Ever wonder why some houses sit on the market while others spark a bidding war within hours? In this episode of the Lyv and Learn Podcast, Candice and Alexa pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of real estate staging—and why "good enough" never is.

Candice introduces us to the “Candice Scan,” her unfiltered, Bar Rescue-style approach to evaluating a home. From the "tough love" conversations about pet odors and clunky layouts to her infamous "No Birds" policy (yes, really), she explains why curating a buyer’s experience is more important than just listing a property.

What We’re Diving Into:

 The Power of the Pivot: Why we stopped outsourcing and built our own $15k-a-month-value staging empire to give our clients a massive edge.

The "Tough Love" Talk: How to handle the feedback that stings—but ultimately gets the house sold.

 Non-Negotiables & Superstitions: Why the family cockatoo (and even the bird art) has to go before the open house.

 The Winning Formula: How the perfect blend of fresh paint, professional inventory, and the right price creates a "no-brainer" win for sellers.

Whether you’re a seller preparing for the market or an agent looking to level up your listing game, this episode is packed with the "ammo" you need to win.

Ready to see your home through a buyer's eyes?

Listen now and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

In this episode of the Lyv and Learn Podcast, I’m sitting down with Patti Geanakos, the founder of Empty My Nest, to tackle the overwhelming process of decluttering and downsizing. Whether you are moving, staging a home to sell, or just trying to reclaim your space, Patti shares the expert strategies you need to avoid the meltdown and find the "feel-good" momentum.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "First Step" Strategy: How to walk into a house full of 40+ years of memories and actually find a place to begin.

• Staging vs. Stuff: Why Patti consults with realtors to decide what stays and what goes. (Hint: Those vintage chairs might be keepers, but the "slouchy couch" has to go! )

• The Reality of Resale: A tough-love look at the "Hummel Reality Check"—understanding that your things are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them.

• Hidden Treasures: The surprising vintage items (like 1950s Pyrex! ) that are selling for top dollar right now.

• The Power of Donation: How letting go of items can shift your energy and give you that "I can actually do this!" breakthrough.

Don't let your "stuff" hold your future hostage. Tune in to learn how to detach from the clutter and move forward with confidence!

Connect with Patti Geanakos:

Instagram: @EmptyMyNest

[email protected]

Episode Five is here! Have you ever wondered why some listings sparkle and others just sit? The answer lies in the First Impression, and you only have 7 to 10 seconds to nail it!

In this must-listen episode, we pull back the curtain on the non-negotiable power of professional staging. We reveal why relying on your own judgment "But my house looks good!" is the seller’s biggest blind spot. Staging isn't just fluffy pillows; it's professional analysis that fixes awkward layouts, updates drab decor, ensures safety, and even checks every single lightbulb.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The 7-10 Second Rule: How fast buyers make a decision, and why bad staging can be a catastrophic turn-off.

• The Digital Difference: With 95% of buyers starting online, we explain why stunning staging and professional photography are the one-two punch required to ensure your listing is never overlooked.

• The Power of Neutrality: Learn why depersonalizing your space—removing family photos and personal touches—gives buyers the blank canvas they need to truly fall in love.  

• The Agent Advantage: We explain why the level of care and detail is the core difference between a great agent and a mediocre one. At Lyv Realty, we function at a high level of care to ensure every home shines in its best, most neutral light.

Get ready for the behind-the-scenes story of how we make every listing unforgettable and help our sellers step forward with pride!

In this episode of Lyv & Learn, Candice sits down with Chris Cutter of Green Home Solutions — a mold expert and true problem-solver who’s changing how we talk about and treat mold in our homes.

Here’s the truth most people don’t realize: more basements have mold than you think. It’s not rare, it’s not shameful, and it’s not something to run from. Whether you’re a homeowner, homebuyer, or real estate agent — avoiding the conversation helps no one. Understanding it does.

Chris shares a smarter, safer approach using natural, long-lasting solutions instead of harsh chemicals or temporary fixes. They break down the myths, call out the “basement smell” for what it really is, and empower listeners to stop whispering about mold and start fixing it head-on.

Because we don’t need to fear mold… we need to talk about it, learn from it, and solve it.

If you care about healthier homes, safer solutions, and honest conversations — this episode is a must-listen!

Chris Cutter

Owner, Air Quality Expert

[email protected] 

Lyv & Learn Podcast | Episode 3 — The Commercial Game: Building Generational Wealth Through Real Estate

Once you hit five units or more, the game changes — and so does your entire approach to real estate investing.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dan, Owner of Business Capital Resources, a commercial real estate expert who breaks down what really happens when you step into the commercial side of the business. From understanding how loan structures shift from personal to property-based, to mastering the principles that create long-term financial freedom — this is your blueprint for building generational wealth.

We’ll cover:

Why commercial loans are based on the property’s performance — not just your personal finances

How investors are leveraging fixed, full-term, non-recourse loans for massive stability

What a 35-year fixed commercial loan really means (and why it’s such a game changer)

Why understanding basis points and rate resets can make or break your bottom line

Whether you’re a first-time investor ready to scale or a seasoned agent ready to dive deeper into commercial, this episode will change how you look at real estate forever.

Tune in, learn some of the playbook, and get motivated to start building wealth that lasts generations.

Pricing, Market Shifts & Mold Detectors (Yes, Really!)

In this episode of the Lyv & Learn Podcast, we’re digging into the realities of today’s real estate market — and nothing’s off the table.

From why sellers only get one shot at pricing their home right, to the shift toward a more balanced buyer’s market, we’re breaking down how agents can use data to have those tough but necessary conversations with clients still stuck on 2023 prices. The days of hundreds of thousands over asking may not be the norm anymore — and that’s okay. A fair, balanced market is healthier for everyone.

But it doesn’t stop there. I’m also sharing some behind-the-scenes stories from the field… like how I can walk into a basement and instantly smell mold before I even see it (my throat burning is usually the first giveaway ️). Call it a superpower or just a high sensitivity, but it’s one of the many reasons why having the right agent matters.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or fellow agent, Episode 2 is packed with insight, strategy, and a few laughs that will leave you better prepared to navigate today’s real estate world.

Subscribe, listen & share — Episode 2 is streaming now!

Welcome to the very first episode of the Lyv and Learn Podcast! I’m diving into everything buyers, sellers, investors, and agents need to know about today’s ever-changing real estate market. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen the industry evolve—and now I’m here to share my stories, insights, and expertise with you.

In this episode, we’ll break down the new rules that are shaping real estate, what they mean for both consumers and agents, and why staying informed is the key to making smart decisions. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or representing clients, this podcast will help you navigate the market with confidence.

It’s all about REAL conversations, REAL stories, and REAL guidance—so let’s Lyv and Learn together!