Real Estate Today

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.

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.

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.

How can you find success in the spring real estate market? J. Lennox Scott, CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, shares how to be buyer-ready and why you should get completely underwritten to make the best offer. He also does the math and explain why buying today instead of waiting for interest rates to drop is most likely the smart choice. Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com®, shares why they are forecasting a "favorable" and "promising" spring market, with increased housing inventory. Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if red is a hot paint color for walls and Kris Kiser, CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, discusses their "5 Messages Your Yard Sends Potential Home Buyers" report.

Interested in getting a mortgage or refinancing in the spring? This episode is for you! Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com shares the latest on interest rates and how today's home buyers can qualify for the best possible home loan. REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán from Chicago walks us through the process of finding a lender and successful strategies for getting the best loan in a high-interest-rate environment and walks us. Also, we have Melissa Dittmann Tracey discuss if mirrored walls and mirrored closet doors are hot or not. Lastly, REALTOR® Candice Skinner from Louisiana lets us know all about the VA home loan

When you're moving into a new house, there are so many ways to make the home your very own! REALTOR® Bette McTamney from Pennsylvania shares the first things most people do when they move into their home and talks about changes homeowners can make when moving. Rose Quint from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shares downward trends that she's seen in the last few years due to rising home prices and interest rates, and what buyers are looking for in their communities. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses whether home offices and hardwood floors are considered hot or not. Finally, Dustin Green, the head grill master at Weber Grills, talks about the decision-making process of picking the right grill for your new home.

One of the most important parts of a real estate transaction is moving! Gayla Dixon from UniGroup, the parent company of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, shares money-saving strategies for moving and how decluttering can help you feel better about getting into your new location. REALTOR® Mary Dykstra from Virginia shares how sellers and buyers should start looking for moving companies and boxing up the excess in a home early to have a stress-free move. In addition, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if having under-counter drawers instead of lower cabinets in your kitchen is considered hot or not. Dr. Jess P. Shatkin from NYU discusses the impact moving has on children and explains the best ways to talk to your kids about it. Lastly, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at NAR, tells us about the latest "Existing-Home Sales Report."

The time has come and it's closing day! Attorney Nishad Khan talks about how a buyer should prepare, what documents they should bring to avoid hiccups along the way, and what is expected to be completed on the seller's end. Ohio REALTOR® Kelly McCormick discusses the period between the contract signing and the closing, and explains how she ensures that her clients are protected on closing day. Lawyer Vanessa Goggans talks about cautioning home buyers and sellers with regard to real estate scams related to wire fraud. And, financial expert and host of the Money Girl Podcast, Laura Adams, explains why the buyer needs to have a homeowners insurance policy. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if bows and hues of soft greens are considered hot or not.

This Valentine's Day, show your home some tender loving care! REALTOR® Troy Zwickle of Loveland, Colorado, tells us about buying or selling homes in the "Sweetheart City." In addition, he talks about if interest rates have been scaring first-time home buyers away, advises potential buyers about offers, talks about seller's concessions, and the buying power with equity. Dustin Green, head grill master at Weber Grills, walks us through what makes a great surf and turf, and explains how to select and prepare every course from the appetizers through the main dish. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about whether symmetry in your home is hot or not. She also dishes on strategies to personalize your home to get the highest ROI. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®, shares the latest "Metro Home Price Report" from NAR, and he walks us through the status of mortgage rates.

How do you make the best offer to land your dream home? REALTOR® Pat Vredevoogd walks us through the process of writing a winning offer. From price to possession, from contingencies to earnest money, she explains what a buyer should include if they want to win the house. And for sellers, Pat explains what to look for in an offer and explains why price isn't always everything. Peter Gallo, owner and chief appraiser at HomeSight Appraisal, explains the appraisal process and what it means to buyers, sellers—and the lender. Danielle Hale, the chief economist at Realtor.com, walks us through "The Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers in 2024" report. This fascinating study examined U.S. markets through the eyes of first-time buyers, looking at home availability, affordability, and price, as well as employment opportunities and the cost of living. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about the color beige and the traditional herringbone patterns. Are they hot—or are they not?

