Rent or Buy in 2026? Why the Real Question Isn't the Price Tag
Is it cheaper to rent or buy right now? Kyle Guldenpfennig and Charlie Chedester break down the real math behind the rent-vs-buy decision, straight from The Lofty Lender podcast. ...more
The Lofty Lender
August 28, 2026•6 min read
Your Mortgage Rate Isn't the Only Rate That Matters: Understanding Your "Household Interest Rate"
Locked into a low mortgage rate but still carrying high-interest debt? Kyle Guldenpfennig and Charlie Chedester break down the "household interest rate" and how home equity can help you pay it down, s... ...more
The Lofty Lender
August 21, 2026•5 min read
Why Did My Mortgage Payment Go Up? Escrow Shortages Explained
Mortgage payment went up without a refinance? Des Moines lenders Kyle Guldenpfennig and Charlie Chedester explain escrow shortages and how to fix them. ...more
The Lofty Lender
August 07, 2026•6 min read
Why Everyone Seems to Be Moving to the Des Moines Metro Right Now | The Lofty Lender
Out-of-state buyers are flooding Waukee, Ankeny & the Des Moines metro. See why affordability, remote work & new tax law are driving the surge. ...more
Lofty Lender
July 31, 2026•5 min read
Wire Fraud in Home Buying: How to Protect Your Closing Funds from Scammers
Wire fraud costs home buyers millions every year. Learn how mortgage wire fraud scams work and the exact steps to protect your closing funds, straight from The Lofty Lender podcast. ...more
The Lofty Lender
July 24, 2026•5 min read
What Ankeny Sellers Get Wrong (And How Allison Hart Fixes It)
Ankeny real estate agent Allison Hart shares what sellers get wrong, how emotional intelligence closes deals, and tips for scaling a local business. ...more
The Lofty Lender
June 19, 2026•7 min read
House Hacking 101: How to Buy a Home and Have Someone Else Pay Your Mortgage
Learn how house hacking lets first-time buyers generate rental income to offset their mortgage. Real examples, loan options, and tips from The Lofty Lender. ...more
Lofty Lender
June 12, 2026•5 min read
Your Lender's Personality Matters More Than Rate | Lofty Lender
Kyle and Charlie break down what separates great lenders from average ones — from showing up at closing to being reachable on a Saturday night. ...more
Lofty Lender
June 05, 2026•7 min read
Financing Acreages & Rural Properties in Iowa | Lofty Lender
Thinking about acreage or a hobby farm in Iowa? Learn how to finance rural properties with USDA, conventional, and specialty loans — Team Chedester explains. ...more
Lofty Lender
May 22, 2026•5 min read
Is AI Making Home Loans Harder? | The Lofty Lender
AI is changing how lenders evaluate borrowers — and not always in obvious ways. Learn how artificial intelligence is reshaping the home loan process in 2026. ...more
Lofty Lender
May 15, 2026•4 min read
Temporary Rate Buydowns Explained | The Lofty Lender
A temporary rate buydown lowers your monthly payment in the early years of your mortgage. Learn how this strategy works and when it makes sense in Iowa. ...more
Lofty Lender
May 08, 2026•3 min read
Buyer's Market Financing Advantages | The Lofty Lender
As the Iowa market shifts, buyers have more leverage. Learn how a changing market creates better financing opportunities and what it means for your mortgage. ...more
Lofty Lender
May 01, 2026•3 min read
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Contact Us
2753 99th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
Charles: (515) 229-6564
Kyle: (319) 850-2435
Fax: (866) 424-0683
[email protected]
2025. Team Chedester. All rights reserved
Midwest Family Lending Corporations NMLS #4622
Individual NMLS: Charles #8636, Kyle #1504981, Jess #1550797, Kristi #2234329
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