Brewed In Monmouth:The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen

This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Michelle Higgins, owner of Fine Flowers and Gifts in Middletown, NJ, to talk about her inspiring leap from a 36-year career in radiology to running a beloved local flower shop.

After decades specializing in mammography, Michelle took a chance on a new chapter—one rooted in the same values of connection, care, and community that guided her first career. Today, she leads a shop known for personalized service, curated gifts, and floral designs crafted by her expert team, Katie and Jessica.

In this episode, we cover:✔️ How Michelle transitioned from healthcare to small business ownership✔️ Why personalized service still wins over big-box convenience✔️ Current wedding floral trends—from minimalist bud vases to smaller bridal posies✔️ The emotional impact of flowers during life's biggest moments✔️ How Monmouth County's family-run businesses support one another

Whether you're a Monmouth County local, a small business lover, or someone dreaming about your own career reinvention—this episode is for you.

What if preschool didn’t happen inside four walls?

In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Emily McCue, founder of Sticks and Sprouts, a nature-based preschool in Monmouth County, NJ that’s redefining early childhood education through outdoor play, creativity, and exploration.

With a background as a pediatric occupational therapist, Emily shares how she built a program focused on helping kids develop confidence, independence, and real-world skills—without screens or traditional classroom structure.

We talk about:
• What makes a nature-based preschool different
• The real benefits of outdoor learning for young children
• Why more Monmouth County families are exploring alternative preschool options
• How Sticks and Sprouts is growing a strong local community

If you're a parent, educator, or just curious about new approaches to early education, this episode is packed with insight.

🎙 Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea highlights local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community stories across Monmouth County, NJ.

#MonmouthCountyNJ #PreschoolNJ #NatureBasedLearning #OutdoorEducation #BrewedInMonmouth

In this heartfelt episode of Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea, Kate Raftery and Doreen DeMarco sit down with Kevin J. Keelan, Bereavement Specialist at Stephy’s Place, for an honest and meaningful conversation about grief, healing, and the power of community.

Stephy’s Place, a nonprofit based in Red Bank, New Jersey, provides free peer support for individuals who have experienced loss. Through professionally guided support groups and resources, they offer a safe space where people can share their stories, process their grief, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.

Kevin shares insight into how grief impacts everyday life, how to support others going through loss, and why having a strong support system is so important—especially during major life transitions.

This episode goes beyond real estate. It’s about compassion, connection, and showing up for people when they need it most.

✨ Whether you’re navigating loss or simply want to better understand how to support someone who is, this is a conversation worth listening to.

🔗 Learn more about Stephy’s Place: https://www.stephysplace.org

In this episode, Frank Forte joins us to break down the 2026 commercial real estate landscape — from the shift happening in office spaces to why multi-tenant industrial properties continue to outperform. We also discuss the challenges of apartment oversupply, the realities of tenant management, and why relationships still matter most in real estate deals.

If you want an inside look at how experienced investors are navigating today’s market, this conversation is packed with insights.

📍 Serving Monmouth County, NJ☕ Real conversations. Local experts. No fluff.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring the people shaping Monmouth County.

Kate Raftery is a top-producing real estate agent and owner of NextHome Peninsula Realty Group in Monmouth County, NJ. Ranked in the top 1% of Monmouth and Ocean MLS since 2023, Kate combines luxury-level service with deep community involvement — supporting local schools, businesses, and organizations while helping families feel at home in the towns she serves.

Doreen DeMarco is a RealTrends Top 1% New Jersey agent with Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach in Holmdel. Known for her professionalism, market expertise, and relationship-driven approach, Doreen has built her business through trust, integrity, and long-standing community connections. Doreen has been the number 1 agent in Holmdel, NJ for the last 10 years.

Together, they host Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea — a podcast spotlighting local entrepreneurs, real estate insights, and the people who make Monmouth County such a special place to live.

What just changed for cash buyers in real estate? 👀If you’re purchasing property through an LLC or trust, there’s a new layer of requirements you need to know about — and it’s already getting attention across the industry.In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Andy Krantz, Esq. to break down the new FINCEN requirements, what’s shifting behind the scenes, and how these changes could impact buyers, sellers, investors, and title companies.This conversation is educational, timely, and a must-watch if you want to understand what’s really happening before you get to the closing table.Whether you’re actively investing or just staying informed, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve.📍 Serving Monmouth County, NJ ☕ Real conversations. Local experts. No fluff. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring the people shaping Monmouth County. Kate Raftery is a top-producing real estate agent and owner of NextHome Peninsula Realty Group in Monmouth County, NJ. Ranked in the top 1% of Monmouth and Ocean MLS since 2023, Kate combines luxury-level service with deep community involvement — supporting local schools, businesses, and organizations while helping families feel at home in the towns she serves.

Doreen DeMarco is a RealTrends Top 1% New Jersey agent with Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach in Holmdel. Known for her professionalism, market expertise, and relationship-driven approach, Doreen has built her business through trust, integrity, and long-standing community connections. Doreen has been the number 1 agent in Holmdel, NJ for the last 10 years.

Together, they host Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea — a podcast spotlighting local entrepreneurs, real estate insights, and the people who make Monmouth County such a special place to live.

