In this powerful episode of Free Game, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette dive deep into the art of commitment and the hidden forces that derail life-changing decisions. Through a compelling story about a declined credit card that became a divine intervention, Terence reveals how he saved nearly $20,000 on a home renovation by pausing to shop around. But the real conversation centers on a more critical question: when do you cut the strings with the "puppet masters" who influence your choices? The hosts explore the delicate balance between seeking trusted advice and falling victim to outdated information, hidden agendas, and even jealousy from those closest to you. From real estate contracts to romantic relationships, they unpack why continuing to search after making a commitment is a recipe for regret and instability. With raw authenticity and practical wisdom, Terence and Ed challenge listeners to identify their true "why," silence the noise, and understand that once you've made the decision—whether it's a house, a partner, or a life direction—it's time to stop shopping and start building.

In this episode, hosts Ed Averette and Terence Guess delve into the controversial topic of 50-year mortgages and their potential impacts on homebuyers and the housing market. They explore the pros and cons of extending mortgage terms, including the increased interest payments and the challenge of building equity. The discussion also touches on the idea of portable mortgages, which could allow homeowners to transfer their current interest rates to new properties. The hosts emphasize the importance of educational resources to help buyers make informed decisions and avoid long-term debt traps. They wrap up by reflecting on personal milestones, such as high school reunions and significant career decisions.

Navigating Challenges In Real Estate: Personal, Political, and Professional

In this episode of Free Game Friday, Ed and Terence discuss the challenges faced over the past year in both personal and professional spheres, emphasizing the importance of kindness and understanding. They delve into current issues such as federal agents being deployed to blue states, affecting communities and impacting markets, particularly in home building. The hosts also touch on the increase in unapproved loans due to misinformation and the importance of solid client relationships. They also discuss recent changes by Fannie Mae regarding minimum credit scores for conventional loans, emphasizing the continued need for other robust financial qualifications. The episode concludes with a promise to discuss potential future trends like 50-year mortgages and portable mortgages in the next installment.

What if the success of every real estate transaction depends on one person holding everyone accountable, but who's actually accountable for making sure accountability happens?

In this compelling episode of Free Game, Terence and Ed dive deep into the often-overlooked concept of accountability in real estate transactions. Terence pulls back the curtain on the lender's role, describing himself as "the glue" that holds every deal together, from credit monitoring and income verification to appraisal coordination and title review. The hosts explore the delicate balance between maintaining professional relationships with all parties involved while ensuring clients remain educated and prepared throughout the process. They tackle uncomfortable truths about communication breakdowns, the importance of not letting client conflicts damage partner relationships, and the reality that not all money is good money. With raw honesty and real-world examples, Terence and Ed reveal why accountability isn't just about catching mistakes, it's about building relationships that outlast any single transaction and understanding that professionalism means knowing your numbers, your worth, and when to walk away.

What happens when experienced real estate professionals find themselves working harder than ever, despite years of building their brand—and how can agents protect their time while still serving clients who aren't truly ready to buy?

In this candid Free Game Friday conversation, Ed and Terence pull back the curtain on the real estate grind in today's unpredictable market. Despite years of experience and established reputations, both reveal they're working harder than ever—not because of lack of expertise, but because of the unique challenges of the fourth quarter market and increasingly informed yet indecisive clients. The duo discusses the frustration of dealing with buyers who take days to review offers in a competitive market, the exhaustion of being treated like a "tour guide" for clients who aren't serious, and the critical importance of speed to market. They challenge the notion that AI and Google searches can replace personalized professional guidance, emphasizing that generic information often doesn't apply to individual situations or local markets. Most powerfully, they make the case for prioritizing clients who are truly ready to move, setting boundaries around their time and energy, and demanding the same level of seriousness from buyers that they bring to every transaction. The conversation serves as both a reality check for prospective homebuyers and a rallying cry for agents to value their expertise and time appropriately.

What if the biggest barrier to homeownership isn't the market—but the unrealistic expectations buyers and sellers bring to the negotiating table?

