Head in the Clouds

Today’s Head in the Clouds episode is a must-listen for agents and homebuyers who think insurance is something you deal with after the deal is done. Heather is joined by trusted insurance advisor Malachi Loyal of Comparion Insurance Agency to reveal what really matters when it comes to protecting the biggest investment of your life—your home. From roof age and ZIP code risks to renters and mobile home policies, this episode will shift how you think about coverage. Show Notes / Highlights Intro Host Heather and guest Malachi Loyal from Comparion Insurance Why insurance goes beyond paperwork—protecting belongings and peace of mind Homeowner’s Insurance Essentials Mortgage lenders require it; no insurance = no protection Explanation of Coverage A–F: dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, liability, medical payments Risk Transfer & Coverage Options Deductibles, rebuild vs. market value Appraisals for high-value items (e.g., fine art) Bundling auto and home policies—trust but compare Timing & Location Considerations When agents/buyers should contact insurance—day one under contract ZIP code, flood zones, and roof age heavily impact premiums Renters’ Insurance Covers tenant property and liability—don’t rely on landlord’s policy Overlooked Points During Due Diligence Age of roof, plumbing, HVAC systems Hazards: trees, overgrown limbs, driveway cracks, debris Examples from real claims—when good coverage made all the difference Mobile & Vacant Lot Insurance Separate policies for mobile/manufactured homes, boats, jet-skis, dirt bikes Vacant land still needs liability coverage Agent–Insurer Workflow What happens after agents pass along property details Gathering data: roof, age, utilities, location Customizing policies with clear client conversations Staying calm and acting as voice of reason during client claims Final Takeaways Roof age (15+ years), tree & debris hazards, well-maintained yard = smoother underwriting Agents can differentiate themselves by guiding clients through these factors Contact info: Phone: (404) 543‑4826 Email: malachi.loyal@comparioninsurance.com Guest: Malachi Loyal, Sales Representative at Comparion Insurance Agency  Serving all of Georgia Learn more or get a quote Direct: (678) 926-5645 Cell: (404) 543-4826 malachi.loyal@comparioninsurance.com ️ Book a 1-on-1 Session: With Heather: Chapters (00:00:01) - Insurance for Real Estate Agents(00:01:05) - Having Insurance for Homeownership(00:02:00) - Do Homeowners Need Insurance?(00:07:08) - Do I Need Flood Insurance?(00:11:29) - Remy the Insurance Representative(00:12:26) - Insurance Advisor: Real Estate Agents and Referrals(00:14:37) - Find out the age of the roof when buying a home(00:20:41) - Insurance Claims 101(00:28:02) - Homeowners Insurance 101(00:31:10) - Property Insurance 101

In this episode of Head in the Clouds, Heather Fowler sits down with Tim Arrington, a seasoned mortgage broker and owner of Mortgage Core, to unravel the truth about home loans, down payment myths, and how buyers and agents can finally stop losing deals to financing chaos. Guest Bio: Tim Arrington is the owner and broker at Mortgage Core. With over 25 years of experience, Tim is a trusted partner for real estate agents and buyers who need transparency, strategy, and a path to the closing table. We cover: Why the mortgage game has changed—and how to play it smart Common buyer misconceptions that cost them their dream home A behind-the-scenes look at what lenders actually look at The truth about down payment assistance (and who should avoid it) Real talk on rates, refis, DTI, and what’s next in the 2025 market Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned agent, or somewhere in between, this episode will arm you with the clarity and strategy to win in today’s housing market. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow agent or home shopper who needs this clarity. Episode Links: Apply with Tim at https://mortgagecore.com/ Call/Text Tim: (770) 856-6397  Book a 1-on-1 Session: With Heather: Schedule with Heather   Never Miss a Show: Subscribe at RealTalkHA.live   Join Our Community: Head in the Clouds Agent Group – A free space to collaborate, grow, and get inspired with other driven agents.   Chapters (00:00:00) - Head in the Clouds: Mortgages(00:01:15) - Timothy Miller on Becoming a Mortgage Agent(00:02:04) - How Has the Real Estate Industry Changed?(00:03:03) - What's Your Favorite Part of the Job?(00:03:54) - How to Get a Homeowners Loan(00:05:52) - Do You Need a Mortgage From a Bank or a Broker?(00:08:07) - Mortgage Options for Buying a House(00:11:55) - Timid Mortgage Corp: Help Your Homeowner Buy a Home(00:14:19) - Buying a House in the Gig Economy(00:19:28) - The Interest Rate on a Home Loan(00:21:26) - Real Estate Agents: I Wish More Agents Knew About Appra(00:23:23) - Homebuyers: Down Payment Assistance(00:28:00) - DPA: Down Payment Assistant(00:31:31) - House Buyers: Debt to Income(00:37:01) - One thing to be sure of is your offer letter(00:38:05) - FHA Loans, How Do They Work?(00:41:39) - Real Estate Comment: Rates and the Housing Market(00:45:23) - What is REFINANCING?(00:49:08) - Mortgage Corp.

