The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris

#41: Confidence, Risk & Growth With Brian Tran: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Homebuying

Buying a home can feel like the highest-stakes decision you’ll ever make... which is exactly why most people leave their best skills at the door the moment they start house hunting. In this episode, Scott sits down with Brian Tran, founder of Fifty Hills Real Estate, to talk about how to approach homebuying like an entrepreneur: get honest about your goals, zoom out to the long game, and build the right team around you. You’ll also hear Brian’s provocative take for people who feel pressured to buy: sometimes it makes sense to rent the lifestyle you want while using your down payment to invest strategically, especially if the numbers don’t match your reality right now. And one of the biggest takeaways: when you’re ready to buy, it’s “not how, but who.” The right agent (and the right team) can save you time, reduce overwhelm, and help you make better decisions faster. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to evaluate a housing decision with a clear “pros & cons” filter, and still honor quality of life * Why the first home is usually the hardest (and how confidence builds after you take the leap) * When renting can be a smart move, and how investing can offset that rent over time * “Not how, but who”: why delegation is the ultimate homebuying advantage * The three foundational questions Brian asks to clarify a buyer’s real goals and timeline * Brian’s #1 advice to buyers: buy what you can afford and use the long-term trade-up strategy Episode Resources Brian’s Website: https://www.mrbriantran.com/ [https://www.mrbriantran.com/] Brian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.briantran/ [https://www.instagram.com/mr.briantran/] Brian’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mr.BrianTran/ [https://www.youtube.com/@Mr.BrianTran/] Brian’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrbriantran?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@mrbriantran?lang=en] Fifty Hills Real Estate: https://fiftyhills.com/agents/brian-tran [https://fiftyhills.com/agents/brian-tran] Scott’s Book (The Pursuit of Home): https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ [https://pursueyourhome.com/book/] Book A Recording Slot: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOHEpisode [https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOHEpisode] Scott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/] Scott on Substack: https://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/ [https://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/] Learn More About Magnetic Real Estate: https://magneticre.com/ [https://magneticre.com/]

#40: Credit, Confidence & the Road to Home with Kristi Nowrouzi

What happens when credit is the thing holding you back, but you do not want to talk about it out loud? In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, Scott Harris talks with mortgage loan officer, author, and credit educator Kristi Nowrouzi about how credit impacts mortgage approval and rates, and what first-time buyers can do to get mortgage ready without shame or overwhelm. Kristi shares her own experience being told no, why credit solutions are never one size fits all, and how education became the focus of her work. Scott also reflects on his own credit scare and the stress that can come with even a small ding. If you are planning to buy in the next 6 to 24 months, this episode offers a calmer framework and practical steps you can start using now. Here are some of the topics we discuss: * Why credit is one of the top drivers of mortgage denials * How credit impacts your interest rate, sometimes more than a bigger down payment * FHA and VA loan options, including what lower credit scores may still qualify * What lenders mean when they look at “trended credit” and recent payment patterns Why payment history matters so much, and how late payments can linger * How forbearance works, and why communicating with creditors can protect your credit during hardship * A practical credit building strategy that does not require taking on new debt How to use the authorized user approach safely, and what to look for in the right card * How to set realistic expectations for a first home versus a forever home * Why buyers may have more negotiating power right now, depending on the local market * The financial literacy gap for buyers and agents, and why the right partners matter Kristi Nowrouzi is a mortgage loan officer and credit educator with over 20 years of experience helping clients understand credit, rebuild confidence, and move toward homeownership. She is known for making credit less intimidating through clear explanations, practical habits that improve outcomes, and support through the emotional side of the process. Kristi also shares education through her podcast and YouTube channel, helping buyers and professionals build financial literacy and make smarter mortgage decisions. For more guidance on your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, The Pursuit of Home, at the link below. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Book your recording slot using the link below. Episode Resources: Kristi Nowrouzi Website: https://creditkristi.com/ [https://creditkristi.com/] Kristi Nowrouzi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristiNowrouzi/ [https://www.facebook.com/KristiNowrouzi/] Kristi Nowrouzi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creditkristi/ [https://www.instagram.com/creditkristi/] Kristi Nowrouzi Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kristi-Service-Nowrouzi/author/B09SV8KZLR [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kristi-Service-Nowrouzi/author/B09SV8KZLR] Scott’s Book (The Pursuit of Home): https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ [https://pursueyourhome.com/book/] Scott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/] Learn More About Magnetic Real Estate: https://magneticre.com/ [https://magneticre.com/]

