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In this week’s episode of Real Estate Explained, host Nick Bush sits with his wife, Lauren Bush, PhD, for a candid conversation about the fixer-upper that shaped their entire outlook on homeownership.

From the moment they bought their first home in Washington, DC, the surprises started rolling in — a broken fridge in week two, a roof that needed immediate replacement, and a kitchen renovation that ended with an unexpected gas leak. What started as an exciting first home quickly became a crash course in renovations, patience, and what it really takes to manage a property.

Nick and Lauren open up about:

• The fixer-upper fantasy vs. the overwhelming reality
• Renovation lessons that cost more than they ever planned
• Why their first house turned into a rental — and what being landlords is really like
• How moving from DC to Fredericksburg shifted their perspective on city vs. suburban living
• The mindset changes they’re taking into their next home purchase

This episode is a mix of real talk, relatable homeowner struggles, and practical advice for anyone considering a fixer-upper, debating city vs. suburban life, or thinking about turning a property into a rental.

If you’ve ever wondered what buying, renovating, and renting a first home actually feels like behind the Instagram highlight reel — this one’s for you.

Podcast Intro 

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