Welcome to The Smart Homebuying Podcast! This is the podcast for parents who are ready to create a lasting foundation for their family. If you’re dreaming of a safe, stable home that you can truly call your own, where your kids can grow up with confidence and security, you’re in the right place.

I’m Laura—a mom of two, a proud homeowner, and a dedicated homebuying coach here to help you achieve more than just a house. This journey is about building a secure future, investing in generational wealth, and finding that feeling of independence and accomplishment. You’ve worked hard, saved, and dreamed, and now I’m here to make sure those dreams come to life in the best way possible.

Each week, three times a week, I’ll share solo episodes packed with actionable tips and invite experts to discuss everything from budgeting and finding a trustworthy agent to avoiding the common mistakes that can hold families back. This podcast is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make smart, future-focused decisions that align with your family’s biggest goals.

And yes, I’m here as the real me—Hispanic immigrant, fun-loving mom, and friend who understands just how much this journey matters. I keep things honest, straightforward, and always with your family’s dreams in mind. I’ll even throw in some Spanglish here and there to keep it lively—because buying a home doesn’t have to be stiff and serious; it can be exciting, empowering, and yes, even a little fun!

If you’re ready to take the leap, secure your family’s future, and reach that dream of homeownership with confidence, join me every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Let’s take one step closer to the home—and the life—you deserve.

Tune in to The Smart Homebuying Podcast and start building the future you’ve always dreamed of!

What Others Say About Our Podcast...

"I have literally listened to every single podcast you've put out! Your podcast gave me the confidence and knowledge to be serious about being a first-time home buyer! Truly, I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't learned so much to make me feel like it was a realistic possibility. More importantly, they made me feel like I didn't have to navigate this stuff alone. Even though I never met you or had a convo with you or any of your guests, I always felt like I had an expert on my side."
Nik

Podcast Episodes

Bartholomeo Troiano

Why Talking To A Lender Is (Always) The First Step In Your Home Buying Process – with Bartholomeo Troiano – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 174

Introduction Bartholomeo Troiano is a Loan Officer based in New York where he loves guiding homebuyers through their lending process with as little headache and as much excitement as possible. Outside of work he loves hitting the gym, running, and personal development as well. Get In Touch With Our Guest…

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Justin-Bayle

Why “Buy Now” Is The Best Advice For First Time Home Buyers, with Justin Bayle – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 173

Introduction Justin Bayle is a Branch Leader at Movement Mortgage and co-founder at LendLA team. Justin and the excellent support staff at LendLA are always available to close your transaction quickly and with some of the best rates and terms in the market. Get In Touch With Our Guest Today…

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Mark Fisher

Tips After 1,800 Loans Originated, by Mark Fisher – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 172

Introduction Mark Fisher is one of the top 500 loan originators in the country and over the past ten years, he has helped over 1800 families achieve their goal of homeownership. He believes that it is extremely important to communicate with realtors, attorneys, and borrowers before and during a transaction…

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Dianne Alonte

How To Win An Offer In California’s Fast Moving Market, with Dianne Alonte

Introduction Dianne Alonte is an amazing mortgage advisor for the company Finance of America. She has been among the top 1% mortgage loan originators in America for the last 2 years and she wants to teach us not only how to buy a property but also how to win their…

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Brad Zibung

Why Your Real Estate Agent Should Do A Home Buyer Presentation, with Brad Zibung – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 170

Introduction Brad Zibung is a real estate agent in Chicago. He has represented dozens of first-time home buyers over the last 12 months and he enjoys finding solutions that work for everyone. When he is not working you can find him with his wife and their assortment of rescue dogs…

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Christian Busch

How To Buy A Home In Miami, with Christian Busch – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 169

Introduction Christian Busch is a real estate agent in South Florida. With a background in technology, he has been a real estate agent and investor for over 10 years in New York both and Miami. Get In Touch With Our Guest Today If you’d like to get in touch with…

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Sonny Pham

Why You Shouldn’t Wait To Find The Perfect Home, with Sonny Pham – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 168

Introduction Sonny Pham is a real estate agent in San Jose, California. He has been in business for over 35 years and he loves seeing his buyers move into their dream homes. On top of that, he also has access to bank-owned properties being one of the only agents in…

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Michael Fabbro

How To Have The Most Awesome Feeling Buying Your First Home With Michael Fabbro – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 167

