What's Up Waco with Erica Boisvert

As we wrap up the third quarter of 2025 and roll into the last stretch of the year, let’s talk about what’s really happening in Waco’s housing market. In this episode, I’m sharing a clear look at the numbers and trends from the Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center, Keeping Current Matters, and Logan Mohtashami — all trusted voices in real estate.You’ll hear how our market compares to the rest of Texas, what’s been moving fastest here in Waco, and what buyers and sellers can expect heading into Q4. If you’ve been wondering whether this is the right time to make a move, this update will help you feel more confident about your next steps.And because What’s Up Waco is always about more than houses, I’m also giving you a peek at some of the amazing guests coming up on the show: Jennifer Snyder with Neat As A Pin — back with a new project that’s close to her heart Dr. K — the visionary founder of a local school that’s shaping lives right here in Waco The owners of Texas Photo Bomb — the story behind the fun event setups you’ve probably seen around town Plus many more inspiring voices who make Waco the community we love How Waco’s real estate market performed in Q3 2025 What to expect as we step into Q4 Insights from housing experts that matter to Waco buyers and sellers Why the quieter fall and winter months can still be a smart time to buy or sell Which local voices will be joining us on upcoming episodes Have we missed a business or story you’d like to hear? Let us know — we’d love to connect and bring them on the podcast.In this episode, you’ll learn:Be sure to follow What’s Up Waco so you don’t miss what’s next, and share this episode with a friend who loves keeping up with our city as much as you do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thinking of moving outside city limits or already living on land with a septic system? Listen in to learn about best practices and tips for taking care of your system. Luke Snyder of Jernan talks about how his local, family-owned business can help your family figure out the best configuration for you home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in as Erica interviews Cindy Praesel of Five Star Painting. Learn about what paint colors are trending, what Five Star offers that others may not, the best ways to maintain the exterior of your home and how they can help. Want to learn more? Check out their website FiveStarPainting.com/Waco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we get to meet Hope Balfa and Vanessa Garcia who are getting ready to openThe G.E.M. at TurnUp Waco. This all female space is designed with breaking barriers in mind: don't worry about clothing, unwanted attention and/or your newbie status. This space is a special place for women to get healthy - mind, body and soul - all while building a community. Just one more reason to love our town!! And that's What's Up Waco. Follow @hopewaco @turnupwaco @thespiritualrealtor @boisvertrealtyteam (IG and Facebook) to learn more or get the details at TurnUpWaco.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica sits with Kristin McDonald of Cadence Bank to talk about how to get ready and prepared for buying a home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica sits with former Di Campli Chef Adam Starchman to talk about what are the best ways to renovate and design the ideal kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica sits down for a chat with the owner of the Waco/China Springs coffee trailer Brew & Arrow Coffee Co. Melissa Bolton, discussing the origins of the business Contact info brewandarrowcoffee@gmail.com Email Websites and social links http://www.brewandarrowcoffeeco.com/ Website https://www.facebook.com/people/Brew-Arrow-Coffee-Co/100079083078510/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica talks with local photographer Cecy, who specializes in Newborn Children & Family Fine Art Photos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica talks to ken about what is going on in Waco and the topic of Leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erica talks to local Real Estate Agent Jeany Warneke about the Waco and surrounding markets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in as Scott & Erica, team leads of Boisvert Realty Team, dig into the housing market, what drives them to be great agents, and a special announcement about their business in 2023 (and how it can help YOU!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on What’s Up Waco, I talked with Jonah Fox, Chief Village Officer at Creekside Community Village, about one of the most inspiring community projects in Waco. Creekside, part of Mission Waco, isn’t just housing — it’s building real community, connection, and hope for neighbors who have experienced homelessness. Jonah shared how the village brings people together, from residents to “missionals” who live alongside them to support and build relationships.Creekside is hosting a special community event on December 7, and it’s the perfect chance to see the village in action and get involved.Want to connect, donate, or learn more? Donate or learn more: Mission Waco – Creekside Community Village Volunteer or attend the Dec 7 event: Visit Mission Waco’s website or email Jonah at jfox@missionwaco.org Share the story: Tell friends about Creekside and the work happening in Waco Creekside Community Village is more than a housing project — it’s a movement to bring dignity, stability, and belonging to Waco neighbors. Listen to this episode on What’s Up Waco and get inspired to take part. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode is one you’ll feel long after listening. I sat down with Jennifer Halvorsen, founder of Dyslexia Training and Evaluation Center of Waco — and honestly, she was mesmerizing. Her passion for helping kids learn to read is contagious, and through training teachers, she’s impacting classrooms across Texas and beyond.Jennifer’s a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist and Certified Academic Language Therapist–Qualified Instructor, which means she doesn’t just help students—she equips the people who teach them. The result? Generations of kids who get the support they deserve from teachers who know how to reach them.We talk about what sparked her mission, the “aha” moments that keep her going, and why investing in literacy training changes everything.If you care about education, kids, or just love hearing from someone living out their purpose—you’ll love this one.👉 Connect with Jennifer and learn more at Dyslexia Training of Waco👉 Follow her on Facebook: DTEC Waco👉 Listen to the full episode on What’s Up Waco wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so pumped about this episode! I sat down with Jill King and Kevin Yackley, the brains behind Bare Arms Brewing, to talk about their bold new project, Six Oaks Waco. This is not just another brewery; it is a full-on destination. Think sprawling beer gardens under massive oak trees, indoor dining with table service, bar seating, and even self-serve options. Add in huge, gleaming beer vats, twenty-four craft beers on tap, an extensive wine list, and a scratch kitchen serving Texas-inspired dishes. Yeah, it is going to be amazing.Jill and Kevin share their vision, the roadblocks they have hit with the city, and how they are pushing forward with creativity, grit, and a lot of heart. This is one you will want to listen to if you love great beer, bold ideas, or just seeing local entrepreneurs chase a dream.What You Will Hear in This Episode: The Vision: Six Oaks Waco is a place where community meets craft, with outdoor picnic tables, indoor dining, and a brewery you can watch in action. Epic Beer and Wine Selection: Twenty-four craft beers on tap, huge vats brewing right in front of you, and a curated wine list to match. Dining Your Way: Whether you want table service or self-serve, they have got you covered. Plus, a scratch kitchen serving bold, Texas-inspired dishes. Challenges and Grit: Jill and Kevin talk about navigating unexpected city hurdles and how they are keeping the dream alive. Community Love: How you can follow, support, and get involved as this project comes to life in Robinson and Waco. Instagram: @SixOaksWaco Facebook: Six Oaks Waco Website: sixoakswaco.com Connect with Six Oaks Waco:Grab a drink, or two, and tune in. This is one episode full of excitement, big dreams, and serious Waco energy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if swim lessons could be fun, safe, and welcoming for every age and stage? This week on What’s Up Waco, I chatted with Ashley Major, Director of Operations for SafeSplash Swim School, about how they’re helping families build confident, capable swimmers. SafeSplash is already making waves in Temple and is bringing that same energy to Woodway with a brand-new location opening in November 2025. What I love most is that they start as young as four months, teaching littles not just to float but to actually get to the edge of a pool or body of water—giving them real, practical safety skills. They also provide space for competitive swimmers to grow and for adults to finally learn in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment. In this episode, we talk about why water safety is more than floating, how lessons build confidence from babies through adulthood, why adults love the program, and what families can expect at the new Woodway location. If you’re a parent who wants your kids to develop lifelong water safety skills, an adult ready to feel confident in the water, or just curious about what SafeSplash brings to Central Texas, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways: Water safety is about more than floating—kids learn to reach the edge and stay safe in real situations Lessons start as early as 4 months and go through adult programs Competitive swimmers get the training and confidence they need to grow Adults have a safe, comfortable, non-judgmental space to learn and improve Website: safesplash.com Facebook: SafeSplash Swim School Instagram: @safesplashswimschool Connect with SafeSplash:Hit play and get inspired to make water safety a part of your family’s life—because it’s never too early or too late to feel confident in the water. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on What’s Up Waco I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Dr. Kahrin Wessel — or as her students call her, Dr. K — the visionary behind Harbor Christian Academy, one of Waco’s newest private schools.If you’ve ever wondered what education could look like if kids were truly given space to be kids while also receiving a strong academic foundation, this conversation is going to inspire you. Harbor Christian Academy was built on the belief that faith, learning, and childhood should work together — not against each other.Here’s what we dive into: ✨ The heart and vision behind Harbor Christian Academy and why it’s a fresh choice for families in Waco ✨ How their smaller classes, skills-based learning, and family involvement set them apart from traditional schools ✨ The Dock Program, designed to support students with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and dyslexia in a way that helps them thrive ✨ Why Dr. K believes education should be about more than grades; it’s about belonging, character, and faithHarbor Christian Academy is currently serving Pre-K through 8th grade, with plans to grow, and is quickly becoming a go-to option for parents looking for a Christ-centered private school in Waco.If you’re curious about alternative schooling in Waco, exploring faith-based education for your kids, or just love hearing how passionate leaders are shaping our community, you’re going to love this episode.Connect with Harbor Christian Academy:📧 info@aplusharbor.com 🌐 aplusharbor.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I had the chance to sit down with Warren Kritko, the owner of 254 Floors here in Waco, and I think you’re going to love this one.If you’ve ever felt the sticker shock of big-box flooring prices or stood staring at tiny samples wondering what it will actually look like in your home, Warren has an answer for you. At 254 Floors, you’ll find pricing that makes sense and a showroom experience that lets you see the flooring laid out before you buy. It’s simple, straightforward, and honestly, refreshing.In our conversation, Warren shares how his heart for helping homeowners led him to create a space where people can shop with confidence. We talk about how 254 Floors keeps costs down without cutting corners, why being able to visualize your flooring makes all the difference, and what it means to serve Waco with honesty and care.This episode is for anyone planning a remodel, building a home, or just wanting to support a local business that does things differently.You’ll hear: How 254 Floors beats big-box prices while keeping quality high Why their showroom is such a game changer for homeowners The heart behind Warren’s approach to serving the Waco community If new floors are in your future, or you just love hearing from local business owners who are raising the bar, this is one you don’t want to miss.Ready for your remodel? Check out 254 FloorsAddress: 2919 Mary Ave, Waco, TX 76710Phone: (254) 332-2272Email: info@254floors.comWebsite: 254floors.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest is someone who is going to absolutely light up your heart. Sthefanie Welch, the owner of The Black Daisy.If you know Sthefanie, you know she is the real deal. She lives life out loud and unapologetically herself. What makes her boutique so special is not just the racks of stylish clothes or the perfect pair of earrings you will probably walk out with. It is the feeling you get when you step inside, the sense that you have been seen, welcomed, and encouraged.But Sthefanie’s story goes much deeper than fashion. Her teenage years were marked by trauma, drug use, and surviving sex trafficking. In 2005 she had a radical heart shift when she heard the Holy Spirit and began choosing a new life for herself, one filled with purpose, freedom, and faith. From there she built a new foundation that not only transformed her own life but created space for other women to thrive too.In 2016 The Black Daisy was born, first out of her living room and now a vibrant boutique in Waco that doubles as a platform for other women owned businesses. Sthefanie has become a fierce advocate for women, for Latina entrepreneurs, and for those who need a reminder that they are enough, they matter, and they belong.In this episode we talk about: The pivotal moment when her life turned around Why she started The Black Daisy and what makes it so much more than a boutique How she is using her business to give other women a chance to shine The power of representation and creating spaces where everyone feels seen Why you will leave The Black Daisy with more than a cute top, probably with a full heart, maybe even a prayer, and definitely a new friend This conversation is raw, honest, and full of hope. Sthefanie is living proof that beauty can rise from the ashes and that community can change everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boost your energy, clear brain fog, and make healthy eating simple — discover how Nicole Helmstetler uses Juice Plus+ and the new Luminate supplement to help you feel your best.Nicole Helmstetler knows what it’s like to face battles with your body — and she also knows what it’s like to come out on the other side feeling stronger, healthier, and more energized. In this episode, she shares how Juice Plus supplements became a simple, effective way to put good things into her body and start feeling her best.We talk about Luminate, the brand-new supplement designed to clear brain fog and help you focus (because who doesn’t need that?), and why adding more fruits and veggies to your day doesn’t have to be complicated.If you’ve been looking for a realistic, doable way to support your health — this conversation is for you.You’ll hear: Nicole’s personal story of overcoming health struggles How Juice Plus makes getting your daily fruits and veggies easy What Luminate is and why it might be your new favorite supplement Encouragement for anyone ready to feel better from the inside out Connect with Nicole on Facebook to learn more and take that first step toward feeling your best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your new favorite coffee stop near Lake Whitney is here — meet Laguna Perk, the family-run coffee truck serving unique drinks, local flavor, and a whole lot of community love.When Ryan and Meghan Lawrence-Hill saw a need for coffee in their area, they didn’t just wish for it — they built it. Laguna Perk is their answer to the lack of coffee spots near Lake Whitney, and it’s quickly becoming a must-stop for locals and visitors alike.In this episode, we talk about how they turned a gap in the market into a thriving coffee truck, why they source their beans from a friend, and the unique drinks that set them apart — including The Defibrillator, a special treat for first responders. We also chat about their move from China Spring to Clifton, what that means for Waco locals heading out to the lake, and the joy of serving the community one cup at a time.Listen in to hear: The inspiration behind Laguna Perk How personal connections make their coffee unique Signature drinks you have to try Why they’re passionate about serving our local heroes Follow them on Facebook at @LagunaPerkCoffee and make plans to grab a cup before your next lake day — let’s show this new local business some Waco love! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices