Finance With Factor

Jim Major, Realtor at Lamacchia Real Estate & Director of the Greater Boston Association of Realtors and Director of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, joins Debbie Sousa, Director of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association, to break down the key legislation and policy debates shaping the future of housing in Massachusetts. As leaders and local experts, they offer insider insights on what's at stake for hopeful homebuyers, current homeowners, and future sellers. Tune in to understand how these changes could impact you—and how you can help your local experts advocate for your best interests.

To be clear, nobody actually calls Adam Shulman, Realtor with Leading Edge Real Estate, "Malden Man" or any version of that. But, Adam has invested time to become a go to local expert, advocate, and resource within the Malden business community. He leverages his connections to promote and platform local small businesses and small business owners while creating genuine off camera relationships that help him better serve his customers and partners. Real estate professionals and business owners, enjoy this episode for tips and advice on how to deepen your community involvement and community engagement. Listen to how easy it is to learn from his success and customize it to fit your business.

More than 6,800 residential real estate agents switched brokerages this spring, a 66% increase from the same quarter last year. Jeremy Poock Esq, founder of Senior Attorney Match, dives into business transition and acquisition planning, offering guidance on how to sell, pass down, or grow your business. With market volume still tight and an aging workforce, many lenders, realtors, and attorneys are asking: what's next? Jeremy shares how to evaluate your options and prepare for a smooth transition and/or strategic growth. No matter what type of business, service, or practice you run, Jermey provide tips and advice for your business's next step.

Jeremy Vaille, Financial Advisor at Arsenal Financial and host of The Arsenal Money Clip Podcast, to debunk one of the most common investing myths: timing the market. Jeremy explains why trying to outsmart market cycles is more risk than reward—and how consistency often beats prediction. Whether you're in real estate or traditional investing, timing may seem like everything, but in reality, it's anything but predictable. Tune in for practical insights on building long-term wealth without the guesswork.

Carrie Couglin, Director of the Friends of Boston's Homeless, shares the dramatic and increasing needs of our most vulnerable neighbors struggling with homelessness. As a housing first organization, the FOBH teams with community partnerships and a variety of grants to secure safe, sustainable, permanent housing for unhoused neighbors in need. Despite a 10% increase in demand, in 2025 alone, mostly from young families, teens and women escaping abuse, veterans, and our elderly, the FOBH was recently informed that their $1M Federal HUD grant has been recalled. They have to refund the remaining money that was earmarked to house 25 more people. Listen to this episode to learn why we are working to fill that funding gap and how you and your company can get involved to help!

The Rise Above Foundation is committed to providing foster children with enriching experiences that promote normalcy, comfort, and self-esteem. I was honored to join co-founder Sara Baldiga and board member Nick Pelletier of Pelletier Properties in their recent effort to build a playground at the Leominster DCF Office. On this episode, we discuss the project and how businesses can integrate philanthropy into their models to support local communities. As an impact lender, donating 49% of annual profits to local nonprofits, Movement Mortgage is proud to support this initiative and I invite you to listen and learn more about Rise Above and how you can get involved!

Aimée Dodson, Chief Engagement Officer at Movement Mortgage, discusses the company's unique role as an "Impact Lender" and its commitment to giving back to communities. Movement Mortgage leads the way by donating 49% of its annual profits to local non-profits, setting a high standard for philanthropy in the lending industry. Aimée invites real estate professionals, lenders, and agents to join in this mission, sharing practical ways to integrate community service into your business with authenticity that inspires others. Tune in for insights on how you can integrate a cause into your business, not just for marketing, but with meaningful sincerity.

Joel Fanjoy, Regional Senior VP of Insurance Sales at William Raveis Insurance, discusses the impact of insurance on housing affordability. With rising premiums due to new condo insurance guidelines, natural disasters, and other market pressures, homebuyers are feeling the strain. Joel shares expert insights on how to manage controllable factors to protect your insurance, ensuring you don't get overwhelmed by the rising costs. Tune in for practical tips on small claims and total loss so you can navigate today's insurance hazards safely.

