Real Estate Today (Real Estate Today)

Owning a home is more than just having a roof over your head. NAR President Kevin Sears shares the ways homeownership can improve lives, from housing stability to building generational wealth. Then, REALTOR® Kerri Hartnett discusses how the definition of “home” has changed for her throughout the years. Plus, NAR’s Senior Economist Nadia Evangelou shares insights on the latest contract signing data. Looking to improve your credit score? Credit expert Gerri Detweiler explains how having a mortgage and paying it on time every month can help your credit score soar. Lastly, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if brass fixtures or wallpaper are hot or not.

If you’re buying a home in the spring market, this episode is for you! We’ll cover mortgages, interest rates, the offer, home inspections, and more to help you succeed in real estate this spring.

Bring the value of your home to the max! Learn how regular maintenance and the power of curb appeal can push the value of your biggest investment to its highest possible level.

Description: We’re talking all things condos—from appreciating home values, to creating a sense of community, to putting down roots in your area and exactly what you own when purchasing a condo! REALTOR® Mabel Guzman from Coldwell Banker shares what it’s like to buy, own, and live in your own condo. Also, don’t sleep on the smaller spaces! Tori Toth from Stylish Stagers, Inc. guides us on how to decorate a cozy condo. Lastly, find out whether painting furniture in your house is HOT or NOT!

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Looking to make your home more romantic this Valentine’s Day? Home stager Tori Toth shares secrets on using the five senses to make your home more romantic before Natalie Carmolli from Proven Winners ColorChoice plants discusses selecting the best rose. Design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey considers whether using the same color on your walls and floor is hot or not. Melissa also examines whether the old money aesthetic is a hot home trend. Then, REALTORS® Krista and Philip Becker talk about working together and how they make each other better real estate professionals. Finally, economist Nadia Evangelou with the National Association of REALTORS® discusses the latest metro pricing trends and where the real estate market is headed.

Wondering how to sell your house in this shifting housing market? We’ll discuss how to get the best price in a short amount of time despite rising interest rates and fewer offers.

What does it mean for a home buyer and seller to build out their real estate team? REALTOR® Elizabeth Mendenhall from Columbia, Missouri discusses what roles fill a team and how real estate agents make sure that team works together for a successful real estate transaction. Appraiser and REALTOR® Susan Martins-Phipps from Rhode Island shares why the appraiser is such a valuable asset to a real estate team and how they value a home. Attorney Vanessa Goggans explains the closing process and what a lawyer’s role is in the transfer of home ownership. And NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun walks through the latest existing-home sales data and what he expects in the near future for the real estate market. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains what color patterns are hot or not.

It’s moving day! Laura Roth from United Van Lines and Mayflower goes over all you need to know about moving and what the benefits are for hiring people to pack your stuff and what the benefits of packing your own items are. Laura also lets us know why you better make sure you have your coffee on moving day. Washington, D.C. metro area REALTOR® Dale Mattison shares what he tells home sellers and home buyers about moving and why you should shop around and get referrals for a moving company. And don’t forget to map out your moving schedule. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest existing-home sales data and what you need to know about the real estate market right now. And Melissa Dittmann Tracy lets us know if turning your TV into art is hot or not.

Step up your home’s value a few notches (and create a solid first impression) with regular maintenance, cleaning, and new colors! Also, find out whether the new trend of laundry rooms as family gathering areas is HOT or NOT?

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Let's celebrate homeownership in the United States. REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts discusses how homeownership benefits a person, their family, and their community. REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán from Chicago, Illinois talks about why buying a home is one of the best investments a person can make and how buying piece of a property in the U.S. is easier than in other countries. She also shares some stories of people new to the country buying a house or condo. John Bell, executive director of the Loan Guarantee Service for Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs discusses VA home loans and the head grill master at Weber Grills, Dustin Green, goes through charcoal, gas, and pellet grills and tells us his favorite meal to cook on his grill. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if chrome faucets or industrial kitchens are hot or not.

The Winter Market is normally slow – but not this time around! A buying frenzy is happening from coast to coast, fueled by record low mortgage interest rates. Prices are skyrocketing, fueled by a shortage of homes for sale. We’ll have information you need to know if you’re buying, selling or just watching your home’s value soar!

Moving to a new home can be overwhelming and with moving scams on the rise this year, you need to be prepared. REALTOR® Cristina Ann Grossu from North Carolina shares why it’s important to get moving insurance and know the moving company you use. Gayla Dixon from UniGroup, which owns United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, gives tips on finding the right moving company, how to get the best price, and how to get ready for your big move. And Andi Batchelor discusses U-Haul’s annual growth states report to tell us where people are moving to in the U.S. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if outdoor rugs or decorating the side of your house is hot or not.

We’re here to recap all the changes in real estate since the beginning of the pandemic and whether those changes will remain or fade away when the pandemic ends.

Let’s walk through the process of buying a home in today’s housing market! From the complicated real estate terminology to successful house bidding strategies, to the difference between preapproved and prequalified, and how your credit directly impacts your mortgage. Also, wondering whether patterns like butterflies or damask in the home are HOT? Find this out and more in this week’s episode.

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

From mortgages to appraisals to credit scores, real estate can often feel daunting, and at times, scary. REALTOR® Michael Labout breaks down common fears among buyers and sellers, and how to overcome them. Credit expert Gerri Detweiler shares how to overcome “credit-phobia,” a fear of checking your credit score. Plus, NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun walks through the Existing-Home Sales Report. Finally, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether formal dining rooms and fluted detailing are hot or not.

Mortgage interest rates remain at record lows, and real estate pros have a phrase for that: Money is Cheap! That's why so many people are flocking towards real estate investments. We'll talk to experts - who invest themselves - about how to get started, and how to grow your property portfolio. And examine whether 2021 might be the Best Year Ever to Invest!

Embrace the changing fall market! Whether you are buying or selling, we'll update you on what you can expect in this season's industry.

Selling in 2025? You won’t want to miss this episode. REALTOR® Leslie Rouda Smith walks us through a successful home sale by explaining pricing strategies, the home's condition, and how to evaluate offers. Then, interior designer Julea Joseph explains how staging your home can make the buyers fall in love with the house. Curious how to increase the value of a home? Appraiser Beth Graham shares what appraisers look for and how to push that evaluation higher. And, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if waterfall countertops and woven cabinet fronts are hot or not.

Let’s kick off 2023 with some ways you can achieve financial security by investing in real estate!

Chicago REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán shares how she prepares clients to invest in real estate and how she guides them to reach their goals. Learn how to get started in real estate investing and add investment properties to your portfolio with REALTOR® Peter West. And Cynthia Shelton from LandQwest Commercial Real Estate dives into Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) so you can invest in real estate without being a landlord. And is the coastal grandmother aesthetic Hot or Not?

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

From mortgage interest rates to the shortage of homes for sale, from bidding wars to skyrocketing home prices, we’ll help you know what to expect in the year ahead. Plus, new home construction: Will the nation’s homebuilders be able to put up enough homes in the new year to meet the surging buyer demand? 

Are you considering buying a brand-new home? Rose Quint from the National Association of Home Builders shares what today’s home buyers seek in their new builds before REALTOR® Jeremy Lichtenstein walks us through buying newly constructed homes, from timelines to mortgages and inspections. Design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses whether Zoom rooms or multigenerational homes are hot or not. Then, Jeremey comes back to talk about the nonprofit he founded, Kids in Need Distributors (KIND), which provides food to thousands of kids each weekend. This week’s episode is sponsored by Opendoor. Serve your clients the simpler way.

Let’s examine the winter housing market! This week, we’ll discuss home prices, mortgage rates and whether there will be more homes for sale. We’re joined by NAR’s 2022 President and broker-associate Leslie Rouda Smith who shares what she thinks buyers and sellers should do this winter. PCMag’s Smart Home Analyst Angela Moscaritolo returns this week to talk about the best smart home tech gifts of 2022. We also spoke to Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s CEO Kris Kiser about winter equipment, snowblowers, and how to properly store your summer power tools.

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Curious how real estate pros handle their own transactions? REALTOR® Lorraine Arora shares how she personally buys and sells a home and lists her must-haves. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at NAHB discusses buying a new home construction. Shell Brodnax, CEO of the Real Estate Staging Association, explains the advantages of home staging while NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun examines the latest existing-home sales data. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey weighs in on whether dark stained wood and painting brick exterior is hot or not.

This week, Real Estate Today presents “Winning Buyer Strategies” An in-depth look at exactly what’s happening in real estate across the nation, right now. On today’s show we examine the meteoric rise in home values, which is welcome news to homeowners and home sellers, but a potential barrier to home buyers. We look at winning buyer strategies, designed to give them an edge in a bidding war. And we also discuss the one part of the transaction in which sellers do not hold the cards – finding their next house!

