#9 - Taxes, Insurance, Repairs, Oh My!

#10 - The Truth About Michigan's Real Estate Market in 2026

Is it a buyer's market right now? Your aunt's cousin's neighbor read an article that says yes. A national headline says it's the hardest time in history to buy a home. So what's actually true? In Episode 10 of House Rules, Carter and John break down why "is it a buyer's market" is the wrong question entirely. The real answer depends on your zip code, your timeline, and what kind of opportunity you're actually willing to chase. We dig into what's really happening across Michigan right now from Genesee County to Grand Rapids to the Oakland County suburbs, why "stale" listings can be the best opportunity, and why waiting costs more than you think. The bottom line: it's always a buyer's market for the buyer who's prepared. Find us on social media; LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast [http://linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast] IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast [https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast] John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor [https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor] Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter [https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter] House Rules Podcast 2026

#9 - Taxes, Insurance, Repairs, Oh My!

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer's perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode features the various costs of owning a home, both the set-in-stone costs, and the emergency costs. Preparing for the worst is always the best method for budgeting, but before you buy a home, it's important to give yourself some grace when assuming your estimated costs to own and operate your household, both for guaranteed costs and emergency expenses. While it's important to have a steady income and smart money saving habits, don't stress yourself out over every penny when doing your pre-purchase budgeting. Find us on social media; LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast [http://linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast] IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast [https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast] John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor [https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor] Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter [https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter] House Rules Podcast 2026

#8 - Give Yourself Some Credit

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer's perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode features the importance of building credit, maintaining good credit, and if your credit isn't in the best spot, providing a plan to help rebuild your credit so you can achieve the American dream of home ownership by acquiring a loan. A mortgage is one of the keys to owning a home, and credit is an essential building block in acquiring a mortgage. Listen in to hear about all the essential building blocks involving home ownership. Find us on social media; LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast [linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast] IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast [https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast] John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor [https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor] Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter [https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter] House Rules Podcast 2026

#7 - Why We Started This Podcast

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode answers the question everyone with a podcast must answer at some point: Why did we start a podcast? John and Carter dive into their reasons for starting this publication, and what their goals are for the podcast going forward. Thanks for listening. Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter House Rules Podcast 2026 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com [https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#6 - The Real Cost of Waiting To Buy

Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home. This episode sheds light on the real cost of waiting to buy a home. As stated in previous episodes, the new median age for a first-time home buyer is 40. While many people think they’re saving money renting, or living with mom and dad, they’re losing money every day by not putting their hard earned money to work by building home equity. While everyone’s situation is different, and home ownership isn’t for everyone at the present moment, everyone with the drive and will to own a home can do so with the right help. Find us on social media; https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter House Rules Podcast 2026 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com [https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]