

Real Estate Today
Real Estate Today
Real Estate Today is a bi‑monthly podcast for homebuyers and home sellers who want clear, trustworthy insight into today's real estate and housing market. Each episode explains what's happening now — from home buying and selling trends to market conditions — and what it means for your next move, so you can make smarter real estate decisions with confidence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 24, 2024 • 36min
Buying a home in the military
Are you a member of the military or a veteran looking to buy or sell a home? REALTOR® and broker Candice Skinner shares why military members are determined to own their own homes even when they can live on base for free. Then, Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service (LGY) Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs John Bell walks us through the VA loan. Plus, REALTOR® and Navy veteran Mark Solomon shares how Veterans Community Project, the nonprofit he cofounded, helps veterans return to their communities by providing housing, benefits and more. Then, Melissa Dittmann Tracey weighs in on if outdoor electric grills are hot or not before Dustin Green from Weber shares the best techniques for grilling a tasty burger or steak. Finally, Chief Economist of NAR Lawrence Yun shares the latest update on the Existing Home Sales Report.

May 17, 2024 • 29min
Your Guide To Short-Term Rentals
Want to learn how your home can make you money? REALTOR® and broker Radha Herring joins to share the step-by-step process of buying, owning and renting out a short-term rental property. REALTOR® George Harvey shares the rules and regulations for those rental properties. Then, Eric Smith from the IRS reminds rental investors that the income they generate is taxable. Finally, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if 'Soft Spring Aesthetic' is hot or not.

May 10, 2024 • 36min
Improving Outdoor Spaces this Mother's Day
Let's improve your home's outdoor space and increase its value this Mother's Day. REALTOR® Brett Vredevoogd discusses following his mom, Pat Vredevoogd Combs, into the real estate field and what it is like to be a mother-son real estate team. Garden expert Natalie Carmolli shares flower-planting ideas to ramp up your mom's curb appeal. It's not all roses here! Melissa Dittmann Tracey weighs in on whether the colored sealant on your driveway is hot or not. And, National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explains the latest Metropolitan Median Area Prices and Affordability quarterly report.

May 3, 2024 • 36min
Benefits of Owning a Home
Homeownership is a big responsibility, but the benefits that come with it are worth it. The President of the National Association of REALTORS® Kevin Sears shares different ways home ownership can change lives—from the stability it provides, to building generational wealth. Plus, REALTOR® and broker Kerri Hartnett joins to discuss her favorite memories from her childhood home and just what "home" means to her. Then, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if papasan chairs are hot or not. Finally, Deputy Chief Economist & VP of Research at the National Association of REALTORS® Dr. Jessica Lautz shares data on who the average American homeowner is.

Apr 26, 2024 • 35min
Importance of Home Inspections
Whether you're looking to sell your home or just want to ensure proper maintenance, regular home inspections are a must. On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® Samantha Witherwax shares what buyers should look out for during inspections, including roofing, AC, plumbing and electrical. Plus, former Executive Director at the American Society of Home Inspectors Frank Lesh discusses how homeowners can identify issues in their house early. Then, Dr. Steve Kerber, vice president and executive director of the Fire Safety Research Institute at UL Research Institutes talks about the importance of fire safety. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares if the gothic interior design trend is hot or not.

Apr 19, 2024 • 35min
Benefits of New Construction Homes
Considering buying a new construction home? On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® Christine Richardson shares the process, time frame, and whether there is less competition with new builds. Plus, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders, Dr. Robert Dietz joins to share where new home construction is surging and what consumers looking to build should know. Then, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, discusses when he believes mortgage rates may dip. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares which home design trends are hot or not, including the shower lamp.

Apr 12, 2024 • 32min
How to increase the value of your home
Looking to sell your home and want to maximize its worth? On this episode of Real Estate Today, REALTOR® and appraiser Jamie Moore shares what homeowners can do to their homes to get a bigger appraised value, including depersonalizing and decluttering. Plus, REALTOR® Greg Block joins to share invaluable insights on enhancing your home's market value, covering everything from essential cleaning and a fresh coat of paint to the impact of curb appeal. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what items in the 2024 remodeling boom are hot or not.

Apr 5, 2024 • 35min
Investing in Real Estate in the Spring of 2024
Is the spring the time for you to invest in real estate and build wealth? REALTOR® Peter West discusses the benefits of investing in multifamily or single-family properties and the responsibilities required for each asset class. REALTOR® Bill Milliken from Michigan discusses commercial real estate investing, the impact working from home has on properties, and the trend to convert office buildings to residential space. Melissa Dittman Tracey shares whether using vinegar to clean your stone countertops is hot or not. Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet discusses their First-Time Home Buyer Affordability Report — Q4 2023 and the challenges in the real estate market, especially for first-time home buyers.

Mar 29, 2024 • 36min
Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in 2024
National Association of REALTORS® President Kevin Sears gives the facts about the $418 million settlement and what it means for homebuyers and sellers. REALTOR® Cheyenne McGriff from South Dakota explains what first-time homebuyers should do to get ready to buy a home and how to find success in a competitive real estate market. Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether buying a fixer-upper home is hot or not. And, Sean Moss from the Down Payment Resource gives a quick primer on down payment assistance programs and how a homebuyer can utilize them to make a home purchase more affordable.

Mar 22, 2024 • 34min
Selling A Home During Spring 2024
If you're selling your home in the spring market of 2024, this episode is for you! Gilbert Gonzales, broker associate with Home Connect 512 discusses real estate presentation, how to showcase the home value to buyers, and whether this is still a good time to sell. J. Lennox Scott, CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, explains "The Five Rights" in a sale and how to succeed. Krisztina Bell, home stager and design expert, discusses how home staging is a necessary marketing tool and explains how virtual home staging can benefit you. Next, Melissa Dittmann Tracey examines adding a pickleball court to your backyard: Is it hot or not? Lastly, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR, discusses the latest existing-home sales data.