Is buying a newly constructed home the right move for you? President and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders Jim Tobin talks about the market for new home builds and what potential home buyers need to know. REALTOR® Don McGlynn, who recently purchased a home that is being built, talks about the process of buying a new construction and all the decisions involved—from flooring and fixtures, to finishes and more. Justin Fink discusses building a passive home and how it can save you 90% on your energy bills. And NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explains the latest pending-home sales data and forecasts what the real estate market may look like this spring. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses what home design trends are in and out in this week's "Hot or Not."

Is 2024 the year to buy a real estate investment property? REALTOR® Kristin Smith from Dallas, TX gives tips on how to buy your first investment property and the best way to find a tenant. She also talks about how to invest in a short-term rental and the impact of being an Airbnb super-host. REALTOR® Peter Crouch from the Washington, D.C. area shares how to get started in real estate investing if you're closer to retirement, while REALTOR® Bob Turner from near Memphis, TN discusses buying land. Additionally, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest existing-home sales data. And, finally, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if crocheted home accessories and coffee bars are hot or not.

What will selling a home be like in 2024? realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale finds that the latest real estate market data shows an increase in housing inventory. REALTOR® Bill Lublin from the Philadelphia area shares selling strategies and how to evaluate an offer. REALTOR® Kristinia Rhodes from Evansville, Indiana discusses why listing your home now, in the dead of winter (instead of waiting until the spring), is the best move for a home seller. Appraiser Beth Graham explains what homeowners can do to get the best appraisal price and why getting a pre-appraisal can be a good idea. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses the electronics from the CES and if they are hot or not. This episode was brought to you by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who wants to make sure you move with confidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers free resources to help before, during and after a move at https://www.protectyourmove.gov.

It's a new year! Is it time for a new home? Cassie Happe from WalletHub talks about their "Most Fun Cities in America (2024)" list, while REALTOR® Dale Mattison from the Greater Washington, D.C. area explains the strategies buyers can use to make an offer and win the home in a competitive market with low housing inventory. Glenn Bunker, president of Ally Home Loans, discusses where he thinks mortgage rates will go in 2024 and what that will mean for home buyers. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know whether marble, quartz, or concrete kitchen countertops are hot or not.

It's time to move south for the winter. REALTOR® Barb Sukkau from Ontario explains what people are looking for in a second home in a warmer climate and how they go about buying it. REALTOR® Kathy Dunn from Tennessee discusses people who move "halfback" and why sometimes moving to Florida may not be the ideal scenario for many trying to avoid the cold. Craig Venezia, author of Buying a Second Home: Income, Getaway or Retirement, explains how to get prepared to buy that second home, how to maintain it, and how to pay for it. REALTOR® Chad Pederson from Minnesota talks about what he tells clients looking to move south and why many keep the vacation cabin up north but sell the primary home. And, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if accent doors, rose gold, and showing artwork on your tv are still hot home trends.

What will the real estate market be like in 2024? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun looks ahead by discussing the most recent existing-home sales data and the 2023 real estate market. REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts explains how he thinks home sellers will approach 2024 with the expected drop in interest rates. Jim Tobin, president and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, shares the challenges home builders are facing in 2024 and what solutions would help increase new home construction. Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, discusses how home buyers and sellers are expected to treat home inspections during a transaction. REALTOR® Irene Sawyer from Blowing Rock, NC shares how her battle with breast cancer led to the foundation of the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation, which helps pay for cancer care in six counties in the mountains of North Carolina. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracy looks at whether the color tones pink and orange are hot or not.

What can be expected in the winter real estate market? REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts explains how low housing inventory is still impacting demand and what buyers and sellers are including in a winning offer. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com shares the latest on interest rates and how it's impacting home loans. Danielle Hale, realtor.com's chief economist, discusses their 2024 Housing Forecast and what markets are expected to see the largest growth in home prices. And Melissa Dittmann Tracy talks about the 10 worst home design trends of 2023.

With winter approaching, we share how to keep your home warm without breaking the bank. You don't need to experience extreme weather to utilize these winter heating tips for your home! REALTOR® D'Ette Owen from Anchorage, Alaska shares how Alaskans keep their homes toasty when it's -15 degrees F outside. Bill Stack from Eversource Energy explains how to save money as you keep your home nice and warm. And, yes, smart thermostats do help you save money! Kris Kiser from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) discusses how to maintain and operate a generator while staying safe. And, Holden Lewis from NerdWallet goes into detail on why the increase in the conforming loan limit is important for home buyers and how it compares to a jumbo home loan. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether the traditional holiday colors of red and green are hot or not.

Let's find out the best way to get a great mortgage to buy the home of your dreams. REALTOR® Arlene Castellano from Springfield, Massachusetts shares why it's important to get preapproved for a mortgage before you search for a new house. Bob Walters, the recently retired CEO of Rocket Mortgage, discusses Rocket's ONE+ home loan, which only requires a 1% down payment, while they enact a 2% down payment grant. To boot, the loan won't require any mortgage insurance. Credit expert Gerri Detweiler explains the importance of your credit score, and Down Payment Resource's Marcy Ash discusses some down payment assistance programs that can help buyers get into a home. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey talks about kitchen trends and whether colorful kitchen appliances or stainless steel kitchen cabinets and pantries are hot or not.

What does it take to buy a second home? How does today's real estate market impact the vacation home market? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the decline in existing-home sales and the rise in median home sales prices and what it means for home buyers and sellers. REALTOR® Sindy Ready from Scottsdale, Arizona discusses what it takes to find opportunities for home buyers looking to get a second home in a balanced real estate market. REALTOR® Beth Foley from West Michigan discusses how higher interest rates for mortgages are impacting the second home market and the purchase of short-term rentals. Also, she talks about how legislation impacts buyers' plans to run an Airbnb, Vrbo or HomeAway property. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether cane webbing and see-through glass kitchen cabinets are hot or not.

It's time to get your home ready for the holidays! Interior designer Mary Patton shares the latest holiday decorating trends and how to transform your home for the holidays. Angela Moscaritolo from PC Mag shares what smart tech devices will help you keep your home clean so you're ready to host guests. REALTOR® Donna Evers tackles one of the toughest questions facing buyers and sellers every year at this time: Should you stay in the market over the holidays? Melissa Dittmann Tracey keeps us trendy by sharing whether keeping holiday lights up all year or Scandinavian home decor is hot or not.

How do you save money around your house? We give tips to save money on utility expenses, cable bills, and other household costs. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the outlook for the 2024 real estate market to give home buyers and sellers an idea of what they can expect in housing inventory and median home prices. REALTOR® Chris Pelkola Lee from Idaho shares how homeowners are updating windows and appliances to make their homes more energy efficient and discusses how new homes are being built to account for where the sun faces, to cut down costs. Financial advice author and host of "Money Girl Podcast" Laura Adams gives tips on how to save money on your home insurance. Zamir Ahmed from the National Association of Broadcasters talks NextGen TV and the impact it may have on your cable bill. And is cardboard or bouclé furniture hot or not? Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know.

What does it take to buy a home? We'll go to buyer boot camp with REALTOR® Cheryl Malandrinos from Massachusetts who explains real estate terms like contingencies and clean contracts. REALTOR® Natalie Davis from Colorado shares what steps renters can and should take to become home buyers. Danielle Hale goes over realtor.com's "The Hottest Zip Codes of 2023" report to see which parts of the country are doing well. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether brutalism home decor or the man cave is hot or not. This episode of Real Estate today is brought to you by realtor.com, the #1 most trusted site for real estate professionals. Your partners for industry insights and marketing solutions.

