Be Real: The Maryland Real Estate Podcast

Be Real, The Maryland Real Estate Podcast, brings you timely, accurate information and advice about buying and selling residential real estate, mortgages and mortgage interest rates, the economy, and the Maryland real estate market (and beyond). It's time to be real about real estate. Hosted by Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage, and Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate.

Episode 24 - Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know 07/14/2023

Episode 24 - Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know Episode 24 (Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest - Tim Shotzberger of Homeland Environmental. We discuss the ins and outs of buying, selling, and owning a property with well and septic. It's a deep subject, but hopefully we dispel some myths and concerns. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about how you water bill can raise your property tax bill, and what to look out for. In The Spotlight we feature Golden West Cafe in Hampden! A little Southwest and a little Wild West. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Elvis Pancakes! They're on Instagram at @goldenwestcafe, or call them at (410) 889-8891, or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights The episode where the guys were efficient (we're under an hour this time!) Special guest: Tim Shotzberger, Homeland Environmental [00:01:57] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:06:30] Brad has hair envy because of @logan_mohtashami [00:07:55] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:09:30] Some thoughts on why showing activity has diminished [00:12:57] THE SCOOP (Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know) [00:13:40] Apologies for the Dad Jokes [00:15:00] If you've never lived on a property with well and septic... [00:16:27] What are the key considerations when buying a property with well and septic? [00:18:10] What are the legal/licensing requirements in Maryland for well and septic work? [00:20:00] What are the costs of these inspections? [00:21:45] What are the advantages/disadvantages of well and septic versus a municipal water supply and sewer system? [00:23:38] What tests/inspections should you get? [00:25:50] What kind of red flags should you watch out for? [00:28:10] Kudos to the folks at the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (if you have questions about well and septic in Baltimore County, reach them at ) [00:30:25] What are the maintenance requirements for well and septic systems? [00:33:00] What is the expected lifespan for well and septic systems? [00:35:55] How can you determine the size and capacity of your systems? [00:37:50] What's the process for putting a new well and septic system installed? [00:39:13] What do sellers need to do to get the system ready when you decide to sell? [00:40:20] Common mistakes buyers and sellers make about well and septic [00:44:50] Final thoughts on these systems [00:46:23] THE UNREAL Did you know your water bill can make your property tax bill increase? [00:52:17] THE SPOTLIGHT Golden West Cafe in Hampden! [00:55:20] Final thoughts Next episode - Downsizing: When Less Can Be More Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Our Guest Tim Shotzberger, Homeland Environmental (443) 995-5385 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/27469479

Episode 23 - Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips 06/28/2023

Episode 23 - Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips Episode 23 (Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest and insurance broker - Jeff Nengel of Baystate Insurance Group. We discuss the importance of having the proper coverage when buying a home, and some tips on what to consider when choosing an insurance policy. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about some good news! Do you know what asset class now eclipses the value of the S&P 500 and in fact that of all US public companies? In The Spotlight we feature Maggie's Farm in Hamilton! Farm to table with super fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. They're on Instagram at @maggiesfarm_md, or call them at (410) 254-2376, or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights Brad surprises Michael Special guest: Jeff Nengel with Baystate Insurance Group Words to live by: "Always rake your bunkers." We have no control over the TV in our homes [00:05:15] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:08:41] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) More props for @logan_mohtashami (follow him on IG) [00:18:41] THE SCOOP (Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips) [00:22:38] Why are insurance companies leaving California? [00:28:30] What should people be aware of when choosing an insurance company? [00:32:30] How much coverage is enough? [00:35:22] What types of coverage do homeowners need? [00:38:15] What's the scoop with liability insurance? [00:41:22] Does it make sense to bundle policies? [00:44:10] What can homeowners can do to save money on insurance? [00:46:36] What's not covered with typical home insurance policies? [00:52:44] How can you find out who the best insurance companies are? [00:58:00] How often should you review your insurance policies? [01:01:42] Final thoughts from Jeff Nengel [01:05:35] THE UNREAL Any guesses what has become the largest asset class in the US? [01:09:40] THE SPOTLIGHT Maggie's Farm in Hamilton! [01:12:20] Final thoughts Next episode - Well and Septic: What Homeowners and Homebuyers Should Know (another special guest!) Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Our Guest Jeff Nengel, Baystate Insurance Group (410) 419-6273 (mobile) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/27316947

Episode 22 - Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying 06/24/2023

Episode 22 - Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying Episode 22 (Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest and title attorney - Tom Drechsler of Sage Title Group. We discuss the work title companies do to ensure buyers can legally buy and sellers can legally sell a house. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about the impact a single person had on inflation in Sweden (can you guess who it was?). In The Spotlight we feature Linwoods in Owings Mills! You can get everything from a burger or pizza to lobster tempura to sea bass to rib eye. They're on Instagram at @linwoodsrestaurant, or call them at (410) 356-3030, or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights Brad talks more slowly Hope everyone had a fantastic Father's Day! How we spent our Father's Days [00:03:55] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:07:30] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:12:05] So what is a skoonch (and how do you spell it)? [00:17:10] THE SCOOP (Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying) [00:17:22] Buyers have the right to choose their title company in a home purchase [00:21:40] What's the 50,000-foot level overview of the title process? [00:28:40] What tools and sources do title companies use in their work? [00:39:35] Title insurance overview and why you need it Link for Maryland State Insurance Commission info on title insurance: [00:48:06] How title companies handle escrow funds (and fraud advice) [00:53:33] What do you actually sign at the settlement table? [00:56:22] How title companies ensure the property transfers legally to the right parties [00:59:30] What happens after the settlement? [01:02:00] How long does it really take to do the title work (and what can slow things down)? [01:05:37] Strange things that happen in title work [01:08:30] Things real estate agents should look out for related to title [01:10:50] Final thoughts from Tom Drechsler [01:12:35] THE UNREAL The unexpected impact of a single person on inflation in Sweden [01:16:10] THE SPOTLIGHT Linwoods in Owings Mills! [01:18:55] Final thoughts Next episode - Insuring Your Home: Top 10 Insider Tips (another special guest!) Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Our Guest Tom Drechsler, Sage Title Group (410) 821-4510 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/27257064

