It's More Than a House!

Understanding the Modern Mortgage: A Deep Dive with Brady MacIver

In this episode, host Scott Engman sits down with Brady MacIver, mortgage loan originator and co-owner of Heritage Home Lending, to unpack the realities of homeownership in western South Dakota. Brady shares his path from Augustana University football standout to mortgage broker and Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and how his passion for people, numbers, and problem-solving shaped his career. Together, Scott and Brady explore the forces shaping today’s housing market — rising home prices, increased debt loads, interest rate challenges, and the limited inventory created by homeowners locked into low rates. Brady breaks down debt-to-income ratios, the sharp rise in average loan sizes, and why affordability has tightened for both first-time buyers and families hoping to move up. He also outlines practical strategies for buyers, including down payment assistance programs, equity planning, and creative paths like house hacking or purchasing duplexes. Listeners get an inside look at the unique dynamics of the Black Hills market, from aging housing stock and land development hurdles to out-of-state migration driving demand. Brady also highlights the importance of early financial planning, building credit, and the value of sitting down with a lender long before you’re ready to purchase. Ultimately, this conversation reminds us that buying a house is far more than a transaction — it’s a journey toward stability, community, and long-term wealth. And with the right guidance, even complex financial paths can lead to a place to truly call home. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Aging Gracefully - Jessica Olson CEO of Stay Graceful Home Healthcare

In this episode, host Scott Engman sits down with Jessica Olson, CEO and founder of Stay Graceful, an in-home healthcare company serving clients from infancy through end-of-life. Jess shares how her personal experiences, nonprofit leadership, and time in the South Dakota Legislature shaped her passion for improving healthcare access and helping people safely remain in their homes. Scott and Jess explore the deep connection between healthcare, housing, and community, discussing the challenges families face when illness, disability, or aging suddenly make a home inaccessible. Jess sheds light on the real costs of home modifications, navigating complex paperwork, available state programs, caregiver burnout, and how her team provides reliable, person-centered care. The episode highlights why housing is far more than a physical structure, it’s stability, dignity, and independence, and how proper healthcare support can help people maintain that sense of home for as long as possible. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Making a Difference Every Day – from housekeeping to C-suite

In this episode of It’s More Than a House, Scott is joined by one of America’s leading healthcare CEOs — a leader whose heart for people is as strong as her vision for excellence. Paulette Davidson has spent nearly a decade guiding Monument Health in Rapid City, helping it earn national recognition across 31 medical specialties. From her humble beginnings in Waukegan, Illinois, to her first job as a hospital housekeeper, Paulette’s journey to the CEO’s office is a story of grit, vision, and unwavering commitment to the community. We talk about her personal path, the future of healthcare in the Black Hills, lessons from the pandemic, and how Monument Health is working to ensure everyone — from rural patients to those without housing — receives quality care. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Build Your Vision - Starting and Growing a Legacy Company

In today’s episode, Scott sits down with Jim Scull, founder of Scull Construction—a name synonymous with growth, craftsmanship, and community impact in Rapid City and across the region. From schools to hospitals to major infrastructure, Jim and his team have helped shape the physical and economic landscape of western South Dakota. In this conversation, they explore what it takes to build more than just buildings, the challenges facing the construction industry today, and Jim’s personal journey as a leader and visionary. If you’re passionate about development, community, or the people who build our world—this one’s for you. Let’s dive in! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

It's More than a House - Chaz Olson - Director South Dakota Housing

This episode of It’s More Than a House features South Dakota Housing Director Chaz Olson in conversation with host Scott Engman. They discuss the agency’s mission to create affordable housing opportunities through programs ranging from first-time homebuyer assistance and down payment grants to financing for developers and special initiatives like the Governor’s House Program, where incarcerated individuals build affordable homes while learning trades. Olson outlines major efforts such as the $200 million Housing Infrastructure Program, the flexible Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF), and the innovative Grants for Grads program, which helps recent graduates purchase homes in South Dakota. The conversation also explores housing affordability challenges, growth trends, and the importance of housing in building strong communities. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.