What does it take to successfully a buy a home in the current real estate market? REALTOR® Kimberly Allard from Boston, Massachusetts explains how to build the team of a real estate agent, lender, and home inspector to help you get the house you want. Kimberly also shares tips that will get your offer accepted. Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet shares some good news for first-time buyers from their latest study, “First-time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report - Q2 2023.” CEO of Down Payment Resource, Rob Chrane, discusses a variety of down payment assistance programs available around the United States. And Franke Lesh from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) talks about what a home buyer needs to know about the home inspection and how the inspection can save you money. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if “Swedish death cleaning” and are hot or not.

This episode was brought to you by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who wants to make sure you move with confidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers free resources to help before, during and after a move at https://www.protectyourmove.gov. 

The best smart home devices in 2021! From smart hubs to smart lights, smart thermostats to smart door locks–we talk to the experts about the smart home tech we all rely on–now, more than ever.

As you approach the holiday season, we’ll let you know whether you need to put a halt to your real estate plans or continue as usual. Washington, D.C, REALTOR® Donna Evers joins us to share how current buyers and sellers should navigate the holiday schedule. Professional interior design expert Mary Patton lets us in on how to transform your home for the holidays and Light Up Your Holidays owner Kelly Fitzsimmons covers outdoor holiday lighting and her charity work, decorating group homes. We were also joined by Eric Zeman at PCMag.com who covered 5G service. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey will let us know what holiday trends are HOT or NOT!

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "First Time Investors"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Seeing Your Investment Grow
- Hot or Not?
- The One That Got Away
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://radio.realtor!

What should you do before you buy a home? We give you the strategies and techniques needed in The Ultimate Buyer’s Checklist! From improving your credit to going the extra step with your mortgage, we are here to help you win that house as the market starts to slightly shift towards buyers.

Curious what you need to know about the 2025 real estate landscape? REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán shares her top advice for buying and selling a home in 2025, from how to price your home to the importance of the condition of it. Then, Holden Lewis with NerdWallet discusses their 2025 Home Buyer report, which examines the challenges and opportunities home buyers face. Plus, NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the latest Pending Home Sales report. Weighing out the pros and cons between renting and buying? Danielle Hale with Realtor.com shares her insights as to why rental rates continue to drop. Then, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey weighs in on home tech, like auto-mowers and robo-vacuums, to let us know what’s hot and what is not.

From growing your portfolio over time to buying a residential property and finding a good tenant as well as buying unimproved land, we’ll make sure you are prepared to make solid investments.

What’s ahead in the 2025 real estate market? NAR’s President-elect Kevin Brown walks us through strategies for buyers and sellers, including what to know when going up against an all-cash offer. Next, Robert Dietz with the National Association of Home Builders shares why new home construction could be a challenge in the year ahead. Then, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey does a lighting round of which home trends are hot or not. Finally Danielle Hale with Realtor.com shares a 2025 forecast for home prices, mortgage rates, and home supply.

This week, Real Estate Today presents a special two-episode edition of the “The Spring Market!” A guide to buying and selling a home in today’s red-hot real estate market! Episode 2 focuses on selling your home in the Spring of 2021. We’ll look at strategies designed to help you sell fast and high…and, how to line up your next place quickly – so you won’t be in a hotel after your sale! We’ll also look at the upcoming Spring house-hunting weather, the future of commercial real estate, and much more, on Real Estate Today’s special two-episode edition of “The Spring Market!”

In our latest episode, we talk to the pros about real estate plans, and how to make your home a holiday wonderland! We'll share whether to put your plans to buy or sell on hold during the holidays.

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Secrets of the Pros"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Burying St. Joseph
- Hot or Not?
- Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://radio.realtor!

Adding real estate to your portfolio can help you achieve financial security – which is empowering at any age, but especially in your senior years. We’ll talk to national experts about what type of properties to buy, how to pay for them, and how to employ tax strategies to build your real estate portfolio. And no – you do not have to be rich – to get started investing!

Imagine living in a house that’s just been built – one that no one else has ever lived in before! Sound good? On today’s show we talk to the pros about how to buy a brand new home, or build a new home from scratch, the right way!  Making sure you get the home you want – while protecting your time and money. And how to make 2021 the Best Year Ever to Build!

Description: We’ll let you in on how to find the right location for your second home and how you’ll be able to finance it in today’s housing market.