Episode 21 - Dollars and Sense: Financial Planning for Homebuying 06/14/2023

Episode 21 - Dollars and Sense: Financial Planning for Homebuying Episode 21 (Dollars and Sense: Financial Planning for Homebuying): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest and financial planner - Jason Piebes of Edward Jones. We discuss common sense financial planning to get ready for homebuying and for setting yourself up for financial success. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about a recent CoreLogic study that the average US homeowner lost approximately $5400 in equity from Q1 2022 to Q1 2023 (and what that means). In The Spotlight we feature Pairings Bistro in Bel Air! Their premise is combining great food with the right wine for an incredible experience. They're on Instagram at @pairingsbistro, or call them at (410) 569-5006, or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights Brad talks too fast National Beef Jerky Day Ideas for inflicting Dad Jokes on your family Say yes to everything and tell your people you love them How 'bout dem O's! What president is credited with creating the 7th inning stretch? [00:08:06] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:12:50] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:20:00] THE SCOOP (Dollars and Sense: Financial Planning for Homebuying) [00:21:47] It's hard to impulse buy a home [00:22:03] How much of your income should you use toward your home? [00:25:55] How should you set up a budget? Think cash flow. [00:29:07] Cash or credit? [00:31:54] Strategies for saving money [00:34:25] Reducing your tax liability [00:35:30] First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts [00:40:05] Can you buy a home with college debt? [00:42:13] The impact of SECURE ACT 2.0 [00:45:33] Can current homeowners buy a new home without a home sale contingency? [00:50:22] Including real estate in your investment strategy [00:54:55] How to balance saving for your future vs saving for your home purchase [01:01:40] THE UNREAL CoreLogic's report - homeowner equity down year over year (and what it means) [01:08:00] THE SPOTLIGHT in Bel Air! [01:10:50] Final thoughts Next episode - Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Our Guest Jason Piebes, Edward Jones (410) 337-9146 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/27152946

Episode 20 - VA Benefits: Homebuying for Our Service Members 05/31/2023

Episode 20 - VA Benefits: Homebuying for Our Service Members Episode 20 (VA Benefits: Homebuying for Our Service Members): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about the benefits afforded to our armed forces members and veterans through the VA loan program. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about a recent home price appreciation outlook from a Zillow economist. In The Spotlight we feature RockSalt Grille in Westminster! Seafood, steak, raw bar, and tavern - all rolled into one. If you have a picky eater in your group, they'll almost certainly find something they will enjoy at RockSalt Grille. They're on Instagram at @RockSaltGrille_, or call them at (410) 861-6400, or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights Remembering those who serve, have served, or made the ultimate sacrifice - thank you for your service! [00:04:20] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:09:00] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:14:04] THE SCOOP (VA Benefits: Homebuying for Our Service Members) [00:16:09] Benefit #1 - down payment [00:17:30] Benefit #2 - mortgage insurance [00:19:51] Benefit #3 - interest rates [00:22:08] Benefit #4 - credit requirements [00:25:41] Benefit #5 - closing costs [00:31:38] Benefit #6 - lifetime benefit [00:34:40] Benefit #7 - prepayment penalty [00:35:13] Benefit #8 - foreclosure avoidance [00:36:06] Benefit #9 - VA appraisal [00:38:41] Benefit #10 - acceptable income [00:41:04] Benefit #11 - variety of loan types [00:43:41] Benefit #12 - loan limits [00:45:35] Benefit #13 - funding fees [00:47:25] Benefit #14 - assumability [00:52:00] THE UNREAL Zillow economist's forecast for property values [00:56:17] THE SPOTLIGHT in Westminster! [00:58:30] Final thoughts Next episode - Preparing to Buy: Financial Planning for Homebuyers Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links Zillow housing market prediction: VA entitlement calculator: /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26973675

Episode 19 - Winning the House: Top 10 Tips to Make Your Offer Stand Out from the Crowd 05/24/2023

Episode 19 - Winning the House: Top 10 Tips to Make Your Offer Stand Out from the Crowd Episode 19 (How to Make Your Offer Stand Out from the Crowd): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about the challenges of the current market and the necessity for buyers to find ways to make their offers stand out from the crowd. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about an article on Axios Markets about how 78% of those surveyed don't think it's a good time to buy a home. In The Spotlight we feature La Cuchara! Basque-inspired, fresh, and local cuisine in a beautifully-renovated old mill building with phenomenal service. They're on Instagram at @LaCucharaBaltimore, or call them at (443) 708-3838, or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights Michael is an amatuer handicapper, and Brad guessed the winner of the Preakness (but didn't bet!) [00:07:36] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:10:00] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:15:31] You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. [00:15:39] THE SCOOP (Winning the House: Top 10 Tips to Make Your Offer Stand Out from the Crowd) [00:17:15] Tip #1 [00:21:55] Tip #2 [00:27:38] Tip #3 [00:32:56] Tip #4 [00:34:03] Tip #5 [00:35:48] Tip #6 [00:40:11] Tip #7 [00:41:36] Tip #8 [00:45:18] Tip #9 [00:47:09] Tip #10 [00:50:27] Bonus Tip (#11) [00:52:19] Bonus Tip (#12 - Brad's really not good at Math) [00:56:55] THE UNREAL 78% of those surveyed believe it's a bad time to buy a house - what do you think? [01:01:55] THE SPOTLIGHT in Baltimore! [01:03:54] Bugs Bunny. Also, Schlemiel, Schlamazel, Hasenpfeffer Incorporated! (If you know, you know...) [01:05:15] Final thoughts Next episode - A few options we're considering - stay tuned! Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26921520

Episode 18 - To Buy, or Not to Buy: That Is the First-Time Homebuyer Question 05/18/2023

