Real Estate Today
Real Estate Today opens doors for buyers and sellers with critical and credible information on the real estate market. It’s fast-paced and fact-packed with experts, interviews, call-ins, field reports, and timely market conditions.
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The 2023 Fall Real Estate Market
09/22/2023
The 2023 Fall Real Estate Market
What will the real estate market be like this fall? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest existing-home sales data and how low inventory and higher interest rates are impacting the market. REALTOR® Rebecca Thomson, who practices real estate in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, shares tips for home buyers to win the home of their dreams and for home sellers to sell their house efficiently and for a good price. Paul Pastelok from Accuweather shares the autumn weather forecast and if October is expected to bring a big change from warm weather to snow and cold temperatures. Kris Kiser from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute shares the best way to maintain power equipment before winter hits. And Good Neighbor Finalist, RIck Furnish, shares why he started South Dakota Kids Belong and the impact it has had on him. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if faux fur and pendent lighting fixtures are hot or not.
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Tips for increasing the value of your house
09/15/2023
Tips for increasing the value of your house
Do you want to make sure your home valuation is the maximum it can be? REALTOR® Natalie Davis from Colorado talks about how important home maintenance is to a home’s value and why you need to make sure your HVAC and furnace get regular service. Appraiser David Griffith explains what items have the biggest impact on a home’s value during the appraisal process. And, Chief Economist Danielle Hale discusses their . REALTOR® Steven Sharpe discusses NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards and his program, Camp Horizon, a camp that allows kids with physical disabilities to enjoy summer activities in an outdoor environment. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know what a blobby or blobject are and if they are hot or not. This episode was brought to you by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who wants to make sure you move with confidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers free resources to help before, during and after a move at .
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What to know before buying a condo
09/08/2023
What to know before buying a condo
Are you looking to buy a condo? REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán from Chicago, Illinois discusses the benefits of buying a condo and what to look for in a condominium. Lawyer Vanessa Goggans talks about condominium ownership and explains what common elements are and why looking at a formation document is important. Financial expert and host of the Money Girl Podcast, Lauren Adams, talks about the various insurance policies that condo owners need to be aware of. And, Brian Kidder from discusses millionaire migration and how that is impacting tax revenues for states and municipalities. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if painting your upholstery or your porch is hot or not.
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Mortgages and rising interest rates
09/01/2023
Mortgages and rising interest rates
How do you navigate the real estate market amid the highest mortgage rates in two decades? Freddie Mac Deputy Chief Economist Len Kiefer explains why interest rates are so high, where they may be going, and if we can expect a 3% rate any time soon. REALTOR® Linda Rheinberger from Las Vegas, Nevada shares what home buyers and sellers can expect in the current market and what they need to do to close a sale. Keith Gumbinger from gives tips on how to get the best interest rate for your mortgage. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares how people can keep their homes cool in the heat and if window film is hot or not.
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Investing in the current real estate market
08/25/2023
Investing in the current real estate market
Does the current real estate market present an opportunity to invest? REALTOR® Bill Armstrong from Frederick, Maryland says yes and explains why the high mortgage rates may help you get started. REALTOR® Brian Smith from Texas talks about the benefits of investing in raw land and letting the market come to you while REALTOR® Cynthia Shelton from Florida shares how to invest in commercial real estate. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun gives the latest data on existing-home sales and housing inventory. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether windows with black trim or all-white bathrooms are hot or not.
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How to Personalize Your Home
08/18/2023
How to Personalize Your Home
You just got the house of your dreams but how do you make it feel like your home? We talk to home stager Nikki Watson from Dallas, Texas to get home design tips on picking furniture, utilizing wood, and whether you should avoid the painted accent wall for modern wainscoting. Sue Wadden from Sherwin-Williams explains how they will help you pick the best color paint for your home, what paint colors are popular, and how you can make sure your home has good color flow. REALTOR® Angel Piontek from Virginia talks about smart home tech and the important question of can a television actually be too big. And NAR Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz discusses which home renovation projects bring homeowners the most joy. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether flat roofs or solar roofs are hot or not.
