John Binkowski and Carter Bastien break down the real estate and mortgage game from both sides of the deal. Whether you're looking to buy a home or already a homeowner, this is the podcast that gives you the info agents and lenders don't always tell you.
Mortgage Information:
Carter Bastien
Mortgage Broker | NMLS 2537494
Align Lending | NMLS 2041154
📧 cbastien@alignlending.com (mailto:cbastien@alignlending.com)
📞 248-963-1414
📸 Instagram: @cleartoclosecarter
Real Estate Information:
John Binkowski
Real Estate Agent | License #6501441362
Century 21 Signature - Flushing, MI
📞 810-820-0906
📧 binkjohn@gmail.com (mailto:binkjohn@gmail.com)
📸 Instagram: @johnjrealtor
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/57CGYC4lGVj9TUdxcBKucc?si=9534010f408a4498)
Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/house-rules-podcast/id1834957106)
📸 Instagram: @houserules.podcast
#12 - Do You Really Need 20% Down? Buyer Questions, Answered
We opened up the mailbag for this one. 11 real questions from buyers, answered straight. Do you actually need 20% down? Does shopping multiple lenders tank your credit score? Is waiting for rates to drop a smart play or a losing bet? Plus why the lowest rate isn't always the best deal, what your down payment doesn't cover, and whether renting really is throwing money away.
Got a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Drop it in the comments.
Mortgage Information: Carter Bastien Mortgage Broker | Align Lending Waterford, MI NMLS #2537494
cbastien@alignlending.com (mailto:cbastien@alignlending.com)
248-963-1414
Instagram: @cleartoclosecarter
Real Estate Information: John Binkowski Real Estate Agent | Century 21 Signature Flushing, MI License #6501441362
810-820-0906
binkjohn@gmail.com (mailto:binkjohn@gmail.com)
Instagram: @johnjrealtor Podcast House Rules Podcast
Instagram: @houserules.podcast
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=47228740-6de9-402f-a28f-ce6a16c7dd99 (https://linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=47228740-6de9-402f-a28f-ce6a16c7dd99)
0:00 Intro
1:05 Do I need 20% down?
3:19 Pay off debt before talking to a lender?
4:14 Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved
6:21Will shopping lenders hurt my credit?
7:45 Approved for more than I expected
10:05 What else do I need besides the down payment?
13:30 Is the lowest rate the best deal?
15:55 Should I wait for rates to come down?
21:42 Do I really need a home inspection?
26:07 Is 30 years too long to commit?
29:19 Is renting throwing money away?
37:15 Wrap-up
2 Jun 2026
#11 - The Home Buying Process, Unlocked
Buying a home has a lot of moving parts, and most buyers only ever see a few of them. Carter and John talk through the process in a nutshell, from the first conversation to the keys in your hand.
This is the roadmap to what to expect when buying a home.
Find us on social media;
LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast (http://linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast)
IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast (https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast)
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor (https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor)
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter (https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter)
NMLS ID 2537494
House Rules Podcast 2026
18 May 2026
#10 - The Truth About Michigan's Real Estate Market in 2026
Is it a buyer's market right now? Your aunt's cousin's neighbor read an article that says yes. A national headline says it's the hardest time in history to buy a home. So what's actually true?
In Episode 10 of House Rules, Carter and John break down why "is it a buyer's market" is the wrong question entirely. The real answer depends on your zip code, your timeline, and what kind of opportunity you're actually willing to chase.
We dig into what's really happening across Michigan right now from Genesee County to Grand Rapids to the Oakland County suburbs, why "stale" listings can be the best opportunity, and why waiting costs more than you think.
The bottom line: it's always a buyer's market for the buyer who's prepared.
Find us on social media;
LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast (http://linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast)
IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast (https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast)
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor (https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor)
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter (https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter)
House Rules Podcast 2026
4 May 2026
#9 - Taxes, Insurance, Repairs, Oh My!
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer's perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode features the various costs of owning a home, both the set-in-stone costs, and the emergency costs. Preparing for the worst is always the best method for budgeting, but before you buy a home, it's important to give yourself some grace when assuming your estimated costs to own and operate your household, both for guaranteed costs and emergency expenses. While it's important to have a steady income and smart money saving habits, don't stress yourself out over every penny when doing your pre-purchase budgeting.