Episode 18 - To Buy, or Not to Buy: That Is the First-Time Homebuyer Question Episode 18 (Renting versus Buying a Home): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about the decision facing all first-time homebuyers - should you buy or rent? We go over the pros and cons of both owning and renting and help explain when it may make sense to go one way or the other based on your circumstances. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about (again!) a small victory regarding the FHFA's loan level price adjustments (LLPAs). In The Spotlight we feature Pappas in Parkville and Cockeysville! If you're looking for crabcakes, you can't go wrong at Pappas! And we just found out they have the option of pre-ordering gluten-free crab cakes! They're on Instagram at @PappasParkville or @PappasCockeysville, or call them at (410) 661-4357 in Parkville or (410) 666-0030 in Cockeysville, or find them on the web at or . Check them out! Episode Highlights We recorded before Mother's Day, so Happy Mother's Day to all the great Mom's out there! [00:04:20] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:09:55] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:21:10] THE SCOOP (To Buy, or Not to Buy: That Is the First-Time Homebuyer Question) [01:13:49] THE UNREAL A minor victory - more news on the FHFA's loan level price adjustments (LLPAs) [01:18:10] THE SPOTLIGHT in Parkville or in Cockeysville! [01:22:56] Final thoughts Next episode - Winning the House: How to Make Your Offer Stand Out from the Crowd Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26876673

Episode 17 - Planning Your Move: Insider Tips for a Successful Moving Experience 05/07/2023

Episode 17 - Planning Your Move: Insider Tips for a Successful Moving Experience Episode 17 (Planning Your Move, with Special Guest - Sam Perry, ): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about some insider tips that will help your move go smoother when working with a moving company. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about (again!) the loan level price adjustments (LLPAs) and how many states have asked the FHFA to roll the changes back. In The Spotlight we feature Cantler's Riverside Grill in Annapolis! Can you say crabs, hon?They're on Instagram at @CantlersRiverside, or call them at (410) 757-1311, or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights Interesting week in sports - Lamar, the draft, and the Orioles are still smokin' hot! [00:03:25] What makes Brad feel old? [00:04:11] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:07:11] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:14:04] THE SCOOP (Planning Your Move: Insider Tips for a Successful Moving Experience) [00:19:00] How far in advance should you contact a mover? [00:22:00] What should you do to prepare before contacing a mover? [00:23:33] How does the overall process work with a mover? [00:29:40] What happens if there's a hiccup or last-minute change in plans? [00:33:00] What happens on moving day? [00:34:23] Are there things a mover shouldn't or wouldn't move? [00:35:20] What are some great packing tips? Do you know what dolphin foam is? [00:37:40] What should you consider for a cross-country move? [00:39:13] What's involved in shipping cars? [00:41:30] Do you save money doing the move yourself? [00:45:45] What's the strangest stuff they've ever moved? [00:50:27] How soon until SkyNet takes over with AI? [00:51:08] Final advice from the moving pro [00:55:00] Brad's piece of advice - tip and take care of your movers [00:56:27] THE UNREAL More news on the FHFA's loan level price adjustments (LLPAs) 27 states agree the adjustments don't make sense Check out Episode 3 for our first comments on LLPAs (and some amazing acting!) Link for the LLPA Heat Map: [00:57:40] Some journalist are getting it wrong, and we are more reliable than the WSJ [01:04:37] THE SPOTLIGHT ! [01:09:04] Final thoughts Next episode - To Buy, or Not to Buy: That Is the First-Time Homebuyer Question Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Guest Sam Perry, Perry Moving & Storage (410) 799-0022 (for moving tips and more!) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26767848

Episode 16 - Juggling Chainsaws: How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time 05/05/2023

Episode 16 - Juggling Chainsaws: How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time Episode 16 (How 'bout dem O's!): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about the concerns and strategies for buying and selling a home at the same time. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about the extraordinary flight of deposits from the regional banks. In The Spotlight we feature The Oregon Grille in Hunt Valley! They're on Instagram at @TheOregonGrille, or call them at (410) 771-0505, or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights The Ravens' new offensive weapons, how 'bout them O's! Michael is going to try a DIY project at the beach - let us pray. [00:06:25] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:10:15] Michael's prediction for rate trajectory for the week [00:10:39] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:12:43] Are buyers paying over the list price again? [00:15:05] THE SCOOP (Juggling Chainsaws: How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time) [00:19:05] What happens in a "normal" market for buying and selling at the same time? [00:22:11] Why you shouldn't get attached to any specific house until you're ready [00:22:55] The importance of getting your finances in order [00:29:00] Have a plan, and a backup plan (and maybe another backup plan) [00:30:19] Getting your existing home ready to sell [00:33:17] Seeing what's on the market, or creating your own market [00:34:15] How to negotiate some "extra" time in your existing house [00:38:00] What if you find a new house before your existing house sells? [00:45:27] Syncing up settlement dates [00:48:40] How to line up financing [00:58:55] THE UNREAL Deposit loss from the 15 biggest regional banks from Q422 to Q123 And will there be additional fallout in the banking industry? How jumbo loan practices contributed to the problem [01:03:48] THE SPOTLIGHT ! [01:06:03] Final thoughts Next episode: Planning Your Move: Top Insider Moving Tips (guest contributor!) Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26741031

Episode 15 - Lemonade from Lemons: Renovating Your Home Before Selling 04/26/2023

