In this episode, Christian Hernandez breaks down what leverage really means in 2025—and why it isn’t a dirty word. From using technology to remove friction (not people), to smart financial structures, to the kind of human leverage that comes from mentoring and true partnerships, Christian shares the playbook he’s honed over 15 years in lending.

We talk market reality (softening prices, investor signals, and that ~6–6.5% rate band), tactical ways first-time buyers can still win (think seller credits and structure over sticker), and why the best originators won’t be disrupted—they’ll be the ones deploying the tools. Christian also pulls back the curtain on his family’s decades in mortgages, serving underserved communities, and why compliance and transparency are features, not bugs.

Beyond the desk, Christian riffs on building a nimble, values-driven business, training new talent (start where you stand), and the non-profit his family helped spark to teach ocean conservation across Latin America. It’s a candid, practical, and optimistic look at money, housing, and doing right by people.

What you’ll hear:

• Leveraging tech to speed truth, not spin—and why relationships still win
• Today’s market in plain English: rates, pricing, and investor “tell” signs
• Buyer tactics that actually help affordability (credits, structure, timing)
• Common-sense underwriting for self-employed borrowers (beyond W-2 thinking)
• Mentorship as “human leverage” and building teams that adapt fast
• A grassroots ocean-education initiative making real impact

If you like candid shop talk with zero hype—and a roadmap for playing the long game—this one’s for you.