Buying and selling real estate gives many people a fright. REALTOR® Pam McKee from Salem, Massachusetts shares what it's like to work in real estate in a town synonymous with Halloween. Credit expert Gerri Detweiler explains what you need to do to make sure you aren't afraid of your credit score and home inspector Frank Lesh talks about the importance of a home inspection in ensuring your house purchase doesn't become a horror story. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if blue or rose gold are hot or not.

What does it mean for a home buyer and seller to build out their real estate team? REALTOR® Elizabeth Mendenhall from Columbia, Missouri discusses what roles fill a team and how real estate agents make sure that team works together for a successful real estate transaction. Appraiser and REALTOR® Susan Martins-Phipps from Rhode Island shares why the appraiser is such a valuable asset to a real estate team and how they value a home. Attorney Vanessa Goggans explains the closing process and what a lawyer's role is in the transfer of home ownership. And NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun walks through the latest existing-home sales data and what he expects in the near future for the real estate market. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains what color patterns are hot or not.

Are you wondering what it takes to invest in real estate? REALTOR® Kristin Smith from Dallas, Texas shares how she got started buying real estate properties and how she's grown her portfolio. REALTOR® Luke Worrell from Illinois explains what makes a piece of land a good real estate investment purchase. NAR Chief Legal Office Katie Johnson discusses a class action lawsuit that could change the way home buyers and sellers pay real estate commissions and make purchasing a home more expensive for home buyers, especially first-timers. She also shares why it may also be very bad news for home sellers. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains what "booing your neighbor" is and if it's hot or not.

Do you want to know the best way to sell your house this fall? Chief Economist at realtor.com Danielle Hale examines what home buyers and sellers can expect in the real estate market over the next few months. REALTOR® Kristina Rhodes from Evansville, Indiana shares what a home seller should look for in an offer, the importance of possession and why location, condition, and market are the three keys to a successful real estate sale. Also, REALTOR® Michael Labout from Colorado Springs, Colorado talks about the importance of curb appeal and why it's important to make sure your home's exterior and landscaping is clean and looks beautiful. And don't forget to look at the roof. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what Halloween decorating trends are hot or not.

What does it take to successfully a buy a home in the current real estate market? REALTOR® Kimberly Allard from Boston, Massachusetts explains how to build the team of a real estate agent, lender, and home inspector to help you get the house you want. Kimberly also shares tips that will get your offer accepted. Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet shares some good news for first-time buyers from their latest study, "First-time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report - Q2 2023." CEO of Down Payment Resource, Rob Chrane, discusses a variety of down payment assistance programs available around the United States. And Franke Lesh from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) talks about what a home buyer needs to know about the home inspection and how the inspection can save you money. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if "Swedish death cleaning" and are hot or not. This episode was brought to you by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who wants to make sure you move with confidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers free resources to help before, during and after a move at https://www.protectyourmove.gov.

What will the real estate market be like this fall? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest existing-home sales data and how low inventory and higher interest rates are impacting the market. REALTOR® Rebecca Thomson, who practices real estate in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, shares tips for home buyers to win the home of their dreams and for home sellers to sell their house efficiently and for a good price. Paul Pastelok from Accuweather shares the autumn weather forecast and if October is expected to bring a big change from warm weather to snow and cold temperatures. Kris Kiser from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute shares the best way to maintain power equipment before winter hits. And Good Neighbor Finalist, RIck Furnish, shares why he started South Dakota Kids Belong and the impact it has had on him. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if faux fur and pendent lighting fixtures are hot or not. This episode was brought to you by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who wants to make sure you move with confidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers free resources to help before, during and after a move at https://www.protectyourmove.gov.