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Discover insider tips for a successful move
08/11/2023
Discover insider tips for a successful move
Moving to a new home can be overwhelming and with moving scams on the rise this year, you need to be prepared. REALTOR® Cristina Ann Grossu from North Carolina shares why it’s important to get moving insurance and know the moving company you use. Gayla Dixon from UniGroup, which owns United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, gives tips on finding the right moving company, how to get the best price, and how to get ready for your big move. And Andi Batchelor discusses U-Haul’s annual growth states report to tell us where people are moving to in the U.S. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if outdoor rugs or decorating the side of your house is hot or not.
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Understanding a real estate closing
08/04/2023
Understanding a real estate closing
What do you need to know about closing on a home? REALTOR® Chris Rost from Kansas explains what the home buyers and sellers need to know about the closing disclosure, the appraisal, the down payment process, and other details, like home insurance, to make sure they are prepared. Real estate attorney Vanessa Goggans shares the documents that need to be brought to the settlement table and how to deal with an issue that may come up. And REALTOR® Dale Mattison from Maryland shares what can be expected at the final walkthrough. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if plunge pools or black-bottom pools are hot or not.
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Making an offer on a home
07/28/2023
Making an offer on a home
What makes the offer on a home so good it will get accepted? REALTOR® Philip Becker from San Antonio, Texas explains how he crafts an offer a seller will accept. Then, REALTOR® Reggie Copeland from Fairfax, Virginia discusses what a seller should look for before they accept an offer on their home. Charlotte, North Carolina appraiser Peter Gallo tells us about the house appraisal process and what you need to know. And, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares just how hot Barbiecore home design is now that the film “Barbie” is in theaters.
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Buying a home in the summer of 2023
07/21/2023
Buying a home in the summer of 2023
Are you wondering if you can afford to buy a house in the summer of 2023? REALTOR® Natalie Davis from Colorado walks through the steps of buying a home from preparation to making an offer and why it’s important to understand all the contingencies in the contract. Lauren Adams, host of the Money Girl Podcast, shares tips for saving for a down payment for your dream house. And Marcy Ash from Down Payment Resource explains the four types of down payment assistance programs, how they could help you get into the home you want, and why you probably qualify for more programs than you think you do. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what home accessories are hot or not.
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Selling your home in the summer of 2023
07/14/2023
Selling your home in the summer of 2023
Wondering if it’s a good time to sell your home or what is it like to sell and list your home in the current housing market? REALTOR® Marianne Bornhoft from Spokane, Washington walks through the steps a homeowner needs to take to get their house ready to sell. She also talks equity, assuming a loan, and mortgage buydowns. Ashton Ritchie from the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company gives tips on how to make sure your lawn and landscaping stay green and a selling point for your home. And, WalletHub’s Jill Gonzalez goes over their 2023’s Most & Least Energy-Expensive States study to see how states compare when it comes to energy costs. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses home design trends and if hardwood floors or carpeting are hot or not.
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Tips on Buying a Short-Term Rental
07/07/2023
Tips on Buying a Short-Term Rental
Find out how you can generate income with short-term rentals! REALTOR® Radha Herring gives us the inside tips on this booming part of real estate including where to buy, what to buy, and how to keep it filled with new tenants every week. REALTOR® George Harvey shares the rules and regulations which either allow or ban these rentals. Learn what all of this means for investors from REALTOR® Stephen Antoni and how to get a mortgage for a short-term rental investment from Keith Gumbinger, vice president at HSH.com . Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey updates us on what is hot in smart home tech!
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The Benefits of Homeownership in the United States
06/30/2023
The Benefits of Homeownership in the United States
Let's celebrate homeownership in the United States. REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts discusses how homeownership benefits a person, their family, and their community. REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán from Chicago, Illinois talks about why buying a home is one of the best investments a person can make and how buying piece of a property in the U.S. is easier than in other countries. She also shares some stories of people new to the country buying a house or condo. John Bell, executive director of the Loan Guarantee Service for Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs discusses VA home loans and the head grill master at Weber Grills, Dustin Green, goes through charcoal, gas, and pellet grills and tells us his favorite meal to cook on his grill. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if chrome faucets or industrial kitchens are hot or not.
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Tips to keep your house cool this summer
06/23/2023
Tips to keep your house cool this summer
Let’s keep our homes cool this summer! New Orleans REALTOR® Evelyn Wolford talks central air, window air conditioning units, and how to cool your home properly. Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains how to improve indoor air quality to make sure the air you breathe in your home is clean. Then Bill Stack from Eversource Energy shares how you can keep your house cool efficiently and gives some low-tech ways to cut down your energy bill. Melissa comes back to let us know if pink is a hot home color before NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the latest existing-home sales data and how inflation and mortgage rates are impact the real estate market.
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The 2023 Summer Real Estate Market
06/16/2023
The 2023 Summer Real Estate Market
Are you looking to buy or sell a home this summer? We discuss how mortgage rates are impacting housing inventory and how to make a successful purchase or sale in the current real estate market with Ohio REALTOR® Rebecca Donatelli. She shares how to utilize home sale contingency, points, and adjustable-rate mortgages to get the house you want. Rocket Mortgage CEO Bob Walters talks about their new 1% down payment option program, why it’s a game-changer, and how he hopes it will help make more Americans homeowners. He also shares why he is a huge fan of paying for a point on your mortgage in most cases. And to celebrate Father’s Day, we talk to Washington, D.C., area real estate agents Dale Mattison and his daughter, Danai Mattison Sky, to see what it’s like to work and follow your dad into the real estate business. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether stainless steel kitchen sinks and slab stone backsplashes are hot or not.
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Tips on how to buy a home from a real estate professional
06/09/2023
Tips on how to buy a home from a real estate professional
How do real estate professionals find a home themselves? Virginia REALTOR® Lorraine Arora shares why it’s important to look beyond any clutter or design features you may not like and focus on the layout, neighborhood, and other factors in deciding to make it her home. She also goes through real estate terms that every home buyer should know. NerdWallet’s Elizabeth Renter explains how despite a year-over-year increase in listings on the market, tighter lending standards are making it tougher for potential home buyers to get a home loan. And credit expert Gerri Detweiler tells us why she uses credit monitoring and why knowing your credit score is so important. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if outdoor kitchens and outdoor pizza ovens are hot or not!
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Benefits of living off the grid or in rural areas
06/02/2023
Benefits of living off the grid or in rural areas
Looking to live off the grid or in a unique home that’s out there? California real estate broker and REALTOR® Eileen Oldroyd explains how to live off the grid and what it’s like. Yes, low monthly living costs are a benefit. We then head to the last frontier with REALTOR® D’Ette Owen who explains what it’s like to live in Alaska, a place that amazes her every day but takes a lot of work. And Texas real estate land specialist and REALTOR® Brian Smith shares how he purchased an old cattle ranch and turned it into a wildlife habitat that won the Lone Star Land Steward Award in 2011. Also, are all-white bedrooms or bathrooms hot or not? Melissa Dittmann Tracey keeps us informed.
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Homebuying tips and loans for veterans and service members
05/26/2023
Homebuying tips and loans for veterans and service members
Does it make sense to buy your first home while you’re in the military? Louisiana broker and REALTOR® Candice Skinner discusses the benefits available to veterans and active-duty service members to help them become homeowners and why the VA loan is the best loan on the market. We dig deeper into VA loans with Chris Birk from Veterans United Home Loans and author of “The Book on VA Loans: An Essential Guide to Maximizing Your Home Loan Benefits” who shares ten things people don’t know about VA loans. Massachusetts real estate agent and REALTOR® Wendy Rocco discusses Operation American Soldier, a charity she started to send care packages to members of the military serving overseas. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if cane webbing furniture or see-through glass kitchen cabinets are hot or not.
