EPISODE 8 - Yael Ishakis

In this episode, the conversation dives into the world of mortgages, lending, and the financial realities behind buying property. Yael Ishakis, Senior Vice President and Branch Manager at FM Home Loans and FM Capital, breaks down what buyers and investors should understand before taking on a mortgage, from credit, income, and down payments to investment strategy, loan structures, and common mistakes that can derail a deal. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, she shares practical insight into how lenders evaluate borrowers, how creative financing solutions work, and why understanding the numbers matters more than hype or emotion. The discussion also explores real estate investing, underwriting risk, and the behind-the-scenes factors that determine whether a deal succeeds or falls apart.