🎙️ Show Notes – Episode 12 of Keys to the Coast

Title: Behind the Scenes of Real Estate Title with Julio Ramos

When it comes to buying or selling a home, one step often feels like a mystery: title. What is it? Why do you need it? And what happens if there’s an issue?

In this episode, Kensie sits down with Julio Ramos, Title Officer with Chicago Title, to demystify the world of real estate title. Julio shares his personal journey into the industry, explains what title really means, and answers some of the most frequently asked questions from buyers and sellers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Julio’s story and how he became a Title Officer
• What real estate title is and why it matters
• The difference between title and title insurance
• Common title issues that can delay closings—and how to avoid them
• FAQs: liens, unpaid taxes, multiple owners, and more
• Pro tips for making your transaction smoother

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this conversation will give you the knowledge and confidence you need when it comes to title.

📲 Connect with Julio and Chicago Title [email protected]

🎙️ Episode 10 – “New Chapters & Community Roots with Bill Van Lopik”

Keys to the Coast Podcast | Hosted by Mckensie Gentry

🔑 Episode Overview:

In this episode, Mckensie sits down with someone who embodies what it means to serve — both in real estate and in life. Meet Bill Van Lopik: a former client turned real estate agent, a community leader, and a perfect example that it’s never too late to start something new.

After a successful career and retirement, Bill chose to dive into the world of real estate and is now a licensed agent on the Sandi Gentry Team. Beyond buying and selling homes, Bill stays deeply connected to the Grand Haven and lakeshore communities through his involvement in various boards, councils, and service initiatives.

Whether you're considering a new chapter in your career or you're just curious about how community and real estate intertwine, this episode will leave you inspired.

💬 What We Talk About:

• Bill’s professional journey before real estate
• What inspired him to start a new chapter after retirement
• His experience transitioning from client to agent
• The role of community involvement in real estate
• Advice for others thinking about making a late-career switch
• Why West Michigan is such a special place to serve

📍 Favorite Quote from the Episode:

"You’re never too old to start something new — especially when that something connects you deeper to your community." – Bill Van Lopik

📲 Connect with Us:

Follow along for more inspiring interviews and local highlights!
 Instagram: @thesandigentryteam

In this episode, Mckensie sits down with renowned interior designer Kristin McNeil, founder of Anne Rae Designs. With features in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, The NY Times, and more, Kristin has made her mark across the country — and now calls West Michigan home.

Together, they talk about:
 ✨ Kristin’s journey into design (and her move from California to Grand Haven)
 ✨ The mission and growth of Anne Rae Designs
 ✨ Behind-the-scenes of her personal home remodel downtown Grand Haven
 ✨ Current design trends she’s loving (and the ones she’s leaving behind)
 ✨ How to elevate your home, even on a budget
 ✨ Plus… her favorite paint color, local shops, and a few rapid-fire fun facts

Whether you're looking for design inspiration or dreaming up your next renovation, this episode will leave you full of ideas and ready to bring beauty and intention to your space.

🎧 Listen now and follow Kristin’s work at @anneraedesigns or annerae.com
 

This week on Keys to the Coast, we’re diving into the magic that is Coast Guard Festival—and what a week it was! From hosting our 400+ person client appreciation party, to handing out 7,000 t-shirts at the parade, to sponsoring the street dance with Brena… our team was all in.

Join Kensie and Sandi as they relive their favorite moments of the week—Sandi’s unforgettable ride on the Coast Guard ship, the joy of connecting with our community, and the incredible pride we feel calling Grand Haven Coast Guard City, USA.

This episode is packed with:

• Community highlights and behind-the-scenes stories
• Why Coast Guard Festival is more than just an event—it’s a tradition
• Heartfelt appreciation for those who serve in the U.S. Coast Guard
• And a huge THANK YOU to everyone who celebrated with us

🎙️ Tune in now and relive the magic of the festival with us.

🎙️ Episode 8: Rooted on the Lakeshore — The Wildflower Yoga StoryGuest: Delanie Fredricks, Owner of Wildflower Yoga Studio


In this inspiring episode, Kensie sits down with local business owner and yoga instructor Delanie Fredricks, the founder of Wildflower Yoga Studio. What began as a vision for a calm, welcoming space has blossomed into a thriving studio rooted in connection, community, and coastal mindfulness.
Delanie shares her personal journey to the lakeshore, what inspired her to open a yoga studio, and the recent leap into a brand new space. From navigating the realities of small business ownership to cultivating intentional movement for all bodies and skill levels, this conversation is full of encouragement and heart.

