🚀 Are you approved for a mortgage but unsure what you can actually afford? The real cost of buying a home goes far beyond the interest rate.

For homebuyers in Wichita Falls real estate and across North Texas, JC San Pedro explains why affordability also depends on property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI, down payments, closing costs, and the loan structure itself.

Tim Lockhart, retired Air Force officer, Certified Military Relocation Professional, and host of The Falls Home Front Podcast, looks at the housing market from the inside out. JC San Pedro, Chief Lending Officer at Amplify Credit Union, brings nearly 29 years of banking and lending experience to explain credit unions, portfolio lending, mortgage programs, and financing options for borrowers.

Learn how to evaluate your real housing costs, understand your financing options, and make a more informed mortgage decision.

👤 Host / Guest

Hosted by: Tim Lockhart

Guest: JC San Pedro, Chief Lending Officer at Amplify Credit Union, oversees consumer and wholesale lending and its loan participation network of 150+ investors.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to separate mortgage pre-approval from true affordability.

✔️ How property taxes and homeowners insurance affect monthly housing costs.

✔️ Why private mortgage insurance (PMI) can add hundreds of dollars to a monthly payment.

✔️ How credit union portfolio lending can consider a borrower's overall financial situation.

✔️ How first-time homebuyer programs can provide 100% financing without PMI in qualifying situations.

✔️ How nonconforming, jumbo, home equity, and purchase money second loans can expand financing options.

What veterans should understand about VA loans and other available programs.

🔎 Key Questions Answered

Q: Does mortgage pre-approval mean you can afford the home?

A: No. JC San Pedro explains that borrowers should focus on what they can comfortably afford rather than simply buying at their maximum approved amount.

Q: Who does private mortgage insurance protect?

A: PMI protects the lender if the borrower defaults; JC San Pedro notes that it is not a direct benefit to the borrower and can sometimes cost several hundred dollars per month.

Q: What should veterans know about mortgage options?

A: JC San Pedro recommends understanding available VA benefits, funding-fee implications, and other loan or down-payment assistance programs before choosing a financing option.

🎯 For Homebuyers

Before choosing a mortgage, understand what you qualify for, what you can afford, and what financing options are available to you.

⏳ Timestamps:

📌0:00 - Intro

📌1:10 - JC San Pedro's 29-Year Career

📌2:46 - Banks vs. Credit Unions

📌5:14 - Mortgage Rates & Home Affordability

📌7:41 - Approved vs. Comfortable to Pay

📌8:39 - Insurance, Taxes & Borrower Education

📌11:31 - How Credit Unions Support Borrowers

📌13:36 - First-Time Homebuyer Programs

📌15:20 - Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance

📌16:35 - How Loan Participation Works

📌21:30 - Nonconforming & Jumbo Loan Options

📌24:52 - Purchase Money Second Loans

📌25:36 - Biggest Mortgage Misconceptions

📌28:49 - How to Connect With Amplify

📌29:37 - VA Loans & Options for Veterans

📌31:14 - Outro

💼 Connect with JC San Pedro:

🌐 Website → https://www.goamplify.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/jc.sanpedro.9/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/atexasjc/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jc-san-pedro-b76a8b151/

🎧 Follow Tim Lockhart:

🌐 Website → https://timlockharthomes.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tim.lockhart.18/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lockhart

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#FallsHomeFront #TimLockhart #WichitaFallsRealEstate #NorthTexasRealEstate #MilitaryRelocation #VALoans #KellerWilliams #VeteranRealtor #TexasRealEstate #MilitaryFamilies

🚀 AI isn’t replacing real estate agents - it’s changing how they create value.

What does the future of real estate look like as AI, real-time data, and changing consumer expectations reshape the industry?

On The Falls Home Front Podcast, Tim Lockhart talks with Smokey Garrett, a 30-year real estate professional and leader who has worked across multiple Keller Williams markets. They explore how AI, real-time data, and technology are changing the role of the real estate agent and creating a more connected, consultative approach to serving consumers.