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2023 Real Estate Market Update
05/19/2023
2023 Real Estate Market Update
How are interest rates, housing inventory, and supplies impacting the current real estate market? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the most recent existing-home sales data and why he thinks interest rates will drop later in the year. Ohio home builder and remodeler Bill Owens gives us an update on expected wait times for new home builds and how capacity issues are impacting the ability to build a new home and changing home renovation projects. And yes, supply chain issues are still out there. Pennsylvania REALTOR® Greg Herb shares what he’s experiencing on the local level with home buyers and sellers while California REALTOR® Kevin Brown talks about how the REALTOR® Relief Foundation has been helping people impacted by recent natural disasters. Also, are bold colors in the outdoor living space hot or not? What about cottage gardens? Melissa Dittmann Tracey keeps us trendy.
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Tips to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
05/12/2023
Tips to Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
How do you improve your home’s exterior or your outdoor living space? We talk to gardener Natalie Carmolli to learn how plants improve your curb appeal and Kris Kiser of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute gives tips on how to do your yardwork safely. But first, we start with a Mother’s Day special segment with mother and son Michigan real estate duo Pat Vredevoogd Combs and Brett Vredevoogd. Also, NAR’s Ken Fears is back to explain what happened with the FHFA mortgage fee increases that were scheduled for August 1 and Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains what fragrance zoning is and if it’s a hot home trend.
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The benefits of homeownership
05/05/2023
The benefits of homeownership
Homeownership can make housing costs predictable and build generational wealth. Utah REALTOR® and 2023 NAR President Kenny Parcell explains the benefits of owning a home. Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale discusses the current homeownership rate in the United States, possible reasons why it’s currently at a standstill, and what she values about being a homeowner. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com clarifies when a home buyer becomes a homeowner. Also, NAR’s Ken Fears analyzes the rule changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage fees to give us the facts on what the changes mean for homeowners and home buyers. And what is soft spring aesthetic and is it a hot home trend? Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what’s HOT or not in home design.
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Understanding the benefits of smart home technology
04/28/2023
Understanding the benefits of smart home technology
How does smart home tech benefit you? Angela Moscaritolo from PC Magazine shares the best smart home devices including doorbells, floodlights, and locks for your house and why it’s important to look at the power source for your smart home tech. Pennsylvania REALTOR® Bill Lublin tells us why he made his home brilliant and how home buyers are leaning toward technology as they look for a new home. And Kate Peters from Eversource explains how smart thermostats make homes more efficient and save you money. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether floating staircases or if painting your wooden staircases is HOT or not.
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What to know about getting a mortgage in 2023
04/21/2023
What to know about getting a mortgage in 2023
What type of mortgage should you get with the current interest rates? Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com shares how interest rates are impacting the mortgages home buyers are qualifying for and why they may need a 30% increase in income to qualify for the same loan they would have been able to get last year. Las Vegas REALTOR® Linda Rheinberger shares how home buyers can utilize down payment assistance programs, temporary buydowns, or adjustable-rate mortgages to get the house they thought they were shut out of purchasing. Also, Virginia REALTOR® Peter Crouch discusses whether it’s a good idea to pay off that mortgage early. And is a clover lawn HOT or not? What about decks with an orange-tone stain? Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know.
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How to increase the value of your home
04/14/2023
How to increase the value of your home
Want to know how you can increase the value of your home? Ohio REALTOR® Greg Blatt talks about floors, landscaping, and other home improvement projects that a homeowner can do easily and affordably to get the most value out of their house. Newport, Rhode Island REALTOR® and home appraiser Jamie Moore shares the home appraisal process steps and what an appraiser is looking for so you can make sure your home gets the highest appraisal price. Do you renovate your basement or the space above your garage? Jamie gives her advice. And April is Fair Housing Month; Baltimore, Maryland REALTOR® JoAnne Poole talks fair housing and how far the U.S. has come in ending discrimination in real estate but also tells us just how far we still have to go to make sure every person has equal ability to get a home they can afford. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know which kitchen countertops and finishes are HOT or not?