Episode 15 - Lemonade from Lemons: Renovating Your Home Before Selling Episode 15 (just a skunch over an hour - we're trying!): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about renovating your home before selling, including updates that can provide the best return on investment (ROI), as well as options for funding the renovations (including one you may not have heard of before). In this week's The Unreal, we talk about trigger leads (no, not the horse) and how to opt out of credit agencies selling your data - learn how to put an end to the deluge of calls once you apply for a loan. In The Spotlight we feature The Mint Leaf in the Hunt Valley Town Center. The Mint Leaf is a delicious spot for Indian food - they have an incredible lunch buffet and regular plated dinners. Call them at (410) 666-8722. They're on Facebook () or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights Do we really have someone listening in Belgium??? We know - we didn't hit our goal of under 60 minutes. We're a work in progress! Also, we're fancy adjective-free this episode.... [00:01:16] Where to find the best chocolate in the world [00:03:40] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:05:25] Michael's prediction for rate trajectory for the week [00:06:53] It's not the rates, it's the volatility [00:08:15] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:10:46] Brad's theory on seller help increases [00:12:40] Takeaway for buyers and sellers [00:15:27] THE SCOOP (Lemonade from Lemons: Renovating Your Home Before Selling) [00:16:42] Factors to consider when deciding whether to renovate [00:21:35] Return on investment (ROI) for major and midrange repairs/updates [00:28:00] ROI for minor updates [00:31:15] The best movie to watch before doing a home improvement project [00:40:20] Options for paying for renovations [00:45:44] An option for renovating that you may not expect [00:48:50] Summary of the options and ROI [00:51:12] THE UNREAL Article from Housing Wire: [00:59:40] How to of the barrage of lender calls [01:01:35] THE SPOTLIGHT ! [01:03:49] Final thoughts (so close!) Next episode: Juggling Chainsaws: How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26657253

Episode 14 - Diamond in the Rough: Home Buying with Renovation Loans 04/19/2023

Episode 14 - Diamond in the Rough: Home Buying with Renovation Loans Episode 14 (the one with all the music in the background - thanks @hightoppsbackstagegrille!): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about how home buyers may be able to compete a little better in this highly competitive market by considering a "Diamond in the Rough" versus an HGTV-ready home. It's all about home renovation loans! In this week's The Unreal, we talk about an article in that says 15 million households that are earning $100K or more are living paycheck to paycheck. In The Spotlight we feature The Corner Stable! A Maryland institution since 1972, The Corner Stable features some of the best BBQ in town (one word - RIBS), plus crabcakes, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Don't plan to eat light, but do plan to have a great meal and a great time. They have two great locations - Cockeysville and Kings Contrivance (in Columbia). Call them at (410) 666-8722. They're on Facebook ( or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights Our incredibly high audio production budget did not allow for us to remove the music in the background that started toward the end of the episode. Tried to figure it out, but no dice. So when you hear the music, just smile and nod and know that we understand mortgages and real estate, and not so much audio engineering.... Another episode where if you don't count the music, we hit our goal to be under 60 minutes! [00:00:30] Michael Adjective #1 [00:01:05] It's not the heat; it's the humidity [00:01:45] What do you call people who live in Seattle? [00:04:10] Brad's waiting on word on a competitive offer (OUR BUYERS WON!) [00:06:00] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:10:25] Shoutout to from Housing Wire [00:11:50] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:12:53] Baltimore Metro March year-over-year median sales price down for the first time since 2018 (by 1.5%) - not a trend, but we'll watch it [00:14:47] Theory on reduced showing volume [00:17:17] Don't listen to social media doomsday prophets [00:20:59] Michael Adjective #2 [00:21:16] THE SCOOP (Home Buying with Renovation Loans) [00:22:57] A great way to compete against the investor buyer [00:25:18] What does a renovation loan allow you to do? [00:30:10] Timeframe requirements for renovation loans [00:31:22] Including the first few months of mortgage payments in the loan (in case you can't move in right away) [00:34:50] Types of renovations you can make [00:38:20] One of the best uses of a renovation loan - accessibility mods [00:40:06] Limits on how much you can borrow [00:41:20] How the renovation loan process works [00:47:30] Michael Adjective #3 [00:48:47] THE UNREAL Article from The Basis Point: [00:55:32] Aaaaaaand...the background music begins (sorry about that, folks!) [00:56:39] THE SPOTLIGHT The Corner Stable! [00:59:50] Final thoughts (Pretty much under an hour again!) Next episode: Lemonade from Lemons: Renovating Your Home Before Selling Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26569041

Episode 13 - Home Seller Mistakes: Top 10 Seller Slip-Ups 04/14/2023

Episode 13 - Home Seller Mistakes: Top 10 Seller Slip-Ups Episode 13 (Maybe we were just born this way....): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about the top 10 (+1) home seller mistakes that we've seen sellers make that can be easily avoided but often cause so much heartache (or at least heartburn). In this week's The Unreal, we talk about how much the lack of financial literacy costs. Happy Financial Literacy Month! In The Spotlight we feature McFaul's Iron Horse Tavern! Watching over the Loch Raven Reservoir, McFaul's offers great food in a fantastic setting, with dining options ranging from private rooms to a dining room with a crackling fireplace, from a hoppin' bar to the serene and bucolic back deck. Pub food, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, steaks, and more. They're on Instagram or find them on the web at . Check them out! Episode Highlights You ever go to lunch and get something stuck in your teeth, but you don't have a toothpick or floss, so you spend the next several hours working at it, unsuccessfully, with your tongue, obsessing over how much it's bugging you, to the point where you can't remember any conversation you've had all afternoon? Well this episode has nothing to do with that. We're just wondering if you read any of these things. [00:00:30] Michael Adjective #1 Anybody catch Bruce at the new arena downtown? [00:04:40] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:10:00] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:16:32] Michael Adjective #2 [00:17:00] THE SCOOP (Top 10 Seller Slip-Ups +1) If you don't count the music, we hit our goal to be under 60 minutes for this episode! Avoidable mistakes sellers make during the home selling process Top 10 mistakes Plus one bonus mistake [00:46:34] Michael Adjective #3 [00:46:53] THE UNREAL Do you know how much a lack of financial literacy can cost? Do as I say, not as I do? [00:53:16] THE SPOTLIGHT McFaul's Iron Horse Tavern [00:58:20] Final thoughts (See? Under an hour!) Next episode: Diamond in the Rough: Home Buying with Renovation Loans Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26539284