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Our Valentine’s show “Love Your Home,” looks at the special bond between you and the place you call home. We talk to the pros about what home buyers want, and how to make your house more beautiful, and more fun! More important now than ever, as the pandemic enters its second year.

Find out how you can generate income with short-term rentals! REALTOR® Radha Herring gives us the inside tips on this booming part of real estate including where to buy, what to buy, and how to keep it filled with new tenants every week. REALTOR® George Harvey shares the rules and regulations which either allow or ban these rentals. Learn what all of this means for investors from REALTOR® Stephen Antoni and how to get a mortgage for a short-term rental investment from Keith Gumbinger, vice president at HSH.com . Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey updates us on what is hot in smart home tech!

National Association of REALTORS® President Kevin Sears gives the facts about the $418 million settlement and what it means for homebuyers and sellers. REALTOR® Cheyenne McGriff from South Dakota explains what first-time homebuyers should do to get ready to buy a home and how to find success in a competitive real estate market. Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether buying a fixer-upper home is hot or not. And, Sean Moss from the Down Payment Resource gives a quick primer on down payment assistance programs and how a homebuyer can utilize them to make a home purchase more affordable.

Looking to live off the grid or in a unique home that’s out there? California real estate broker and REALTOR® Eileen Oldroyd explains how to live off the grid and what it’s like. Yes, low monthly living costs are a benefit. We then head to the last frontier with REALTOR® D’Ette Owen who explains what it’s like to live in Alaska, a place that amazes her every day but takes a lot of work. And Texas real estate land specialist and REALTOR® Brian Smith shares how he purchased an old cattle ranch and turned it into a wildlife habitat that won the Lone Star Land Steward Award in 2011. Also, are all-white bedrooms or bathrooms hot or not? Melissa Dittmann Tracey keeps us informed.

Wondering if it’s a good time to sell your home or what is it like to sell and list your home in the current housing market? REALTOR® Marianne Bornhoft from Spokane, Washington walks through the steps a homeowner needs to take to get their house ready to sell. She also talks equity, assuming a loan, and mortgage buydowns. Ashton Ritchie from the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company gives tips on how to make sure your lawn and landscaping stay green and a selling point for your home. And, WalletHub’s Jill Gonzalez goes over their 2023’s Most & Least Energy-Expensive States study to see how states compare when it comes to energy costs. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses home design trends and if hardwood floors or carpeting are hot or not.

Let's explore second homes, short-term rentals, and the mortgage details you’ll need to know when it comes to buying a second home. Arizona REALTOR® Sindy Ready joins us to discuss how higher mortgage rates are affecting second home sales, while Michigan REALTOR® Beth Foley talks about the second home market in her area, and explains the rules of owning an Airbnb, Vrbo, or HomeAway properties. Last, but not least, we’ll reveal what’s HOT in smart-home tech with Melissa Dittmann Tracey.

This week, Real Estate Today examines “Selling in the Spring Market!” The latest episode in our special series on doing real estate the right way – in the Spring Market of 2021. All about hitting the ultimate seller’s goal, of selling for the maximum profit in the minimum time. We look at seller strategies, designed to ramp up the buyers’ excitement over your home – and how to translate that excitement into the best possible transaction…for you.

Let’s put some love in your home. We talk to married San Antonio REALTORS® Krista and Phillip Becker on what buyers have to do to get that home they love. Home stager and lifestyle specialist Tori Toth gives us tips on how to put some love back in your home and how important the five senses are in making your home more romantic. Also, Kell Phelps from the National BBQ & Grilling Association tells us how to make that perfect steak dinner for Valentine’s Day. And Are whites and grays hot bedroom colors? Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares the hot home colors.

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Maximum Buying!"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- What Kind Of Buyer Are You
- Hot or Not?
- Hackers
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://radio.realtor!

Today’s real estate market is being fueled by twin turbos: pandemic home-buying and the lowest mortgage interest rates we’ve ever seen! If you buy a home now, you’ll enjoy incredibly affordable homeownership…with low, low payments for up to 30 years! But two catches: qualifying for those record low mortgage interest rates; and competing with other buyers for the same house you want! We talk to the pros about how you can get the mortgage – and the house!

As we honor those who have given their lives for our country, we discuss how veterans and active-duty service members go about buying and selling homes of their own. We’ll focus on the following:

• The VA loan

• Using the VA loan in today’s competitive housing marke

• A REALTOR® who gives her commissions directly back to military members, first responders, teachers, and other American heroes.

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Thinking about living in a home that’s off the grid or not so big? REALTOR® Eileen Oldroyd from Orange County, CA shares what it’s like living in a home without any public utilities and how to make it happen. Author and architect Susan Susanka shares her “Not So Big” design philosophy that leads to spacious living in a house that is smaller than your neighbors. REALTOR® D’Ette Owen shares what it’s like to buy and sell in remote parts of Alaska while REALTOR® Charlie Chennai discusses the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota where homeowners can only reach their house by dogsled in the winter. Lastly, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if symmetry in your home is hot or not.

What do you need to know about closing on a home? REALTOR® Chris Rost from Kansas explains what the home buyers and sellers need to know about the closing disclosure, the appraisal, the down payment process, and other details, like home insurance, to make sure they are prepared. Real estate attorney Vanessa Goggans shares the documents that need to be brought to the settlement table and how to deal with an issue that may come up. And REALTOR® Dale Mattison from Maryland shares what can be expected at the final walkthrough. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if plunge pools or black-bottom pools are hot or not.

What will buying a home be like in 2023? Massachusetts REALTOR® Arlene Castellano, who teaches a class for first-time buyers, shares what she’s hearing from buyers and sellers and how inventory and mortgage rates are changing expectations. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com explains the latest on mortgages and what you should look for in your home loan. We also speak to Down Payment Resource CEO Rob Chrane who goes through down payment assistance programs you can use to purchase your home. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey reports on some of the HOT items from the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show.

We’re here to answer all your questions, and help you navigate the current tricky summer real estate market.

• mortgage rates

• home prices

• housing shortages

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

This week, Real Estate Today presents “The New Normal.”  In which we examine the changes that happened in our homes, and the entire real estate industry, during the pandemic, and whether those changes will stay – or fade away after the pandemic is over. From the way we buy and sell properties, to the migration from the cities to the countryside, to the millions of square feet of empty offices, to the way we use the spaces in our homes – we talk to experts about what we can all expect in the years, and decades ahead.

Maximizing your home selling experience with “The Ultimate Seller’s Checklist!” From pricing your house correctly to getting it in ‘for sale’ condition, to curb appeal, to the appraisal, we talk to real estate experts about what you need to know to sell for the maximum profit, in the minimum time.

What type of mortgage should you get with the current interest rates? Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com shares how interest rates are impacting the mortgages home buyers are qualifying for and why they may need a 30% increase in income to qualify for the same loan they would have been able to get last year. Las Vegas REALTOR® Linda Rheinberger shares how home buyers can utilize down payment assistance programs, temporary buydowns, or adjustable-rate mortgages to get the house they thought they were shut out of purchasing. Also, Virginia REALTOR® Peter Crouch discusses whether it’s a good idea to pay off that mortgage early. And is a clover lawn HOT or not? What about decks with an orange-tone stain? Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know.

Will the spring real estate market be hot or cool for home buyers and sellers? Washington state REALTOR® J. Lennox Scott explains how interest rates and inventory are impacting the real estate market and why potential home buyers should get fully underwritten before they sign a purchase agreement. Alicia Huey, chairman of the board of directors for the National Association of Home Builders, talks new build timelines and how labor challenges and supply issues are impacting the construction of new homes. And Keith Gumbinger of HSH.com shares what higher interest rates for home mortgages mean for you and where we can expect rates to go. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if curved furniture with rounded edges or if fast furniture is HOT or Not.

It’s time to move south for the winter. REALTOR® Barb Sukkau from Ontario explains what people are looking for in a second home in a warmer climate and how they go about buying it. REALTOR® Kathy Dunn from Tennessee discusses people who move “halfback” and why sometimes moving to Florida may not be the ideal scenario for many trying to avoid the cold. Craig Venezia, author of Buying a Second Home: Income, Getaway or Retirement, explains how to get prepared to buy that second home, how to maintain it, and how to pay for it. REALTOR® Chad Pederson from Minnesota talks about what he tells clients looking to move south and why many keep the vacation cabin up north but sell the primary home. And, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if accent doors, rose gold, and showing artwork on your tv are still hot home trends.

How can first-time buyers achieve homeownership despite low housing inventory and mortgage rates in the sixes? Colorado REALTOR® Natalie Davis shares the steps renters can—and should—take to become homeowners. She also explains why finding a good local lender to walk you through different loan products is so important. Sean Moss of Down Payment Resource takes us through a variety of down payment assistance plans and says why it’s a mistake to assume you don’t qualify for one. Frank Lesh from the American Society of Home Inspectors unveils what home inspectors truly look for during the inspection process and why inspecting the roof and foundation is so critical. Finally, Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if huge kitchen islands or vent hoods are HOT or not.