In this episode of Head in the Clouds, Heather sits down with Georgia-based real estate agent Tony Holden — a top producer who pivoted from residential sales to investor-focused real estate deals. Tony opens up about: Why the 2022 market shift pushed him into working with investors The exact process he follows to find, vet, and flip properties What agents need to know before jumping into the investing game How he built rock-solid trust with buyers who spend $400K sight unseen The biggest myths new investors believe (and how to avoid costly mistakes) Whether you're an agent looking to work with investors or a first-time buyer eyeing your first flip, this episode is packed with real talk, tactical advice, and golden nuggets you won’t want to miss. Guest: Tony Holden Location: Cumming, Georgia Website: HoldenHomesRE.com Instagram: @tonyholdenrealtor Facebook: Tony Holden Contact Tony: 770-800-8216 Learn more about how you can transition from traditional real estate to the investment side and create consistent cash flow—even in shifting markets. Ready to ditch the hustle and scale smarter? Join us at Cloud Realty and get your own Pipeline on Demand. Book a 1-on-1 Session: With Heather: Schedule with Heather   Never Miss a Show: Subscribe at RealTalkHA.live   Join Our Community: Head in the Clouds Agent Group – A free space to collaborate, grow, and get inspired with other driven agents.   Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Get Your Real Estate License in Georgia(00:01:50) - What Made You Switch From Real Estate to Investment?(00:04:02) - Tony the Investor Agent Discusses His Changes(00:05:06) - Have You Got What it Takes to Be an Investment Agent?(00:06:15) - How Do You Find The Right Property For Investors?(00:08:34) - Can You Find the Right House?(00:10:19) - Real Estate Talk: Investors and Property(00:16:18) - Home Buyer vs. Investor Agent: What's The Difference?(00:18:53) - How Much Should an Investor Spend on a Real Estate Property?(00:21:11) - Investment Loans(00:23:08) - How To Ruin a Real Estate Deal?(00:25:47) - Real Estate Agents and Investors(00:27:26) - Do Repairs Need to Be Done on Your Home?(00:29:57) - Should Home Buyers Be Warned of Repairs?(00:32:32) - When you're working in this market with investors, what type of(00:34:02) - Know Your Numbers When Listing a Home(00:35:57) - Real Estate Network: Knowing Your Numbers, Double Check(00:37:22) - Tony Holden on Investing

Discover how former military logistics expert turned real estate agent, Andres Castro, scaled his real estate business using Cloud Realty’s lead generation system. Learn the secrets behind warm transfers, automated follow-up, agent attraction, and converting leads like a pro. Whether you're new to real estate or managing a team, this episode breaks down exactly how to scale without burning out.  for Andres Castro Ready to stop renting and start owning in Huntsville? Let’s make homeownership your reality. Schedule your free consultation with Andres today: acastroproperties.com Serving Huntsville, Madison, and beyond. Spanish-speaking? ¡Hablo Español! Book a 1-on-1 Session: With Heather: Schedule with Heather   Never Miss a Show: Subscribe at RealTalkHA.live   Join Our Community: Head in the Clouds Agent Group – A free space to collaborate, grow, and get inspired with other driven agents.   ‍♀️ Heather helps agents build systems that work—even when you're off the clock. Chapters (00:00:06) - Immigrant Real Estate Agent at Cloud Realty(00:07:13) - Four Main Engines at Cloud Realty(00:10:13) - How has cloud changed the way you do lead generation?(00:11:27) - 5 Rules for Lead Acceptance(00:16:47) - How to Respond to a Lead in 60 Seconds(00:18:45) - How To Live Transfer Leads From Cloud to Real Estate Agents(00:24:30) - How to Budget for Advertising on Cloud(00:29:54) - Pipeline on Demand: Business Engine #1(00:32:07) - Will Real Estate Brokerage Need a Cloud?(00:34:25) - How to Get More Agents to Join Your Team with Cloud Realty(00:39:30) - Cloud Realty Agent Engagement 3(00:49:23) - How to Build a Referral Team with 60 Agents(00:50:18) - Cloud Realty: Last Words for Our Agents(00:54:54) - Head in the Clouds

In this conversation, Heather Fowler discusses the challenges faced by real estate agents, particularly the exhaustion from managing all aspects of their business alone. She introduces Cloud's solutions, which consist of three engines designed to help agents generate leads, recruit other agents, and streamline their operations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology and support systems to achieve success in real estate, while also addressing the investment required to utilize these tools effectively. takeaways Agents often feel overwhelmed and tired from managing everything themselves. Real estate success requires a strategic approach to lead generation and follow-up. Cloud offers tailored solutions to help agents streamline their processes. The first engine, Pipeline on Demand, focuses on lead management and conversion. Agent attraction and recruiting is the second engine, designed for team leads and brokerages. Cloud Command is the third engine, providing a fully customized and scalable system. Investing in marketing and technology is crucial for real estate success. Agents need to be proactive in their follow-up to avoid losing leads. The systems provided by Cloud are designed to work for agents who are willing to put in the effort. Success in real estate is achievable with the right tools and support. Book a 1-on-1 Session: With Heather: Schedule with Heather   Never Miss a Show: Subscribe at RealTalkHA.live   Join Our Community: Head in the Clouds Agent Group – A free space to collaborate, grow, and get inspired with other driven agents.   Chapters (00:00:00) - The Exhaustion of Real Estate Agents(00:02:40) - Understanding the Challenges in Real Estate(00:05:10) - Introducing Cloud's Solutions(00:07:56) - Pipeline on Demand: The First Engine(00:15:54) - Agent Attraction and Recruiting: The Second Engine(00:22:01) - Cloud Command: The Third Engine(00:26:16) - Investment in Success