On the House: Recent Episodes
Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
Welcome to On the House, a podcast focusing on homeownership and the home buying process. On the House is produced by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, a nonprofit that provides down payment grants and tax credits to home buyers. Learn more at www.tsahc.org.
The legislative session may be over, but the conversation is just getting started.
In this episode, we break down Texas’ 89th Legislative Session with Bryan Tony (Dallas Housing Coalition) and Todd Kercheval (Kercheval & Associates), exploring the legislative progress made for affordable housing and what it means for the future of housing policy in Texas.
In honor of TSAHC’s 30th anniversary, we’re sitting down with someone who’s been there nearly every step of the way. In this special anniversary episode, host Michael Wilt speaks with David Long, President of the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC), to reflect on 30 years of impact, growth, and innovation. From the organization’s early beginnings to its current role in expanding housing opportunities across Texas, David shares stories, milestones, and insights from his decades of leadership — offering a look at where TSAHC has been and where it’s headed next.
What does it take to turn a vision for supportive housing into a place people can call home? In this episode, Michael Wilt sits down with Sally Gaskin, Founder and President of SGI Ventures, to talk about Cady Lofts, a newly opened supportive housing development in Austin, Texas. Sally shares the story behind the project, the challenges and successes along the way, and how Cady Lofts will serve some of Austin’s most vulnerable residents.
Mireille Hernandez and her husband love Fort Worth and knew they wanted to buy a home there. Their parents live close by, and it was very important to them to raise their two children close to their grandparents. Mireille learned about TSAHC’s home buyer programs through her lender Stacy Lynn Schriever, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer with Highlands Residential Mortgage. With Stacy’s help, they stuck to a strict budget to overcome credit challenges, qualify for TSAHC’s assistance, and become homeowners. In today's episode, we chat with Mireille and Stacy about how they navigated the home buying process together.
Interest rates are an important factor to consider for any loan since they help you determine the cost of borrowing money. And, because buying a home is one of the most major financial decisions that most average Americans ever make, mortgage interest rates are even more worthy of our time and attention. In this episode of On the House, we brought in John H.P. Hudson with H & M Mortgage Group to take a look at a couple ways that home buyers can save money on their mortgage.
Texas' 89th Legislative session kicked off January 14th, and tackling Texas’ housing affordability challenges will likely be a high priority. To keep our listeners informed, Michael Wilt sat down with Meredyth Fowler with Texas Mortgage Bankers Association and Tray Bates with Texas REALTORS® to preview the session and analyze the issues, policies, and potential bills that impact homeownership in Texas.
Please note: This episode was recorded in December 2024, prior to the start of the legislative session.
Texas' 89th Legislative session kicked off January 14th, and tackling Texas’ housing affordability challenges will likely be a high priority. To keep our listeners informed, Michael Wilt sat down with Roger Arriaga with the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers and Todd Kercheval with Kercheval & Associates to preview the session and analyze the issues, policies, and potential bills that impact rental housing.
Please note: This episode was recorded in December 2024, prior to the start of the legislative session.
Local housing authorities provide critical housing resources to their communities, but do you know what kind of services they provide? In this episode, we sit down with David A. Northern Sr., President and CEO of the Houston Housing Authority (one of the largest housing authorities in the country) to talk about their work and how it might be relevant to our listeners.
Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15th and one of the ways we're celebrating is by highlighting the needs of Hispanic home buyers. Join us as we sit down with Clarissa Hernandez, a loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage, to discuss how programs like TSAHC's can support Texans with Hispanic roots as they journey through the homebuying process.
If you've been looking into the homebuying process, you'll probably have seen a discussion or two about title insurance. But what is title insurance, and is it really worth the price? This week, Joniel LeVecque is pairing up with John Fleming, General Counsel with the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, to bring you the facts about title insurance and the ways it could benefit Texas homeowners.
Interest rates are playing a pivotal role in the housing market these days sparking curiosity from home buyers and sellers as to how mortgage interest rates are determined and if there is hope on the horizon for when they may come down. Tune in as we sit down with Erin Dee from LoanPeople to learn all about the role of the Federal Reserve Bank, how its actions impact interest rates, and how home buyers can be best prepared to get the best interest rate possible.
Loan officers and REALTORS® -- Want to take a closer look at what might be in store for the housing market and the economy in general? Join us as we sit down with Jed Guenther with Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC to discuss the state of the economy and how that might influence future housing trends.
Please note that this episode was recorded in late January 2024, so economic commentary will be current to that point in time.
This week, we're focusing on spotlighting the great work one of our nonprofit partners is doing in the Houston area. Join us as we sit down with Kathy Flanagan-Payton from Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (Fifth Ward CRC) to discuss the history of Houston's historic Fifth Ward, the services that Fifth Ward CRC offers, the work they're doing as part of the Harris County Homeownership Collaborative, and more!
As much as we LOVE talking about everything about homeownership, we know how intimidating the homebuying process can be, especially for first-time home buyers. That's why our very own Frank Duplechain sat down with Angela Guerrero and Victoria Garcia with Avenue to discuss how to combat higher interest rates, become better educated on the homebuying process, and finally break into homeownership!