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How to Invest in Real Estate
04/07/2023
How to Invest in Real Estate
How can you get started investing in real estate this spring? Louisiana REALTOR® Matt Ritchie explains how to get going despite higher interest rates and how today’s real estate market can be an opportunity. Plus, he defines many of the most important terms that real estate investors need to know. Chicago REALTOR® Dan Wagner explains 1031 like-kind exchanges and how you can use the tax deferral program to build your portfolio. And REALTOR® Luke Worrell from Jacksonville, Illinois tells us about investing in land and he explains what makes ‘good’ land ‘good!’ Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what’s HOT or not in spring cleaning.
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What should I know as a first-time home buyer?
03/31/2023
What should I know as a first-time home buyer?
How can first-time buyers achieve homeownership despite low housing inventory and mortgage rates in the sixes? Colorado REALTOR® Natalie Davis shares the steps renters can—and should—take to become homeowners. She also explains why finding a good local lender to walk you through different loan products is so important. Sean Moss of Down Payment Resource takes us through a variety of down payment assistance plans and says why it’s a mistake to assume you don’t qualify for one. Frank Lesh from the American Society of Home Inspectors unveils what home inspectors truly look for during the inspection process and why inspecting the roof and foundation is so critical. Finally, Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if huge kitchen islands or vent hoods are HOT or not.
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Selling a home in the spring of 2023
03/24/2023
Selling a home in the spring of 2023
Are you ready to sell your house this spring? NAR Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Jessica Lautz explains why the latest existing-home sales data saw the largest increase since the summer of 2020, what the median home price in the United States is, and if home sellers are once again getting multiple offers for their houses. REALTOR® J. Lennox Scott discusses how home sellers are dealing with higher interest rates and what they need to do to get their homes ready to sell for the best price. And interior designer Karen Post gives tips on how to prepare your home to sell without spending a lot of money. Also, are floor-to-ceiling mirrors on walls and closets or barn doors HOT or not? Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know.
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The 2023 Spring Real Estate Market
03/17/2023
The 2023 Spring Real Estate Market
Will the spring real estate market be hot or cool for home buyers and sellers? Washington state REALTOR® J. Lennox Scott explains how interest rates and inventory are impacting the real estate market and why potential home buyers should get fully underwritten before they sign a purchase agreement. Alicia Huey, chairman of the board of directors for the National Association of Home Builders, talks new build timelines and how labor challenges and supply issues are impacting the construction of new homes. And Keith Gumbinger of shares what higher interest rates for home mortgages mean for you and where we can expect rates to go. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if curved furniture with rounded edges or if fast furniture is HOT or Not.
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When to move or improve my home
03/10/2023
When to move or improve my home
Do you wish you had a new home? Can you improve your home or should you move to a new house? We look into what may be the best option for you. Idaho REALTOR® Chris Pelkola Lee discusses the pros and cons of moving to a new home versus renovating or fixing your current house. NAR Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Jessica Lautz shares what they found in their Home Remodeling Impact Study. What projects do homeowners want, do the improvements warrant the cost, and were people happy with their decision? Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet shares what they found in their First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report and why things are getting better for first-time buyers with improved affordability and higher inventory and where they can buy an affordable home. And, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about hydro dripping home accessories and if it’s a hot home trend.
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How to personalize your new home
03/03/2023
How to personalize your new home
So, you bought your home and have moved in. Now it’s time to make it your own. But where do you even start? REALTOR® and home designer Addie Mulry explains how she works with her clients to help them reimagine their homes. She walks through the steps: What is normally the first thing to be updated; how to overhaul your kitchen without a complete renovation and adjust your floors without replacing them; and how to pick colors. And speaking of home colors, Sue Wadden from Sherwin-Williams talks about how paint can transform your living space and what colors are trending this year. Eric Huffman from Crutchfield discusses home entertainment systems and how to pick that perfect TV for your home. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if scalloped edges on furniture and fabrics are hot or not!
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