Real Estate with Chris Alston

It's not always the buyer that makes a real estate sale go south... Sometimes is the seller that causes the deal to go sideways or even dooms the deal.  This episode we will be having a lively discussion on just that!

This episode we explore why inventory is sow low.  Along with why prices continue to rise, even when you hear that sales are down.  From low inventory, to higher interest rates, to a lack of new home building to buyer demand.  Join us for a great discussing on these subjects.

Thinking of buying a condo? A flat? An apartment?  We dive into what they are, and what to look out for when considering them.

There are several easy, but necessary steps to get your home ready to sell this spring.  From the obvious, to some of the ones we might not realize make a big difference when wanting to get top dollar.

Spring is here, and are you ready to buy or sell?  We are talking about mortgage rates, home prices, inventory and what will all of this do to home prices in the spring.

With so many multiple offers on so many listings, buyers are trying all sorts of ways to get their contracts accepted. Today, we talk about escalation clauses... Or, "My offer will be 5K higher than the highest offer" type options.  Many have tried no contingencies, or waiving appraisals, so this seems to be the next thing we are hearing about.

Today we talk about appraisals and inspections.  What is the difference, and what do we order them for?  Are they ordered before you get into contract, after, or not at all?

We dive into Forbes magazine's article on where millennials are moving to.  They list the top 10 starting with New York.  This fun podcast shares why some of these locals are in hot demand.

You ask your agent what they think the value of your home is. You have looked at a dozen websites and are armed with lots of information.  This podcast will share with you steps agents take to help answer this question for you, and to help you choose the right list price.

Episode #53: We talk all about the differences between buying a home that you will love in, vs a home that you will rent out.  What are the risks, differences and things to take note of.

When you are ready to buy a home (Or sell), you see all these fancy terms.  Initial deposits, increased deposits and down payments.  We talk about each of these terms, how they work when purchasing a home, and helping you make better sense regarding the terms.

Today we talk about the sale of a house.  What is sold with the house, and what is taken by the sale when it closes.  We review speakers, earthquake straps, ceiling fans and backyard furniture.  This episode will help you better understand the contract you have with the other party, and what options you have on designating things being sold, and not.

We talk about mortgage forebearances.  What they are, and how it differs from the 2006-2008 foreclose mess we went through years ago.  Will the 3,000,000 households under this plan flood the market, and cause it to upend?

This episode we talk all about appraisals, and appraisal contingencies.  What happens if the home you are buying doesn't appraise, what an appraisal contingency actually is and what happens if it appraises for more?  It's all about appraisals.

This episode, we talk about the 2021 housing market.  Pulling quotes from national economists and what they think of the market.  We explore what the difference is between a buyer and seller market.

In this episode, we talk about the National Association of Realtors list, outlining the top 10 Real Estate markets for 2021.

We dive into the FHA, VA and USDA loan programs, to help understand what it means when you hear the words, "Government Backed" loans.  Is it a promise to lend, or a promise to secure?

Selling a home can be a momentous occasion.  Sometimes talking through different things can help you get a few steps closer to what your plans are, and how to execute.  Today, we talk about the market, supply and demand, and if NOW is a good time to sell.  

Selling your home can be an emotional roller coaster, since many are waiting over 10 years since they bought their home.  Learn ways to maximize the value in selling your home.    

When you are ready to buy a home, most likely you will need a loan.  We talk about the pitfalls to avoid when applying for a loan, so you can be reay for a successful home purchase.

This episode, we talk about the steps to homeownership...  From your first thought, to closing escrow.  The lending steps, working with your real estate agent, inspections, offers, appraisals and closing. This podcast helps bring it all together and making the path clear.

From Escrow, to Title, to Prelims, COVID Pead forms, points, pre-approvals vs pre-approvals, points and more.  Join me for a fun and lively discussion on different terms used in Real Estate!

Today we are talking about what it is like buying a home in the COVID world.  From lockdowns to limited access to no open houses...  How are buyers finding homes, and what is making is the market so hot!

There are many differences in the market we see today vs the market we saw during the housing crisis over a decade ago. We talk about those differences, and why the two markets are different.

We explore what happens when inventory drops seasonally...  Only to see an increase in buyer activity.  Join us on a lively discussion on why, and ways to have success in this market.

Selling a house during the pandemic can happen...  Agents have been working through this, for the last 6 months, and we have created many ways to keep the real estate market moving forward.  Today we discuss ways agents make it safe to show and sell homes in this market.  Thanks for listening!

From Stocks, gold, savings accounts to Real Estate...  We talk about why Real Estate has been the most popular way to grow wealth in the US.  Research shows that a majority of wealth in the country has been created through homeownership.

This episode of our podcast we have a frank discussion on what is driving the growth in the real estate market in many areas of the county.  We examine a survey that was conducted, and discuss its findings based on real world parallels.

Yes you can sell and buy homes during a shelter in place. We discuss 8 common questions and the answers to help you understand how the real estate market keeps moving forward.  Covid-19 (Corona Virus) affects everything, however Real Estate is deemed essential, so we talk about ways we sell and buy homes.

Real Estate if fluid.  Ups and downs, and sideways sometimes!  Many real estate agents are sheltered in place, yet still the market is moving.  We talk about supply and demand, will home prices drop or will they rise, mortgages and rates, and ideas to better understand how everything is affecting the real estate market.

All contracts have timelines and timeframes.  What happens if one party cannot perform due to unforeseen circumstances?  This podcast talks about the COVID - 19 pandemic, and what steps you can take to extend your escrow, cancel your escrow and many options you have as a buyer or a seller.  We also address thoughts for agents.

Is the offer you write for the home of your dreams confidential, or does the seller (or listing agent) have the right to shop it to other buyers, in order to get the highest and best price?  We discuss the topic of confidentiality and non disclosure practices that can be used in writing your real estate purchase contracts. 

So many times you like a house that is already in contract. We talk about ways to be in back up position, so that if the buyer that is in contact backs out, you are contractually the new buyer.  This episode dives deep into how to get into contract with homes that are pending sale, how to cancel the back up offer addendum, and how do the timelines work.

We all make mistakes...  When buying a home, many buyers think about things that they "could" have or "should" have done, when they bought their home.  This episode we dive into 27 of those mistakes, and many ideas and thoughts on how you can avoid them when purchasing a home.

We all make mistakes...  When buying a home, many buyers think about things that they "could" have or "should" have done, when they bought their home.  This episode we dive into 27 of those mistakes, and many ideas and thoughts on how you can avoid them when purchasing a home.  Part 1 of 2

TD Bank did a survey of the Millennial buyer, and the steps of importance to this group of buyers.  We talk about the different steps taken, on the path to homeownership.

Purchase contracts sometimes have contingencies.  Buyers have to act on those contingencies to move forward in the process of buying a home.  We talk about the steps you need to take as a buyer, when asking the seller for concessions.  Concessions can be reductions in the purchase price, credits from the seller or asking the seller for repairs or upgrades.  We discuss how to do it, when to do it, and what to give in return to help you achieve success.  As a seller, we dive into why buyers ask for them, and what you can do to prepare for the eventual requests.

Buyers have lots of choices when it comes to contingencies. From loan contingencies to appraisal and property condition contingencies. Sometimes buyers purchase homes with no contingencies, and sometimes they buy them with contingencies. Today's podcast talks about when a buyer has contingencies, and how to remove them. This is part of a series of episodes that will dive deep into the contingency process, how to request repairs and or credits from the seller, and ultimately how to cancel a contract if you cannot come to an agreement. 

Sellers have so many options when it comes to countering offers that are submitted by buyers.  From individualized responses, to responding to groups.  We discuss ideas, ways, reasons and how to accomplish this and to get you in contract!  And for a buyer, we help you understand the "why!".

If you are planning on buying a home without permits, this podcast talks about the challenges, pitfalls and how to move forward in a way that will make you comfortable with the purchase.  This fun and upbeat podcast will help you understand why this happens, and ways to move forward.

People are always moving...  We talk about what states people are moving FROM the most, and which states people are moving TO the most.  Some of the states may surprise you!  Join us for another light hearted, and often funny podcast on migration patters in 2019.

 You are making a big purchase, a big investment, and this may be your first time.  As a buyer, don't go in blind.  Take time to inspect, discover and understand more about the property you are consisting purchasing. In this podcast we talk about many things you should consider, and many ways to inspect.  So you can be sure you know what your buying and steps you can take to feel comfortable in your decision.

California's Prop 60 and 90 were created to help those 55 and older transfer their property tax base to a new property. We discuss who and what types of properties qualify and the amount of time it takes to complete the process. 

So you are selling your home...  And you are not sure what you can take, and what you must leave for the new buyer.  We talk about TV's, brackets, appliances, holes in the walls, carpets, electrical, etc...  This step by step podcast talks about the difference between Real Property and Personal Property, and the obligations you have as a seller when selling. Great for buyers too, to understand concerns that need to be addressed in your contracts before writing them.

There are so many questions around what happens to your initial deposit if you cancel your purchase contract.  Can the seller keep your deposit?  Do you get it back?  Can the seller refuse to return your deposit?  Can the Escrow company give the deposit back without approval from both parties?    We will be discussing what happens with your deposit, upon cancellation.  We will be talking about contingencies, no contingencies, sellers wanting to keep the deposit, and buyers demanding the deposit back.

Todays episode, we discuss what's the reason behind the three different types of markets.  From sales, to active homes, to the ones under contract.  And how to track the type of market to benefit when you want to sell or buy.

Selling homes with pools can be challenging, and rewarding!  We discuss the 7 safety options you have available (and sometimes required) for keeping the pool safe for you and the potential buyer of your home.  Learn what is required when selling a home with a pool, along with remodeling or building a new one.

Lawsuits seem so common these days.  Lets talk about ways to avoid them after the successful sale of your home!  Following these ideas can help minimize your chance at a future lawsuit.

The DISC assessment.  Learning ways to understand yourself, to better understand others.  Today, we talk about the assessment, and the "C" descriptor.  The "C" correlates to how a person responds to rules and procedures set by others.

The DISC assessment.  Learning ways to understand yourself, to better understand others.  Today, we talk about the assessment, and the "S" descriptor.  The "S" correlates to how a person responds to the pace of the environment, activities and responsibilities.

The DISC assessment.  Learning ways to understand yourself, to better understand others.  Today, we talk about the assessment, and the "I" descriptor.  The "I" correlates to how a person influences others to their point of view.