Introduction Michael Fabbro is a real estate agent in Phoenix, Arizona. Michael’s favorite part of being a REALTOR® is the opportunity to become acquainted with so many interesting people and help them realize their goals. He respects the fact that this isn’t like any other purchase – because unless you’re…

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Angelo Christian

Angelo Christian

  Introduction Angelo Christian is one of the Top Producing Loan Originators in the country. As the CEO of Christian Financial, Angelo has helped thousands of people buy their first home. He is also an author and has been featured in Bloomberg, CNN, and Good Morning America, to name just…

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Robert Glasser

Robert Glasser

Introduction Robert Glasser is a loan officer based in Little Falls, New Jersey. He is passionate about helping clients, adding value, and building relationships and he says that although mortgages can be incredible tools to build wealth, as a first-time home buyer you really need to prepare yourself. Get In…

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Owen Raun

Owen Raun

Introduction Owen Raun started as a loan officer in 1992. He, founded and grew his company to become one of the more successful online lenders which sold in 2012. Now he is a happy loan officer helping clients in the Houston area. Get In Touch With Our Guest Today If…

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Cody Wickham

[ episode] Introduction Cody Wickham is a real estate agent in Austin, Texas where he loves helping homebuyers with his in-depth awareness of the Austin Real Estate market. When he is not working, Cody likes hiking, swimming, eating delicious tacos, and hitting the sand volleyball courts! Get In Touch With…

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Lori Fowler

Lori Fowler

[ episode] Introduction Lori Fowler is the Broker and Owner of Charitable Realty, a firm ranked among the top in the DFW area. Lori closes an average of 75 homes per year. Her passion surrounds serving Veterans and first-time homebuyers. Lori has a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas….

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Sam Shaffer

The (Fast And Furious) Market In Chicago, How To Buy A Home In Chicago with Sam Shaffer

Introduction Sam Shaffer is the Founder and Managing Broker at Chicago Properties. He consistently ranks in the top 1% of Chicago brokers and thousands of clients have worked with him and his team to sell or find a home in Chicago. Get In Touch With Our Guest Today If you’d…

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Nick Gromicko - The First Time Home Buyer Podcast

Why You Should Hire The Most Expensive Home Inspector, with Nick Gromicko – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 139

Introduction Nick Gromicko is the founder of InterNACHI®, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. With operations in nine languages and 61 countries, InterNACHI® is the first trade association (in any industry) that wrapped around the globe with 30,000 inspectors in just North America. Get In Touch With Our Guest…

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Evan Compean - The First Time Home Buyer Podcast

Why You Shouldn’t Rush To Buy A Home, with Evan Compean – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 138

Introduction Evan Compean is the founder of The Compean Group, a boutique real estate agency based in Houston, Texas. He is an experienced buyer’s agent, seller’s agent, and investor. He has more than 100 raving reviews from clients on multiple platforms like Zillow, Google, and Yelp! And if you want…

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Brandon Beatty - The First Time Home Buyer Podcast

Why You Need To Know The Type Of Homes In Your Area, with Brandon Beatty – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 137

Introduction Brandon Beatty is a New Jersey-based licensed home inspector who provides services for investors and home buyers. In the last 12 months, he has helped over 100 homebuyers and he is going to teach us all about the main systems & components of a house and what to look…

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Jacob McIntyre - The First Time Home Buyer Podcast

How To Have A Great Home Inspection in Oregon, with Jacob Mcintyre – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 136

Introduction Jacob McIntyre is the owner of Obsidian Inspections where he has been conducting inspections for the past two years in Oregon. Over this period they have completed hundreds of residential home inspections, commercial inspections, and mold inspections. And if you want to access more resources on how to buy…

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Rachel Cruze

Why You Should Be Debt-Free And Have An Emergency Fund To Buy A Home, with Rachel Cruze – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 135

Introduction Rachel Cruze is a national best-selling author, financial expert, and host of The Rachel Cruze Show. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget, and how to win with money at any stage in life. She has authored three…

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Chelsea Brennan

Why You Need To Remember That Costs And Expenses Aren’t Done After You Buy Your Home, with Chelsea Brennan – The First Time Home Buyer Podcast – Episode 134

Introduction Chelsea Brennan is the founder of Smart Money Mamas. An ex-hedge fund manager turned financial educator, she is dedicated to changing the way we talk about money and create healthy money habits that help moms achieve their biggest goals. Get In Touch With Our Guest Today If you’d like…

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