Let's Talk Real Estate: Recent Episodes
Anna Olcese
Anna's "Let's Talk Real Estate" podcast helps to educate listeners about a variety of real estate-related topics, local and national market conditions, and how the area’s growth and opportunities compare to other cities nationwide. We feature guests from both the Gainesville area and nationwide.
In this inspiring episode of Let's Talk Real Estate, we sit down with Sarah Cain of Sarah Cain Design, a boutique design firm known for its innovative approach to residential and small commercial spaces. Sarah brings her expert perspective on interior trends for 2024 and 2025, from warm tones replacing gray to the resurgence of artisan-crafted touches and the soulful vibe of vintage pieces.
Sarah discusses why creating a space isn’t just about looks—it’s about how you feel. Together, we explore a wide array of trends you can incorporate, whether you're refreshing your home or embarking on a full-scale renovation. Curious about color drenching, saturated tones, or the return of copper accents? Sarah covers these trends and shares her philosophy on choosing styles that resonate personally. She encourages everyone to push their boundaries but to always keep their own tastes front and center—because a trend only works if it truly suits you.
We also dig into the details: from choosing quality textures like solution-dyed fabrics and Krypton textiles for durability, to the health benefits of bringing nature indoors with fresh or silk florals, Sarah provides practical tips on designing a home that promotes relaxation and joy. And don’t miss her advice on timeless pieces like natural quartzite, which combines the elegance of marble with the resilience of granite.
If you're ready to add some soul to your space, embrace meaningful trends, and make your home feel uniquely yours, tune in for Sarah's expert guidance. This episode is packed with inspiration to make your home a true sanctuary!
https://www.sarahcaindesign.com/
We sit down with Kerry Ward, an experienced Insurance Agent at Darr Schackow Insurance, to delve into the complexities of the current insurance market. On this episode, we cover a range of essential topics, including the present state of the insurance market and understanding flood insurance coverage and requirements. Kerry shares insights on how Gainesville's insurance landscape compares to other regions in Florida and the potential impacts of a catastrophic hurricane hitting our area.
We discuss key factors influencing homeowners insurance premiums and provide a detailed walkthrough of the insurance process after going under contract for a home. Our conversation also addresses the importance of the 4-point inspection, covering the electrical system, HVAC system, plumbing system, and roof. Kerry highlights the benefits of completing a pre-inspection when selling your home and shares essential considerations for both home sellers and buyers. We also touch on renovation home insurance policies and analyze the recent spike in insurance rates, offering tips on securing the best coverage.
Tune in for this comprehensive discussion to gain valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the world of homeowners insurance, whether you're buying, selling, or renovating a home.
We sit down with Kerry Ward, an experienced Insurance Agent at Darr Schackow Insurance, to delve into the complexities of the current insurance market. On this episode, we cover a range of essential topics, including the present state of the insurance market and understanding flood insurance coverage and requirements. Kerry shares insights on how Gainesville's insurance landscape compares to other regions in Florida and the potential impacts of a catastrophic hurricane hitting our area.
We discuss key factors influencing homeowners insurance premiums and provide a detailed walkthrough of the insurance process after going under contract for a home. Our conversation also addresses the importance of the 4-point inspection, covering the electrical system, HVAC system, plumbing system, and roof. Kerry highlights the benefits of completing a pre-inspection when selling your home and shares essential considerations for both home sellers and buyers. We also touch on renovation home insurance policies and analyze the recent spike in insurance rates, offering tips on securing the best coverage.
Tune in for this comprehensive discussion to gain valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the world of homeowners insurance, whether you're buying, selling, or renovating a home.
We sat down with Matt Peck, owner of HouseMaster in Gainesville, Florida, a home inspection company that provides many types of inspections, from general to wood destroying organisms, and almost everything in between. What’s everything, you might ask? Well, Matt dives into the different types of inspections, why buyers AND sellers should have them, and what types of home nightmares might be discovered during one! If you’re curious to know what types of home inspections there are and which you should get when buying or selling, then you’ll want to listen to this episode.
