The Real Estate Replay

Buckle up!  This episode is part consumer warning, part investigative rundown, and part Wendy's personal bitch session (you've been warned).After tracking more than 30 companies using fake testimonials, undisclosed paid actors, and shady lead generation tactics, Wendy went full watchdog: reporting them to state AGs, the FTC, and even someone high up at TikTok... only to be met with the bureaucratic equivalent of “meh.”This episode pulls no punches and drops no names (just kidding, we might drop a few). It's a raw look at the mess behind those feel-good ads and a blunt reminder that when it comes to real estate and finance, you can't trust the pitch, especially when it's coming from someone reading a script.Got a question?State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

It's a solo episode today—just me, a mic, and a whole lot of truth bombs.  I was in such a rush to push this out, that I even forgot to add the teaser and closer.   In a way, I am doing you a favor and saving you a few minutes (getting right to the point)!We're diving deep into pocket listings; what they are, who's pushing them, and why they're suddenly everywhere. Spoiler alert: it's not about “exclusivity” or “better service.” It's about control, commissions, and keeping you, the buyer or seller, just informed enough to sign, but not enough to question.I'll break down the biggest players driving this trend (looking at you, Compass, Homes.com, and even Zillow), what they're really after, and how it all adds up to a power grab that benefits them—not you.This episode is your inside look at the game behind the scenes, the one most people don't realize they're playing until it's too late. Because in an industry that's supposed to help you find a home, sometimes you have to REBEL to actually see the full picture.

Quick cash, no interest, no monthly payments—sounds like a sweet deal, right? Wrong. In this episode of Real Estate REPlay, Wendy Gilch teams up with her no-nonsense lender BFF, Chelle Prunkel, to call BS on the slick marketing behind Home Equity Agreements (HEAs). These so-called “loan alternatives” might sound like a dream, but spoiler alert: they're a nightmare waiting to happen.From shady equity grabs to terms that can double your payout, Wendy and Chelle rip the curtain off these equity-stealing scams and explain why they're basically the payday loans of homeownership. Want to keep your house and your sanity? They'll show you smarter ways to unlock your home's value without losing your shirt—or your generational wealth.Plus, we'll throw shade at predatory ads, highlight how HEAs sidestep key consumer protections, and give you the lowdown on why a nosy loan officer is the hero you didn't know you needed.Tune in now for the real talk (and maybe a few F-bombs) you need to protect your biggest investment—your home.

