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When the Federal Reserve announces a rate cut, why do mortgage rates sometimes go up instead of down? This puzzling financial paradox sits at the heart of my insightful conversation with mortgage expert Evelyn Freitas of Guaranteed Rate.

Drawing from over two decades of industry experience, Evelyn takes us behind the curtain of how mortgage rates actually work. She reveals the crucial distinction between the Fed's backward-looking policy decisions (made eight times yearly) and the real-time bond market activity that determines your mortgage rate. "The bond market already did it," Evelyn explains, illuminating why rates had already decreased weeks before the September 17th Fed announcement.

We explore the inner workings of the Federal Reserve Board itself—the 19 participants, 12 voters, and the mysterious "dot plot" that forecasts future rate movements. Evelyn breaks down why Chairman Powell's post-meeting press conference often impacts markets more than the rate decision itself, especially as the Fed navigates tensions between its inflation and employment mandates.

For homebuyers navigating today's market, Evelyn shares invaluable strategic advice. She compares temporary rate buydowns with permanent ones, outlines when adjustable-rate mortgages make sense, and explains why locking your rate early provides stability—like "standing on the ground while watching a turbulent plane fly by." With conventional rates currently in the low 6% range and some government-backed loans dipping below 6%, we discuss why crossing that psychological "5-handle" threshold could stimulate market activity.

Whether you're actively house-hunting, considering a refinance, or simply wanting to understand the economic forces shaping today's housing market, this episode delivers clarity on one of real estate's most misunderstood relationships: the dance between Fed decisions and the mortgage rates that impact millions of homeowners.

Evelyn Freitas is a licensed Mortgage Lender NMLS# 247578

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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What happens when you combine authentic passion for unique homes with consistent content creation? Roland Osage's journey from barber to real estate powerhouse with over 220,000 TikTok followers provides a masterclass in building a thriving business through social media.

Roland's path to real estate success began unexpectedly when he purchased his first home at just 19 years old. After witnessing significant appreciation without making improvements, his curiosity was piqued. While working as a barber in San Francisco, he began exploring property flipping, eventually obtaining his license in 2018 to better understand the terminology and processes. Fast forward to 2021, and a simple decision to create walkthrough-style property tours on TikTok would transform his business forever.

What makes Roland's approach unique is his commitment to showcasing homes he genuinely finds interesting – properties with natural elements, wood features, and distinctive character rather than the ubiquitous white-gray aesthetic dominating recent years. His consistent schedule generates a steady stream of quality content while respecting the collaborative spirit of the East Bay real estate community by always featuring other agents' listings with proper credit.

The results are remarkable: beyond his massive social media following, Roland earns real money directly from TikTok and has built an automated lead generation system that seamlessly funnels potential clients from social media into scheduled consultations. Most importantly, he's created an authentic brand that resonates with clients and colleagues alike – proving that in real estate, "you will get back exactly what you put into it."

Want to revolutionize your own real estate marketing? Follow Roland on Instagram and TikTok to witness firsthand how consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to share the spotlight can create extraordinary results in today's digital landscape.

Follow Roland Osage on TikTok @rolandosage

Follow Roland Osage on Instagram @roland_osage 

Roland Osage is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 02055089

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

Dive into the captivating underbelly of East Bay history with Liam O'Donoghue, the passionate storyteller behind the acclaimed podcast East Bay Yesterday. From corrupt political beginnings to cultural transformations, this conversation unveils the hidden forces that shaped Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and beyond.

Did you know Oakland's first mayor essentially stole the town? Horace Carpentier, a shrewd lawyer turned politician, manipulated his way into ownership of Oakland's valuable waterfront before selling it to railroad barons for personal profit. This foundation of opportunism set a precedent that would echo through generations of East Bay governance – a reminder that today's political challenges have deep historical roots.

The struggle for housing equity takes center stage as we explore Byron Rumford's groundbreaking Fair Housing Act of 1963 and the fierce backlash it faced from the real estate industry and a pre-gubernatorial Ronald Reagan. This pendulum of progress and resistance reveals how neighborhood demographics shifted over decades – from Italian immigrants moving up from West Oakland to Temescal, to the complex dynamics following Japanese American internment during WWII.