This week, Real Estate Today starts the “Countdown to Spring!” Helping buyers and sellers get ready for what might be the wildest, fastest, most competitive real estate market in history. Ultra-low mortgage interest rates! Unprecedented buyer demand! Multiple offers, bidding wars and offers way over list price Our experts will show buyers and sellers strategies designed to help them win, in the Spring Market of 2021.

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Retiring Wealthy"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Income Streams
- Hot or Not?
- Appreciating Value
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://radio.realtor!

Do you wish you had a new home? Can you improve your home or should you move to a new house? We look into what may be the best option for you. Idaho REALTOR® Chris Pelkola Lee discusses the pros and cons of moving to a new home versus renovating or fixing your current house. NAR Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Jessica Lautz shares what they found in their Home Remodeling Impact Study. What projects do homeowners want, do the improvements warrant the cost, and were people happy with their decision? Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet shares what they found in their First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report and why things are getting better for first-time buyers with improved affordability and higher inventory and where they can buy an affordable home. And, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about hydro dripping home accessories and if it’s a hot home trend.

From smart lighting to smart locks and the growing need for fast internet, we’ll explore how smart home tech has forever changed the American home.

One of the most important parts of a real estate transaction is moving! Gayla Dixon from UniGroup, the parent company of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, shares money-saving strategies for moving and how decluttering can help you feel better about getting into your new location. REALTOR® Mary Dykstra from Virginia shares how sellers and buyers should start looking for moving companies and boxing up the excess in a home early to have a stress-free move. In addition, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if having under-counter drawers instead of lower cabinets in your kitchen is considered hot or not. Dr. Jess P. Shatkin from NYU discusses the impact moving has on children and explains the best ways to talk to your kids about it. Lastly, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR, tells us about the latest “Existing-Home Sales Report.”

How can you make your home more inviting and beautiful? We’ll cover popular DIY home projects, energy efficiency upgrades, and how these impact a home’s value.

On this week’s episode, we’ll provide all the key buying strategies you’ll need this summer including:

• mortgage alternatives, like adjustable-rate home loans

• using points to buy down the interest rate

• down payment assistance programs

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

In a competitive market, it is key you know how to buy real estate like a pro! Our experts will explain the best approaches including creating your own team, building your credit, making sure the house you want is safe and sound and more.

This week, Real Estate Today presents “Get Outside!” A celebration of the beautiful May weather, and all the ways you can enjoy it – at your own home. Throughout the show we look at the increased significance of outdoor spaces, after a year spent largely indoors. And that change is reflected in properties all over the nation, as people get more creative about the way they use their yards and patios and decks. We also lean into a big topic – how to take care of your yard, so that it brings you even more joy!

Buying a home is already expensive, so you want to avoid extra costs whenever possible. REALTOR® Mary Dykstra walks us through common seller mistakes including pricing the house without data, trying to sell without making the home appealing to buyers, and more. Then, REALTOR® Kristina Rhodes shares buyer mistakes that could cost a lot of money, including being so eager to get a house that you skip the home inspection. Plus, Angel Romero with Down Payment Resource explains why homebuyers are making a big mistake by not utilizing down payment assistance. Then, Lisa Trofe with Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association discusses a new study from BabyCenter that covers the top mistakes parents make involving child safety when moving to a new home. Finally, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if oversize front doors are hot or not.

Real Estate Today’s latest episode is all about giving your home a  "physical," by checking out its exterior, its windows and doors, its heating & air conditioning systems, and more. We'll tell you what to look for, and what to do if you discover an issue so your home can maintain its highest market value.

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Going Global"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- CIPS
- Hot or Not?
- Exchange Rates
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://radio.realtor!

Does it make sense to buy your first home while you’re in the military? Louisiana broker and REALTOR® Candice Skinner discusses the benefits available to veterans and active-duty service members to help them become homeowners and why the VA loan is the best loan on the market. We dig deeper into VA loans with Chris Birk from Veterans United Home Loans and author of “The Book on VA Loans: An Essential Guide to Maximizing Your Home Loan Benefits” who shares ten things people don’t know about VA loans. Massachusetts real estate agent and REALTOR® Wendy Rocco discusses Operation American Soldier, a charity she started to send care packages to members of the military serving overseas. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if cane webbing furniture or see-through glass kitchen cabinets are hot or not.