Episode 12 - Homebuyer Mistakes: Top 10 Buyer Blunders 04/06/2023

Episode 12 - Homebuyer Mistakes: Top 10 Buyer Blunders Episode 12 (Now with new and improved adjectives for Michael!): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about the top 10 (+1) home buyer mistakes that we've seen buyers make that can be easily avoided but often cause so much heartache (or at least heartburn). In this week's The Unreal, we talk about the flipflop between Millenials and Boomers. Who do you think made up more of the homebuying market in 2022? The answer may surprise you. Hence the "unreal" concept.... In The Spotlight we feature in Baltimore! Flowing sangria, paella for two, garlic shrimp like you've never had, plus a tip for something to order off menu. They've been doing everything right for over 55 years, and we hope they're around another 55! They're on Instagram. Check them out! Episode Highlights Are you reading these things? We often wonder. Could we write almost anything we want here and no one would notice? Have you ever thought about combining peanut butter, lettuce, and mayonnaise on a sandwich? Also, we're still waiting for someone to tell us what the words are in our theme song. Adjective #1 - urbane Brad tried, and failed, to catch Michael in an April Fool's joke Siri played an April Fool's on us [00:03:15] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:07:27] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) Adjective #2 - polymathic [00:16:35] THE SCOOP (Top 10 Buyer Blunders - +1) Up to this point, there was a chance we might hit our goal to be under 60 minutes for this episode...and then we blew it Avoidable mistakes buyers make during the homebuying process We want to help you avoid heartache Don't use the monthly payment calculated by lots of online search tools Top 10 mistakes Plus one bonus mistake Adjective #3 - perspicacious [01:05:00] THE UNREAL Boomers on the rise! Millenials in retreat! [01:12:36] THE SPOTLIGHT Tio Pepe in Baltimore Special secret bonus tip to order something spectacular off menu [01:16:45] Final thoughts Next episode: Home Selling Mistakes: Top 10 Seller Slip-Ups Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26463396

Episode 11 - Homebuyer Assistance: Low Down Payment Loans (and More) 03/30/2023

Episode 11 - Homebuyer Assistance: Low Down Payment Loans (and More) Episode 11 (the one where we turn it up to 11!): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. So far he's crushing it! Brad reviews the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we hit on the various low down payment loan options available and discuss the pros and cons of each. We dispel some myths, hash out who qualifies for each type of loan, and get into the details of interested party contributions (also often referred to as seller help). We also discuss a few down payment assistance programs, both loans and grants, that can help buyers who might not otherwise qualify to purchase a home. In this week's The Unreal, we talk about market volitility and how the roller coaster mortgage rates are dissuading some sellers from selling their homes, and the impact of that issue. In The Spotlight we feature in Phoenix! The flavors, the ambiance - it's elevated Indian cuisine right in our own back yard. Make sure you try the Gobinda appetizer (though everything is amazing). They're on Instagram. Check them out! Episode Highlights Have you watched This Is Spinal Tap? We turn it up to 11. [00:05:55] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:12:40] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:19:46] THE SCOOP Part 1 (Low Down Payment Loans) Michael is ebullient Low down payment USDA, VA, FHA, and Conventional Loans [00:55:46] THE SCOOP Part 2 (Shawn's advice on how to clean) Michael is resplendent Interested party contributions Down payment assistance programs [01:23:04] THE UNREAL Michael chimes in before his segment adjective is announced! Mortgage rate volitility discouraging sellers [01:28:50] THE SPOTLIGHT Peerces in Phoenix [01:31:47] Final thoughts Next episode: we have the entire year mapped out, but we might switch a few around in response to what's going on in the world, plus we like to keep you guessing Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26388618

Episode 10 - Homeowner 101: Insider Secret Spring Cleaning Tips 03/22/2023

Episode 10 - Homeowner 101: Insider Secret Spring Cleaning Tips Episode 10 (our new every-once-in-a-while series idea - Homeowner 101): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. So far he's batting around .850! Brad reviews the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we welcome another special guest - Shawn Fiedler, cleaner to the stars and owner of Pride and Joy Cleaning in Maryland. Shawn shared her insider secret tips and tricks to help you keep your home sparkling! She also mentions some of her favorite cleaning products, and we provide non-affiliate links below (we're not earning any money - just want to share helpful info). In this week's The Unreal, we talk about the brilliance of and the dire need we're facing to get more people to enter the trades. We need people in construction, we need electricians, we need plumbers - and not enough people are joining those ranks. In The Spotlight we feature in Remington! Have you ever tried a Bacon Milkshake while gawking at one of the world's largest collections of Pez dispensers or mannequins with Lego blocks, army men, and Matchbox cars for clothes? It's an experience, and the food is great! They're on Instagram. Check them out! Episode Highlights Not a peep about Lamar the entire episode! Don't like Maryland weather - wait 5 minutes Ted Lasso is back! Have you watched it? Best. Show. Ever. Will Nate come full circle? [00:04:44] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) Mortgage applications up Purchases and refi activity up as well [00:10:45] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) More inventory (but still not enough) Homes are still selling pretty quickly when priced right [00:18:12] THE SCOOP Part 1 (Shawn's favorite cleaning products) History lessons Gregorian versus Julain calendar - "shaking the house" How do you clean it? What color is it? Microfiber cloths are your friend Room-by-room cleaning tips Rachel's "Going Potty" song was the best! Tips for self-cleaning ovens Wanna get the fingerprints off of your stainless appliances? [00:53:46] THE SCOOP Part 2 (Shawn's advice on how to clean) Why spring cleaning? Pay attention to your floors! Shawn and Michael may clean your bathroom if you invite them over How long should you spend cleaning? And what if you're busy? Crime scene at home? Shawn's got the solution! Shawn's plans for a book [01:13:16] THE UNREAL [01:19:20] THE SPOTLIGHT [01:22:13] Final thoughts Next episode: a deep dive into the loan products available for buyers today (pros and cons) and dispelling some myths Products Mentioned (make sure you follow the directions for use, diluting, etc.) from Baltimore Floor Supply Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26300580

Episode 9 - Home Selling: Preparing Your Home for Sale 03/16/2023

Episode 9 - Home Selling: Preparing Your Home for Sale Episode 9 (Some people call us brilliant - and we married them...): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. So far batting a thousand! Brad reviews the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we talk about the steps you can and probably should take to prepare your home for sale. In the first half we talk about general concepts, and in the second half we get into room-by-room advice. If you want a copy of our Preparing Your Home for Sale guide, just email us at and we'll be happy to send it out to you. In this week's The Unreal, we talked about what everyone has been talking about over the past several days - the shuttering of . In The Spotlight we feature in the Hunt Valley Town Center and also at Barrett's on the Pike in Bel Air. They're @barrettsgrillmd on Instagram. Great upscale American food - steaks, seafood, salads, burgers, and more - don't miss the 14 oz. Pork Porterhouse and Rachel's favorite, their Creme Brulee! Check them out! Episode Highlights We talk about Lamar again - what's going to happen is anyone's guess [00:04:50] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:12:55] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:22:20] THE SCOOP Part 1 (general advice) You get one chance to make a first impression We're not in Kansas anymore What the smart sellers are doing to get ready "When it sits, buyers split!" Here's a link to that on home improvement projects Alphabet soup - the 3 Ds and the Big C [00:50:06] THE SCOOP Part 2 (room-by-room checklists) Let the sunshine in! Lightbulbs Paint is your friend [01:24:40] THE UNREAL [01:34:34] THE SPOTLIGHT [01:36:30] Final thoughts Next episode: another special guest for our Homeowner 101 series - Insider Secret Spring Cleaning Tips Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26245785

Episode 8 - Home Inspections: Sniffing Out the Issues 03/08/2023

Episode 8 - Home Inspections: Sniffing Out the Issues Episode 8 (9 out of 10 dentists survey recommend our show. Also, we have a special guest!): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. So far batting a thousand! Brad reviews the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, we're thrilled to have our first guest, Randy Cottrell from ! We're talking the specifics of home inspections - what's included, how they're done, what types you can have, and even some unexpected kinds of inspections you might want to consider (hint: they're not just for buyers anymore). In this week's The Unreal, we talked about a video Michael saw suggesting it's a good idea to borrow from yourself, not from the bank. Hmmmm.... In The Spotlight we feature at 641 S Montford in Canton. They're @verdepizza on Instagram. If you like pizza, you have to try them - some of the best in the area! Plus they have salads, calzones, etc - and if you're gluten free (Brad finally listed to his much smarter kids and went gluten free, and now all is right with the world), their gluten-free crust is fantastic! Check them out! Episode Highlights What happened with mortgage applications over the past week? The sound effect of the week is "ooof." Rates are higher and applications are down, but homes are still selling - especially the HGTV-ready properties "Almost anything in a house is fixable." Michael is a math wizard Randy is a second-generation home inspection professional We do air quotes on a podcast - is that a sign of a more serious problem? The importance of emotional IQ in home inspections Rick at Blue Crab is the bomb [30:19] What goes into the home inspection process? [32:26] The home inspector's not going to find everything - it's a visual inspection [33:24] Brad steps on the lede [34:23] For the outside inspection, we're focused on keeping Mother Nature out [34:52] Shaking the toilets [37:30] Do sellers try to hide things from the inspector? [42:00] Highest radon listing we've ever seen [48:00] Should buyers attend the home inspection? [51:12] How about the buyers' dad? [54:05] Concern about Randy's head fitting through the door from all the kudos [57:20] We don't care about nail pops and other cosmetics [1:00:50] Can an inspector help clarify how serious issues are? [1:03:24] How people sometimes inflate the cost of repairs [1:07:05] Inspectors see some crazy things [1:11:10] The time they found 300 cats [1:12:20] Should a seller get a home inspection before listing? [1:14:49] Giving your home a regular physical [1:19:52] The Unreal - Borrowing from yourself, not the bank? [1:25:36] The Unreal - Girl Scout cookie prices [1:27:46] The Spotlight - Verde Pizza! Next episode: we're focused on Preparing Your Home for Sale (in preparation for the "spring" market) Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26172477

Episode 7 - Home Selling Part 2: From Contract to Close 03/01/2023

Episode 7 - Home Selling Part 2: From Contract to Close Episode 7 (the one where The Rundown went long for good reason, and Michael changed Brad's name): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. So far batting a thousand! Brad reviews the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. Then we got into the newsy news from HUD about cutting the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) by 30 basis points. In The Scoop, we finish up the home-selling process, this week focusing on once you get under contract, all the way through closing. As with our last two episodes on the home-buying process, it's beefy, so we split this one up as well (Episodes 6 and 7). In this week's The Unreal, we talked about an article published on entitled, "Why Are People So Pissed About All Things Money & The Economy?" Apologies to anyone and everyone named Nancy for the "Negative Nancy" comment. We feel for you, and for Karens as well. In The Spotlight we feature , on Falls Rd in Cockeysville. You won't find them on Instagram, but their pit beef, turkey, ham, etc - it's all amazing! Check them out! Episode Highlights What happened with mortgage applications over the past week? Does the word "splat" mean anything to you? HUD dropped the mortgage insurance premium by 30 basis points - will well-qualified buyers now pick FHA over a conventional loan? Did you know the type of loan a buyer gets is a Fair Housing protected class (under Source of Income protection)? Strange noises and the afterglow of getting under contract Sally Field is always misquoted - keep the buyer liking your home Michael and Brad are further away from high school than our high school days were from WWII - thanks for that, Michael! Make sure the buyer's deposit is actually deposited The due diligence phase For the love of Pete, don't be home during the home inspection Don't stack your stuff in front of the important stuff during the inspections (electrical panel, water heater, heating/cooling system, sewer line cleanout, etc.) No matter how well you maintain your home, the inspector(s) will always find something Chuck It or Truck It Too many people don't read the contract The moving day daisy chain The most amazing seller ever! Leave a place better than you found it Why you need to have licensed contractors make repairs The final walkthrough - did everything in the contract convey? Settlement day - attend or not? Avoiding bad juju Why are people so pissed about the economy, and do they really understand it? Have you met Fred? He's such a great guy. Jake's Grill has the best pit beef around! Next episode: our first guest! Randy Cottrell, Blue Crab Inspections, talking about the ins and outs of home inspections Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26098488