Do you want to make sure your home valuation is the maximum it can be? REALTOR® Natalie Davis from Colorado talks about how important home maintenance is to a home's value and why you need to make sure your HVAC and furnace get regular service. Appraiser David Griffith explains what items have the biggest impact on a home's value during the appraisal process. And, REALTOR.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale discusses their 2023 Best Time to Buy Report. REALTOR® Steven Sharpe discusses NAR's Good Neighbor Awards and his program, Camp Horizon, a camp that allows kids with physical disabilities to enjoy summer activities in an outdoor environment. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know what a blobby or blobject are and if they are hot or not. This episode was brought to you by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, who wants to make sure you move with confidence. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers free resources to help before, during and after a move at https://www.protectyourmove.gov.

Are you looking to buy a condo? REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán from Chicago, Illinois discusses the benefits of buying a condo and what to look for in a condominium. Lawyer Vanessa Goggans talks about condominium ownership and explains what common elements are and why looking at a formation document is important. Financial expert and host of the Money Girl Podcast, Lauren Adams, talks about the various insurance policies that condo owners need to be aware of. And, Brian Kidder from https://myelisting.com/ discusses millionaire migration and how that is impacting tax revenues for states and municipalities. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if painting your upholstery or your porch is hot or not.

How do you navigate the real estate market amid the highest mortgage rates in two decades? Freddie Mac Deputy Chief Economist Len Kiefer explains why interest rates are so high, where they may be going, and if we can expect a 3% rate any time soon. REALTOR® Linda Rheinberger from Las Vegas, Nevada shares what home buyers and sellers can expect in the current market and what they need to do to close a sale. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com gives tips on how to get the best interest rate for your mortgage. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares how people can keep their homes cool in the heat and if window film is hot or not.

Does the current real estate market present an opportunity to invest? REALTOR® Bill Armstrong from Frederick, Maryland says yes and explains why the high mortgage rates may help you get started. REALTOR® Brian Smith from Texas talks about the benefits of investing in raw land and letting the market come to you while REALTOR® Cynthia Shelton from Florida shares how to invest in commercial real estate. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun gives the latest data on existing-home sales and housing inventory. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether windows with black trim or all-white bathrooms are hot or not.

You just got the house of your dreams but how do you make it feel like your home? We talk to home stager Nikki Watson from Dallas, Texas to get home design tips on picking furniture, utilizing wood, and whether you should avoid the painted accent wall for modern wainscoting. Sue Wadden from Sherwin-Williams explains how they will help you pick the best color paint for your home, what paint colors are popular, and how you can make sure your home has good color flow. REALTOR® Angel Piontek from Virginia talks about smart home tech and the important question of can a television actually be too big. And NAR Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz discusses which home renovation projects bring homeowners the most joy. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether flat roofs or solar roofs are hot or not.

Moving to a new home can be overwhelming and with moving scams on the rise this year, you need to be prepared. REALTOR® Cristina Ann Grossu from North Carolina shares why it's important to get moving insurance and know the moving company you use. Gayla Dixon from UniGroup, which owns United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, gives tips on finding the right moving company, how to get the best price, and how to get ready for your big move. And Andi Batchelor discusses U-Haul's annual growth states report to tell us where people are moving to in the U.S. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if outdoor rugs or decorating the side of your house is hot or not.

What do you need to know about closing on a home? REALTOR® Chris Rost from Kansas explains what the home buyers and sellers need to know about the closing disclosure, the appraisal, the down payment process, and other details, like home insurance, to make sure they are prepared. Real estate attorney Vanessa Goggans shares the documents that need to be brought to the settlement table and how to deal with an issue that may come up. And REALTOR® Dale Mattison from Maryland shares what can be expected at the final walkthrough. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if plunge pools or black-bottom pools are hot or not.

What makes the offer on a home so good it will get accepted? REALTOR® Philip Becker from San Antonio, Texas explains how he crafts an offer a seller will accept. Then, REALTOR® Reggie Copeland from Fairfax, Virginia discusses what a seller should look for before they accept an offer on their home. Charlotte, North Carolina appraiser Peter Gallo tells us about the house appraisal process and what you need to know. And, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares just how hot Barbiecore home design is now that the film "Barbie" is in theaters.

