This week on Keeping it REal with Kelly and Amanda, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of construction loans with our amazing guest, Erin Merryman, loan officer at Highlands Residential Mortgage. If you’ve ever wondered how to go from owning a piece of land to living in your custom-built dream home—or even creating a full-blown family compound—this is the episode for you.

Erin walks us through how construction loans really work, how lenders handle everything from land-only purchases to full build-out plans, and how the financing flows as your vision becomes reality. She shares how she masterfully manages all the moving parts—builders, budgets, inspections, timelines—to keep things smooth, clear, and on track.

Whether you’re just dreaming or ready to break ground, Erin’s insights will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle your own project from the dirt up.