The hardest day of foster care shouldn’t start on a linoleum floor. When a child is removed from home, the first hours shape everything—what they feel, what they fear, and whether they sense anyone is on their side. We sit down with Isaiah 117 House founder Ronda Paulson to unpack a simple but radical shift: replace office waiting rooms with an actual home where kids can bathe, eat, rest, and choose new clothes while caseworkers and foster families get real support.

Ronda shares how a personal call to obedience led her from teaching to building a movement. She walks us through the reality of removal day, the strain on caseworkers, and why “day one dignity” matters for long-term outcomes. We trace the first debt-free home in Carter County to statewide momentum—boosted by cross-agency trust and a governor’s backing—and onward to 62 locations in 13 states, with tens of thousands of children served. Along the way, we talk about the fears that stop families from fostering, the power of proximity to change hearts, and the small acts that mean everything, like cooking a peach cobbler with a nervous 17-year-old who just needs to be seen.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help, this conversation offers clear steps: get informed about local foster numbers, consider taking foster classes, tour or volunteer at a nearby Isaiah 117 House, or donate to keep pantries stocked and beds ready. Foster care is hard, but communities are not powerless. With practical compassion and a home that feels like one, we can give kids safety and dignity on the day they need it most.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who cares about kids and community. Your share might be the nudge someone needs to say yes.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

A cross‑country move doesn’t have to be chaotic. Pat, a seasoned California real estate pro, shares how she found her pace, her people, and her perfect view in Northeast Tennessee—plus the surprising role a modern manufactured home played in making it all click. From that first “this is it” walkthrough to an early close, we break down what actually matters when you pair the right property with the right lending partner.

We dig into the evolution of manufactured homes under HUD standards, why today’s builds can outperform expectations on quality and efficiency, and how a turnkey Land to Homes approach simplifies everything from land selection to layout. Pat explains the upgrades she chose—a garage and screened patio—to show how move‑in ready can still feel personal. On the lending side, Steve’s step‑by‑step guidance, quick responses, and product range kept the process clear and fast, even while Pat was in transit, leading to a smooth close in roughly 27 days.

Beyond the transaction, this story is about place and belonging. The Tri‑Cities region—Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol—offers four seasons, mountain views, and what Pat calls Chillville: friendly neighbors, lighter traffic, and a calmer rhythm. We also highlight local service opportunities, including support for children through organizations like Isaiah House, for anyone eager to put down roots through meaningful community work.

Thinking about relocating, right‑sizing, or rethinking affordability? Press play to learn how a HUD‑level manufactured home, a responsive lender, and a turnkey process can transform your search. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Mortgage headlines are loud, but the real story is quieter: confidence. We dig into why builder confidence is rising while buyer confidence stalls, how the Fed’s long “sugar high” of quantitative easing set us up for today’s rates, and what a softer jobs market—amplified by AI hiring freezes—means for mortgages over the next 6 to 12 months. No fluff, just a grounded look at the forces moving your payment and your plan.

Steve Reed joins us to unpack the data behind rate direction, explain why 3 percent mortgages aren’t coming back, and outline a realistic path from the mid-sixes toward the mid-fives if inflation keeps cooling. We talk through first-time buyer pain points—student loans, income thresholds, PMI—and the practical levers that still work: zero-down USDA where eligible, state assistance, smarter down payments to avoid PMI, and credit optimization that moves the needle. The message isn’t “buy now at all costs.” It’s build a strategy that fits your rent, your reserves, and your timeline, then move with confidence.

We also examine the government shutdown’s ripple effects on lending. In flood zones, stalled federal insurance snarls closings; elsewhere, FHA, VA, and USDA pipelines can slow even as well-capitalized lenders keep funding. The broader risk is timing and trust. In markets like Northeast Tennessee where inventory is tight and in-migration is strong, prices are unlikely to roll over even if rates ease—so waiting for both cheaper money and cheaper homes may be a myth. Looking to 2026, we see cautious optimism: steadier rates, more inventory, and better affordability at the margins.