What was supposed to be a week off took an unexpected turn after a Reddit post about a buyer asking their real estate agent some simple, reasonable questions left me frustrated—and fired up. Why? Because some agents don't like being held accountable or challenged by informed buyers. Spoiler alert: That's their problem, not yours!In this episode, we're diving into why it's essential for homebuyers to ask the right questions before choosing a real estate agent. Not all agents are created equal, and interviewing them is the first step to protecting yourself and your biggest investment.Here's what we'll cover:The key questions every homebuyer should ask a potential agent before signing on.Why these questions matter and how they empower you to make better decisions.The red-flag answers that should have you running for the door.How you can access a free resource from Selling Later with these questions (and more!) to help guide you through the process, whether you're buying or selling.We believe every buyer and seller deserves the tools to protect themselves and their equity. That's why Selling Later offers free resources, including this complete list of questions, to make sure you're prepared to navigate the real estate process with confidence.Don't let anyone make you feel bad for doing your due diligence. Tune in and learn how to take control of your homebuying journey!Got a question?State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Got a question?In this episode of Real Estate REPlay, we unravel the chaos surrounding the latest commission settlement with special guest Summer Goralik, a real estate compliance consultant and former California Department of Real Estate investigator. Summer has spent years helping agents and brokers navigate complex rules, and she's here to shed light on why no one seems to know exactly what they should be doing post-settlement.We'll break it down into two parts:Part 1: For agents and brokers, we'll discuss why the new rules have sparked so much confusion, the risks of getting it wrong, and what steps they can take to stay compliant.Part 2: For buyers and sellers, we'll explore how the uncertainty might affect their transactions, what they should watch out for, and how they can protect themselves.  This section starts around the 28:00 mark.If you've ever wondered why the real estate industry feels like it's stuck in a game of “he said, she said,” this episode will help you make sense of the noise. With Summer's expertise, we'll untangle the confusion and uncover what this all means for the future of real estate. Don't miss this insightful and practical conversation! Contact Summer GoralikContact Wendy GilchState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Got a question?What's on the horizon for homebuyers and sellers in 2025?  Spoiler: It's a mix of opportunity, challenges, and the same old industry antics. In this casual episode, we're breaking it all down with the help of Fred Glick, a non-traditional broker and founder of Arrivva, who likes to shake things up in real estate.We dive into the murky waters of dual agency (and why you should run the other way), the growing prevalence of pocket listings, and the lawsuits that could change the rules of the game...again. Fred brings his candid insights on bad brokerage practices and shares how consumers can better protect themselves and their wallets.But wait, there's more! We also veer off track a bit—because sometimes the juiciest revelations come from the unexpected.  We will talk about the hit piece on the CFPB, the Department of Justice and more!Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or just stay informed, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice, and a few moments of WTF real estate conversations that we normally edit out so that we don't get cease and desist letters!Enjoy!State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Got a question?The real estate industry is at a tipping point. On one side, you have agents clinging to old commission practices, refusing to adapt to a changing landscape (Group B Agents). On the other, forward-thinking agents are paving the way for transparency, fairness, and a better deal for their clients (Group A Agents). But while this battle unfolds, it's the consumers—and ethical agents—who are taking the hit.In this episode of Real Estate REPlay, Wendy sits down with Megan Herr, a no-nonsense “Group A” agent who's been on the frontlines of this industry divide. Megan shares her personal stories of pushback, from angry phone calls and voicemails to navigating brokers who resist change. She also unpacks how this ongoing tug-of-war leaves buyers and sellers stuck in the middle and why agents embracing the future often find themselves under fire.We'll explore the broader implications of this commission clash—how outdated practices are failing consumers, how ethical agents are fighting an uphill battle, and what buyers and sellers need to know to protect themselves. Meet MeganMegan's SocialMegan's TiktokState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Got a question?Unlock the secrets behind the ongoing tug-of-war between the Department of Justice and the National Association of Realtors that could redefine the real estate landscape. Discover why some real estate agents are buzzing with the idea that Donald Trump might swoop in to change the game while we bust those myths and reveal why change is inevitable, no matter who holds office. This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge and insights you need to navigate the future of real estate, as we shed light on the long history of antitrust issues between these two powerhouses and what the pending settlements mean for buyers and sellers alike.Learn about the history of the DOJ vs NAR by Rob HahnLearn about the movement to defund the CFPBState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Got a question?Did you know there's a hidden middleman in many real estate transactions, sometimes taking a bigger cut of your appraisal fee than the appraiser doing the work? In this episode, Wendy Gilch and seasoned appraiser Joshua Tucker reveal the lesser-known world of Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). While most buyers don't realize they exist, these third-party companies were initially set up to keep lenders and appraisers at arm's length. But over time, some have evolved into a profit-driven layer, adding unknown costs for homebuyers. Joshua shares how AMCs often pocket a hefty, undisclosed portion of appraisal fees, leaving buyers in the dark about what they're actually paying for.Together, Wendy and Joshua dive into the ethical and financial challenges this creates for both consumers and appraisers, from murky fee structures to pressure on appraisers to meet minimum standards. The conversation highlights the need for transparency and better regulation, with tips to help consumers protect themselves—and a nod to Taylor Swift to lighten the mood!Learn more about ARCCState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Got a question?Unlock the secrets behind "free" refinancing your mortgage with insights from Chelle Prunkel, an experienced licensed lender. Navigate the murky waters of "no-cost" refinancing and understand the true costs and benefits of various refinancing options. Whether you're curious about rate and term adjustments, cash-out refinancing, or specialized loans like the 203H for disaster recovery, this episode arms you with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.We'll demystify the mortgage pre-approval process, shedding light on the role credit scores play in securing a mortgage and the implications of working with platforms like Zillow and Homelite. Learn how to protect your personal information from being sold and understand the benefits of soft credit pulls. Our discussion also touches on the ethics of trigger leads and the prevalence of mortgage scams, highlighting the importance of consumer awareness and the need for legislative protections.Misconceptions about interest rates can lead to financial missteps, but we're here to set the record straight. This episode addresses the media's influence on public perception and explores the advantages of buying in a higher interest rate environment. Discover why focusing on monthly payments instead of just interest rates is crucial, and why a knowledgeable loan officer can be your best ally. Get ready to navigate the mortgage landscape with confidence, armed with tools and insights that empower you to make sound decisions.Get help from Chelle on our Rate My Mortgage Rate for free (it's actually free) www.sellinglater.com/ratemymortgagerateState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Got a question?Prepare to uncover the truth about your financial protection and what the future holds for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as we edge closer to the 2024 election. Why does it matter who funds the CFPB, and how could these political decisions impact your wallet? Join Wendy Gilch, in this special episode of the Real Estate Replay, where we promise you'll gain insights into the tug-of-war between oversight and independence affecting one of the most influential consumer watchdogs in the financial realm.   We also discuss a few people that are currently up for re-election, how financial institutions contributed to his campaign, and how he would like to defund the CFPB all together.From its powerful beginnings under the Obama administration to a more restrained role during the Trump era, we explore how varying political philosophies have shaped the CFPB's effectiveness. We shed light on the ongoing debates about its funding and operational freedom, crucial factors that could redefine the real estate market and your financial security. Whether you're buying a home, opening a bank account, or applying for a credit card, understanding these dynamics is essential. Tune in to learn strategies that will empower you to make informed financial decisions, regardless of the shifting political landscape.CFA study on the CFPB during the Trump administrationState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Ever feel like there's something more to those "free" real estate platforms? We're revealing the truth behind agent referral systems and the hidden costs they bury. In this episode, journey with us as we question the standard commission rates, challenge the lack of transparency in the referral process, and share our own practice of recommending agents without expecting a fee.  We also take a critical look at how large platforms track transactions and the resulting squeeze on commission negotiations, inviting you to consider how much of your money really goes into the service you receive.Charles Boon, a Colorado broker with as much expertise in real estate as he has tattoos of homes sold on his arm, joins us to dissect the impact of referral platforms on your wallet and property negotiations.As a special bonus, and because there is no way to avoid talking about, we also discuss  the NAR proposed settlement and how it might impact these referral platforms, but also how it's currently making everyone lose their mind.State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

New Data In 10 (or less) episode!  Peel back the curtain on real estate's shadowy corners with us, as we expose the truth about industry practices that could be dipping into your pocket without you even blinking an eye.   This episode brings you a raw look at the iBuyerss.   As they make their way back to the market with big marketing dollars to spend, it's important that you understand the many ways they make money off of you (it's not just from buying your house).   Learn about iBuyers like Opendoor and Offer Pad, and discover the real cost of those tempting cash offers. From commission structures that may not always have the seller's best interests at heart to the goldmine that is your personal data—our new data in 10 episode on ibuyer's hold nothing back. Discover "Data In 10," your go-to resource on companies selling your information (in 10 minutes or less).  As new FCC rules reshape the real estate landscape, it's crucial to understand the impending changes and their impact on you (consumers) and the value of your information. Before the new rules take effect, we're committed to educating you on the myriad companies profiting from your data. Uncover the true value of your information and how, often unbeknownst to you, it's traded. The potential impact is significant – your data's value influences the quality of service you receive and can affect the fees and commissions you pay.      Pay attention and protect your data!State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

If you are thinking of buying a home this year, you need to listen to this episode!In light of the many antitrust lawsuits floating through the court system, the messaging now being pushed to agents is to get a buyer broker agreement signed with their client ASAP.   Unfortunately, most of these broker agreements are not "pro-consumer," even though the industry loves to throw that term around like candy.  In this episode,  real estate attorney and licensed broker, Doug Miller,  joins us to expose who is writing these agreements and how certain contract clauses can undermine a fair deal for homebuyers.   Additionally, the episode casts light on the subtle ways consumers end up footing the bill for brokers' business expenses.Learn About Buyer Broker Contracts Steve Brobeck's Report On State Commission BoardsReview Current Antitrust LawsuitsState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

There is a hidden side of the real estate industry that we like to call the "underbelly."   The underbelly is where all the bad stuff is hidden from consumers and rarely discussed.  Those that do discuss the "underbelly" are typically discarded, ousted, or avoided.When we saw Preston Kincaid's recent videos on his experience with the real estate underbelly, we knew he would be a perfect fit for our podcast to discuss the challenging relationships between "deal killer" inspectors and bad agents.  In this episode, Preston and Wendy discuss how he is treated by good agents, vs what happened when a bad broker labeled him a "deal killer" and banned their agents from using his services.    They also get into home flippers, red flags to spot, new construction, and what you should be looking for when searching for a home inspector. Preston's Tiktok @inspector_prestonPreston's Business PageState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

