Real Estate, For Real

I'm joined this week by Xuna Hu. We talk about learning English, her decision to move from China to the US, meeting her husband, his cold proposal, getting her real estate license, the constant anxiety that comes with our career, staying up to date on the changes in practice, and her favorite Friends character. Plus, we go over the viral video of a truly terrible experience she went through a few years ago, her bravery in that moment, and the positives that came from it.

This week I welcome Zac Camille with Guardian Property Inspections. Zac tells us about the process of becoming a home inspector, juggling running an inspection business with being a full-time firefighter, the importance of language in the inspection to not freak our clients out unnecessarily, his plans to grow the business, and braving the attics and basements.

This week I'm joined by Giuseppe Mattera from the Winchester Team. We talk about his experiences so far as a newer agent, how watching YouTube videos as a teenager made him want to get into real estate, the importance of communication, how he became a Miami Dolphin fan, dressing the part, and hairlines.

This episode I go over the things you need to know if you're planning to sell your home. From choosing to sell on your own vs hiring a Realtor, to how to select the right agent that will best assist you in your sale. I go over the importance of presentation, marketing, and pricing. I also cover when the best time is to call an agent, off-market sales, update allowances, bad smells, pre-inspections, and plenty more. This episode is a MUST listen for anyone even considering selling their home.

After the last few episodes being jam packed with educational and useful information, I thought it was time to lighten things up a bit. So I welcomed back the very first guest I ever had from episode 1, Adam Bugos. We talk a little about the current state of the market, and the difference between selling in Central IL vs other areas around the country. Then we share some great stories about different transactions we've had in our career. The closings that we didn't think would happen, the "feel good story" transaction, and the strangest things we've ever seen in a house.

This week I'm joined by Greg Formigoni and Brad Dyer from Illinois National Bank, to discuss the changes taking place when it comes to conventional loans. Fannie and Freddie have implemented some new practices that are impacting the process of selling loans to the secondary market, in some cases presenting a few additional hurdles for buyers, sellers, and Realtors. We go over what these changes could look like, and what we can do to best prepare ourselves and our clients.

This week I'm joined by Mike Oldenettel, Mike Buscher, and Nash Oldenettel to learn about the Realtor Political Action Committee (RPAC). We discuss some of the issues they are constantly working for and against to make things better for us as Realtors, the housing industry as a whole, and the consumers that we work for. We cover what the process can look like at the local and state level, the importance for all Realtors to know that they are fighting for us every day, and how crucial each and every contribution is.

This week I welcome Ben Call to talk about the commercial side of real estate, and explain some of the similarities and differences compared to residential. We transition to the groundbreaking development at Legacy Pointe. Specifically, the Legends Entertainment complex. A massive family arcade with games, bowling, food, and huge TVs everywhere. Hear what all has gone into bringing Springfield an amazing entertainment experience, and what to expect when it opens in early 2026.

This week I welcome Evan Hart, to give a much needed Appraiser point of view. We talk about the process of becoming an appraiser, what goes into putting an appraisal together, communicating with Realtors, and adjusting with the ever-changing housing market.

This week I welcome Kim Elliott. While learning how she got her start in the business, we discuss fun weekends at SIU, teeing up your ball in the fairway, joining a team to avoid using Skyslope, and her decision to come to The Real Estate Group in 2013. Then we dive into her upcoming role as CAR president, talk about some of the different committees and what they do, and the importance of getting involved to give back to the industry we love.