Contact Matt:
(352) 472 - 5552
https://housemaster.com/gainesville-home-inspection
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https://linktr.ee/annaolcese
Podcast regular, Mortgage Banker with Ameris Bank, Dan Coffey, discusses questions that first-time buyers have about how to prepare to buy a home in the future and how Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, can actually help save a buyer money when purchasing a home, and often how it can make a home more affordable. As Dan always says, “the only time better to buy a home than today was yesterday!” If you’re a first-time home buyer or a repeat buyer who wants to know more about the advantages of PMI, then you’ll want to listen to Dan’s insights.
Episode Resources:
- Dan Coffey: https://bankers.amerisbank.com/fl/gainesville/dan-coffey-208400
Mortgage Loan Officer, Dan Coffey is back on the podcast to provide in depth knowledge about the dynamic and ever-evolving world of mortgage lending. In this episode, we explore valuable insights and opportunities for prospective homebuyers. Dan discusses predictions for interest rates and highlights the resurgence of FHA loans - covering qualification criteria, credit scores, and the flexibility of FHA loans. We also delve into seller concessions, mortgage points, and the benefits of locking in rates early. Additionally, Dan sheds light on the advantages of VA loans. Despite market shifts, Dan emphasizes the enduring value of homeownership as a core element of long-term financial well-being. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this episode will equip you with valuable insights to navigate the mortgage market with confidence.
Episode Resources:
- Dan Coffey: https://bankers.amerisbank.com/fl/gainesville/dan-coffey-208400
John Darr, CEO and owner of Darr Schackow Insurance joins us again on the podcast to discuss the ever-changing insurance industry in Florida. Since our last episode with John, the insurance industry in Florida has undergone significant changes, including stricter underwriting rules and requirements for roofs, water heaters, and claims history. Today, we delve into some of these changes, such as the requirement for wind mitigation and four-point inspections, and explore how insurance premiums are affected by various factors. Join us to learn more about how these changes can impact your insurance premiums and your ability to obtain insurance coverage on your home.
John Darr is the CEO and owner of Darr Schackow Insurance, a Florida-based full-service insurance agency with over 30 years of experience. He is dedicated to providing personalized insurance solutions to meet the unique needs of his clients and has grown the agency into one of the largest independent insurance agencies in Florida. In addition to his work, Darr is involved in the community and serves on several local organization boards.
CONNECT with our guest:
- https://darrschackowinsurance.com
- https://www.instagram.com/darrschackowinsurance
- https://www.facebook.com/dsi5200
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Interest is the only thing that seems to interest buyers and sellers these days. Will the interest rates affect sales? How about my purchasing power? How high will interest rates climb? Will this cause a housing bust? Regular and super knowledgeable guest Dan Coffey joins us again today to share his insights and provide info about today’s rates, where he sees them going tomorrow, and why they’re not - and won’t be - where they were yesterday. Whether you’re a buyer wondering if you should “wait it out” until the next housing bust or a seller wondering if now is a good time to list, this episode is definitely one to listen to.
Property management: not the sexiest topic in real estate, but definitely a big component of it. Today, Susan McQuillan, V.P./North Central Region at Watson Realty Corp’s Property Management Division, joins us to discuss property management and what it involves. From securing tenants to managing leases to calling a plumber when there’s a toilet issue, property managers do it all. With a shortage of inventory, rising rental prices, tenant and landlord laws changing, and with large apartment complexes absorbing so much of the rental market, she also addresses the impact that those factors have had on investors and also how they’re affecting sales of investment properties.
Homeowners insurance can affect homeownership in ways well beyond what we may think. Today, John Darr joins us again…you may remember him from season two. He owns Darr Schackow insurance in Gainesville, and he gives us the scoop today about where we are in terms of homeowners insurance, what we can expect for the upcoming year, and what that means for current and future homeowners. You’ll definitely want to listen to this episode because it’s much more important than you might think! Plus, John makes it interesting so it’s also less boring than you might think.
This week we have part 2 of our conversation with Dan Coffey with Ameris Bank. On this episode, Dan walks us through everything related to renovation loans, and with the current housing market this may be the best way to go if you’re wanting to make some renovations. Dan will also be talking to us about loans for Medical Professionals, which aren’t just for doctors but for medical professionals of almost any type.
If you missed part 1 of our conversation about mortgage lending with Dan, take a listen to S3 EP9: Let’s Talk Mortgage Lending with Dan Coffey!