Let’s take a virtual road trip across the U.S., stopping at some of the hottest summer home markets in the county. We’ll discuss the following:

• how to find great summer home

• how to secure the home in a competitive market

• lakes, beaches, and mountain destinations you’ll want to take a closer look at

For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

This week, Real Estate Today examines the upcoming year. Stephen asks the experts what the vaccines, the possible end of the pandemic, and the new Biden administration could mean to you if you’re a homeowner, buyer, or seller. Plus – forbearance – what you need to know if your lender allowed you to skip a few mortgage payments!

Today’s market is red-hot and super-fast, and sellers hold nearly all the cards! Today we talk to the pros about how to have the best possible sale...aiming for the ultimate goal, of Maximum Profit, in the Minimum Time! From the home's condition, to its correct price point, to home staging...we'll explain how 2021 might be the Best Year Ever to Sell!

Homeownership is a big responsibility, but the benefits that come with it are worth it.

The President of the National Association of REALTORS® Kevin Sears shares different ways home ownership can change lives—from the stability it provides, to building generational wealth. Plus, REALTOR® and broker Kerri Hartnett joins to discuss her favorite memories from her childhood home and just what “home” means to her. Then, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if papasan chairs are hot or not. Finally, Deputy Chief Economist & VP of Research at the National Association of REALTORS® Dr. Jessica Lautz shares data on who the average American homeowner is.

As mortgage interest rates continue to rise, we look at what that means to you—whether you plan to buy a home or refinance your current residence. You’ll learn how getting the right mortgage can help you financially and also help you win the house in a competitive market.

You just got the house of your dreams but how do you make it feel like your home? We talk to home stager Nikki Watson from Dallas, Texas to get home design tips on picking furniture, utilizing wood, and whether you should avoid the painted accent wall for modern wainscoting. Sue Wadden from Sherwin-Williams explains how they will help you pick the best color paint for your home, what paint colors are popular, and how you can make sure your home has good color flow. REALTOR® Angel Piontek from Virginia talks about smart home tech and the important question of can a television actually be too big. And NAR Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz discusses which home renovation projects bring homeowners the most joy. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether flat roofs or solar roofs are hot or not.

What will it take to buy a newly built home in 2023? Gonzalo Mejia, a REALTOR® from Jacksonville, Florida, shares the benefits of buying a newly constructed home and walks us through the process and how to navigate changing mortgage rates while your house is being built. Rose Quint from the National Association of Home Builders tells us what types of homes and features new home buyers are looking for (hint: home offices are big) and where homeowners want the laundry room. Also, National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest on pending home sales and Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if mixing and matching different styles of kitchen countertops is Hot or Not.

As you embrace the warmer weather, enjoy the outdoor space of your home! From grilling, yard work, outdoor power equipment, to curb appeal, we’ll tell you how to enjoy your property from the outside in.

Looking for the top tips on how to thrive in today’s real estate market? REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán gives her best financial advice for buying a home in 2024 before REALTOR® Dale Mattison shares what you need to know if you’re planning on selling your home this year. Plus, REALTOR® and investing expert Bill Brown shares how to get started in real estate investing. Then, Vice President at HSH Keith Gumbinger discusses the best path to getting a home loan. Finally, Melissa Dittmann Tracey weighs in on if cold plunge tubs are hot or not.

If you’ve been considering purchasing a second home, now is the best time to start your search! REALTOR® Sindy Ready joins to share the latest market conditions for second homes. Then, associate broker Stephen Antoni explains why the food, beach, and seasons attract people, including the mega-wealthy, to Rhode Island. Plus, MIAMI REALTOR® Chief Economist Gay Cororaton explains what buyers need to know about inventory and pricing on second homes in South Florida. Matt Christopherson from NAR Research shares details on the decline of foreign buyers in U.S. real estate before NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun talks about the latest Existing-Home Sales Report. Finally, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether black cabinets or dark colors in your kitchen are hot or not.

Looking to sell your home and want to maximize its worth? On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® and appraiser Jamie Moore shares what homeowners can do to their homes to get a bigger appraised value, including depersonalizing and decluttering. Plus, REALTOR® Greg Block joins to share invaluable insights on enhancing your home's market value, covering everything from essential cleaning and a fresh coat of paint to the impact of curb appeal. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what items in the 2024 remodeling boom are hot or not. 

