Real Estate Today

It's spooky season on Real Estate Today, and we're diving into the haunted side of homeownership. From horrifying home design trends to creepy real estate stories, our experts share what happens when the market gets scary. We'll explore homes "haunted" by bad design choices, listings that came with shocking surprises, and sellers who use cameras to listen to buyers. You'll also learn which pests and insects are most likely to sneak into your home this time of year. Guests include REALTOR® Mary Harmon Young from Tuscaloosa, AL; REALTOR® Kati Spaniak from Northbrook, IL; REALTOR® Kourtney Pulitzer from Palm Beach, FL; and Frank Meek, board-certified entomologist. Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we reveal the most horrifying home design trends of the year.

Design meets real estate in this week's Real Estate Today. We're exploring the hottest home design trends shaping America's housing market and the smart updates that can actually boost your home's value. From the "Ozempic of surface materials" slimming down kitchens everywhere to the newly announced 2026 Color of the Year, our experts break down what's in, what's out, and what's worth the investment. Guests include Mallory Slesser, interior designer and home stager; Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams; Latham Jenkins, associate broker; Kati Spaniak, REALTOR®; and Mary Harmon, real estate expert. Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we're talking two of the season's boldest design trends: faux fur finishes and curvy

Join experts Dane Ramsden, a senior relocation specialist, Mary Harmon Young, a real estate broker focused on multigenerational homes, and Jessica Lautz, a deputy chief economist at NAR. They dive into the concept of 'right-sizing' for seniors and the emotional challenges of relocating. Discover the rising demand for multigenerational living and essential features for aging in place. Plus, hear about the evolving trends in housing, including the significant influence of baby boomers and the role of single women in the market.

Is now a good time to sell your home? This week on Real Estate Today, we dig into the data, market trends, and strategies sellers need to know before making their next move. Learn how to price your home right, boost curb appeal in the colder months, and make your property stand out to today's savvy buyers. We'll also explore home equity loans and what sellers should know about leveraging their home's value. Guests include Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®; Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com; Kourtney Pulitzer, Palm Beach real estate professional; Alexa Kebalo, REALTOR® and relocation expert; and John Hummel, head of retail home lending at U.S. Bank. Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we look at two home design trends: quiet luxury and open shelving in the kitchen.

Real estate can be a powerful tool for building wealth, and this week on Real Estate Today, we explore strategies for turning homes into serious cash. From short-term rentals and flipping houses to buying property overseas, we break down the methods that can help you grow your real estate portfolio and maximize income. Discover the top markets for short-term investments and tips from experts who have helped buyers turn homes into profitable ventures. Guests include Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA; Janet Ramirez, REALTOR®; and Janel Muhammad, international real estate specialist. Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we look at two trending home design elements: the color beige and gigantic couches.

The fall real estate market is here, and it may be the best season for homebuyers. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore why autumn often gives buyers an edge—from reduced competition to unique opportunities not seen in the spring and summer markets. Discover whether there really is a "perfect week" to buy a home, how to land the lowest mortgage rate, and the latest lending trends shaping today's market. Guests include Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com; Alexa Kebalo, REALTOR® with eXp Realty; Janet Ramirez, real estate broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate; and John Hummel, executive vice president and head of retail home lending at U.S. Bank. Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we look at two surprising lifestyle trends in communities across America: golf carts cruising the neighborhood and backyard chicken coops.

In this episode, Heather Haase, a seasoned REALTOR® from Dayton, shares effective techniques to manage emotions during real estate transactions, helping to avoid buyer burnout and seller stress. Syd Kitson, CEO of Kitson & Partners, dives into Babcock Ranch, a pioneering wellness-focused community that emphasizes sustainability and resilience. The conversation highlights how homes can enhance health, the surprising impact of pets on homebuying, and popular design trends like biohacking amenities and biophilic elements that improve well-being.

This installment features Brandon Doyle, a Minnesota REALTOR®, Dalton Brewer, a Kansas City broker and tech innovator, and Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes. They dive into how smart homes and AI are reshaping the real estate landscape. Topics include the privacy implications of smart technology in home sales, the rising influence of AI on transactions, and the revolutionary potential of 3D printing in construction. The discussion even touches on what buyers want in smart home features and innovative design tools.

Heather Haase, a seasoned real estate pro from Keller Williams Advisors Realty, joins Austin Niemiec, Chief Revenue Officer at Rocket Mortgage, to demystify mortgages for buyers. They tackle current mortgage rates and the impact on affordability, urging buyers not to hesitate. Listeners learn about bridge loans as a powerful tool, strategies for managing adjustable-rate mortgages, and the importance of choosing the right lender. Plus, they explore unique home design trends like floating stairs and the concept of slow decorating.

Joshua McGrath, a broker and owner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central, dives into the world of home renovations. He discusses which remodeling projects genuinely enhance value and which can become budget traps. Tips for maintaining historic charm while updating, the rise of two-tone kitchen cabinets, and selecting trustworthy contractors are also shared. The importance of smart home tech and budget-conscious improvements for resale are highlighted, making it essential listening for homeowners eyeing potential renovations.