In this episode of Keeping it REal, Kelly and Amanda sit down with Houston-based investor Marco Suarez to talk all things investment properties. Marco shares how he got started in the real estate game and breaks down the process of working with an investor — whether you’re looking for a total flip or just want a fast, stress-free sale. From easing the burden on homeowners to closing quickly with cash offers, Marco reveals how selling to an investor can be a win-win for those needing a simplified...
Aug 04, 2025•31 min•Ep. 25
On this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, we sit down with George Shumate from Lend Mortgage to break down the world of investment loans — from fix-and-flip projects to turning dreams of a wine bar, wedding venue, or vacation rental into a real estate reality. George walks us through how to secure properties and build an investment portfolio without needing a pile of cash, all while avoiding the common pitfalls that leave many investors stuck or overwhelmed. If you’ve ever wonder...
Jul 14, 2025•24 min•Ep. 24
Educational? Definitely. Surprisingly fun? You bet. Even a little sentimental. Let’s keep it REal — this one’s BYLT to last. Think roofing’s boring? Think again! In this episode, we chat with Steven and Nicole Ball of Modern BYLT Roofing — a family-owned company all about Building Your Legacy Together . It’s not just about the roof over your head — it’s about protecting everything (and everyone) underneath it. We talk about what to really look for in a trustworthy roofing company, why relationsh...
Jun 30, 2025•39 min•Ep. 23
On this episode of Keeping It REal with Kelly and Amanda, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of home warranties—what they cover, how to get one, and why every homebuyer should pay attention. Joining us is none other than Maurie Reynolds, the home warranty guru from Choice Home Warranty, and she’s bringing the goods! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when your fridge dies right after move-in or if your home warranty will really come through in a pinch, this episode is for you. Maurie dishes o...
Jun 24, 2025•32 min•Ep. 22
This week, we’re joined by Matt & Shelley Mitchell from Divorce Equity Solutions—a powerhouse expert duo (and married couple!) who specialize in helping individuals navigate the real estate and financial complexities of divorce. With a deep understanding of both emotional and financial challenges, they guide clients through customized strategies to protect equity, avoid common pitfalls, and make confident, informed decisions. They explain why getting expert advice early—rather than waiting u...
Jun 09, 2025•34 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda , we’re joined by Damon Johnson, a remodeling expert from Creekwood Construction. With experience transforming homes, Damon specializes in bringing properties back to life—whether you're starting with a clear vision or need guidance along the way. From the initial concept to the final walkthrough and cleanup, Damon walks us through the process of ensuring a smooth, stress-free remodel. He emphasizes the importance of working with a reliabl...
May 26, 2025•14 min•Ep. 20
Ever wonder what really goes into determining a home’s value? In this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, we sit down with real estate expert Linda Wilkins — a powerhouse in sales, appraisals, and staging — to demystify the appraisal process. From curb appeal to square footage and everything in between, Linda breaks down what appraisers are really looking for, how the process works from start to finish, and what clients should expect (and avoid!). Whether you’re buying, selling, or...
May 19, 2025•32 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda , we’re joined by Megan Walker, a Loan Officer at Firehouse Mortgage, a Veteran-owned lender based in Humble, TX. Megan explains the ins and outs of VA Loans—offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—and how they serve military veterans, active duty service members, national guard and reserve members, surviving spouses, and certain service members with service-connected disabilities. She details eligibility requirements,...
May 12, 2025•28 min•Ep. 18
Welcome to Keeping It REal with Kelly and Amanda — the podcast where curiosity meets conversation. In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of estate sales with special guest Tiffany Craig from New Chapter Estate Sales . Whether you’re thinking about hosting one, love hunting for hidden treasures, or simply want to understand how estate sales really work, Tiffany offers an insider’s look at the process, the surprises, and the stories behind the sales. You’ll walk away with a whol...
May 05, 2025•30 min•Ep. 17
This week on Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda , we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of construction loans with our amazing guest, Erin Merryman, loan officer at Highlands Residential Mortgage. If you’ve ever wondered how to go from owning a piece of land to living in your custom-built dream home—or even creating a full-blown family compound—this is the episode for you. Erin walks us through how construction loans really work, how lenders handle everything from land-only purchases to full bu...
Apr 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 16
When most people hear “USDA,” they think of food labels—not home loans. But in this episode of Keeping it REal , Kelly and Amanda sit down with mortgage broker Gavin Foley from Motto Mortgage to talk about one of the most overlooked financing options out there: USDA loans. Designed to help buyers in rural and some suburban areas, USDA loans offer unique advantages, including zero down payment and competitive interest rates. Gavin breaks down what these loans are, who qualifies, and how they can ...
Apr 21, 2025•17 min•Ep. 15
This week on Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda , we’re talking insurance—but don’t worry, it’s way more interesting (and important) than you think! Our guest, Brian Reese from Cash & Forbes Insurance Group, LLC, breaks down why homeowners insurance should never be an afterthought. Brian shares why you should get a sort of “insurance pre-approval” before you even close on a home—because those policy costs can seriously shift your budget. One major factor? The roof. Yep, it’s often the pri...
Apr 14, 2025•19 min•Ep. 14
In this episode of Keeping it REal, Kelly and Amanda are joined by Lance LaGarce, a loan officer from Nations Lending, for a clear and informative conversation about conventional loans. Lance breaks down key aspects like credit scores, down payments, and debt-to-income ratios, making the process easy to understand. He shares practical advice and real-world examples, emphasizing the importance of education and preparation. With thoughtful questions from the hosts, this episode offers valuable ins...