#39: How a Former Teacher Became The Breakup Broker: Amy Slate’s Compassionate Path to Real Estate

What if you could approach home buying with the patience and understanding of a teacher? This episode of The Pursuit of Home brings you a heartfelt, insightful conversation as host Scott Harris sits down with Amy Slate, a former educator turned Boston real estate professional, to explore how her teaching background shapes a more supportive, thoughtful home-buying experience. From guiding first-time buyers through anxiety and overwhelm to helping women navigate divorce-related real estate decisions, Amy offers listeners a grounded, compassionate look at what it takes to make empowered choices in a challenging market. If you're navigating a major life transition or seeking a calmer path to homeownership, this episode delivers clarity, encouragement, and real-world strategy. Here are some of the topics we discuss: * How teaching skills translate into patience, clear communication, and emotional support during home buying * Why divorce-related property decisions require specialized guidance * What first-time homebuyers misunderstand about the true financial picture * Why uncovering the "why" behind your checklist leads to better home decisions * How to stay grounded when emotions and market conditions feel overwhelming * Why your first home doesn't need to be your forever home * The power of active listening in helping clients feel supported * How to navigate differing preferences when buying with a partner Amy Slate is a Boston-based real estate professional and former middle school French teacher who brings 20 years of educational experience into her practice. As the founder of The Breakup Broker, Amy specializes in guiding clients, particularly women, through the emotional and logistical complexities of divorce-related real estate decisions. A HousingWire contributor and author of How to Succeed at Real Estate When You Don't Really Like People, Amy blends empathy, humor, and practical expertise to make the home-buying process feel less overwhelming and far more empowering. If you're ready for more advice to support your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott's national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, at https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ [https://pursueyourhome.com/book/]. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Book your recording slot here: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOHEpisode [https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOHEpisode] Episode Resources: Amy Slate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamyslate [https://www.instagram.com/theamyslate] Amy Slate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamyslate [https://www.facebook.com/theamyslate] Amy Slate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyslate [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyslate] Amy's Website: https://thebreakupbroker.com [https://thebreakupbroker.com] "How to Succeed at Real Estate When You Don't Really Like People" by Amy Slate Scott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/] Scott on Substack: https://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/ [https://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/] Learn more at https://magneticre.com/ [https://magneticre.com/]

#38: Faith, Fear & First Homes: Ashley Glover’s 4-Year Pursuit of Home

4 years strong, Ashley Glover has never given up on her homebuying journey. But there have been many times when she did want to give up. This episode of The Pursuit of Home, brings you coaching in real time as host Scott Harris sits with Ashley to explore the emotional journey of house hunting, balancing practical needs with personal dreams, and turning homeownership fears into faith-driven possibilities. This raw confessional about the ups and downs of homebuying from a prospective homebuyer herself is sure to strike a chord with listeners who might be feeling stuck in the home-buying process or seeking guidance on making this major life transition. And hey, if you’re ready for more advice to help you align with your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, out now: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

#37: Trust Over Transactions: Why Authenticity Succeeds in Homebuying Partnership with Justin Scott

Does finding your dream home, stress-free, sound like a distant dream? Then this episode of The Pursuit of Home, is what you need. Tune in as host Scott Harris sits down with Justin Scott, a first-time broker at Varsity Real Estate and former ice cream entrepreneur, to uncover how authenticity, transparency, and shared values created a surprisingly joyful homebuying journey for client Adam Kingman. Together, they turned a high-stakes transaction into a deeply human experience rooted in trust and connection. From building community to embracing emotional cues when choosing a home, this episode reveals how the right partnership can transform the process into something that truly feels like coming home. And hey, if you’re ready for the full deep dive, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, out now: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH