In this episode, host Scott Engman sits down with Brady MacIver, mortgage loan originator and co-owner of Heritage Home Lending, to unpack the realities of homeownership in western South Dakota. Brady shares his path from Augustana University football standout to mortgage broker and Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and how his passion for people, numbers, and problem-solving shaped his career.

Together, Scott and Brady explore the forces shaping today’s housing market — rising home prices, increased debt loads, interest rate challenges, and the limited inventory created by homeowners locked into low rates. Brady breaks down debt-to-income ratios, the sharp rise in average loan sizes, and why affordability has tightened for both first-time buyers and families hoping to move up. He also outlines practical strategies for buyers, including down payment assistance programs, equity planning, and creative paths like house hacking or purchasing duplexes.

Listeners get an inside look at the unique dynamics of the Black Hills market, from aging housing stock and land development hurdles to out-of-state migration driving demand. Brady also highlights the importance of early financial planning, building credit, and the value of sitting down with a lender long before you’re ready to purchase.

Ultimately, this conversation reminds us that buying a house is far more than a transaction — it’s a journey toward stability, community, and long-term wealth. And with the right guidance, even complex financial paths can lead to a place to truly call home.

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