Your Home Matters: Recent Episodes
HoCoMoJo
Your Home Matters focuses on the most important purchase of your life: your home. Buying, selling, fixing it up or making those special changes to make it your own, you'll get the latest information you need from Rob, Mike and their expert guests.
In our final episode, Rob and Mike look back at some of the fun, interesting and provocative moments from the show.
How has the market changed in the past year? And which American cities are the most stressed out?
It's our election day special! How will the election affect the economy, and the home market? Rob and Mike (and Dave!) have some thoughts. Plus, the latest homes sales numbers.
Rob and Mike discuss Candidate Mitt Romney's proposals for boosting the housing market.
How low can mortgage interest rates possibly go? Plus, make sure you know Rob's important tips for buying a new home from a developer.
When is it best to not buy a home? And what do you need to be careful of when purchasing land?
How low can interest rates go? Plus, what are the three things you need your Realtor or Mortgage Broker before you buy or sell?
Where's the best place for the laundry room? Plus, the foreclosure market and the latest local sales numbers.
Mike takes the helm this week with his guide for prioritizing your needs, wants, style and comfort when buying a new home. Plus, the latest sales numbers and how the upcoming presidential election will affect the market.
What happened to the one-time home seller tax credit, and what can you expect today? Plus the latest sales stats.
Do you qualify for Maryland's First Time Buyer credits? Plus, sales stats from River Hill, and why it's important to have a plan.
How long does it take for buying to make more sense than renting? Plus, the latest local sales stats and more.
What are the key factors in improving your credit score? Mike and Rob are joined by credit repair expert Laura Harrison from Repair My Credit Now, who shares the inside information on maintaining good credit.
Should a termite infestation kill the deal? When does a Home Warranty make sense? All that, plus the latest local sales stats.
Rob shares a chimney inspection story, and outlines his eight-step process to sell your home in any market.
Has the local housing market stabilized? Rob and Mike analyze the latest stats. Plus, Rob offers his top no-nos when staging your home to sell.
What are the three questions your Realtor isn't allowed to answer? Plus, the rebounding market, affordability indexes, and the Maryland tax burden.
Can you really negotiate price with a new-home builder? Rob shares a recent success story. Plus, five ways to improve the safety of your home, and special guest Katie Essing, General Manager of The Mall in Columbia.
Rob and Mike discuss rising cost of mortgage insurance, plus what disclosures or disclaimers are required when selling your home?
Rob and Mike discuss the improving commercial real estate market and if that's a leading indicator, Maryland's special low interest rates, and the risk of polybutylene pipe.
Rob and Mike discuss the improving market numbers, decreasing inventory and the perception that real estate is a safe investment. Plus, why do some people buy on a busy street, and the danger of FRT plywood.
Rob and Mike discuss the public's perception of the current real estate market. Does it match reality? Are buyers more hesitant to buy, and are their fears justified? Plus, Ed Dunn from Universal Appraisal Services.
Rob and Mike discuss the pros and cons of buying a foreclosed home, how not to get surprised at settlement, and what happened to the Homestead Tax Exemption? Plus Dave shares his flood insurance story.
Rob and Mike talk about preparing your home to sell, how to get the best mortgage rates, comparison shopping, and are joined by George Supsic, owner of Painting By George, who shares his expertise when it comes to painting your home.
Dave joins Rob this week and they talk about changing inventory numbers, the expected time to sell a home, and the value of holding an open house
Plus, Walter Clews from Amerispec Home Inspections lets us know what to do if a home inspection reveals problems with mold.
Mike and Rob roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty with tips for financing fixer-uppers. What's a 203K loan, and when does it make sense? Plus, Adam Joss from The Vertical Connection Carpet One shares tips on choosing the right flooring for your home.
Rob is joined by Dave Bittner, filling in while Mike is on vacation, and they bring clarity to the often confusing subject of Agency. Plus, Rob walks Dave through the home selling process.
Rob is joined by Dave Bittner, filling in while Mike is on vacation, for a spirited discussion about For Sale By Owner and Buyer's Agents. Plus, Tom Gregorini returns with a cautionary tale of hiring a weekend contractor who gets in a bit over his head.
Mike and Rob explain why mortgage financing is getting more expensive, the importance of having "skin in the game", and discuss the pros and cons of selling a home furnished or unfurnished. Plus, Walter Clews from Amerispec Home Inspections lists the things to look for in a home inspector.
The spring market is here, and Rob and Mike discuss the top things to consider when getting in the market. Plus, commercial real estate expert Martin Kibbe shares his perspectives on the state of the commercial market.
Rob and Mike wonder where the government giveaway money has gone, discuss the importance of curb appeal, and are joined by Tom Gregorini for vital tips on selecting a contractor.
Rob and Mike dig in to short sales. What are they, and what are the consequences for buyers, sellers and banks? Plus, guest Ivy Ryerson from McCabe Insurance gives us the low down on homeowners insurance. What's covered, and how often should you review your policies?
Rob and Mike wonder if we need to get back to the real estate fundamentals. Sales and rentals are up! Also, is President Obama really increasing taxes on the sale of your home to pay for Obamacare? Plus, guest Laura Kemp tells us all about the local phenomenon called "Zaching."
Rob and Mike review the top characteristics of Marylanders in the Real Estate market, and are joined by Eastern Shore appraiser Dan Stevens. Is this the right time to pick up a deal on a oceanfront vacation home or investment rental?
It's Mike's turn on the hot-seat, as he explains the realities of working with an online lender. Also, will Freddie and Fannie be shut down? And a listener wonders if he should simply stop paying his mortgage.
Plus, guest Kim McMahon from Let's Move teaches us how to declutter and get our home organized, whether getting ready to sell or simply looking to tidy up!
Rob Foy and Mike Keehan tackle the strategies for pricing your home, and how an improperly priced home can become stigmatized in the market. Plus, guest Dennis Cyr from The Grout Medic teaches us how to restore our home's grout, affordably.
Rob Foy and Mike Keehan question if we're actually in a recovery, and ponder how much blame Realtors and mortgage brokers should take for the economic meltdown. Plus, guest Karen Berlage, CPA, joins us for some timely tax tips.
Rob and Mike look at shrinking inventory, robo-signings, "shadow" inventory, and are joined by contractor Tom Gregorini to discuss the importance of proper permitting, safety, and why certain beers are unfit for some home improvement projects.
Mike and Rob discuss why it MAY be the best time to buy a home, current interest rates, mortgage insurance, and forward looking development with Paul Mortensen.
Rob and Mike discuss the housing market in Howard County, MD, interest rates, and curb appeal with guest Tom Gregorini of Gregorini Contracting.