As pitchers and catchers report, learn how Coach Joel Barrett, of Joel Barret Baseball & Softball, embraces being called the "best looser" with enthusiasm. His "win or learn" mentality will change your business, make your home buying process more enjoyable, and/or help you live a more positive life. If you have ever been too hard on yourself or let competition and negativity impact you, then listen to this episode!Also www.joelbarrettbaseball.com camp registration is open, but filling fast. So if you are a coach looking for a summer job or parent/kid looking for summer fun, listen to this episode and act quickly.

Nicole Pinkos, real estate attorney with Hornung & Scimone, shares expert tips how to navigate property transactions in probate, breaking down key terms and answering essential questions for agents, sellers, and buyers. Tune in for practical tips and advice to ensure a smooth real estate process.

Dr. Samantha Welchman (of Hanover Physical Theropy) explains the importance of being proactive with your health, fitness, and physical therapy by taking small realistic steps, instead of waiting for the big injury needing rehab. We discuss how this approach mirrors creating an achievable business plan--setting goals, staying accountable, and tracking progress. Listen to the full episode for tips and tricks on how to improve your health and apply the same strategies to your business and goals!

In this crossover episode, I join Mike Sokolowski and Saad Munir's of Torrii Homes, for their "Storii Time" on IG Live to discuss getting out of your own head and taking small steps toward your goals. We share simple strategies for making marketing and social media less intimidating and more approachable—perfect for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed. If you like their vibe, follow @saadmun1r and @photolowski to catch Storii Time live Wednesdays at 5pm ET.

Angela Zullo, a realtor with Lamacchia Realty, discusses how her background as an architect helps homebuyers and sellers. Angela shares how her education and professional experience in architecture provides invaluable insights when navigating new construction projects or preparing homes for sale. Whether it's helping clients spot design potential or understanding the intricacies of construction, Angela's shares how hiring a realtor with an eye for detail gives clients a distinct advantage in the competitive real estate market.

Attention Finacial Advisors and Retirement Planning Specialists: Harlon Accola, National Director of Reverse Mortgages at Movement Mortgage, discuss how reverse mortgages can enhance retirement planning. Recorded during a workshop for Sykon Capital's team of financial advisors, we cover the basic uses and real-world case studies of reverse mortgages. Learn how financial advisors can integrate this product into their overall planning strategies to help clients leverage their home's equity to increase cash flow & flexibility, build wealth, and secure a legacy for their family while aging in place. Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. Movement Mortgage NMLS ID #39179 (For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Additional information is available at movement.com/legal. Interest rates and products are subject to change. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. Always speak with a licensed lending professional and secure a Loan Estimate or Good Faith Estimate before moving forward with any mortgage.

Jane Barry, from South Shore Bank, joins me to discuss the latest bank safety measures and security threats facing our customers. From real estate transactions to everyday banking, Jane shares practical tips for realtors, attorneys, and small business owners on how to protect client information. We dive into safeguarding against common scams, AI-driven fraud, solicitation calls, and other financial security risks. Tune in to learn how to stay ahead of potential threats and keep your personal and professional data safe in an increasingly digital world.

Ryan Hayes, President of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association, discusses the key market dynamics shaping real estate and mortgage trends. From the impact of elections to the shifting bond markets, Ryan offers expert insights into what homebuyers, realtors, financial advisors, and mortgage professionals might expect in the final months of 2024 and into 2025. With a volatile market ahead, we also share practical tips and advice for financial advisors, loan officers, realtors, and homebuyers on how to navigate the ups and downs. Tune in for valuable strategies to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of upcoming opportunities.

