The Texas real estate market 2025 has officially hit a turning point. With inventory at its highest level in a decade and homes sitting longer on the market, 2025 is testing both buyers and sellers across the Lone Star State. In this episode, we’re breaking down why homes in Texas are struggling to sell; from inflated prices and high mortgage rates to shifting buyer expectations and regional cooldowns. We’ll cover real data from Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, and explain what this market shift means for buyers, sellers, and investors. Whether you’re thinking about selling, buying, or waiting, this episode gives you the insights you need to navigate Texas real estate with confidence.
Is renting just throwing money away? Not exactly. In this episode, we break down one of the most debated questions in real estate: renting vs. buying. While owning a home builds equity and can grow long-term wealth, it also comes with taxes, repairs, and upfront costs that don’t make sense for everyone. Renting, on the other hand, offers flexibility, lower initial costs, and in many cities in 2025 even lower monthly payments compared to a mortgage. We’ll dive into the numbers, the pros and cons of each, and the key factors to consider before making your choice. By the end, you’ll know when renting is the smarter move, when buying pays off, and how to decide what’s right for you right now.
Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Think again. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most persistent myths in real estate and breaking it wide open with real numbers, history, and stories from the field. We’ll look at why the 20% rule started, how it turned into an outdated myth, and what today’s buyers are actually putting down. From FHA and VA loans to conventional options as low as 3%, we’ll explore the real facts about down payments — and the pros and cons of putting less versus saving more. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s fact, what’s fiction, and how much you really need to buy a home in today’s market.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul- Learning from Real Estate History: 3 Lessons Shaping Today’s Market, we explore how the history of real estate isn’t just a story of houses bought and sold, it is a roadmap for understanding today’s housing market. From the suburban boom after World War II and the barriers of redlining, to the 2008 housing crash, to the passage of the Fair Housing Act, these pivotal moments remind us that real estate is about more than money. It’s about access, fairness, and smart decision-making. History doesn’t repeat itself, but it echoes. And if you know the past, you can navigate the future.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re breaking down the best home features in 2025—whether you’re house hunting, daydreaming, or just curious about what adds value. From chef-inspired kitchens and spa-like bathrooms to energy-efficient smart homes and outdoor living spaces, these features aren’t just luxuries—they’re investments. A modern kitchen can boost your home’s value by up to 12%, while outdoor upgrades like decks and firepits can increase returns by 10%. Add in smart technology, dedicated office space, and plenty of storage, and you’ve got a home that sells faster and lives better. Not every home checks every box, but this guide will help you figure out which features matter most for your lifestyle, your sanity, and your future.
In How to Invest in Real Estate for Retirement: Simple Steps & Real Numbers, we explore how real estate can be a powerful tool to fund your future. Over the past 20 years, real estate has delivered average annual returns of 5.2%, often outperforming bonds and stocks. Meanwhile, REITs (real estate investment trusts) are projected to yield around 9%. This episode breaks down three clear strategies: buy-and-hold rentals for steady long-term cash flow, REITs for hands-off investing with strong returns, and real estate funds or crowdfunding for a low-maintenance, diversified approach. Whether you want to be an active landlord or a completely passive investor, we’ll show you how to build wealth, create income, and let your money work for you in retirement. Let’s dive in and get your future ready for your retirement.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re setting the record straight on the so-called “Tesla Tiny Home.” That doesn’t mean your tiny home dreams have to stay rumors. We’ll walk through the real options available in 2025, from park model RV-certified homes like the Escape Traveler or Tumbleweed, to modular builds like the Boxable Casita, to site-built homes designed with Appendix Q in mind. Along the way, we’ll break down costs, zoning rules, permitting challenges, land considerations, and the all-important difference between homes on foundations versus homes on wheels. Plus, we’ll cover how to avoid scams and do your due diligence before handing over your hard-earned money. Whether you’re curious about a backyard ADU, dreaming of downsizing, or considering a tiny home as an investment, this episode gives you the roadmap to explore real, legal, and lasting tiny home options.Real Estate Resolved Tiny Home ChecklistADU State Laws Summary and Checklist
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, From Toys to Titles: The Gift of Real Estate for Your Children’s Future, we’re diving into the ultimate long-term gift you can give your kids—real estate. While toys and gadgets bring short-term joy, property builds wealth that lasts for generations. We’ll explore why home equity makes up 50–70% of a middle-income family’s net worth, and how 38% of Gen Z homeowners needed help from their parents to buy their first home. You’ll also hear practical strategies for buying, teaching, and transferring real estate—even without millions. From starting small with condos, duplexes, or rentals to being smart with taxes and debt, this episode shows how you can build assets your kids can leverage for decades. Legacy starts today.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re breaking down exactly what to look for in a real estate brokerage—before you sign on the dotted line. From culture and collaboration to commission splits, tech tools, and brand support, we’ll cover the red flags to avoid and the green flags that set you up for a thriving career. Whether you’re a new agent, a mid-level producer, or just looking for a better fit, you’ll learn how to choose a brokerage that equips you, supports you, and helps you build more than just a job—you’re building a business.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re diving into the rising trend of tiny homes and ADUs—and how they’re reshaping homeownership, rental income, and flexibility in 2025. In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re exploring how ADUs and JADUs—like casitas or converted garages—are changing the real estate game in 2025. Learn what qualifies as a tiny home, why they can boost your property value by up to 35%, and how much rental income you could earn in LA. We’ll break down pros, cons, solar rules, financing tips, and whether this small-space lifestyle is right for you, or just a smart investment.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, I’m breaking down what it really takes to be a first-time investor in 2025—without losing your shirt (or your soul). Real estate investing isn’t just about profit—it’s about freedom, legacy, and building something that aligns with your values. No hype. No hustle culture. Just real strategy, soul-driven decisions, and stories from the trenches. We’ll talk about which investment path fits your life, how to find the right property in today’s market, and why having a trustworthy team matters more than perfect timing. Plus, I’ll share my top beginner-friendly deals for 2025—and why vision matters more than the next viral trend.
