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.

Let’s keep our homes cool this summer! New Orleans REALTOR® Evelyn Wolford talks central air, window air conditioning units, and how to cool your home properly. Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains how to improve indoor air quality to make sure the air you breathe in your home is clean. Then Bill Stack from Eversource Energy shares how you can keep your house cool efficiently and gives some low-tech ways to cut down your energy bill. Melissa comes back to let us know if pink is a hot home color before NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the latest existing-home sales data and how inflation and mortgage rates are impact the real estate market.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home this summer? We discuss how mortgage rates are impacting housing inventory and how to make a successful purchase or sale in the current real estate market with Ohio REALTOR® Rebecca Donatelli. She shares how to utilize home sale contingency, points, and adjustable-rate mortgages to get the house you want. Rocket Mortgage CEO Bob Walters talks about their new 1% down payment option program, why it’s a game-changer, and how he hopes it will help make more Americans homeowners. He also shares why he is a huge fan of paying for a point on your mortgage in most cases. And to celebrate Father’s Day, we talk to Washington, D.C., area real estate agents Dale Mattison and his daughter, Danai Mattison Sky, to see what it’s like to work and follow your dad into the real estate business. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether stainless steel kitchen sinks and slab stone backsplashes are hot or not.

How do real estate professionals find a home themselves? Virginia REALTOR® Lorraine Arora shares why it’s important to look beyond any clutter or design features you may not like and focus on the layout, neighborhood, and other factors in deciding to make it her home. She also goes through real estate terms that every home buyer should know. NerdWallet’s Elizabeth Renter explains how despite a year-over-year increase in listings on the market, tighter lending standards are making it tougher for potential home buyers to get a home loan. And credit expert Gerri Detweiler tells us why she uses credit monitoring and why knowing your credit score is so important. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if outdoor kitchens and outdoor pizza ovens are hot or not!

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.

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.

How are interest rates, housing inventory, and supplies impacting the current real estate market? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the most recent existing-home sales data and why he thinks interest rates will drop later in the year. Ohio home builder and remodeler Bill Owens gives us an update on expected wait times for new home builds and how capacity issues are impacting the ability to build a new home and changing home renovation projects. And yes, supply chain issues are still out there. Pennsylvania REALTOR® Greg Herb shares what he’s experiencing on the local level with home buyers and sellers while California REALTOR® Kevin Brown talks about how the REALTOR® Relief Foundation has been helping people impacted by recent natural disasters. Also, are bold colors in the outdoor living space hot or not? What about cottage gardens? Melissa Dittmann Tracey keeps us trendy.

How do you improve your home’s exterior or your outdoor living space? We talk to gardener Natalie Carmolli to learn how plants improve your curb appeal and Kris Kiser of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute gives tips on how to do your yardwork safely. But first, we start with a Mother’s Day special segment with mother and son Michigan real estate duo Pat Vredevoogd Combs and Brett Vredevoogd. Also, NAR’s Ken Fears is back to explain what happened with the FHFA mortgage fee increases that were scheduled for August 1 and Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains what fragrance zoning is and if it’s a hot home trend.

Homeownership can make housing costs predictable and build generational wealth. Utah REALTOR® and 2023 NAR President Kenny Parcell explains the benefits of owning a home. Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale discusses the current homeownership rate in the United States, possible reasons why it’s currently at a standstill, and what she values about being a homeowner. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com clarifies when a home buyer becomes a homeowner. Also, NAR’s Ken Fears analyzes the rule changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage fees to give us the facts on what the changes mean for homeowners and home buyers. And what is soft spring aesthetic and is it a hot home trend? Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what’s HOT or not in home design.

How does smart home tech benefit you? Angela Moscaritolo from PC Magazine shares the best smart home devices including doorbells, floodlights, and locks for your house and why it’s important to look at the power source for your smart home tech. Pennsylvania REALTOR® Bill Lublin tells us why he made his home brilliant and how home buyers are leaning toward technology as they look for a new home. And Kate Peters from Eversource explains how smart thermostats make homes more efficient and save you money. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether floating staircases or if painting your wooden staircases is HOT or not.