In the world of real estate, where dreams are bought and sold, some stories linger long after the deal is done. These are not the tales of open houses or closing costs. These are the real-life stories of real estate professionals. From eerie encounters to late-night showings to mysterious whispers echoing through empty properties...realtors and real estate professionals see everything...and today, we share our most heralding and spine-tingling tales on this Halloween themed episode of "Finance with Factor" we hear of an accidental kidnapping, red flags gone ignored, and a real-life haunted house too chilling to be real...but all of these real-life ‘scary' stories reveal the true and scary side of real estate.

Unlock the secrets of effective social media marketing with Ken Ferris, Realtor with Pelletier Properties at Keller Williams! In this episode, Ken shares how his "WTF Wed" posts have become a memorable marketing tool, providing personality, purpose, and prospects for his business. Discover valuable insights from Ken's experience and learn how to enhance your own online marketing efforts. Tune in and elevate your social media game! Don't forget to follow Ken on Instagram @ken.ferris.re for more tips, ideas, and laughs!

Ben Aiken, from The Agency, shares the value of assembling a trusted and well-coordinated homebuying team. He emphasizes how clear communication from the beginning of your search through closing can empower homebuyers to submit more competitive offers and navigate the process with confidence. We discuss valuable tips and tricks for both homebuyers and realtors on how to build the right team for a successful home search. Listen for insights that could make your offer "safe bet" in your homebuying journey!

The college admission season has begun. With the anxiety of "getting in" comes the angst of how do we pay for it!?! Nod DaSilva-Kilgore, of Personal College Counseling, Inc, joins the podcast to share how she helps students and families prepare, search, and finance their educational goals. We expire the FASFA, merit scholarships, parent loans, home equity, and how all of these can fit within your family's short and long term budgets and finance goals.

The Friends of Boston Homeless is a non-profit "housing first" organization dedicated to assisting our most vulnerable neighbors find safe, sustainable housing solutions. Volunteer Board Member Darren Lee shares his personal childhood story about overcoming homelessness. We discuss how fast stable can turn to tragic and the roll of organizations, like the Friends, can be part of the path back to "normalcy" for people in need. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit www.fobh.org.

As rates come down, homeowners and prospective buyers are in for it over the next few months! I've heard stories of people shopping around being bombarded by as many as 250 calls, texts, and/or email solicitations. How do you find a bank, lender, or loan officer you can trust? CEO and Founder or Lendaid, Jerry Devlin, shares his insights on what to look for in a mortgage lender. We discuss how Lendaid, Inc evaluates mortgage originators and how that can aid realtors and homebuyers when selecting a lending partner. We also share how customers, referral partners, and hiring managers can "read between the lines" on reviews to decifer between "raving fans" and bots or just raving crazy people. We also share effective ways (any small business owner) can leverage customer feedback to grow your business.

Mortgage Insurance is an often used and even more often misunderstood financial tool in the homebuying process. Kerry Murtagh, Account Manager at Arch Mortgage Insurance, breaks down MI facts and features to help homebuyers, realtors, and sellers understand how it can be best leveraged. We can also discuss why more down payment does not always mean the best loan or most qualified buyer.

The Friends of Boston Homeless is a non-profit "housing first" organization dedicated to assisting our most vulnerable neighbors find safe, sustainable housing solutions. Volunteer Board Member Darren Lee shares his personal childhood story about overcoming homelessness. We discuss how fast stable can turn to tragic and the roll of organizations, like the Friends, can be part of the path back to "normalcy" for people in need. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit www.fobh.org.

Likability is a common topic among voters and politicians. We discuss it like it's a skill. But being likable is best without the effort. Mayor Kassandra Gove, of Amesbury MA, joins the conversation to discuss likability, approachability, and other abilities. We share how genuine connections and consensus are best built on authentic relationships and casual interactions. Enjoy the lessons she's learned as mayor, as a realtor, and at the chamber of commerce to benefit your business.