Emeryville's transformation from a vice-filled "gambling hell" (complete with corrupt police chiefs driving DeLoreans and taking bribes) to today's shopping destination demonstrates how quickly a place's identity can change. Meanwhile, the once-thriving warehouse art scenes that defined East Bay counterculture in the 1990s and early 2000s have largely disappeared, raising questions about where tomorrow's cultural innovations will emerge in an increasingly expensive region.

Whether you're a longtime resident or recent arrival, these stories provide crucial context for understanding the East Bay's present challenges and future possibilities. Join us for this illuminating journey through the colorful, complicated history that continues to shape one of America's most dynamic regions. Follow Liam's work through East Bay Yesterday's podcast, Substack, or join one of his popular boat tours for an immersive historical experience.

Click here for the East Bay Yesterday podcast front page and tour info

Follow East Bay Yesterday on Instagram @eastbay_yesterday

Click here for information about the book Hella Town by Mitchell Schwarzer

Click here for information about the book The Pacific Circuit by Alexis Madrigal

Click here for a prior episode with Liam O'Donoghue from 2021 

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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What happens when you combine in-depth construction knowledge, real estate expertise, and authentic social media content? For Ellie Ridge, it created a phenomenon that transformed her from a recently laid-off Meta employee to a successful realtor with 234,000 Instagram followers in just two years.

This conversation takes us through Ellie's fascinating journey, beginning with her unique background. As the daughter of a master roof framer (and later home inspector), Ellie grew up absorbing valuable knowledge about building structures that would eventually become her professional superpower. When her family lost their home, 13-year-old Ellie developed a fierce determination for financial security that would shape her future decisions.

Ellie shares the pivotal moment when, at age 24 while working in tech, she purchased her first home. She approached this not as her dream home but as a strategic investment – a mindset she now passes on to her first-time homebuyer clients. After being laid off from Meta two years ago, she joined her mother's real estate business, bringing a fresh perspective and emphasis on construction knowledge.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Ellie's candid discussion about social media success. She reveals how her construction-focused content unexpectedly went viral, the mental health challenges that came with sudden internet fame, and her approach to creating sustainable, authentic content. Rather than focusing on algorithms or growing followers, she emphasizes the importance of genuine passion: "Make videos about stuff you love talking about. People can feel when you care about it."

For real estate professionals and anyone interested in building an online presence, Ellie offers practical insights about lead generation, conducting effective open houses, and maintaining multiple business channels rather than relying solely on social media. Her journey demonstrates how specialized knowledge and authentic communication can create a unique path to success in a competitive field.

Ready to learn how someone turned construction knowledge into social media gold? Listen now and discover strategies you can apply to your own business and online presence.

Follow Ellie Ridge on Instagram @ellieridgerealtor 

Ellie Ridge is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 02217753

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What happens when data nerds dive deep into the Inner East Bay real estate market? Aman Daro, Director of Operations at the Grubb Company, returns to the podcast armed with comprehensive MLS data that reveals surprising trends shaping our local housing landscape.

The numbers tell a fascinating story of market bifurcation. While homes priced below $500,000 struggle to maintain value (selling 7% below asking on average), properties in the $1-2 million range are thriving at 22% over asking price. Even more striking, the luxury market above $2 million is performing exceptionally well, defying conventional expectations during economic uncertainty. This pattern suggests wealthy buyers may be viewing real estate as an inflation hedge, while entry-level segments face greater challenges.

Geographic variations paint an equally compelling picture. El Cerrito has emerged as one of the region's hottest market with the lowest months' supply of inventory. Berkeley continues its remarkable stability, now boasting the highest 20-year appreciation rate in the Inner East Bay. Meanwhile, Oakland and Richmond show strong performance in desirable neighborhoods despite higher cancellation rates. The condo market tells a different story, with median prices down 12% year-over-year and significantly longer days on market.

Aman also tackles controversial topics like private listings versus MLS exposure, sharing data that homes sold off-market typically achieve lower prices than those with full market exposure. For both buyers and sellers, this conversation offers invaluable insights into timing strategies, price point considerations, and neighborhood dynamics that could significantly impact your real estate decisions in this unique East Bay market.

Connect with Aman at [email protected] or explore more local real estate content through The Home Factor's weekly Substack newsletter at thehomefactor.com.

