Get ready, because this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda is all about turning “almost perfect” into “absolutely perfect”! We’re sitting down with Jeff Shealey from HMA Mortgage to dive into one of the coolest tools in real estate—Renovation Loans!

You know the story—you find a house in the perfect location, but it’s missing something. Maybe it needs a kitchen facelift, a bathroom refresh, or hey, maybe even that dream pool or shop you’ve always wanted. With a renovation loan, you can roll the cost of improvements right into your mortgage and create the home you’ve been envisioning—all without breaking your budget.

Jeff breaks it all down: how renovation loans work, the kinds of updates you can do (from cosmetic to complete rebuilds), and how this flexible option fits into a variety of loan programs.

So if you’ve been scrolling listings waiting for “the one,” this episode is your sign—find the house and make it yours!

When in doubt, Just See Jeff!

In this episode of Keeping It REal, Amanda chats with Mark Hance from Mark’s Mosquito and Pest Control to talk about the ins and outs of pest control across the Houston area. From termites and mosquitoes to even rodents — though he might draw the line at snakes — Mark shares what it’s like keeping Texas homes and businesses pest-free.

In all honesty, Mark’s the guy you can count on for just about any pest issue. Friendly, reliable, and dedicated to helping his community, he’s the go-to when unwanted guests start creeping in.

It’s always a good time to stay ahead of pests — even if you’re starting fresh with new construction. Getting a head start by treating your property right can save you from headaches and costly problems down the road. This light and informative conversation gives you a real look at what it takes to protect your space, from the ground up. Contact Mark at marksmosquito@gmail.com or 281-460-9599. Find Mark on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1G1WP4JGqJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This week on Keeping it REal with Kelly & Amanda, we’re talking property lines, projects, and potential pitfalls with Kyla Higginbotham from Survey 1 Inc.! Ever wondered why you need a survey when buying or selling a home — or before putting in that new fence, pool, or patio? Kyla breaks it all down! From making sure you’re not building on your neighbor’s side to avoiding easements, gas lines, and expensive mistakes, she shares the real reasons a survey is worth every penny.

Check out Survey 1 Inc. 👉 survey1inc.com

On this episode of Keeping It REal with Kelly & Amanda, we’re hanging out with Patrick Meadows from Texas Turf Tenders — the crew that makes outdoor spaces go from “meh” to “WOW.” Patrick shares how his team helps homeowners make the most of their space and keep it manageable and enjoyable year-round. From stunning pools and patios to beautiful synthetic turf — and even the details like irrigation and drainage — Texas Turf Tenders knows how to bring every outdoor vision to life. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your outdoor space — residential or commercial — Texas Turf Tenders can bring your vision to life so you can relax, entertain, and truly enjoy the outdoors. We talk about tones, textures, and how great design starts with understanding what you really need. Whether it’s a backyard refresh or a full outdoor transformation, Texas Turf Tenders knows how to keep the process smooth and the clients happy. Connect with them at info@texasturftenders.com or visit texasturftenders.com.

It’s a breezy and cool Monday morning, and Kelly and Amanda are soaking it all in from their now-favorite red Adirondack chairs on Kelly’s covered patio—coffee in hand, of course! In this feel-good episode of Keeping it REal, they’re dishing out a few REal Stories of Real Estate—some surprising, some downright hilarious, and all totally true. They also touch on what’s ahead for the podcast and chat about why right now is the ideal time to consider listing your home before the holiday hustle hits full swing. And if you’ve been waiting for a sign to get moving on something you’ve been putting off... this is it. Whether it’s listing your home, clearing out the garage, organizing your desk, or finally making that big life move—it’s time to do the dang thing. Tune in for laughs, lightbulb moments, and the perfect Monday motivation to start your week off right.

In this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, we’re joined by Summer Barnhill—the powerhouse behind Verified Services—for an inside look at the world of luxury home maintenance. Think it’s just about pressure washing? Think again. Summer’s team delivers professional, top-to-bottom care, from roof and fence cleaning to windows, driveways, and more. These are the often-overlooked details that can dramatically impact a home’s appearance—and its value. Summer breaks down why investing in these services isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about pride of ownership, property preservation, and yes, the incredible satisfaction of those before-and-after transformations. Whether you're prepping a listing or giving your home that “clean in between,” this episode shows how luxury maintenance can make all the difference. Tune in for expert tips, real estate insights, and a whole new appreciation for the power of clean!

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Massey of Massey Photography to talk about why professional listing photos are a game-changer when selling your home. Stephanie walks us through the process of preparing a home for photos, lays out all the rules so clients know exactly how to get ready for picture day, and shares how virtual staging and digital touch-ups (like paint color changes!) can make a huge difference.

If you’re selling your home, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you make the most of your one chance to impress and get buyers through the door! Check out Stephanie’s work: masseyphotosandmore.com

In this episode of Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, we sit down with A.J. from That’s a Great House! to talk about the secret weapon of real estate: home staging. A.J.’s journey started with a simple love for rearranging furniture — and turned into a business built on helping homeowners create spaces that sell. She reminds us that you don’t always need new stuff — just a new perspective.

Staging isn’t just about making a home look nice — it’s about creating a feeling. Buyers need to see themselves living in the space, and that means setting the stage for the life they want. Whether it’s adding warmth to a vacant home, scaling back on your belongings, or swapping out personal touches for more universal ones, A.J. knows how to make a listing pop.

She breaks down how a simple consultation can give you a clear game plan, or how full-service staging — including rentals or curated purchases — can help your home stand out from the minute it hits the market. If you’re thinking of selling, this episode is packed with tips to help you make that all-important first impression count.