Real Estate Today

Design meets real estate in this week's Real Estate Today. We're exploring the hottest home design trends shaping America's housing market and the smart updates that can actually boost your home's value. From the "Ozempic of surface materials" slimming down kitchens everywhere to the newly announced 2026 Color of the Year, our experts break down what's in, what's out, and what's worth the investment.

Guests include Mallory Slesser, interior designer and home stager; Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams; Latham Jenkins, associate broker; Kati Spaniak, REALTOR®; and Mary Harmon, real estate expert.

Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we're talking two of the season's boldest design trends: faux fur finishes and curvy

Is it time to consider downsizing—or as we like to say, rightsizing? More families are facing the challenge of saying goodbye to a long-time home. This week on Real Estate Today, we guide you through the careful process of senior relocation and the critical steps to making this transition as smooth as possible. We discuss the tough challenge of deciding what stays and what goes; ways of helping sellers feel comfortable in their new space; and tips for managing emotions.

We also explore the latest generational trends in homebuying and selling, including the rising demand for multigenerational homes for families looking to combine their households.

Guests include Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist; Dane Ramsden, REALTOR® and senior relocation specialist; and Mary Harmon Young, REALTOR® and senior housing professional.

Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we look at two flooring trends: polished tiles and high-gloss hardwood.

Is now a good time to sell your home? This week on Real Estate Today, we dig into the data, market trends, and strategies sellers need to know before making their next move. Learn how to price your home right, boost curb appeal in the colder months, and make your property stand out to today's savvy buyers. We'll also explore home equity loans and what sellers should know about leveraging their home's value.

Guests include Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®; Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com; Kourtney Pulitzer, Palm Beach real estate professional; Alexa Kebalo, REALTOR® and relocation expert; and John Hummel, head of retail home lending at U.S. Bank.

Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we look at two home design trends: quiet luxury and open shelving in the kitchen.

Real estate can be a powerful tool for building wealth, and this week on Real Estate Today, we explore strategies for turning homes into serious cash. From short-term rentals and flipping houses to buying property overseas, we break down the methods that can help you grow your real estate portfolio and maximize income. Discover the top markets for short-term investments and tips from experts who have helped buyers turn homes into profitable ventures.

Guests include Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA; Janet Ramirez, REALTOR®; and Janel Muhammad, international real estate specialist.

Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we look at two trending home design elements: the color beige and gigantic couches.

The fall real estate market is here, and it may be the best season for homebuyers. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore why autumn often gives buyers an edge—from reduced competition to unique opportunities not seen in the spring and summer markets. Discover whether there really is a "perfect week" to buy a home, how to land the lowest mortgage rate, and the latest lending trends shaping today's market.

Guests include Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com; Alexa Kebalo, REALTOR® with eXp Realty; Janet Ramirez, real estate broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate; and John Hummel, executive vice president and head of retail home lending at U.S. Bank.

Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we look at two surprising lifestyle trends in communities across America: golf carts cruising the neighborhood and backyard chicken coops.

Buying or selling a home can take a toll on your well-being. But, it doesn't have to. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore the powerful connection between real estate and wellness. From avoiding buyer burnout and seller stress to discovering how your home can actually make you healthier, we share expert strategies to keep your emotions and energy in check. We'll also look at how pets play a surprising role in buyer decisions and spotlight Babcock Ranch, America's first wellness town. Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we explore two home design trends: biohacking amenities and biophilic design.

Guests include Heather Haase, REALTOR® from Ohio; Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki, initiative co-chair at the Global Wellness Institute; Syd Kitson, chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners and developer of Babcock Ranch; and Dr. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of REALTORS®.

Smart homes, AI and even 3D-printed houses are no longer futuristic ideas—they're here and reshaping real estate. This week on Real Estate Today, we explore how technology is changing the way homes are built, bought and sold. From the smart home features buyers want most to the upgrades that can raise—or lower—a property's value, we cover what every homeowner and buyer should know. Plus, we take a closer look at privacy concerns, asking whether sellers can spy on buyers through security cameras and smart devices.

Guests include Brandon Doyle, a REALTOR® from Minnesota with the Doyle Real Estate Team; Dalton Brewer, a Kansas City real estate broker with Coldwell Banker, co-founder of CD Technologies and inventor of SetWave; and Gene Eidelman, 2025 iOi Innovator Award winner.

And in our Hot or Not segment, we explore whether mobile apps for designing your home are in and if the classic light switch is fading out.

Mortgages don't have to be confusing. This week on Real Estate Today, we break down what buyers need to know about mortgage rates, bridge loans and finding the right lender. We'll discuss how rates are really impacting today's housing market and why buyers shouldn't wait to act. You'll also learn when to bring a lender into your home search, how to shop for the best mortgage and how rising rates and prices are affecting affordability and down payments. And in our Hot or Not spotlight, we take on two home design trends: floating stairs and slow decorating.

Guests include Dr. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of REALTORS®; Heather Haase, a REALTOR® from Ohio; Austin Niemiec, chief revenue officer at Rocket Mortgage; and Todd Carson, mortgage expert at Planet Home Lending.

Thinking about remodeling your home? Before you grab a hammer, find out which projects actually boost your home's value and which ones could drain your budget. In this week's episode, we explore where to splurge, where to save, and how to plan a remodel that works for your lifestyle and your bottom line. You'll also hear how to preserve historic character while adding modern updates, tips for finding a reliable contractor, and whether two-toned kitchen cabinets are in or out.

Guests include Joshua McGrath, broker-owner of Better Homes and Garden Real Estate; Adam Pretorius, luxury real estate agent; Stacie Staub, co-founder and CEO at West + Main; and Justin Johnson, owner of HouseMaster.

With the price of newly built homes being close to the price of buying an existing home, we tackle the question of whether now is a good time to buy a new construction home. What does it take to build a house from scratch? How do you budget? How do you get homebuilder incentives? How long will it take? What is the difference between a production builder and a custom builder?

We discuss with REALTOR® Jacob Smith from Burlington, Vermont, Joel Berner from realtor.com and Danushka Nanayakkara from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

We also find out if mirrored cabinets and dressers are hot or not.