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PODCAST

Unlocking Doors

Cory Meals & Michelle Castle

Join Cory Meals, your friendly neighborhood Realtor, and Michelle Castle, a mortgage loan officer. They’re not just here to share information – they’re here to share real stories, real experiences, and real solutions. Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in the world of real estate? Well, wonder no more! From negotiating deals to navigating the loan process, we"ve got you covered. We"ll take you on a rollercoaster ride of tales where Realtors and Mortgage Officers work their magic, turning

business investing

All Episodes

09:25

Buying a Home That Needs Repairs

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/12/20

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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08:52

Manufactured Home Now, Dream Home Later?

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/12/01

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’tIf you're considering land + manufactured

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10:01

Subdividing Land to Pay Off Your Mortgage

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/11/20

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 strategyIf you’ve

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09:50

Should You Be Looking for Your Next Home While Yours...

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/10/31

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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13:06

Why Are Homes Sitting Longer on the Market?

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/10/20

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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10:05

Busting Credit Score Myths with Cory & Michelle

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/10/10

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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13:15

Unlocking Credit: Establishing, Maintaining, and...

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/09/26

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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11:31

Unlocking Credit Scores: What They Mean & Why They...

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/09/05

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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09:30

Selling Smart: Strategies to Win in Today’s Market

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/08/29

In Season 2, Episode 5 of The Unlocking Doors Podcast, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle unpack the realities of selling in today’s housing market.From pricing your home right to getting it market-ready, this episode delivers practical strategies that help sellers stand out—even in competitive neighborhoods.You’ll learn:The keys to an effective pricing strategyWhy presentation and prep work drive buyer interestHow to avoid costly mistakes that stall a saleWhether you’re a homeowner considering selling

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15:13

Stop Overthinking: What REALLY Matters When Buying a...

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/08/15

In Season 2, Episode 4 of The Unlocking Doors Podcast, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle cut through the noise and bring buyers back to the basics.They reveal the top three things that actually matter when purchasing a home—no fluff, no clickbait.You’ll learn:Why chasing the “perfect rate” can lead to missed opportunitiesHow to focus on your payment, plan, and purposeWhat smart buyers are doing right now to gain long-term winsWhether you’re buying your first home or advising someone who is, this

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13:16

The Truth About Timing: Should You Buy or Wait?

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/08/01

Is now a smart time to buy a home, or should you wait for rates to drop? 🤔In Season 2, Episode 3 of The Unlocking Doors Podcast, Cory Meals (The Meals Team at eXp Realty) and Michelle Castle (Guild Mortgage) get real about what’s actually going on in today’s housing market.They’ll unpack:How interest rates are influencing buyer psychologyWhy appreciation and equity matter more than timingThe long-term cost of “waiting for the perfect moment”If you’re on the fence about buying—or trying to guide

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12:44

What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Insurance

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/01/27

In this must-listen episode, Cory Meals and Michelle Castle dive into the essentials of homeowners insurance. 🏡 We discuss:Why premiums are rising across Texas and what it means for you.The risks of cutting coverage to save money and why being underinsured can cost you more in the long run.The importance of an annual check-in with your insurance agent to ensure your coverage still fits your needs.Don’t leave your largest investment vulnerable! Tune in for expert advice on staying proactive and

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10:57

Real Estate Market Shifting Under President Trump

Unlocking Doors ·

2025/01/20

Join Cory Meals and Michelle Castle in this insightful episode as they explore the economic landscape under the new presidential administration. 🏛️ We delve into:The impact of new immigration laws on the labor force.Changes in trade policies and their economic implications.Interest rate projections and how they might affect buyers and sellers.What property values are projected to do in the near future.Whether you're navigating the real estate market or just curious about the latest economic

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09:04

Navigating New Construction: Building & Financing...

Unlocking Doors ·

2024/08/12

In this episode of "Unlocking Doors," hosts Michelle Castle and Cory Meals delve into the world of new construction, exploring the various paths to building your dream home. They discuss the options of buying land and hiring a custom builder, purchasing a completed spec home, and having a spec home built. Each process comes with its unique steps and financing considerations. Michelle and Cory provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand the differences and make informed decisions. Whether

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09:33

Avoid These Mistakes When Buying Raw Land | Top Land...

Unlocking Doors ·

2024/08/05

In this episode of "Unlocking Doors," hosts Michelle Castle and Cory Meals highlight the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying land. From the risks of purchasing in a flood zone to the complexities of utilities, deed and building restrictions, zoning regulations, and property access, they cover all the critical factors you need to consider. Whether you're a first-time land buyer or a seasoned investor, Michelle and Cory provide essential insights to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly

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14:11

Financing Your Manufactured Home: How To Buy A...

Unlocking Doors ·

2024/07/29

In this episode of "Unlocking Doors," hosts Michelle Castle and Cory Meals explore the ins and outs of purchasing and financing manufactured homes in and around Grayson County, Texas. They discuss various loan programs available for manufactured homes, detail the specific property condition requirements, and highlight key considerations to watch out for during the process. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, Michelle and Cory provide expert advice to help you navigate the unique

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08:22

Unlocking Mortgage Approval: Navigating the Process...

Unlocking Doors ·

2024/07/22

In this episode of "Unlocking Doors," hosts Michelle Castle and Cory Meals dive into the intricacies of getting approved for a mortgage. They discuss the crucial importance of submitting all income documentation promptly and explore the common frustrations that can arise during the process. With expert tips on how to ensure everything goes smoothly, Michelle and Cory provide valuable insights to help you secure your mortgage with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to

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10:47

What Happens to a Home During a Divorce?

Unlocking Doors ·

2024/05/21

In this episode of "Unlocking Doors," hosts Cory Meals and Michelle Castle delve into the complex and sensitive topic of what happens to a home during a divorce. Divorce can be a challenging and stressful time, but understanding the real estate implications can help you navigate it more smoothly. We discuss:What needs to happen based on the divorce decree.How deeds need to be recorded.The importance of knowing who is currently on the mortgage.Our goal is to provide clear, practical advice to help

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10:02

How To Buy A Home With Zero Down, Zero Out of Pocket:...

Unlocking Doors ·

2024/05/07

Join us on Unlocking Doors for an eye-opening episode on buying a home with no money down and no money out of pocket. In this episode, we debunk common myths surrounding this topic and provide practical strategies for achieving this seemingly elusive goal. We discuss creative financing options, such as USDA loans, VA loans for eligible veterans, and down payment assistance programs. We also address misconceptions about the affordability and feasibility of buying a home with no upfront costs,

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11:19

Unlocking FHA Loans: Benefits for Homebuyers | Why...

Unlocking Doors ·

2024/04/30

Join us on Unlocking Doors for an insightful discussion on FHA loans and why they can be a smart choice for homebuyers. In this episode, we explore the advantages of FHA loans, including lower down payment requirements, flexible credit score criteria, and attractive interest rates. We also discuss how FHA loans can benefit first-time homebuyers and those with limited savings or credit history. Whether you're considering your financing options or want to understand the benefits of FHA loans better,

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39 results

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