Educating Homebuyers.

Host Brady Haye

Educating Homebuyers is your go-to podcast for real stories, expert tips, and honest advice about the homebuying journey. Hosted by Brady Haye, each episode features real estate pros, past clients, and local experts who break down what buyers actually need to know. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or just curious about the market, this show helps you feel informed, educated, and confident every step of the way. NMLS #1450053

  1. 2D AGO

    Brand Yourself, Not Your Company | Why Homebuyers Hire You, Not the Logo

    Most people think clients choose a real estate agent or lender because of the company name behind them. That’s not true. In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, I sit down with Mark Charter to talk about why your personal brand matters more than the brokerage or company logo — and how building a career around who you are leads to longer-lasting success. We cover what 20+ years in real estate teaches you about branding, identity, imposter syndrome, purpose, and why chasing volume or awards alone often leads to burnout. Mark also shares why he built an agent-first brokerage, why agents should own their relationships, and how clarity in your “why” changes everything. This episode is for real estate agents, lenders, and business owners who want to build something sustainable, authentic, and aligned with their life.   00:00 – Intro 01:15 – Mark’s real estate journey 03:00 – Getting through downturns and hard seasons 04:30 – Why most agents struggle 06:10 – Time, priorities, and defining your why 08:10 – Enjoying the process, not chasing the finish line 10:00 – Why awards and volume don’t equal fulfillment 11:20 – Belief, confidence, and deserving success 13:00 – Selling yourself without feeling salesy 14:50 – Building a process you believe in 15:10 – Why Mark started his own brokerage 17:00 – Why the agent should be the brand 19:15 – What agents really deserve to earn 21:55 – Imposter syndrome in real estate 24:25 – Losing everything and redefining identity 26:00 – Gratitude and perspective 28:20 – Comparison as the thief of joy 29:40 – Content, podcasts, and personal platforms 31:30 – Relationship-based business vs chasing virality 33:15 – Staying positive in a tough market 35:00 – Real estate as a people business 37:25 – Final thoughts

    40 min
  2. FEB 3

    Behind the Scenes of a Real Estate Transaction With a Licensed Transaction Coordinator

    Most buyers and sellers never see what happens after a real estate contract is signed — until something goes wrong. In this episode, I sit down with a licensed transaction coordinator to walk through what actually happens behind the scenes of a real estate transaction and why clean contracts, timelines, and compliance matter more than most people realize. We cover: What a transaction coordinator really does day-to-dayWhy missed deadlines and small contract errors can derail dealsThe difference between amendments and addendums (and why it matters legally)How systems, calendars, and automation protect buyers, sellers, and agentsWhy “nothing happening” often means everything is running smoothlyWhether you’re buying, selling, or working in real estate, this episode gives you a clear look at the work that keeps transactions moving forward and protects everyone involved. ⏱️ YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Why transaction coordinators are often overlooked01:10 – Background and role of a licensed transaction coordinator03:00 – What actually happens behind the scenes05:00 – Compliance, contracts, and legal responsibility07:30 – Why clients don’t see most of the work09:30 – Communication gaps and client anxiety12:00 – Automation, calendars, and accountability14:45 – Appraisals, waivers, and lender coordination18:30 – Amendments vs addendums (explained clearly)22:30 – How small errors can void contracts26:00 – Systems agents should have in place30:00 – When to hire help and what to look for33:30 – Final thoughts on protecting clients

    34 min
  3. JAN 27

    Buying a Home in the Quad Cities in 2026: What Buyers Need to Know with Sara DeWulf

    Buying a home in the Quad Cities in 2026 looks very different than it did just a few years ago. In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, I sit down with a Quad Cities real estate professional with over 16 years of experience helping buyers and sellers navigate changing markets across Iowa and Illinois. We break down what today’s housing market really looks like, why so many buyers chose to wait over the last two years, and what’s bringing them back into the conversation heading into 2026. We talk through how buyers should be thinking about timing, affordability, taxes, and location within the Quad Cities, including Davenport and surrounding areas. Most importantly, we focus on how the right education and guidance can help buyers move forward confidently, without pressure or guesswork. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the Quad Cities, or you’ve been on the fence waiting for the “right time,” this episode will help you understand your options and what actually matters in today’s market. YOUTUBE CHAPTERS (COPY/PASTE) 00:00 – Welcome to Educating Homebuyers00:33 – Real estate background and years of experience01:47 – Early career lessons and long-term client relationships03:51 – How technology and social media changed real estate05:12 – Building trust through authentic content06:41 – Helping buyers who feel stuck on the sidelines07:59 – Educating buyers without pressure09:45 – Why early conversations matter10:23 – Iowa vs Illinois market differences11:43 – Taxes, affordability, and payment considerations13:40 – Brokerage changes and evolving business models15:31 – Technology, culture, and collaboration17:23 – Outlook for the 2026 housing market19:29 – Why trust matters when choosing a realtor21:44 – Final thoughts and how to follow along

    22 min
  4. JAN 20

    How to Build a Relationship-Based Business That Actually Scales | My First Ever Live Podcast!