The many antitrust lawsuit that have hit the court system recently have created the idea that “big tech “is going to replace real estate agents.     But if that's possible, we need to understand how much they currently make off of real estate agents (that you don't see).This episode features Florida real estate broker, Matt Wheatley, and covers the models of some of these big businesses, the impact of antitrust law suits on their business, what the future may look like, why we should demand they be more transparent, and a whole lot of extra stuff about fees, hating being in sales, humility, and why social media makes our brains hurt. Matt's Tiktok: @mjwhomesSubmit your dumb question: info@sellinglater.comState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Back in June, Rob Hahn joined our podcast to explain the three anti-trust lawsuits that were floating through the court system.   A lot has changed since then, including $5 billion in damages that is sitting in front of a judge to decide if that amount is fair and just.      That $5 billion is just one of the now four cases in the system (with likely many to follow).With so many changes in so little time, we asked Rob to join us again to not only give us an update on the cases and damages, but also give some insight into what consumers should be looking for in the future.  Rob and Wendy also discuss the many dumb things real estate agents are STILL posting online and telling clients that prove steering and conversations between agents to keep buyer commissions inflated.  Plus a conversation on why real estate brokers (or brokers in charge) should be worried.State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

We've been receiving a lot of questions about Antonio's story, specifically asking how in the world the adverse possession case was botched.So, for all you legal lovers out there, here is how the simple adverse possession case was botched by Antonio's attorney.  For more details, go to the previous episode to learn how this botched case against the Remax listing agent has led to seven years of harassment, abuse of police and judicial services, racism, and much more!State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

This homebuyer story is quite possibly the worst story we have heard when it comes to accountability (or lack of) in the real estate industry.As a kid, Antonio's family would drive through the wealthier part of Kansas City, MO and dream of one day owning a home there.   Some 40  years later, Antonio finally had that chance to buy a home for his parents in that neighborhood.     But what was supposed a dream retirement for his parents, turned into a nightmare when the Remax listing agent of the home he bought (who is also the neighbor) claimed adverse possession on the property she sold them.  Thanks to an incompetent lawyer, what should have been an open and shut case has now stretched out over seven years.   Over those years, Antonio's family encountered a botched contracting job, harassment, racism, alleged blackmail and more!   Yet through all of this, the agent, her broker, and Remax have never been held accountable.  The worst part of this story is that Antonio's father is now ill.   So, what should have been a luxurious, relaxing, happy seven years for his parents in that home, was ruined by the listing agent.  State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Three anti-trust lawsuits are making their way through the court systems that could potentially change how (and how much) agents get paid when buying or selling a home.While these billion-dollar cases are some of the biggest lawsuits ever hitting the National Association of Realtors, you likely haven't heard much about them.  But why?To help dissect these cases, we asked our friend Rob Hahn to join this particular episode. Rob is the co-founder of Decentre Property Exchange. He is also the managing partner of 7DS Associates, which advises brokerages big and small in real estate to make impactful changes. Rob also graduated from NYU School of Law, focusing on corporate law and international bankruptcy. Although he is a self-proclaimed "retired lawyer," you can see why we thought he would be the perfect person to explain what is going on with these three cases.Rob Hahn's WebsiteRob's Case Webinar For BrokersRelated Business Insider article about these casesState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

A disabled Veteran reached out to us a few weeks to share their story and asking for help.    Their agent told them (on the phone) that they have to waive inspection and ask for nothing to win, essentially buying a home as is.  This home was recently flipped by out of town developers, yet their agent still insisted they waive inspection and ask for nothing.   The agent then had the buyers sign a waiver basically removing any responsibility from the agent for saying they need to do this.  After closing, the buyers discovered over $80,000 in problems (on a $300,000 home) and are left with no one to help them.Believe it or not, there are markets in the US in which waiving the home inspection is still a tactic buyers are using to get their offer accepted.   But how can a buyer do this to protect themselves, and is it really worth waiving it at all?MA Real Estate Agent, Patricks Brusil joins us to discuss waiving inspections, why buyers are doing it, the issues that arise from this strategy, and why buyers and sellers need to start pushing back on advice given by asking the simple question "why."State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Multiple buyers have reported being sent an invoice for a credit report from lenders they chose not to use.    While you do pay for a credit report at closing, why are buyers suddenly being charged for credit reports from lenders they said no to?Chelle Prunkel joins Wendy again to discuss this topic and how to make sure you don't get a bill in the mail from a lender you didn't use.They also discuss the basics of credit, what affects your score, how credit companies make money and the battle to get them to stop selling our data.  They also discuss the misinformation you find online when it comes to mortgage news, like the "40 year mortgage."State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

This isn't the first time we have heard a story like this, and likely won't be the last.  This homebuyer was already pre-approved but when chatting with their agent, they were told they should shop around and then were given the contact information for this agent's "partner lender."  Three days later, the buyer mentioned to their agent and the "partner lender" that they have another rate and if the lender could match it.  The agent freaks out and tells them to stop shopping around (even though she told them to do so three days prior).  We want to know why after meeting with her partner lender is the buyer supposed to stop shopping around.  Chelle Prunkel joins us again to dissect this story and also discuss...How long you can shop for ratesThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's warning on online rate shoppingRocket Mortgage and their "not rocket mortgage" websiteRocket Homes Agents being told to not steer their clients away from Rocket Mortgage productsHow to compare rates between lenders and what to look forHow "Partner Lenders" can pay for your agent's advertisingWhy you should be concerned if your agent only recommends one lenderState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

This buyer swears their offer was market value, but was shocked to see the appraisal come back $100,000 below their offer.    While the buyer and the agent point their fingers at the appraisal, it made us realize that we don't ever really get to hear the appraisers side of the story.    We don't see them, we don't talk to them, but are they really the bad guys in the buying process?To dissect the world of appraisals, we asked Daisy Glassburn to join us for this epsiode.Daisy has been in the appraisal business since the late 1990's.   Not only did she help with forensic audits during the housing crash in 2008, she also periodically serves as a hearings officer for various counties making recommendations to the board of commissioners as to property values when home-owners are appealing their assessed values.   She believes that appraisers are there to best protect consumers, but that the industry has placed them far away from the very people they are supposed to help.  Things she explains in this episode:The difference of certification in an appraiser vs realtorWhy we can't see or talk to themWho gets a cut of the appraisal fee we payHow appraisers judge valueHow often do appraisals match the contracted offerHow your renovations don't equal that same added valueHow to dissect your appraisalWhat to do if you think your appraisal is wrongHow the industry isn't putting consumers firstState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

This homebuyer went to schedule their home inspection for their brand new construction home.   When reaching out to the sales person to schedule a day, they were given a two paragraph email as to why you don't need an inspection on your new build home.So do you?Joining Wendy to dissect this story is Robb Williams.  Robb has been in the construction and concrete business since the late 1990's and is a real estate agent in central Alabama.   In this episode they talk about new construction, what upgrades are worth it, which aren't, why you should get an inspection, and the major issue currently facing the new home builder that is impacting everyone. State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

We came across this review of an agent and knew it was something we had to discuss.According to this buyer, their agent was obnoxiously taking selfies and videos instead of helping them look at homes.   It got so bad that the clubhouse manager of the exclusive community they were touring asked the agent to leave.Which brings us to the question, are agents as successful as they seem online?Jonathan Self, a Chicago real estate agent, joins us to discuss the social media hype of real estate agents, the competitive nature of real estate, and how to decipher what's real and what isn't when looking for an agent online.   State laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

Our original co-host, Lindy Chapman, joins us for the next few episodes to discuss all things agents, commissions and transparency!For this episode, we breakdown the many buyer agent incentives that are, at times, not visible to buyers.   Whether it's an increase in commission based on sales price, a bonus to a builder for having three clients build, or even $5,000 from Opendoor for having clients hand over their homes.  Learn how to spot these incentives and how you can make them work to your advantage.0:58: Examples of agent commission incentives in private remarks2:44: How do you know if your agent is getting an extra incentive3:40: Why a seller would offer an incentive and the impacts on a buyer4:20: What is a "private remark" and buyer compensation now publicly viewed6:00: New construction incentives and how to make them work for a buyer6:30: Inspections and new builds8:50: What to know if using an agent when building9:30:  When you could negotiate a buyer rebate11:10: Understanding agent commissions and potential "fee for service" model16:56: The need for less agents and more education18:52: Incentives that Opendoor offers to agents and their current troubles21:56: How to protect yourself as a buyer from bonus incentives23:20: Commissions and how Zillow and Realtor.com get a piece24:26: The bait and switch on best agent platformsState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

This homebuyer met with an agent who then referred them to a different agent and told them they expect him to pay a $900 admin fee (in addition to the 2.5% to 3% they are expecting to collect in commission).We've actually written about the BS admin fees in the past on Selling Later, but never have we seen one for this much!  We've also recently seen brokerages call this fee by other names like "Regulatory Compliance Fee" or " Transaction Fee."  Even more interesting is that you likely won't see this fee much in Dallas or Seattle, but is rampant in other mid sized cities.  So what is an Admin Fee and how can you avoid paying it?Matt Wheatley, a broker in Florida who doesn't charge an admin fee, joins us to discuss where this fee came from, why so many brokerages charge it, and how to negotiate out with your agent.0:43: Buyer story2:07: Intro to cohost Matt Wheatley4:17: What is a buyer/seller Admin fee?6:11: Why are fees so rampant today?10:30:  Are these fees required by the state?11:10:  Past admin duties vs todays duties12:05:  Agents making other agents pay their fee15:15: Where to find this fee?19:30:  How to negotiate this fee away?22:35: Matt's pet peeve in real estate 25:40: Finding out your agents reputation26:24: Internet trolls in real estateContact MattState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

