Episode 89: First-Time Homebuyer Myths & Assistance Programs with Mallory Johnson

VA Loans Explained: Eligibility, Benefits, Funding Fees, Multifamily, and Minnesota Veteran Opportunity

In Episode 94 of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, Brandon Olson welcomes back Landon Olson for a deep dive into VA loans and how veterans can use one of the best financing tools available. They break down who qualifies, how eligibility works, the biggest advantages of VA loans, how funding fees work, why there is no monthly mortgage insurance, and what veterans should know about appraisals, credit, debt-to-income, disability exemptions, modular homes, multifamily properties, and more. The conversation also highlights a major opportunity in Minnesota: many veterans still do not fully understand their benefits, and Landon is working to become a local VA lending resource through direct outreach and education. This is a practical episode for veterans, active-duty service members, real estate agents, and anyone who wants to better understand the real-world use of VA financing.  Brandon Olson 🏢 SWBC Mortgage 🆔 NMLS 1334790 📧 Brandon.olson@swbc.com 📱 612.437.9567 Apply now 🏡 🌐 www.brandonolsonhomeloans.com [http://www.brandonolsonhomeloans.com] Schedule a call 📅 🔗 calendly.com/brandon-olson-1 Check out my podcast 🎙️ ▶️ youtube.com/@driventosucceedrealestatep7090 Landon Olson 👔 Loan Officer | 🆔 NMLS #2610935 🏢 SWBC Mortgage Corporation 📍 600 Highway 169 S., Ste. 700 | St. Louis Park, MN 55426 📞 Direct: 612.599.8763 | Office: 612.353.1738 📠 Fax: 866.308.4519 📧 Email: landon.olson@swbc.com 🌐 Web: swbcmortgage.com/landon-olson

Episode 93 | Karie Henry & Wade Owen on Butterfly Effect Realty, Giving Back & Real Estate with Purpose 🦋

In Episode 93 of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, Brandon Olson sits down with Karie Henry and Wade Owen of Butterfly Effect Realty. They share their unique journeys into real estate, the vision behind their brand, and how their Homes with Heart Initiative is giving back in a major way through every closing. This episode dives into new construction, market insight, mental health advocacy, and what it means to build a business that truly serves people and community. 🏡🦋💚  Karie Henry 📧 kariehenryrealtor@gmail.com 📞 320-291-4976 🔗 LinkedIn: Karie Henry 📘 Facebook: karie.henry.9 📸 Instagram: @kariehenryowen   Wade Owen 📧 wadeowenhomes@gmail.com 📞 612-597-6961 🔗 LinkedIn: Wade Owen 📘 Facebook: Butterfly Effect Realty 📸 Instagram: @butterflyeffectrealty

2026 Real Estate Outlook & Building a Scalable Team | Right Thing Team Owners Dan Kallas & Erik Holm

In this episode of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, host Brandon Olson sits down with Dan Kallas and Erik Holm, co-owners of the Right Thing Team, to break down what they’re seeing on the front lines of the 2026 real estate market. Dan and Erik share why they are extremely optimistic about 2026, how buyer demand is already accelerating, and why psychologically important interest rate levels are flipping the market switch faster than many expected. The conversation then dives deep into how the Right Thing Team has grown rapidly during one of the toughest real estate markets in decades, why they focus on handing agents real appointments—not cold leads, and how they’ve built a culture that prioritizes agent income, sustainability, and long-term growth. If you’re a real estate agent thinking about joining a team, a team leader scaling operations, or a lender watching agent productivity trends, this episode delivers real insight into what actually works right now. Topics Covered * 2026 real estate market outlook & buyer behavior * Why rates in the 5% range change everything * Scaling a real estate team during a down market * Appointment-based lead delivery vs traditional lead gen * Commission splits, agent economics & retention * Team culture, leadership, and abundance mindset * Why top agents are choosing teams in 2026 * How technology & AI support agent productivity Guest Contact Information Dan Kallas 📞 612-964-2151 📧 dankallasrealtor@gmail.com Erik Holm 📞 763-442-8700 📧 erikholmrealtor@gmail.com 🎯 Interested in joining a fast-growing, appointment-driven real estate team? Reach out directly.

Episode 90: 20 Years in Real Estate — Market Cycles, First-Time Buyers & Doing the Right Thing with Brad Martin

In Episode 90 of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, Brandon Olson welcomes Brad Martin of the Right Thing Team at Bridge Realty. With 20 years of experience, Brad has seen every type of market — from the 2008 crash to today’s affordability-driven environment. In this episode, Brad and Brandon break down what first-time buyers need to know, why today’s market is different from past downturns, and how long-term wealth is still built through smart homeownership. If you’re buying, selling, or simply trying to understand where the real estate market is headed, this is a must-listen episode grounded in experience, logic, and integrity.

Episode 89: First-Time Homebuyer Myths & Assistance Programs with Mallory Johnson

Episode 89 of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast features Realtor Mallory Johnson with Engel & Völkers, who shares practical insights for first-time homebuyers: * How Minnesota Housing down payment assistance works * Other options like NeighborWorks and local programs * Myths that hold buyers back (20% down, perfect credit) * Negotiating seller-paid closing costs * Creative programs and strategies to save money Whether you’re 6 months or 6 days away from buying, this episode will help you prepare, save, and succeed.