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 www.goldenwestcafe.com. 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 https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/environment/)
• [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 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Our Guest

Tim Shotzberger, Homeland Environmental (443) 995-5385 (office) https://www.homelandhealthyhomes.com

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

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 www.maggiesfarmmd.com. 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 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Our Guest

Jeff Nengel, Baystate Insurance Group (410) 419-6273 (mobile) https://www.savewithbig.com

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

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 www.linwoods.com. 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: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/publications/titleinsurancebrochure.pdf 
• [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 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Our Guest

Tom Drechsler, Sage Title Group (410) 821-4510 (office) https://www.sagetitlegroup.com

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

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 www.pairingsbistro.com. 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
• Pairings Bistro 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 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Our Guest

Jason Piebes, Edward Jones (410) 337-9146 (office) https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/jason-piebes 

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

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 www.rocksaltgrille.com. 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
• RockSalt Grille in Westminster!
• [00:58:30] Final thoughts
• Next episode - Preparing to Buy: Financial Planning for Homebuyers 

Hosts

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

Zillow housing market prediction: https://archive.ph/2023.05.23-192316/https://fortune.com/2023/05/23/housing-market-home-price-prediction-by-zillow-2024-real-estate/#selection-479.118-479.164

VA entitlement calculator: https://whatsmypayment.com/va-entitlement-calculator/

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 lacucharabaltimore.com. 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
• La Cuchara 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 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

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 pappasparkville.com or pappasrestaurantcockeysville.com. 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
• Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar in Parkville or Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar 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 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

Episode 17 (Planning Your Move, with Special Guest - Sam Perry, Perry Moving and Storage):   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 cantlers.com. 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: https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/news/01192023-big-llpa-changes 
• [00:57:40] Some journalist are getting it wrong, and we are more reliable than the WSJ
• [01:04:37] THE SPOTLIGHT
• Cantlers Riverside Inn!
• [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 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Guest

Sam Perry, Perry Moving & Storage[email protected] (410) 799-0022 https://perrymoving.com  https://perrymoving.com/blog/ (for moving tips and more!)

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

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 theoregongrill.com. 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
• The Oregon Grille!
• [01:06:03] Final thoughts
• Next episode: Planning Your Move: Top Insider Moving Tips (guest contributor!)

Hosts

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod

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 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057156022251) or find them on the web at themintleaf.us. 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: NAMB welcomes legislative proposal to ban use of trigger leads
• [00:59:40] How to opt out of the barrage of lender calls
• [01:01:35] THE SPOTLIGHT
• The Mint Leaf!
• [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 [email protected] (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 [email protected] (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

Links

Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod