Hidden homeownership costs can catch you by surprise if you're not prepared. This week on the 900th episode of Real Estate Today, we look at common homeownership expenses that buyers should prepare for.

Melissa Bailey, sales team lead at Real Broker in Phoenix, AZ., and Shane Brady, agent at Keller Williams in Boston, MA. discuss the true impact of rising insurance costs, how home inspections can flag potential maintenance issues, and the future expenses to look out for when buying a home.

Building wealth through real estate starts with making smart decisions. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore how homeowners and investors can make their properties work harder for them and build long-term value. Learn which property characteristics can boost value, what can hurt an investment, what to look for in a property with long-term potential and the biggest mistakes first-time rental property investors should avoid.

Guests include Jonathan Greene, real estate investor and host of the podcast "Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing," and Lisa Patterson, REALTOR® in Charleston, S.C.

A fixer-upper can look like a money pit, but with the right vision, it could become a hidden gem. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore how to turn overlooked and neglected homes into standout properties, from identifying renovation potential to deciding which rooms to tackle first. Discover how to modernize a home while preserving its original character, which renovations can make the biggest impact and how to approach a property transformation with confidence.

Guests include Konya Hendricks Shuh, REALTOR® with CENTURY 21 Affiliated and host of A&E's "Betting on Beloit"; and James Dainard, real estate investor, entrepreneur and host of A&E's "Million Dollar Zombie Flips."

This week on Real Estate Today, we break down how to get your home ready to sell without wasting time or money. Learn which repairs are worth making before you list your home, which renovations you can skip, and the small updates that can have the biggest impact on buyers and help your home sell faster and for the best possible price. We also discuss a practical home-selling checklist, reveal the behind-the-scenes work a great REALTOR® does to help sell a home, and discuss the warning signs every homeowner should know before putting their property on the market.

Guests include Alexis Scott, a REALTOR® from Tennessee, and Vanessa Van Holland, restoration expert and co-owner of Restoration 1.

This week on Real Estate Today, we answer one of today's biggest homebuying questions: Is now the right time to buy new construction? From builder incentives to inspections, we break down what buyers need to know before signing on the dotted line.

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of buying a newly built home versus an existing one, whether every new-construction home should be inspected, the smartest upgrades to invest in, and which room is worth splurging on. Plus, learn why working with a REALTOR® can make all the difference when buying directly from a builder and how to navigate the new-construction process with confidence.

Guests include Christina Rordam, REALTOR® with Florida Realty Investments, and Selma Hepp, chief economist at Cotality.

Home design is evolving, and today's buyers are looking for more than just beautiful finishes. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore the latest home design trends inside and out, from the features and layouts buyers want most to the curb appeal projects homeowners are tackling this summer. We also examine whether the open floor plan is losing popularity and what today's design preferences could mean for buyers and sellers.

Discover the home upgrades making the biggest impact, insights from Thumbtack's 2026 Curb Appeal Report, and the outdoor projects helping homeowners create a lasting first impression.

Guests include Christian Perry, homebuilder and REALTOR® with Sotheby's International Realty, and Kendra Sinclair, home trends expert at Thumbtack.

The 2026 summer real estate market is here. This week on Real Estate Today, we break down the latest housing trends, including what's driving price changes, inventory shifts and buyer demand this summer, along with what these shifts mean for anyone looking to buy or sell a home.

Discover where opportunities are emerging, which real estate strategies are actually working, how to save money on your mortgage and the practical moves you can make right now to achieve your homeownership goals.

Guests include Cara Ameer, real estate professional with Coldwell Banker, and Scott Haymore, senior vice president and head of mortgage capital markets at TD Bank.

Multigenerational living and co-buying are reshaping homeownership in today's housing market. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore the next generation of housing trends and how buyers are adapting to rising home prices, affordability challenges and changing lifestyle needs.

Discover why more families are choosing to live under one roof, how friends and other co-buyers are teaming up to achieve homeownership, and what these shifts mean for first-time buyers navigating today's market. We also examine how homeowners are creating flexible, stylish spaces that work for multiple generations and evolving household dynamics.

Guests include Sue "Pinky" Benson, REALTOR® in Naples, Florida; Nikki Merkerson, community development and housing specialist at Pairgap; and Daniel Ickowicz, CEO at Elite International Realty.

Is it smarter to rent or buy in today's housing market? With home prices high, mortgage rates elevated, and affordability stretched, many consumers are wondering whether homeownership is still worth pursuing.

In this episode of Real Estate Today, we break down the real financial math behind renting vs. buying—and explore the creative strategies helping first-time buyers enter the market despite today's challenges.

Justin Cambra of eXp Realty shares how buyers are using "house hacking" strategies to offset mortgage payments and build wealth through real estate. Susan Isaak of Coldwell Banker Realty explains how first-time buyers can determine whether they're financially and emotionally ready to buy a home, along with the hidden costs of homeownership. Matt Schulz from LendingTree dives into the financial realities of buying a home today, including down payment assistance programs and FHA, VA and USDA loan options. Laurel Djoukeng, founder and CEO of KeyPath, explores how AI and fintech innovation could reshape the future of renting and ownership.

Whether you're a renter trying to buy your first home, a homeowner exploring investment strategies, or simply curious about where the housing market is headed, this episode offers practical insights and forward-looking ideas for navigating real estate in 2026.

Closing day is in sight—but getting there is where the real work begins. This week on Real Estate Today, we break down what it takes to successfully navigate the final steps of selling a home and why having a trusted real estate professional can make all the difference in one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make.

Sarah Scattini, REALTOR® from Nevada, explains the most common issues that can derail a transaction and how sellers can avoid costly delays. Matt Cook with HomeTeam Inspection Services shares how new technology is giving buyers deeper insight into a home and helping them move forward with confidence. Home stager Cathy Hobbs highlights the biggest showing mistakes sellers should avoid, from managing pets to tackling cluttered spaces like garages. And Adam Brawer, a real estate agent in Santa Monica, joins us with eye-opening stories from the luxury market, including a buyer who received a $200,000 offer just to walk away from a deal.

If you are preparing to sell your home, this episode delivers expert insights to help you reach the closing table with confidence.