This podcast episode was originally recorded as part of a webinar hosted by Avenue in late October 2023.
Housing voucher programs are well known for their successes in helping households across the country secure affordable rental housing. But did you know that housing vouchers can be used towards a mortgage payment on a home? Join us as we sit down with Alyson Griffin, Branch Manager with Cross Country Mortgage, to discuss how housing vouchers can help families build generational wealth through homeownership.
www.housingvoucher.com
¡Junio es el Mes de la Propiedad de Vivienda y lo celebramos trayendo a los hispanohablantes los conceptos básicos sobre la asistencia para el pago inicial y los programas de Certificado de Crédito Hipotecario! Únete a nosotros mientras nos sentamos con Karla Mendoza, oficial de préstamos en First Community Mortgage, para conversar todo lo que necesitas saber sobre cómo ahorrar dinero al comprar una casa.
June is Homeownership Month, and we’re celebrating by bringing Spanish-speakers the basics on down payment assistance and Mortgage Credit Certificate programs! Join us as we sit down with Karla Mendoza, a loan officer with First Community Mortgage, to discuss everything you need to know about saving money when buying a home.
This week we’re turning our On the House spotlight to supportive housing, which plays a key role in helping families and individuals achieve housing stability so they can focus on other financial goals (like homeownership) in the future. There’s no greater expert on the topic of supportive housing than Joy Horak-Brown, President and CEO of New Hope Housing in Houston.
When it comes to architecturally designing a home, many often assume that the more luxurious it is, the more expensive it becomes. But in this week's episode, our guest host Michael Wilt sits down with Eric Robinson and Kevin Deabler, co-founders of RODE Architects to debunk that myth as they discuss the intersection of design and affordability during the development process. The episode explores how these architects intentionally think about how housing developments are formed by and for their communities as well as the role they think the design community should play when it comes to offering up solutions and new approaches to address affordability challenges.
Whether you're in a highly-competitive housing market or one that's a bit more rural, non-traditional housing is a great option for home buyers who are looking to balance availability with affordability. But buying a non-traditional home can present other challenges, particularly when it comes to financing. In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Miller with Q&A Mortgage to discuss the ins and outs of purchasing manufactured homes, tiny homes, shipping container homes, barndominiums, and more!
As kids across Texas head back to school, we thought it might be a good time for us to get some learning in too! In this episode of On The House, our very own Sarah Ellinor will be sitting down with Gracie Perez, a loan officer with Cardinal Financial, to dig through the wealth of information on how to shop for a mortgage loan.
If you've been following TSAHC or our On The House podcast series, you'll likely be familiar with the fact that we are big fans of affordable housing. But have you ever wondered how affordable housing opportunities are created? Come and chat with us as our host Frank Duplechain III and David Danenfelzer, TSAHC's Senior Director of Development Finance, delve into the development side of the affordable housing industry!
It's National Homeownership Month and we're celebrating by focusing on one of the best-kept money-saving secrets that first-time home buyers can find: the Mortgage Credit Certificate! In this episode, we sit down with Donnetta McGrew, TSAHC's MCC Compliance Manager, as we go over the benefits of the MCC and how it can save home buyers money.
If you've listened to any of our podcast episodes this far, you'll have heard a lot of information about homeownership from a variety of trusted REALTORS® and lenders. But in this episode, we're interviewing a first-time home buyer who used TSAHC's programs to buy a home. Join our host, Frank Duplechain III, and Alaina Curry, a proud new homeowner, as we discuss the process of buying a home from the home buyer's perspective!
If you've listened to our other podcast episodes, you'll already be familiar with our tips on how to buy your first home. But today, we're here for the homeowners who have already gone through the homebuying process and are thinking of moving on to a new home. Join us as we sit down with Jamey Hodge with Guild Mortgage to discuss the process of becoming a repeat home buyer and how to decide whether to sell or rent out your current home.
If you've been hunting for a home in today's highly-competitive housing market, you might already know how hard it is to find a home that's both turn-key and also within your budget. In this episode of On the House, we sit down with Andy Williams, founder and CEO of Recon Realty, a mission-driven realty company that helps veterans transition back to civilian life through real estate. If you're curious about the expert tips and tricks that it takes to buy a fixer upper, be sure to tune into the discussion!
Our homes are one of the largest assets that most of us will ever have. But if you don’t have a clear estate plan in place, your heirs could have difficulty documenting their ownership of the property. In this episode, we interview Crystal Requejo with the Mexican American Unity Council to discuss the importance of estate planning and provide some estate planning tips for homeowners.
When it comes to buying a home with student loan debt, many people believe that it's impossible to have your cake and eat it too. Well, we're here to let you know that, contrary to popular belief, you can! Join us as we sit down with our very own Frank Duplechain III and Aubrey Miller with the Q&A Mortgage Team at Cardinal Financial to break down everything you need to know about applying for a mortgage when you have student loan debt.
