• Buying a Home That Needs Repairs
    Dec 20 2025

    In this episode, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle discuss what happens when you fall in love with a home that needs repairs — and the seller isn’t willing or able to make them. They explain how lenders can be leveraged through specific loan options and strategies to help buyers still make the deal work.

    This episode walks through real-world scenarios buyers face and highlights solutions that can help turn a fixer-upper into a successful purchase.

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    9 mins
  • Manufactured Home Now, Dream Home Later?
    Dec 1 2025

    In this episode, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle break down the increasingly common strategy of buying land, placing a manufactured home on it, and planning to build a site-built home later.

    They discuss:

    • Why some buyers choose this route

    • Lending requirements and limitations

    • Utility, zoning, and permitting issues

    • How a manufactured home impacts future construction

    • Long-term risks and resale considerations

    • Real examples of what works — and what doesn’t

    If you're considering land + manufactured housing as a stepping stone to your dream home, this episode gives you the clarity you need to make a smart decision.

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    9 mins
  • Subdividing Land to Pay Off Your Mortgage
    Nov 20 2025

    In this episode of The Unlocking Doors Podcast, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle talk about a creative financial strategy more homeowners are considering: subdividing your property to pay down — or even pay off — your mortgage.

    

    They walk through:

    • When subdividing is allowed in your area

    • What zoning, surveys, and permitting look like

    • How selling part of your land impacts your mortgage

    • Pros, cons, and realistic expectations

    • Examples of homeowners who have successfully used this strategy

    If you’ve ever wondered whether your land could work for you, this episode breaks it all down in a simple, practical way.

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    10 mins
  • Should You Be Looking for Your Next Home While Yours Is Still on the Market?
    Oct 31 2025

    If your home is currently for sale, you might be wondering — should you start the search for your next home now or wait until it sells?

    In this episode, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle explore the timing, strategy, and financial considerations that go into buying and selling at the same time. Learn how to set yourself up for success and make confident decisions in today’s market.

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    10 mins
  • Why Are Homes Sitting Longer on the Market?
    Oct 20 2025

    In this episode of The Unlocking Doors Podcast, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle discuss what’s happening in today’s housing market — including why homes are sitting longer and what that means for both buyers and sellers.

    They break down the key factors driving current trends and share smart strategies for navigating a changing market.

    #UnlockingDoorsPodcast #RealEstateMarket #HomeBuying #HomeSelling

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    13 mins
  • Busting Credit Score Myths with Cory & Michelle
    Oct 10 2025

    Not everything you’ve heard about credit scores is true. In this episode, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle tackle the most common credit myths — from old accounts and hard inquiries to paying off debt — and explain what really affects your score.

    Learn how to separate credit facts from fiction and make smarter financial decisions as you prepare for your next home purchase.

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    10 mins
  • Unlocking Credit: Establishing, Maintaining, and Boosting Your Score
    Sep 26 2025

    Credit is the key to unlocking financial opportunities — but how do you build it, what’s included in your score, and how can you improve it?

    In this episode, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle explain the fundamentals of credit, the factors that affect your score, and practical ways to strengthen it.

    If you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve your credit before buying a home, this episode gives you the tools to move forward with confidence.

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    13 mins
  • Unlocking Credit Scores: What They Mean & Why They Matter
    Sep 5 2025

    Your credit score can open doors — or keep them closed. In this episode, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle explain what a credit score is, why it matters to lenders, and what factors influence it.

    If you’re thinking about buying a home or want to better understand your financial standing, this episode will help you unlock the answers.

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    12 mins