If you want a mortgage plan, not a guess, we’re here to help. Subscribe, share this with someone on the fence, and leave a review telling us your biggest barrier to buying right now.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

The affordable housing crisis looms large across America, but innovative solutions are emerging right here in Northeast Tennessee. Jonathan Tipton and Steve Reed, mortgage professionals at Benchmark Home Loans, have launched Land to Homes—a groundbreaking venture transforming manufactured housing into a viable pathway to homeownership for first-time buyers.

Gone are the stigmas of yesterday's mobile homes. Today's manufactured housing is built to strict HUD standards in controlled environments, resulting in sturdy, high-quality homes that often exceed local building codes. For families struggling to find traditional homes under $250,000 that don't require extensive renovation, Land to Homes offers a compelling alternative: brand-new manufactured homes with warranties on spacious lots, typically ranging from 3/4 to 1 acre.

What sets Land to Homes apart is their turnkey approach. They handle everything—finding suitable land, navigating complex permitting processes, installing the home, and delivering a complete package ready for move-in. For qualified buyers using VA or USDA loans, this can mean zero down payment options for a brand-new home.

The podcast reveals a particularly moving success story of a family of six living in a camper who, through Land to Homes' creative financing, moved into a double-wide home on their own land instead of a single-wide in a trailer park—with nearly the same monthly payment they would have paid elsewhere.

Beyond affordability, Jonathan and Steve emphasize the profound benefits of homeownership: wealth building through equity, creating safe environments for families, and the statistical advantages for children raised in owner-occupied homes. They challenge the narrative that homeownership is unattainable for younger generations, offering practical advice about financial discipline and reminding listeners that while the first home purchase is always the most challenging, it remains achievable with proper planning.

Ready to explore affordable homeownership options? Visit land2homes.us or call 423-670-0470 to discover how Land to Homes might help make your homeownership dreams a reality.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

A somber yet inspiring tribute to Charlie Kirk fills our latest episode as we reflect on the shocking loss of a Christian leader whose impact reached far beyond political spheres. Charlie's assassination on September 10th—what many are calling the first Christian martyrdom in America in decades—has left a void that cannot be filled by any single voice.

Charlie Kirk began his journey at just 18 years old, founding Turning Point USA in 2012 after being rejected from West Point. What started with a simple card table on college campuses grew into a global movement. Known for his tagline "I go out and talk to college kids on college campuses so you don't have to," Charlie became a beacon of light in spaces often hostile to conservative viewpoints.

What distinguished Charlie wasn't just his intellectual prowess but his character. Despite facing hostile questions on campuses nationwide, he never responded with anger, always maintained respect, and frequently reminded his audience to show courtesy to those who disagreed. This commitment to civil discourse while standing firmly for biblical truth made him extraordinary. As his influence grew, so did his openness about his Christian faith, often expressing his desire to "make heaven crowded."

Steve shares a heartfelt poem titled "Remembering Charlie," capturing the grief and gratitude many feel for Kirk's life and legacy. We discuss how his work must now be carried forward not by one person but by thousands willing to have difficult conversations with grace and truth. Charlie's example reminds us that being "bold as a lion" doesn't mean abandoning kindness or respect.

As we navigate this loss together, we're reminded that light dispels darkness. Charlie Kirk's legacy challenges us to be that light in our own communities, standing firm in biblical truth while extending grace to those with whom we disagree. Though we mourn his absence, we're inspired by his example to continue speaking truth with both conviction and compassion.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Discovering your authentic style isn't just about looking good—it's about reconnecting with your natural beauty and finding confidence that radiates from within. In this enlightening conversation, Christine Reed welcomes Shelli Holechek, owner of House of Colour in Johnson City and Bristol, who reveals how color analysis is transforming lives across East Tennessee.

Shelli shares her fascinating journey from 24 years in education to becoming an image consultant who has served over 600 clients since opening in May 2023. As a Midwest transplant who fell in love with East Tennessee's beauty and people, she brings a fresh perspective to personal styling that goes far beyond fashion trends.

