Money Moves with Michael

By Michael Fornerette

Join nationally recognized loan officer Michael Fornerette as he breaks down the homebuying journey in a way that’s clear, practical, and empowering. From understanding loan types and debunking credit... more

· Business

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FAQs about Money Moves with Michael:

How many episodes does Money Moves with Michael have?

The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.

Money Moves with Michael episodes:

February 02, 2026 Understanding Your Market Before You Offer (Seller's Market vs. Buyer's Market - The Strategy Changes Everything)
Welcome back to Money Moves with Michael! In Episode 13, Michael Fornerette breaks down one of the biggest reasons buyers lose out on homes — using the wrong offer strategy for the wrong market.
Before you even think about writing an offer, you need to know this:
Seller’s market, buyer’s market, balanced market — your strategy changes entirely depending on which one you’re in.
In this episode, Michael explains:
What You’ll Learn
The 3 Market Types Every Buyer Must Understand
Why Market Type Determines Your Entire Offer Strategy
Days on Market (DOM): The Number That Tells You Your Power
List Price vs. Sold Price — The Truth Behind What Homes Actually Sell For
Michael explains how to read the data your agent provides and how it impacts your offer price, terms, and expectations.
Key Takeaways
Your success in today’s market depends on knowing which market you’re in.
Seller’s market = aggressive strategy.
Buyer’s market = negotiating power.
Balanced market = depends on the house, not the headlines.
Days on market (DOM) is your cheat code.
Always compare list price vs. sold price for real insight.
Lean on your agent and your lender for data-driven decision-making—not emotion.
Next Episode
Episode 14: How to Structure a Winning Offer — Price Isn’t Everything
Michael breaks down the full anatomy of a competitive offer and what actually makes sellers choose one buyer over another.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to Money Moves with Michael so you never miss an episode — and learn how to become a smarter, more strategic homebuyer.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
13min
January 30, 2026Red Flags During Showings (The Warning Signs That Scream Run Away)
In this episode of Money Moves with Michael, Michael Fornerette breaks down the five major red flags every buyer needs to look for during home showings. These warning signs often hide expensive issues—structural problems, mold, bad plumbing, neglect—and if you miss them, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars after closing.
Buying a home is exciting, but excitement can blind buyers to subtle problems. Michael explains what to look for, what questions to ask, and when it’s time to walk away.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Strong Air Fresheners or Candles
Suspicious Fresh Paint
Noise You Can’t Escape
Sloped Floors, Cracks in Walls, or Water Stains
Deferred Maintenance Everywhere
Pro Tips from This Episode
Trust your senses—especially your nose and ears.
Bring a flashlight to every showing.
Always make your offer contingent on a full inspection.
Don’t absorb repair costs that should be negotiated with the seller.
If something feels off, slow down and dig deeper.
👉 Next Episode: How to Make an Offer That Wins
Michael breaks down:
How to decide what to offer
Offer terms that help you beat competing buyers
Negotiation strategies that work—even in tight markets
Make sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss it!
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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16min
January 26, 2026 What to Look for During Showings (The Checklist That Catches Problems Before You Buy)
In this episode of Money Moves with Michael, Michael Fornerette breaks down the Top 8 things every buyer should check during showings—the exact items professionals focus on during inspections and the ones most likely to cost you big if you miss them.
Whether you’re on your first showing or your fifteenth, this episode gives you a practical, no-nonsense walkthrough of what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to avoid expensive surprises later. Michael also explains how his team supports buyers throughout the house-hunting process, helping you make smart, confident decisions.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode- The Big Eight: What to Inspect at Every Showing
Roof – How old is it and when will it need replacing?
HVAC System – Age, condition, and replacement cost realities.
Water Heater – A small item that becomes a big expense when it fails.
Foundation – Cracks, sloping floors, structural red flags.
Plumbing – Water pressure, pipe materials, and leak detection.
Electrical System – Panel capacity, outdated wiring, and safety concerns.
Windows – Single vs. double-pane and how energy efficiency impacts your bills.
Walls & Ceilings – Water stains, cracks, and signs of bigger issues.
Call Michael's team any time. We'll help you buy the right home.
Key Takeaways!
Bring a checklist to every showing so nothing gets overlooked.
Evaluate the home’s major systems early—before inspections and before falling in love with a house.
