Nestology Podcast

Warranties can be confusing—home warranties, builder warranties, repair warranties—what’s covered, what’s not, and when they actually make sense. In this episode, we break it all down so you know how to protect your home and your wallet.

We cover:

• The truth about home warranties and why fine print matters
• What’s included in a builder’s warranty (and when it expires)
• How repair and service warranties really work
• Common misconceptions...

Think new homes don’t need inspections? Think again. In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Kiminki, owner of Green Star Home Inspections, who specializes in inspecting brand-new construction. Chris breaks down why even newly built homes can hide costly issues, what phase inspections are, and how they protect buyers throughout the building process.

From foundations and framing to final walk-throughs, Chris explains what homeowners s...

The insurance world feels a bit like the Wild West right now—rates are climbing, coverage is shrinking, and many homeowners are left wondering what’s going on. In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Courtney McManis with Farmers Insurance, who gives us a timely update on what’s happening in the insurance industry and why.

Courtney breaks down the key changes, from skyrocketing premiums to limited coverage options, and shares...

It’s our 50th episode 🎉 and we’re diving into a powerful (but often overlooked) option for today’s buyers—renovation loans. With so many people turning to new construction, it’s easy to forget that older homes full of character can be updated and personalized with the right financing. Renovation loans open the door to buying the house you love and making it what you need.

In this episode, we break down:

• What renovation loans are...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of plumbing with special guest Clayton Robinson, owner of CR Plumbing. From leaky faucets to cast iron pipes, Clayton shares what every homeowner should know to maintain a healthy plumbing system.

We cover:

• General plumbing maintenance
• Water heaters (and how to take care of them)
• Cast iron plumbing issues
• Water filtration systems
• What not to put down your disposal (you might be surprised!)
...

In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Georgia from HomeSmiles of Fort Worth, a company that specializes in preventative home maintenance. Georgia walks us through why regular upkeep is so important, what tasks homeowners often forget, and how proactive maintenance can save you thousands in the long run. Whether it’s HVAC servicing, water heater drainage, or seasonal checkups, this episode will help you stay ahead of costly...

This episode is a little different. We’re pressing pause on the usual tips and advice to take off our professional hats and be fully human for a minute. The past few months have thrown us some curveballs—both professionally and personally—and today we’re just venting. Real talk. Real feelings. No filter.

We all face stress, burnout, and moments where everything feels like a lot. So consider this your permission slip to do the same. ...

In this episode, we're breaking down the ins and outs of real estate disclosures—what they are, why they matter, and what sellers are legally required to share. If you're selling a home, it’s critical to understand what needs to be disclosed (even if it’s been fixed!). And for buyers, we'll explain how to read between the lines of a disclosure form and what red flags to watch for. Whether you're trying to protec...

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the trickiest real estate moves: selling your current home while buying your next one. Which should come first? How do you time it right? We break down the pros and cons of buying before selling (and vice versa), explore tools and strategies that can help bridge the gap, and share tips to reduce the stress during this major transition. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocati...

In this episode, we're diving into the world of corporate relocation. From understanding how relocation (relo) companies work to breaking down typical relo packages, we explain what buyers and sellers need to know when a job move is involved. Whether you're relocating for work, supporting a client through a corporate move, or just curious about the process, we cover the benefits, the limitations, and how to make the most ...

In this episode, we're joined by a senior relocation specialist, Cathi Coridan, who shares valuable advice for seniors—and their families—who are preparing for a downsize or major move. Whether it's transitioning to a smaller home, moving into assisted living, or simply planning ahead, she walks us through the emotional and logistical steps of making a smooth transition. From sorting and letting go of belongings to coordi...

In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Elizabeth Hamilton, interior designer and founder of Elizabeth Hamilton Interiors. Elizabeth walks us through the full design process—whether it’s styling a single room, designing a whole home, or working with new construction. We cover what it’s like to hire a designer, how budgets are managed, and what to expect during setup. Plus, we dive into how to discover your personal style, sh...

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a little extra attention. In this episode, we’re sharing essential spring home repairs and maintenance tips to help you protect your investment and keep everything running smoothly. From roof checks to HVAC tune-ups, landscaping to cleaning gutters, we’ve got your seasonal checklist covered. Whether you're staying put or getting ready to sell, these simple tasks can save you from co...

Appraisers... the mysterious, oddly powerful figures of the real estate world! In this episode, we're joined by certified appraiser Wayne Richardson to pull back the curtain on what appraisers actually do—and what they don’t. Wayne answers the questions buyers and sellers ask all the time: Do home improvements really add value? Do repairs make a difference? How should you prepare for an appraisal? As the unbiased third party i...

 In part two of our home-building series, we dive into the world of custom homes and building on land. Beyond choosing a builder and designing your dream home, we discuss the critical due diligence steps for the land itself—testing, zoning, easements, and utilities. From permits to site preparation, we break down the complexities of building on your own lot so you know what to expect. We also discuss the difference in financing opt...

In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Lynsie Gridley (friend, real estate agent and investment pro) to break down the basics of real estate investing. Whether you're considering your first investment property or just want to understand the fundamentals, Lynsie covers the different types of income properties, key terms to know, and what to consider before diving in. If you've ever wondered how to get started in re...

In this episode, we’re answering listener questions on some of the most common real estate and mortgage topics! We’ll give a market update, learn about loans being sold off, discuss the accuracy of online home valuations, and clear up the confusion around how applying for a mortgage affects your credit. Tune in for expert insights and straight answers to your real estate questions! 

Do you have questions? Send them in and we will be...

In part 1 of our building a home series, we explore the world of production builders, semi-custom and spec homes. We'll break down what to expect, discuss the pros and cons, and share key insights to help you decide if this streamlined approach is right for you. We also share some of the important questions to ask and things to look out for! Stay tuned for part two, where we'll dive into the custom home process for a more...

In this episode, we go behind the scenes in mortgage lending to demystify why lenders ask so many "nosy" questions. Shelley explains the reasons behind each request, shedding light on how these details help secure the best loan for you while protecting both you and the lender. Tune in for an eye-opening look at the mortgage process and discover why those seemingly intrusive questions are actually in your best interest. 

Se...