It's the battle of the budgets!In this buyer story, a husband and wife can't see eye to eye on their home budget. One wants something inexpensive that they can afford on one salary, and the other wants the home to be perfect when moving in, which comes at a much higher cost.   So what causes the budget battle?For this episode, Hilary Mancuso joins Wendy to discuss homebuyer budgets and the negative impact of HGTV. Both older millennials, Wendy and Hilary also discuss the effects of social media on younger buyers and how we need to start unfollowing those that trigger our FOMO, comparison, and anxiety.....which includes Zillow.Contact HilaryState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

This episode is a must listen for those getting ready to sell their home, especially if your home is in a different town.This homeowner had to sell their home while living in a different state.   While things started out good with their agent, the experienced soured quickly as the house fell out of contract.   Not only did their agent pull their house off the market for a month, she then went on to update the home, without the homeowners approval.    The agent then expected the homeowners to pay her an additional $20,000 on top of her commission for said work.    To top it off, one of the "vendors" that worked on the home was the agents brother, who was set to pocket $5,000.Joining this epsiode is William Brandon Spinner.   Brandon is a real estate broker licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.    With experience in not only real estate, but remodeling homes, we knew he would be the perfect person to help figure out what the heck went wrong for this homeowner.Contact William Brandon SpinnerState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

For Part 2 of this buyer's story (listen to Part 1), we want to focus on what happened with the new build lender.  Why did her closing costs increase by 15% and why she didn't know they used points to buy down her rate?Joining the co-host seat for this episode is Chelle Prunkel.   Chelle is a Senior Loan Officer who has seen and heard it all.    In this episode, she talks about how to find points on your estimate, what can impact your closing costs, and many other tips for new buyers hitting the market. Contact ChelleMore about mortgage pointsState laws and regulations may vary.Have a story you would like to share with other sellers or buyers?Hit us up here.

In this two part series, we share a buyer's story in which she felt steered into building a new home.    Not only did her agent stop communicating with her during the process (and still try to collect 4% commission), but she also discovered many issues with her loan from the builder.In part 1, Real Estate Attorney and Agent, David Tkacik, shares his thoughts on what went wrong in the story and what you should expect from your agent when building a new home.  David and Wendy also discuss some "gotcha's" when building new, the importance of getting an inspection, and tips on dealing with the builders warranty department.More importantly, David is a great advocate for buyer rebates in his state.   In our discussion, he shares how some new build buyers are able to save money by using a buyer rebate at the closing table.  For those wondering, here is the article that upset a few people in the industry. :)Stay tuned for part 2 as we discuss the issues this buyer faced with the builders lender.

This episode is for you if you are a buyer getting ready to hit the market!This first-time homebuyer had their agent refuse to submit an offer for them on TWO separate occasions.   This second time, they wanted to offer 4k over asking with 4k in closing costs. Their agent told them it was insulting to offer that and compared their offer to a home that sold for 10K over asking SIX MONTHS AGO.For this episode, we bring in our favorite agent on Tiktok, Kim Drakulich. Kim gets honest with us about why it's baffling that this agent would refuse to submit the offer. She also shares her experience with newer agents who haven't mastered the art of negotiation in a changing market. We also get into red flags you should be looking for when interviewing listing and buyer agents, as well as the one thing Kim thinks consumers misunderstand about agents.Kim's ProfileKim's Tiktok

We have a guilty habit of watching the real estate start up scene and trying to figure out all the ways they make money off of consumers.     One start up in particular, was offering consumers money in advance (between $500 and $5,000), as long as the homeowner used the brokerage to sell their home at some point.    No matter how much we dug into their website, we couldn't figure out the catch, but that all changed when this article came out.This company is essentially putting a 40 year lien on the customer's home.For this episode, we asked Real Estate Reporter, Rebecca Liebson at the Tampa Bay Times, to join us in dissecting this company to learn what happens if you take their money, what happens if you sell with someone else, the lack luster response from the National Association of Realtors, and what this looks like with over 29,000 customers still active in this program.Highlighted in the podcast:Rebecca's articleThe ads and website before and after this article came out

"What did I just do?""Shouldn't I feel happier?""I just don't feel comfortable in my new home."These are all comments that we've read or heard time and time again.  The reality is that these feelings can be totally normal and there are ways to get yourself out of this homebuyer funk.Our co host for this special episode is Kimberly Zeidner.   Kimberly is an Orlando Florida Realtor with not only years of experience in real estate, but also has a degree in psychology.   Kimberly shares with us the reality of homebuyer blues, how to combat them, and things you can do to set yourself for happy homeowner success.  She also shares a few tips on meeting new neighbors, tips to prepare to buy, and why it's ok to fire your real estate agent if you don't feel they are a fit during the process. Kimberly on Selling Later SearchKimberly on Instagram