In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea, hosts Kate Raftery of NextHome Peninsula Realty Group and Doreen DeMarco of Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach sit down with Dr. Kristen Aland, board-certified OB/GYN, to discuss her move to delivering babies at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ — and what that means for families across Monmouth County.

Dr. Aland shares her approach to women’s healthcare, what expecting parents should know about labor and delivery at Riverview, and how building trust between doctor and patient creates confidence during pregnancy and childbirth.

In this conversation, we cover:
• What families can expect when delivering at Riverview Medical Center
• How to choose the right OB/GYN
• Preparing physically and emotionally for labor
• The role of support systems during major life transitions
• Why healthcare decisions often influence where families choose to live

Kate and Doreen explore how life’s biggest milestones — welcoming a baby or purchasing a home — both require preparation, trust, and the right team around you. The conversation highlights the importance of community-based healthcare, the reassurance families seek during pregnancy, and how Riverview Medical Center continues to serve as a trusted resource for local moms.

As always, the goal of Brewed in Monmouth is to spotlight the professionals shaping Monmouth County and provide real conversations that connect community, family, and home.

Host Notes

On this episode of Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea, hosts Kate Raftery and Doreen DeMarco sit down with Eric Ulino of Goosehead Insurance to break down homeowners insurance in New Jersey.

We talk about why NJ insurance premiums are so high, what’s driving recent increases, and how coastal exposure, flood insurance, and replacement costs factor into coverage. Eric shares common mistakes homeowners make, what buyers and sellers should review before a transaction, and how insurance decisions can directly impact real estate deals.

Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, seller, or real estate professional in New Jersey, this episode delivers practical insight you can actually use—without the fluff.

☕ Real estate, local experts, and the conversations behind the numbers.

In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen, we’re talking mortgages with Lee Batcha of loanDepot. Lee breaks down today’s mortgage news, explains first-time homebuyer programs, and shares practical advice on credit repair and credit readiness for buyers.

If you’re thinking about buying a home — now or in the near future — this episode helps you understand how lenders look at credit, what programs may be available, and how to position yourself financially before you start house hunting. Clear, informative, and buyer-focused, this conversation is packed with real-world guidance for navigating today’s housing market with confidence.

🎙️ Co-hosted by Kate Raftery, RealTrends-verified Top 1% in NJ, owner of NextHome Peninsula Realty Group in Rumson, specializing in Monmouth County real estate.
🎙️ Co-hosted by Doreen DeMarco, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, the #1 agent in Holmdel for 10 consecutive years and RealTrends-verified Top 1% in NJ.

In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, hosts Kate Raftery and Doreen DeMarco sit down with Valerie Alvrin for a clear, practical conversation on New Jersey real estate law—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts buyers and sellers at every stage of a transaction.

Valerie breaks down attorney review, contracts, inspections, negotiations, timelines, and the most common legal mistakes that can delay or derail a closing. She explains when and why a real estate attorney is essential in NJ, how attorneys work alongside agents, and what consumers should expect behind the scenes from offer to closing. This episode is packed with real-world insight and straightforward answers to the questions buyers and sellers ask most.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned seller, or simply want to better understand how the legal side protects your investment, this episode delivers clarity and confidence in a complex market—especially here in Monmouth County.

Hosted by:
Kate Raftery, RealTrends-verified Top 1% in NJ, specializing in Monmouth County, owner of NextHome Peninsula Realty Group in Rumson, and one of the most trusted local real estate voices in the Rumson–Fair Haven–Middletown market. Kate proudly sponsors Fair Haven schools, community events, and local charities.
Co-hosted by Doreen DeMarco of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, the #1 agent in Holmdel, NJ for 10 consecutive years as verified by MOMLS data, RealTrends-verified Top 1% in NJ, proud supporter of Holmdel Township schools, powerhouse local entrepreneur, and community connector.

🎧 Follow Brewed in Monmouth for conversations with the experts and local leaders shaping Monmouth County—real estate, business, and beyond.

In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, hosts Kate Raftery and Doreen DeMarco sit down with Linda Lautenberg and Judy Schoenberg, co-founders of EvolveMe, a professional growth company helping women navigate midlife career transitions with clarity and confidence.

Linda and Judy share the story behind their proven DARE™ Method of career reinvention and their signature group coaching program, The Reinvention Collective, which clients consistently describe as life-changing. The conversation explores why mid-career reinvention isn’t a setback—but a strategic opportunity to realign purpose, leadership, and impact.

With backgrounds spanning real estate finance, investment strategy, education, and national nonprofit leadership, Linda and Judy offer powerful insights on human-centered leadership, confidence building, resilience, and leading from the inside out. This episode is a must-listen for women in business, professionals considering a career pivot, and organizations focused on retaining and developing top talent.

Kate Raftery — Owner of NextHome Peninsula Realty Group in Rumson, NJ, RealTrends-verified Top 1% Realtor in New Jersey, and trusted Monmouth County real estate and community voice.
Doreen DeMarco — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, #1 agent in Holmdel, NJ for 10 consecutive years, RealTrends-verified Top 1% in NJ, and co-creator of Brewed in Monmouth.

🎙️ Hosts