RE/MAX Real Estate Insights

What’s Happening in New Construction

June 08, 2023 18:52 - 34 minutes - 79 MB

Supply chain, labor force, zoning, and interest rates are all items that home builders are navigating today. We discuss all these with Forrest Wall, CEO of the Homebuilders Association of SE Michigan and what this means for those looking to purchase a new construction home. We also talk about what features buyers are looking for in a new home today and news about the 34th annual Parade of Homes happening in June.

Explaining 1031 Exchanges

May 18, 2023 20:13 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

A 1031 exchange is a “swap” of one real estate investment property for another that provides a tax break. We discuss properties that do and don’t qualify for a 1031 exchange and two important timelines you need to be aware to designate and close on the property to keep within established guidelines.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

May 04, 2023 18:18 - 34 minutes - 63.1 MB

Maintaining your home is an important part of home ownership and key to the value of your home. Winter winds, snow and ice can take a toll on the exterior of your home so spring is the time to review your roof, gutters, downspouts, foundation, windows, doors and more for any damage and needed repairs. We share things to do on both the exterior and interior of your home so your home can transition for the warmer weather to come.

Spring Cleaning Tips

April 20, 2023 19:52 - 34 minutes - 63.2 MB

A thorough spring cleaning of your home is important to keep your home fresh and in good condition, and if you are planning to sell your home soon this is a great first step to prepare your home for showings. We share tips for things to do in each major room in your home as well as list of items to have handy for this process.

Donate Furniture to Help Local Families

April 06, 2023 19:41 - 39 minutes - 73.1 MB

A local non-profit wants your no longer needed and gently used mattress, box springs, sofa, dining room table and other essential items. We talk to Robert Boyle, Executive Director of the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, about the high demand for furniture donations to help local families in need. He shares how your tax-deductible donation helps others have a stable and comfortable home and how your furniture can be picked up for free or for a small fee professional movers can remov...

Spring Market Outlook

March 23, 2023 20:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

Spring marks the unofficial start of the busy real estate season and we take a look at what to expect in 2023. We discuss if the market favors buyer or sellers and what inventory looks like now and how that is impacting open house attendance and offers being received. We also share advice for buyer and sellers in the spring market and the importance of working with the right agent.

Selling Your Elderly Parent’s Home

February 16, 2023 20:20 - 40 minutes - 45.7 MB

Whether moving a parent into an assisted living facility or handling their estate, handling the sale of your parents home can be a time-consuming and emotional process. We discuss tips to help make the move easier for all involved as well as how remove furniture, stage the home, what medical support devices are best to be removed prior to selling the home and more.

Market Changes in 2023

February 02, 2023 16:12 - 51 minutes - 118 MB

From interest rates to what people look for in homes, the market is constantly changing. We discuss economic factors that will impact the market and the rise of single females as homeowners, what buyers are looking for in a home and why diverse schools are a positive impact in the community.

Spotlight on Almont, MI

January 20, 2023 23:15 - 31 minutes - 56.9 MB

If you are looking to find a place where your money gets you more home, Almont could be for you. A local agent shares why Almont has become a popular choice for first-time and move-up buyers alike offering a more favorable tax rate, good schools, communities events, parks and recreation and lots of great local restaurants.

2023 Housing Forecast

December 15, 2022 20:47 - 31 minutes - 57.1 MB

The real estate market has changed and we talk about what that means for 2023. We share what we have learned from the market the past couple of years and what the current interest rates, inflation and inventory mean for buyers and sellers in the coming year.

Holiday Home Safety Tips

December 05, 2022 13:35 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MB

There is no place like home for the holidays, but the holiday season triggers a rise in home fires and other accidents around your home that you want to avoid. We share tips to help you prevent a fire in your kitchen and throughout the rest of your home due to candles or the fireplace. We discuss how to keep elderly guests safe in your home, how to avoid your Christmas tree catching fire and ways to make your home look occupied if you are traveling over the holidays.

10 Things to Know Before Buying a Home

November 17, 2022 20:19 - 33 minutes - 62.2 MB

: From gathering needed documents to how much to budget for closing costs, knowing what to expect when buying a home can make the process much smoother. We share what documents lenders commonly request so you gather those in advance and be ready to upload to your lender’s loan application portal. We also discuss expenses you need budget for beyond the down payment as well as tips for working with your agent.

Interest Rates, Inflation and Inventory

November 03, 2022 19:42 - 13 minutes - 12 MB

We take a quick look at how the three I’s of Interest Rates, Inflation and Inventory are impacting the real estate market.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance

September 15, 2022 21:16 - 43 minutes - 80.4 MB

Your home is more than just a valuable asset – it is the roof over your head – so you want to be sure it is properly protected. We discuss the importance to have rebuild and replacement coverage, why endorsements may be needed to adequately cover additional belongings like jewelry and the two types of water/flooding issues that can occur and how what’s different about protecting items in your basement. We also share how teenagers and pets can increase your liability and how many claims can...

Safety Tips for New Homeowners

September 02, 2022 18:30 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

: As you move into your new home, your focus is often on unpacking and decorating and what you may be missing is home security. We discuss everything from re-keying locks and adding deadbolts to changing batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. We share what to look for when it comes to your landscaping and lighting so that your home isn’t an attractive target, why you want to be sure your house numbers are visible and why you want to meet the neighbors.

New Construction as a Niche

August 19, 2022 13:05 - 39 minutes - 89.7 MB

New construction is a different process than buying an existing home, both for the buyers and the agent they are working with. We discuss what to look for in an agent if you are looking at new construction homes and areas around metro Detroit that are prime for new construction opportunities now and in the future.

Presenting Your Home

August 05, 2022 12:55 - 24 minutes - 56.9 MB

You only get one chance to make a great first impression and we share the easy props you can use to freshen the look of your kitchen and bath along with why you don’t want to put your home on the market to “see what happens” before the home is ready.

Mortgage Update and Tips from a Local Lender

July 25, 2022 15:45 - 51 minutes - 94.4 MB

Mortgage rates are getting a lot of press coverage and we discuss how the Fed indirectly impacts the rate we pay for a mortgage and what is anticipated for the balance of the year. We also talk about why in today’s market you are smart to “marry the house but date the rate”, how a using a local lender can save you thousands of dollars when financing your home and the one thing you can do to positively impact your credit score.

First-Time Homebuyer Tips

July 07, 2022 13:41 - 51 minutes - 47 MB

We discuss what first-time homebuyers need to know to navigate the current market that has them facing rising home values, rising interest rates, low inventory and competition among other buyers. We share what type and price point of homes may be easier to find and why fall may be an especially good time for buyers. We also talk about how empty nesters are influencing the market impacting first-time buyers.

Home Staging Basics

June 23, 2022 20:46 - 40 minutes - 55.1 MB

Properly staging your home helps to sell your home faster and for the most money. We discuss why every seller should pay for a full home cleaning and why landscaping is an important and potentially overlooked staging item. We also discuss what today’s buyers expect from a home and the timing of getting your home sold in today’s market.

Parade of Homes & New Construction Update

June 10, 2022 19:21 - 34 minutes - 40.1 MB

Guest Forrest Wall, CEO of Homebuilders Association of Michigan joins us to discuss the Parade of Homes happening in SE Michigan showcasing 41 model and pre-construction homes. We also talk about the popular trends buyers want in homes, what has new permits down over last year, what state and local government can do to entice more new construction and other factors impacting the building industry.

The Shifting Market

June 02, 2022 21:10 - 40 minutes - 91.6 MB

Interest rates, inflation, and inventory along with stock market volatility and talk of a housing bubble are all making headlines. We tackle all these topics and what it means for our local housing market.

What Divorce Means for Selling Your Home

May 12, 2022 21:55 - 31 minutes - 57.4 MB

When a couple decides to divorce, the home becomes an important asset to be addressed. We discuss the importance of all parties working together to yield as much financial value as possible from the sale and how the courts may get involved if things stagnate. We also address the potential financial impact to the parties if they stop paying the mortgage or other bills when it comes time to buy a new home after divorce.

Past, Present and Future Markets

April 28, 2022 22:30 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB

The Great Recession impacted the housing market greatly and our current market has an interesting mix of rising interest rates, high buyer demand, low inventory and rising home prices. All this has some questioning we have a housing bubble and if so is it going to burst. We discuss how past markets and conditions have led us to the market we have today and what is on the horizon.

Let Your Unwanted Furniture Help Others

March 31, 2022 18:02 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MB

If you have gently used furniture that you no longer need, we have a way you can help those in need to put that furniture in a new home. We talk to the Executive Director of The Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan about the current high demand for furniture among the folks this non-profit organization serves (i.e. those coming out of being homeless, victims of fire or flooding, domestic violence, etc.). Needed items include mattresses, box springs, couches, dining tables and dressers a...

Down Payment Assistance Programs

March 18, 2022 17:42 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MB

Saving for the down payment on a home is one of the most challenging parts to home ownership, especially for first-time buyers. We discuss some of the down payment assistance programs available and why it is important that you be open with your agent about your needs so they can help recommend you to lenders and sources right for your situation as well as why many buyers aren’t aware that these programs are even available to them. We also discuss tips to help buyers get their offer accepted...