🌿 In This Episode:
•How Delanie found her way to the West Michigan lakeshore
•The story behind Wildflower Yoga Studio’s name
•The joys and challenges of opening a yoga studio in a small coastal town
•What it's like to overcome tragedy and transition into a brand-new location
•How the lakeshore influences her approach to wellness and community
•Practical advice for anyone intimidated by yoga or thinking of starting their own business

📚 Delanie’s Recommended Read:
When things fall apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times 
👉 Grab it on Amazon 
https://amzn.to/3UbreVP


📍 Connect with Wildflower Yoga:
Follow along with Delanie and learn more about classes and events:📸 Instagram: @wildfloweryogastudio🌐 Website: 
https://www.wildfloweryogagh.com/


🎧 Listen, Subscribe & ShareIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs a little more grounding and breath in their life.
Thanks for tuning in to Keys to the Coast—where we bring you the people, places, and properties that make the coast feel like home.

🎙️ Episode Title: The Spring & Summer Real Estate Myth🌸☀️—Busted or Backed? 

📍 Podcast: Keys to the Coast with Kensie & Kelly

Episode Summary:

Spring is the season everyone talks about in real estate—but is it really the best time to buy or sell?

In this episode, Kensie and Kelly break down:

• Why spring gets all the hype in real estate
• What the data actually shows about spring sales
• Pros and cons for both buyers and sellers
• Real advice on how to win in a competitive season
• Whether this spring is the right time for you to make a move

If you're feeling the itch to buy or sell, but you're not sure if now’s the time, this episode will give you the clarity—and strategy—you need.

🔑 Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @thesandigentryteam @mckensiegentryhomes
DM us your questions or ideas for future episodes—we love hearing from you!

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who’s thinking about making a move this year.

In this episode of Keys to the Coast, Mckensie and Sandi discuss the challenges buyers face in competitive real estate markets, particularly during bidding wars. They provide valuable tips on how to make offers stand out without exceeding budgets, emphasizing the importance of pre-approval, flexible timelines, and effective communication with sellers. The conversation also touches on the seller's perspective, highlighting the significance of pricing strategies and the role of communication in managing multiple offers.

Takeaways

• Winning a bid without blowing your budget is possible.
• Getting pre-approved shows seriousness to sellers.
• The highest offer isn't always the best offer.
• Flexibility with the seller's timeline can be advantageous.
• An escalation clause can keep you competitive.
• Staying calm is crucial during the home buying process.
• Effective communication between agents is key.
• Pricing appropriately can lead to multiple offers.
• Buyer's remorse can occur if you stretch your budget too far.
• Having a trusted agent can guide you through the process.

Being a full-time realtor, mom, wife, and human isn’t easy—but somehow, we’re doing it… one coffee and calendar reminder at a time. In this episode we sit down with fellow agent and close friend, Hannah, for a real (and funny) conversation about what it actually looks like to balance career, family, and real life.

From behind-the-scenes mom fails to honest talk about boundaries, burnout, and redefining success, this episode is for anyone trying to do it all—and wondering if they're the only one dropping balls along the way.

In this episode:

• Hannah’s story: how she got into real estate and why
• Juggling showings, school drop-offs, and sanity
• The rewards—of working on a team and with a close friend
• Sanity-saving hacks and small wins that matter
• Rapid fire Q&A
• What success looks like in this season of life

🎙 Episode 4 – Big Wins, Big Lessons with Tyler Cook

In this episode, Kensie sits down with her brother-in-law and fellow real estate agent, Tyler Cook, for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of the real estate journey. From deals that almost fell apart to surprising wins, Tyler shares what he’s learned through it all.

🔑 Inside this episode:

• Tyler’s path into real estate and what drew him to the industry
• A few stories of lessons learned in the industry, with some laughs
• A heartwarming win that reminded him why he loves this job
• Lessons from the field that every buyer, seller, and agent should hear
• What it's like working with family on a high-performing team

📲 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more coastal dreamers find us!

In this episode of Keys to the Coast, host Kensie and real estate expert Kelly Radel discuss the current state of the West Michigan real estate market.

 
They explore market trends, buyer demand, and provide valuable advice for both buyers and sellers.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics, the impact of equity on home sales, and the significance of accurate pricing in today's market. They also touch on community events and the excitement of closing deals, emphasizing the emotional aspects of buying and selling homes.

Takeaways

• The West Michigan real estate market has seen significant equity growth for homeowners.
• Understanding market trends is crucial for both buyers and sellers.
• Buyers are more educated and cautious in their purchasing decisions now.
• Delayed possession is a common negotiating tool in West Michigan real estate.
• The demand for homes near water remains strong in West Michigan.
• Sellers should be aggressive with pricing to maximize their returns.
• Interest rates are expected to decrease, making it a good time to buy.
• Community events play a vital role in local engagement and real estate interest.
• The market is not expected to crash, contrary to some beliefs.
• Life changes often dictate the need to buy or sell a home.