The Real Estate Girls Podcast

Episode 14 brings a full-circle conversation that blends real life, real estate strategy, and the evolving market landscape. Kaci and Heather -The Real Estate Girls -kick things off with personal updates before shifting into a high-value discussion on why college-town markets continue to outperform expectations.We outline how steady demand from alumni, faculty, and parents creates reliable housing needs, and why many families are finding that purchasing a home for their college student can be more efficient and cost-effective than paying rent or covering the rising cost of dorm living. It’s a classic real-estate play that stands the test of time while building long-term equity and financial resilience.We also lean into one of today’s hottest industry conversations, the proposed 50-year mortgage. While details are still unfolding, we explore how extended-term products could create new access points for buyers, offer payment flexibility during early career years, and serve as a strategic bridge for long-term investing. As always, we encourage listeners to stay grounded, evaluate the fundamentals, and lean on trusted professionals as the market evolves.This episode is designed to equip buyers, sellers, and investors with actionable insights, whether you’re navigating rental opportunities near a university or considering how future lending structures may shape affordability.

In this episode of The Real Estate Girls Podcast, hosts Heather and Casey sit down with commercial real estate expert Brian Henton, Manager of Commercial Sales at ERA Nouveau Real Estate. With over two decades of experience, Brian shares insider knowledge on the commercial real estate market in Bay County, Florida, including the lasting effects of Hurricane Michael, rising property values, and the evolving landscape for retail, industrial, and office spaces. Listeners will gain valuable insight into leasing vs. selling commercial properties, how interest rates and construction costs are shaping today’s deals, and what to know before buying or developing land. Brian also discusses rezoning laws, investment mistakes to avoid, and his outlook for commercial growth along Highways 77, 79, and 231. Whether you’re a realtor, investor, or business owner, this episode offers practical, real-world advice on how to succeed in commercial real estate in a rapidly growing Gulf Coast market.

Heather and Kaci are back with a fresh market update and some laugh-out-loud (and cringe-worthy) stories about showings that didn’t go as planned. From surprise moments during tours to the daily juggle of real estate and motherhood, this episode gives an honest look at life behind the sign.They also dive into the world of commercial real estate—why so few agents venture there, how it differs from residential, and what opportunities exist for those willing to learn the ropes. It’s a casual, real-life conversation filled with insight, humor, and heart.

In this episode of The Real Estate Girls Podcast, Heather and Kaci start by breaking down the Fed’s recent interest rate cut and what it could mean for real estate, the economy, and everyday homeowners. From there, the conversation shifts to something much more personal as we reflect on the passing of Charlie Kirk, the impact he had on people, and how his life and legacy made us stop and think about our own. Kaci shares perspective from her background in law enforcement, and together we open up about faith, growth, and the experiences that have shaped where we are today. It’s an honest mix of market insight and personal reflection.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Sarah Hess at The Law Office of Brian Hess, we take a deeper dive into the world of title. We break down title commitments, title searches, and why having a knowledgeable title agent on your side is essential for both buyers and sellers. A Clear title is the foundation of a successful closing, and Sarah explains the processes that help protect your investment every step of the way.

On this episode, we sit down with Sarah Hess, Attorney at The Law Office of Brian Hess for a deep dive into the title process from start to finish. Sarah shares her expertise on how title agents guide buyers and sellers through each step, ensuring a seamless closing experience. We also get to know Sarah on a personal level, including the smart real estate move she made when building her own custom home. We also dive into a great convo on the growing issue of title fraud and how title professionals are working to protect homeowners against it. This is Part 1 of a two-part series—so tune in now, and keep an eye out for Part 2 for even more insights from Sarah.

In this episode, Kaci and Heather dive into the current real estate market and compare today’s numbers with previous years, giving listeners a clear picture of where things stand. They also share some behind-the-scenes stories from showing condos (the fun and the surprising!), unpack what “maintaining As-Is condition” really means for sellers, and explain why the final walk-through is such an important step for buyers before closing.Whether you’re buying, selling, or just love keeping up with real estate, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Real Estate Girls Podcast, Kaci and Heather pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in today’s real estate market—from the trenches. We're diving into the latest buyer and seller sentiment stats, sharing our own day-to-day experiences, and giving you an honest perspective on how deals are getting done in this shifting market. Whether you're actively buying, selling, or just watching the market, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how buyers are approaching offers, how sellers are reacting to pricing and concessions, and what it means for your next move.

In this episode of The Real Estate Girls Podcast, we sit down with Steve Dick from Guild Mortgage to talk about the long term benefits of homeownership and the importance of working closely with your lender to explore options like rate buydowns and maximizing seller concessions, with examples! Steve also shares expert advice on staying ahead of the game like turning in your documents on time to keep the process smooth. And for a heartfelt touch, we get to know Steve’s certified therapy dog, who brings calm and comfort to an often stressful journey. Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, this episode is full of practical wisdom and a few tail wags, too.

Heather and Kaci break down the evolving Bay County real estate market—from longer due diligence windows and aggressive repair requests to creative financing and home sale contingencies. They cover pricing strategies, investor tips on Opportunity Zones and 1031 exchanges, and share why no home, not even new construction, escapes inspection surprises. It’s real estate with real talk, right when you need it.

Cory Brookins, owner of Five Star Inspections, joins us to talk about what really goes on behind the scenes of a home inspection—from thermal imaging and wild attic finds to the impact of Hurricane Michael and lessons from Florida State football. Insightful, practical, and often funny, this episode is a must for buyers, agents, and curious homeowners alike.

In this episode of The Real Estate Girls Podcast, we unpack the ultimate survival kit every Realtor needs to navigate today’s market—think must-have tools, tried-and-true strategies, and a few hilarious behind-the-scenes moments that keep us all sane. We’re joined by special guest Heinz Falke, a State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser with deep expertise in the field, who brings clarity and professional insight as he answers our most pressing real estate questions.

We kick off with a quick market recap, then welcome Carl Dismukes of Coastal Stage Designs to share expert staging tips that can help your home sell faster and for more. Learn more about his work at www.coastalstagedesigns.com. Plus, we answer a real estate question many overlook!

This week on The Real Estate Girls Podcast, we’re talking all things insurance with special guest Vince Flavia from WeInsure, bringing over 31 years of industry experience. From navigating policies to answering the real questions agents and clients are asking, Vince breaks it all down with clarity, insight, and just the right amount of humor.Follow us on our socials! @therealestategirlspodcast

In their debut episode, Heather Neubauer and Kaci Hawes welcome Rhonda Jacques, Mortgage Lender Supervisor at Centennial Bank, to discuss the ever-evolving world of home financing. With 16 years in banking, Rhonda shares expert insights on homebuyer programs, interest rates, closing cost assistance, and market trends. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you navigate the lending process with confidence. Tune in for a deep dive into home financing with an industry pro!