Real Estate Today

Whether you’re looking to sell your home or just want to ensure proper maintenance, regular home inspections are a must. On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® Samantha Witherwax shares what buyers should look out for during inspections, including roofing, AC, plumbing and electrical. Plus, former Executive Director at the American Society of Home Inspectors Frank Lesh discusses how homeowners can identify issues in their house early. Then, Dr. Steve Kerber, vice president and executive director of the Fire Safety Research Institute at UL Research Institutes talks about the importance of fire safety. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if the gothic interior design trend is hot or not.

Considering buying a new construction home? On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® Christine Richardson shares the process, time frame, and whether there is less competition with new builds. Plus, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders, Dr. Robert Dietz joins to share where new home construction is surging and what consumers looking to build should know. Then, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, discusses when he believes mortgage rates may dip. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares which home design trends are hot or not, including the shower lamp.

Looking to sell your home and want to maximize its worth? On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® and appraiser Jamie Moore shares what homeowners can do to their homes to get a bigger appraised value, including depersonalizing and decluttering. Plus, REALTOR® Greg Block joins to share invaluable insights on enhancing your home's market value, covering everything from essential cleaning and a fresh coat of paint to the impact of curb appeal. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what items in the 2024 remodeling boom are hot or not. 

Is the spring the time for you to invest in real estate and build wealth? REALTOR® Peter West discusses the benefits of investing in multifamily or single-family properties and the responsibilities required for each asset class. REALTOR® Bill Milliken from Michigan discusses commercial real estate investing, the impact working from home has on properties, and the trend to convert office buildings to residential space. Melissa Dittman Tracey shares whether using vinegar to clean your stone countertops is hot or not. Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet discusses their First-Time Home Buyer Affordability Report — Q4 2023 and the challenges in the real estate market, especially for first-time home buyers.

National Association of REALTORS® President Kevin Sears gives the facts about the $418 million settlement and what it means for homebuyers and sellers. REALTOR® Cheyenne McGriff from South Dakota explains what first-time homebuyers should do to get ready to buy a home and how to find success in a competitive real estate market. Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether buying a fixer-upper home is hot or not. And, Sean Moss from the Down Payment Resource gives a quick primer on down payment assistance programs and how a homebuyer can utilize them to make a home purchase more affordable.

If you're selling your home in the spring market of 2024, this episode is for you! Gilbert Gonzales, broker associate with Home Connect 512 discusses real estate presentation, how to showcase the home value to buyers, and whether this is still a good time to sell. J. Lennox Scott, CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, explains "The Five Rights" in a sale and how to succeed. Krisztina Bell, home stager and design expert, discusses how home staging is a necessary marketing tool and explains how virtual home staging can benefit you. Next, Melissa Dittmann Tracey examines adding a pickleball court to your backyard: Is it hot or not? Lastly, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR, discusses the latest existing-home sales data.

How can you find success in the spring real estate market? J. Lennox Scott, CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, shares how to be buyer-ready and why you should get completely underwritten to make the best offer. He also does the math and explain why buying today instead of waiting for interest rates to drop is most likely the smart choice. Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com®, shares why they are forecasting a "favorable" and "promising" spring market, with increased housing inventory. Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if red is a hot paint color for walls and Kris Kiser, CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, discusses their "5 Messages Your Yard Sends Potential Home Buyers" report.  

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.