Apr 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 13
Buying or selling a home? A home inspection can make or break a deal, but knowing what to expect can help you navigate the process with confidence. In this episode of Keeping it REal, Kelly and Amanda sit down with Clint Fischer of Falcon Real Estate Inspections to walk through the inspection process from start to finish. Clint breaks down what inspectors look for, common issues that arise, and how both buyers and sellers can prepare. He also shares expert insights on setting realistic expectati...
Mar 31, 2025•21 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, Kelly and Amanda are keeping it real! Join them as they open up about their own lives, the moments that brought them together, and the experiences that shaped their friendship. They’re also diving into the framework and content that will matter most to listeners — sharing stories, laughter, and a few hard truths. Their mission? To make everybody feel like a somebody. Whether it’s navigating life’s ups and downs or celebrating small victories, Kelly and Amanda are here to remind ...
Mar 24, 2025•18 min•Ep. 11
Kelly and Amanda chat with Grant Oneal from Fulcrum Home Loans about FHA loans—one of the most accessible financing options for homebuyers. They discuss qualification requirements, the loan process, and common misconceptions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or re-entering the market, this episode offers key insights to help you navigate FHA loans with confidence.
Mar 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, the hosts dive into the spirit of spring – a season of new beginnings, renewal, and growth. As they “spring forward,” Kelly and Amanda reflect on the valuable insights shared in past episodes and the expert advice from their guest speakers. They discuss how this guidance can help listeners take the next steps in their home buying, selling, and personal growth journeys. Filled with inspiration, practical tips, and encouragement, this episo...
Mar 10, 2025•13 min•Ep. 9
Welcome to Episode 8 of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda! Today, we’re excited to have Paula Griffin May, loan officer at Success Mortgage Partners, with us to talk about one of the most important factors in your financial journey—your credit. Paula will guide us through the steps to get your credit where it needs to be, whether you’re looking to buy a home now or in the future. We’ll discuss how to improve your credit score and make a solid plan to strengthen your financial profile. Paula ...
Mar 03, 2025•22 min•Ep. 8
In Episode 7, Kelly and Amanda sit down with Jacob Richardson from HomeTown Title to shed light on the often-overlooked side of property taxes during a home purchase. They discuss tax prorations, escrowing, protests, exemptions, and the responsibilities every home buyer should be aware of when preparing for closing. Jacob offers expert advice on navigating property taxes to avoid future burdens and ensure a seamless, informed home-buying experience. This episode is packed with essential insights...
Feb 24, 2025•17 min•Ep. 7
Episode 6: Becoming a Champion of Your Own Life - With Wealth Strategist Jeanna Bumpas In this episode, wealth strategist Jeanna Bumpas shares her holistic approach to success—going beyond financial achievement to becoming a champion of your own life. Jeanna explores how breaking free from limiting beliefs and setting systems, not just goals, can help you reach your full potential. Key Topics: • Championing Your Own Life: Shifting from passive to empowered. • Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs:...
Feb 17, 2025•16 min•Ep. 6
In Episode 5, Kelly and Amanda reflect on past motivation tips and how stepping out of your comfort zone opens the doors to success. From there, the path you take is up to you. They remind you, “If you’re not changing it, you’re choosing it.” Whether it’s adjusting your eating habits, tweaking your morning routine, or making bigger life changes, they challenge listeners to create visual goals to spark transformation and stay on track. Time to shake things up and make those changes stick!
Feb 10, 2025•16 min•Ep. 5
🎙 Podcast Announcement: Episode 4 🎙 🏡 Are you a first-time homebuyer or know someone feeling overwhelmed by the home-buying process? This episode is just for you! We’re thrilled to welcome Jeff Shealey with HMA Mortgage as our special guest on Episode 4. Jeff brings his expertise and a wealth of experience to the table, helping ease the fears of first-time homebuyers. Sharing tips for a smoother journey, he’s here to help you take that exciting first step toward homeownership with confidence!...
Feb 03, 2025•23 min•Ep. 4
🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️ We’re thrilled to announce the 3rd episode of Keeping it REal is now live! 🎉 This episode features our very first guest, John Altic , the incredible owner of JLA Real Estate . John’s motivational story and powerful insights are sure to leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on your next challenge! 🙌 He opens up about his personal journey of overcoming fear and how facing those challenges head-on paved the way for his remarkable success. It’s a conversat...
Jan 27, 2025•20 min•Ep. 3
In this episode, we dive deep into the emotions and challenges that come with facing fear. Whether it’s navigating major life changes, taking the leap into homeownership, or stepping outside your comfort zone, fear is a natural part of growth. We share personal experiences, practical tips, and inspiring insights to help you push past fear and embrace the opportunities on the other side. Tune in for a real, relatable conversation about overcoming doubts and taking bold steps forward—whether in li...
Jan 20, 2025•19 min•Ep. 2
Debut Episode: “Welcome to Keeping it REal!” In this debut episode of Keeping it REal, we’re introducing you to the heart of the podcast! Meet your hosts, Kelly Swartz and Amanda Mabry of the Swartz Realty Group, powered by JLA, in Texas, and learn what we’re all about. We’re bringing you a perfect blend of expert real estate advice, fun discussions, and community-focused content. Whether you’re here to laugh, learn, or stay informed, we’ve got something for everyone. So let’s dive in and keep i...
Jan 13, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1
