Podcasts
Real Estate is Back Update
After a month of real estate being reopened we take a look at how buyers have responded and what home prices are doing. Special guest Paul Murk, of RE/MAX Classic, is back with his observations on the local SE Michigan real estate market and our economy. He explains...
Mortgage Update
Many buyers are actively looking at homes and that means getting a lender and a mortgage in place to buy a home. Of course, this year there are additional questions like has Covid changed the lending landscape? Special guest Ruth Young, from Main Street Bank, joins...
First-Time Buyer Advice
If you are a first-time buyer it is common to have questions about where to start when it comes to buying a home. Guest Matthew Bush specializes in helping first-time buyers through the process and shares why this is a passion of his. We discuss the difference...
Real Estate and Lending Update
As real estate gets ready to return we talk about what to be looking for when it comes to lending. Guest Michelle Davis discusses interest rates and encourages buyers to understand when and how they can lock in their rate. We also talk about the pros and cons of...
New Home Construction Update
Residential construction is back in business and we take a look at what that means for new homes. Guest Nathan Boji discusses how permit approval and on-site inspections may take more time adding to the delays that may occur in getting homes built. We discuss the...
Covid Real Estate Market Update
In this episode we talk about how Covid-19 is impacting the real estate market as we are several weeks into the Michigan stay-at-home order. If you think real estate has come to a halt, you may be surprised to learn deals are still closing. Guest Ron Rocz from...
How to Pick an Agent For You
Choosing the right agent to work for you is important. In the episode we discuss some of the proven ways to get agent referrals as well as the importance of finding an agent that is familiar and experienced in your local area. We also chat about the importance...
Schools and Property Values
In this week's podcast we take a look at the close relationship between local school districts and home values. Buyers often cite school districts or boundaries as one of the most important factors in determining where they want to buy a home and 20% of buyers are...
Landlord Advice
Does market volatility has you considering real estate as an investment and being a landlord? We discuss where to find tenants and how to handle important aspects like eviction and whether you should use a property management company or manage properties yourself. ...
Covid 19 and the Real Estate Market
We were on our way to a spring market when the Coronavirus Pandemic changed everything in what seemed like a few days. What started out as a call to use hand sanitizer and social distancing became an Executive Order to stay-at-home in Michigan. We take a look at...
Spring Market Tips
Spring has arrived and we have tips for buyers and sellers for this typically busy season. On the selling side we share some easy and cost effective ways to freshen up the look of your home and we talk about the importance of setting the right price. Then we focus on...
Buying Luxury and Lake Homes
Dreaming about buying a luxury or lake home? There are some nuances that come with buying these specific types of homes that you want to know. We will talk about exactly what is meant when we use the phrase luxury home, why you may not want to rely on the photos...
Real Estate as a Career
Ever wonder what it takes to get started in a real estate career? In today's episode we discuss how getting a real estate license is just the beginning. We share how much it costs in start up fees, what to look for in a broker and some of things you need to be...
Financial Path to Home Ownership
To buy a home you need money and we share some solid advice on steps you can take to get you financially and more important responsibly ready to buy a home. We talk about putting a good team around you that includes a financial planner, a lender and a Realtor and we...
Get Out of the Renting Rut
Whether it is credit challenges or your personal belief that buying a home is beyond your reach, we discuss ways you can get out of the renting rut and into owning your own home. Our guest Rebecca Rowan from RE/MAX Encore shares some of her personal story of how she...
Debunking Appraisal Myths
Whether you are buying or selling a home, if a mortgage is involved an appraisal will be required. There are many myths about appraisals that include every home improvement makes you money or the appraiser is there to get a lower price for the buyer. We debunk these...
What To Know Before Buying
The fun part of buying a home is looking a homes online but the step you need to address is getting your financial situation in order. Special guest Nancy Feldmann from RE/MAX First joins us and shares how credit scores impacts your situation and other financial tips...
Prepare Your Home to Sell
Are you thinking of selling your home this year? Join us as we discuss staging, decluttering and which home improvement projects are worth your time and money with Susan Vogel and JR Helguera from RE/MAX First. We also explain how and why talking to a Realtor early...
