Episodes

  • Episode 17: Inspections, Outlets & Oh Crap Moments
    Jul 26 2025

    You went under contract. 🎉 Now it’s time for the home inspection — the part where an inspector spends three hours poking around and hands you a 50-page report that makes you wonder if you just bought a fixer-upper or a money pit.

    In this episode of First Time Keys, Adam McCallister keeps it funny, real, and stress-free as he explains:
    ✅ When inspections actually happen (hint: NOT before you make an offer)
    ✅ What inspectors really check (and what they don’t)
    ✅ Why GFCIs show up on every report
    ✅ What’s a true dealbreaker vs. just “old house stuff”
    ✅ What to do when that massive report lands in your inbox

    Whether you’re buying your first home or just want to understand what that outlet button does — this episode will make you smarter (and calmer) about inspections.

    🎙️ Hosted by Realtor Adam McCallister
    📲 Follow, rate, and share with anyone about to face “The Report.”

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    35 mins
  • Episode 16: So You’re Using Zillow — Cool. Let’s Not Burn the Whole House Down.
    Jul 19 2025

    Still house-hunting on Zillow? Cool. Just don’t let it wreck your home buying plans.
    In this follow-up to our spicy Zillow takedown, we’re diving into how to actually use Zillow without falling for outdated listings, bait-and-switch contact buttons, or Zestimate delusions.

    You’ll learn:
    ✅ How to use Zillow the right way
    ❌ What NOT to trust (spoiler: those “Schedule a Tour” buttons are a trap)
    🏡 What to do instead if you’re serious about buying a home
    💥 Behind-the-scenes agent tea from real-world chaos

    Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a midnight house scroller, this episode is your survival guide to real estate’s favorite chaos app.

    📲 New episodes every week on the real home-buying process — no fluff, no fakery. Just funny, real, helpful advice from someone who actually knows the game.

    🎙 Hosted by: Adam McCallister

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    33 mins
  • Zillow Exposed: How to Use It Without Getting Played
    Jul 10 2025

    Zillow might be your go-to app for house hunting—but do you really know how it works behind the scenes?

    In this episode of First Time Keys, I break down what Zillow actually is (spoiler: it’s not a real estate company), how it makes money off your clicks, and why its “Contact Agent” button could be setting you up with the wrong person. I’ll also show you how to use Zillow smartly—without getting played or slowing down your buying journey.

    Whether you’re just starting to browse or ready to make moves, this is the episode every first-time homebuyer needs to hear.

    👀 Want help decoding a listing or Zestimate? DM me anytime.
    📩 Share this with a friend who’s deep in the Zillow scroll hole.
    🔔 New episodes drop weekly—subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

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    32 mins
  • Episode 14: Birds & Brews; conversation with Danny & Steph Ingram
    Apr 4 2025

    🎙️ In this episode of First Time Keys, we’re chatting with Danny & Steph Ingram—two awesome clients who made the leap from Maryland to Pennsylvania and lived to tell the tale (with beers in hand). 🍻

    We dive into what made them decide to relocate, the highs and hiccups of buying their first home, and what they’ve come to love about life in PA. From cost-of-living perks to community vibes, they’re sharing the real real.

    And then there’s Larry. 🐦 You’ll meet him too. Let’s just say... he wasn’t on the mortgage, but he definitely made himself at home.

    Whether you’re thinking about moving, buying your first place, or just in it for the craft beer and bird banter—this one’s for you.

    🎧 Tap play and let’s get into it!

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    41 mins
  • Resale vs. New Construction: Which One is Right for You?
    Mar 21 2025

    Thinking about buying a home but torn between a charming resale or a shiny new build? In this episode of First Time Keys, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of buying an older home versus new construction.

    ✅ Which one gives you more bang for your buck?
    ✅ The real hidden costs they don’t tell you about
    ✅ What’s better for first-time buyers?
    ✅ HOA rules, upgrade costs, and unexpected surprises

    Whether you want character, convenience, or just the best deal, this episode has the insights (and snark) you need to make the right choice.

    🔔 Don’t forget to follow for more first-time homebuyer tips and real estate advice!

    🎙️ Hosted by Adam McCallister

    🔍 Keywords: first-time homebuyer, resale vs new construction, buying a home, real estate tips, home buying podcast, mortgage tips, real estate investing, first home, real estate market trends

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    44 mins
  • Episode 12: First-Time Home Buyer Programs – Mortgage Options Explained with Wendy Landis
    Mar 12 2025

    Buying your first home? Confused about mortgage options? In this episode of First Time Keys, I sit down with Wendy Landis from CMG Financial to break down the best first-time home buyer programs available today. From low down payment loans to down payment assistance grants, we cover everything you need to know to make homeownership more affordable.

    We discuss:
    FHA, VA, and USDA loans – Are they right for you?
    State and local assistance programs – Free money for first-time buyers?
    Conventional 3% down loan options – How they compare
    Myths about first-time buyer programs – What’s true and what’s not?

    Whether you’re just starting your home search or prepping for pre-approval, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you buy smart.

    🔑 Don’t miss this deep dive into first-time home buyer mortgage options—hit play now!

    📌 Subscribe & Follow: If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe for more expert tips on buying your first home!

    #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MortgagePrograms #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstate #FHA #VAloans #USDAloans #FirstHome #DownPaymentAssistance #BuyingAHome

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    53 mins
  • Episode 11: Buying a 100-Year-Old Home – Amber & Brandon’s Story
    Mar 5 2025

    In this episode of First Time Keys, I sit down with my past clients (and now friends!) Amber & Brandon Overmiller to reflect on their home-buying journey from two years ago. We dive into the joys and pitfalls of buying a 100-year-old home, from unexpected surprises to the charm and character that made it all worth it.

    We also share some laughs about our unique bond throughout the process—proving that having the right real estate agent makes all the difference. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking at older homes, or just want to hear a fun and insightful real estate story, this episode is for you!

    🎧 Tune in to hear:
    ✔️ The biggest challenges (and wins!) of buying an older home
    ✔️ Why working with a knowledgeable realtor is a game-changer
    ✔️ Home-buying tips from real clients who’ve been through it
    ✔️ The unexpected (and hilarious) moments that made this journey unforgettable

    🔑 Whether you're house-hunting or just love a good real estate story, this episode is packed with real talk, home-buying wisdom, and a little bit of fun. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy the episode!

    🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

    #FirstTimeKeys #HomeBuying #RealEstate #BuyingAHome #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HistoricHomes #RealtorLife #HomeBuyingJourney

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    59 mins
  • Episode 10: House Hunting Beware
    Feb 25 2025

    Buying your first home? Excited for showings but worried about hidden issues? In this episode of First Time Keys, we break down what to look for during home showings—especially when touring investor-flipped properties. From fresh paint cover-ups to sketchy plumbing and suspiciously cheap renovations, we’ll help you avoid a money pit. 💸🚩

    🔎 What You’ll Learn:
    ✅ How to inspect a home like a pro (even if it looks perfect)
    ✅ Investor flip red flags (because not all renos are created equal)
    ✅ Must-ask questions before making an offer
    ✅ Why that new paint job might be hiding a horror story

    🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
    📺 Watch on YouTube for more home-buying tips!

    💬 Comment below: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen at a home showing?

    🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe! More snarky, real estate wisdom coming your way. 😎

    #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HomeBuyingTips #HouseHunting #FlippedHomes #RealEstate #HomeShowings #BuyingAHome #HouseShopping #Investors #RealEstateTips

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    44 mins