With historically-low interest rates, limited housing inventory, and bidding wars galore, today's housing market is chock-full of competition. So how do you outbid your competition? In our eighteenth episode, we meet with Gracie Perez, a loan officer with Town Square Mortgage, and Alicia Mendoza, a REALTOR® with JP & Associates to gain some insight on the best ways to win the bid and land the home of your dreams.
Down payment assistance programs allow many home buyers to purchase the home of their dreams. Yet despite the fact that the demand for these programs is at an all-time-high, there can still be some misconceptions about how DPA works. In honor of National Homeownership Month, we sit down with Sean Moss, Down Payment Resource’s Senior Vice President and Director of Operations, to debunk some common myths that home buyers hear about down payment assistance.
April is National Fair Housing Month, but do you know your housing rights and what's required of housing providers? Join us as Frank Duplechain III and Michael Wilt, our newest guest host, visit with Ellena E. Rodriguez, Manager of Outreach, Compliance & Resolutions with the Texas Workforce Commission's Civil Rights Division to break down what the Fair Housing Act is and the protections it provides.
When buying a home, it's important to consider all the costs that are involved in the process. But equally important are the taxes that come after the home buying process. This week, we sit down with James Matias, a TSAHC team member who has been a licensed REALTOR® for more than 15 years, to discuss what property taxes are, how they work, and what you can do to save money in the long run.
Is it better to buy or rent a home? The answer often depends on your goals and your particular financial circumstances! In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Johnson Rose, a real estate developer and broker for George E. Johnson Properties in Houston, to break down the pros and cons of both options.
With more Texans working from home than ever, it's no shock that home improvements are on the rise. But as with any major investment, it's important to know what to expect. In this installment of On The House, we meet Lali Shipley with Weiss Architecture and learn how to maximize the value you get out of your home improvement projects.
We've previously covered how to buy a home, but what resources are available for current homeowners that are struggling to make mortgage payments during a financial crisis? We meet with Joyce McDonald, a HUD certified housing counselor and Executive Director of FrameWorks Community Development Corporation, to discuss trustworthy assistance options, as well as how to recognize scams.
Please note: As of June 24, 2021, the foreclosure moratorium referenced in this podcast segment has been extended until July 31, 2021
Brought to you by popular demand! With mortgage rates at an all-time low, many homeowners have been wondering how to refinance their homes. Kim Lewis with Guild Mortgage Company joins our very own Joniel LeVecque to walk you through the process of refinancing your home and how to tell whether or not it's the right option for you.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing amount of lenders have moved their mortgage application process into the digital realm. Join TSAHC's very own Joniel LeVecque as we sit down with Valerie Cardenas from Texas National Bank to discuss what home buyers can expect when applying for a mortgage online.
You’re in the home stretch, but are you ready for closing? Join our host Frank Duplechain III, a recent home buyer himself, and Molly Lawson with Supreme Lending as we walk you through the closing process and make sure that your new investment is fully protected.
Homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, property taxes, and more! This episode, we meet again with TSAHC’s Sarah Ellinor and Denise King from Cornerstone Home Lending to walk you through the process of applying for a mortgage loan (and explain all the costs you may need to consider).
We get it – buying a home is a long-term commitment. That’s exactly why you’ll want to go into the process with a lender you trust and with as much information as possible. This episode features our very own Sarah Ellinor and industry professional Denise King with Cornerstone Home Lending as we discuss how to find your perfect lender and what to expect going into the mortgage application process.
Shopping for your first home is always exciting, but there are a few things that first-time home buyers need to keep in mind while looking for their dream home. Sit down with our host, Frank Duplechain III, and REALTOR® Daniel Garza with DTM Realty Group to discuss house hunting techniques, negotiating an offer, and home inspections.
What goes into calculating a pre-approval? Do you know your DTI ratios? Join Connie Tharp with Hometrust Mortgage and TSAHC’s very own Joniel LeVecque as we discuss the process of finding a lender, discover how mortgage companies look at credit, and the home prices you should consider.
Do you know the difference between the down payment and closing costs? What about the minimum down payment requirements for each loan type? Jordan O’Brien with Cardinal Financial Company joins TSAHC’s Joniel LeVecque to define and provide examples of closing costs, explain various down payment requirements, and share resources for home buyers that need help with their down payment.
Your credit score is one of the biggest factors that lenders will use to qualify you for a mortgage. Is your credit score keeping you from buying a home, or do you simply want to learn more about how your score is determined? Stacy Lynn Schriever with Premier Nationwide Lending joins TSAHC’s Joniel LeVecque to explain how credit scores are calculated and how to review your credit report and improve your score.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most of us will ever make. Fortunately, there are nonprofit resources that can help guide you through the process. Franky Bonilla with Supreme Lending joins TSAHC’s Sarah Ellinor to provide an overview of the home buying process and instructions on how to find a home buyer education provider.
Welcome to On the House, a podcast about homeownership and the home buying process. For our first episode, we'll introduce ourselves and answer some frequently asked questions about our down payment assistance programs. Want to learn more about down payment assistance? Then this is the episode for you!