Are you wondering if you can afford to buy a house in the summer of 2023? REALTOR® Natalie Davis from Colorado walks through the steps of buying a home from preparation to making an offer and why it's important to understand all the contingencies in the contract. Lauren Adams, host of the Money Girl Podcast, shares tips for saving for a down payment for your dream house. And Marcy Ash from Down Payment Resource explains the four types of down payment assistance programs, how they could help you get into the home you want, and why you probably qualify for more programs than you think you do. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what home accessories are hot or not.

Wondering if it's a good time to sell your home or what is it like to sell and list your home in the current housing market? REALTOR® Marianne Bornhoft from Spokane, Washington walks through the steps a homeowner needs to take to get their house ready to sell. She also talks equity, assuming a loan, and mortgage buydowns. Ashton Ritchie from the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company gives tips on how to make sure your lawn and landscaping stay green and a selling point for your home. And, WalletHub's Jill Gonzalez goes over their 2023's Most & Least Energy-Expensive States study to see how states compare when it comes to energy costs. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey discusses home design trends and if hardwood floors or carpeting are hot or not.

Find out how you can generate income with short-term rentals! REALTOR® Radha Herring gives us the inside tips on this booming part of real estate including where to buy, what to buy, and how to keep it filled with new tenants every week. REALTOR® George Harvey shares the rules and regulations which either allow or ban these rentals. Learn what all of this means for investors from REALTOR® Stephen Antoni and how to get a mortgage for a short-term rental investment from Keith Gumbinger, vice president at HSH.com . Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey updates us on what is hot in smart home tech!

Let's celebrate homeownership in the United States. REALTOR® Kevin Sears from Springfield, Massachusetts discusses how homeownership benefits a person, their family, and their community. REALTOR® Mabél Guzmán from Chicago, Illinois talks about why buying a home is one of the best investments a person can make and how buying piece of a property in the U.S. is easier than in other countries. She also shares some stories of people new to the country buying a house or condo. John Bell, executive director of the Loan Guarantee Service for Veterans Benefits Administration at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs discusses VA home loans and the head grill master at Weber Grills, Dustin Green, goes through charcoal, gas, and pellet grills and tells us his favorite meal to cook on his grill. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if chrome faucets or industrial kitchens are hot or not.

Let's keep our homes cool this summer! New Orleans REALTOR® Evelyn Wolford talks central air, window air conditioning units, and how to cool your home properly. Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains how to improve indoor air quality to make sure the air you breathe in your home is clean. Then Bill Stack from Eversource Energy shares how you can keep your house cool efficiently and gives some low-tech ways to cut down your energy bill. Melissa comes back to let us know if pink is a hot home color before NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the latest existing-home sales data and how inflation and mortgage rates are impact the real estate market.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home this summer? We discuss how mortgage rates are impacting housing inventory and how to make a successful purchase or sale in the current real estate market with Ohio REALTOR® Rebecca Donatelli. She shares how to utilize home sale contingency, points, and adjustable-rate mortgages to get the house you want. Rocket Mortgage CEO Bob Walters talks about their new 1% down payment option program, why it's a game-changer, and how he hopes it will help make more Americans homeowners. He also shares why he is a huge fan of paying for a point on your mortgage in most cases. And to celebrate Father's Day, we talk to Washington, D.C., area real estate agents Dale Mattison and his daughter, Danai Mattison Sky, to see what it's like to work and follow your dad into the real estate business. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether stainless steel kitchen sinks and slab stone backsplashes are hot or not.

