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

What happens when one of the world's most prestigious news organizations publishes a deeply flawed hit piece on an entire profession? That's exactly what Declan Spring and guest, José Fernández, addresses in this response to The New York Times Daily podcast episode "The Housing Market Has New Rules. Realtors Are Evading Them."

They examine and dismantle the NYT's reporting, exposing fundamental misunderstandings about how real estate actually works in America. From the false portrayal of NAR as a regulatory body to the complete omission of the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreements that now create unprecedented transparency in the industry, this episode reveals how biased framing and selective reporting can create a dangerously misleading narrative.

Together, they walk through how buyer representation actually works, why the "dreaded 6%" commission myth needs to die, and the critical difference between market education and the serious ethical violation of steering. Their exchange offers listeners a rare glimpse into the nuts and bolts of real estate practice that most reporting glosses over.

Beyond defending a profession of 1.5 million Americans unfairly characterized as a "cartel," Declan outlines the real barriers to housing affordability—from supply shortages and restrictive zoning to the insurance crisis and stagnant wages—and makes a case that scapegoating real estate professionals for systemic problems only distracts from meaningful solutions.

Whether you're a real estate professional frustrated by persistent misconceptions about your work or a consumer trying to navigate the complex world of buying and selling property, this episode delivers the context, clarity, and honest analysis that was missing from the original reporting. Join us for a defense of transparency and accuracy—not just in real estate, but in journalism too.

José Fernández  is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01353359

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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

Ever wonder what makes East Bay real estate so unique? Meet Mark Choi, a data-driven agent who's been meticulously documenting every property he visits since 2004. In this conversation, Mark explains why he tours up to 36 homes on broker tour day and how his two decades of records offer rare insights into our market.

We dive into the East Bay’s unusual pricing strategy—where homes often sell 40-150% over asking—and Mark recalls an El Cerrito listing that sold for 200% of list price. He shares critical market timing lessons, pinpointing January 2012 as the bottom for prices and January 2021 as the peak for low interest rates, along with advice on seasonal rhythms and the best times to list.

Mark also discusses how a $50,000 upgrade can yield a $150,000 return, the evolution of buyer behavior, and the rise of neighborhoods like El Cerrito. Most crucially, he reveals the key question buyers should ask when hiring an agent: "What's your reputation with other colleagues?" — a factor that can make or break an offer.

Ready to really understand the East Bay market? Subscribe to The Mostly Real Estate podcast for more insider perspectives.

Read more about Mark Choi on his agent website

Mark Choi is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01433100

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 global politics, tariff wars, and housing policy collide? Mortgage expert Dominic Villa pulls back the curtain on today's chaotic lending landscape, revealing truths that every homeowner and buyer needs to understand.

When the stock market plunges but mortgage rates inexplicably rise, something unprecedented is happening. Dominic breaks down this counterintuitive financial paradox, explaining how China's massive holdings of US debt create a precarious situation where tariff policies could potentially send mortgage rates skyrocketing above 10%. This isn't fearmongering—it's the reality of our interconnected global economy.

Beyond the immediate concerns, we explore why today's real estate fundamentals differ dramatically from the 2008 financial crisis. With homeowners holding substantial "real equity, not inflated equity" and lending regulations emphasizing verified income and ability to repay, the foundation remains solid despite economic turbulence. Dominic offers practical advice on fixed versus adjustable-rate mortgages in this environment, noting that "boring and predictable is everything you want in your housing payment."

The conversation takes a critical turn when discussing the potential dismantling of consumer protections. Through personal stories, Dominic illustrates how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has saved homebuyers tens of thousands of dollars by preventing predatory lending practices. His concerns about the privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac highlight a looming threat to mortgage affordability that few are discussing.

Whether you're in the market now or planning future real estate moves, understanding these forces will help you navigate one of the most complex mortgage environments in decades. Listen, learn, and make informed decisions that protect your financial future.

For more info on Dominic Villa and Castle Hill Mortgage click here. Follow Dominic on IG @MrDominic. Follow Declan on IG @DeclanSpring

Dominic Villa is Mortgage Banker with Castle Hill Mortgage NMLS ID: 1187381

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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

Let Freemodel remove the barriers to pre-sale renovations.

Lara Richmond from Freemodel reveals how pre-sale renovations with no upfront costs can transform properties and maximize sale prices, sharing real examples of homes that gained hundreds of thousands in added value through strategic improvements.

Watch our companion video segment here

• Freemodel funds and manages pre-sale renovations with payment deferred until closing
• Ideal for homeowners with equity but no available cash for improvements
• Project managers handle everything from design selections to contractor coordination
• Beyond selling, Fremodel offers "invoice projects" for buyers renovating new homes
• Project managers build reliable contractor networks for smooth project execution
• Understanding target buyer demographics drives design decisions that appeal to the market
• Forward-thinking renovations consider coming regulations like California's 2029 gas appliance ban

Lara's passion for remodeling ignited with the renovation of her first home, leading her to study design and architecture at George Washington University. Since 2008, she has been revitalizing homes across the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, and Washington, D.C. As the founder and CEO of Agave Interior Design, Lara is dedicated to creating beautiful and functional spaces that enhance the well-being of families. Her projects have set record sale prices in several East Bay neighborhoods, including Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond Heights. 

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898 

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

In this episode, we break down the heated debate over the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) and its latest update. The policy, which requires Realtors to list publicly marketed properties on the MLS within one business day, has sparked division within the industry. We explore both sides of the argument, from claims of increased transparency and fairness to concerns about restricted competition and broker autonomy.

Plus, we dive into NAR’s latest policy shift—the introduction of “Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings”—and what it means for agents, sellers, and the future of MLS systems.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Origins of CCP – Why NAR introduced the policy in 2020 and its impact on pocket listings.
• The Debate Intensifies – Industry leaders take sides, with Compass CEO Robert Reffkin leading opposition efforts.
• Legal & Regulatory Concerns – How the Department of Justice’s stance shaped the policy’s future.
• NAR’s New Update – What the “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers” policy changes and how it affects MLSs.
• What’s Next? – The ongoing power struggle between traditional brokerages, tech platforms, and the evolving real estate landscape.

Tune in as we break it all down and discuss what this means for the future of real estate professionals!

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

Josh Dickinson is not your typical broker! As a trained environmental engineer holding three advanced degrees—including an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business, a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame—Josh’s approach to real estate is anything but conventional.

After spending 15 years working with leading environmental firms and nonprofits, and successfully fundraising millions for one of the nation’s top universities, Josh discovered a true calling: helping people on a more personal and community-centered level. This realization led to the founding of Zip Code East Bay in 2012, marking the beginning of a fulfilling journey in real estate that has since expanded to Sonoma with Zip Code Sonoma, and a partnership with Keller Williams at their Bay Area Portfolio office in Berkeley.

Thanks to Liana Dickson for being my special guest this week for Property Of The Week.

Read more here on the Zip Code East Bay website.

Josh Dickinson is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01918193

Liana Dickson is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01984196

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898 

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

"Specialty: Tough deals and strategic negotiation. I thrive in negotiations!"

Kerri Naslund-Monday is not your average REALTOR®. She's an entrepreneur through and through. 

To learn more about Kerri, or to reach out to her, visit her website here.

"I grew up in the late 1970s-early 1980s, when video games were either unavailable or too pricey for my welfare-dependent family. So I played board games; Monopoly was my favorite. I developed my own version of the game, with credit cards, loans, and renters, by the time I was eight. After working since age 14, and saving most of my pay, I set a goal—to become a homeowner by the time I was 25. One crack house in Oakland became “home sweet home” the day I turned 25. Three years later my boss, Moe, at the tattoo shop asked when I was going to purchase income property. I claimed not to have adequate savings. That’s when Moe taught me the power of leverage."

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

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898 

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

“A well thought out estate plan is an act of love for yourself and your beneficiaries”. So says my guest Loulena Miles. 

Loulena Miles has been practicing law as a licensed California Attorney since 2003.  In our conversation today we will be discussing a very thin slice of California law - stepped-up tax basis. Loulena was a guest previously, on episode 32 of the show, when our conversation covered the basics of estate planning, and the different main documents that are involved in an estate plan. You are highly encouraged to listen to that episode as well - click here for the link. 

Unlock the secrets of estate planning with our latest episode featuring the brilliant attorney Loulena Miles. Curious about how a stepped-up basis can impact your financial future, especially if you’re in California? Join us as we decode this complex concept and reveal how it can help significantly lower capital gains taxes on inherited properties. We promise you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to navigate these tricky waters and ensure your loved ones reap the maximum benefits.

Our conversation kicks off by dissecting what a basis means in real estate, highlighting the importance of knowing your property's fair market value, whether purchased or inherited. Through engaging examples like Maggie and Frank's journey, we illustrate how a stepped-up basis can offer substantial tax advantages, particularly in community property states. Loulena sheds light on the common pitfalls to avoid, such as incorrect property titling and failing to obtain necessary appraisals, ensuring you’re equipped to sidestep these issues with confidence.

We also navigate the intricacies of leveraging trusts to avoid probate, which can be a game-changer in reducing stress and costs for heirs. Loulena’s insights help clarify the looming changes in federal estate tax laws, emphasizing the importance of timely estate planning. Whether you're managing an estate now or planning for the future, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert guidance to help you make informed decisions and protect your assets.

Click here for a link to Loulena's law firm, Miles & Torres PC

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

It’s a lovely weekend to visit Open Homes!

We’re  happy to provide a complete list of *all Inner-East Bay open homes for this weekend, please click here.

*Areas covered: Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito, Richmond, El Sobrante, Pinole, Hercules, Crockett.

For Open Homes limited mostly to the Berkeley area, we're happy to share the ‘Adreview’. The Adreview is a private Berkeley publication of open homes. It has a pleasant format but is by no means an exhaustive list of open homes in the Inner-East Bay. 

For this week’s Saturday Open Homes ‘Ad Review’ please click here.

For this week’s Sunday Open Homes ‘Ad Review’ please click here. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us about property listed here, we’re happy to answer your questions!

For the printed data referenced in this podcast please reach out to [email protected]

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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

It’s a lovely weekend to visit Open Homes!

We’re  happy to provide a complete list of *all Inner-East Bay open homes for this weekend, please click here.

*Areas covered: Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito, Richmond, El Sobrante, Pinole, Hercules, Crockett.

For Open Homes limited mostly to the Berkeley area, we're happy to share the ‘Adreview’. The Adreview is a private Berkeley publication of open homes. It has a pleasant format but is by no means an exhaustive list of open homes in the Inner-East Bay. 

For this week’s Saturday Open Homes ‘Ad Review’ please click here.

For this week’s Sunday Open Homes ‘Ad Review’ please click here. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us about property listed here, we’re happy to answer your questions!

For the printed data referenced in this podcast please reach out to [email protected]

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898