The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris

Scott Harris
  • 5.0 (13)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Welcome to The Pursuit of Home, the podcast that goes beyond the bricks and mortar of real estate. Join Scott Harris, a seasoned residential agent with over two decades of experience and $1.5 billion in sales, as he explores the emotional, psychological, and ethical challenges of buying and selling a home. Through real stories from buyers, expert insights, and practical strategies, you’ll gain the tools to navigate the process with confidence. Your dream home isn’t just a place, it’s the key to the life you want to build.

  1. #41: Confidence, Risk & Growth With Brian Tran: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Homebuying

    JAN 6

    #41: Confidence, Risk & Growth With Brian Tran: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Homebuying

    Buying a home can feel like the highest-stakes decision you’ll ever make... which is exactly why most people leave their best skills at the door the moment they start house hunting. In this episode, Scott sits down with Brian Tran, founder of Fifty Hills Real Estate, to talk about how to approach homebuying like an entrepreneur: get honest about your goals, zoom out to the long game, and build the right team around you. You’ll also hear Brian’s provocative take for people who feel pressured to buy: sometimes it makes sense to rent the lifestyle you want while using your down payment to invest strategically, especially if the numbers don’t match your reality right now. And one of the biggest takeaways: when you’re ready to buy, it’s “not how, but who.” The right agent (and the right team) can save you time, reduce overwhelm, and help you make better decisions faster. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to evaluate a housing decision with a clear “pros & cons” filter, and still honor quality of lifeWhy the first home is usually the hardest (and how confidence builds after you take the leap)When renting can be a smart move, and how investing can offset that rent over time“Not how, but who”: why delegation is the ultimate homebuying advantageThe three foundational questions Brian asks to clarify a buyer’s real goals and timelineBrian’s #1 advice to buyers: buy what you can afford and use the long-term trade-up strategyEpisode Resources Brian’s Website: https://www.mrbriantran.com/ Brian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.briantran/ Brian’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mr.BrianTran/ Brian’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrbriantran?lang=en Fifty Hills Real Estate: https://fiftyhills.com/agents/brian-tran Scott’s Book (The Pursuit of Home): https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ Book A Recording Slot: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOHEpisode Scott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/ Scott on Substack: https://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/ Learn More About Magnetic Real Estate: https://magneticre.com/

    35 min
  2. #40: Credit, Confidence & the Road to Home with Kristi Nowrouzi

    12/23/2025

    #40: Credit, Confidence & the Road to Home with Kristi Nowrouzi

    What happens when credit is the thing holding you back, but you do not want to talk about it out loud? In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, Scott Harris talks with mortgage loan officer, author, and credit educator Kristi Nowrouzi about how credit impacts mortgage approval and rates, and what first-time buyers can do to get mortgage ready without shame or overwhelm. Kristi shares her own experience being told no, why credit solutions are never one size fits all, and how education became the focus of her work. Scott also reflects on his own credit scare and the stress that can come with even a small ding. If you are planning to buy in the next 6 to 24 months, this episode offers a calmer framework and practical steps you can start using now. Here are some of the topics we discuss: Why credit is one of the top drivers of mortgage denialsHow credit impacts your interest rate, sometimes more than a bigger down paymentFHA and VA loan options, including what lower credit scores may still qualifyWhat lenders mean when they look at “trended credit” and recent payment patterns Why payment history matters so much, and how late payments can lingerHow forbearance works, and why communicating with creditors can protect your credit during hardshipA practical credit building strategy that does not require taking on new debt How to use the authorized user approach safely, and what to look for in the right cardHow to set realistic expectations for a first home versus a forever homeWhy buyers may have more negotiating power right now, depending on the local marketThe financial literacy gap for buyers and agents, and why the right partners matterKristi Nowrouzi is a mortgage loan officer and credit educator with over 20 years of experience helping clients understand credit, rebuild confidence, and move toward homeownership. She is known for making credit less intimidating through clear explanations, practical habits that improve outcomes, and support through the emotional side of the process. Kristi also shares education through her podcast and YouTube channel, helping buyers and professionals build financial literacy and make smarter mortgage decisions. For more guidance on your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, The Pursuit of Home, at the link below. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Book your recording slot using the link below. Episode Resources: Kristi Nowrouzi Website: https://creditkristi.com/ Kristi Nowrouzi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristiNowrouzi/ Kristi Nowrouzi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creditkristi/ Kristi Nowrouzi Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kristi-Service-Nowrouzi/author/B09SV8KZLR Scott’s Book (The Pursuit of Home): https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ Scott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/ Learn More About Magnetic Real Estate: https://magneticre.com/