Use your second showing to confirm livability, fit, and comfort.
Limit yourself to three showings per house to avoid overthinking.
Lean on your lending and real estate team for guidance during the search.
Next Episode
Episode 12: Red Flags During Showings — The Signs You Should Walk Away From
Subscribe so you don’t miss it!
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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12min
January 23, 2026Finding Houses Online Like a Pro (The Search Strategy That Saves You Weeks)
In today’s episode, Michael breaks down the Top 3 Online Search Strategies that help buyers find the right home faster—and skip the listings that were never going to work in the first place. If you want to search smarter, cut out the noise, and narrow your list to only the best options, this episode is your roadmap.
So far, we've covered need vs. wants, location decisions, resale value, and fixer-upper pitfalls. Today, we go deeper into the actual process of searching online, pre-screening efficiently, and making sure every house you visit is truly worth your time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How to Set Up Smart Search Filters
How to Pre-Screen Listings Using Photos & Virtual Tours
Why Drive-Bys Matter — and How to Do Them Right
These strategies make you a more efficient homebuyer and help you focus only on the homes that truly fit.
Need Help With Numbers?
Before you fall in love with a home, call Michael’s team. They’ll help you understand mothly payment estimates
Taxes and insurance
Closing cost expectations
How the numbers change by property
Next Episode
Part Three: What to Look for During In-Person Showings
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
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13min
January 19, 2026The Fixer-Upper Rabbit Hole (Why "Just Needs a Little Work" Costs More Than You Think)
In today’s episode, Michael breaks down the real truth about fixer-upper homes—without the HGTV sugarcoating. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll buy something cheap and fix it up for a great deal,” this episode could save you tens of thousands of dollars and months of frustration.
Michael explains why renovations often cost more, take longer, and why living in a construction zone is one of the most underestimated stressors for homebuyers. He also walks through when a fixer-upper does make financial sense—and when you should walk away and choose move-in ready instead.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a DIY optimist, or someone curious about taking on a project property, this episode will give you a realistic, numbers-driven perspective!
Key Takeaways
Renovations Always Cost More Than You Expect
Renovations Always Take Longer Than You Plan
Living in a Construction Zone is Miserable
Michael’s Advice for Most First-Time Buyers
Move-in ready (or close to it) is almost always the smarter—and calmer—choice. Save the major fixer-upper for your second or third home when you have more experience and financial cushioning.
Next Episode Preview
Finding Houses Online Like a Pro (The Search Strategy That Saves You Weeks)
Michael breaks down how to evaluate homes, what photos don’t show, and the deal-breakers that can cost you big.
Connect with Michael
Have questions about fixer-uppers or want help running the numbers?
Reach out anytime — Michael and his team are here to guide you.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
17min
January 16, 2026 Know What You Need Before You Look (The Three Things That Will Save You Months)
Before you tour a single home, there are THREE things every buyer needs to know. In this episode, Michael breaks down the essentials that make house hunting faster, easier, and way less overwhelming.
What You’ll Learn
-Needs vs. Wants — The simple list that keeps you focused on the right homes.
-Location Priorities — Commute, schools, and neighborhood factors you can’t change.
-Resale Value Basics — Why thinking long-term matters even if you plan to stay put.
Key Takeaway
Get clear on what you truly need before you start looking. It saves months of frustration.
Next Episode
Fixer-uppers: When “just needs some work” actually means “money pit.”
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
22min
January 12, 2026 Working with Your Agent - Setting Up for Success (From First Meeting to Closing Day)
Welcome back to Money Moves with Michael! In this episode, Michael Fornerette breaks down the Top 3 Things You Need to Know About Working With Your Agent so your homebuying experience is smooth and stress-free.
You’ve done the hard work—interviewed agents, checked for green flags, and found the right fit. But what happens next? Today, we’re covering:
✅ Understanding the Buyer Agency Agreement – What you’re signing and why it matters.
✅ Setting Communication Expectations – Preventing frustration before it starts.
✅ The Agent-Lender Partnership – Why these two need to work together seamlessly.
Plus, Michael shares tips on what to do if things aren’t working out and how to keep your homebuying journey on track.
🎧 Listen now to learn how to avoid unnecessary bumps and make your agent relationship a success!
