Analytical Insights.
Tools to Evaluate Your Situation.
Media to Models 9: Investment Basics Part II
The mainstream media loves to sell real estate as the ultimate "passive income" hack. The narrative is incredibly entici...
Media to Models 8: Investment Basics Part I
The mainstream media paints a picture where buying an investment property simply involves collecting a check on the firs...
Media to Models 7: Closing Costs
The media pushes an incomplete narrative that all an individual needs to buy a house is that down payment. However, they...
Media to Models 6: Refinancing
The media loves a simple rule of thumb—pushing the illusion that stripping a few dollars off your monthly bill is the ul...
Digital Checklists, Timelines, and Budget Trackers
Comprehensive Relocation Schedule
Customize your week-by-week action plan to manage your transition.
Closing Guide for Buyers
A step-by-step checklist to prepare you for a smooth closing day.
Home Comparison Tool
Keep your notes in one place as you view properties.
Home Inspection Guide
Evaluate property conditions and forecast estimated repair costs over time.
Loan Preparation Checklist
Gather your documents to prepare for your mortgage application.
Post-Closing Guide
Prepare to settle into your new home smoothly and securely.
Relocation Budget Tracker
Plan, estimate, and track your total expenses throughout the transition.
Seller Checklist
A comprehensive guide to preparing, listing, and closing on your home.
Rent vs Buy Calculator - Hype or Math?
Is it actually a good time to buy a house, or is your real estate agent just saying that? Let's skip the sales pitch and let the math decide.
15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage: The $350k Math Difference
Break down the true frictional costs, interest variations, and net-worth impacts across three different loan scenarios.
Stop Letting Banks Dictate Budget | Home Affordability Calculator
We think tying up nearly half your paycheck leaves you with no room to actually live your life. Break down the real math behind home affordability.
The Hidden Cost of Your Commute: Are Cheaper Houses a Scam?
Most people think that moving farther away means they are getting a more affordable home, but they could actually be losing thousands of dollars a year.
Relocating to Michigan: Job Market
If you read the national headlines, you might think Michigan’s economy relies on the automotive industry. The reality is...
Relocating to Michigan: Hub Comparison
While national headlines focus on volatile price swings and coastal affordability crises, Michigan’s real estate market ...
Relocating to Michigan: Cost of Living
When considering relocating, "cost of living" is often treated as a vague feeling rather than a hard metric. But moving ...
Relocating to Michigan: Incentives
Michigan has moved beyond just marketing its lakes and lower cost of living; the state is actively subsidizing inbound m...
The Secret Mechanics of a Rigged Housing Market
John Gravelyn joins to discuss how housing has been transformed into a high-yield financial product. John also shares practical advice on government programs that can still help first-time buyers get a foot on the ladder.
Engineered for Change, Building a Smarter Way into Real Estate
Leah sits down with John Gravelyn for a conversation that goes far beyond business. While John shares about his latest venture and what he's building next, the heart of this episode lives in the space between structure and soul.
Choose the RIGHT Real Estate Agent Before BUYING a Home
Former Ford and Rivian engineer, John Gravelyn, shares the story of his transition into real estate. John explains how First Principles Thinking can save you thousands (and a lot of headaches) on your next home.
Engineering Your First Real Estate Deal: It's All in the Numbers
Too many new investors fall in love with a property before they understand the numbers—and that's where costly mistakes begin. In this Masterclass, John Gravelyn shows you how to use the numbers to guide every investment.
Let the Numbers Decide: Rent vs. Buy
At First Principles Partners, we view housing as a pure capital allocation problem. To make the correct decision for you...
Single-Family Rental Ownership
Social media is currently saturated with a highly profitable, highly dangerous narrative: the promise of "passive income...
National Housing News Analysis
Financial media operates on a highly optimized, incredibly profitable business model: monetizing your anxiety. If you tu...
The Protected Renter
When you sign a new lease, handing over a security deposit feels like a major financial hit. It’s often equivalent to on...