    What does it actually take to build a relationship-based business that scales without losing authenticity? In this live podcast event, we break down the real, behind-the-scenes work of growing a referral-driven business in real estate, lending, and insurance. From early-stage hustle and hundreds of coffee meetings to implementing systems that protect your time, energy, and relationships, this conversation dives into what works and what most professionals get wrong. We unpack: Why most networking doesn’t translate into growthHow to turn relationships into predictable referralsThe Pillars framework for managing high-value connectionsWhen coaching actually makes sense (and when it doesn’t)How to scale intentionally without burning out or losing balanceThis episode is especially valuable for real estate agents, lenders, and business owners who want to grow in 2026 with clarity, systems, and purpose.   Big thanks to all our Sponsors: 515 Exteriors, Key Mortgage Group, Avanti Group Insurance, Amplified, and Key Closing Services! Be sure to check them out. CHAPTERS (TIME-STAMPED) 00:00 – Why this live event matters01:15 – Why unscripted conversations scale better than content videos03:00 – Turning a podcast into a platform for others05:40 – Sponsors & why relationships fuel everything12:10 – Guest introduction and career transition story16:00 – Starting from zero and rebuilding a relationship-based business18:30 – Why experience alone doesn’t differentiate you21:15 – The reality of doing 400 coffees in a year24:30 – Protecting time while staying intentional27:00 – Why most networking doesn’t convert29:00 – The coaching decision that changed everything34:50 – When knowledge stops scaling your business38:00 – Introducing the Pillars framework39:30 – What PILLARS actually stands for42:00 – Organizing relationships by value and intention46:30 – Using systems (and AI) to manage relationships49:00 – How agents should categorize their own networks52:00 – Scaling relationships without burning bridges55:00 – Final takeaways for 2026 growth

    1h 20m
  5. 12/23/2025

    Behind Building a Home: What Really Makes a Great Custom Home Experience | Derek Lines

    Most buyers never see what really happens behind the scenes when a home is built—but they feel it every step of the way. In this episode of Educating Homebuyers, Brady Haye sits down with custom home builder Derek Lines to unpack what separates a smooth, well-run custom home build from a stressful one. From communication and budgeting to design decisions and vendor relationships, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the parts of the process most people never get explained. If you are considering building a home now or in the future, this episode will help you feel more informed, educated, and comfortable before ever breaking ground. 🏡 Topics covered: What actually makes a custom home build a great experienceWhy communication matters more than finishesHow most homes go over budget and how to avoid itDesigning homes around real life, not just floor plansWhat buyers should know before choosing a builderHow mortgage planning fits into the custom build process🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📩 Questions about building or financing a home? Reach out anytime 00:00 – Welcome to Educating Homebuyers00:33 – What Buyers Never See Behind the Build01:02 – Meet Derek Lines03:33 – From Farm Kid to Custom Home Builder06:23 – Starting a Construction Business at the Wrong Time08:02 – Transitioning From Roofing to Custom Homes09:45 – What Actually Differentiates a Great Builder10:44 – Why Most Builds Go Over Budget11:32 – Communication vs “Stress-Free” Promises14:17 – Handling Mistakes Without Finger-Pointing16:27 – Why Builder–Vendor Relationships Matter18:47 – Designing Homes Around How People Live19:23 – The Discovery Meeting Explained22:00 – Why the Final Walkthrough Is So Emotional24:15 – How Many Homes a Custom Builder Can Handle25:53 – How Buyers Discover Builders Today27:07 – Avoiding Being Pigeonholed Into One Style29:34 – Designing a Spec Home Without a Buyer31:49 – Selling the Home Before the Show Opened32:53 – Mortgage Perspective on Custom Builds36:06 – Education vs Sales39:44 – Long-Term Reputation in a Small Market42:00 – Final Advice for Future Homebuilders

    47 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Educating Homebuyers is your go-to podcast for real stories, expert tips, and honest advice about the homebuying journey. Hosted by Brady Haye, each episode features real estate pros, past clients, and local experts who break down what buyers actually need to know. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or just curious about the market, this show helps you feel informed, educated, and confident every step of the way. NMLS #1450053