Real Estate Called Out

Buckle up!  

This episode is part consumer warning, part investigative rundown, and part Wendy's personal bitch session (you’ve been warned).

After tracking more than 30 companies using fake testimonials, undisclosed paid actors, and shady lead generation tactics, Wendy went full watchdog: reporting them to state AGs, the FTC, and even someone high up at TikTok... only to be met with the bureaucratic equivalent of “meh.”

This episode pulls no punches and drops no names (just kidding, we might drop a few). It’s a raw look at the mess behind those feel-good ads and a blunt reminder that when it comes to real estate and finance, you can’t trust the pitch, especially when it’s coming from someone reading a script.

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
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It’s a solo episode today—just me, a mic, and a whole lot of truth bombs.  I was in such a rush to push this out, that I even forgot to add the teaser and closer.   In a way, I am doing you a favor and saving you a few minutes (getting right to the point)!

We’re diving deep into pocket listings; what they are, who’s pushing them, and why they’re suddenly everywhere. Spoiler alert: it’s not about “exclusivity” or “better service.” It’s about control, commissions, and keeping you, the buyer or seller, just informed enough to sign, but not enough to question.

I’ll break down the biggest players driving this trend (looking at you, Compass, Homes.com, and even Zillow), what they’re really after, and how it all adds up to a power grab that benefits them—not you.

This episode is your inside look at the game behind the scenes, the one most people don’t realize they’re playing until it’s too late. Because in an industry that’s supposed to help you find a home, sometimes you have to REBEL to actually see the full picture.

Read more here

As promised: Zillow's cut on Flex agent leads

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Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
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Quick cash, no interest, no monthly payments—sounds like a sweet deal, right? Wrong. In this episode of Real Estate REPlay, Wendy Gilch teams up with her no-nonsense lender BFF, Chelle Prunkel, to call BS on the slick marketing behind Home Equity Agreements (HEAs). These so-called “loan alternatives” might sound like a dream, but spoiler alert: they’re a nightmare waiting to happen.

From shady equity grabs to terms that can double your payout, Wendy and Chelle rip the curtain off these equity-stealing scams and explain why they’re basically the payday loans of homeownership. Want to keep your house and your sanity? They’ll show you smarter ways to unlock your home’s value without losing your shirt—or your generational wealth.

Plus, we’ll throw shade at predatory ads, highlight how HEAs sidestep key consumer protections, and give you the lowdown on why a nosy loan officer is the hero you didn’t know you needed.

Tune in now for the real talk (and maybe a few F-bombs) you need to protect your biggest investment—your home.

🎧 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Rate My Mortgage Rate: Get Help With Your Loan Estimate
• Washington State Report on HEAs
• Selling Later's HEA Breakdown
• Contact Chelle Prunkel
• CFPB New Report on HEAs
  • Even though they never respond to anything we send them, we wanted to include this new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as it confirms just how concerned we should all be about these types of agreements.

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
Hit us up here.

What was supposed to be a week off took an unexpected turn after a Reddit post about a buyer asking their real estate agent some simple, reasonable questions left me frustrated—and fired up. Why? Because some agents don’t like being held accountable or challenged by informed buyers. Spoiler alert: That’s their problem, not yours!

In this episode, we’re diving into why it’s essential for homebuyers to ask the right questions before choosing a real estate agent. Not all agents are created equal, and interviewing them is the first step to protecting yourself and your biggest investment.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The key questions every homebuyer should ask a potential agent before signing on.
• Why these questions matter and how they empower you to make better decisions.
• The red-flag answers that should have you running for the door.
• How you can access a free resource from Selling Later with these questions (and more!) to help guide you through the process, whether you’re buying or selling.

We believe every buyer and seller deserves the tools to protect themselves and their equity. That’s why Selling Later offers free resources, including this complete list of questions, to make sure you’re prepared to navigate the real estate process with confidence.

Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for doing your due diligence. Tune in and learn how to take control of your homebuying journey!

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
Hit us up here.

In this episode of Real Estate REPlay, we unravel the chaos surrounding the latest commission settlement with special guest Summer Goralik, a real estate compliance consultant and former California Department of Real Estate investigator. Summer has spent years helping agents and brokers navigate complex rules, and she’s here to shed light on why no one seems to know exactly what they should be doing post-settlement.

We’ll break it down into two parts:

• Part 1: For agents and brokers, we’ll discuss why the new rules have sparked so much confusion, the risks of getting it wrong, and what steps they can take to stay compliant.
• Part 2: For buyers and sellers, we’ll explore how the uncertainty might affect their transactions, what they should watch out for, and how they can protect themselves.  This section starts around the 28:00 mark.

If you’ve ever wondered why the real estate industry feels like it’s stuck in a game of “he said, she said,” this episode will help you make sense of the noise. With Summer’s expertise, we’ll untangle the confusion and uncover what this all means for the future of real estate. Don’t miss this insightful and practical conversation!

