Trust the Process

Episode 26 - In this episode of Trust the Process, Krista and Michael unpack everything you need to know about modern appraisals—from “Tidewater” notices and shortfalls to the builder hacks that quietly set new comps. Along the way, they reveal:

• Why appraisals protect the bank, not the buyer or seller—and what that really means for negotiations
• How appraisal contingencies (or waivers) shift risk when the market is hot versus cooling
• The tricks builders use—like model-home lease-backs—to push first-in comps higher
• When automated valuation models (PIWs/AVMs) can replace a full appraisal—and when you should still pay for one
• Real-world stories of deals that closed $50K over and $85K under the appraised value, plus what happened next

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or industry pro, you’ll walk away with a clear game plan for navigating value gaps and keeping your transaction on track.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe for weekly deep dives into the realities of building, buying, and selling homes.

#BuiltByTrustHomeBuilders #RealEstateInsights #HomeAppraisals #TrustHomeBuilders

Episode 25 -In this episode of Trust the Process, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the toughest parts of building custom and semi-custom homes: fatigue — emotional, mental, and even transactional. From friction with buyers and agents to the stress of managing expectations over multi-year builds, we explore why even the most professional teams reach their limit.

Whether you're an agent bringing clients into a new construction deal, or a builder juggling timelines and emotions, this conversation gets real about:

• Why agents often become the first fatigue point
• The emotional weight of high-stakes custom builds
• How strict processes protect everyone — even when they frustrate
• Lessons from walking away from a celebrity project
• What agents can do to actually look like heroes

📌 If you’re in the trenches of high-end real estate — this episode is for you.

#TrustTheProcess #LuxuryRealEstate #CustomHomes #NewConstruction #HomeBuilderLife #RealEstatePodcast #AgentLife #BuilderFatigue #ClientExpectations #HighEndHomes #LuxuryLiving #RealEstateTalk #BehindTheBuild #HomeBuildingJourney #AgentTips

Episode 24 - With home prices on the rise and interest rates still elevated, it's a question we hear all the time: Why can't we just build more homes?

In this special episode of Trust the Process, we’ve pulled together clips from past conversations to explore the complex answer. It’s not just about land. It’s about whether that land is buildable, the crushing weight of regulation, the time and cost of approvals, and the sheer effort it takes to bring a home from concept to construction.

📌 In this episode, we cover:

• Why “available” land often isn’t buildable
• The role of building codes and why they keep growing
• Engineering, architectural, and HOA approval timelines
• Why new builders don’t just jump into the industry
• What it really costs before you even break ground

If you’ve ever looked around and wondered why we aren’t just building more, this episode will give you the real picture behind the headlines.

Episode 23 - Spring is traditionally the hottest season in real estate—but 2025 isn't following the script. In this episode of Trust the Process, Krista and Michael unpack the current state of the housing market, from shifting buyer sentiment and seasonal traffic patterns to macroeconomic pressures and local market dynamics in Las Vegas. Whether you're a builder, agent, or buyer, this candid conversation breaks down how seasonality actually plays out—and why it’s not all sunshine and sold signs this spring.

In this episode of Trust the Process, Michael & Krista explore the polarizing term "McMansion"—what it means, where it came from, and whether it deserves its bad reputation. From oversized brick facades to faux Palladian windows and modern minimalist knockoffs, Krista breaks down the history, design trends, and economics that shaped this uniquely American housing phenomenon.

Are McMansions architectural eyesores or simply misunderstood? Tune in to find out.

🔨 Presented by Trust Home Builders 📍 Based in Las Vegas, NV

Follow for more real estate insights, design deep dives, and smart talk about the business of building homes.

Sticker Shock: 6 Surprising Costs of Building a Custom Home

Think building a luxury home is all about finishes and square footage? In this episode, Krista and Michael break down six surprising costs—three that are shockingly high and three that are lower than you'd expect. From $75K design fees to $23K window packages, we pull back the curtain on what really drives the budget in custom home construction. Whether you're a buyer, agent, or just curious, this episode offers real numbers, expert insight, and a few laughs along the way.

Episode 20: A small infill parcel. A straightforward plan. And then — zoning chaos. In this episode, we share the real story of how one project in Henderson, NV went from 23 townhomes to just 7 custom homes, thanks to setbacks, cul-de-sac requirements, and a sewer truck with a 100-ft turning radius.

It’s frustrating, funny, and eye-opening — a must-hear for anyone in real estate, land development, or luxury homebuilding.

Episode 19: In this episode of Trust the Process, we explore why walkability is so elusive in modern suburban development. From wide streets and single-use zoning to the psychological cues that make pedestrians feel unsafe, we unpack the design decisions that have shaped our car-centric cities. We also touch on historical context—from horse paths to high-rises—and why cities in Europe and the East Coast often get walkability right by accident, not by design.

We dive into zoning complexities, and ask what it will take for walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods to become more than just a planning ideal. Whether you're in real estate, urban planning, or just curious about how we build better communities, this is a must-listen conversation.

Episode 18: We’re back with Part 2 of our special listener Q&A edition!

In this episode, we continue tackling the most common — and most important — questions from future homeowners. From the biggest challenges to what's happening in new home design, we’re diving deep into the real-world concerns that come up during the homebuilding journey.

Whether you're exploring your options or already breaking ground, these conversations are designed to equip you with clarity, confidence, and a better understanding of how to build with Trust.

Episode Description: In this special Q&A edition of the podcast, we're answering your most pressing questions about building a home with Trust. From timelines and budgeting to design choices and navigating the build process, we’re covering it all—honestly and in detail. Whether you're just starting your journey or already knee-deep in planning, this episode is packed with insights to help you feel more confident and informed.

This is Part 1 of our listener question series—stay tuned for even more next week!