How2Buy

Episode 19: How to Avoid Cash Flow Nightmares When Renovating Your Home

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of How2Buy, I sat down with Libby Rodriguez, the lead of Luminate Bank's renovation department, to talk about something a lot of people don't fully understand: renovation and construction loans. Renovation loans let you finance construction or renovation projects before any work begins, and Libby breaks down how these loans work for different types of clients. She also walks through the planning process: identifying contractors, securing bids, and making sure everything is lined up before you even close. We also talked about how builders and developers can use these products to expand their client base. If you've ever wondered how to buy a fixer-upper without waiting months to start work, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Libby Rodriguez, Vice President, Construction at Luminate Bank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-rodriguez-649022a0

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 18: How to Build Adaptable Financial Plans for Your Clients

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of How2Buy, Yusuf Abugideiri CFP®, and I discussed Yusuf's journey from Virginia Tech to becoming a Co-CEO of YeskeBuie, a financial planning firm. We explored Yusuf's philosophy on financial planning as an iterative process and the importance of relationships with clients. Our conversation also covered the current affordability challenges, particularly in wealthy areas, and how to make decisions about major purchases like homes. Like me, Yusuf values having a detailed process and transparent communication with clients to empower them to make informed decisions.

Mentioned in this episode:

Yusuf Abugideiri, CFP®, Partner and Chief Investment Officer: https://yebu.com/yusuf-abugideiri-cfp

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 17: How to Think Beyond the Transaction

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of How2Buy, I speak with financial advisor Atrica Roberts, about her journey from studying abroad in Costa Rica to leading wealth management in the DC metro area. She discussed her approach to holistic financial planning, emphasizing the importance of integrating mortgage decisions with broader financial strategies. Atrica highlighted the value of long-term client relationships and personalized advice, contrasting it with the transactional nature of many financial services. She also addressed the challenges of providing bespoke financial guidance in an era of online financial influencers and the importance of seeking customized advice from qualified professionals.

Mentioned in this episode:

Atricia Roberts, COO & Partner, Curo Private Wealth: https://www.curoprivatewealth.com/team/atricia-j-roberts

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 16: How to Build a Real Estate Practice Clients Trust for Life

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of How2Buy, I interviewed Jess Derr and Josh Beall from Corcoran McEnearney about their unconventional journeys into real estate and how they built their practice to be relationship-driven, process-focused, and deeply client-centric. This conversation dives into why predictable, written processes matter more than flashy marketing; how preparation and repetition allow teams to navigate high-pressure scenarios; and why winning offers often come down to confidence, speed, and coordination across the full homebuying team. We close the episode with insights into the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia as a growing, affordable market, and a reminder that the best real estate decisions are driven by life goals, not headlines.

Mentioned in this episode:

Jess Der, Real Estate Agent, Corcoran McEnearney, https://www.corcoran.com/real-estate-agents/detail/agent/jess-derr/13411

Josh Beall, Real Estate Agent, Corcoran McEnearney, https://www.corcoran.com/real-estate-agents/detail/agent/josh-beall/13355

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 15: How to Advise Clients Through Uncertainty Like a Pro

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of How2Buy, I sat down with Matt Buchanan to talk through his journey from running an insurance business to becoming a full-service financial planner. We dug into what it really takes to earn a client’s trust, including holding high standards in who we partner with and building the kind of strategic alliances that allow us to give more complete, coordinated advice. One thing we both agree on is that we have a responsibility to guide clients through financial outcomes, especially during times of economic uncertainty when fear can cloud decision-making.

Mentioned in this episode:

Matt Buchanan, CFP®, CEO and Founder of Buchanan Wealth Management https://www.buchananwealth.com/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 14: How to Make Confident Financial Decisions in Your 30s and 40s

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I talk with Alex about how financial advisors can guide clients, especially those in their 30s and 40s, through smart real estate and investment decisions. We unpack different types of investors and why having a clear process and a trusted advisor makes all the difference.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alex Vela, CFP®, FBB Capital Partners, https://www.fbbcapitalpartners.com/team/alex-vela-cfp/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 13: How to Nurture Your Niche Market as a Real Estate Agent

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

On this episode of How2Buy, I caught up with Sharmane Medaris, a top real estate agent here in Northern Virginia. Sharmane shares her career transition from hospitality into real estate, and we dig into the strategies that make her so successful with clients, from transparent processes and structured communication to proactive vetting and long-term relationship building. We also get into real estate investing, market trends, and why she values surrounding herself with experienced professionals who help her build lasting success.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sharmane Fernandez-Medaris, Realtor: https://www.homes.com/real-estate-agents/sharmane-fernandez-medaris/fnjndzs/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 12: How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor for Your Family’s Future

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

“But make sure that you're doing goals and understanding that first, and then solutions, not the reverse order.” That’s the advice financial advisor Anne shared when we sat down to talk about her 20-year career helping families make smarter money decisions. From real estate and college savings to retirement and financial literacy, we explored why starting with goals makes all the difference.

Tune in to hear Anne share what to look for and how to choose the right financial advisor for your family’s goals.

Mentioned in this episode:

Anne McCabe, CFP®, CRPC® of Curo Private Wealth: https://www.curoprivatewealth.com/team/anne-mccabe-triana-cfp-crpc

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 11: How to Balance Strategy and Trust as a Real Estate Buyer

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of How2Buy, I sit down with Jack Shorb, leader of The Shorb Team, to talk about the homebuying process, market trends, and lessons from his years in real estate. During our discussion, Jack shares how his personal passions, tennis and food, connect to his approach in serving clients with energy and discipline.