In this powerful episode of Real Estate with Soul, Lori Alvarez unpacks the current shift in the real estate market—from a fast-paced seller’s market to a more balanced, buyer-friendly landscape. But this episode goes deeper than headlines and housing stats. Lori shares her own story of risk, resilience, and radical faith—from a 24-year-old single mom in debt to a homeowner and business owner who helps others build wealth and freedom through real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, or sitting on the sidelines waiting for a "better time," this episode will challenge you to rethink your readiness. The truth? There is no perfect time. But you are perfectly built for this.
Most people expect stress when selling a home, but few expect sadness. In this heart-centered episode, Lori Alvarez discusses the often-overlooked grief that accompanies saying goodbye to a place filled with memories. Whether it’s because of divorce, downsizing, the loss of a loved one, or simply growing into a new season of life, moving is never just a transaction. It’s a transition, and it comes with real emotions. Lori shares gentle ways to honor the process, like writing a letter to the home, praying over the space with your family, or creating a memory video as a keepsake. Because real estate isn’t just about the market—it’s about the journey. And that’s what Real Estate with Soul is all about.
Not all homes are flying off the market—and in this episode, we’re talking about why. Lori Alvarez breaks down what’s really happening in today’s mid-2025 market and shares exactly what it takes to get a home sold in a time where buyers are picky, interest rates are higher, and strategy is everything. From real stories of listings with multiple offers to others that sat with no activity, Lori explains the three biggest reasons homes aren’t moving, and how you can shift the outcome with better prep, pricing, and a standout marketing plan. Whether you’re already listed or just thinking about selling, this episode is packed with insight, soul, and the clarity you’ve been waiting for.
Thinking of selling your home this year? You are NOT alone! And you have probably asked yourself, “should I wait?” In this episode Lori breaks down three key questions every seller should ask before selling: what the market is doing right now, how to know if you are ready, and why waiting is not always your safe bet. We’ll also talk about why trying to time the market can backfire, and what smart strategies actually work in today’s shifting pace. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a sense of peace about your next move. For more on this subject - check out Episode 189... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/189-10-must-ask-questions-before-hiring-your-sellers-agent/id1597805467?i=1000683324263
Feeling unsure about buying, selling, or just staying put in today’s real estate market? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lori brings her signature mix of experience and heart to break down what’s really happening in the spring market. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a downsizing seller, or simply market curious, Lori offers clarity, insight, and soul to help you feel confident in your next step.
Divorce is a deeply personal and emotional life shift—and when real estate is part of the equation, the process becomes even more complex. In this episode, we explore how divorce continues to impact the real estate market, even as national rates decline. We’ll share compassionate tips for navigating this transition: from reframing the home sale as part of the healing process to protecting your financial future and maintaining open, professional communication. This isn’t just about real estate—it’s about resilience. We’re here to walk with you, not just sell your home.
Selling your home while buying your next? It sounds overwhelming—because it is. But with a solid strategy, a supportive team, and a little bit of soul, it’s not only possible... it can be empowering.In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re diving into the real behind-the-scenes of buying and selling at the same time—deadlines, finances, emotions, and everything in between. Plus, you’ll hear a real story from a client who made the leap with grace (and how we helped them pull it off). Whether you’re planning a move now or dreaming of one down the road, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more grounded, and more confident about what’s next
Buying or selling a home is so much more than just a transaction—it’s a major life shift, packed with emotions, decisions, and a whole lot of uncertainty. In this episode, we’re opening up about what it really means to trust the process in your real estate journey. From the emotional rollercoaster to the power of a grounded, heart-centered real estate team, we’ll guide you through how to stay centered, feel your feelings, and confidently move forward—even when it’s tough. You are not alone, and we’re here to help you make it through, one intentional step at a time. 💛
Moving isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s a significant life transition that comes with a wave of emotions. In this episode, we’re diving into how to move with intention, practical packing tips, and the emotional side of uprooting your life. Whether you’re relocating for a fresh start, a new job, or just a change of scenery, we encourage you to embrace the feelings that come with it. You don’t have to apologize for the emotions—moving is a transformation, and we’re here to help you through every step.