Over a 44-year career in this industry, Dan Coffey has maintained a single focus - to use his knowledge and expertise to assist people navigate the complexities of the mortgage process. He is proud to be part of such an important milestone in a client's life, and he strives to make the homebuying process a joyful experience because it should be. On this episode of Let’s Talk Real Estate, Dan walks us through the history and all the caveats of mortgage lending.
Did you miss when we had Dan on Season 1 of Let’s Talk Real Estate? On episode 16 of Season 1, Dan gives us a rundown on gift funds to be used as a downpayment on your home purchase: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s1-ep16-lets-talk-down-payment-gift-money/id1497225744?i=1000474694704
Jovi Richards is a Richmond, VA native and knows that market inside and out. After graduating from UVA, she spent several years working with children with autism. However, after having her first daughter she realized that she needed more flexibility and the opportunity to earn more for her family so she decided to become a real estate agent. Working part-time for a couple of years beforehand, Jovi jumped in with both feet in March 2020...what a decision that turned out to be! With resilience and grit, and the goal of working smarter and not necessarily harder, Jovi leveraged strong relationships she had forged throughout the years with industry professionals and she was able to start procuring off market opportunities for her buyers at a time when listings were nearly impossible to find. In an era when multiple offers were the norm, Jovi helped her clients buy homes without engaging in bidding wars and allowed sellers to sell their properties without the fear of having droves of people walk through their homes in the midst of a pandemic. Jovi has extensive knowledge of the real estate market all throughout the central Virginia region, and she specializes in The Fan, Byrd Park, North Side, Tuckahoe/West Henrico, and Chesterfield.
Connect with Jovi on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jovisoldit and tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jovisoldit_
Retiring or having a second home along the Florida coast has always been a fantasy for many. However, permanently fleeing to Florida from states like New York and California has become common practice in the last year and a half. With miles of beaches within walking distance, beautiful year-round weather, and the ability to jump on a boat and cruise the Atlantic at will, buyers from several other luxury markets are flocking in droves to make Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and the Palm Beaches home for good. Vickie Arcuri, who has been in the real estate industry since the great recession and has therefore seen a thing or two happen in the South Florida market during the past 15 years is nearly as shocked as the rest of us about the über-booming market. Condos with multi-million dollar units are selling so fast that developers can’t keep up with the demand. Single family homes are harder to come by than ever. Beachfront property is almost impossible to find. Even rentals are subject to multiple offers! Today, Vickie shares her insights about the market, what’s driving it, predictions as to what the future holds, and why she loves living and promoting the South Florida lifestyle.
Connect with Vickie at: https://www.vickierealestate.com/ and on instagram at @vickierealestate
The Miami real estate market is hotter than ever, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Dozens of years ago foreign investors took notice and since then Miami hasn’t stopped growing, and beautiful beaches and year-round sun have turned it into the go-to spot during the pandemic. With developments as impressive as a luxury condo tower by Aston Martin to multi-million dollar mansions on the bay, Tyler Anderson has seen it all despite his relatively short time in Miami. Born into a Boston real estate family, Tyler didn’t take over the family business and instead chose to pursue his dreams. From working at Disney to repping major developers in Dallas to embracing the luxury single family home market in Miami, Tyler shares his experiences and the importance of making connections.
Connect with Tyler at: https://www.graberrealty.com/agents/tyler-anderson/
Monika Nielsen has been in this industry for 25 + years and she has helped hundreds of women clear their closet and discover (or rediscover!) their style. Whether it’s your closet or wardrobe, she can get you to a place where you can breathe again…finding peace in your space and being excited to start the day. Monika will walk you through the mental gymnastics of a Cleanse and Edit, help you Clarify your style and give you tools to Capsulate your wardrobe. Her goal for you is to help you be able to get ready in 10 minutes, feeling amazing with clothing that you know fits you well and you look good in. Walking out the door, you will feel confident and fierce, ready to walk into any room and command the meeting, show up at the party, close the deal or make a new friend.
Connect with Monika at @monikanielsenysr and www.atyourstylerehabist.com
Mark Morgan started Resolution Estimate because for a long time, he saw a need for real estate agents, buyers, and sellers to obtain accurate information quickly in regards to inspection items, repairs, or alterations to a home they are selling or seeking to purchase.
Traditionally the realtor, seller, or buyer would contact various contractors or tradespeople to try to get estimates for these items. Contractors and tradespeople often don’t have time, don’t want to make time, or have other valid concerns about providing an estimate for an item on a home when they know the inquirer is looking more for pricing information than to actually hire them for the work. Knowledgeable contractors and tradespeople have little motivation to provide accurate information in this situation.
Mark has seen firsthand where agents, buyers, and brokers spend a lot of time trying to find anyone willing to answer their questions and then make important decisions that are based on inaccurate, half-hearted information. His vision for Resolution Estimate is to save significant time for agents, sellers, buyers, contractors, and tradespeople, and to quickly provide accurate & impartial information that is critical to making quality real estate decisions.
For more information visit Resolution Estimate at https://resolutionestimate.com/ Instagram: @resolutionestimate
Chaitrali “Chai” Karve is the Director of Business Development at Golden Gate Global, which is a firm specializing in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. In 1990, Congress created the EB-5 Program to stimulate the economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. In 1992, Congress created the Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the Regional Center Program, which sets aside EB-5 visas for participants who invest in commercial enterprises associated with regional centers approved by USCIS based on proposals for promoting economic growth. Chai, who is an immigrant herself and a licensed real estate agent in Florida with over two decades of experience with commercial and residential real estate ventures, learned about the EB-5 program and knew that she wanted to help educate others about it, both domestically and in countries worldwide. Today, she educates us about the program’s significance and how both immigrants and the U.S. benefit from it.
Charles Velasco is co-team leader of the Velasco Team at RE/MAX in Sacramento, California, and has sold multi-millions and worked with hundreds of buyers and sellers during his short real estate career. Today, he’s on track to be one of his area’s mega agents. You can credit much of his success to his disciplined lifestyle, his family’s encouragement and support, and his robust digital presence. With an impressive Instagram following, a YouTube channel, a podcast, and more, Charles attributes a lot of his success to his online presence. His authenticity makes him relatable and likeable, and his success makes him admirable.
Jamie Gould’s roots are set in concrete...a family concrete business, that is. With years of experience in the construction industry and with a passion for helping homeowners to renovate and build, Jamie left the corporate world and started his own consulting business, ContraFaba, which helps homeowners, architects, and contractors manage their costs so that the process runs smoothly and - more importantly - on budget from beginning to end. His natural ability to network coupled with a sense of adventure, have (along with his partner) inspired him to move from his native England and plant roots in the eco-mecca of Costa Rica. With construction costs rising and busy homeowners wanting a change but lacking the time to manage major projects, Jamie will likely find himself traveling the globe as he helps clients from the Americas to the EU, and beyond.
Congratulations! You have a beautiful home or a great portfolio of investment properties...or both. That means you have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in major assets that need constant management, from general maintenance to inventory for insurance purposes. Do you know how much time and money you’re spending on property-related tasks? Tech entrepreneur Elizabeth Dodson didn’t know, either, and she was over it. So, she co-founded HomeZada, a cloud-based digital home management platform that helps you do just that. Today, she discusses 6 Mistakes That Homeowners Make And How to Best Prevent Them, as well as the app that changed the game for her and for thousands of homeowners and investors.
At the helm of commercial lending brokerage firm Clopton Capital since its founding in 2010, Jake Clopton has worked on hundreds of transactions involving everything from apartment buildings to self storage facilities. Based in Chicago, the firm works with clients nationwide and focuses on private investors whose loans typically range from $1-$40 million. Clopton Capital helps these small to middle market entities invest in commercial, industrial, and multifamily real estate that includes a multitude of property types, including factories, warehouses, mobile home parks, self storage facilities, retail malls, and offices. Jake shares not only how Clopton Capital works with these entities to secure financing, but also how the process works, how Covid has impacted the commercial mortgage industry, and where he thinks it’s headed.
Italy’s Le Marche region, by all accounts, sounds like a fairytale. With Medieval castles and villages and the stunning Apennine Mountains outlined by stretches of pebbled beaches on the Adriatic Sea, this little-known - but quickly growing - region on Italy’s east coast rivals its larger and better-known sister cities in geographic beauty, charm, and history. A train ride or quick flight from Rome or Milan, and just a ferry ride away from Croatia, its proximity to new and old tourist destinations is fueling its popularity among Europeans, who have found it to be a terrific place to purchase a second home or vacation during the summer months. Andrea Mattetti of Engel and Völkers Civitanova Marche joined us to discuss his beautiful town, how Americans can buy a piece of the dream, and why now is a great time to do it.
What exactly does the title company do? Many involved in the real estate transaction process may not be able to give a clear answer, and we’re not just talking about buyers and sellers. Sometimes, title work can seem too complicated or possibly not “sexy” enough to discuss, but it's a crucial component of the real estate sales process. From running title searches to ensure that someone can buy a house without the fear of ownership issues to ensuring that all the numbers are correct when it comes time to sign those closing docs, title companies have a lot of behind the scenes work that goes unnoticed if done well and can terribly affect a transaction if done poorly. Today, Jessica Hocchalter, who is both owner of RG Title and a real estate agent with Realty Group, discusses the title process and we share the differences between the process in Minnesota and Florida.
We crossed the pond this week and headed to London to talk to Tarek Merlin, who is Director and Co-Founder of Feix&Merlin Architects. We initially connected with Tarek on TikTok, where he takes us Behind Closed Doors of some very cool buildings that the public wouldn’t otherwise be able to see. A proponent of renovating and repurposing old buildings and maintaining both a structure’s and a neighborhood’s character, Tarek designs for the present with the past - and the future - in mind. His stunning work spans the residential and commercial spectrum, as well as cities far beyond London and outside the U.K. He says he’s interested in designing in Gainesville, and we’ll happily take him up on that!
James Blythe, Principal at Gainesville-based LEVEL Architecture + Interiors, chatted with us about the importance of user-centric design, repurposing old buildings, and the changes that they’re seeing in commercial design projects since the beginning of 2020. With a special place in his heart for a decrepit furniture store-turned-ax throwing establishment that has gained surprising popularity during the pandemic, he shares why sustainable design and repurposing is so important for our communities.
It’s almost like every article or podcast about real estate is on repeat: it’s a seller’s market...multiple offers...bidding wars...etc, etc, etc. Home prices are up, demand is higher than ever before, and it feels like inventory couldn’t be lower these days (because it’s never been!). The housing situation wasn’t this competitive a year ago, so what in the world is going on? Today, we dive into what has caused the housing demand frenzy during pandemic-fueled financial uncertainty and how this housing boom is different than the one that led to the financial crisis of 2008. Plus, we throw in some tips about what buyers can do to be competitive during an inevitable bidding war. Now, let’s go write an offer!
In the midst of the pandemic, dental hygienist, mom, and military wife, Kristyn Gavazzi, decided to change careers and jump into the world of real estate. Admittedly naive about what it takes to actually be a real estate professional, Kristyn has quickly learned and has used her network, authenticity, and tenacity to hit the ground running. Since her start in January 2021, Kristyn has done more than many who have been in the industry for years. Today, she took time between contracts to chat about why she loves the Ft. Bragg and Southern Pines area of North Carolina and why relocation is one of her passions. With some major goals in sight, this rookie will undoubtedly reach - and then exceed - even her own expectations.
Wendy Gilch wants buyers and sellers to know. Know what? Know everything about real estate and the intricacies of the industry, as well as the scams that can turn the experience from a dream into a nightmare. Frustrated by the process as a consumer years ago, Wendy set out to shed light on what is often a process that keeps consumers in the dark. Between referral services that claim to connect consumers with the “best” agents to companies that sell consumers’ info to agents, mortgage brokers, and others in the industry, most companies that make millions from the business of real estate by claiming to be helping buyers and sellers more often than not are doing just the opposite. Today, Wendy shared her frustrations, how her consumer advocacy site, Selling Later, works, why she decided to create it, and what she’s doing to help buyers and sellers learn everything possible to make educated decisions about one of the most important transactions of their lives.
Designing our spaces has become more necessary than ever before, between having to make our homes vacation spots AND offices, we crave for environments that work perfectly for our needs and wants. Today, Sarah Cain, a top-notch interior designer and owner of Sarah Cain Design, discusses the importance of creating a truly personal space that blends a client’s unique style and specific use. It’s all about creating a luxury experience for every home or business owner, from where to place a chair, right down to where and how someone prepares their morning coffee. Listen to Sarah as she discusses design, decor, and her passion for women’s empowerment.
When one of our most recent TikToks elicited some...ummm... strong reactions from viewers, we thought it would be fun to discuss the topic on the podcast. The topic in this case was reasons to move to Florida. Anna and fellow relocation specialist, Angela Foote, read through some of the comments and addressed them with honest answers about what life in Gainesville is like and how it’s a little different than the rest of Florida. Listen as we dispel myths, confirm others, and discuss how humidity may very well be your best friend as you get older. What preconceived ideas do you have about the Sunshine State? Drop us a line here or find us on social media, and we’ll be sure to address yours, too!
Nancy Tran may be new to real estate, but she’s not new to sales or to the discipline that is needed to succeed in the business. This episode is a must for new and veteran agents alike as Nancy shares her habits, daily routine, and clever prospecting ideas that have helped her succeed during her first year in the business, even amidst a pandemic! Her awesome attitude, self-confidence, and growth mindset will inspire you, even if you’re not in real estate sales. She’s also quite funny and genuine, and you might want to follow her on TikTok, which is where we first connected.
While we mostly feature agents who have been in the business for a while, every few episodes we like to highlight up-and-comers who are the future of real estate. We first “met” Matt and Cass on TikTok, which is where we’ve initially connected with many of our other guests. Austin native and trendy brokerage Realty Austin agent, Matthew Turnage, is a relative newcomer to the real estate business, but he’s nevertheless seen a lot in a short time. His partner, Cassandra Pineda, who is working on getting her real estate associate license and will surely be making many deals soon, is at least for now making sure they’re rising stars on social media. Together, they share their insights about the booming Austin market, what buyers can expect to face in a strong seller’s market, and how they score deals for their customers.
To connect with Matt: https://www.realtyaustin.com/agents/Matthew-Turnage matthewturnage@realtyaustin.com 512-826-6470
With 16 years in the business and vast experience working in the residential real estate market with buyers, sellers, and many investors, Atlanta native and former flight attendant Jackie O’Connor has experienced the ups and downs of the real estate market both in Ann Arbor and Boston. With a career that has seen the housing market go up and down more than once, through the financial crisis, a pandemic, and the latest housing boom that we’re in now, Jackie has remained strong and steady, and today she runs the Jackie O. Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Boston Metro. In this episode you’ll listen to Jackie talk about the booming Boston real estate market (can you say crane city?), real estate investing, and why she loves living in such a cold place!
Just when I thought there wouldn’t be too many more changes in 2021, I decided to move from Keller Williams to Engel & Volkers. Why? I couldn’t resist the brokerage’s culture and ideals, which emphasizes that luxury is an experience, not a price point. All customers deserve a luxury experience, and I’ve always worked to make that a reality. Today’s conversation with Carrie Cason, Broker/Owner of Engel & Volkers Gainesville, covers why Carrie chose to open an EV shop in Gainesville, what attracted her to EV, and her predictions for the future of the brokerage in Gainesville. We also touch on Carrie’s background in real estate (we’re pretty sure she became an agent when she was 2) and how she got to where she is today. For more information about Engel & Volkers, visit https://gainesville.evrealestate.com/
Blake Stargel is making it big in Hollywood...Hollywood real estate, that is. After moving to California from Nebraska, where he had traded college life for Realtor life, Blake started hitting the real estate world and social media hard. In this episode, Blake tells us what it was like to move to LA and then transition to a new brokerage, what the continual grind to get business is like, where he is today, and where he sees himself and the market going during the coming year. Plus, he gives us the scoop about some Million Dollar Listing celebrities, who he encounters regularly in the LA real estate scene. It seems like this Star has a very bright future ahead of him! To connect with Blake, visit https://www.compass.com/agents/blake-robert-stargel or email him at blake@stargelrealestate.com
John Stoeber, a Principal at Kronos Investment Partners, is barely out of college yet he knows more about investing in real estate than most seasoned professionals in the industry do. A self-proclaimed number cruncher, he oversees underwriting, market analysis, and financial reporting at Kronos, which is a private equity firm that buys cash-flowing and under-performing multi-family properties in the U.S. In our discussion, we touched on house flipping’s pros and cons, how house hacking can let you live rent-free, and why BRRRR is a great investment strategy. There’s even a golden nugget of investing advice for real estate professionals. To learn more about John and his team, visit https://kronosinvestmentpartners.com/ or email him at john@kronosinvestmentpartners.com. You may also want to read his book, How To Analyze Big Apartment Buildings and Make Them Feel Small, free at bit.ly/underwritingebook.
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If there were a prize for Most Energetic Guest, then Ari Rastegar would win it hands-down. Founder and CEO of Rastegar Property Company, Ari is a force to reckon with due to his business acumen and overall dynamic personality. His innovative, technology-driven investment strategies have made him a thought leader in real estate, where he specializes in recession-resilient real assets and multifamily real estate developments, building portfolios designed to reduce risk and maximize capital appreciation potential. Today, Ari took time from his incredibly busy schedule to discuss President Biden’s sustainability plans and how they will affect the future of our cities, his interest in helping cities grow, and how he stays positive even in the most challenging of times. Did we mention that he’s a fitness and healthy eating guru and has been profiled in GQ, and is about to publish a book? We’re not kidding when we say he’s energetic! To learn more about Ari and his company, visit https://rastegarproperty.com.
Justin Diamond has a proven track record in the social media industry, working for large companies in the New York City metro area for years. Now, as a new real estate agent, Justin is using his digital media expertise to his advantage as he dives into the world of New York real estate. We met Justin on TikTok, where his helpful and instructional videos showcase both properties and areas of town. He’s quickly becoming a go-to broker for young professionals who are looking to live in the city, sometimes from as far away as California. While as a new agent Justin doesn’t yet have multi-million dollar listings, his social media expertise and resulting exposure to a new demographic of buyers will undoubtedly lead him to much success in the near future. He may be a diamond in the rough now, but it won’t be long before he makes it big in the Big Apple. To contact Justin, shoot him an email at justindiamond@kw.com or call him at 914.874.7537. On social media, you can find him at @dimespaces on TikTok and @justinddiamond on Instagram.
For months, we’ve been trying to get Kristin Hawkins, Sales Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator at FBC Mortgage, to join us on the podcast. The holdup? The crazy busy lending business! While 2020 brought a lot of unpleasant surprises, it also brought a flurry - make that a blizzard - of activity in the mortgage industry. With interest rates lower than we’ve ever seen, potential homeowners were snatching up 2.5% interest rate loans and existing homeowners took advantage of the historically low rates to refinance their mortgages. With the busiest and best year in her career (so far) in the books, Kristin came up for some air and took time from her still-busy schedule to chat with us today.
Originally from Nashville, Josh graduated from Louisiana State University in International Trade and Finance. Josh served 8 years in the U.S. Army, including a 10-month stint in Bagram, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom. These experiences, coupled with the education he received from Louisiana State, have molded him into a focused, disciplined, and strong willed individual. Josh Anderson can best be described as a man of high energy with a passion for Nashville real estate. He is a business savvy professional with a strong desire to cater to his clients' particular needs. Client satisfaction is paramount! Josh's market expertise coupled with his superior negotiating skills set him apart from the rest. Today, Josh shares his extensive experience in real estate and within the luxury sector. We also talk with Josh about what it means to create a culture for his team that breeds success for everyone.
Was 2020 awful or did it provide some growth opportunities? What did it do for the real estate industry? What did it do for our business? How did it affect us? What did we learn? Deviating a bit from just talking real estate, Anna addresses all of these, provides some personal insights, and a bit of advice as to how we can go into 2021 with a better mindset, and yes, a few real estate stats too. Our next episode will air January 8, 2021. In the meantime, keep up with Anna and the Segway Group team on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook at @segwayre, where we enjoy Wine Wednesdays, show you stunning properties, provide useful real estate tips, and make you laugh...at least we think we do! Happy holidays!
Beau Blankenship, owner of Engel & Volkers in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, a former football player for the Jacksonville Jaguars, transitioned to a career in real estate about five years ago and has soared to become the top agent, team leader, and broker in his area. The 30A Scenic Highway stretch is an up-and-coming part of Florida’s Emerald Coast that boasts clear water, powdery sand, an abundance of charming local restaurants and shops, and luxury galore. The area has experienced a tremendous amount of growth during the past few years, and COVID has fueled its popularity even more. Today, Beau shares with us info about his town, its growth, who is relocating there permanently, and his social media success, which is how we connected.
