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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, host Nick Bush sits down with Claire Banta of Universal Title to break down the unsexy but absolutely essential part of every real estate transaction: title.

From clearing liens to holding escrow, Claire shares what really happens after a contract is ratified—and why skipping title insurance could cost you big. We also talk about her unexpected journey into the industry (spoiler: it started with a cold call), how our paths crossed at March Madness, and why she's now the go-to title rep on my biggest deal to date.

Oh—and yes, we cover wings, pickleball, and why two-tone houses might be on the way out.

🎯 Topics We Cover:

What title companies actually do
Why title insurance matters more than you think
The risks of unclear title or unreleased liens
How relationships and vibe matter in business
Real talk about housing affordability, equity, and lifestyle shifts

If you're a buyer, seller, agent, or just trying to understand what the heck “title” even is… this episode is your crash course.

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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, Nick Bush sits down with Eric C. Davis, CEO and Mortgage Advisor at Mission Mortgage, to break down the hard truths about homeownership, interest rates, and wealth building in today’s market.

From why your “forever home” mindset is keeping you stuck, to the repeatable strategy Eric uses to help clients buy a home every single year, this conversation is packed with bold insights that challenge everything you think you know about real estate.

💣 Spoiler: Your low rate might be your biggest obstacle to building wealth.

We dive into:

🏡 The 3%-4% mortgage “handcuff” and why it’s stopping people from scaling

🏡How to buy 5 homes in 5 years without 20% down

🏡 What first-time buyers actually need to know (that TikTok won’t tell you)

🏡 Why waiting for lower interest rates could cost you more in the long run

🏡 The real definition of the DMV (and why Baltimore is not included)

🏡 How to use your 401(k), HELOC, or rent-back strategy to grow your portfolio

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to your forever one, or trying to figure out how to invest smart, this episode will shift your mindset—and your money moves.

📩 Ready to build wealth instead of just owning a house? Tune in now.

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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, we sit down with Jarriel Jordan, a DMV agent who's not just selling homes—he’s building wealth. From door knocking and working with his mom to flipping a house for six figures and buying multiple properties, this is the real estate journey most people don’t talk about.

We’re getting into:

🎙 The grind of working with first-time buyers who “aren’t ready yet”

🎙 How he turned rejections into relationships—and deals

🎙 What move-up buyers are really asking (and why most agents mess it up)

🎙 The flip that changed everything—and funded his rental portfolio

🎙 Real talk on landlord lessons, bad tenants, and when to bring in a property manager

🎙 Why he’s still driving the Altima (and not buying liabilities for likes)

This one’s for the agents still writing their own contracts, the buyers who think they need 20% down, and the investors trying to figure out what a good deal really looks like.

✍🏽 Grab your notepad and tune in—because this episode is stacked with strategy, storytelling, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from doing the work.

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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, Nick Bush sits down with 22-year-old DMV real estate agent Saja Elhadj, who’s already making serious moves in the investment world. From helping cash-heavy clients secure buy-and-holds to navigating off-market deals through Facebook groups, Saja shares how she built her niche early—and how you can, too.

We talk about why your first home should be an investment, what most young buyers get wrong, and why house hacking might be the smartest play for Gen Z. Plus, they unpack real numbers, real returns, and real talk about Culpeper, Fredericksburg, and other hidden gem markets with major upside.

Whether you're 22 or 42, if you're thinking about buying your first (or next) property, this conversation is packed with strategy, mindset shifts, and tips you won’t find on Zillow.

🎧 Hit play and drop your questions in the comments — let’s get you in the game.

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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, Nick Bush sits down with Kareem Yousef — team lead at Cornerstone Realty Group — to talk about adaptability, leadership, and building a real estate business with real impact.

Kareem shares his journey from growing up in Kuwait to launching a thriving real estate team in the DMV area, serving the Arab and North African community. We dive into what it really takes to lead a successful team, how understanding your clients’ culture can become a competitive advantage, and why solving problems — not just selling homes — is the future of real estate.