This homeowner was flabbergasted to see their listing was not only LIVE in the MLS (it was supposed to just be a "Coming Soon" home) but also that it was listed $75,000 less than what they agreed to.     To make it worse, the next day the home was priced up by $25,000.Can an agent list your home before you are ready?   Can they change the price of the home in the MLS without your consent?To dive into these issues, we recruited one of our favorite Dallas real estate agents, Steve Lester.   Steve shares how not only should that agent have written consent to make any pricing change but also gives advice on how that homeowner should report their agent to the real estate commission.   Steve also shares what questions you should be asking a listing agent before hiring them, how he strategizes a home sale, and how things look different in this changing market.  

Can a listing agent refuse to let the buyer use a specific home inspector?In this epsiode, the buyer was thrilled to have their offer accepted, but when it came time for the home inspection, the listing agent refused to let them use their home inspector because he has "killed 7 deals" for the listing agent.   After many back and forth emails and threats (plus a letter from a lawyer) the buyers were able to use their preferred home inspector.   Can a listing agent do this?To dissect this story, we enlisted the help of Tradd Bastian.   Tradd is a real estate agent in Charleston, South Carolina and has actually experienced a similar situation with a homebuilder.  Hear his opinion on what went wrong and what you should know if you get into this scenario.     Plus, Tradd and Wendy share their experiences with new builds and what you should know before building a home!Contact Tradd

A buyer agent was thrilled to tell her single dad client that he won out of 18 offers!   But when she asked for the signed contract back the next day, the listing agent suddenly claimed that her clients accepted a cash offer the day before?The story continues as the listing agent "tries to get out of the deal with the cash buyer broker."   Unfortunately, that didn't happen and the single dad lost out on the home.   Being curious, the buyer agent looked up the sale a few weeks later and learned that the listing agent ended up being a dual agent on the deal (representing the buy side and sell side).    Did the seller actually sign a contract the day before, or was this dad's offer used to get more cash from the cash buyer?For this episode, we asked veteran Chicago agent, Marc Dumas, to help us out!  Hear how he would have handled this situation for his buyer and in his opinion, what might have happened in this scenario.    Marc also shares some tips on working with agents and what's going on in the Chicago housing market right now! Find Marc Dumas

When we came across the story, we found so many red flags that we knew we needed an expert to help dissect this one!   Helping us untangle this mess is our favorite straight shooter agent, Steve Frazier from Platinum Realty in Kansas City. This buyer went to see a property and was connected with an agent via a search site (you can guess which big site it was).    This buyer claims the agent refused to place an offer for them unless he had 20% down.   While the buyer thought this was weird, he went ahead and cashed out some stocks.    When he called the agent back a few days later, ready to go with 20%, the agent told him it was already under contract.What that agent didn't tell him was that the agent was the buyer under contract on that house.Do you need 20% down?   Should that agent have purchased the home behind his back?   What you should do if your agent refused to submit your offer?Contact Steve With Questions

When this buyer told their agent they wanted to use companies other than the in-house title and in-house insurance company, their agent lost it and went as far as to scare them from changing companies.  But, when the buyer caught their agent in a potential lie, everything changed.Our co-host for today, Matt Ward, chimes in on what went wrong, what was total BS, and what clients should know about in house services and kickbacks.     Wendy and Matt go one step further by sharing  examples of kickbacks that some companies give out at this very moment when a certain agent gets use to use their "preferred title agent."Tune in to hear what happened and why you should ALWAYS shop around for services that you pay for. Matt Ward's ProfileMatt's Offbeat Agent ForumThis podcast is opinion only based on local experience.   State laws and regulations may vary per state.

True Tales Of A Home Inspector Part 2Inspectors and FlippersConsidering buying a flipped home?   While not all flipped homes are bad, our home inspector talks about the most common issues that she has seen from poor flipped homes and what you should be looking for when touring them.She also shares her worst flipped inspections.  One in which the basement was filled with carbon dioxide, and the other had an attic insulate with something you would never imagine.Learn the red flags and prepare yourself before you dive into a flipped home.  

