Episodes

4 days ago
Unlocking Wealth: How Homes Make Wealth
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode of "Brick buy Brick," hosts Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207 and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 delve into the significant wealth-building potential found in owning a home. They discuss how simply living in your own property can become a powerful financial tool over time, through mechanisms like appreciation and the accumulation of home equity.
Kim and Ed offer a comparative analysis between renting and homeownership over a 30-year period, demonstrating how owning a home can lead to financial gains. They highlight that while renting may initially seem cheaper, homeownership ultimately results in substantial net worth accumulation, thanks to long-term real estate value increases and equity build-up.
The hosts further illustrate how your home effectively becomes a financial asset, contributing significantly to your wealth portfolio, making it a crucial part of financial planning for anyone looking to secure their financial future.

4 days ago
4 days ago
Join Realtor Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207 and Lender Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 as they guide you through the essential steps to home-ownership in this enlightening episode of Brick buy Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership. This episode delves into the intricate process of purchasing a home, from understanding when it's the right time to buy, to the significance of becoming financially and psychologically prepared for this life-changing investment.
Discover the importance of pre-qualification, learn about managing your assets and understanding debt-to-income ratios, and gain insights into the hidden costs of home-ownership that go beyond the down payment. Whether you're a first-time home-buyer or considering upgrading to a new property, Kim and Ed provide valuable advice and strategies to help you make informed decisions. Tune in to ensure your journey to owning a home is both financially feasible and personally fulfilling.

7 days ago
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
7 days ago
7 days ago
Join Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned Realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 an experienced Lender, as they delve into the questions of mortgage management. Is it beneficial to pay extra on your mortgage principal every month? Discover strategies to potentially save years off your mortgage term and gain financial freedom sooner by understanding how early or additional payments work against your interests and term length.
Explore if paying off the entire mortgage is a smart move or not, especially when considering low interest rates versus potential returns on investments. This enlightening episode of "Brick by Brick" provides insights and clarity for homeowners, guiding them through principal payments, interest implications, and personalized strategies for wealth building through homeownership.

7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode of 'Brick by Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership,' hosts Kim Von Dohren and Ed Marko delve into the intricate process of rehabbing rental properties. They explore essential elements to consider when transforming a newly purchased property into a rental, such as determining costs, understanding market rent, and calculating potential cash flow. The hosts also discuss necessary maintenance planning, including updating functional systems and understanding common tenant issues. From flooring decisions to navigation of local regulations, this episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their investment in rental properties.

Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
Join hosts Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned Realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 an experienced Lender, as they delve into the art of transitioning from house flipping to becoming a successful landlord. In this episode of "Brick buy Brick," learn the strategies behind purchasing, rehabilitating, and renting properties for long-term income and asset-building. Discover the nuances of location selection, renter desirability factors, including pet policies, and the importance of property durability over mere aesthetics. Gain insights into the rental market and practical tips for creating appealing yet functional rental spaces. A must-listen for aspiring landlords or those looking to expand their real estate investment portfolios.

Friday May 23, 2025
Investing in Real Estate Basics Part 4: Flipping Part 2
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Join hosts Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned Realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 an experienced Lender in this eye-opening episode of "Brick by Brick: Building Wealth Through Homeownership," where they continue their insightful conversation about the intricate world of property flipping. This episode dives deep into the critical aspect of inspecting a property, not just for its visual appeal but for its structural integrity, uncovering potential deal breakers like fractured foundations, asbestos, and rotten wood.
The hosts share their expert tips on how to identify tragic flaws that could turn a promising investment into a costly mistake. Learn why it's crucial to thoroughly walk through a property, both inside and out, examining everything from the condition of the basement to the state of exterior sidewalks, before making an offer.
Kim and Ed also discuss the art of negotiating with sellers, ensuring that you not only secure a good deal but also maintain a reputation for quality work in the real estate community. Whether you're a seasoned flipper or new to the game, this episode provides valuable insights and strategies to help you make informed decisions and succeed in the competitive world of real estate investing.

Friday May 16, 2025
Investing in Real Estate Basics Part 3: Flipping Part 1
Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
Join Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned Realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 an experienced Lender in this engaging episode of "Brick buy Brick: Building Wealth Through Homeownership," where they dive into the intricacies of flipping houses. With their combined expertise as a realtor and banker, they emphasize the importance of self-education and hands-on learning for successful home flipping. Discover the essential skills needed, from basic plumbing and electrical work to the art of spotting potential properties.
Whether you're a novice or have some experience, this episode offers valuable insights into finding the right opportunities and understanding property values. Learn effective strategies for estimating repair costs, finding comparables, and navigating the complexities of real estate investments. Kim and Ed share real-world examples and practical advice to help listeners avoid common mistakes and maximize their profitability in the competitive world of house flipping.

Friday May 02, 2025
Investing in Real Estate Basic Part 2: Funding Investments
Friday May 02, 2025
Friday May 02, 2025
In this episode of Brick by Brick, hosts Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned Realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 an experienced Lender, delve into the essentials of funding your real estate investments. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your portfolio, understanding where and how to source money is crucial. Kim and Ed explore popular methods like home equity lines of credit and cash-out refinancing. They also introduce concepts such as private and hard money lenders, providing listeners with a comprehensive guide to financing investment properties. This discussion prepares you for making informed decisions on how to leverage equity and borrow wisely to build wealth through real estate.

Friday Apr 25, 2025
Investing in Real Estate Basics Part 1
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Join hosts Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned Realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 an experienced Lender, in this insightful episode of Brick buy Brick as they delve into the world of real estate investing. Discover their personal experiences, the joys and challenges of being landlords, and essential advice for beginners looking to start their investment journey. Learn strategies for flipping properties, buy and hold techniques, and how real estate can be a lucrative alternative to stock market investments. Perfect for anyone interested in building wealth through property ownership!

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Self-Employed Income & Lending
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
In this episode of Brick by Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership, hosts Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned Realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441 experienced Lender, delve into the complexities of calculating self-employed income for home loans. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or a commissioned employee, learn how your income can affect your borrowing potential and the steps you should take to prepare for homeownership.
Kim and Ed discuss the importance of filing tax returns, the impact of business expenses on your reported income, and strategies for maintaining a stable income that appeals to lenders. They also highlight the significance of finding experienced lenders and accountants who understand self-employed finances.
Discover how to navigate the mortgage world confidently as Kim and Ed provide practical advice and tips for those seeking to secure a loan while being self-employed. Listen for essential insights that could make your journey to owning a home smoother and more attainable.