Most people think saving for a house is only about the down payment — but sometimes the real challenge is affording the monthly payment once you own it. In this episode, I share how my husband and I prepared financially for the new construction home we went under contract on in May 2023 — our third home overall, but the first one we purchased together.   Because we were using my husband’s VA loan and the builder covered closing costs, we didn’t need to save for a down payment. What we did need to save for? * Payment shock — our new mortgage was going to triple our current one * A financial cushion so we didn’t feel house-poor * Extra funds to buy down the interest rate when rates started climbing toward 8%   The home was supposed to be done in December, but delays pushed closing to March — and that turned out to be a blessing. With the money we saved, we bought down our interest rate to 5.6% instead of being stuck with 8%.   Inside this episode, you’ll hear: The system we used to track every expense and identify what to cut Why moving in with family temporarily helped us save the fastest How we mentally prepared for a much higher mortgage payment How we ended up saving enough to also start our first flip Why even repeat buyers need a first-time buyer mindset when the market shifts   This episode is for: * First-time buyers who feel overwhelmed by rising rates * Couples saving together for a home * VA buyers or zero-down buyers who still want to be financially prepared * Anyone terrified of “payment shock” or becoming house-poor   This episode is fully based on my own personal experience and I hope it helps you!

Selling a home is part financial… part emotional. This episode breaks down the psychology behind why some sellers unknowingly slow down, block, or sabotage their own sale — and how to shift into a “ready to sell” mindset.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what the market is really telling us about homes that haven’t sold or that are sitting a little longer than expected. We’ll talk about what zero showings or low activity actually mean — whether it’s price, presentation, or buyer sentiment — and how sellers can adjust to get their home back on track. From pricing strategy and seasonal shifts to the importance of curb appeal and photos, this episode helps make sense of what’s happening behind the numbers.

Foreclosures 101: Understanding the Process and the Current State of the U.S. Market   In this episode, I break down how the foreclosure process really works and share what’s happening with current foreclosure trends across the U.S. You’ll learn what triggers foreclosure, how timelines vary by state, and what steps homeowners can take to stay ahead of it. Disclosure: This episode is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal or financial advice.

In our first two flips ever, excitement quickly turned into chaos. Jesus and I share the real story behind how we saved for our first project, took out a HELOC for the second, and learned some expensive lessons along the way. From money mistakes to mayhem at home, this episode is a raw look at the ups, downs, and unexpected realities of flipping as a couple.   *Part 2 will reveal if we’d ever flip again — and whether it was worth it.

Buying your first home comes with a lot of excitement—and a lot of questions, especially about homeowners insurance. In this episode, I sit down with Yvonne, an insurance agent with over 25 years of experience, to uncover the truth about what a policy really covers (and what it doesn’t). We dive into the biggest misconceptions first-time homeowners have, how to avoid costly mistakes, and the common concerns that catch people off guard. Yvonne shares insider tips from her years in the industry—covering costs, coverage limits, and practical advice every new homeowner should hear. Whether you’re getting ready to purchase your first home or just want to be sure you’re protected the right way, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make smarter, more confident decisions. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Marysol Ortiz and Raw & Real Real Estate make no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Listeners should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.

Thinking about buying a home but not sure if a brand-new build or a resale is the smarter move? In this episode of Raw & Real Real Estate, I break down the pros and cons of both options so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget. We’ll talk about everything from price per square foot, customization, and builder incentives to lot size, and hidden costs in older homes. Learn about the top three warnings for each you don't often hear about but are important to know. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or planning your next move, this conversation will give you the clarity you need to decide if a new construction or a resale home is right for you. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Marysol Ortiz and Raw & Real Real Estate make no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Listeners should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.

In this episode of Raw & Real Real Estate, I sit down with Cesar Garcia, a loan officer with over 15 years of experience in the industry, to break down the most popular  questions buyers and homeowners face: how much interest rates really matter, whether 20% down actually lowers your monthly payment, and when refinancing makes sense — including the fees to watch out for. Cesar explains that the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your financial goals. Are you trying to save money long-term by reducing interest over the life of your loan? Or are you more focused on keeping monthly payments manageable to fit your budget today? We talk about the pros and cons of refinancing, what homeowners should consider before making a move, and why sometimes allocating extra cash elsewhere may make more sense than a large down payment. Whether you’re buying your first home, thinking about refinancing, or just trying to make the most of your money, this conversation will help you understand how to align your mortgage strategy with your personal goals. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Marysol Ortiz and Raw & Real Real Estate make no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Listeners should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.

In this episode, Patricia — with over 20 years in the title industry — breaks down what title insurance really is and why it matters. We dive into real stories of title fraud, talk about new legislation addressing this growing crime, and share practical ways you can protect yourself. Plus, we tackle the overlooked questions around inheritance and wills that every homeowner should know. Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Marysol Ortiz and Raw & Real Real Estate make no guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Listeners should consult their own qualified professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.

As of late August, several articles revealed that many sellers are pulling back from the market. In this episode, we’re going to unpack why this is happening and what impact it could have. You’ll learn how it might affect you—or someone you know—if you’re planning to buy or sell in the coming months.