Listen and hear us dig into what buyers need to know right now to compete in today’s market and why creating a smooth process matters as much as negotiating a great deal.

Mentioned in this episode:

Jack Shorb, Realtor ® DC/MD/VA: https://www.compass.com/agents/jack-shorb/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Blog: How Much Money You Can Gift Without Being Taxed: https://www.anzoleaga.com/post/gift-tax-myth-lifetime-exclusion

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 10: How to Build Client Trust with Bespoke Wealth Management

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I interview Matt Grieb, CFP®, a financial advisor in the DC metropolitan area, to discuss his journey and approach to advising clients. Matt shares his background, business philosophy, and the importance of delivering bespoke, objectively sound advice that creates measurable value for clients.

Tune in to hear my conversation with Matt about the power of comprehensive planning and consistent, long-term, execution.

Mentioned in this episode:

Matthew Grieb, CFP®, CEPA®:

https://www.raymondjames.com/matthewgrieb/about-us/bio?_=Matt.Grieb

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 9: How to Tackle Complex Real Estate Deals Without Losing Momentum

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Jonny and Jessica share how they navigated a complex real estate journey, managing multiple transactions while seizing an unexpected opportunity. Unlike their first experience buying a home, Jonny and Jess needed to use their home equity for a competitive offer when preparing to move from Falls Church to Charlottesville.

Listen to hear the Reeve family share how trust, teamwork, and a clear plan with their lender and agent turned a high-pressure situation into a winning home purchase.

Mentioned in this episode:

Kelly Thompson: https://stylishpatina.com/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 8: How to Navigate the Market Like a Real Estate Insider

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0700

When Eric, a real estate agent himself, and his wife Genevieve decided to move from their DC row home to a larger place in Great Falls, they knew the stakes were high. Even with Eric’s experience, they leaned on a trusted team and a clear process to navigate the transition smoothly and strategically.

Tune in to hear why having a proven system (and the right partners) made all the difference, and their advice for staying confident and clear-headed in a fast-paced market.

Mentioned in this episode:

Eric Fafoglia, Real Estate Agent: https://www.compass.com/agents/eric-fafoglia/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 7: How to Understand Real Estate and Crypto in Today’s Market

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Are you interested in integrating Bitcoin into your investment strategy? In this episode, I chat with Mike Casey, CFP, who shares how his practice focuses on defined outcome investing to manage risk and meet clients' financial goals with greater predictability. Mike highlights his early adoption of Bitcoin, and explains Bitcoin’s evolution and increasing institutional acceptance.

Listen and learn more about how Mike advises his clients to think strategically when including cryptocurrency into their financial plans.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mike Casey, CFP®: https://www.aeadvisors.io/team/michael-casey

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 6: How to Pivot When Your Home Offer Never Wins

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700

When COVID hit and work went remote, Sarah figured it was the perfect time to move out of the condo she rented and into her first home. Sadly, there were thousands of other buyers with the same idea. After two years of losing offer after offer (and some earnest money), Sarah decided it was time for a new strategy, which meant aligning with a new real estate agent and lender. And it worked.

Learn how Sarah and her team approached the home-buying process in a competitive market and her advice for writing a strong offer.

Mentioned in this episode:

Aaron Nichols, Real Estate Agent: https://www.premieredmv.com/about-us

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 5: How to Buy Your First Home Even As You Plan a Wedding

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Buying your first home as a couple can be scary, especially as you are planning your wedding and seeing interest rates rise. But Monica and Ryan knew two things: that they were running out of space in their apartment and that the market would get much more competitive after their April wedding.

Hear how they reduced their overwhelm by aligning with a real estate agent who was an expert on their target area, establishing their dealbreakers, and choosing a lender that can close quickly and smoothly.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dinora Chacon, Real Estate Agent: https://www.dinorasellshomes.com/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 4: How a Move-up Buyer Closed a VA Loan in 9 Days

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

No one believes me when I say we closed a VA loan in 9 days. So on this episode of How2Buy, I talk to that notorious buyer, Rona! Learn what it took to work through the process and close quickly.

Mentioned in this episode:

Rona Jobe, Founder of LVL-Up Strategies: https://www.lvlupstrategies.com/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 3: How to Be More Analytical When Buying a Home

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

With two kids off to college, it was time for Todd and his family to downsize! Home buying can be an emotional process, but Todd (a clinical psychologist by trade) took a very analytical approach.

In this episode, learn how Todd found the right agent, chose a mortgage partner who matched his speed, and used "effective forecasting" to select an offer-worthy property.

Mentioned in this episode:

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 2: How First-Time Homebuyers Learned to Trust the Process

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Are you a first-time homebuyer who's nervous about buying your first home in the DMV? In this episode, Carol talks about how she and her husband pushed through the unknowns and trusted the process. Just as she prepared for her wedding, Carol did her due diligence with research and interviewing professionals to find the best partners for this journey. The best part? Once they found the home they loved, we closed in two weeks.

Mentioned in this episode:

Jillian Stringer Levitt, Real Estate Agent: https://www.compass.com/agents/jillian-stringer-levitt/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!

Episode 1: How to Start a Real Estate Portfolio Without Flipping

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Wondering How2Buy your first investment property? In this episode, Leo Anzoleaga and Virginia buyer Justin discuss how real estate investing is not one-size-fits-all. Justin shares his best practices, such as aligning with professionals you trust, educating yourself, and finding a niche that interests you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sebastien Courret, Real Estate Agent: https://sebastiencourretalliance.com/

Leo Anzoleaga, SVP of Residential Lending: https://www.anzoleaga.com/

Subscribe to the show to learn more How2Buy strategies from Leo Anzoleaga and his guests!