This week, Real Estate Today presents “Secrets of the Pros.”  In which we pose the question to real estate professionals: ‘…in this red-hot market, what would you do, if you were doing your own, personal real estate transaction?’ Their answers will surprise you, as we examine investing secrets, buying secrets, selling secrets and more. We’ll talk about the value of running the numbers at every step; being patient as you look for a home; why staging your home could happen – for free! And, the wisdom that’s so important in any real estate market: DBAD. ‘Don’t be a dope!’

We’re taking the plunge—into investing during the spring market, that is! This episode will help you start the investment process, learn how to identify good investment properties as well as how to generate long-term wealth.

Do you want to make sure your home valuation is the maximum it can be? REALTOR® Natalie Davis from Colorado talks about how important home maintenance is to a home’s value and why you need to make sure your HVAC and furnace get regular service. Appraiser David Griffith explains what items have the biggest impact on a home’s value during the appraisal process. And, REALTOR.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale discusses their 2023 Best Time to Buy Report. REALTOR® Steven Sharpe discusses NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards and his program, Camp Horizon, a camp that allows kids with physical disabilities to enjoy summer activities in an outdoor environment. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know what a blobby or blobject are and if they are hot or not.

This episode was brought to you by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who wants to make sure you move with confidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers free resources to help before, during and after a move at https://www.protectyourmove.gov. 

What will selling a home be like in 2024? realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale finds that the latest real estate market data shows an increase in housing inventory. REALTOR® Bill Lublin from the Philadelphia area shares selling strategies and how to evaluate an offer. REALTOR® Kristinia Rhodes from Evansville, Indiana discusses why listing your home now, in the dead of winter (instead of waiting until the spring), is the best move for a home seller. Appraiser Beth Graham explains what homeowners can do to get the best appraisal price and why getting a pre-appraisal can be a good idea. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses the electronics from the CES and if they are hot or not.

This episode was brought to you by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who wants to make sure you move with confidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers free resources to help before, during and after a move at https://www.protectyourmove.gov. 

This week, Real Estate Today presents “The Summer Market!”  A triple celebration! First, we celebrate the hot season ahead – which starts this weekend! Second, we celebrate the strength of the nation’s real estate markets as the pandemic winds down. And third – it’s Father’s Day weekend! Which celebrates the Dads in our lives – and ourselves also, if you’re a Dad! A great show, looking at buying and selling real estate – as the temperatures soar!

Considering buying a new construction home? On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® Christine Richardson shares the process, time frame, and whether there is less competition with new builds. Plus, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders, Dr. Robert Dietz joins to share where new home construction is surging and what consumers looking to build should know. Then, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, discusses when he believes mortgage rates may dip. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares which home design trends are hot or not, including the shower lamp.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun provided the latest information on existing-home sales, hot off the press. Massachusetts REALTOR® and broker-owner Dawn Ruffini joined us to chat mortgages, and up-to-date strategies for buyers and sellers. In addition, HSH.com Vice President Keith Gumbinger spoke to us about mortgage rates and how to qualify for a home loan. And for HOT or NOT, Melissa Dittmann Tracey looked back at the housing trends in 2022, and what will be HOT in 2023.

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Whether you’re looking to sell your home or just want to ensure proper maintenance, regular home inspections are a must.

On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® Samantha Witherwax shares what buyers should look out for during inspections, including roofing, AC, plumbing and electrical. Plus, former Executive Director at the American Society of Home Inspectors Frank Lesh discusses how homeowners can identify issues in their house early. Then, Dr. Steve Kerber, vice president and executive director of the Fire Safety Research Institute at UL Research Institutes talks about the importance of fire safety. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if the gothic interior design trend is hot or not.

On today's show we talk to the pros about how you can inspect your own house, with the goal of keeping it in tip top shape. Good maintenance equals higher market value! We'll show you how to protect your biggest investment, save money on utilities, and keep your house safe!

We’re covering homeownership—building memories, celebrating milestones, building generational wealth, and creating a sense of community. Virginia REALTOR® Mary Dykstra joins us to talk about how owning a home contributes to your family’s wealth. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun covers the latest Existing-Home Sales report, and credit expert Gerri Detweiler speaks about credit scores and what factors impact them. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what you should NOT store in your home garage.

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From mortgage rates to the shift from a solid seller’s market toward a more balanced market, to investment properties, we provide up-to-the-minute information that home buyers, home sellers and homeowners need to know.