In this no-holds-barred episode of Free Game, Terence Guess and Ed Averette dive deep into the art of the deal in real estate, delivering unfiltered truth about what it really takes to buy and sell homes in today's market. The duo breaks down the critical importance of financial preparation, revealing why having at least $10,000 saved isn't just recommended—it's essential. They explore the delicate dance between buyers' dreams and sellers' expectations, discussing how personal circumstances like job loss and divorce can impact neighborhood pricing. Ed shares his philosophy on working closely with lenders before making any moves, while Terence emphasizes the importance of timing and realistic market awareness. Throughout the conversation, both hosts stress the value of honest communication, explaining why agents who tell clients what they need to hear—not what they want to hear—ultimately serve them best. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for both real estate professionals and anyone navigating the home buying or selling process.

Are you using AI and social media to enhance your business, or has it quietly become your business?

In this thought-provoking episode of Free Game, hosts Ed Averette and Terence Guess tackle one of the most pressing questions facing real estate professionals today: Is social media and AI truly a friend, or a potential frenemy? The duo delivers an honest, unfiltered conversation about the role of artificial intelligence and social platforms in the real estate and lending industries. From discussing AI-generated avatars that don't quite capture their authentic voices to exploring the dangers of oversharing on social media, Ed and Terence break down the reality that these tools are best used as enhancements, not replacements for genuine human connection. They share candid stories about client interactions, safety concerns at open houses, and the fine line between personal and professional content. The conversation takes meaningful turns into mental health, the importance of unplugging, and why authenticity still matters more than follower counts. This episode serves as both a practical guide and a reality check for professionals navigating the increasingly digital landscape of real estate.

What if the difference between leaving your family a legacy or leaving them with nothing comes down to a simple $100 monthly decision you're making right now?

In this powerful episode of Free Game, hosts Terence and Ed sit down with real estate and insurance professional Myra to discuss the crucial intersection of homeownership, life insurance, and generational wealth. The conversation goes beyond traditional real estate advice, diving deep into why the African American community is massively underinsured and what can be done about it. Myra shares her journey from real estate agent to licensed insurance professional, explaining how she witnessed too many families struggling with GoFundMe pages and fish fries to cover funeral costs. The trio breaks down the harsh realities of homeownership that many don't consider—like needing reserves and income protection to actually stay in the home you've purchased. They tackle uncomfortable truths about legacy planning, the "sandwich generation" caring for both children and aging parents, and why protection should come before luxury purchases. This isn't just another real estate conversation; it's a blueprint for building wealth that lasts beyond one generation, delivered with the raw honesty and practical wisdom that Free Game is known for.

Special Guest: Myra Logan, Broker/Realtor eXP Realty

What happens when the shiny promise of homeownership collides with the harsh reality of market cycles, and how can 28 years of real estate experience help navigate the storm that's brewing in today's housing market?

In this eye-opening episode of Free Game Friday, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette are joined by veteran real estate broker Myra Logan, who brings nearly three decades of experience to dissect the current housing market crisis. The conversation reveals a sobering reality: the homebuyers who participated in the "highest and best" bidding wars of recent years are now facing foreclosures and short sales as they find themselves underwater on their mortgages. Logan provides insider insights into the foreclosure process, loan modifications, and the critical importance of working with experienced professionals. The discussion also tackles the proliferation of inexperienced agents in the industry and how misinformation on social media is affecting both consumers and legitimate professionals. This episode serves as both a reality check and a masterclass in understanding the true complexities of real estate beyond the glossy marketing.

With Charlotte's median home price at $426,500 and the average buyer earning $80,000-$90,000 annually, what exactly are potential homebuyers waiting for in today's shifting market?

In this high-energy episode, Ed and Terence tackle the elephant in the room: market hesitation despite favorable conditions for buyers. After opening with Ed's nostalgic breakdancing stories from Beat Street in California, the conversation quickly pivots to current market realities. The hosts dissect Charlotte's housing data, revealing that buyers earning average incomes can afford homes in the $240,000-$360,000 range, yet many remain on the sidelines. They explore the psychology of waiting for perfect conditions, discuss practical exit strategies for homeownership, and emphasize why timing matters more than perfection. From interest rate realities to aggressive negotiation tactics, this episode challenges listeners to stop waiting and start acting in a market that's quietly heating up.