Finance With Factor

Many “experts” are projecting reasons for optimism in the real estate market. Wall Street predicts the Fed will be cutting rates, Fannie Mae projects mortgage rates to come down, NAR expects listings to increase, and places like "Housing Wire" report shifts in confidence. I sit down with Chris Rao, 3rd generation Managing Broker, Marketing Director, Owner and Training Coordinator at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Page Realty, to discuss why he and his team are excited about the upcoming year. We discuss real estate and mortgage trends and what we expect more of in 2024.

Rates and home prices have dominated the real estate conversation, but homeowner's insurance can be a big variable in affordability. If you are in the market for a new home or you are a homeowner confused by you premium this renewal season, listen to this episode. Joel Fanjoy, of William Raveis Insurance, shares what is driving renewal rates, insurance premiums, and how to control your insurance costs and how to evaluate your coverage needs. Listen for tips and advice that you can take to your local insurance agent for advice on your policy.

Moving is emotional. Sometimes it is exciting...new

Calling all business holiday elves. It is time to build your marketing and promotional budgets, send greeting cards, mail client gifts, and host events. Which means, it is time to speak with Josh Donovan, President/Owner of South Shore Business Checks & Printing, Inc., a printing and promotional marketing company. If you are struggling on where to start, what to order, or in need of some help, enjoy our conversation to get inspired and spark your next idea.

This episode is part of a shop local, shop small business series as we get ready for Black Friday shopping...

Attention all self-employed small business owners! Now is the time to start your tax planning...especially if you want to buy a home within the next three years or have just purchased a home and want to refinace (whenever rates eventually come down). Pamela Hilton, CPA and Owner of Hilton CPA, shares valuable tips and advice on how to evaluate your tax stratagies. What questions should you be asking? How do you balance short-term tax savings with long-term financial goals?

Why do economists focus so much on builders’ confidence levels and metrics?  One reason is because they are the key to many economic indicators and future housing inventory.  Mike Preston, Co-Founder & Principal of Beacon Montclair Development and Managing Partner of C21 Revolution, shares what developers are looking for in a purchase and resale.  As the BMD team’s lead and acquisition and sale strategist, his insights on how builders approach their budgets can inform buyers and buyer’s agents on how to best approach an offer on new construction.  We discuss new construction trends, profitability, and how agents looking to get into evelopment can get started.

Cold calling can be scary. It can result in an embarrassing disaster that makes for legendary stories...or new or unexpected opportunities. And, there is only one way to find out...make the call. Jack Woods, is an experienced, well-trained cold call expert joins to share his tips on how to get over the fear of making the call! Listen to enjoy his tips and advice, learn from a few success stories, and laugh at a few of our epic fails.

#October #Goosebumps Series (Part 2): All month I discuss scary topics and tips to overcome our fears. Next week self-employed tax returns!

Have you ever been too nervous to push record, felt the anxiety of a big moment in the game, or stood frozen off stage? Dr. Carol Nabatoff is an accomplished acting/voice coach and musical theory teacher.  Her students range from local children to performers on the Voice, stars of the Broadway stage to the silver screen...and just about every other form of entertainment.  She shares tips and advice on how we can conquer our performance anxieties--whether it is making a phone call, filming a video, or taking the main stage!  Great tips that realtors (really anyone) can implement in their everyday lives!

October Goosebumps Series (Part 1): All month I discuss scary topics and tips to overcome our fears. (Usually podcast come out ever Wed, but couldn't resist starting the series on Friday the 13th!) Upcoming “scary” episodes include self-employed tax strategies and cold calls!

It's what is on the outside that counts. That may not be the saying, but in real estate, it is true! Curb appeal and big ticket items, like roof and siding can make a substantial impact on your sale or offer price. Kevin Green, COO of G&G Development and President/CEO of Green Brothers Roofing, shares tips and advice for realtors, sellers, and homebuyers. We discuss ways to perform basic inspections (for those waiving/limiting contingencies) and the ROI of roof and siding repairs. Give this episode a listen before you make an offer or list your next home!