"I Heard That" (Podcast) with Coach Clarence

Hosted by Coach Clarence

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Episodes

272

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Facts, Humor, and Fitness: And Honest Dialogue" with Coach Clarence If you're over 40 and ready to level up your health, wealth, and mindset, you're in the right place.I'm Coach Clarence—Certified Mortgage Advisor, Personal Fitness Coach, and someone who's walked the walk. This podcast is for you—the high-performer, the career-pivoting parent, the go-getter who knows there’s more life (and success) after 40.Every week, I bring you real talk, real strategies, and real stories from industry insiders in fitness, finances, and mindset coaching. We’ll dig into everything from: Mortgage strategies and credit repair tips Staying fit over 40 and fighting inflammation Career pivots, personal growth, and building financial freedom Honest, no-fluff conversations to keep you motivatedWhether you're chasing better health, making smarter money moves, or just want to feel good and crush your goals, this show gives you the tools to thrive.No gimmicks. No fluff. Just straight-up facts, humor, and game-changing advice to help you dominate your 40s and beyond.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 13, 202619 min

How to Buy Your First House With an FHA Loan (Even If Your Credit Isn't Perfect)

Think you need perfect credit or 20% down to buy your first house? You might be surprised by what an FHA loan could make possible. In this episode of I Heard That , we're breaking down how to buy your first house with an FHA loan, including credit score requirements, down payments, closing costs, and the steps to getting qualified. I'm also sharing the story of a recent buyer I helped who had a lower credit score and limited financial resources but was still able to purchase their first home. What made the difference? And what should you know before you start looking at houses? If you've been putting off homeownership because you're worried about your credit, your savings, or whether you'll qualify, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. Ready to find out where you stand? Reach out to my team to get qualified, explore your mortgage options, or simply get your questions answered. And don't forget to follow I Heard That on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss our next conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 6, 202614 min

Your VA Loan Could Be Worth More Than You Think

Most veterans know their VA benefit can help them buy a home. But what if buying the home is only the beginning? In this episode, I break down a VA loan strategy that many veterans and active-duty service members never hear about—and why thinking only about your next home could cause you to miss the bigger opportunity. We’re talking about VA entitlement, future moves, potential rental properties, multi-unit opportunities, and how one home purchase could potentially fit into a much larger long-term wealth-building strategy. If you've already used your VA loan, don't assume you're done. And if you haven't used it yet, there are some things you may want to know before choosing your first property. Listen to the full episode before making your next move. And if you want to know what your VA options could look like based on your specific situation, reach out and let's run the numbers. https://www.clarenceferguson.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 29, 20265 min

The Rate Isn’t the Real Problem. The Payment Is.

ARIZONA REALTORS: Before you recommend another price reduction, let's run the numbers. Mortgage rates moved higher again, and affordability continues to be one of the biggest objections we're hearing from buyers. But here's the question: If your seller is already willing to give up another $10,000, what's the most effective way to use it? Another price reduction? Seller concessions? Closing-cost assistance? A rate buydown? Some combination? There's no universal answer. That's exactly why we need to do the math. In this week's episode, I break down how I'm looking at today's Phoenix market and why agents should be thinking beyond the list price when the buyer's real objection is the monthly payment. Because sometimes: "We love the house, but the payment is too high." Isn't the end of the conversation. It's the beginning of a financing conversation. If you've got a listing that's sitting or a buyer struggling with the payment, send me the scenario. My team can run the numbers and help you evaluate financing strategies around the property. Let's stop guessing and start structuring. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 22, 20269 min

Buy Now, Pay Later Could Be Hurting Your Credit | What Klarna, Afterpay & Affirm Users Should Know

Buy Now, Pay Later sounds simple. Split your purchase into four smaller payments, make the payments on time, and move on. But if you’re using services like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, or other Buy Now, Pay Later options while trying to improve your credit, there are some things you need to understand. In this episode, I explain why making your BNPL payments on time doesn’t necessarily mean you’re building your traditional credit profile the way you might expect. I’ll also share the story of a client who accidentally missed a Klarna payment and eventually found himself dealing with a collection. That’s where a convenient way to make a purchase can potentially turn into a much bigger credit problem. We’ll talk about why Buy Now, Pay Later is so tempting, how multiple small payments can become difficult to track, and why you should think about your overall credit goals before assuming a financial product is helping you build credit. If you’re working on your credit because you eventually want to buy a home, qualify for better financing, or simply get your finances into a stronger position, this episode is for you. Want help understanding what may be holding back your credit? Schedule a consultation with me using the link below. And make sure you subscribe and follow for more straightforward conversations about credit, mortgages, homeownership, and building a stronger financial future. This content is for educational purposes and is not individualized financial, legal, or credit advice. Credit reporting and scoring treatment of Buy Now, Pay Later accounts can vary by provider, credit bureau, and scoring model. https://tidycal.com/coachclarence/30-minute-mortgage-and-credit-consultation-strategy-call20251111195249 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 8, 202613 min

How Wealthy Families Think About Homeownership Differently

What if buying a home isn’t just about where you live? What if it’s also about what you leave behind? I recently had a client ask me a question that completely changed our conversation about homeownership: “Why does a 30-year mortgage matter? I probably won’t live another 30 years. Won’t they just take the house back?” He didn’t realize that the equity he builds in his home could potentially become part of the wealth he leaves to the next generation. In this episode, I break down why wealthy families often think differently about assets, how homeownership can potentially play a role in building generational wealth, and why your financial story doesn’t necessarily end with you. We’ll also talk about renting, today’s affordability challenges, building equity, and why buying a home should be about more than simply getting approved for a mortgage. I’m not saying everyone should buy a home, and I’m definitely not saying you should buy something you can’t afford. I’m saying you should understand your options before deciding homeownership is out of reach. Because the house you buy today could potentially change where your children start tomorrow. Follow the channel for more straightforward conversations about mortgages, credit, affordability, and homeownership. Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Leave it in the comments. And if you want to understand what buying a home could look like based on your actual numbers, visit my website and schedule a consultation. https://bit.ly/4aiqir7 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 1, 202610 min

Buy Now or Wait? Mortgage Rates, Home Prices & the Cost of Waiting

Should you buy a house now—or wait for mortgage rates to come down? It's one of the biggest questions homebuyers are asking. Between mortgage rates, high home prices, affordability concerns, economic uncertainty, and conflicting real estate headlines, it's easy to feel like waiting is the safest option. But there's another side of the equation that doesn't get nearly enough attention: What could waiting cost you? In this episode, I break down how to decide whether buying a home now or waiting actually makes sense for your financial situation. We discuss the myth of waiting for the "perfect" mortgage rate, the potential cost of another year of renting, how homeowners build equity, and why a lower future mortgage rate doesn't automatically guarantee a better homebuying opportunity. You'll also learn how strategies such as seller concessions, temporary rate buydowns, and permanent rate buydowns may affect the numbers in today's market. And just as importantly, I'll explain when I believe waiting really IS the smarter decision. Because this isn't about convincing everyone to buy a house. It's about making a decision based on your finances instead of reacting to headlines. My biggest takeaway: Waiting should be a strategy, not a reaction. If you're trying to decide whether you should buy now or wait, visit my website and schedule a consultation. We'll review your numbers, discuss your goals, explore the financing strategies that may be available, and determine whether buying makes sense for you today—or whether you need a plan to get ready. www.clarenceferguson.com https://tidycal.com/coachclarence/30-minute-mortgage-and-credit-consultation-strategy-call20251111195249 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 25, 202610 min

