Jul 25

#12 - Do You Really Need 20% Down? Buyer Questions, Answered

We opened up the mailbag for this one. 11 real questions from buyers, answered straight. Do you actually need 20% down? Does shopping multiple lenders tank your credit score? Is waiting for rates to drop a smart play or a losing bet? Plus why the lowest rate isn't always the best deal, what your down payment doesn't cover, and whether renting really is throwing money away. Got a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Drop it in the comments. Mortgage Information: Carter Bastien Mortgage Broker | Align Lending Waterford, MI NMLS #2537494 cbastien@alignlending.com 248-963-1414 Instagram: @cleartoclosecarter Real Estate Information: John Binkowski Real Estate Agent | Century 21 Signature Flushing, MI License #6501441362 810-820-0906 binkjohn@gmail.com Instagram: @johnjrealtor Podcast House Rules Podcast Instagram: @houserules.podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=47228740-6de9-402f-a28f-ce6a16c7dd99 0:00 Intro 1:05 Do I need 20% down? 3:19 Pay off debt before talking to a lender? 4:14 Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved 6:21Will shopping lenders hurt my credit? 7:45 Approved for more than I expected 10:05 What else do I need besides the down payment? 13:30 Is the lowest rate the best deal? 15:55 Should I wait for rates to come down? 21:42 Do I really need a home inspection? 26:07 Is 30 years too long to commit? 29:19 Is renting throwing money away? 37:15 Wrap-up

Jun 2

#11 - The Home Buying Process, Unlocked

Buying a home has a lot of moving parts, and most buyers only ever see a few of them. Carter and John talk through the process in a nutshell, from the first conversation to the keys in your hand. This is the roadmap to what to expect when buying a home. Find us on social media; LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter NMLS ID 2537494 House Rules Podcast 2026

May 18

#10 - The Truth About Michigan's Real Estate Market in 2026

Is it a buyer's market right now? Your aunt's cousin's neighbor read an article that says yes. A national headline says it's the hardest time in history to buy a home. So what's actually true? In Episode 10 of House Rules, Carter and John break down why "is it a buyer's market" is the wrong question entirely. The real answer depends on your zip code, your timeline, and what kind of opportunity you're actually willing to chase. We dig into what's really happening across Michigan right now from Genesee County to Grand Rapids to the Oakland County suburbs, why "stale" listings can be the best opportunity, and why waiting costs more than you think. The bottom line: it's always a buyer's market for the buyer who's prepared. Find us on social media; LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter House Rules Podcast 2026

May 4

#9 - Taxes, Insurance, Repairs, Oh My!

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer's perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode features the various costs of owning a home, both the set-in-stone costs, and the emergency costs. Preparing for the worst is always the best method for budgeting, but before you buy a home, it's important to give yourself some grace when assuming your estimated costs to own and operate your household, both for guaranteed costs and emergency expenses. While it's important to have a steady income and smart money saving habits, don't stress yourself out over every penny when doing your pre-purchase budgeting. Find us on social media; LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter House Rules Podcast 2026

Apr 21

#8 - Give Yourself Some Credit

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer's perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode features the importance of building credit, maintaining good credit, and if your credit isn't in the best spot, providing a plan to help rebuild your credit so you can achieve the American dream of home ownership by acquiring a loan. A mortgage is one of the keys to owning a home, and credit is an essential building block in acquiring a mortgage. Listen in to hear about all the essential building blocks involving home ownership. Find us on social media; LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter House Rules Podcast 2026

Apr 6

#7 - Why We Started This Podcast

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode answers the question everyone with a podcast must answer at some point: Why did we start a podcast? John and Carter dive into their reasons for starting this publication, and what their goals are for the podcast going forward. Thanks for listening. Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter House Rules Podcast 2026 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com

Feb 6

#6 - The Real Cost of Waiting To Buy

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode sheds light on the real cost of waiting to buy a home. As stated in previous episodes, the new median age for a first-time home buyer is 40. While many people think they’re saving money renting, or living with mom and dad, they’re losing money every day by not putting their hard earned money to work by building home equity. While everyone’s situation is different, and home ownership isn’t for everyone at the present moment, everyone with the drive and will to own a home can do so with the right help. Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter House Rules Podcast 2026 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com

Jan 10

#5 - Condo Conundrums

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode features the journey of buying, owning, or selling a condominium. In this day and age, this competitive real estate market causes borrowers and purchasers to widen their search when searching for a home. Condos can offer home buyers with great options and flexibility, while also being more affordable than stand-alone single-family residences. When in doubt about purchasing a condo, be sure to lean on the professionals on your side to guide you in the right direction every step of the way. Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter House Rules Podcast 2026 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com

12/13/2025

#4 - Finding The Sweet Spot

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode discusses the tools required when curating the ideal loan for prospective home buyers. The home loan can be geared towards the home buyer/owner(s) specific needs, including but not limited to: the monthly payment, the current interest rate, unlocking home equity from an existing loan, and down payment on a new home. No matter what your needs are given your current financial situation, you have options when shopping for a loan, and the best part is, you don’t need to do it alone! Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com

11/29/2025

#3 - Home Affordability Hacks

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode features discussion on the complexities of navigating the current real estate market, focusing on home affordability, loan structure, and the importance of clear communication between realtors and clients. They explore how buyers can push their financial limits while budgeting for unexpected expenses, and share creative strategies to make home ownership more accessible. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and understanding in the home buying process, especially in a fluctuating market. Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter House Rules Podcast 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com

11/15/2025

#2 - Crafting a Winning Offer

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode features the tools buyers have when curating a strong, competitive offer. In this day and age with houses priced at a premium, and inventory not quite where it should be, bringing a good offer to the table will help your offer stand out, and allow you to get one step closer to becoming a homeowner. Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarterHouse Rules Podcast 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com

08/22/2025

#1 - Progression Over Perfection

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer's perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode features displaying the mentality between prioritizing small goals, and fighting against bad tendencies. Procrastination can stop the determined individual right in their tracks. No matter what the goal is, set small milestones, and chip away at the task at hand, brick by brick. Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter House Rules Podcast 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com

House Rules Podcast

Episodes

#12 - Do You Really Need 20% Down? Buyer Questions, Answered

#11 - The Home Buying Process, Unlocked

#10 - The Truth About Michigan's Real Estate Market in 2026

#9 - Taxes, Insurance, Repairs, Oh My!

#8 - Give Yourself Some Credit

#7 - Why We Started This Podcast

#6 - The Real Cost of Waiting To Buy

#5 - Condo Conundrums

#4 - Finding The Sweet Spot

#3 - Home Affordability Hacks

#2 - Crafting a Winning Offer

#1 - Progression Over Perfection

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