Make Yourself at Home

Deana Brummett
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Step into real estate with a host who truly knows it. With 18 years of experience since 2008 and millions in sales, she brings real-world insight to every episode. From Keller Williams to REMAX and now Coldwell Banker, Make Yourself at Home is a consumer-focused podcast offering clarity and confidence for buyers, investors, and the curious. Featuring nationwide experts, the show covers markets, legislation, investing strategies, and life in Charlotte—helping you make smarter decisions and maximize ROI.

  1. How Passive Income Can Replace Your Paycheck Faster Than You Think

    6d ago

    How Passive Income Can Replace Your Paycheck Faster Than You Think

    🚀 Is the traditional retirement plan still the best path to financial freedom? In this episode, Deana Brummett welcomes Chris Miles, founder of Money Ripples and author of The Work Optional Blueprint, to discuss why he left the traditional financial advising industry and embraced passive income investing. Chris shares his personal journey from Wall Street strategies to real estate investing, breaks down the myths surrounding 401(k)s and retirement planning, and explains why creating cash flow—not simply accumulating wealth—is the key to becoming financially free. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply looking for a smarter way to build wealth, this conversation is packed with practical insights. 🎧 Hosted by:Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Chris Miles – Founder of Money Ripples, Financial Educator & Author Chris Miles is the founder of Money Ripples, host of the Money Ripples Podcast, and author of The Work Optional Blueprint. A former traditional financial advisor, Chris now helps entrepreneurs and professionals create passive income through real estate and alternative investments, allowing them to achieve financial freedom and become work optional. He has been featured by CNN Money, BiggerPockets, and Entrepreneur on Fire. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why traditional retirement planning often leaves people financially unprepared ✔️ The difference between accumulating wealth and creating lasting cash flow ✔️ How passive real estate investing can generate income without becoming a landlord ✔️ What to look for when evaluating investment opportunities and operators ✔️ Chris' "Get Lean, Get Liquid, Get Out" blueprint for financial freedom 🎵 Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, real estate professional, or someone planning for retirement, this episode offers valuable strategies for building lasting wealth. 💼 Connect with Chris Miles: 🌐 Website → https://moneyripples.com 💼 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/moneyripples 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/moneyripples 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscmiles 🎧 Follow Deana Brummett: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    52 min
  2. How to Choose a Real Estate Agent Without Regret

    Jun 25

    How to Choose a Real Estate Agent Without Regret

    🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Alex Mayer, a multi-award-winning real estate agent serving Rochester, Minnesota, and co-author of the Amazon bestseller Top Producer Secrets. Alex shares his journey from auto sales to becoming one of Rochester's top agents and explains why he abandoned the traditional team model to focus on direct client representation. The conversation explores the dangers of hiring agents based solely on online visibility, the importance of working with experienced professionals, common mistakes buyers and sellers make, and how misinformation from social media and AI is impacting today's real estate market. Alex also provides valuable insights on relocation, probate and inheritance sales, responsiveness, negotiation strategies, and building long-term wealth through real estate. 🎧 Hosted by: Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Alex Mayer – Award-Winning Real Estate Agent & Real Estate Author Alex Mayer is a multi-award-winning real estate agent specializing in the Rochester, Minnesota market. Operating under a "Direct Representation Model," he works personally with clients and specializes in first-time homebuyers, relocating professionals, and local sellers. He is also the co-author of the 2024 Amazon best seller, Top Producer Secrets. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why direct representation can outperform large real estate teams ✔️ How responsiveness and communication impact successful transactions ✔️ Common relocation pitfalls and how to avoid them ✔️ Why local lenders often outperform national online lenders ✔️ The role AI and online misinformation play in real estate decisions ✔️ Practical strategies for building long-term wealth through homeownership 🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, homebuyer, or seller, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating today's real estate market with confidence. 💼 Connect with Alex Mayer: 🌐 Website → https://rochesterareahomesbyalex.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/homesbyalexmayer/ 🎧 Follow Deana Brummett: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    55 min
  3. How to Protect Your Home From Wildfires Before It's Too Late

    Jun 18

    How to Protect Your Home From Wildfires Before It's Too Late

    🚀 Wildfires are becoming one of the biggest threats to homeowners across California and other high-risk states. In this episode, Jim Sprouse, co-founder of Ember Pro and Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, shares how homeowners can reduce wildfire risk through home hardening, defensible space planning, and innovative wildfire defense systems. Jim also explains the growing insurance crisis, new regulations affecting property owners, and what the future of wildfire protection looks like. 🎧 Hosted by: Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Jim Sprouse – Co-Founder of Ember Pro & Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Jim Sprouse is an entrepreneur with a degree in environmental studies and a certified wildfire mitigation specialist. He is the cofounder of Ember Pro, a company focused on helping protect homes from wildfire risk through mitigation strategies and defensible space planning. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The difference between home hardening and defensible space ✔️ Why embers cause most home losses during wildfires ✔️ How wildfire risks are impacting homeowners insurance ✔️ New regulations and building codes homeowners should know ✔️ Practical steps to protect your home and improve insurability 🎵 Whether you're a homeowner, real estate professional, insurance expert, or investor, this episode offers valuable insights into protecting homes from wildfire risk. 💼 Connect with Jim Sprouse: 🌐 Website → https://emberprousa.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/emberprousa/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/emberprousa 🎧 Follow Deana Brummett: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    52 min
  4. How Smart Investors Avoid Costly Real Estate Tax Mistakes

    Jun 11

    How Smart Investors Avoid Costly Real Estate Tax Mistakes

    🚀 In this insightful episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Susan Jones, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Sorrell Wealth Partners, to discuss how individuals and families can navigate major life transitions while protecting and growing their wealth. Susan shares expert advice on tax planning, estate planning, real estate investing, inheritance strategies, LLCs, trusts, diversification, and the role AI is playing in modern wealth management. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, retiree, or someone preparing for a financial transition, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions. 🎧 Hosted by: Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Susan Jones – Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, Attorney & Tax Strategist Susan W. Jones, JD, CFP®, CDFA® is the Managing Partner and Co-founder of Sorelle Wealth Partners. A licensed attorney and wealth advisor, she specializes in guiding high-net-worth clients through major life transitions like divorce, retirement, and liquidity events. Susan combines her legal, tax, and estate planning expertise with a coaching-oriented approach to deliver highly personalized and actionable financial strategies. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why wealth management is much more than investment management ✔️ How AI is changing the financial planning industry ✔️ Common mistakes homeowners and investors make when selling property ✔️ The importance of diversification for long-term wealth creation ✔️ How inherited properties can trigger unexpected tax consequences ✔️ The biggest money mindset mistakes that prevent people from building wealth 🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, homeowner, or someone preparing for a major financial transition, this episode offers valuable insights to help protect and grow your wealth. 💼 Connect with Susan Jones: 🌐 Website → https://www.sorellewealthpartners.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://acesse.one/byfroyt 🎧 Follow Deana Brummett: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    45 min
  5. How Smart Buyers Win Even When Mortgage Rates Are High

    Jun 4

    How Smart Buyers Win Even When Mortgage Rates Are High

    🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Annika Lynn, Senior Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage, to discuss the realities of homeownership, financial literacy, and long-term wealth building. Annika shares her remarkable personal journey from overcoming life-changing adversity to becoming one of the nation's top lenders. Together, they dive into credit scores, emergency funds, debt management, refinancing strategies, investment properties, and how buyers can confidently navigate today's housing market. 🎧 Hosted by: Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Annika Lynn – Senior Loan Officer, Movement Mortgage Annika Lynn is a Senior Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage based in Indian Land, South Carolina. Backed by her team's extensive resources, she specializes in simplifying the mortgage process and guiding clients through financing options for purchasing, selling, refinancing, and building homes. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why homeownership remains one of the best wealth-building tools available ✔️ How emergency funds protect homeowners from financial setbacks ✔️ Common credit mistakes that can derail a mortgage approval ✔️ The importance of working with a trusted local lender and real estate agent ✔️ The risks and rewards of investment properties and cash-out refinancing ✔️ Financing options for custom home construction and renovation projects 🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, first-time homebuyer, or homeowner looking to build wealth, this episode offers practical advice and actionable financial strategies. 💼 Connect with Annika Lynn: 🌐 Website → https://movement.com/lo/annika-lynn 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/MovementMortgageAnnikaLynn/🎧 Follow Deana Brummett: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    57 min
  6. How Real Estate Investors Legally Pay Less in Taxes

    May 28

    How Real Estate Investors Legally Pay Less in Taxes

    🚀 In this episode, Thomas Castelli, CPA and CFP, shares how investors can use real estate and tax strategy together to build long-term wealth. From his journey into syndications and apartment investing to the biggest tax mistakes investors make, Thomas breaks down practical strategies for both beginner and seasoned investors. Learn how to build the right financial team, avoid costly tax misconceptions, and position yourself for scalable real estate success. 🎧 Hosted by: Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Thomas Castelli – CPA, CFP, Tax Strategist & Real Estate Investor Thomas Castelli, CPA, CFP®, is a tax strategist and real estate investor recognized as a CPA Practice Advisor “40 Under 40” and NYSSCPA Emerging Leader. A Partner at Hall CPA and co-host of the Tax Smart REI Podcast (4M+ downloads), he has worked with 100+ investors and has experience as both a sponsor on an 82-unit apartment community and a limited partner in multiple syndications. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why every investor needs a tax strategist early in the process ✔️ The biggest misconceptions about real estate taxes ✔️ How proper bookkeeping can save investors thousands ✔️ What investors should know about syndications and scaling ✔️ Why mentorship and documentation are critical for long-term success 🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights! 💼 Connect with Thomas Castelli: 🌐 Website → https://www.therealestatecpa.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascastelli/ 🎧 Follow Deana Brummett: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    35 min
  7. How DSCR Loans Help Investors Scale Faster

    May 21

    How DSCR Loans Help Investors Scale Faster

    🚀 In this episode, Deana Brummett sits down with Andrew Postell, Originating Branch Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage, to break down the realities of homeownership, passive income, rental property investing, and mortgage strategies that everyday people can actually use. From FHA and DSCR loans to down payment assistance and long-term wealth building, Andrew shares real-world advice from both his lending career and his own experience as a real estate investor. If you’ve ever wondered whether now is the right time to buy, how investors scale rental portfolios, or how to overcome the fear of getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights. 🎧 Hosted by: Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Andrew Postell – Originating Branch Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage Andrew Postell is an Originating Branch Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage with experience in the mortgage and real estate investment industries. Recognized as a top producer by Scotsman Guide and Mortgage Executive Magazine, he specializes in VA, FHA, and DSCR loans. He also provides strategic guidance on homeownership, down payment assistance, and wealth-building strategies. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why waiting to buy a home can cost more in the long run ✔️ The difference between FHA, DSCR, and investment property loans ✔️ Strategies for building passive income through rental properties ✔️ The BRRRR method and other advanced investing strategies ✔️ The biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make ✔️ How to scale from one property to multiple rentals ✔️ Why real estate remains one of the strongest long-term investments 🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or first-time homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights into building wealth through real estate! 💼 Connect with Andrew Postell: 🌐 Website → https://crosscountrymortgage.com/bedford-tx-4797/andrew-postell/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpostell 🎧 Follow Deana Brummett: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    42 min
  8. How to Rewire Your Mind After Trauma and Start Winning

    May 14

    How to Rewire Your Mind After Trauma and Start Winning

    🚀 In this powerful episode of Make Yourself at Home, Deana Brummett sits down with inspirational speaker, real estate investor, and 9/11 responder Craig Sotkovsky for a deep conversation about resilience, mindset, trauma, healing, and creative real estate investing. Craig shares his journey battling lung cancer after volunteering during 9/11 cleanup efforts, overcoming addiction and personal trauma, and learning how mindset, epigenetics, and subconscious programming shape every part of our lives. From creative financing strategies to mastering the reticular activating system and learning how to “sit in the uncomfortable,” this episode dives into what it truly means to rebuild yourself from the inside out. 🎧 Hosted by: Deana Brummett 👤 Guest:🏡 Craig Sotkovsky – Inspirational Speaker, Real Estate Investor & Mindset Coach Craig Sotkovsky is an author, international speaker, and real estate investor whose personal journey of resilience, including serving as a 9/11 World Trade Center volunteer and surviving lung cancer, whice informs his work helping others transform mindset and performance. He teaches mindset, behavior, and business principles to audiences worldwide. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How mindset affects success in business and life ✔️ What the reticular activating system really is ✔️ How trauma and subconscious programming shape behavior ✔️ Creative real estate and owner-financing strategies ✔️ Why resilience and emotional control are critical for entrepreneurs ✔️ How meditation and self-awareness can transform your life ✔️ The importance of detachment from external validation 🎵 Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or someone looking to strengthen your mindset, this episode offers powerful insights and practical wisdom! 💼 Connect with Craig Sotkovsky: 🌐 Website → https://www.craigsotkovsky.com/🎧 Follow Deana Brummett: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/AtHomeintheCarolinas/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HomeintheCarolinas 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

    57 min
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About

Step into real estate with a host who truly knows it. With 18 years of experience since 2008 and millions in sales, she brings real-world insight to every episode. From Keller Williams to REMAX and now Coldwell Banker, Make Yourself at Home is a consumer-focused podcast offering clarity and confidence for buyers, investors, and the curious. Featuring nationwide experts, the show covers markets, legislation, investing strategies, and life in Charlotte—helping you make smarter decisions and maximize ROI.

Information

  • Creator
    Deana Brummett
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Deana Brummett
  • Show Website
    Make Yourself at Home