Episode 6 - Home Selling Part 1: Launch to Contract 02/23/2023

Episode 6 - Home Selling Part 1: Launch to Contract Episode 6 (now less filling with fewer calories): Nobody seems to know what the artist is saying in our theme song. We're going with "Drop It" for now, as in, "Drop the beat." Because we're so cool and musical. In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. So far batting a thousand! Brad reviews the month of January and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, it's all about the home-selling process, this week focusing on the steps from why people want to sell and making the decision, up to when you get under contract. As with our last two episodes on the home-buying process, it's beefy, so we split this one up as well (Episodes 6 and 7). Next week, we'll cover Part 2 and go from contract to close. In this week's The Unreal, we had hoped to discuss an unreal listing, which you can find in the news as Maryland's most expensive listing. This time we'll leave it to you to look it up. We'll have another unreal segment in Episode 7. In The Spotlight we feature , in Belvedere Square. You can find them on Instagram - @neopolsmokery. Check them out! Episode Highlights It's super hot in our glass fishbowl office Michael and Brad both on our Super Bowl numbers, but Michael crushed it Mortgage rates have gone up (again) Mortgage applications are down Hawks and doves HGTV-ready homes still selling fast, and homes are still selling very close to list price Why people decide to sell Commuting around Baltimore can be a challenge Determining your timeframe to lower your stress The challenges of selling a home on your own What to expect at the listing appointment Pricing strategies for your home The challenges of automated valuation tools (why you don't get your home's value on the Internet) The three D's of home selling (declutter, depersonalize, and detach) How to get your house ready for sale Cell phone versus professional photos, and other marketing tips Living in your home while it's for sale Doggie doo and toothpaste How to handle showings Securing your belongings (and pets) Ew, that smell (clean, don't cover) What NOT to do while showings are happening Keeping your home secure Handling and responding to offers Steering clear of Fair Housing violations Neopol's Smoked salmon BLT sandwiches are amazing Next episode: Home-Selling Part 2: Contract to Close Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/26018073

Episode 5 - Home-Buying Part 2: From Contract to Close (and Beyond) 02/15/2023

Episode 5 - Home-Buying Part 2: From Contract to Close (and Beyond) Episode 5 (definitely in our top 5 episodes of all time): Still wondering what the artist is saying in our theme song. Does anyone know? Bueller? In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. So far batting a thousand! Brad reviews the month of January and how the market is trending. In The Scoop, it's all about the home-buying process, part duex. It's a huge topic we split into two episodes (Episodes 4 and 5). In Part 1, we talked about what's involved all the way from launch (How do you know when you are ready to buy?) up to when you get under contract (hooray!). In this episode (5) we cover Part 2 and go from contract to close and beyond. In The Unreal, the guys discuss VA cash-out refinances. It's not a scam and can be helpful, but many practices out there are a bit sketchy. It's unreal! In The Spotlight we feature , a food truck in the Baltimore area as well as their new location in the Timonium location (hey, that's two for one!). Check them out! Episode Highlights Our Super Bowl predictions were off, but Michael almost nails the final score (just in reverse) You're under contract - YIPPEE!!! Now what? Immediate steps for the buyer, REALTOR, and others What's a contingency? The six things your lender needs to approve your loan The Due Diligence phase - what's involved? The myriad types of home inspections Thoughts about appraisals Logistics and final details Chuck it or truck it! Packing tips What's going on with the loan, and what is underwriting? The three most beautiful words (or letters) in real estate Title work, liens, easements, and more A reminder about wire fraud and how to avoid it The final walkthrough Tips for a successful settlement day!!! Moving day and our surprise Exploring your neighborhood Tax credits and what you need to do You're part of the family Watch out for VA cash-out refi "deals" Brad is obsessed with Açai bowls Next episode: Home-Selling Part 1: Launch to Contract Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/25946262

Episode 4 - Home-Buying Part 1: The Journey from Launch to Contract 02/08/2023

Episode 4 - Home-Buying Part 1: The Journey from Launch to Contract Episode 4 (maybe even better than episode 3): What's the artist saying in our theme song? Do you know? Can you tell? Can you tell us? In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. He's 2 for 2 so far! In The Scoop, it's all about the home-buying process. It's a huge topic so we're splitting it up into two episodes (Episodes 4 and 5). In Part 1, we talk about what's involved all the way from launch (How do you know when you are ready to buy?) up to when you get under contract (hooray!). Our next episode (5) will pick there and go from contract to close and beyond. In The Unreal, the guys discuss some scams that buyers sometimes experience, so you can be aware, informed, and on the lookout. It's unreal! In The Spotlight, it's in Baltimore's Federal Hill - check them out! Episode Highlights Brad fails to properly introduce Michael We have no idea what the words are in our theme song. Do you? Do you know why you want to buy? How do you know when you're ready to buy? How to pick a great REALTOR® How to pick a great LENDER Why home-buying is like using a navigation app Tips for your online search Tips for touring homes with your REALTOR® Why it's important to wear socks Home-touring etiquette and making sure the water's on What to consider when you're evaluating a home You've found the one! What now? Tips on writing your offer Tips on negotiations You're under contract! What now? (Find out next week!) Most people are awesome, but some people suck Scammers suck Mortgage imposters, wire fraud, and deed scams - oh my! Next episode: Home-Buying Part 2: Contract to Close and Beyond... Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/25874379

