Money Moves with Michael

Michael Fornerette

Join nationally recognized loan officer Michael Fornerette as he breaks down the homebuying journey in a way that’s clear, practical, and empowering. From understanding loan types and debunking credit myths to exploring advanced strategies, market trends, and interest rates, this podcast is designed to equip, educate, and empower you to build wealth through smart homeownership decisions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to level up your real estate game, Michael delivers expert insights to help you succeed.

  1. APR 3

    The Closing Disclosure - Understanding Your Final Numbers (And How to Avoid Wire Fraud)

    You're a few days away from closing. Everything's moving forward. Then you get an email from your lender with a document attached: Your closing disclosure. This is one of the most important documents you'll receive, and you need to review it carefully. Today, we're talking about the Top 4 Sections You Must Review in Your Closing Disclosure. What it is, what to check, and most importantly, how to avoid wire fraud when sending your money. Loan terms - Confirming your amount, rate, and payment Projected payments - Your full monthly payment including everything Closing costs - Every fee broken down line by line Cash to close - The exact amount you need to wire Up next: Episode 24 (last one of season two!)- Closing Day - What Happens at the Table Connect with Michael and his team with any questions or to start your homebuying journey Subscribe to Money Moves with Michael so you never miss an episode. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    14 min

  2. MAR 24

    The Final Walk-Through - Your Last Chance to Catch Problems (The 6 Things You Must Check Before Closing)

    In this episode of Money Moves with Michael, Michael breaks down the six critical things every buyer must check during their final walk-through—the last opportunity to catch issues before they become your responsibility. You’ll learn: Why the final walk-through is non‑negotiable The exact repairs, appliances, and utilities you must verify How to spot new damage that may have happened during move‑out What keys, remotes, and access codes you should receive Why the home must be completely empty before closing What to do—and what rights you have—if something isn’t right Plus, Michael shares a real story of a flooded basement discovered just hours before closing… and how a walk-through saved the buyer thousands. This checklist protects you. Follow it, document everything, and don’t close until the home is truly ready. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    15 min

  3. MAR 16

    When the Appraisal Comes in Low (Your 4 Options and How to Decide)

    The appraisal came in below your purchase price — don't panic. Michael walks through your four options for handling an appraisal gap and how to negotiate a solution without letting emotions drive a costly mistake. Your 4 Options Bring extra cash to closing — cover the gap yourself. Best when the gap is small and won't drain your savings. Negotiate the price down — ask the seller to meet the appraised value. Works best in a buyer's market or when the seller is motivated. Meet in the middle — split the difference. Often the most realistic solution for both sides. Walk away — invoke your appraisal contingency and get your earnest money back. The right call when the gap is too large or the seller won't budge. Next Episode Episode 22: The Final Walk-Through — what to check before closing to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed to. Subscribe to Money Moves with Michael so you never miss an episode. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    11 min

  4. MAR 13

    Understanding Appraisals - What They Are and Why They Matter (Your Lender's $500 Protection Against Overpaying)

    You found your dream home, made an offer, and the seller accepted — now what? Before your lender hands over the money, they need to know the house is actually worth what you're paying for it. That's where the appraisal comes in. In this episode, Michael breaks down exactly what an appraisal is, how the process works, and how appraisers determine a home's value using comparable sales (comps). What You'll Learn in This Episode What an appraisal is — and why your lender requires one before approving your mortgage Who orders it and who pays — you pay, but you don't get to choose the appraiser (and why that matters) The timeline — what to expect from start to finish (typically 7–10 days) Types of appraisals — full interior, exterior-only/drive-by, and desktop appraisals How appraisers determine value — understanding comps (comparable sales) and the adjustment process Why appraisals actually protect you — even when the number isn't what you hoped for Coming Up Next Episode 21: What to Do When the Appraisal Comes in Low If the appraisal comes back under your purchase price, you have options — and knowing them could save you thousands. Don't miss it. Connect with Michael Subscribe to Money Moves with Michael so you never miss an episode. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    17 min

  5. MAR 2

    Negotiating After the Inspection 101 (Getting Repairs Done or Money Back)

    In this episode of Money Moves with Michael, Michael Fornerette breaks down the five essential steps every homebuyer needs to follow when negotiating repairs after the inspection. Whether you're trying to secure repairs, negotiate credits, or decide when it’s time to walk away, this episode gives you the exact roadmap to protect your wallet and keep the deal alive. If you’ve ever wondered what’s reasonable to ask for—or how to avoid getting stuck with expensive surprises—this episode is your guide. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Create a Specific List of Requests Prioritize the Big Stuff Understand the Seller’s Options Why Cash Credits Beat Seller Repairs Pick Your Battles Key Takeaways Be specific with repair requests—no “fix everything” lists. Focus on red flags and major expenses first. Know the seller’s options so you’re prepared for any response. Choose credits over repairs to control quality and cost. Decide strategically when to accept, counter, or walk away. Next Episode Episode 20 dives into appraisals—what happens when the appraisal comes in low, how it affects your loan, and how to negotiate when the numbers don’t match your offer. Subscribe so you don’t miss it! This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    8 min

  6. FEB 27

    Inspection Red Flags, Yellow Flags, and Green Flags (What’s Serious vs. What’s Normal)

    In Episode 18 of Money Moves with Michael, Michael Fornerette tackles one of the most overwhelming moments in the homebuying process: getting your inspection report back and trying to figure out what actually matters. With pages of photos, notes, and issues, it’s easy to panic — but this episode gives you a simple, clear system to separate serious problems from normal wear and tear. Michael breaks down: The red flags that signal major expense or safety risk — foundation issues, termite damage, failing roofs, dangerous electrical panels, water damage, septic failure, and contaminated well water The yellow flags that aren’t emergencies but will cost money soon — aging HVAC systems, older water heaters, minor leaks, failing gutters, and single‑pane windows The green flags that every home has — small cracks, peeling paint, burnt‑out bulbs, and other routine maintenance items You’ll learn how to categorize each finding, what’s worth negotiating, when to ask for credits, and why trying to fight over every tiny item can actually hurt your deal. Michael also shares how his team helps buyers interpret inspection reports and stay focused on the issues that truly matter. Next week: How to negotiate repairs and credits after the inspection — and get results without blowing up the deal. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    13 min

  7. FEB 23

    What Home Inspectors Actually Check (The Complete Walk-Through of an Inspection)

    Welcome back to Money Moves with Michael! Today, Michael Fornerette is taking you inside the home inspection — the full walk‑through of what inspectors actually check, why it matters, and how it protects you from buying a money pit. You already know why you should never skip an inspection. Now it’s time to understand what you’re paying for during those two to four hours an inspector is crawling, climbing, testing, and documenting every inch of the home. In this episode, Michael breaks down the Top 5 Areas Inspectors Examine, including: ✅ Structural Components ✅ Mechanical Systems ✅ Exterior ✅ Interior ✅ Hidden Spaces Michael also shares why you should attend your inspection, what questions to ask, and how to understand the report once it arrives. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to spot red flags early, protect your investment, and walk into homeownership with confidence. 📌 Next Episode: Red Flags, Yellow Flags, and Green Flags — how to tell what’s serious and what’s just normal wear and tear. 💬 Need help reviewing an inspection report? Call Michael and The Fornerette Team today! This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    12 min

  8. FEB 20

    Home Inspections - Your $500 Insurance Policy (Why You Never Waive This Protection)

    Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and skipping the inspection is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. In this episode of Money Moves with Michael, Michael Fornerette breaks down why a home inspection is the smartest $500 you’ll ever spend. Using real stories, practical examples, and clear guidance, Michael explains how inspections uncover hidden issues, give you negotiation power, protect you from financial disasters, and teach you how to care for your new home. The Top 5 Reasons You Never Waive an Inspection Hidden problems you’d never spot on your own How inspection reports give you leverage to negotiate repairs or credits When an inspection helps you walk away from a money pit Why attending the inspection is a mini‑course in homeownership The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what you’re buying If you’re buying a home — especially in a competitive market — this episode gives you the confidence and clarity to protect your investment. Michael explains why the inspection is your safety net, your negotiation tool, and your best defense against unexpected expenses. As always, don't hesitate to reach out to Michael and his team for information and advice! This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    11 min
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About

Join nationally recognized loan officer Michael Fornerette as he breaks down the homebuying journey in a way that’s clear, practical, and empowering. From understanding loan types and debunking credit myths to exploring advanced strategies, market trends, and interest rates, this podcast is designed to equip, educate, and empower you to build wealth through smart homeownership decisions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to level up your real estate game, Michael delivers expert insights to help you succeed.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Fornerette
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Money Moves with Michael