The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris

What if you could approach home buying with the patience and perspective of a teacher? In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris speaks with Amy Slate, a former educator turned Boston real estate professional, about how her background shapes a more supportive and thoughtful buying experience. From helping first-time buyers manage overwhelm to guiding women through divorce-related moves, Amy shares a grounded, compassionate approach to making confident decisions in a complex market.Here are some of the topics we discuss:Why credit is one of the top drivers of mortgage denialsHow credit impacts your interest rate, sometimes more than a bigger down paymentFHA and VA loan options, including what lower credit scores may still qualifyWhat lenders mean when they look at “trended credit” and recent payment patterns Why payment history matters so much, and how late payments can lingerHow forbearance works, and why communicating with creditors can protect your credit during hardshipA practical credit building strategy that does not require taking on new debt How to use the authorized user approach safely, and what to look for in the right cardHow to set realistic expectations for a first home versus a forever homeWhy buyers may have more negotiating power right now, depending on the local marketThe financial literacy gap for buyers and agents, and why the right partners matterKristi Nowrouzi is a mortgage loan officer and credit educator who has spent over 20 years helping clients understand credit, rebuild confidence, and move toward homeownership. She is known for making credit feel less intimidating by explaining the rules clearly, focusing on practical behaviors that improve outcomes, and supporting buyers through the emotional side of the process. Kristi also creates educational content through her podcast and YouTube channel, where she helps buyers and professionals strengthen financial literacy and make smarter mortgage decisions.If you are ready for more advice to support your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, The Pursuit of Home, at the link below. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Book your recording slot using the link below.Episode Resources:Kristi Nowrouzi Website: https://creditkristi.com/Kristi Nowrouzi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristiNowrouzi/Kristi Nowrouzi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creditkristi/Kristi Nowrouzi Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kristi-Service-Nowrouzi/author/B09SV8KZLRScott’s Book (The Pursuit of Home): https://pursueyourhome.com/book/Book A Recording Slot: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOHEpisodeScott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/Learn More About Magnetic Real Estate: https://magneticre.com/

What if you could approach home buying with the patience and understanding of a teacher? This episode of The Pursuit of Home brings you a heartfelt, insightful conversation as host Scott Harris sits down with Amy Slate, a former educator turned Boston real estate professional, to explore how her teaching background shapes a more supportive, thoughtful home-buying experience. From guiding first-time buyers through anxiety and overwhelm to helping women navigate divorce-related real estate decisions, Amy offers listeners a grounded, compassionate look at what it takes to make empowered choices in a challenging market. If you're navigating a major life transition or seeking a calmer path to homeownership, this episode delivers clarity, encouragement, and real-world strategy.Here are some of the topics we discuss:How teaching skills translate into patience, clear communication, and emotional support during home buyingWhy divorce-related property decisions require specialized guidanceWhat first-time homebuyers misunderstand about the true financial pictureWhy uncovering the "why" behind your checklist leads to better home decisionsHow to stay grounded when emotions and market conditions feel overwhelmingWhy your first home doesn't need to be your forever homeThe power of active listening in helping clients feel supportedHow to navigate differing preferences when buying with a partnerAmy Slate is a Boston-based real estate professional and former middle school French teacher who brings 20 years of educational experience into her practice. As the founder of The Breakup Broker, Amy specializes in guiding clients, particularly women, through the emotional and logistical complexities of divorce-related real estate decisions. A HousingWire contributor and author of How to Succeed at Real Estate When You Don't Really Like People, Amy blends empathy, humor, and practical expertise to make the home-buying process feel less overwhelming and far more empowering.If you're ready for more advice to support your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott's national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, at https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Book your recording slot here: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOHEpisodeEpisode Resources:Amy Slate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamyslateAmy Slate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamyslate Amy Slate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyslateAmy's Website: https://thebreakupbroker.com "How to Succeed at Real Estate When You Don't Really Like People" by Amy SlateScott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/Scott on Substack: https://thepursuitofhome.substack.com/Learn more at https://magneticre.com/

4 years strong, Ashley Glover has never given up on her homebuying journey. But there have been many times when she did want to give up. This episode of The Pursuit of Home, brings you coaching in real time as host Scott Harris sits with Ashley to explore the emotional journey of house hunting, balancing practical needs with personal dreams, and turning homeownership fears into faith-driven possibilities. This raw confessional about the ups and downs of homebuying from a prospective homebuyer herself is sure to strike a chord with listeners who might be feeling stuck in the home-buying process or seeking guidance on making this major life transition. And hey, if you’re ready for more advice to help you align with your homebuying journey, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, out now: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

Does finding your dream home, stress-free, sound like a distant dream? Then this episode of The Pursuit of Home, is what you need. Tune in as host Scott Harris sits down with Justin Scott, a first-time broker at Varsity Real Estate and former ice cream entrepreneur, to uncover how authenticity, transparency, and shared values created a surprisingly joyful homebuying journey for client Adam Kingman. Together, they turned a high-stakes transaction into a deeply human experience rooted in trust and connection. From building community to embracing emotional cues when choosing a home, this episode reveals how the right partnership can transform the process into something that truly feels like coming home. And hey, if you’re ready for the full deep dive, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, out now: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