Donating Furniture Helps You Declutter
If you have furniture you no longer use or need but don't know what to do with it we have the answer. The Furniture Bank of SE Michigan is a local non-profit helping more than 2000 families every year through your furniture donations. We share how your donations...
How to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling
Buying or selling a home can be stressful. And it's not just first-time buyers and sellers that are impacted, anyone buying or selling can feel the stress at some point during the process. We discuss the loss of control, the what-ifs you mind plays on you and other...
Understanding iBuyers and Their Offer to Buy Your Home
We discuss what we need to know about iBuyers, those companies that work directly with consumers and offer to purchase their home outright for cash. While these companies promise to make the process of selling your home easy you need to do your homework. Many charge...
2020 Real Estate Forecast & 3 Tips for Responsible Home Ownership
What will the real estate market look like and offer to buyers and sellers in 2020? Will home values continue their upward climb and how will the election play into market conditions? We do a little real estate market forecasting and take a look at the impact of...
Threat to Home Rentals, Home Buyer Savings Account & Common Questions Answered
We get an update on the status of several important bills impacting home ownership in Michigan. First topic is the current threat to rent your home as a vacation rental and then we get an update on the first-time home buyer savings account program that provides an...
Professional Interior and Aerial Photography to Market Your Home & Home Warranties
Marketing a home today involves using professional photography inside and out. We talk about why and how interior photos are needed and the role that drone or exterior shots can have to help showcase your home and how all of this comes into play when using social...
5 Things Buyers Should Do Before Buying a Home, Open Houses and a Day in the Life of a Realtor
There are five things every buyer should do before buying a home and this includes things like a home inspection and understanding Proposal A and how it impacts property taxes. We share what you need to know about these and other items to protect you when buying a...
5 Tips to Reduce Buying/Selling Stress, Househacking and Fact Checking What ‘They Say’
Buying or selling a home is cited as one of life's most stressful events so we have five tips to help you reduce or alleviate the stress involved in a real estate transaction. Communication and mindset play a large role and we discuss how you can use these to your...
How to Prepare Your Home for Photos and Showings & Shopping for a Mortgage
When it comes time to sell your home, where is your time and money best spent when doing upgrades? We discuss some relatively inexpensive ways you can update your home without spending a lot and how to make a plan months out so you can tackle items one at a time...
Tips to Invest in Real Estate & What to Know about iBuyers
Real estate investing has helped to create some of the world's wealthiest people and can be a critical part of your investment portfolio. We discuss some of the reasons why real estate can be a good investment and what you should know about location. We also share...
Fall Home Maintenance Tips & Why to Donate to the Furniture Bank
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for the coming harsh winter months. We walk through a checklist for both the interior and exterior of your home and cover everything from gutters to furnace filters to attics and much more. Paying attention to your home...
Hispanic Homeownership & Home Warranties
Hispanic home ownership is on the rise. We discuss what is behind the increase in Hispanic home ownership and what some of the unique opportunities and challenges faced by Hispanics on their path to owning a home. Then we chat with a Michigan CEO about his view...
How to Prepare Your Home for Sale & Flooring Options
Preparation is the key to success when selling your home. From when to reach out to an agent to making needed repairs/updates to how much will you pocket from your sale, we have tips to help you be prepared to successfully sell your home. And when the time comes for...
Mature Adults and Millennials: What Are Their Unique Housing Needs?
Mature adults and millennials are two different demographic groups with different needs and challenges when it comes to time to buy or sell a home. For those over 50, you may realize that your housing needs and wants are changing. But while this demographic is often...
What to Know about iBuyers and How to Pick the Right Agent
Why does the market have a sluggish feel despite low interest rates, low inventory and low unemployment? We tackle what factors are impacting the market. And iBuyers promise to make selling your home easy but you do need to do your due diligence on these companies. ...
Understanding a Comparative Market Analysis
Trying to determine how much your home is worth? Enter the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). We explain what data is included in tool used by agents to dissect the market and help sellers with the appropriate pricing for their home. After pulling the data on things...
10 Things to Know Before Buying a Lake Home & How to Prepare to Buy a Home
If you dream of owning a lake home, you are not alone. But there are some unique things that come with purchasing a property by the water. We share 10 things you need to know before buying that lake home to make sure your dream home lives us to your expectations. ...
Detroit Investment Opportunities and What Millennials Want in a Home
We discuss the status of some of the bigger developments happening in Detroit and what that means for the surrounding areas and we discuss how you can take advantage of the opportunities to invest in real estate within the city of Detroit both in residential or...
Bank Foreclosures & What Sellers Can and Can’t Take With Them
We discuss what makes selling or buying a foreclosed property different from a traditional sale. And while foreclosures are down and have faded from daily news coverage, there are signs that an uptick in foreclosures may be on the horizon. A local expert shares the...
Moving Tips & Why Talk to a Local Lender
The process of packing up and moving can be stressful. We share tips on pre-packing purging, where to find boxes for free, how to label boxes and when is the right time to use professional movers. We also tackle how to make a move less stressful for kids and pets....
What to Know Before Buying a Flipped Home & 3 Tips to Get on the Path to Home Ownership
If you are buying a home that is being flipped, you want to pay extra attention to the details. Many flippers make updates and repairs that are economically friendly to them - things like using an interior grade door as an exterior door. We share some things to...
Marijuana’s impact on Landlords/Tenants & You Found Your Perfect Home-Now What?
What can and should landlords include in their leases to address marijuana use in their property? We take up this topic and discuss the provisions you want to include to protect yourself and your property and how will decisions made in the local community about...
Lending Update, Home for Heroes Program & Charity Golf Event
We discuss why APR's aren't the only thing to consider when shopping for a loan, when you should and should not buy points, refinancing and a Homes for Heroes program to help military, first-responder's and others. Then we share the details of a charity golf event...
First-Time Seller Tips & Downsizing Trends of Boomers
The luxury market can mean different things to different people. We discuss the role location and amenities play in the luxury market and as baby boomers sell their luxury homes what does this mean for luxury buyers and the market overall. And then we focus on the...
What’s Happening in the Luxury Market & Understanding Your Financing Options
The luxury market can mean different things to different people. We discuss the role location and amenities play in the luxury market and as baby boomers sell their luxury homes what does this mean for luxury buyers and the market overall. And then we focus on the...
3 Tips and What Is Trending in New Construction Homes & TopGolf Charity Event
June is Parade of Homes month and we talk about this event and then what is trending in the field of new construction. What impact will labor shortages and potential trade wars or tariff's have on new homes. And then we share how an appraiser values your home and...
Buying a Flipped Home & 3 Tips to Get on the Path to Home Ownership
June is Parade of Homes month and we talk about this event and then what is trending in the field of new construction. What impact will labor shortages and potential trade wars or tariff's have on new homes. And then we share how an appraiser values your home and...
What’s Trending in New Construction Homes & How Appraisers Determine Home Values
June is Parade of Homes month and we talk about this event and then what is trending in the field of new construction. What impact will labor shortages and potential trade wars or tariff's have on new homes. And then we share how an appraiser values your home and...
What Marijuana Legalization Means for Landlords/Buyers & You Found Your Perfect Home-Now What?
The recent legalization of marijuana in Michigan is already having an impact for buyers, landlords and cities. What should buyers do if the home they want to buy has been a grow house? And what should landlords address in their leases to protect themselves? We...
Bank Foreclosures & What Sellers Can and Can’t Take With Them
Open Houses are one way to market and gain exposure that your home is for sale. Done correctly, they can benefit sellers, buyers and the agent involved. We share why you should consider hosting one and how to help make them successful. And then we give first-time...
Why Do an Open House and 4 Tips for First-Time Buyers to Avoid Getting Discouraged
Open Houses are one way to market and gain exposure that your home is for sale. Done correctly, they can benefit sellers, buyers and the agent involved. We share why you should consider hosting one and how to help make them successful. And then we give first-time...
Benefits of Home Warranties and 10 Spring Home Maintenance Tips
Home warranties offer protection for your biggest financial investment. Whether you are a seller, buyer or current homeowner we explore why a home warranty may be a good decision for you. Then we highlight 10 home maintenance tips you should do in spring to keep your...
