Real Estate Today

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.

Think you can't afford a home? The dream may be closer than you realize. Our experts share real-world strategies to make homeownership more affordable. From side hustles and fixer-uppers to smart saving and financial prep, this episode explores the creative approaches helping buyers navigate today's market. Guests include Ryan Fitzgerald, broker-owner of Raleigh Realty, who explains how buyers are finding new paths to homeownership; financial expert Andrea Woroch, who shares smart ways to save and avoid costly mistakes; and Nadia Evangelou, senior economist and director of real estate research at the National Association of REALTORS®, who highlights new research on affordability challenges.

Want to boost your home's value before listing? Start here. This week, we spotlight the top home projects that increase value—from curb appeal and staging to creative listing strategies. Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, shares quick curb appeal wins. REALTOR® Orion Moquin of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, reveals how a staged Bigfoot sighting grabbed buyer attention. Brandi Snowden, director of member and survey research at the National Association of REALTORS®, shares new data on how staging influences today's buyers. Michael Alladawi, CEO and founder of Revive Real Estate, explains how presale renovations can help sellers maximize profits—and how his company fronts the costs until closing. Then, Guest House CEO Alex Ryden discusses staging strategies that create beautiful, buyer-ready spaces, and which areas to prioritize to make a property shine. Plus, design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey reveals whether air fresheners are helping or hurting your home's appeal during showings.

Ready to move? Don't just pack—plan. This episode is packed with moving tips, packing tips for moving, and expert strategies to make your next move smoother, cheaper, and less stressful. Join Florida real estate broker Cara Ameer, moving expert and author Robert Esposito, home design authority Melissa Dittmann Tracey, and Livability editor-in-chief Amanda Ellis as they share actionable advice for buyers, sellers, and renters alike. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, this episode will help you move smarter—not harder.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Cronkright, a real estate broker and CEO of SunTitle, dives into the alarming rise of wire fraud in real estate. He reveals how scammers employ advanced tools, including AI, to prey on vulnerable buyers. The conversation also touches on vital strategies for first-time homebuyers to navigate a competitive market successfully. Additionally, industry experts outline common mistakes in luxury home purchases and the essentials of smart bidding. Listeners are armed with insights to make informed decisions in their homebuying journeys.