The prospect of buying a home has always been riddled with fear, apprehension, and some amount of stress. And, the state of the real estate market today doesn’t make things any better. But what if traditional homebuying advice is actually the thing keeping you away from your dream home? In the latest episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with David Sidoni, Founder of "How to Buy a Home" and champion for first-time homebuyers, to unpack his game-changing strategies like the rent replacement approach and why waiting to save 20% down might be costing you more than you think. Common real estate myths have been holding you back more than you know, and the only thing that will set you free is understanding your true options for down payments and connecting with the right professionals who can guide you through your first home purchase. Tune in to find out how to break the rent cycle once and for all! And hey, if you’re ready for the full deep dive, grab a copy of Scott’s national best-selling book, Pursuit of Home, out now: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/. If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

In celebration of the launch of Scott’s book The Pursuit of Home, Scott zooms in on the partnership between homebuyer and real estate agent. In any journey, who you travel with is just as important as where you’re travelling; the journey to homeownership is no different. The right real estate agent can make or break the experience, but it can be a daunting task to find the right one. In the latest episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Guy Gal, Founder of Side, to explore why finding the right agent is crucial, how the real estate industry is evolving, and what makes a truly exceptional agent. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, they discuss the stark contrast between transactional and relationship-focused agents, how local expertise completely changes the equation, and why two-thirds of home purchases are still handled by inexperienced agents. Listen to the conversation, understand how to pick the right agent, and have your homeownership journey made, not broken! If you want to make the most of the journey, grab a copy of Scott’s latest book, The Pursuit of Home! It is now available at https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ or wherever you shop for books! Get your copy today! If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

The act of buying a home is often accompanied by the word ‘journey’ and rightly so - it’s a process that can overwhelm you and empower you. If you want more of the latter, the latest episode of The Pursuit of Home, will do the trick. Host Scott Harris goes solo, sharing crucial lessons learned from two decades of guiding homebuyers to success. Drawing from his new book, Scott reveals why finding the right home is more than just a transaction - it's an emotional and psychological journey that requires the right preparation, mindset, and support team. Think of this episode as a playbook for home-buying. Listen in and you'll discover how to navigate common challenges, from getting off the couch to managing relationship dynamics, and why believing in miracles might just be the most practical approach to real estate. If you want to make the most of the journey, grab a copy of Scott’s latest book, The Pursuit of Home, out on the 14th of October and now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://pursueyourhome.com/book/ If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

Remember when flipping houses became THE thing to do if you were looking for a side hustle to make a not-so-quick (but big) buck? Well, it turns out there’s more to the phenomenon than making money, and there are good guys who are still doing it. This real estate act can also be a way to bring communities together. On this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Marina Joseph, founder of Sunshine State Property Ventures, about how she’s redefining real estate by putting people and communities first. From her roots as an entertainment designer to becoming a purpose-driven property flipper, Marina shares how she renovates starter homes with care, fosters trust with buyers, and builds stronger neighborhoods across Florida. It’s an inspiring conversation for anyone interested in ethical investing, accessible homeownership, and creating real change, one home at a time. Real estate is SO much more than a money-making machine; it’s a way to get closer to the people around you and ultimately, yourself. If you’re interested in exploring how, Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

Can a house be more than just a structure? Can it become a sanctuary of healing and transformation? In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with mental health advocate and podcast host Gretchen Schoser to explore how a home can become a sanctuary for emotional healing and personal transformation. After leaving her corporate tech career and relocating from Florida to upstate New York, Gretchen found solace and purpose in her historic 1865 home, a space that played a vital role in her mental health recovery. Together, they discuss the emotional power of a ‘place’, the "Love Test" of choosing a home, and how healing environments can spark growth, community, and meaningful change. If you’re curious about how real estate can make a real impact, grab a copy of Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, now available for pre-order: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

In real estate, much like in life, the most surprising skills often make you a winner. Think patience, one’s ability to form connections, authenticity, and all that good stuff! In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Jonathan Hayek, a former special education teacher who transformed his life through real estate investing. Jonathan shares how he went from a modest W-2 salary to building a thriving portfolio by flipping houses, investing in multifamily properties, and transitioning into commercial real estate. His valuable advice on buying smart, assessing whether to rent or buy in high-cost markets, and the power of patience, relationships, and due diligence offers a roadmap to financial freedom through real estate. And, if this is a journey you’re committed to, Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook

Today’s equity-obsessed market has led people to believe that real estate just isn’t worth the risk, anymore. But what if we’re all just doing it wrong? Because the reality is that the biggest cases of “old money” find their roots in real estate. Tune into the latest episode of The Pursuit of Home, as host Scott Harris sits down with Brett Jennings, Silicon Valley luxury home marketing expert and founder of Real Estate Experts, to unpack what it really takes to build wealth through real estate. Brett shares proven strategies for navigating emotional decisions, winning bidding wars, and thinking like an investor, even on your first home purchase. From negotiation tactics to tech tools that enhance (but don’t replace) expert guidance, this episode is packed with insights for buyers in competitive markets. The difference between profit and loss; meaningfulness and meaninglessness lies in your smart choices. Listen in to learn more! And while you’re at it, grab a copy of Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, now ready for pre-order. Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

What if you could buy your dream home, even if it needs major renovations, without doing any of the work yourself? In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Matt Kelly, Associate Broker at Blanchard and Calhoun, to share a remarkable story of trust, timing, and transformation. At the height of a volatile real estate market, Tyler and Alyssa Gordon made a bold leap, agreeing to purchase a fixer-upper. Matt Kelly orchestrated the deal, partnering with a developer to flip the property and deliver the Gordons’ dream home. This inspiring episode shows how faith, relationships, and creative thinking can open new paths to homeownership, even in uncertain times. Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

On this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Deborah Morton, Founder and CEO of Clareo Real Estate, to unpack what drives successful real estate transactions. With over $65M in recent sales, Deborah draws from her background in hospitality and real estate to highlight why relationship-building, clear communication, and strategic negotiation are more critical than any listing app. Listeners will gain actionable insights on choosing the right agent, navigating emotional and financial complexities, and protecting generational wealth through intentional home buying. Whether buying your first home or your fifth, this episode redefines the meaning of "home." Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

What if you could learn real estate investing strategies that apply directly to your home search? On this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Lee Yoder, founder and CEO of Threefold Real Estate Investing, to discuss his transition from physical therapy to real estate success. Lee shares how investors and homebuyers can find hidden value in overlooked properties, especially C-class assets. The episode offers practical strategies for evaluating fixer-uppers, balancing lifestyle goals with smart renovations, and thinking like an investor when buying your own home. Learn how to turn property ownership into a powerful wealth-building tool. Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

What if you could build trust and stand out in today's competitive real estate market? In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Denis Smykalov, founder of Wolsen Real Estate, about building trust and authenticity in the digital real estate era. Denis shares how he leveraged personal branding, embraced crypto, and prioritized relationships to grow his business. They delve into buyer psychology, exploring how to find the right agent and why genuine connections often outshine flashy marketing tactics. Whether you’re buying or selling, this episode is a must for navigating today’s dynamic real estate landscape. Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

What if you could learn the insider secrets of successful real estate transactions in high-demand markets? Hint: It’s not necessarily about the transaction itself! On The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with real estate experts Lisa Weissman and Bela Sheth of Houlihan Lawrence to uncover what it takes to buy wisely in a competitive market. With over 40 years of combined experience in Scarsdale, they reveal how emotion, strategy, and community insight drive successful home buying. From avoiding costly mistakes to trusting your gut, this episode delivers practical wisdom for buyers who want to lead with both heart and head. Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

What if you could confidently and clearly navigate today's shifting real estate market? In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris talks with Betsy Pepine, a nationally recognized broker and best-selling author, about navigating today’s evolving real estate market. From the “new normal” of interest rates to creative buying strategies, Betsy shares practical insights for homebuyers. They explore why smaller homes can bring more happiness, how to adapt to NAR settlement changes, and the importance of authentic agent relationships in finding a true sense of home. Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

What if finding your dream home could be more magnetic than frenetic? In this special episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris unveils the Magnetic Method, a four-step approach to home buying that shifts the process from stressful to seamless. Fresh from launching his new brokerage, Magnetic, Scott shares insights from his upcoming book and explains how to Activate, Align, Amplify, and Attract the perfect home. With real success stories and a focus on mindset, this episode redefines the home search process - proving that belief is the key to finding your dream space. Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook If you or someone you know is a homebuyer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you! Book your recording slot here: The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris Recording - Scott Harris: https://tinyurl.com/BookTPOH

What if you could better understand the emotional and psychological journey behind every home purchase? In this special trailer episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris shares what’s ahead as the podcast returns on 29th April. With real conversations from homebuyers, agents, and experts, the show uncovers what it really takes to find the place you call home - beyond price, square footage, and location. Follow now and don’t miss an episode.

Ever have doubts if you're ever going to find that home? You're not alone. What does your agent bring to the table to help keep you focused and calm? Let's take it a step further:  What if your agent was more than a cheerleader, but had a deep, abiding religious faith? How would that help? Today we meet with Elizabeth Gleason, a high-performing agent in the Dallas/Grapevine Texas markets at Rogers Healy Agency. We discuss how one kind of faith begets the kind of faith you need to be successful in your real estate. Want to share your real estate story? Be in touch to schedule an intake call to be a guest on the podcast! Connect with Elizabeth Gleason:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-gleason-26bb9610/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethxgleason/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dfw.realtor Connect with the podcast:Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pursuit-of-home-with-scott-harris/id1735802964Watch: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7_x00Dbn3ORnw0MiJ--5A9i49vS2h5VLApply to Be On The Pursuit of Home: https://harrisresidential.com/apply/Pursue Your Home Via Scott’s Socials https://linktr.ee/scottieharrisScott's firm, Brown Harris Stevens, is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida.