Beyond the Signs

Lending 101

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Buying a home doesn’t have to mean navigating a maze of hidden fees, confusing jargon, and credit-score anxiety. In this episode, we sit down with mortgage expert, Steve Schneider from Rate, to uncover what it really takes to get approved—without the guesswork.

From buying a house with zero down to clearing credit using non-traditional bills (like Disney+ and Venmo), Steve breaks down how to avoid common buyer traps and structure a loan that actually fits your future.

Whether you're a nervous first-time buyer or looking for creative financing options, hit play to learn how to make the mortgage process work for you!

Welcome to Beyond the Signs! We’re licensed Iowa Realtors ®, Jakob Elmquist-Tsui with Amy Wienands Real Estate, Janae Ohrt with Century 21 Signature Real Estate, and Amy Schaefer with RE/MAX Concepts, sharing general information and real-world insights about buying and selling real estate. Every situation is unique, so this podcast isn’t intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, be sure to consult the appropriate professional.

Buying & Selling Myths Part 2

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Are all home renovations worth the investment? Is spring really the only good time to buy or sell? And can you actually trust a Zestimate?

In this episode of Beyond the Signs, we pull back the curtain on common home buying and selling myths. From the hidden truth behind Zillow estimates to why waiting for interest rates to drop might hold you back from your ideal home, we share insider insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice every buyer and seller needs to hear.

Buying & Selling Myths

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Ever feel like navigating the real estate market is full of confusing rules and outdated advice? In this episode of Beyond the Signs, we pull back the curtain on the biggest real estate myths holding home buyers and sellers back today.

Whether you're wondering if you actually need 20% down to buy a house, curious about what "selling as-is" really means for your bottom line, or looking for simple ways to prep your home for listing photos without spending a fortune, this episode has you covered. We share practical tips on pricing strategies, mortgage insurance, listing photography, and staging tactics that can make or break your next big move. Tune in to get the candid, behind-the-scenes insights you need to buy or sell with confidence!

Introductions

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Beyond the Signs! Real estate is about so much more than transaction numbers and lawn signs—it's about community, home, and major life moments. That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain on the real estate world to guide you past the yard signs and into the heart of home buying, selling, and everything in between.

In our debut episodes, we’re introducing ourselves, sharing why we love what we do, and giving you an insider look at what’s really happening in today's market. Grab a cup of coffee and get ready for honest advice, relatable stories, and expert guidance. Welcome to the neighborhood—let’s go Beyond the Signs.