Aman Daro is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 01350412

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What happens when you combine 27 years of real estate expertise, theatrical directing, and PhD-level thinking? You get the incomparable Andrea Gordon. 

Andrea doesn't just sell homes – she tackles challenging client psychology head-on. "Nobody in their right mind wants to spend over a million dollars on anything," she explains. When buyers find a home they love, their faces don't show joy but fear as they immediately begin creating obstacles. "Part of our service is pushing them off a little cliff," Andrea shares, highlighting how agents must help clients stop "talking themselves out of happiness."

This episode reveals the communication secrets behind Andrea's success: meeting with staff three times weekly, marketing teams weekly, and conducting a 15-minute Zoom check-in with every client each week. Her philosophy is refreshingly direct: "People hire me – they don't hire somebody to send them a bulk mail." While technology offers valuable tools, personal interaction remains irreplaceable.

Beyond transaction strategies, we explore how society and  the real estate environment has shifted since 2016. Andrea talks about why agents shouldn't fear asking to be paid for their value. Her passionate defense of the profession comes through clearly: "Every time you don't value yourself, you're not valuing the profession in the eyes of the world."

Whether you're a real estate professional looking to elevate your business or a consumer wanting to understand today's complex market, Andrea's blend of tough love, theatrical flair, and strategic thinking offers a masterclass in what makes a legendary agent. Listen now to transform how you approach real estate transactions!

Please click here for Andrea Gordon's website.

Please click here for Andrea Gordon's podcast.

Please click here for more information about Rainbow Zebra Productions.

Andrea Gordon is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 01233563

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What actually makes mortgage rates rise and fall? If you've been waiting for the Federal Reserve to cut rates before buying a home, you might be watching the wrong signals entirely.

Mortgage expert Faramarz Moeen-Ziai pulls back the curtain on the complex world of mortgage rate determination, revealing why there isn't a direct correlation between Fed actions and the rates homebuyers actually see. Drawing on over 21 years of industry experience, including surviving the 2008 financial crisis, Faramarz explains how the bond market – specifically mortgage-backed securities – dictates mortgage pricing through a delicate balance of risk assessment and investor demand.

The timing of this conversation couldn't be more relevant, coming just hours after Congress passed legislation potentially raising the debt ceiling by approximately $3 trillion. This massive influx of government debt will require unprecedented Treasury bond issuance, creating potential ripple effects throughout the bond market. The upcoming Treasury auctions will provide the first indication of how this expanded debt load might influence mortgage rates in the near term.

For homebuyers sitting on the sidelines waiting for rates to drop, Faramarz offers a sobering reality check based on decades watching market cycles: "Waiting can really cost you. It's not a trend, it's a momentary thing." With rates currently in the mid-6% range – a significant improvement from recent highs – and somewhat reduced competition in many markets, motivated buyers may find themselves with advantages they won't see when rates eventually improve and competition increases.

Beyond rate predictions, Faramarz shares how his lending approach has evolved to create deeper partnerships with real estate professionals through a customer-focused "Four Pillars" system designed to deliver exceptional service and generate mutual referrals. His insights will be valuable for anyone navigating today's complex housing market – whether you're a buyer, seller, or real estate professional looking to better understand what's really happening behind those mortgage rate headlines.

Please visit Faramarz Moeen-Ziai's business page here.

Faramarz Moeen-Ziai, mortgage advisor NMLS #342090

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898 

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What makes the difference between surviving and thriving in today's real estate landscape? Felicia Mares-Villa has figured it out, scaling the team she co-founded to eight agents in just one year while mastering the ever-shifting world of social media marketing.

In this conversation brimming with actionable insights, Felicia reveals how Instagram's algorithm has fundamentally changed—it's no longer about follower counts but whether your content gets saved and shared. She explains why TikTok's superior geo-tagging makes it particularly valuable for real estate professionals, while also acknowledging that text-based platforms like Threads and Substack are making surprising comebacks as "people kind of want to start reading again." 

Follow Felicia on Instagram at @fel.villa

Beyond marketing tactics, we explore the deeper reasons behind Felicia's success with Arlowe Homes. Rather than aggressively recruiting, she's created a culture agents naturally gravitate toward. "A lot of people are feeling the lack of support and genuine care," she explains, noting that community has become paramount in an industry where loneliness is common. This people-first approach stands in stark contrast to the production-focused environments many agents seek to escape.