Welcome to our three part series with our favorite home inspector!For part 1, we are diving into the relationship of real estate agents and home inspectors.  While there are great agents out there that will recommend a thorough inspector, there are others that (in our opinion) seem to be more concerned about getting the deal closed.  This episode will help you understand why you should always do your own research when an agent gives you a few home inspectors to call.  This juicy episode is packed with lots of crap (literally), and includes stories of how some agents have threatened her, others asked her to remove things from the inspection, and some just plan out claim to sue her for being too detailed in her report.  Part 2 comes out this Friday and focuses on inspectors and home flippers

This homebuyer's contract specifically stated that the curtains are to stay with the home after closing.  While they were there at the final walk thru,   they were nowhere to be found after the 30-day lease back.  Their agent has stopped responding and is now stuck with buying new curtains.This happened to Lindy last year when she bought her home; even after trusting the seller would return the items, they never did.  Learn how to prevent this, who should be held responsible, and how to get attention when your agent stops responding after you close.

This homeowner went with a "friend" agent to sell her home.  But things quickly changed when the broker stepped in to run the listing.    According to this home seller, not only did they not get to view all the offers, the listing agent cut the showings and offers off after three days once they "got a good deal."    That good deal came from a buyer represented by the same the original friend agent they wanted to use (that works for the broker selling the house).Hear how the deal continued to go south and how the buyers threw the sellers things in the yard three days before closing.   Not to mention how the home was then flipped and re-listed 30 days later by the same brokerage....and for a lot more money.  

Sometimes we come across a story that just leaves us flabbergasted.  This is one of those stories!We came across a story in which a listing agent was telling their client that they needed to buy new furniture so that the listing photos would stand out.     They also told their client they could try to sell the furniture with the house and re-coup the costs.Apparently this agent has never heard of virtual staging or paying a stager to use their furniture.Find out why, in our opinion, this is an awful idea and why you should always interview multiple listing agents before signing a contract with one.  

This buyer wanted to submit an offer 10k over asking on a property.   Their agent said they would, but after the agent found out there was an offer 60K over asking, the agent decided to not submit the offer (but didn't tell the buyer about that decision).Should the agent have submitted the offer?Wendy and Lindy discuss this story and share how you can avoid this scenario with your agent.  They also discuss the impact of this market on buyer's agents, agent burnout, and the rise of  poor communication in the industry.

This story comes from a buyer whose agent asked them to sign a buyers agent agreement.   What the agent failed to point out was that this agreement was written so that the buyer would be stuck with that agent for one year!Hear what Lindy says about the year long contract, how to work around agents that present these long contracts,  and tips on what else you should write in your that agreement (if you are asked to sign one).Do not sign an agreement for a year.

Lindy shares her client's recent experience at an Open House in which an agent tried to poach her client with the idea that she might have "pocket listings" that no one else has.   Being the nosy person she is, Wendy pretended to be her client to see if the poacher and a Compass agent, and Caldwell Banker agent did have listings.   Should a consumer have to dig this hard to find homes for sale? A few years ago, the National Association of Realtors claimed to diminish pocket listings by creating the Clear Cooperation program.  However, pocket listings have increased since then,  so is it working?  Who is benefitting from this program, and what are the long-term implications for consumers if this continues? Even Opendoor started to promote these types of listings, but there are a few things you should know about, in our opinion, before putting in an offer on their homes.

We all know that one person in the community that not only knows everyone but can also make or break people in certain social circles.  It's like high school never ended, even 20 years later!So, what happens when you are selling your house and that "person" is the buyer's agent?  A home seller recently wrote about their experience when a pushy buyer's agent hounded them for information about their home sale instead of contacting the listing agent.  Hear what Lindy has to say about the ethical implications of doing this and what you should consider in this situation as a home seller.Plus, learn what you should and shouldn't have your agent say when you start to receive offers on your home.

This first-time homebuyer shares her family's story of how they pulled their family out of debt and worked for more than a year to prepare to buy a home.    Learn how they navigated using the listing agent as their agent (dual agency) and how their agent ghosted them the minute after the inspection was complete. Spoiler alert, he didn't even show up at the closing table. For all you cat lovers out there, this buyer also shares how they couldn't find their fourth cat on closing day, thought maybe they packed him in a box, only to find out the cat created a terrible hiding spot in their old home.  Help celebrate this family's accomplishment by sending them a small housewarming gift.   :) Click here for their wishlist

This anonymous story sheds light on a taboo subject in the industry; Dual Agency (when an agent represents the buyer and seller).  This Florida buyer not only was able to tour the house without supervision, but the listing agent became super friendly when the buyers asked them to do dual agency.    The agent proceeded to tell the buyer exactly what to offer and even set a 16 hour deadline.Lindy Chapman weighs in on who won in this offer situation and what a seller should know if their agent offers dual agency.Enjoy!