The Next Move

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

What does real estate in Central Texas actually look like from the agents working in it every single day?

For Season 1, Episode 14 of The Next Move: A Central Texas Real Estate Podcast, Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick are joined by fellow Central Texas REALTORS® Carlee Lopez and Aundrea Dudik for an agent roundtable—and this one is less presentation and more real conversation.

We’re talking about the market, our businesses, our clients, and what we’re seeing on the ground across Central Texas. What’s working right now? What’s frustrating? Where are agents finding wins? What are buyers and sellers struggling with? And how do you continue building a real estate business when the market—and the industry itself—keeps changing?

Carlee and Aundrea are also part of our collaborative group at eXp Realty, so we get into their experiences since making the transition to eXp: what changed, what surprised them, the importance of collaboration, and what being surrounded by other agents who are willing to share ideas and resources can look like in practice.

But this isn’t an eXp commercial.

It’s four Central Texas real estate professionals sitting down and talking candidly about business, life, clients, challenges, wins, brokerage, collaboration and the reality of being a REALTOR® in today’s market.

Carlee brings a particularly local perspective to the conversation. She’s a Central Texas native who grew up in Copperas Cove, earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from UT Tyler and now calls Belton home. Her business focuses on buyers, sellers, relocation and new construction throughout Central Texas. 

Aundrea is an Associate Broker and REALTOR® behind Living in Central Texas, specializing in buying, selling and relocation throughout the region. Her master’s-level background in clinical mental health brings an interesting perspective to the very human—and sometimes very emotional—side of real estate. 

If you’re a buyer or seller wondering what agents are really seeing in Central Texas, or you’re an agent curious about how other professionals are navigating today’s market, pull up a chair. This is the kind of conversation that usually happens when agents get together after the meeting—and we’re letting you listen in.

In this episode: Central Texas market realities • what’s working and what isn’t • today’s buyers and sellers • agent frustrations and wins • life after transitioning to eXp • collaboration vs. competition • building a sustainable real estate career • and plenty of real-world real estate talk.

Connect with our guests

Carlee Lopez | REALTOR® — eXp Realty
📱 Call/Text: (254) 768-1222
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🌐 CarleeLopez.com⁠
📸 Instagram: @carleesellsctx⁠

Aundrea Dudik | Associate Broker, REALTOR® — eXp Realty
📱 Call/Text: (254) 598-0010
📧 Email: [email protected] 
🌐 LivingInCTX.com⁠
📸 Instagram: @aundreadudik_realtor⁠
📘 Facebook: Aundrea Dudik Realtor⁠

🎙️ The Next Move: A Central Texas Real Estate Podcast
Hosted by Jennifer Bruns & Matt Dick

Real estate. Real conversations. Central Texas.

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

Central Texas is growing fast—but some of the biggest changes happening around us have nothing to do with new subdivisions.

In this episode of The Next Move: A Central Texas Real Estate Podcast, Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick dig into the rapid growth of data centers, solar projects, solar farms, and wind turbine farms across Central Texas—and the complicated conversation surrounding them.

These projects can bring investment, infrastructure, tax revenue, jobs, and opportunities to communities. But they can also raise very real questions about land use, property values, resources, development, neighboring properties, and the long-term character of our communities.

Instead of treating these projects as simply “good” or “bad,” we look at both sides of the conversation and discuss what homeowners, buyers, sellers, landowners, and investors should be thinking about as Central Texas continues to change.

We talk about the differences between residential solar panels and large-scale solar farms, what data centers actually mean for the communities where they're built, the pros and cons of wind energy projects, and why buyers should pay attention to what's happening not only on the property they're purchasing—but on the land surrounding it.

If you're buying land, selling property, investing in Central Texas, or simply wondering what all of this development could mean for the place you call home, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we discuss: data centers and their growing presence in Central Texas; solar panels vs. large-scale solar farms; wind and turbine farms; potential economic benefits and community concerns; land use and development; possible impacts on surrounding property; and why understanding what's planned around a property matters when making a real estate decision.

Central Texas is changing. The question isn't whether growth is coming—it's what that growth will look like and how it could affect your next move.

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

If you've been wondering whether now is the right time to sell your home, you're not alone.

In Part 2 of our two-part series, hosts Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick shift the conversation to the seller's side of today's real estate market. While many homeowners are hesitant because of interest rates and market headlines, there are still significant opportunities for sellers who understand today's market and have the right strategy.

Jennifer and Matt discuss why homes that are properly priced and well-prepared are continuing to attract buyers, how low inventory continues to benefit sellers in many markets, and why your home's equity may put you in a stronger position than you realize.

Whether you're thinking about upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or simply exploring your options, this episode will help you determine whether now is the right time to make your move.

In This Episode:

• Why inventory still favors many sellers
• The importance of pricing your home correctly
• How today's buyers are approaching the market
• Using your equity to achieve your next goals
• Preparing your home to stand out
• Why waiting isn't always the best strategy
• What sellers should consider before listing

Key Takeaway:

Every market creates opportunities. The key isn't trying to time the market perfectly—it's understanding your goals and developing the right strategy to move forward with confidence.

If you missed Part 1: Why It's a Good Time to Buy, be sure to go back and listen for the buyer's perspective. Together, these two episodes answer one of the biggest questions in real estate today:

Should I Buy or Sell Right Now?

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

Part 1: Why It's a Good Time to Buy

Should you buy now, or should you wait?

It's one of the biggest questions facing today's homebuyers, and in Part 1 of this two-part series, Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick break down why today's market may offer more opportunities than many buyers realize.

From increased inventory and greater negotiating power to seller concessions and long-term wealth building, Jennifer and Matt discuss the advantages buyers have in the current market and why waiting for the "perfect" time may not always be the best strategy.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, move-up buyer, downsizer, or investor, this episode will help you better understand today's market and determine if now is the right time for your next move.

In This Episode:

• Why buyers have more choices today than they've had in recent years
• Negotiating opportunities and seller concessions
• Looking beyond interest rates when making a decision
• Building long-term wealth through homeownership
• Why waiting could cost more than you think
• How to determine if you're truly ready to buy

Coming Up Next:

Part 2 of this series explores the seller side of the market and answers the question:

"Why is it a good time to sell right now?"

Because the real question isn't just whether you should buy or sell—it's whether you should make your move now.

FB/IG: @matt0911dick

FB/IG: @jbrunsrealtor

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

Choosing a brokerage is one of the most important decisions a real estate agent will make—but not all brokerages offer the same opportunities, culture, support, or path for growth.

In this episode of The Next Move Podcast, hosts Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick share their personal real estate journeys and the factors that ultimately led them to choose eXp Realty over other brokerage options.

Drawing from their own experiences, Jennifer and Matt discuss the questions every agent should be asking before joining a brokerage, whether you're newly licensed, considering a career change, or simply evaluating your next move in real estate.

From training and mentorship to culture, leadership, technology, collaboration, and long-term growth opportunities, this conversation provides practical insight into what matters most when selecting a brokerage that aligns with your goals.

In This Episode:

• How Jennifer and Matt found their way into real estate
• What they looked for in a brokerage
• Why they ultimately chose eXp Realty
• Questions every agent should ask before joining
• The importance of mentorship and support
• Culture versus commission splits
• Growth opportunities for new and experienced agents
• How to determine if a brokerage is the right fit for your career

Questions Every Agent Should Ask:

✔ What training is available for new agents?

✔ What support systems exist when challenges arise?

✔ Is the brokerage culture collaborative or competitive?

✔ What technology and tools are provided?

✔ Are there opportunities for long-term growth and leadership?

✔ Does the brokerage align with your personal and professional goals?

Whether you're just getting started or considering a brokerage change, this episode will help you evaluate your options and make a more informed decision about your real estate career.

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

What does it take to go from selling real estate to building a real estate empire?

In this episode of The Next Move Podcast, hosts Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick sit down with real estate investor, entrepreneur, and podcast host Aaron Amuchastegui to discuss his journey from real estate agent to successful investor, business owner, and industry leader.

Aaron shares the lessons he's learned from completing more than 1,000 property flips, building and managing hundreds of rental properties, and creating one of the most influential real estate podcasts in the country. He also discusses the importance of mindset, leadership, networking, and creating opportunities that not only generate wealth but also make a lasting impact on the people and communities around us.

Whether you're an agent looking to grow your business, an investor searching for your next opportunity, or someone interested in building long-term wealth through real estate, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

In This Episode:

• Aaron's journey from agent to investor
• Building wealth through real estate investing
• Lessons from over 1,000 property flips
• Growing and managing a rental portfolio
• The power of relationships and networking
• Creating impact beyond the transaction
• Advice for agents and investors looking to scale

Connect with Aaron Amuchastegui:

📸 Instagram: @aaronamuchastegui

🎙️ Real Estate Rockstars Podcast:
Real Estate Rockstars

🎟️ Real Estate Rockstars Mastermind:
Real Estate Rockstars Mastermind

Connect with The Next Move Podcast

Hosted by Jennifer Bruns & Matt Dick, bringing you conversations with industry experts, local professionals, and real estate leaders to help you make informed decisions about your next move.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is ready to build wealth and create impact through real estate.

#TheNextMovePodcast #AaronAmuchastegui #RealEstateRockstars #RealEstateInvesting #HouseFlipping #RentalProperties #RealEstateAgent #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship #CentralTexasRealEstate #YourNextMove

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make—but choosing the right insurance policy can be just as important.

On this episode of The Next Move Podcast, Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick sit down with Jacob Neading of Goosehead Insurance to discuss everything homeowners, buyers, sellers, and investors need to know about protecting one of their biggest assets.

Jacob shares valuable insight into today's insurance market, common coverage mistakes, replacement cost vs. market value, deductibles, Texas-specific risks, and why working with an independent insurance broker can help you find the right protection—not just the lowest premium.

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or simply reviewing your current homeowners policy, this episode is packed with practical advice that can save you thousands of dollars and provide peace of mind.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Understanding homeowners insurance
• Replacement cost vs. market value
• Deductibles and coverage options
• Wind, hail & Texas insurance considerations
• Insurance requirements during the buying process
• Coverage for investment properties
• Common mistakes homeowners make
• Why independent insurance brokers provide more options

Featured Guest

Jacob Neading
Goosehead Insurance

📧 [email protected]

📞 Office: 512-368-9010

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neading_insurance/

🌐 Goosehead Insurance: https://www.goosehead.com/

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

What really happens between the time a contract is signed and the day you get the keys?

In this episode of The Next Move Podcast, Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick sit down with the incredible team from Sendera Title's Temple office to pull back the curtain on the title and escrow process. Whether you're buying your first home, selling your current one, or you're a REALTOR® looking to better serve your clients, this episode is packed with valuable information that can help make your next transaction smoother.

Joining us are:

Valerie Rushing – Escrow Officer & Branch Manager
Jamie Owens – Escrow Officer & Assistant Branch Manager
Bailey Benevides – Funding Officer

Together, we discuss:

What title companies actually do
The role of escrow from contract to closing
Common title issues that can delay a transaction
Why title insurance matters
Wire fraud prevention and protecting your money
What happens on closing day
How buyers, sellers, lenders, REALTORS®, and title companies all work together to get transactions across the finish line

Whether you're preparing to buy, getting ready to sell, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this conversation offers practical insights and real-world advice from the professionals who handle closings every day.

Connect with Sendera Title – Temple Office

📍 Sendera Title – Temple Office
200 Paloma Drive, Suite 100
Temple, TX 76502

📞 Office: (254) 239-0100

📠 Fax: (254) 239-0110

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: https://senderatitle.com/contact/

Connect with The Next Move Podcast

Subscribe for weekly conversations about:

Central Texas Real Estate
Buying & Selling Tips
REALTOR® Education
Local Market Insights
Industry Professionals
Real Stories from Real People

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Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

#TheNextMovePodcast #CentralTexasRealEstate #TempleTX #SenderaTitle #TitleCompany #Escrow #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstatePodcast #TexasRealEstate #JenniferBruns #MattDick #ClosingDay #TitleInsurance #RealEstateEducation

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

A home inspection can save you thousands of dollars—or help you avoid a costly mistake before closing.

In this episode of The Next Move Podcast, Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick sit down with Kody Heinze, owner of Centex Home Inspections, to discuss what buyers, sellers, and real estate agents need to know about the inspection process.

Kody shares what inspectors look for, the most common issues found in Central Texas homes, why new construction homes still need inspections, and how buyers and sellers can use inspection reports to make informed decisions during a transaction.

Whether you're purchasing your first home, preparing to sell, or simply want to better understand the inspection process, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insight.

Topics Covered:

• What a home inspection includes
• Common issues found in Central Texas homes
• New construction inspections
• WDI (Wood Destroying Insect) inspections
• Red flags buyers should never ignore
• How sellers can prepare for inspections
• Questions every homeowner should ask

Connect with Kody Heinze

Centex Home Inspections
📞 (254) 397-6465
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://centexhomeinspections.com/

Kody Heinze
Certified Home Inspector
TREC License #24710
WDI License #0864559 

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Buying? Selling? Want to know more about eXp Realty? Just wanna show us love? Message us!

Choosing the right lender can make or break your home-buying experience.

In this episode of The Next Move Podcast, Jennifer Bruns and Matt Dick sit down with two trusted local mortgage professionals, Jacob Studdard of Edge Home Finance and Donna Lawless of Fairway Mortgage 365, to discuss what buyers need to know before selecting a lender.

From loan programs and down payment options to pre-approvals, credit scores, interest rates, and common financing mistakes, this conversation is packed with practical advice for first-time buyers, repeat buyers, and anyone preparing to purchase a home in today's market.

Whether you're just starting your homeownership journey or looking to make your next move, this episode will help you better understand your financing options and feel more confident throughout the buying process.

In This Episode:

• Understanding different loan types
• What lenders look for during approval
• The importance of getting pre-approved
• Common financing mistakes buyers make
• Questions every buyer should ask a lender
• How to choose the right lending partner

Connect with Our Guests

Jacob Studdard
Edge Home Finance
📞 512-669-8754
🌐 https://edgehomefinance.com/team-member/jacob-studdard/?fbclid=IwVERFWASP-DFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeAK0KP6s0ipUSdnVxmKMiNV_oH41HoZvYBPFrKFn5BxkRPw58CgiYk67mLwI_aem_bRkSUtP2WRLEE8cr7eJFaQ

Donna Lawless
Fairway Mortgage 365
📞 719-660-4809
🌐 https://www.fairway.com/lo/donna-lawless-1461630

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.

Thank you for listening to The Next Move Podcast, where we bring you real conversations with local experts to help you make confident real estate decisions throughout Central Texas.

Real Estate Insights. Real Relationships. Your Next Move.