ISN'T THAT RICH PODCAST | Farmers State Bank of Alto Pass | Illinois

Don't Drain Your Savings, Borrow From Your House Instead

If you've been thinking about a renovation, big purchase, or even paying off some high-interest debt, stop before you empty your savings. In this episode, we sit down with Taylor Abney to talk about HELOCs: what they are, how they work, and why your home might be the smartest place to borrow from. Learn how to unlock the equity you've already built, what to watch out for, and how to use a HELOC the right way.

Fix It or Forget It? What Actually Sells a Home

If you've ever stood in your living room staring at that chipped baseboard or outdated kitchen wondering, "Do I need to fix this before I list?", you're not alone. The truth is, prepping your home for sale can feel overwhelming. That's why we sat down with one of Southern Illinois's top real estate pros, Shelly Cain of Coldwell Banker J. David Thompson, to break it all down. Shelly has closed more than 271 deals in the past five years alone and knows exactly what makes a buyer walk through the front door, or drive right on past. From curb appeal to carpet choices, we covered it all in this week's episode and here's what we learned.

The $10,000 Homebuying Secret You've Probably Never Heard Of

If you've been dreaming of homeownership but feel stuck because of the down payment, this episode might just change everything. Jill and Ashley sit down with Chief Mortgage Officer John Streuter to uncover a little-known grant program that could give eligible homebuyers up to $10,000, no strings attached (well, almost none). We're breaking down exactly how the Downpayment Plus® Program works, who qualifies, and how Farmers State Bank is making it easier than ever to take advantage of it. Whether you're a first-time buyer or re-entering the market, this is the kind of insider info that can make homeownership feel possible. John shares real stories, simplifies the fine print, and answers questions you didn't even know you had. If you or someone you know is ready to buy a home, or wants to be ready soon, this is a must-listen.

Escrow Explained: The One Podcast Episode Every Homeowner Needs to Hear

Escrow: the word every homeowner hears but few truly understand. What is it, why do you need it, and how does it shape your mortgage payments? In this episode, we sit down with Crystal Wright, the go-to expert at Farmers State Bank, to demystify the world of escrow. We're covering everything from how it works to what happens during an escrow analysis, plus tips for avoiding surprises like shortages. Tune in and discover how understanding escrow could save you money - and headaches!

A Homeowner's Guide to Property Taxes: What You Need to Know

Today, we're diving into one of the hottest topics around - property taxes. Love them or hate them, they're a reality for homeowners, and with the recent release of tax bills, it's something many of us are thinking about. To help us understand what's going on with those tax bills, we sat down with Ashley Gott, the Williamson County Treasurer. Ashley, who has served as treasurer since 2019, brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. With over two decades of experience in banking and civic leadership, he's the perfect person to help us break down property taxes - what they are, why we have them, and how they're calculated. So, whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned property owner, we'll help guide you through the complexities of your tax bill and give you practical tips to make sense of it all.