    26 min
  3. #39: How a Former Teacher Became The Breakup Broker: Amy Slate’s Compassionate Path to Real Estate

    12/09/2025

    #39: How a Former Teacher Became The Breakup Broker: Amy Slate’s Compassionate Path to Real Estate

    What if you could approach home buying with the patience and understanding of a teacher? This episode of The Pursuit of Home brings you a heartfelt, insightful conversation as host Scott Harris sits down with Amy Slate, a former educator turned Boston real estate professional, to explore how her teaching background shapes a more supportive, thoughtful home-buying experience. From guiding first-time buyers through anxiety and overwhelm to helping women navigate divorce-related real estate decisions, Amy offers listeners a grounded, compassionate look at what it takes to make empowered choices in a challenging market. If you're navigating a major life transition or seeking a calmer path to homeownership, this episode delivers clarity, encouragement, and real-world strategy. Here are some of the topics we discuss: How teaching skills translate into patience, clear communication, and emotional support during home buyingWhy divorce-related property decisions require specialized guidanceWhat first-time homebuyers misunderstand about the true financial pictureWhy uncovering the "why" behind your checklist leads to better home decisionsHow to stay grounded when emotions and market conditions feel overwhelmingWhy your first home doesn't need to be your forever homeThe power of active listening in helping clients feel supportedHow to navigate differing preferences when buying with a partnerAmy Slate is a Boston-based real estate professional and former middle school French teacher who brings 20 years of educational experience into her practice. As the founder of The Breakup Broker, Amy specializes in guiding clients, particularly women, through the emotional and logistical complexities of divorce-related real estate decisions. A HousingWire contributor and author of How to Succeed at Real Estate When You Don't Really Like People, Amy blends empathy, humor, and practical expertise to make the home-buying process feel less overwhelming and far more empowering. If you're ready for more advice to support your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott's national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, at https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Book your recording slot here: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOHEpisode Episode Resources: Amy Slate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamyslate Amy Slate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamyslate Amy Slate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyslate Amy's Website: https://thebreakupbroker.com "How to Succeed at Real Estate When You Don't Really Like People" by Amy Slate Scott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/ Scott on Substack: https://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/ Learn more at https://magneticre.com/

    28 min
  4. #38: Faith, Fear & First Homes: Ashley Glover’s 4-Year Pursuit of Home

    11/25/2025

    #38: Faith, Fear & First Homes: Ashley Glover’s 4-Year Pursuit of Home

    4 years strong, Ashley Glover has never given up on her homebuying journey. But there have been many times when she did want to give up. This episode of The Pursuit of Home, brings you coaching in real time as host Scott Harris sits with Ashley to explore the emotional journey of house hunting, balancing practical needs with personal dreams, and turning homeownership fears into faith-driven possibilities. This raw confessional about the ups and downs of homebuying from a prospective homebuyer herself is sure to strike a chord with listeners who might be feeling stuck in the home-buying process or seeking guidance on making this major life transition. And hey, if you’re ready for more advice to help you align with your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, out now: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

    27 min
  5. #37: Trust Over Transactions: Why Authenticity Succeeds in Homebuying Partnership with Justin Scott

    11/11/2025

    #37: Trust Over Transactions: Why Authenticity Succeeds in Homebuying Partnership with Justin Scott