 Contact Summer Goralik
Contact Wendy Gilch

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
Hit us up here.

What’s on the horizon for homebuyers and sellers in 2025?  Spoiler: It’s a mix of opportunity, challenges, and the same old industry antics. In this casual episode, we’re breaking it all down with the help of Fred Glick, a non-traditional broker and founder of Arrivva, who likes to shake things up in real estate.

We dive into the murky waters of dual agency (and why you should run the other way), the growing prevalence of pocket listings, and the lawsuits that could change the rules of the game...again. Fred brings his candid insights on bad brokerage practices and shares how consumers can better protect themselves and their wallets.

But wait, there’s more! We also veer off track a bit—because sometimes the juiciest revelations come from the unexpected.  We will talk about the hit piece on the CFPB, the Department of Justice and more!

Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or just stay informed, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice, and a few moments of WTF real estate conversations that we normally edit out so that we don't get cease and desist letters!

Enjoy!

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
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The real estate industry is at a tipping point. On one side, you have agents clinging to old commission practices, refusing to adapt to a changing landscape (Group B Agents). On the other, forward-thinking agents are paving the way for transparency, fairness, and a better deal for their clients (Group A Agents). But while this battle unfolds, it’s the consumers—and ethical agents—who are taking the hit.

In this episode of Real Estate REPlay, Wendy sits down with Megan Herr, a no-nonsense “Group A” agent who’s been on the frontlines of this industry divide. Megan shares her personal stories of pushback, from angry phone calls and voicemails to navigating brokers who resist change. She also unpacks how this ongoing tug-of-war leaves buyers and sellers stuck in the middle and why agents embracing the future often find themselves under fire.

We’ll explore the broader implications of this commission clash—how outdated practices are failing consumers, how ethical agents are fighting an uphill battle, and what buyers and sellers need to know to protect themselves.

Meet Megan
Megan's Social
Megan's Tiktok

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
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Unlock the secrets behind the ongoing tug-of-war between the Department of Justice and the National Association of Realtors that could redefine the real estate landscape. Discover why some real estate agents are buzzing with the idea that Donald Trump might swoop in to change the game while we bust those myths and reveal why change is inevitable, no matter who holds office.

This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge and insights you need to navigate the future of real estate, as we shed light on the long history of antitrust issues between these two powerhouses and what the pending settlements mean for buyers and sellers alike.

Learn about the history of the DOJ vs NAR by Rob Hahn
Learn about the movement to defund the CFPB

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
Hit us up here.

Did you know there’s a hidden middleman in many real estate transactions, sometimes taking a bigger cut of your appraisal fee than the appraiser doing the work? 

In this episode, Wendy Gilch and seasoned appraiser Joshua Tucker reveal the lesser-known world of Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). While most buyers don’t realize they exist, these third-party companies were initially set up to keep lenders and appraisers at arm’s length. But over time, some have evolved into a profit-driven layer, adding unknown costs for homebuyers. Joshua shares how AMCs often pocket a hefty, undisclosed portion of appraisal fees, leaving buyers in the dark about what they’re actually paying for.

Together, Wendy and Joshua dive into the ethical and financial challenges this creates for both consumers and appraisers, from murky fee structures to pressure on appraisers to meet minimum standards. The conversation highlights the need for transparency and better regulation, with tips to help consumers protect themselves—and a nod to Taylor Swift to lighten the mood!

Learn more about ARCC

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
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Unlock the secrets behind "free" refinancing your mortgage with insights from Chelle Prunkel, an experienced licensed lender. Navigate the murky waters of "no-cost" refinancing and understand the true costs and benefits of various refinancing options. Whether you're curious about rate and term adjustments, cash-out refinancing, or specialized loans like the 203H for disaster recovery, this episode arms you with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

We'll demystify the mortgage pre-approval process, shedding light on the role credit scores play in securing a mortgage and the implications of working with platforms like Zillow and Homelite. Learn how to protect your personal information from being sold and understand the benefits of soft credit pulls. Our discussion also touches on the ethics of trigger leads and the prevalence of mortgage scams, highlighting the importance of consumer awareness and the need for legislative protections.

Misconceptions about interest rates can lead to financial missteps, but we're here to set the record straight. This episode addresses the media's influence on public perception and explores the advantages of buying in a higher interest rate environment. Discover why focusing on monthly payments instead of just interest rates is crucial, and why a knowledgeable loan officer can be your best ally. Get ready to navigate the mortgage landscape with confidence, armed with tools and insights that empower you to make sound decisions.

Get help from Chelle on our Rate My Mortgage Rate for free (it's actually free) 
www.sellinglater.com/ratemymortgagerate

Got a question?

State laws and regulations may vary.

Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?
Hit us up here.