Tim Lockhart hosts The Falls Home Front Podcast because Wichita Falls and North Texas deserve a voice that understands the housing market from the inside out. As a retired Air Force officer, Certified Military Relocation Professional, and founder of the Lockhart Real Estate Team, Tim brings local market insights and conversations to military families, real estate professionals, and the North Texas community.

👤 Host / Guest

Hosted by: Tim Lockhart

Guest: Smokey Garrett is a real estate executive, investor, and Operating Partner of The GO Network across Texas, New Mexico, and Tennessee. A Regional Owner within Keller Williams, he focuses on developing industry leaders and modern business models for real estate professionals.

✔️ How AI in real estate can improve efficiency and client service

✔️ Why agents are shifting from meeting customer needs to anticipating customer needs

✔️ How real-time market data can reveal current buyer and seller activity

✔️ Why historical sales data alone may not reflect today’s market

✔️ How technology can help agents provide information and service around the clock

✔️ Why the future agent may become a more consultative home advisor

✔️ How AI and human relationships can work together to create more value

🔎 Key Questions Answered

Q: Will AI replace real estate agents?A: AI can help agents work more efficiently, access information, and provide a higher level of service while the agent-consumer relationship remains central.

Q: Why is real-time data important in real estate?A: Historical sales show what happened in the past, while current showings, offers, buyer activity, and days on market can reveal what is happening in the market today.

Q: How is the role of the real estate agent changing?A: Agents are increasingly expected to anticipate client needs, understand consumer goals, and provide consultative guidance supported by technology and data.

🏠 For Buyers, Sellers & Real Estate Professionals

Listen to the full episode to hear how AI, real-time data, and human relationships are reshaping the role of the real estate agent.

⏳ Timestamps:

📌 0:00 - Introduction

📌 0:50 - Meet Smokey Garrett: 30 Years in Real Estate

📌 1:26 - What Is the GO Network?

📌 7:23 - What Real Estate Agents May Be Missing

📌 10:37 - Changing Consumer Behavior

📌 11:14 - AI and the Future of Real Estate

📌 14:03 - AI for Home Buyers & Sellers

📌 16:38 - Gobi & Real-Time Market Data

📌 19:30 - Private Collections, iFinder & Selling Options

📌 25:30 - The Future of Real Estate Agents

📌 28:47 - Closing Thoughts

💼 Connect with Smokey Garrett:

🌐 Website → ⁠http://mygonetwork.com/⁠

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/smokey_garrett_

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/smokeygarrett

🎧 Follow Tim Lockhart:

🌐 Website → https://timlockharthomes.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tim.lockhart.18/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lockhart

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#FallsHomeFront #TimLockhart #WichitaFallsRealEstate #NorthTexasRealEstate #MilitaryRelocation #VALoans #KellerWilliams #VeteranRealtor #TexasRealEstate #MilitaryFamilies

🚀 For Wichita Falls homeowners, hail damage can quickly become a stressful roofing and insurance situation. Knowing how to document damage, slow down, and choose a reputable contractor can help avoid costly mistakes.

On The Falls Home Front Podcast, Tim Lockhart sits down with Kelly Thompson, Sales Manager at Shearman Roofing & Construction, to discuss building $1M+ in sales through consistency, follow-ups, and daily opportunities—and his transition into team leadership, coaching, and accountability.

Kelly also shares what homeowners should look for in a roofing contractor, red flags like cash-payment requests and deductible promises, what to do after hail damage, and how drones, thermal imaging, and AI are changing the roofing industry while human connection remains essential.

If you're a Wichita Falls homeowner dealing with storm damage, slow down, ask questions, and make sure you know who you're trusting with your home.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Build consistent sales habits despite rejection by focusing on conversations, inspections, follow-ups, and other activities within your control.

✔️ Understand the delay between effort and results and avoid letting short-term rejection weaken your sales pipeline.

✔️ Transition from salesperson to effective team leader by shifting from individual production to coaching, clear expectations, and team development.

✔️ Coach sales representatives without micromanaging by giving them room to make manageable mistakes while providing support and accountability.

✔️ Build lasting homeowner relationships through transparent sales by focusing on trust rather than simply closing a transaction.

✔️ Respond to hail damage without rushing into a roofing contract by documenting visible damage and getting a professional inspection.

✔️ Evaluate roofing contractors and recognize red flags by checking licensing, previous work, reviews, and avoiding questionable payment or deductible practices.

✔️ Understand how technology is changing roofing through drones, thermal imaging, and AI while recognizing the continuing value of human connection.

🏠 Listen now and make an informed decision about your roof!

🔎 Key Questions Answered

Q: What should homeowners do after a hailstorm?A: Kelly Thompson recommends checking for visible signs of damage and having a reputable roofing company inspect the property rather than getting on the roof themselves.

Q: How can homeowners spot a bad roofing contractor?A: Kelly Thompson recommends checking licensing, previous work, and reviews, while treating cash-payment requests and promises to cover an insurance deductible as red flags.

Dealing with storm damage? Slow down, ask questions, and make sure you know who you're trusting with your home.

⏳ Timestamps (Click to Jump to Sections!):

📌0:00 - Intro: Roofing, Sales & Leadership

📌1:17 - Kelly Thompson's Journey Into Roofing

📌2:18 - How Kelly Reached $1 Million in Sales

📌3:28 - From Salesperson to Team Leader

📌7:25 - Handling Rejection & Sales Consistency

📌8:57 - Building Trust Through Honest Sales

📌10:51 - How Homeowners Should Handle Hailstorms

📌15:50 - Roofer or Insurance Company First?

📌17:22 - AI, Drones & the Future of Roofing

📌18:37 - Connect with Kelly

👤 Host / Guest

Hosted by: Tim Lockhart

Guest: Kelly Thompson is the Sales Manager at Shearman Roofing & Construction, leading team development, project management, and storm restoration strategies

💼 Connect with Kelly Thompson:

🌐 Website → http://kellythompsonsrc.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KellyGT135/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/940_kells/

🎧 Follow Tim Lockhart:

🌐 Website → https://timlockharthomes.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tim.lockhart.18/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lockhart

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#FallsHomeFront #TimLockhart #WichitaFallsRealEstate #NorthTexasRealEstate #MilitaryRelocation #VALoans #KellerWilliams

🚀 What could you miss before closing without a thorough home inspection?

Tim Lockhart sits down with Lawrence Courtien to explore what buyers should know about home inspections, new construction, inspection reports, and modern inspection tools. They also discuss thermal imaging, foundation measurements, and sewer scopes to help buyers better understand a property's condition before closing.

Hosted by: Tim Lockhart

Guest: Lawrence Courtien

Lawrence Courtien is the Co-Owner of Buffalo Property Inspections. A former combat engineer with the 82nd Airborne Division, he brings his military experience and attention to detail to residential home inspections across the DFW area.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How a home inspection can help you avoid costly surprises

✔️ How to identify major deficiencies versus normal maintenance

✔️ Why new construction still needs an independent inspection

✔️ How thermal imaging can reveal potential home issues

✔️ What foundation measurements can tell you about a property

✔️ Why sewer scopes matter for older homes

🏠 Listen now and buy with confidence!

💼 Connect with Buffalo Property Inspections:

🌐 Website → ⁠https://buffalopropertyinspections.com/⁠

🔗 LinkedIn → ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/buffalo-property-inspections/⁠

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloPropertyInspections/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/buffalopropertyinspections/

🎧 Follow Tim Lockhart:

🌐 Website → https://timlockharthomes.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tim.lockhart.18/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lockhart

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#FallsHomeFront #TimLockhart #WichitaFallsRealEstate #NorthTexasRealEstate #MilitaryRelocation #VALoans #KellerWilliams #VeteranRealtor #TexasRealEstate #MilitaryFamilies

🚀 Can thoughtful home design save you money and add value to your home?

Tim Lockhart sits down with Will Clark, Owner and Lead Designer of Clark Design Studio in Wichita Falls, to discuss home remodeling, interior design, renovation budgets, and home value. Will shares why planning early and making thoughtful design choices can help homeowners create spaces that work better for their lifestyle and budget.

Hosted by: Tim Lockhart

Guest: Will Clark - Owner & Lead Designer, Clark Design Studio

Will Clark is the owner and lead designer of Clark Design Studio in Wichita Falls. A third-generation Wichitan and former counselor in Dallas, he transitioned into real estate and renovation to help clients redesign their ideal spaces. Will leads a team offering residential remodeling, commercial renovation, interior design, and a local furniture and flooring store.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to balance home design, function, and budget

✔️ Why bringing a designer in early can reduce renovation stress

✔️ Which updates can make a home more appealing to buyers

✔️ How kitchens, bathrooms, and lighting can improve marketability

✔️ How current design trends are changing Wichita Falls homes

✔️ Why flexible spaces are becoming more important in modern homes

🏠 Listen now to see how thoughtful design can add value to your home!

💼 Connect with Will Clark & Clark Design Studio:

🌐 Website → ⁠https://clarkdesignstudiowf.com/⁠

🔗 LinkedIn → ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-clark-clark-design-studio/⁠

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ClarkDesignStudioWF/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/clarkdesignstudiowf/

🎧 Follow Tim Lockhart:

🌐 Website → https://timlockharthomes.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tim.lockhart.18/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lockhart

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#FallsHomeFront #TimLockhart #WichitaFallsRealEstate #NorthTexasRealEstate #WichitaFallsHomes #TexasRealEstate #HomeRemodeling

🚀 What if a mortgage “no” is actually the start of finding a better financing option?

For military families, veterans, self-employed buyers, and real estate investors, traditional mortgage guidelines don't always tell the whole story. On The Falls Home Front Podcast, Tim Lockhart explores the housing market from the inside out with Gaby Lockhart, a Wichita Falls mortgage professional who specializes in finding financing solutions for unique situations.

Gaby shares how her own difficult home-buying experience shaped the way she works with borrowers and explains why she believes buyers should ask more questions, compare multiple scenarios, and look beyond a single lender when financing a home.

🎧 Hosted by: Tim Lockhart

👤 Guest:🏠 Gaby Lockhart - Senior Residential Mortgage Loan Originator & Branch Manager, Barrett Financial Group

Gaby Lockhart is a Senior Residential Mortgage Loan Originator and Branch Manager at Barrett Financial Group in Wichita Falls, Texas. She assists clients with home purchases, custom builds, and refinancing by finding outside-the-box loan options.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to find another financing path when a traditional lender says no

✔️ How veterans can potentially use VA loans more than once

✔️ How self-employed buyers can qualify using bank statement and alternative programs

✔️ How DSCR loans can help investors evaluate rental properties

✔️ How down payments and interest rates can change the overall cost of a loan

✔️ Why buyers should compare multiple financing scenarios before making a decision

✔️ Why asking the right questions can reveal overlooked financing options

✔️ How to find a mortgage solution that fits your situation

🎧 Listen now to discover why one “no” doesn’t always mean you can’t buy a home.

💼 Connect with Gaby Lockhart:

🌐 Website → ⁠GabyLockhart.com⁠

🔗 LinkedIn → ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaby-lockhart/⁠

🎧 Follow Tim Lockhart:

🌐 Website → https://timlockharthomes.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tim.lockhart.18/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lockhart

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#FallsHomeFront #WichitaFallsRealEstate #VALoans #MortgageFinancing #MilitaryRelocation #NorthTexasRealEstate

🚀 What happens when a passion for storytelling turns into an independent publishing company?