We discuss AI's role in real estate. From predictive analytics platforms that identify likely sellers to custom GPTs that provide instant answers about everything, Felicia shows how to harness these tools without fearing replacement. "AI is smart," she acknowledges, "but it's wrong"—particularly when analyzing property values.

For those struggling in challenging markets, Felicia shares multiple tools that can help agents make strategic adjustments to marketing campaigns. And perhaps most valuably, she offers wisdom on maintaining balance in a demanding industry, emphasizing that finding activities outside of real estate is essential for sustained success.

Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting out, this episode delivers the perfect blend of cutting-edge marketing tactics, team-building wisdom, and life balance strategies from someone who's trying and succeeding in mastering them all.

Felicia Mares-Villa is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 02028970

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898 

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

When Rachel Melby moved to El Cerrito she created an Instagram account to document her discoveries in this charming Bay Area community. What began as personal exploration blossomed into IG's "The Little Hill" – a thriving online community celebrating local treasures, architecture, and neighborhood events. What Rachel couldn't have anticipated was how this authentic community-building would later become the foundation for her successful real estate career.

Rachel's journey represents what many agents aspire to but few achieve: converting genuine community engagement into business opportunities without sacrificing authenticity or trust. As she explains, "I wanted to make sure that people were opting into my real estate journey rather than me shoving it down their throats." This thoughtful approach led her to create a separate IG account, "Little Hill Real Estate", while carefully managing her original platform – a strategy that paid dividends as community members eagerly followed her professional evolution.

Throughout our conversation, Rachel shares practical wisdom about creating content that resonates. From finding your voice on social media to adapting to algorithm changes, she emphasizes versatility and consistency above all. "Learn how to do a little bit of everything," she advises, noting that mastering various content formats helps you pivot when platforms evolve. For those intimidated by content creation, Rachel suggests identifying specific barriers – whether it's camera shyness or concern about specific followers – and addressing them head-on.

Beyond digital strategies, Rachel has increasingly focused on bringing her online community offline through events like the annual Summer Kickoff Festival and partnerships with the El Cerrito Historical Society. This holistic approach to community engagement has positioned her as both a trusted local resource and a go-to real estate professional in a competitive market. Her insights into current market conditions reveal the value of hyperlocal expertise, particularly as insurance concerns reshape buyer preferences between hill and flatland properties.

Whether you're a seasoned agent looking to enhance your social media presence or considering a career in real estate, Rachel's experience offers a blueprint for success built on authentic connection rather than aggressive self-promotion. Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with innovative real estate professionals who are redefining what it means to build community-centered businesses.

Rachel Melby is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#02179456

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898 

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

Kerri Naslund-Monday returns to discuss the struggling Inner East Bay condo market, revealing how properties have lost a decade of appreciation.

The Inner East Bay condo market has experienced what Kerri calls "four punches" that have seen demand and values decline. Properties that once commanded premium prices are now selling at levels not seen since 2014 — or in some cases, 2007. This represents a reversal of fortune that's reshaping the market landscape.

Declan and Kerri dissect these market-altering forces: COVID's devastating impact on shared living spaces, skyrocketing interest rates impacting affordability, California's new balcony inspection requirements triggering special assessments, and an insurance crisis driving HOA fees to unprecedented heights. Together, these factors have created a perfect storm for condo owners while simultaneously opening doors for strategic buyers.

The conversation doesn't just diagnose problems — it illuminates paths forward. For sellers, understanding the realistic timeline for market recovery is crucial for making informed decisions. For buyers, learning how to properly evaluate a condo complex's inspection status, insurance situation, and HOA finances can reveal value opportunities. And for real estate professionals, this challenging market segment offers a chance to build expertise and relationships that will pay dividends when the inevitable recovery arrives.

Whether you're a property owner facing tough decisions, a potential buyer seeking value, or an agent navigating a difficult market, this episode provides the context, data, and strategies needed to make confident choices in uncertain times. Listen now and discover how today's challenges might be tomorrow's opportunities.

Kerri Naslund-Monday is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01759031

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898