In this week's podcast we take a look at the close relationship between local school districts and home values. Buyers often cite school districts or boundaries as one of the most important factors in determining where they want to buy a home and 20% of buyers are willing to give up a feature such as a bedroom to get a home in their preferred school district. We will discuss why schools matter whether you are buying, selling or a current homeowner with no plans to move soon and how you can support your local schools to help your property values.

Does market volatility has you considering real estate as an investment and being a landlord? We discuss where to find tenants and how to handle important aspects like eviction and whether you should use a property management company or manage properties yourself. Veteran landlord Dennis Badour shares his tips for success in this week's episode.

We were on our way to a spring market when the Coronavirus Pandemic changed everything in what seemed like a few days. What started out as a call to use hand sanitizer and social distancing became an Executive Order to stay-at-home in Michigan. We take a look at how Covid 19 is impacting the real estate market right and what the future holds. Guest Paul Murk, from RE/MAX Classic will also let us know whether real estate deals in process can still be closed and what impact any market slow down may have on home values moving forward. Beyond the real estate aspect we talk about how the economy overall will play into home sales and what the housing demand will be later this year. We also talk about what buyers and sellers can do while required to shelter-in-place to prepare them to take action once things return to normal.

Spring is on it's way and we have tips for buyers and sellers for this typically busy season. On the selling side we share some easy and cost effective ways to freshen up the look of your home and we talk about the importance of setting the right price. Then we focus on buyers and how they should approach the offer they give sellers and how to navigate a multiple offer scenario. We also talk about interest rates spring activity in the market. (Note this was recorded before the Covid-19 Pandemic impacted the market.) Guest Cathy Zeni from RE/MAX Dream Properties joins us for this look at the upcoming Spring market.

On this episode we focus on two special niches within real estate, luxury and lake homes. We share some of the things that are different when buying a luxury home such as special inspections that may be needed or that buyers should rely solely on the listing phots but benefit from seeing a home in person. And if you are buying a lake home there are important things to consider like the type of lake (all sports, public access or private) as well as being aware of any easements or restrictions that may impact your view or ability to renovate. Featured guest is Randy Miller with RE/MAX Encore.

We discuss what it takes to get a real estate license and how getting the license is just the beginning of the process. We also provide tips to help pick the right broker, share how much money you need for start-up expenses and how to be prepared to be your own boss when guests Carol Boji and Cullen Kurzmann from RE/MAX Classic join us.

To buy a home you need money and we share some solid advice on steps you can take to get you financially and more important responsibly ready to buy a home. We talk about putting a good team around you that includes a financial planner, a lender and a Realtor and we share some sacrifices you can make to help you save the money you need to put in your house fund when Willie Davis and Kathleen Best from RE/MAX Eclipse join us.

Whether it is credit challenges or your personal belief that buying a home is beyond your reach, we discuss ways you can get out of the renting rut and into owning your own home. Our guest Rebecca Rowan from RE/MAX Encore shares some of her personal story of how she did this and why helping others realize their home ownership potential is important to her.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, if a mortgage is involved an appraisal will be required. There are many myths about appraisals that include every home improvement makes you money or the appraiser is there to get a lower price for the buyer. We debunk these and other myths when we talk to Ryan Millard from RE/MAX Encore. We also discuss what you need to know if you are buying a home as a couple.

The fun part of buying a home is looking a homes online but the step you need to address is getting your financial situation in order. Special guest Nancy Feldmann from RE/MAX First joins us and shares how credit scores impacts your situation and other financial tips to help you get prepared to buy. We also talk about getting your house wish list together to help you identify the right home for you.