Ever opened your mortgage statement and thought… **WHY did my payment go up?!* You’re not crazy and you’re definitely not alone.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reasons mortgage payments increase (even when you have a “fixed” rate), and what you can do about it. We’ll explain it in a way that actually makes sense.
✅ In this episode, we cover:• Why your mortgage payment can increase after closing• What an escrow shortage is (and how it happens)• How property taxes and homeowners insurance impact your monthly payment• The difference between escrow changes vs. your actual interest rate• What to look for on your mortgage statement• How to avoid surprises year after year
If your payment jumped and you’re feeling stressed — this episode is for you.
📍Have a question you want us to cover next? Drop it in the comments!🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with a homeowner who needs this.

Ever opened your mortgage statement and thought… **WHY did my payment go up?!* You’re not crazy and you’re definitely not alone.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reasons mortgage payments increase (even when you have a “fixed” rate), and what you can do about it. We’ll explain it in a way that actually makes sense.
✅ In this episode, we cover:• Why your mortgage payment can increase after closing• What an escrow shortage is (and how it happens)• How property taxes and homeowners insurance impact your monthly payment• The difference between escrow changes vs. your actual interest rate• What to look for on your mortgage statement• How to avoid surprises year after year
If your payment jumped and you’re feeling stressed — this episode is for you.
📍Have a question you want us to cover next? Drop it in the comments!🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with a homeowner who needs this.

Welcome back to Beyond the Sold Sign Real Estate Unplugged! This week, Naya and Lauren tackle a listener's challenging situation: navigating how to buy a house while going through a divorce. They offer essential divorce advice and discuss factors like who gets the house in a divorce, providing practical guidance for those seeking a fresh start through home buying. Tune in for candid insights, real estate tips and support for your real estate journey.

Welcome back to Beyond the Sold Sign Real Estate Unplugged! This week, Naya and Lauren tackle a listener's challenging situation: navigating how to buy a house while going through a divorce. They offer essential divorce advice and discuss factors like who gets the house in a divorce, providing practical guidance for those seeking a fresh start through home buying. Tune in for candid insights and support for your real estate journey.

Relocating? Here’s How to Buy & Sell at the Same Time
Relocating for work, family, or a fresh start can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to sell your current home and buy a new one at the same time. In this episode, we break down what this process really looks like and how to move without unnecessary stress or costly mistakes.
We talk through real-life scenarios, smart timing strategies, and the most common questions buyers and sellers ask when they’re relocating. From understanding your financing options to managing timelines, contingencies, and expectations, this episode gives you a clear game plan — no fluff, no confusion.
If you’re asking yourself:
* Can I buy before I sell?* What happens if my home doesn’t sell in time?* How do contingencies work when relocating?* How do people actually pull this off?
This episode is for you.
Tune in for honest advice, real examples, and practical tips to help you relocate with confidence. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s planning a move.

Relocating? Here’s How to Buy & Sell at the Same Time Relocating for work, family, or a fresh start can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to sell your current home and buy a new one at the same time. In this episode, we break down what this process really looks like and how to move without unnecessary stress or costly mistakes. We talk through real-life scenarios, smart timing strategies, and the most common questions buyers and sellers ask when they’re relocating. From understanding your financing options to managing timelines, contingencies, and expectations, this episode gives you a clear game plan — no fluff, no confusion.
If you’re asking yourself: * Can I buy before I sell? * What happens if my home doesn’t sell in time? * How do contingencies work when relocating? * How do people actually pull this off? This episode is for you. Tune in for honest advice, real examples, and practical tips to help you relocate with confidence. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s planning a move.

In this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged, Lauren and Naya dive into one of the smartest questions every future homebuyer should be asking: “Can I shop around for more than one lender?”
The answer is yes — and today we’re breaking down why it matters, how it impacts your monthly payment, and the right way to compare lenders without hurting your credit. We share real examples, common misconceptions, and the insider tips buyers need to feel confident and empowered when choosing a loan.
If you’re preparing to buy a home soon, this episode gives you the clarity you need before you take your first big step.

In this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged, Lauren and Naya dive into one of the smartest questions every future homebuyer should be asking: “Can I shop around for more than one lender?”
The answer is yes — and today we’re breaking down why it matters, how it impacts your monthly payment, and the right way to compare lenders without hurting your credit. We share real examples, common misconceptions, and the insider tips buyers need to feel confident and empowered when choosing a loan.
If you’re preparing to buy a home soon, this episode gives you the clarity you need before you take your first big step.

In this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged, Lauren and Naya break down one of the most important parts of a real estate contract — contingencies. If you’re buying a home, these protections can save you thousands of dollars, major headaches, and even your entire deal.
We cover:• What contingencies actually are• Why skipping them can be risky• The difference between inspection vs. appraisal contingencies• How contingencies protect buyers in real-world scenarios• Tips for staying competitive without putting yourself at risk
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone who hasn’t purchased a home in years, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need before making big decisions.
🎧 Subscribe for more weekly real estate insight, stories, and buyer/seller tips.

In this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged, Lauren and Naya break down one of the most important parts of a real estate contract — contingencies. If you’re buying a home, these protections can save you thousands of dollars, major headaches, and even your entire deal.
We cover:• What contingencies actually are• Why skipping them can be risky• The difference between inspection vs. appraisal contingencies• How contingencies protect buyers in real-world scenarios• Tips for staying competitive without putting yourself at risk
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone who hasn’t purchased a home in years, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need before making big decisions.
🎧 Subscribe for more weekly real estate insight, stories, and buyer/seller tips.