    Does finding your dream home, stress-free, sound like a distant dream? Then this episode of The Pursuit of Home, is what you need. Tune in as host Scott Harris sits down with Justin Scott, a first-time broker at Varsity Real Estate and former ice cream entrepreneur, to uncover how authenticity, transparency, and shared values created a surprisingly joyful homebuying journey for client Adam Kingman. Together, they turned a high-stakes transaction into a deeply human experience rooted in trust and connection. From building community to embracing emotional cues when choosing a home, this episode reveals how the right partnership can transform the process into something that truly feels like coming home. And hey, if you’re ready for the full deep dive, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, out now: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

    29 min
  6. #36: If Buying Feels Impossible, Change the Real Estate Game Entirely

    10/28/2025

    #36: If Buying Feels Impossible, Change the Real Estate Game Entirely

    The prospect of buying a home has always been riddled with fear, apprehension, and some amount of stress. And, the state of the real estate market today doesn’t make things any better. But what if traditional homebuying advice is actually the thing keeping you away from your dream home? In the latest episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with David Sidoni, Founder of "How to Buy a Home" and champion for first-time homebuyers, to unpack his game-changing strategies like the rent replacement approach and why waiting to save 20% down might be costing you more than you think. Common real estate myths have been holding you back more than you know, and the only thing that will set you free is understanding your true options for down payments and connecting with the right professionals who can guide you through your first home purchase. Tune in to find out how to break the rent cycle once and for all! And hey, if you’re ready for the full deep dive, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, out now: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

    31 min
  7. #35: Why Bad Agents Fail in Real Estate, and how to avoid them with Guy Gal

    10/14/2025

    #35: Why Bad Agents Fail in Real Estate, and how to avoid them with Guy Gal

    In celebration of the launch of Scott’s book The Pursuit of Home, Scott zooms in on the partnership between homebuyer and real estate agent. In any journey, who you travel with is just as important as where you’re travelling; the journey to homeownership is no different. The right real estate agent can make or break the experience, but it can be a daunting task to find the right one. In the latest episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Guy Gal, Founder of Side, to explore why finding the right agent is crucial, how the real estate industry is evolving, and what makes a truly exceptional agent. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, they discuss the stark contrast between transactional and relationship-focused agents, how local expertise completely changes the equation, and why two-thirds of home purchases are still handled by inexperienced agents. Listen to the conversation, understand how to pick the right agent, and have your homeownership journey made, not broken! If you want to make the most of the journey, grab a copy of Scott’s latest book, The Pursuit of Home! It is now available at https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ or wherever you shop for books! Get your copy today! If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

    34 min
  8. #34: The Counterintuitive Path to Finding Your Dream Home with Scott Harris

    09/30/2025

    #34: The Counterintuitive Path to Finding Your Dream Home with Scott Harris

    The act of buying a home is often accompanied by the word ‘journey’ and rightly so - it’s a process that can overwhelm you and empower you. If you want more of the latter, the latest episode of The Pursuit of Home, will do the trick. Host Scott Harris goes solo, sharing crucial lessons learned from two decades of guiding homebuyers to success. Drawing from his new book, Scott reveals why finding the right home is more than just a transaction - it's an emotional and psychological journey that requires the right preparation, mindset, and support team. Think of this episode as a playbook for home-buying. Listen in and you'll discover how to navigate common challenges, from getting off the couch to managing relationship dynamics, and why believing in miracles might just be the most practical approach to real estate. If you want to make the most of the journey, grab a copy of Scott’s latest book, The Pursuit of Home, out on the 14th of October and now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

    24 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Pursuit of Home, the podcast that goes beyond the bricks and mortar of real estate. Join Scott Harris, a seasoned residential agent with over two decades of experience and $1.5 billion in sales, as he explores the emotional, psychological, and ethical challenges of buying and selling a home. Through real stories from buyers, expert insights, and practical strategies, you’ll gain the tools to navigate the process with confidence. Your dream home isn’t just a place, it’s the key to the life you want to build.

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