Episode 3 - Your Credit: How It's Calculated and How to Improve It 02/01/2023

Episode 3 - Your Credit: How It's Calculated and How to Improve It Episode 3 (our best yet): In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. In The Scoop, it's all about credit - what goes into your credit score and tips on how to improve it. There are multiple credit scores, and there are multiple scoring models that look at credit scores differently, so your "karma" score may not be the same as what a mortgage lender will report. They discuss about the 5 most important things that go into your credit score: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix. And they review some tips on how to improve your credit score. In The Unreal, the guys discuss buyer regret, plus the head-scratching changes the FHFA made to loan level price adjustments (LLPAs). It's unreal! In The Spotlight, it's in Timonium - check them out! Episode Highlights Dispelling the bad information about credit scores There's never a shortage of unreal news stories Michael's crystal ball rating: 1 for 1 Interest rates are the best they've been in 4 months Rates vary based on a number of factors, and everyone's situation is different 2023 mortgage applications are increasing Refinances are up too, but it's easy to see increases from near zero National trends are helpful, but real estate is hyper-local Holiday impact on sales volume in the last 7 days Sellers are offering credits more frequently Michael's crystal ball prediction for the coming week: rates steady, with a caveat The challenges and benefits of credit scores Do you know what stands for? Who was Issac, and what's so fair about him? What you should do if you're going to be late paying a bill Why it's not always a good idea to close a credit account, or why you might not want to pay off a balance completely Brad is old, but not that old (and Michael is just as old) It's been scientifically proven that isteners of this podcast have a far greater attention span than most people "Like fine wine, whiskey and cheese, most credit histories only get better with age." Our first credit cards were from Bamberger's - who remembers them? Dangers of those "no interest, no payment" opportunities when you're buying a house Mortgage loan inquiries don't hurt your score as much as you might think, but not all credit inquiries are the same Teaser rates, and why you need a "direct line to God" to qualify for some rates 26% of all credit reports have a material error - so check your reports (for free) The huge impact of medical collections credit complaint National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports more than 3/4 of buyers felt buyer's remorse in 2022 We're not sure if the FHFA uses actuaries - LLPAs don't make sense Brad has an acai bowl obsession (and never pronounces it correctly) Next episode: The Homebuying Process, Part 1 Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/25798272

Episode 2 - First-Time Buyers: Challenges and Solutions 01/25/2023

Episode 2 - First-Time Buyers: Challenges and Solutions In our second episode, Michael and Brad discuss the format of the show: The Rundown - Mortgage and maryland market information and Michael's rate prediction The Scoop - The main topic of the episode (this week: First-Time Homebuyers) The Unreal - Something unexpected, unprecendented, unbelievable, or just unreal in real estate The Spotlight - Showing some love to local businesses In The Scoop, Michael and Brad review some of the "normal" challenges first-time Maryland homebuyers face, like saving for a down payment and closing costs, other checks buyers write before closing, the 20% down payment myth, plus some of the "extra" challenges buyers face in today's market. In the second half, they discuss some solutions, sources of funds, mortgage rate buy-downs and mortgage assumptions, and how to make your offer stand out. In The Unreal, the guys discuss new home construction contract cancellations. It's unreal! In The Spotlight, it's in Timonium! Episode Highlights Michael loves rainy-day football Activity is up...from the chasm we fell in - but it's improving The doves in Japan The art and science of when to lock a loan Buyers are finally getting some seller help, and sellers are waking up Sellers still getting close to list price, but it's not like the Covid mania Who "they" are What "they" announced about loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs) There are too many acronyms in real estate How interest rates and inventory affect affordability Geography is challenging Brad's daughter is a financial wizard Michael's kids like iced coffee How much you'll spend on your home search and where you'll spend it Did you know you don't need to be a veteran to assume a VA loan? Shout out to our partners at Why you don't need 20% down to buy a home Minimum down payments by the type of loan Don't drain your savings to buy a home - keep an emergency fund What NOT to do when buying a home The impact of interest rate on your monthly payment and purchasing power We're not in Boise anymore, Toto Savings, Gifts, and Grants - oh my! We don't do love letters It's a tough time to be a home builder Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (o) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/25728921

Episode 1 - The Market: Where We Are and How We Got Here 01/18/2023

Episode 1 - The Market: Where We Are and How We Got Here In this introductory episode, Michael and Brad discuss why they decided to create this podcast, to cut through some of the noise and bad information, and to provide local, insightful perspectives on Maryland real estate. They also discuss the recent few years since just before Covid-19 and how the pandemic and other factors influenced what happened in the real estate market. Episode Highlights Brad realizes he's wearing rose-colored glasses Is there going to be a housing crash? Crystal Ball vs. Magic 8-Ball How the local real estate market differs from the national market How Covid-19 impacted real estate How interest rates and inventory affect affordability Why mortgage loans are more stable now The difference between 2008 and today How employment levels impact the housing market How Maryland's job market is a bit more stable than the national market How the lack of housing supply is keeping values up Why you shouldn't read headlines Buy within your budget The Long and Winding Road was our high school class theme song The 2019 market - our last "normal" benchmark Maryland's relative good fortune after Covid-19 hit The correlation between the 10-year Treasury rate and mortgage rates Quantitative easing versus quantitative tightening Covid changed the way we think about work and about home Covid also made us crazy about what we were willing to do to buy a home How the market made it very difficult especially for first-time home buyers How investors, and particularly institutional investors, impacted the market How increasing inflation turned the market around Increasing rent is a big part of inflation The rapid increase of mortgage interest rates in 2022 Why the gap between the 10-year Treasury and rates is a little wider than where it's typically been How important CPI has become Hopefully interest rates have hit their height and may moderate by the end of 2023 Life should get a little easier for homebuyers Quotes "The only thing I know about Boise, Idaho, is Napoleon Dynamite." "Not only is [real estate] localized, it's hyper-localized." "With regard to home equity, it seems like we've learned a collective lesson." "In 2021, 64% of first-time homebuyers had some form of regret." "Just because your lender says you can afford X, doesn't mean that you have to spend X. You have to spend within your budget, where you feel comfortable, and don't subject yourself to eating Ramen Noodles (with no disrespect to the fine makers of Ramen Noodles)." "Rates stayed low until the last day of 2021. As soon as 2023 began...we saw bonds selling off, and it almost continued unstopped through the first five months of the year. It was not an easy time to be a loan guy." Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (o) Links /episode/index/show/07fb8fdb-1e1a-43b8-87c5-7b467a45f0a9/id/25649511

Be Real: The Maryland Real Estate Podcast

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