On this episode of The Falls Home Front, Tim Lockhart sits down with Ian McMurtrie and Rita Beemen, co-founders and publishers of Raconteur Press in Iowa Park, Texas. They share how a passion for storytelling grew into a publishing company with more than 100 books.

The conversation explores independent publishing, self-publishing, publishing contracts, author rights, entrepreneurship, and why stories matter - including practical advice for writers looking to get published.

🎧 Hosted by: Tim Lockhart

👤 Guest: 📚 Ian McMurtrie - Co-Founder & Publisher, Raconteur Press

Ian McMurtrie is the co-founder and publisher of Raconteur Press in Iowa Park, Texas. After 26 years in law enforcement, including 19 years with the Wichita County Sheriff's Office, Ian turned his passion for storytelling into an independent publishing business.

📚 Rita Beemen - Co-Founder & Publisher, Raconteur Press

Rita Beemen is the co-founder and publisher of Raconteur Press, working alongside Ian to develop anthologies, novels, and other books. Together, they have built a collaborative publishing operation focused on bringing new stories and authors to readers.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How Ian and Rita turned a storytelling project into Raconteur Press

✔️ The differences between traditional, independent, and self-publishing

✔️ What authors should know about publishing contracts and author rights

✔️ How to recognize vanity presses and avoid unfavorable publishing arrangements

✔️ Why storytelling, collaboration, and an abundance mindset matter in building a creative business

🎧 Listen now for insights on independent publishing, storytelling, and entrepreneurship!

💼 Connect with Ian McMurtrie & Rita Beemen:

🌐 Website → ⁠https://www.raconteurpress.com/⁠

🔗 LinkedIn → ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/raconteur-press/⁠

🎧 Follow Tim Lockhart:

🌐 Website → https://timlockharthomes.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tim.lockhart.18/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lockhart

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#FallsHomeFront #TimLockhart #IanMcMurtry #RitaBeemen #RaconteurPress #IndependentPublishing #Storytelling #Entrepreneurship #WichitaFalls #NorthTexas

🚀 How can entrepreneurs use AI to move faster without losing the human connection?

Tim Lockhart sits down with Stephen Barton, founder of Core Community Mortgage, to discuss entrepreneurship, mortgage lending, AI, leadership, and community impact. Stephen shares why he believes in a “bias towards action,” how he uses AI across his businesses, and how technology can help real estate professionals work more efficiently.

🎧 Hosted by: Tim Lockhart

👤 Guest: 🏡 Stephen Barton - Founder, Core Community Mortgage

Stephen Barton is the Founder of Core Community Mortgage, drawing on over 20 years of leadership experience to deliver strategic residential financing solutions. An entrepreneur and owner of Soccer Spectrum, he specializes in helping families secure homeownership, advising real estate professionals on business growth strategies, and directing community impact initiatives through the Big 6 Foundation.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why Stephen believes entrepreneurs should act within 24 hours

✔️ How AI is helping real estate agents and business owners work faster

✔️ How Core Community Mortgage puts customer service and relationships first

✔️ How Soccer Spectrum became a community-focused youth sports organization

✔️ How the Big Six Foundation supports elementary schools in Richardson

✔️ Why Stephen believes technology should create more time for human connection

🎮 Watch now for expert insights!

💼 Connect with Stephen Barton:

🌐 Website → https://corecommunitymortgage.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Stephen-Barton-Core-Community-Mortgage/100063736713111/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bartonmortgageteam/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-barton-3742789/

🎧 Follow Tim Lockhart:

🌐 Website → https://timlockharthomes.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tim.lockhart.18/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lockhart

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#FallsHomeFront #TimLockhart #StephenBarton #NorthTexasRealEstate #MortgageLending #RealEstateAI #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Community