Learn how Coach Joel Barrett, of Joel Barret Baseball & Softball, embraces being called the "best looser" with enthusiasm. His "win or learn" mentality will change your business, make your home buying process more enjoyable, and/or help you live a more positive life. If you have ever been too hard on yourself or let competition and negativity impact you, then listen to this episode! www.JoelBarretBaseball.com | www.MassachusettsAttack.com

Ever feel paralyzed by the need to plan and post to social every day? The Co-Owner of Bay State Creamery, Emily Voiss, shares how (in just 2 months since opening) she has built a loyal following through fun, engaging, and often spontaneous posts @⁠baystatecreamery⁠. Learn how to translate her perspective and experience to improve your business and social media strategies!

Ads are great at creating commercials that make you “feel” something, but often the most memorable will smile, laugh, and remember the product in only 20-30 seconds. Comedy has a unique stickiness to it that we can use when networking and building relationships with clients, friends, and colleagues. Alan Reich, an accomplished copy writer (and the person my Dad calls the funniest person he's ever worked with), joins the podcast to discuss the value of being funny and the fine line of funny in serious or stressful situations. He shares tips on how you can make someone laugh to create a genuine connection in your next “elevator” pitch or first impression.

I recap the Real Estate Day on the Hill, a day were realtors, lenders, bankers, and other real estate professionals meet with our state representatives, senators, and a variety of other professionals to advocate for the issues impacting consumers and the business. Listen to this episode for a recap on the bills currently under consideration, our most interesting takeaways from the meetings, and how you can get involved to advocate for your interests.

Real Estate is often at the center of many divorce or separation conversations. The anxiety of dealing with the marital home can even make some couples feel “stuck” together. While working through the home is complicated, with homeowners having historic amounts of equity and rates that may make it difficult to qualify on one income, starting the conversation can be the key to navigating the process. Rebecca Neale, Principal Attorney at Bedford Family Lawyer, shares her advice and #howto build a team that can help you best navigate the early stages of these conversations to have a “good divorce” that serves your entire family's best interest.

My kids love "Is it Cake" on Netflix. Honestly you cannot tell it is cake until you cut it open. On today's episode, I cut open the pre-underwriting process to explain what goes into a pre-approval and/or pre-commitment. I go beyond the marketing and into the math to share #howto read through the lender lingo and verify if your financing will get to closing. I arm homebuyers, sellers, realtors, and lenders with the steps to a verify they can shop with confidence.

A real estate contract is filled with contingency clauses designed to protect the buyers. But, in a competitive market, everything is negotiable, and many buyers find themselves tempted to waive contingencies to make their offer seem more appealing. Megan Ritter, attorney with Griffin Law, helps us understand the risks and implications of each contingency clause. Strategically crafting these clauses can be a winning plan, but it is important to understand what you are limiting/waving before signing the offer/purchase and sales contract.

Real estate professionals appreciate how stressful a transaction can be, but you often here people say, "it isn't life and death...nobody ever died from a real estate emergency." But, Jenifer Vieira, realtor with Lamacchia Realty, is also an experienced nurse and military parent who has learned how to manage a wide-range of stressful situations. She shares how she uses personal, nursing, and medevac experience to aid her real estate clients. She shares tips and advice on how to triage stressful situations with an action plan. This episode is a must listen for any aspiring homebuyer, realtor, lender, business owner or really anyone who finds themselves frustrated by the stress of finding a home...or just real-life.

There are days you just want a warm hoodie and other days a well starched suit makes you feel like James Bond. Jack Woods, a Professional Clothier with the Tom James Company, joins the podcast to discuss everything from the Fanatics MLB uniform disaster to why dressing in a way that authentically expresses your personality and goals can give you the confidence to be successful.

NAR has come under fire over the past year and made headline news. While commission lawsuits, trigger leads, inventory, mortgage rates, and affordable housing have all been national topics of conversation from the State of the Union to the kitchen table, the solutions start with local elections, advocacy, and trade organizations. President of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association (MMBA), Ryan Hayes, joins the podcast to discuss the MMBAs priorities, market concerns, and how local real estate professionals can make a difference to improve conditions for homebuyers, sellers, and colleagues.

