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The Realty Check Podcast
The real life of agents, lenders, and moms who do it all.
If you’ve ever cried in your car between appointments or negotiated a contract while microwaving chicken nuggets, welcome home.
This is Realty Check - the show where sanity is optional, caffeine is mandatory, and we say the quiet parts out loud.
We’re Amanda and Leni. Two moms building our businesses in the middle of snack requests, appraisal deadlines, and never-ending group texts.
We’re not here to give you the polished version. We’re here to talk about the deals that almost broke us, the clients who became family, and the moments that made us wonder if quitting to raise alpacas would be easier.
Whether you’re a real estate agent, a lender, a mom, or just someone trying to keep it together while building a career…you’re seen, you’re understood, and you’re in the right place.
Every episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what success actually looks like when motherhood and real estate collide. With humor, honesty, and a whole lot of “did that really just happen?”
Wherever you are - working, driving, crying, thriving - we’re in this with you.
Hit follow, drop us a review, and remember: the highlight reel is fake, but this community is real.
The Realty Check Podcast
INTERVIEW 1. ASSISTANT TO BROKER OWNER, LORI HAWKINS ON BUILDING A MORTGAGE CAREER
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In this episode, we sit down with Lori Hawkins to talk through her full career journey in the mortgage industry, starting as a lender assistant, moving into processing, underwriting, owning a processing company, and eventually opening her own mortgage brokerage.
We talk about what each role taught her, why understanding every layer of the loan process changes how you show up for clients, and how experience builds trust in an industry where details matter and mistakes are expensive.
This conversation is about more than career growth. It’s about playing the long game, building credibility through real work, and why relationships thrive when you actually know what you’re doing behind the scenes.
If you’re a buyer, an agent, or someone building a career in real estate or lending, this episode will change how you think about expertise, trust, and who you choose to work with.
Connect with Lori:
Lori Hawkins
Instagram: @lorilackeyhawkins
Website: hawkinshomesloans.com
Stay Connected to the Podcast
Follow us on Instagram: @realtycheckpodcast
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Connect with Leni Lopez (Your Lender Bestie)
Instagram: @leniyourloanofficer
Ready to talk lending or get preapproved? Email her team: leni@hawkinshl.com
Website: LopezNguyen.com
Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS 1366630/225910
Hawkins Home Loans, Inc.
Connect with Amanda (Your Realtor Bestie)
Instagram: @exploresacliving
Email: amanda@exploresacliving.com
Website: Exploresacliving.com
Curious about buying or selling in Sacramento County or beyond? Schedule a no pressure call: calendly.com/amandafreemanrealtor
Amanda Freeman | eXp | DRE 02150573