Real Estate Today

Thinking about buying a home? From listing that high more than they reveal to pool issues that could drain your wallet, we’re helping buyers cut through the noise in today’s complex housing market. This week on Real Estate Today, hear smart strategies for buying in a market where timing, transparency and thorough inspections can make or break your deal. We’ll explore how long a home should sit before you question the price, how to weigh the pros and cons of owning a pool, and the unexpected red flags that could signal trouble behind those flawless listing photos. Featuring Scott Geller, a real estate pro and appraiser from Pennsylvania; Ryan Hvizda, owner of Hvizda Realty Group in New Hampshire; Ryan Melvin, Las Vegas real estate expert; Art Moreno, broker-owner of The Art of Realty; and Jordan Schaeffer, president of renovations and aftermarket at Anthony & Sylvan Pools. Plus, in our Hot or Not segment: Are over-customized smart home features turning off buyers?

Selling your home in today’s market, with housing inventory increasing but buyers seemingly standing back, takes strategy, precision and a competitive edge. This week, we’re joined by Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist; Scott Geller, associate broker at REMAX in Jamison, PA; Ryan Melvin, Las Vegas real estate expert; Art Moreno, broker-owner of the Art of Realty; and Melissa Bailey, a REALTOR® from Arizona. Our guests share expert strategies for helping sellers stand out, from pricing a home competitively to attracting buyers with high-quality listing photos. We’ll explore the surprising mistakes that can sabotage a great shot, how a home warranty can ease buyer concerns, and what recent equity gains really mean for today’s sellers. Plus, in our “Hot or Not” segment—could a ‘fortress of solitude’ be the next big home trend?

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), co-ownership vacation homes, and multigenerational living—creative solutions are helping homeowners tackle rising costs. This week, we’re joined by Ryan Hvizda, owner at Hvizda Realty Group at Keller Williams Metro in New Hampshire; Matt Brannon, data journalist at Insurify; Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com; Austin Allison, CEO of Pacaso; and Lynn Butterfield, associate broker at Coldwell Banker. They share expert insight on how to afford homeownership in today’s market, including ways to save on property taxes and why asking for a home’s insurance history can protect your finances. Plus, house hacks that put money back in your pocket and a new “Hot or Not” home trend: renting out your backyard.

Home maintenance just got easier. This week, we’re joined by Lynn Butterfield, associate broker at Coldwell Banker; Peter Piotrowski, chief claims officer at Hippo Insurance; and viral appliance repair expert Derrick Dennis, aka “DerrickwithtwoRs.” They share practical tips on preventive maintenance, appliance care and what today’s homeowners need to know to protect their investment. Plus, a new “Hot or Not” home trend: steam cleaning your hardwood floors.

Ready to build wealth through real estate? This week, we’re diving into the fundamentals of investing. Debra Beagle, CEO and broker/owner of Ashton Real Estate Group in Nashville, Tennessee, shares how she started investing in college towns and what signals a strong investment opportunity. Melissa Bailey, team lead at the Jason Mitchell Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers tips on how to break into real estate investing and the types of properties that tend to deliver the best return on investment. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, walks us through new data showing that investor selling hit a record high in 2024 and what it means for today’s market. Derrick Barker, CEO and co-founder of Nectar, shares his journey from buying properties as a student at Harvard to building a $450 million real estate investment portfolio. Plus, host Melissa Dittmann Tracey asks: Is taking your shoes off at the front door hot or not?

This week, we’re exploring how severe weather is reshaping the real estate market. First, Erica Wolfe, owner of The Wolfe Team in Jupiter, Florida, explains how higher insurance costs are impacting real estate transactions and why more buyers are turning to new construction for better insurance rates. Next, Travis Hodges, managing director at VIU by HUB, shares the types of weather events having the biggest impact on the market. After, Jon Schneyer, hurricane risk expert and director of research and content at Cotality, reveals the biggest surprises from this year’s hurricane risk report. Then, Matt Brannon, data journalist at Insurify, breaks down the types of weather events that can damage your home and how homeowners can prepare. Finally, REALTOR® Cara Ameer shares how skyrocketing insurance premiums are derailing real estate deals and pushing some homes out of financial reach for buyers. Plus, host Melissa Dittmann Tracey weighs in on whether tinted windows for the home are hot or not.

Michelle Doherty, a Realtor Magazine 30 Under 30 honoree, shares her expertise in maximizing home resale potential. She discusses smart renovation strategies that can make homes look luxurious and profitable. Joining her is Michael Alladawi, who emphasizes the benefits of presale renovations. Dr. Jessica Lautz highlights insights from the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report. Additionally, Ginger Wilcox offers advice on optimizing backyards for relaxation and entertainment, while trends like wellness-focused bathrooms and curb appeal improvements are explored.

Are you buying or selling a home this summer during what is historically the busiest real estate market of the year? Real estate agent Erica Wolfe from Jupiter, Florida, discusses the shifting real estate market, where prices, affordability, and the luxury market are expected to go. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun looks at the raw economic data to share the latest on housing inventory, where interest rates are going, and how inflation data may open the market for first-time home buyers. Host Melissa Tracey looks at whether electric grills are a hot or not home trend before Frank Meek, an entomologist at Rollins, Inc. explains how to keep the bugs out of your house. And, Mike Opyd from Motto Mortgage answers listener questions on mortgage rates and home loans.

Where are the home buyers? We break down what’s keeping buyers on the sidelines—even as inventory rises. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, shares an in-depth look at today’s housing market. He explains why existing-home sales haven’t picked up despite better spring conditions and why elevated mortgage rates are keeping deals from closing. Melissa Bailey, real estate professional and team lead at the Jason Mitchell Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, discusses the challenges today’s buyers face. Ali Wolf, chief economist at Zonda, dives into the growing housing affordability crisis and compares new-home prices with existing-home prices. Plus, we explore whether painting a home’s brick white and open floor plans are hot or not.

Matt Cook, Director of Business Development at HomeTeam Inspection Service, dives into the vital world of home inspections. He reveals what’s typically covered in an inspection and the difference between real red flags and minor cosmetic issues. Joe Graziano shares negotiation strategies for dealing with unexpected findings in inspection reports, and Bob Albrecht discusses turning a severely damaged home into a stunning showpiece. The conversation also touches on the current real estate market, including trends like the value of solar panels and backyard pools.