Buying Your First Home in Phoenix? Do THIS Before You Start Looking

Thinking about buying your first home in Phoenix, Arizona? Before you start scrolling through Zillow and scheduling home tours, there are a few important steps you should take first. In this episode, I walk you through the first-time homebuying process from the moment you start thinking about buying all the way to getting the keys. We’ll cover how to determine what you can realistically afford, what goes into your true monthly housing payment, what documents W-2 and self-employed buyers should prepare, and why getting properly pre-approved should happen before you fall in love with a home. I’ll also explain options that may be available for certain self-employed and 1099 buyers who don't fit neatly into traditional mortgage guidelines. And once you're pre-approved, there’s one rule I want you to remember: You need to look the same as you did when we took your application. That means avoiding new debt, unnecessary credit inquiries, major financial changes, and other decisions that could create problems before closing. If buying your first home is one of your goals, this episode will give you a straightforward roadmap for going from renter to homeowner without walking into the process blind. Follow the show for more straightforward mortgage and homebuying education. And if you're thinking about buying a home in Phoenix, schedule a consultation with me so we can look at your situation and build a game plan for your next steps. Book a Conversation with me: https://tidycal.com/coachclarence/30-minute-mortgage-and-credit-consultation-strategy-call20251111195249 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 18, 202611 min

Bank Statement Loans Explained: A Mortgage Guide for the Self-Employed

Are you self-employed, making good money, but struggling to qualify for a mortgage? You aren't alone. Business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers, independent contractors, and 1099 earners can sometimes run into challenges when applying for a traditional mortgage because the way their qualifying income is calculated may not reflect the full picture of their business cash flow. But a traditional mortgage isn't necessarily the only option. In this episode, I break down alternative mortgage options for self-employed borrowers, including bank statement loans, 1099 programs, P&L programs, and other non-QM mortgage solutions. I'll explain what non-QM actually means, why these loans still require underwriting and documentation, and how working with a mortgage broker may provide access to additional lending options when a traditional bank's program isn't the right fit. I also share a recent real-world example of a borrower we helped qualify to purchase a home using a 12-month bank statement loan program. You'll learn why getting turned down by one lender doesn't necessarily mean you can't qualify for a mortgage—and why talking with a mortgage professional before you start shopping for homes can make such a big difference. If you're self-employed and looking to buy a home or refinance, this episode will help you better understand the mortgage options that may be available. Ready to explore your options? Schedule a call with me using the link in the show notes. https://tidycal.com/coachclarence/30-minute-mortgage-and-credit-consultation-strategy-call20251111195249 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 11, 202613 min

When the Bank Says No: Alternative Funding for Business Owners & Real Estate Investors

Your bank said no. Does that mean your business idea or real estate opportunity is dead? Not necessarily. In this episode of I Heard That Podcast, Coach Clarence explains why traditional bank financing is only one part of the capital marketplace and explores alternative financing options available to business owners, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors. We break down some of the reasons traditional banks decline financing requests, including credit, collateral, cash flow, time in business, documentation, and the type of transaction. You'll also learn why less-than-perfect credit doesn't necessarily mean you have zero options. Coach Clarence discusses commercial real estate financing, fix-and-flip and real estate investment financing, revenue-based business funding, and why choosing the right financing is about much more than simply getting approved. You'll also hear the real-world story of an entrepreneur relocating from Tennessee to Arizona who needed financing not only to acquire a building, but also to prepare the property, maintain reserves, and market her new business. The lesson? Funding should support the business plan. The business plan shouldn't exist simply to justify getting funded. Before borrowing, know your numbers, understand the costs and repayment structure, and determine whether the capital you're considering actually makes financial sense. If you've been turned down by a bank—or you're a business owner or real estate investor trying to understand your financing options—this episode is for you. Listen in, know your numbers, and find out what options may be available. Here are the links to find out your options or Reach out directly: @admin@coachclarence.com Bankbreezy.com/funding/coachclarence Davidallencapital.com/business-capital/coachclarence Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 4, 202653 min

The Truth About HIV: Marie Niles on Breaking the Stigma Through Education

Many people think they understand HIV—but much of what they believe is outdated or simply incorrect. In this episode of I Heard That Podcast, Coach Clarence sits down with Marie Niles, founder of Beehive, retired healthcare professional, Gold Star Mother, and HIV advocate. Marie shares her deeply personal journey of living with HIV while working to educate communities, reduce stigma, and promote prevention through facts rather than fear. Whether you know someone affected by HIV or simply want to better understand one of the most misunderstood health topics today, this is a conversation worth hearing. If this episode impacted you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who can benefit from the conversation. You can support Bee Hiv Here or Reach out for more information: https://beehivfoundation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.