We also break down key investing lessons, from house hacking to building a multi-property portfolio, plus how Kareem leverages tax strategies and 1031 exchanges to grow smarter, not just bigger.

Whether you're an aspiring agent, a young investor, or a seasoned professional looking for a fresh perspective, this episode is packed with actionable advice for growing a business that lasts.

🎧 Tune in to learn how adaptability, strategic thinking, and cultural connection can fuel real estate success.

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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, host Nick Bush is joined with top-producing DC & Maryland Realtor Russ Carter of the DMV War Team for a deep dive into what it really takes to sell a home in today’s shifting market. From the critical importance of timing to the impact of staging on buyer psychology, Russ shares firsthand insights from the trenches—especially in East of the River neighborhoods. 

He gets honest about pricing strategy, staging impact, and why timing your sale is more important than ever. Plus, we talk about how to prep your home so it stands out to today’s buyers—and what mistakes to avoid that can leave your house sitting. We also talk about how today’s buyers are navigating higher rates, shrinking grant programs, and rising monthly payments.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer trying to navigate affordability or a seller wondering if it’s the right time to list, this episode is packed with strategy, lessons learned, and advice you won’t find on Google. 

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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, host Nick Bush sits down with Matthew Abregu, a driven real estate agent with Keller Williams, to talk about market shifts, mindset, and what it really takes to build wealth through real estate. Mateo shares his journey from buying his first home in 2016—long before he became a licensed agent—to learning firsthand the impacts of foreclosure during the 2008 crash. With deep family roots in the industry and a background that includes everything from house hacking to navigating difficult rental experiences, Mateo brings a unique perspective on what it means to grow in this business with both heart and strategy.

We also dive into why this market is more of a transaction crash than a price crash, how FHA and VA buyers are winning again, and why West Virginia is a hidden gem for buyers. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, this episode is full of real talk and practical strategy.

🎧 Hit play, take notes, and send this to someone who's ready to buy smart in 2025.

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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, host Nick Bush sits with Marcus Fields, seasoned mortgage broker and founder of Fields Mortgage Group, to break down the money side of buying real estate.

From understanding the difference between mortgage brokers and lenders to navigating credit scores, interest rates, and refinance options, this conversation is packed with real talk and expert advice. Marcus shares his personal journey into the mortgage industry, explains how brokers can customize loans to fit buyers' unique needs, and clears up common myths about the loan approval process.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a move-up buyer, or a real estate professional looking to better serve your clients, this episode delivers insight on:

🏡 Mortgage broker vs. lender: What’s the real difference?
🏡 When to refinance vs. when to use a HELOC
🏡 How interest rates affect buying power in today’s market
🏡 Credit score tips and what lenders really look for
🏡 The truth about pre-approvals and underwriting
🏡 Predictions for the 2025 real estate market
🏡 Why financing is the foundation of any successful home purchase

If you’ve ever asked, “Can I afford to buy right now?” or “How do I choose the best loan option?” — this episode is your roadmap. Tune in to get clear, confident, and mortgage-ready.

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In this episode of Real Estate Explained, host Nick Bush sits down with Diego Abregu, a Northern Virginia Real Estate Agent with 8+ years of experience who brings his deep knowledge of market trends, pricing strategies, and mortgage essentials to help you make the most informed real estate decisions.

We're also exposing the real dangers of the rent trap and why so many buyers and sellers are making costly mistakes without even realizing it. We’re breaking down the hidden costs of delaying a home purchase, the pricing strategies that actually work (not the ones agents want you to believe!), and the truth about home upgrades that DON’T add value.

Plus, if you think the market is too crazy to buy or sell right now, think again, this episode is packed with insights that might completely change your perspective.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or a homeowner looking to sell, this episode will give you the confidence you need to navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape.

🎧 Tune in now and take the guesswork out of buying and selling your home!

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