What makes House of Colour unique is their holistic approach. Color analysis begins by examining your natural features in pure daylight, identifying the palette that perfectly harmonizes with your God-given coloring. But Shelli doesn't stop there—she addresses makeup (using European standards that ban 1,300 harmful ingredients compared to just 11 in the US), jewelry metals that complement your undertones, and a style analysis that considers both body architecture and personality.

The transformative power of this work extends beyond aesthetics. "There are people who have gone through life changes," Shelli explains, "and somehow their confidence has been taken from them." By reconnecting clients with their natural beauty, she helps them reclaim their self-assurance. The ultimate goal? When you're dressed as your authentic self, you can stop focusing on your appearance and start serving others.

Whether you're preparing for professional headshots, transitioning between life phases, or simply seeking to build a more intentional wardrobe, Shelli's approach offers tools—not rules—for presenting your best self to the world. Follow House of Colour Johnson City, Bristol on Instagram and Facebook @houseofcolourjohnsonctybristol to see client transformations and learn about upcoming events that could change how you see yourself forever.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

What happens when creative passion meets entrepreneurial spirit? Suzanne McKinney's journey with Beauty in Stone Jewelry provides a masterclass in turning artistic talent into a thriving business.

Suzanne believes jewelry is the essential finishing touch that completes any outfit. "Even if you're wearing just a T-shirt and jeans, when you add beautiful jewelry, you've put the icing on the cake and expressed your personal style," she shares. This philosophy has guided her from hobbyist to professional jewelry designer, creating pieces that help women feel polished and beautiful.

Working primarily with freshwater pearls, leather, and gemstones, Suzanne crafts everything from chunky statement necklaces with interchangeable pendants to precision-cut leather bracelets adorned with hand-wired crystals. What truly distinguishes her work is the personal connection she establishes with each piece and customer. One of her most meaningful services involves transforming family heirlooms into modern, wearable jewelry—preserving sentimental value while creating fresh, contemporary designs that often bring customers to tears.

The shopping experience with Beauty in Stone goes beyond typical retail. Customers can schedule private appointments at Suzanne's home studio, or host "Sippin' Shop" events where friends gather for wine, cheese, and jewelry shopping. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, Suzanne offers jewelry-making workshops where participants create their own pieces while enjoying a ladies' night out.

Suzanne's entrepreneurial wisdom comes from decades of experience, having run a successful glass engraving business for 28 years before finding her "happy place" in jewelry design. Her advice? "Everybody will tell you why you can't do something. You just can't listen to anybody. There really isn't anything stopping you but you." This resilience has not only built her business but created a family legacy, with her daughter now running her own successful glass engraving company.

Discover Suzanne's beautiful creations at beautyinstone.com or on social media @BeautyinStoneJewelry. Contact her directly at 423-262-7840 to schedule a shopping appointment or event.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Ever wonder what happens when you release your white-knuckle grip on what seems "too good to let go"? Tina Wilson's remarkable journey from portrait photographer to business maven reveals the surprising gifts that come from open hands and divine timing.

From finding her cordless phone in the freezer as an identity-starved new mom to hearing a mysterious voice on a drive home from Chattanooga, Tina's path to founding Reclaimed Home unfolds with raw honesty and unexpected turns. Her story resonates with anyone who's ever questioned their purpose or wondered if they've taken a wrong career turn.

The conversation explores how Tina's early photography success at JC Penney's portrait studio in 1991 evolved through seasons of pride, painful business lessons, and personal growth. We dive deep into the moment she received the vision for Reclaimed Home and how surrendering control created space for something far beyond her original dreams. Today, her business employs around 20 people across retail, interior design, styling services, and photography – a reality she "couldn't have been sold for a nickel" would exist a decade ago.

Tina shares her beautiful philosophy that we're all "always on the middle step" of life's staircase – reaching up for wisdom while extending a hand to those coming behind us. This perspective has transformed her approach to leadership and creating spaces that "welcome story and warmth" for families throughout Northeast Tennessee.

Whether you're questioning your professional identity, facing tough business decisions, or simply looking to create a more meaningful home environment, this conversation offers wisdom that transcends interior design. Discover why Tina considers her work "stewardship rather than entrepreneurship" and how that mindset creates exceptional experiences from the first phone call to the final pillow placement.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.