How do real estate professionals find a home themselves? Virginia REALTOR® Lorraine Arora shares why it's important to look beyond any clutter or design features you may not like and focus on the layout, neighborhood, and other factors in deciding to make it her home. She also goes through real estate terms that every home buyer should know. NerdWallet's Elizabeth Renter explains how despite a year-over-year increase in listings on the market, tighter lending standards are making it tougher for potential home buyers to get a home loan. And credit expert Gerri Detweiler tells us why she uses credit monitoring and why knowing your credit score is so important. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey tells us if outdoor kitchens and outdoor pizza ovens are hot or not!

Looking to live off the grid or in a unique home that's out there? California real estate broker and REALTOR® Eileen Oldroyd explains how to live off the grid and what it's like. Yes, low monthly living costs are a benefit. We then head to the last frontier with REALTOR® D'Ette Owen who explains what it's like to live in Alaska, a place that amazes her every day but takes a lot of work. And Texas real estate land specialist and REALTOR® Brian Smith shares how he purchased an old cattle ranch and turned it into a wildlife habitat that won the Lone Star Land Steward Award in 2011. Also, are all-white bedrooms or bathrooms hot or not? Melissa Dittmann Tracey keeps us informed.

Does it make sense to buy your first home while you're in the military? Louisiana broker and REALTOR® Candice Skinner discusses the benefits available to veterans and active-duty service members to help them become homeowners and why the VA loan is the best loan on the market. We dig deeper into VA loans with Chris Birk from Veterans United Home Loans and author of "The Book on VA Loans: An Essential Guide to Maximizing Your Home Loan Benefits" who shares ten things people don't know about VA loans. Massachusetts real estate agent and REALTOR® Wendy Rocco discusses Operation American Soldier, a charity she started to send care packages to members of the military serving overseas. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey lets us know if cane webbing furniture or see-through glass kitchen cabinets are hot or not.

How are interest rates, housing inventory, and supplies impacting the current real estate market? NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the most recent existing-home sales data and why he thinks interest rates will drop later in the year. Ohio home builder and remodeler Bill Owens gives us an update on expected wait times for new home builds and how capacity issues are impacting the ability to build a new home and changing home renovation projects. And yes, supply chain issues are still out there. Pennsylvania REALTOR® Greg Herb shares what he's experiencing on the local level with home buyers and sellers while California REALTOR® Kevin Brown talks about how the REALTOR® Relief Foundation has been helping people impacted by recent natural disasters. Also, are bold colors in the outdoor living space hot or not? What about cottage gardens? Melissa Dittmann Tracey keeps us trendy.

How do you improve your home's exterior or your outdoor living space? We talk to gardener Natalie Carmolli to learn how plants improve your curb appeal and Kris Kiser of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute gives tips on how to do your yardwork safely. But first, we start with a Mother's Day special segment with mother and son Michigan real estate duo Pat Vredevoogd Combs and Brett Vredevoogd. Also, NAR's Ken Fears is back to explain what happened with the FHFA mortgage fee increases that were scheduled for August 1 and Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains what fragrance zoning is and if it's a hot home trend.

Homeownership can make housing costs predictable and build generational wealth. Utah REALTOR® and 2023 NAR President Kenny Parcell explains the benefits of owning a home. Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale discusses the current homeownership rate in the United States, possible reasons why it's currently at a standstill, and what she values about being a homeowner. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com clarifies when a home buyer becomes a homeowner. Also, NAR's Ken Fears analyzes the rule changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage fees to give us the facts on what the changes mean for homeowners and home buyers. And what is soft spring aesthetic and is it a hot home trend? Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what's HOT or not in home design.

How does smart home tech benefit you? Angela Moscaritolo from PC Magazine shares the best smart home devices including doorbells, floodlights, and locks for your house and why it's important to look at the power source for your smart home tech. Pennsylvania REALTOR® Bill Lublin tells us why he made his home brilliant and how home buyers are leaning toward technology as they look for a new home. And Kate Peters from Eversource explains how smart thermostats make homes more efficient and save you money. Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares whether floating staircases or if painting your wooden staircases is HOT or not.