It's More Than a House!

Understanding the Modern Mortgage: A Deep Dive with Brady MacIver

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, host Scott Engman sits down with Brady MacIver, mortgage loan originator and co-owner of Heritage Home Lending, to unpack the realities of homeownership in western South Dakota. Brady shares his path from Augustana University football standout to mortgage broker and Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and how his passion for people, numbers, and problem-solving shaped his career.

Together, Scott and Brady explore the forces shaping today’s housing market — rising home prices, increased debt loads, interest rate challenges, and the limited inventory created by homeowners locked into low rates. Brady breaks down debt-to-income ratios, the sharp rise in average loan sizes, and why affordability has tightened for both first-time buyers and families hoping to move up. He also outlines practical strategies for buyers, including down payment assistance programs, equity planning, and creative paths like house hacking or purchasing duplexes.

Listeners get an inside look at the unique dynamics of the Black Hills market, from aging housing stock and land development hurdles to out-of-state migration driving demand. Brady also highlights the importance of early financial planning, building credit, and the value of sitting down with a lender long before you’re ready to purchase.

Ultimately, this conversation reminds us that buying a house is far more than a transaction — it’s a journey toward stability, community, and long-term wealth. And with the right guidance, even complex financial paths can lead to a place to truly call home.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aging Gracefully - Jessica Olson CEO of Stay Graceful Home Healthcare

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:56:56 GMT

In this episode, host Scott Engman sits down with Jessica Olson, CEO and founder of Stay Graceful, an in-home healthcare company serving clients from infancy through end-of-life. Jess shares how her personal experiences, nonprofit leadership, and time in the South Dakota Legislature shaped her passion for improving healthcare access and helping people safely remain in their homes.

Scott and Jess explore the deep connection between healthcare, housing, and community, discussing the challenges families face when illness, disability, or aging suddenly make a home inaccessible. Jess sheds light on the real costs of home modifications, navigating complex paperwork, available state programs, caregiver burnout, and how her team provides reliable, person-centered care.

The episode highlights why housing is far more than a physical structure, it’s stability, dignity, and independence, and how proper healthcare support can help people maintain that sense of home for as long as possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making a Difference Every Day – from housekeeping to C-suite

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of It’s More Than a House, Scott is joined by one of America’s leading healthcare CEOs — a leader whose heart for people is as strong as her vision for excellence. Paulette Davidson has spent nearly a decade guiding Monument Health in Rapid City, helping it earn national recognition across 31 medical specialties. From her humble beginnings in Waukegan, Illinois, to her first job as a hospital housekeeper, Paulette’s journey to the CEO’s office is a story of grit, vision, and unwavering commitment to the community. We talk about her personal path, the future of healthcare in the Black Hills, lessons from the pandemic, and how Monument Health is working to ensure everyone — from rural patients to those without housing — receives quality care.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Build Your Vision - Starting and Growing a Legacy Company

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In today’s episode, Scott sits down with Jim Scull, founder of Scull Construction—a name synonymous with growth, craftsmanship, and community impact in Rapid City and across the region. From schools to hospitals to major infrastructure, Jim and his team have helped shape the physical and economic landscape of western South Dakota. In this conversation, they explore what it takes to build more than just buildings, the challenges facing the construction industry today, and Jim’s personal journey as a leader and visionary. If you’re passionate about development, community, or the people who build our world—this one’s for you. Let’s dive in!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's More than a House - Chaz Olson - Director South Dakota Housing

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

This episode of It’s More Than a House features South Dakota Housing Director Chaz Olson in conversation with host Scott Engman. They discuss the agency’s mission to create affordable housing opportunities through programs ranging from first-time homebuyer assistance and down payment grants to financing for developers and special initiatives like the Governor’s House Program, where incarcerated individuals build affordable homes while learning trades. Olson outlines major efforts such as the $200 million Housing Infrastructure Program, the flexible Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF), and the innovative Grants for Grads program, which helps recent graduates purchase homes in South Dakota. The conversation also explores housing affordability challenges, growth trends, and the importance of housing in building strong communities.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Houseless to Hopeful: Dr. Valeria Big Eagle on Healing, Homeownership & Indigenous Empowerment

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

In this moving and insightful episode of It’s More Than a House, host Scott Engmann sits down with Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle—Habitat homeowner, Bush Fellow, and community leader—to explore the journey from houselessness to homeownership and the transformative power of education, culture, and safe housing. Dr. Big Eagle shares her story of growing up on the Yankton Sioux Reservation, becoming the first in her family to attend college, and how her Habitat home in Rapid City helped lay the foundation for healing generational trauma.

Together, they discuss the unique housing challenges facing Indigenous communities, the importance of cultural identity in education, and the decolonizing work of organizations like Habitat for Humanity and NDN Collective. Dr. Big Eagle also offers powerful reflections on running for city council, embracing abundance while honoring traditional generosity, and finding strength through prayer and purpose.

This episode is a call to listen, learn, and build a more inclusive community—because as always, it’s more than a house.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's More than a House - From Gaza to Growth: Hani Shafai's Vision for Building Community

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this powerful episode of It's More Than a House, host Scott Engmann sits down with South Dakota Hall of Famer and Dream Design International founder, Hani Shafai. Born in Gaza and now a prominent developer and philanthropist in the Black Hills, Hani shares his extraordinary life journey—from shepherding goats in Palestine to spearheading transformative housing and infrastructure projects in South Dakota. With heartfelt stories of resilience, mentorship, and faith, Hani discusses the roots of his work ethic, his philosophy of service-first development, and the values that continue to guide Dream Design. The episode also explores his personal losses amid the Gaza conflict, his thoughts on peace, and his call for compassionate global leadership. It’s a deeply moving conversation about hope, hard work, and what it truly means to build community.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's More Than a House - Faith, Foundations, and Four Walls: How Catholicism Builds More Than Homes

Wed, 14 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

In this inspiring episode of It’s More Than a House, host Scott Engman sits down with Father Brian P. Christensen of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City. Together, they explore the spiritual and tangible connections between faith, community, and housing. Father Brian shares his journey from Air Force pilot to priest, the importance of home in both his upbringing and theology, and how the Catholic Church is partnering with Habitat for Humanity through the ambitious "Catholics Building on Faith" initiative—an effort to build four new homes for families in need. The conversation dives deep into Catholic theology’s emphasis on home as sacred space, the modern crisis of housing scarcity, and how acts of generosity and community engagement mirror God’s abundant love. It's a moving dialogue about turning belief into action—hammer and nail included.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's More Than a House - Dusty Johnson on Home, Policy, and Purpose

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

In this insightful episode of It’s More Than A House, host Scott Engman sits down with U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving housing landscape in America. From the rising cost of rent and homeownership to regulatory burdens and the future of infrastructure in western South Dakota, Representative Johnson offers candid reflections grounded in both personal experience and national policy.

They explore how his humble beginnings in Pierre shaped his values, the importance of servant leadership in uncertain times, and what it truly takes to build resilient communities—locally and globally. Johnson also opens up about soft power diplomacy, national security concerns around the Panama Canal, and the future of Ellsworth Air Force Base and the B-21 program.

Whether you’re a homeowner, policymaker, or someone passionate about the future of affordable housing, this episode delivers thoughtful conversation and grounded optimism about the challenges—and opportunities—ahead.

Presented by Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity and The HomeSlice Group. Sponsored by Tom Berger at Farm Bureau Financial Services and Courtesy Subaru of Rapid City.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's More than a House - Heart of the Northern Hills

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

On this episode Scott sits down with Spearfish SD Mayor Senden - they dive into the crucial role of local government and the impact they have on our communities.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's More Than a House - Education

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome back to It's More than a House Podcast! In today’s episode, Scott explores the fascinating connection between education and housing with two incredible guests: Diana Newman, Director of Admissions at Western Dakota Tech, and John Geiman, Program Director for Computer Science. Together, they discuss how education shapes the housing market—both as a fundamental need and as a stepping stone to achieving long-term goals. Whether you're a student, a homeowner, or someone navigating both worlds, this episode offers insights into how these two essential pillars intertwine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's More Than a House with Senator Mike Rounds

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 22:11:15 GMT

"Welcome to the first episode of "It's More Than a House!" In this episode, Scott sits down with Senator Mike Rounds. Together, they' wil unpack how federal policies influence housing right here in our local neighborhoods and explore the plans Senator Rounds has for the future.

Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, or just curious about how government decisions shape the places we live, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.