As small businesses and local leaders, we are always looking for ways to market ourselves, donate to local causes, and be involved in our communities. Mike and Erin Richardson, co-owners of Richardson Insurance, a 4th generation insurance agency, in Hanover, MA, share how their focus on service and giving back to the community, through charitable events, supports their overall mission and clients. If you are looking for new fulfilling ways to be top of mind this year, enjoy learning form Mike's perspective and experience.

It is only natural to feel great when things are going well and get hard on yourself when things get tough. Best of South Shore nominated personal trainer and owner of Moses Fitness, Lee Moses shares how he helps is clients build confidence. He believes that confidence is the outward projection of preparation—a lesson that applies to all aspects of work and life. We draw lessons about projecting, building, and maintaining your confidence from Lee's personal experience preparing for the NFL draft, training clients, and building his business. If you are struggling with your confidence at work, in the mirror, or in other aspects of life…give it a listen.

Kalie Hanlon, owner of btone Hanover, shares how she applies the lessons she teaches in her fitness classes to business and life. Small steps, consistent effort, yields sustainable growth.

Shopping for a condo with a generic pre-approval is a recipe for disaster. On this episode we discuss the can do and can don'ts of buying or selling condos. We share how to overcome township ratios, special assessments, and a variety of other potential tripping points. An educational listen for realtors, buyers, and sellers alike!

How are those cold calls going? Can you feel the lead not listening within a few moments of the call or meeting? Mike Tinsley, Managing Partner of Longwood Residential, shares how he uses his social media to compliment “supercharge” his marketing strategy. He explains how his online strategies and content have fueled his growth and helped his intro meetings become more successful. Plus, we share a few laughs reminiscing about some great stories, including a Manny Ramirez – “Manny being Manny” moment from early in our real estate careers (just in time for MLB spring training).

@getsocialwithnikki audits my Instagram feed and social media content to share social media marketing tips and strategies. We discuss how to help build an audience, brand your voice, and generate online leads. Small business owners that sell items (in a storefront) or a service (like realtors) can all gain from Nikki's experience and advice. I've already implemented a few tips to see welcomed results!

Many “experts” are projecting reasons for optimism in the real estate market. Wall Street predicts the Fed will be cutting rates, Fannie Mae projects mortgage rates to come down, NAR expects listings to increase, and places like "Housing Wire" report shifts in confidence. I sit down with Chris Rao, 3rd generation Managing Broker, Marketing Director, Owner and Training Coordinator at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Page Realty, to discuss why he and his team are excited about the upcoming year. We discuss real estate and mortgage trends and what we expect more of in 2024.

Rates and home prices have dominated the real estate conversation, but homeowner's insurance can be a big variable in affordability. If you are in the market for a new home or you are a homeowner confused by you premium this renewal season, listen to this episode. Joel Fanjoy, of William Raveis Insurance, shares what is driving renewal rates, insurance premiums, and how to control your insurance costs and how to evaluate your coverage needs. Listen for tips and advice that you can take to your local insurance agent for advice on your policy.

Moving is emotional. Sometimes it is exciting...new opportunities. But, for many, moving means leaving behind...it means change. Our homes become a piece of us (a box full of memories), and that can make moving on or moving forward very difficult. Kelly Cervantes is an award-winning writer, speaker, advocate, and author of "Normal Broken: The Grief Companion for When it's Time to Heal But You're Not Sure You Want to" (her new book available wherever books are sold). She shares her experience moving from the home where she raised and grieved the loss of her medically complex 4 year-old daughter, Adelaide. She shares tips to help sellers struggling to accept selling and moving on. She also shares how real estate professionals can be there for clients while they process the emotionals of moving.

Referrals are the most important part of our business.  For Julia every product she puts on the shelf of her store is personal referral—a reflection on her, her business, and her mission.  Julia carefully sources and tests every item in her store, Four Corners Supply Co (in Hanover, MA), is a wholesale refillary offering a variety of local sustainable bath & body products, cleaning supplies, and home goods.  In addition to enjoying her store's cleaning products, I am always learning from her dedication and mission to sustainability.  Today, she teaches me about how important it is to safeguard and develop relationships with every referral partner…before making the introduction.  Holiday shopping for soaps, lotions, candles, gifts, and home goods? Visit Four Corners Supply Co, at 144 Broadway, Hanover, MA, or online at www.fourcornerssupplyco.com.  You can be confident you are getting a quality product and supporting a local small business owner's environmental mission this holiday season!

Calling all business holiday elves. It is time to build your marketing and promotional budgets, send greeting cards, mail client gifts, and host events. Which means, it is time to speak with Josh Donovan, President/Owner of South Shore Business Checks & Printing, Inc., a printing and promotional marketing company. If you are struggling on where to start, what to order, or in need of some help, enjoy our conversation to get inspired and spark your next idea. This episode is part of a shop local, shop small business series as we get ready for Black Friday shopping...

Why do economists focus so much on builders' confidence levels and metrics?  One reason is because they are the key to many economic indicators and future housing inventory.  Mike Preston, Co-Founder & Principal of Beacon Montclair Development and Managing Partner of C21 Revolution, shares what developers are looking for in a purchase and resale.  As the BMD team's lead and acquisition and sale strategist, his insights on how builders approach their budgets can inform buyers and buyer's agents on how to best approach an offer on new construction.  We discuss new construction trends, profitability, and how agents looking to get into evelopment can get started.

Attention all self-employed small business owners! Now is the time to start your tax planning...especially if you want to buy a home within the next three years or have just purchased a home and want to refinace (whenever rates eventually come down). Pamela Hilton, CPA and Owner of Hilton CPA, shares valuable tips and advice on how to evaluate your tax stratagies. What questions should you be asking? How do you balance short-term tax savings with long-term financial goals? This episode is well worth the listen for any small business owner, self-employed borrower, realtor, or financial advisor.

Cold calling can be scary. It can result in an embarrassing disaster that makes for legendary stories...or new or unexpected opportunities. And, there is only one way to find out...make the call. Jack Woods, is an experienced, well-trained cold call expert joins to share his tips on how to get over the fear of making the call! Listen to enjoy his tips and advice, learn from a few success stories, and laugh at a few of our epic fails. #October #Goosebumps Series (Part 2): All month I discuss scary topics and tips to overcome our fears. Next week self-employed tax returns!

Have you ever been too nervous to push record, felt the anxiety of a big moment in the game, or stood frozen off stage? Dr. Carol Nabatoff is an accomplished acting/voice coach and musical theory teacher.  Her students range from local children to performers on the Voice, stars of the Broadway stage to the silver screen...and just about every other form of entertainment.  She shares tips and advice on how we can conquer our performance anxieties--whether it is making a phone call, filming a video, or taking the main stage!  Great tips that realtors (really anyone) can implement in their everyday lives! October Goosebumps Series (Part 1): All month I discuss scary topics and tips to overcome our fears. (Usually podcast come out ever Wed, but couldn't resist starting the series on Friday the 13th!) Upcoming “scary” episodes include self-employed tax strategies and cold calls!

It's what is on the outside that counts. That may not be the saying, but in real estate, it is true! Curb appeal and big ticket items, like roof and siding can make a substantial impact on your sale or offer price. Kevin Green, COO of G&G Development and President/CEO of Green Brothers Roofing, shares tips and advice for realtors, sellers, and homebuyers. We discuss ways to perform basic inspections (for those waiving/limiting contingencies) and the ROI of roof and siding repairs. Give this episode a listen before you make an offer or list your next home!