What to Know when Buying a Condo

March 03, 2022 21:44 - 21 minutes - 20 MB

Condos can be a great option for first-time, downsizing or even second-home buyers but when buying a condo it is important you know what you are getting into. We share the differences between a condo versus an apartment and some pros and cons between a condo and a single family home. Condo home owner associations have significant power and can dictate things like whether you can have pets (or even the size or breed of an allowed pet) or how many cars can be parked in your driveway. We share ...

The Real Estate Season is Here

February 18, 2022 15:13 - 21 minutes - 49.6 MB

The Super Bowl kicks-off the real estate season. As more buyers are starting to look for homes and enter the market, we share tips on what buyers need to do to be prepared and when concessions can be helpful to get you a home.

Serving Clients in Today’s Market

January 28, 2022 16:48 - 43 minutes - 101 MB

We discuss how agents can best serve clients in today’s fast-paced market. From education by local realtor associations to using virtual showings, successful agents have many ways they can serve their clients today. We discuss the ways agents market a home today as well as get an update on new construction and how materials prices and timelines are impacting the time and cost needed to build a home and what smart home or tech features are important to buyers today.

Staging Tips for Every Room

December 16, 2021 16:18 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MB

From ensuring your front entry way has the needed room to welcome potential buyers with their agent to the colors that work well in bathrooms and bedrooms we share tips that will help attract buyers to your home and help you get top dollar. We also cover ways to make rooms look bigger like taking leaves out of the dining room table and moving family room furniture away from the walls.

Housing Outlook and Mindset

December 09, 2021 21:30 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MB

We cover what to expect in the local housing market 2022. From interest rates to housing inventory to home affordability, we discuss the various aspects that are currently impacting the market and will in the year ahead. We also talk about the mindset of buyers and sellers and what they should know if they are about to enter the market.

Reinvigorate Your Home Search

November 04, 2021 20:10 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

If you are a buyer that has been looking for a home and are feeling a bit exhausted, we have 7 tips for you to help you reinvigorate your home search. We share how working with an experience team of local professionals, understanding the current selling cycle and getting there early can work to your benefit. We also cover how to reassess your needs and wants and why you may need to tune out the advice from well-meaning family and friends.

3 Tips to Avoid Being House Poor

October 14, 2021 20:25 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

Buying a home is exciting but you want to be careful so your afford and enjoy your home as well as other things travel and saving for retirement. We share three critical things you need to know like how much it costs to buy your home and the new items like homeowners insurance and utilities that will be part of your budget.

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

October 07, 2021 20:11 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

Fall is an important time to take of your home to prepare it for the harsh winter season to come. From cleaning gutters to draining and turning off exterior faucets we review the things you should be reviewing on the exterior of your home. With all the storms we had this summer, it is important to check the roof and siding now to look for any lose or damaged shingles and siding. On the interior of the home, we talk about preparing the furnace for efficient use, what to look at when it com...

Homeowners Insurance Myths Debunked

September 30, 2021 20:25 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MB

Homeowners insurance is one of those things we only think about when the premiums come due. That is, until something happens to your home and you need to file a claim only to discover something you thought would be covered is not covered at all. In this episode, we debunk 7 common myths about homeowners insurance including whether flood damage and mold are covered, whether everything in your home is covered, and who is responsible to file a claim if your neighbors tree falls in your yard. ...

Things to Know if You Buy a College Condo/Home

September 24, 2021 20:47 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

The cost of room and board at college and universities continues to climb. Add to that the complications that Covid have brought to group living on a college campus and you may be considering buying a condo or home for your college student a possible solution. We discuss the timing of making a purchase (you should be looking at year out from when you need the property), location as it relates to where the student will be spending time on campus versus purchase price and whether you will wa...

9 Things to do When Your Basement Floods

September 16, 2021 19:38 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

Whether it’s the result of a storm or burst pipe, when your basement floods you are left with a mess to clean up. Taking quick action can help minimize the amount of damage and prevent mold and mildew and we share 9 key things you need to do. Starting with making sure your basement is safe to enter by turning off any power to removing the water, drying things out and reviewing the exterior of your home to prevent future issues we share tips from experts to help you act quickly.

What Does an Appraiser Look For?

September 10, 2021 16:06 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

If you are buying a home and getting a mortgage, or refinancing an existing mortgage, you will need to have an appraisal completed. You know an appraisal is an important part of the home buying and selling process, but you may know exactly what is covered during an appraisal. We share what an appraiser is looking for when they come out to your home, how they determine the appraised value of a home, how long it take, who pays for it and what happens if the appraisal comes in low.

8 Steps to Home Ownership

September 03, 2021 14:24 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MB

The home buying process is just that – a process! For some buyers it can feel like a long road to go down before you get success but knowing the steps involved and what to expect can make the process easier and more enjoyable. We share the 8 common steps that include finding the right agent and getting pre-approved to making and offer, negotiation and moving in.

6 Reasons a Home Sale Fails

August 26, 2021 15:28 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

There are a lot of moving parts during the home buying and selling process that could lead to a deal falling apart not the least of which are inspections, appraisals and even one party getting cold feet. The good news is that 96% of home sales make it to the closing table so that means the odds are in your favor that your deal will be just fine but it also indicates that 4% of deals have issues that have the parties walk away. We share not only the 6 main reasons why a home sale fails but ...

Buying or Selling a Storm Damaged Home

August 19, 2021 19:54 - 44 minutes - 61.7 MB

Summer storms knocking out power can be inconvenient, but what happens when the home you are buying or selling becomes damaged by storms? We discuss what sellers should do in the event their home is storm damaged while on the market and in a word it is: disclosure. Sellers want to be sure to disclose any damage that was done and what repairs and remediation was done to the home. We share the options available to buyers and that ranges from walking away from a deal to negotiating and worki...

5 Simple Upgrades to Increase Home Value

August 12, 2021 21:28 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

We share 5 easy and proven upgrades you can make to help improve the aesthetics of your home and increase its value. From soft, neutral paint on the walls to resurfacing kitchen cabinet to shaping up your outdoor space, we give you idea to help you quickly update key areas in your home. We also discuss how to review your home as a buyer would to help you stage it more effectively.

Safety Tips for Your New Home

August 05, 2021 19:09 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

There are several things you should do when moving into your new home to help insure you have a safe and secure environment. We discuss the importance of changing or re-keying your doors and resetting passcodes for digital entry systems to your home as well as changing the batteries and checking that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working. We share why you should check your hot water heater and dryer vent as well as checking that your house numbers are easily visible to f...

Effective Open Houses

July 30, 2021 15:29 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MB

Open houses have long been a method to market a home and keep sellers happy, but in today’s market and when done correctly, they can be an effective way to help buyers have a level playing field and sell a home quickly. We discuss what goes on to strategically market an open house home (it is more than directional signs and balloons), whether open houses on weekdays get results and what the future looks like for open houses.

11 Things that Make Your House Look Dated

July 22, 2021 20:35 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

Some things get better with age, but if you are selling your home you should know that are things that can make your home look dated and out of style. Popcorn ceiling and vibrant wall-to-wall carpeting are two things that instantly age your home and we share what no to use for window coverings, what color light fixtures need to be updated and which one room can easily have multiple things making it look older than it is.

Moving and Packing Tips

July 08, 2021 15:54 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Planning and organizing are important steps to help you have a smooth move. We talk about how you can use existing items around your home like suitcases, laundry tubs and even pots and pans to help transport items and using sheets, towels and blankets to wrap items to minimize the amount of purchased supplies you need. We also talk about the use of plastic wrap as a packing aid, the importance of labeling boxes (label the sides not just the top of the box), creating an essential boxes for e...

Tips for a Successful Real Estate Career

July 01, 2021 18:22 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MB

If you envision a career that doesn’t require a college degree, has the freedom and flexibility to create your own schedule and has unlimited income potential then a career in real estate could be a great fit for you. While 87% of new agents fail in the first five years in real estate, our guest went in the opposite direction becoming a top agent in his first 5 years and he shares what attracted him to real estate, how he got started in real estate and what advice he has for those considerin...

Mid-Year Market Update

June 24, 2021 21:10 - 42 minutes - 97.1 MB

As we approach the halfway point of the year, we take a look at the impact that loosening of Covid restrictions and vaccines being widely available is having on the real estate market. We also discuss inflation and the Fed’s recent announcement of hold steading on interest rates until 2023 and what that means for buyers and whether to expect more listings coming on the market in the second half of the year.

Benefits of Using an Experienced Agent

June 08, 2021 14:26 - 42 minutes - 98.1 MB

With more Realtors in the US than homes for sale it is safe to say you probably know someone with a real estate license, but that doesn’t mean that is who you should use to buy or sell your home. We discuss how the relationships agents have with other agents can make a big difference in getting offers looked at and how in this fast-paced market you can benefit from the calm experience an experienced agent provides. We also talk about communication and how using an agent to get the most ex...

Radon, Mold, Flood Zones and More

June 03, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

We discuss some of the less common but important that buyers should be aware of before buying a home. Radon is a radioactive gas that can enter a home through foundation cracks drains, sump pumps and since it is odorless you don’t know if it is present unless you test for it. If detected, it can be remediated but you want to address this before you move in and live in your home We also discuss what you need to know about mold, easements and FEMA flood zones so that you can request any addi...

RE/MAX Real Estate Insights

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