others. He explains not only the financial impact of renting, like missed opportunities to build equity, but also what’s fundamentally wrong with relying on renting long-term when your goal is to build wealth. PJ also shares his personal story, offering insight into his journey and the experiences that have shaped his views on money, homeownership, and financial growth. Along the way, he offers practical advice and life lessons that go beyond just numbers.

Ellie Wilkins and Jordi Mills are Gen Z student-athletes in their teens and early twenties who are beginning to think intentionally about their financial futures and what it means to build wealth through homeownership. Balancing school, sports, and everyday life, they represent a generation that is starting earlier, asking better questions, and becoming more aware of the opportunities available to them. Ellie is my twin sister, and Jordi is my suitemate—two people I’ve known for a long time—which makes this conversation feel real and unfiltered. There’s a level of comfort that allows us to openly talk through ideas, challenge common beliefs, and learn from each other in a way that feels natural and relatable. In this episode, we break down some of the most common myths about homeownership—especially those that tend to hold Gen Z back. From thinking you need a huge income to believing you have to wait until a better time to get started, we unpack what actually matters when getting started. This conversation is less about having all the answers and more about creating a space where we can learn together and start thinking ahead. We also dive into our own experiences and future plans—what we hope to do, how we’re preparing, and how we plan to use homeownership as a tool to build wealth over time. Listen in as we have a good time while talking about real strategies that can help us get ahead of most people our age—and start building our own personal wealth earlier than we ever thought possible.

Kalee Wilkins is a Gen Z real estate agent who is actively preparing to purchase her first home this year. Kalee is working through the early stages of homeownership by being intentional about saving, planning, and learning as much as she can before making her first move. I’ve known Kalee my entire life—she’s my older sister-and I’ve had a front-row seat to the way she approaches her goals with discipline and purpose. Watching her go through this process in real time has given me a deeper understanding of what it actually takes to prepare for homeownership at our age. Kalee’s approach is rooted in being proactive and asking the right questions. She’s learning from people who are already doing it successfully and applying those lessons to her own journey. Kalee has focused on a few simple tactics while preparing for this decision of building long-term wealth through homeownership. She also explores practical strategies, such as living with roommates and knowing whom to talk to when you’re getting started. Kalee’s journey is a reminder that preparation is where wealth-building begins. You don’t have to own a home yet to start moving in the right direction—you just have to be willing to learn, plan, and take the first step.

Hunter Wilkins is a Gen Z real estate investor, agent, and entrepreneur who is actively building wealth through rental properties while balancing life as a husband and father. He has firsthand experience navigating the early stages of investing. Hunter brings a practical approach to real estate that relates to young people looking to build wealth through homeownership and rental properties. I’ve known Hunter my entire life—literally since birth—because he’s my oldest brother. I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow, accomplish his goals, and build the wealth he has today, which makes this conversation even more special. What stands out to me about Hunter is his willingness to take action early. While many people our age are still trying to figure out where to start, Hunter has already begun building a portfolio and learning what works—and what doesn’t—through real experience. His approach to rental properties is rooted in smart decisions and is just starting. Hunter understands that wealth isn’t built overnight; it's built through strategic decisions and consistency. Hunter’s story highlights something a lot of young people need to hear: you don’t need to have everything perfectly lined up to get started with homeownership. With the right mindset and a few books, you could also own a rental property and boost your wealth-building.