Episodes

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Renovation Purchase Loans That Work For YOU
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 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, dive deep into the world of renovation purchase loans. They explore what renovation purchase loans are, who can use them, and why they might be the key to transforming a fixer-upper into a dream home. Special focus is given to the federally funded 203K loan, discussing its benefits and challenges, such as the requirement for an approved contractor and the federal bureaucracy involved.
Listeners will learn about alternative renovation loan options provided by banks, which offer more flexibility for both owner-occupants and investors, allowing borrowers to manage their own renovations or even perform the work themselves. The episode provides valuable insights into the complexities and rewards of financing renovations, emphasizing the need for honesty, self-awareness, and relationship resilience throughout the process.
Whether you're an aspiring homeowner or a seasoned investor, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement to explore renovation financing as a viable path to property improvement and wealth building.

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Debt Elimination Methods: The Journey to Financial Freedom
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Welcome to "Brick buy Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership," hosted by Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441, an experienced lender. In this episode, they tackle pressing questions about managing debt and the crucial steps towards improving credit. With insights from organizations like Neighborhood Housing Services and Money Management International, the episode explores strategies to transition from financial struggles to stable homeownership.
The hosts delve into the effectiveness of debt management programs, sharing practical tips on budgeting, prioritizing debts, and negotiating interest rates. They emphasize the importance of self-discipline and honesty in financial planning, offering concrete steps for paying off debt and securing a brighter financial future.

Monday Mar 24, 2025
The Credit Score Game and How to Play to Win
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Welcome to "Brick by Brick, Building Wealth Through Homeownership," where your hosts Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441, an experienced banker, delve into the intricacies of credit scores and their impact on your financial journey. In this episode, they explore common questions like "How does credit work?" and "Why does my number fluctuate?" Offering their combined expertise as a credit educator and lender, they demystify the credit system and share valuable strategies to enhance your score.
Discover how credit scores are like a game, where understanding the rules allows you to win. Learn about the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - and how to access your credit report. The hosts also discuss the importance of payment history, amounts owed, and the types of credit used, unveiling the top factors influencing your score.
This episode is packed with real-life examples, actionable tips on manipulating your score, and insights on the broader significance of credit in areas such as insurance and employment. Whether you're aiming to purchase a home or seeking to improve your financial health, Kim and Ed provide guidance on making informed decisions and achieving financial success.

Monday Mar 24, 2025
Home Appraisals and Inspections What are they and why are they?
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Join Kimberly Von Dohren RS#322207, a seasoned Realtor, and Edson Marko NMLS#1233441, an experienced Lender, on "Brick by Brick" as they unpack the critical differences between a home inspection and an appraisal. In this episode, they delve into the nuances of what a home inspection entails, the importance of appraisals in the home buying process, and what to expect from an FHA appraisal inspection. Perfect for first-time homebuyers or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of property evaluation, this episode provides practical insights to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions confidently.