Find us on social media;
LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast (http://linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast)
IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast (https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast)
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor (https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor)
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter (https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter)
House Rules Podcast 2026
21 Apr 2026
#8 - Give Yourself Some Credit
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer's perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode features the importance of building credit, maintaining good credit, and if your credit isn't in the best spot, providing a plan to help rebuild your credit so you can achieve the American dream of home ownership by acquiring a loan. A mortgage is one of the keys to owning a home, and credit is an essential building block in acquiring a mortgage. Listen in to hear about all the essential building blocks involving home ownership.
Find us on social media;
LinkTree: linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast (linktr.ee/house_rules_podcast)
IG: https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast (https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast)
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor (https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor)
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter (https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter)
House Rules Podcast 2026
6 Apr 2026
#7 - Why We Started This Podcast
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode answers the question everyone with a podcast must answer at some point: Why did we start a podcast? John and Carter dive into their reasons for starting this publication, and what their goals are for the podcast going forward. Thanks for listening.
Find us on social media;
https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter
House Rules Podcast 2026
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com (https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
6 Feb 2026
#6 - The Real Cost of Waiting To Buy
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode sheds light on the real cost of waiting to buy a home. As stated in previous episodes, the new median age for a first-time home buyer is 40. While many people think they’re saving money renting, or living with mom and dad, they’re losing money every day by not putting their hard earned money to work by building home equity. While everyone’s situation is different, and home ownership isn’t for everyone at the present moment, everyone with the drive and will to own a home can do so with the right help.
Find us on social media;
https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter
House Rules Podcast 2026
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com (https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
10 Jan 2026
#5 - Condo Conundrums
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode features the journey of buying, owning, or selling a condominium. In this day and age, this competitive real estate market causes borrowers and purchasers to widen their search when searching for a home. Condos can offer home buyers with great options and flexibility, while also being more affordable than stand-alone single-family residences. When in doubt about purchasing a condo, be sure to lean on the professionals on your side to guide you in the right direction every step of the way.
Find us on social media;
https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter
House Rules Podcast 2026
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com (https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
13 Dec 2025
#4 - Finding The Sweet Spot
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode discusses the tools required when curating the ideal loan for prospective home buyers. The home loan can be geared towards the home buyer/owner(s) specific needs, including but not limited to: the monthly payment, the current interest rate, unlocking home equity from an existing loan, and down payment on a new home. No matter what your needs are given your current financial situation, you have options when shopping for a loan, and the best part is, you don’t need to do it alone!
Find us on social media;
https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com (https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
29 Nov 2025
#3 - Home Affordability Hacks
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode features discussion on the complexities of navigating the current real estate market, focusing on home affordability, loan structure, and the importance of clear communication between realtors and clients. They explore how buyers can push their financial limits while budgeting for unexpected expenses, and share creative strategies to make home ownership more accessible. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and understanding in the home buying process, especially in a fluctuating market.
Find us on social media;
https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarter
House Rules Podcast 2025
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com (https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
15 Nov 2025
#2 - Crafting a Winning Offer
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer’s perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode features the tools buyers have when curating a strong, competitive offer. In this day and age with houses priced at a premium, and inventory not quite where it should be, bringing a good offer to the table will help your offer stand out, and allow you to get one step closer to becoming a homeowner.
Find us on social media;
https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/cleartoclosecarterHouse Rules Podcast 2025
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com (https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
22 Aug 2025
#1 - Progression Over Perfection
Welcome to the House Rules Podcast, a show specializing in both the Realtor and Loan Officer's perspective on purchasing and owning a home.
This episode features displaying the mentality between prioritizing small goals, and fighting against bad tendencies. Procrastination can stop the determined individual right in their tracks. No matter what the goal is, set small milestones, and chip away at the task at hand, brick by brick.
Find us on social media;
https://instagram.com/houserules.podcast
John Binkowski IG: https://instagram.com/johnjrealtor
Carter Bastien IG: https://instagram.com/ctc.carter
House Rules Podcast 2025
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit houserulesp.substack.com (https://houserulesp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact House Rules Podcast
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