Real Estate Today

Interested in getting a mortgage or refinancing in the spring? This episode is for you! Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com shares the latest on interest rates and how today's home buyers can qualify for the best possible home loan. REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán from Chicago walks us through the process of finding a lender and successful strategies for getting the best loan in a high-interest-rate environment and walks us. Also, we have Melissa Dittmann Tracey discuss if mirrored walls and mirrored closet doors are hot or not. Lastly, REALTOR® Candice Skinner from Louisiana lets us know all about the VA home loan

When you're moving into a new house, there are so many ways to make the home your very own! REALTOR® Bette McTamney from Pennsylvania shares the first things most people do when they move into their home and talks about changes homeowners can make when moving. Rose Quint from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shares downward trends that she's seen in the last few years due to rising home prices and interest rates, and what buyers are looking for in their communities. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses whether home offices and hardwood floors are considered hot or not. Finally, Dustin Green, the head grill master at Weber Grills, talks about the decision-making process of picking the right grill for your new 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.”

The time has come and it's closing day! Attorney Nishad Khan talks about how a buyer should prepare, what documents they should bring to avoid hiccups along the way, and what is expected to be completed on the seller's end. Ohio REALTOR® Kelly McCormick discusses the period between the contract signing and the closing, and explains how she ensures that her clients are protected on closing day. Lawyer Vanessa Goggans talks about cautioning home buyers and sellers with regard to real estate scams related to wire fraud. And, financial expert and host of the Money Girl Podcast, Laura Adams, explains why the buyer needs to have a homeowners insurance policy. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if bows and hues of soft greens are considered hot or not.

This Valentine's Day, show your home some tender loving care! REALTOR® Troy Zwickle of Loveland, Colorado, tells us about buying or selling homes in the “Sweetheart City.” In addition, he talks about if interest rates have been scaring first-time home buyers away, advises potential buyers about offers, talks about seller's concessions, and the buying power with equity. Dustin Green, head grill master at Weber Grills, walks us through what makes a great surf and turf, and explains how to select and prepare every course from the appetizers through the main dish. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about whether symmetry in your home is hot or not. She also dishes on strategies to personalize your home to get the highest ROI. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, shares the latest “Metro Home Price Report” from NAR, and he walks us through the status of mortgage rates.

How do you make the best offer to land your dream home? REALTOR® Pat Vredevoogd walks us through the process of writing a winning offer. From price to possession, from contingencies to earnest money, she explains what a buyer should include if they want to win the house. And for sellers, Pat explains what to look for in an offer and explains why price isn’t always everything. Peter Gallo, owner and chief appraiser at HomeSight Appraisal, explains the appraisal process and what it means to buyers, sellers—and the lender. Danielle Hale, the chief economist at Realtor.com, walks us through “The Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2024” report. This fascinating study examined U.S. markets through the eyes of first-time buyers, looking at home availability, affordability, and price, as well as employment opportunities and the cost of living. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about the color beige and the traditional herringbone patterns. Are they hot—or are they not?

Is buying a newly constructed home the right move for you? President and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders Jim Tobin talks about the market for new home builds and what potential home buyers need to know. REALTOR® Don McGlynn, who recently purchased a home that is being built, talks about the process of buying a new construction and all the decisions involved—from flooring and fixtures, to finishes and more. Justin Fink discusses building a passive home and how it can save you 90% on your energy bills. And NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explains the latest pending-home sales data and forecasts what the real estate market may look like this spring. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses what home design trends are in and out in this week’s “Hot or Not.”

Is 2024 the year to buy a real estate investment property? REALTOR® Kristin Smith from Dallas, TX gives tips on how to buy your first investment property and the best way to find a tenant. She also talks about how to invest in a short-term rental and the impact of being an Airbnb super-host. REALTOR® Peter Crouch from the Washington, D.C. area shares how to get started in real estate investing if you’re closer to retirement, while REALTOR® Bob Turner from near Memphis, TN discusses buying land. Additionally, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest existing-home sales data. And, finally, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if crocheted home accessories and coffee bars are hot or not.

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. 

It’s a new year! Is it time for a new home? Cassie Happe from WalletHub talks about their “Most Fun Cities in America (2024)” list, while REALTOR® Dale Mattison from the Greater Washington, D.C. area explains the strategies buyers can use to make an offer and win the home in a competitive market with low housing inventory. Glenn Bunker, president of Ally Home Loans, discusses where he thinks mortgage rates will go in 2024 and what that will mean for home buyers. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know whether marble, quartz, or concrete kitchen countertops are 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.

What will the real estate market be like in 2024? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun looks ahead by discussing the most recent existing-home sales data and the 2023 real estate market. REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts explains how he thinks home sellers will approach 2024 with the expected drop in interest rates. Jim Tobin, president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, shares the challenges home builders are facing in 2024 and what solutions would help increase new home construction. Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, discusses how home buyers and sellers are expected to treat home inspections during a transaction. REALTOR® Irene Sawyer from Blowing Rock, NC shares how her battle with breast cancer led to the foundation of the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation, which helps pay for cancer care in six counties in the mountains of North Carolina. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracy looks at whether the color tones pink and orange are hot or not.

What can be expected in the winter real estate market? REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts explains how low housing inventory is still impacting demand and what buyers and sellers are including in a winning offer. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com shares the latest on interest rates and how it’s impacting home loans. Danielle Hale, realtor.com’s chief economist, discusses their 2024 Housing Forecast and what markets are expected to see the largest growth in home prices. And Melissa Dittmann Tracy talks about the 10 worst home design trends of 2023.

With winter approaching, we share how to keep your home warm without breaking the bank. You don’t need to experience extreme weather to utilize these winter heating tips for your home! REALTOR® D’Ette Owen from Anchorage, Alaska shares how Alaskans keep their homes toasty when it’s -15 degrees F outside. Bill Stack from Eversource Energy explains how to save money as you keep your home nice and warm. And, yes, smart thermostats do help you save money! Kris Kiser from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) discusses how to maintain and operate a generator while staying safe. And, Holden Lewis from NerdWallet goes into detail on why the increase in the conforming loan limit is important for home buyers and how it compares to a jumbo home loan. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether the traditional holiday colors of red and green are hot or not.

Let’s find out the best way to get a great mortgage to buy the home of your dreams. REALTOR® Arlene Castellano from Springfield, Massachusetts shares why it’s important to get preapproved for a mortgage before you search for a new house. Bob Walters, the recently retired CEO of Rocket Mortgage, discusses Rocket’s ONE+ home loan, which only requires a 1% down payment, while they enact a 2% down payment grant. To boot, the loan won’t require any mortgage insurance. Credit expert Gerri Detweiler explains the importance of your credit score, and Down Payment Resource’s Marcy Ash discusses some down payment assistance programs that can help buyers get into a home. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about kitchen trends and whether colorful kitchen appliances or stainless steel kitchen cabinets and pantries are hot or not.

What does it take to buy a second home? How does today’s real estate market impact the vacation home market? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the decline in existing-home sales and the rise in median home sales prices and what it means for home buyers and sellers. REALTOR® Sindy Ready from Scottsdale, Arizona discusses what it takes to find opportunities for home buyers looking to get a second home in a balanced real estate market. REALTOR® Beth Foley from West Michigan discusses how higher interest rates for mortgages are impacting the second home market and the purchase of short-term rentals. Also, she talks about how legislation impacts buyers’ plans to run an Airbnb, Vrbo or HomeAway property. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether cane webbing and see-through glass kitchen cabinets are hot or not.

It’s time to get your home ready for the holidays! Interior designer Mary Patton shares the latest holiday decorating trends and how to transform your home for the holidays. Angela Moscaritolo from PC Mag shares what smart tech devices will help you keep your home clean so you’re ready to host guests. REALTOR® Donna Evers tackles one of the toughest questions facing buyers and sellers every year at this time: Should you stay in the market over the holidays? Melissa Dittmann Tracey keeps us trendy by sharing whether keeping holiday lights up all year or Scandinavian home decor is hot or not.

How do you save money around your house? We give tips to save money on utility expenses, cable bills, and other household costs. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the outlook for the 2024 real estate market to give home buyers and sellers an idea of what they can expect in housing inventory and median home prices. REALTOR® Chris Pelkola Lee from Idaho shares how homeowners are updating windows and appliances to make their homes more energy efficient and discusses how new homes are being built to account for where the sun faces, to cut down costs. Financial advice author and host of “Money Girl Podcast” Laura Adams gives tips on how to save money on your home insurance. Zamir Ahmed from the National Association of Broadcasters talks NextGen TV and the impact it may have on your cable bill. And is cardboard or bouclé furniture hot or not? Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know. 

What does it take to buy a home? We’ll go to buyer boot camp with REALTOR® Cheryl Malandrinos from Massachusetts who explains real estate terms like contingencies and clean contracts. REALTOR® Natalie Davis from Colorado shares what steps renters can and should take to become home buyers. Danielle Hale goes over realtor.com’s “The Hottest Zip Codes of 2023” report to see which parts of the country are doing well. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether brutalism home decor or the man cave is hot or not.

This episode of Real Estate today is brought to you by realtor.com, the #1 most trusted site for real estate professionals. Your partners for industry insights and marketing solutions.

Buying and selling real estate gives many people a fright. REALTOR® Pam McKee from Salem, Massachusetts shares what it’s like to work in real estate in a town synonymous with Halloween. Credit expert Gerri Detweiler explains what you need to do to make sure you aren’t afraid of your credit score and home inspector Frank Lesh talks about the importance of a home inspection in ensuring your house purchase doesn’t become a horror story. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if blue or rose gold are hot or not.