📌 Next Episode: House Hunting Strategy—how to search efficiently and avoid wasting time.
💬 Questions or ready to start your homebuying journey? Call Michael and his team today!
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
17min
January 09, 2026 How to Interview Real Estate Agents Like a Pro (The 5 Questions That Reveal Everything)
Choosing the right real estate agent can make or break your homebuying experience. In this episode of Money Moves with Michael, we’re diving into the five essential questions you need to ask before hiring an agent. These questions will uncover their experience, efficiency, communication style, and how they handle adversity—so you can confidently choose the right person to guide you through the biggest purchase of your life.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why interviewing multiple agents is non-negotiable
How to interpret good vs. bad answers
Why these questions protect you from costly mistakes and frustration
The exact five questions that reveal an agent’s true capabilities:
-How long have you been a full-time agent, and how many buyers did you work with last year?
-What’s your average time from offer acceptance to closing?
-Can you tell me about a deal that fell apart and how you handled it?
-What’s your communication style, and how often can I expect to hear from you?
-Can you provide references from recent buyers?
Key Takeaways:
Experience and activity matter more than enthusiasm alone.
Efficiency and proactive communication are non-negotiable.
Adversity reveals character—look for agents who learn and adapt.
Always set clear expectations for communication upfront.
Next Steps:
Interview at least three agents before making a decision.
Download our Free Homebuyer Toolkit for more tips and resources.
Subscribe to Money Moves with Michael so you never miss an episode.
Need help finding a great agent or getting pre-approved?
Call Michael and his team today—we’re here to make your homebuying journey smooth and stress-free.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
16min
January 05, 2026 The 4 Red Flags That Scream "Run Away From This Agent" (Before They Cost You Your Dream Home)
In this episode of Money Moves with Michael, we’re flipping the script. Last time, we covered the seven green flags of a great agent. Today, we’re talking about the warning signs—the red flags that should make you think twice or walk away entirely. Because hiring the wrong agent isn’t just inconvenient—it can cost you time, money, and even your dream home.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
Why part-time agents can derail your home search and cost you opportunities.
How unprepared agents waste your time and what to look for during showings.
The danger of “yes-person” agents who agree with everything instead of protecting you.
Why dual agency is a conflict of interest and how to avoid it.
A bad agent can do serious damage—missed houses, overpaying, costly mistakes. These four red flags will help you avoid months of frustration and thousands of dollars in losses. If you see these signs, run. Find someone who’s all-in on your success.
📞 Call Michael Fornerette – Get started today with no pressure, just honest guidance, @206-793-4863
Next Episode: How to interview agents like a pro—questions to ask, answers to expect, and how to choose the best fit for your situation.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
21min
January 02, 2026 The 7 Green Flags of a Great Real Estate Agent (And Why They're Worth Their Weight in Gold)
Finding the right real estate agent isn’t just helpful—it’s the difference between winning your dream home and losing it to someone else. In this episode of Money Moves with Michael, Michael Fornerette breaks down the Top 7 Green Flags that signal you’ve found an agent who will fight for you, protect your interests, and help you succeed in today’s competitive market.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Why full-time experience matters—and how many years is enough
✅ How deep local knowledge can save you thousands and boost resale value
✅ The negotiation strategies that separate great agents from average ones
✅ Why lightning-fast communication is critical in a fast-moving market
✅ How pre-showing research sets you up for smarter decisions
✅ The overlooked importance of post-inspection negotiation skills
✅ Why great agents are also great teachers—and how that benefits you
If you’ve ever wondered, “Do all agents basically do the same thing?”—the answer is a resounding no. A great agent will save you time, money, and stress. A bad one? They can cost you your dream home.
Next Episode: We’ll flip the script and talk about the Red Flags—the warning signs that an agent isn’t right for you.
📞 Call Michael at 206-793-4863 or email at [email protected] for a no-pressure conversation about getting pre-approved and starting your homebuying journey.
Subscribe to Money Moves with Michael so you never miss an episode packed with practical advice for buyers, sellers, and anyone navigating the real estate market.
This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm
...more
23min

FAQs about Money Moves with Michael:

How many episodes does Money Moves with Michael have?

The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.