Did it appraise or not appraise? That is the question! Everything can be going right during a transaction...the price is agreed upon, the inspections go well, the survey is done, the lending process is well underway, and the title search has started. But this one seemingly minor item, yet incredibly important component, can make or break everything, oftentimes days before closing. Today’s episode answers some questions about the appraisal process, the purpose of the appraisal, and what can happen when it goes wrong, and why.
The Builders Association of North Central Florida brings you the The Parade of Homes, a twice-a-year showcase of homes built to impress, and usually no detail is spared. From futuristic home automation systems to the latest in lighting, paint, and building materials, builders pack a punch in every home they build. The Parade offers a wealth of information for those looking to buy or build. If a custom home sounds like a dream, then meeting the area’s builders and assessing the pros and cons of a number of neighborhoods will help make that dream a reality. The Parade of Homes takes place November 7-8 and 14-15 from 12pm - 5pm.
Nashville-area native and Realtor Brandon Carver joins us to discuss the city’s booming market. As America’s music capital, Nashville has always been filled with energy, attracting entertainers and creatives for over 200 years. During the past 20 years, it has seen tremendous growth and there are no signs of it stopping. In fact, the pandemic has made it all the more attractive to big-city folks who are migrating to areas that give them a big-city feeling at an affordable, smaller city price.
Recruits and those relocating usually have an impression of Gainesville that is quite different than the reality. Luxury housing not only exists in several areas of town; it’s on the rise and in major demand. Whether you’re moving here from NYC or San Francisco, or you’re a local looking to upsize now that home has to be your vacation destination, you’re sure to find a stunning luxury home in Gainesville. And if you can’t find it, then you can definitely build it. In fact, why not do just that? You might as well make your forever home your dream home.
Melissa Leifer, a real estate broker at Keller Williams Tribeca, is a native New Yorker who has been in real estate for over 18 years and has seen its share of ups and downs, including 9/11, the financial crisis, and COVID. Melissa shares what the housing market was like in NYC before the pandemic, during its challenging first months, and what she predicts will happen in the next couple of years.
In our Season 2 opener, we sat down with rockstar agent and partner at Darr Schackow Insurance, John Darr, to discuss the importance of insurance policies for both buyers and sellers when entering into post- and pre-closing occupancy agreements. Buyers and sellers alike usually don’t amend their Insurance policies when entering into these commonly used agreements, but John warns that not doing so it’s a big - and possibly very costly! - mistake. Listen as he and I chat about this topic, as well as soaring insurance rates in 2021, and John’s local music celebrity status.
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Today‘s episode is a rebroadcast of one of our very first, which was released early in 2020 and was recorded in late 2019 before all of the madness. The “madness” - surprisingly - is NOT COVID. It’s the crazy low interest rates that we’re seeing lately. All time low, in fact! If you decide to take advantage of the low rates, then listen to refresh your memory about the different types of mortgages that are available. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Custom building a home can evoke feelings of stress, panic, and outright rage in those who have gone through the process or have heard nightmare stories from others who have. Today, Bob Butts and Mike McDonald of Advanced Building Concepts, a custom building company in the Gainesville area, describe how they approach the process, why every detail matters, sticking to the client’s budget, and how they build every home as if they were going to live in it. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Property taxes are a necessary evil that every homeowner has to deal with. However, there are many nuances to property taxes and the amount that the homeowner pays varies depending on a number of factors. Today, Susan McQuillan, who is a Realtor running for Alachua County Property Appraiser and has decades of experience in a variety of real estate-related sectors, gives us the run-down about property taxes and what exactly the county’s property appraiser’s job is all about. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
As a Realtor, Anna has worked with hundreds of buyers and throughout the years has realized that buyers oftentimes don’t know exactly what they must have in a home, which can make it challenging to find “the one.” While buyers usually have a general idea of their likes and dislikes, sometimes their “must haves” and “would like to haves” are interchangeable and even major criteria like location and price range can change during the buying process. In today’s episode, Anna shares the top questions and requests that she has for buyers before they even step foot inside any home and how doing this has helped her to efficiently and effectively find customers their ideal homes time and again. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Rockstar Segway Group team agent, Kathleen Weinert, joins us today to talk about her huge success in 2020, the pros and cons of being a single agent vs. a team agent, and why being on a team has skyrocketed her career. During the first six months of 2020 alone, Kathleen has helped over 20 families buy and sell homes and has done this while being a mom to two young boys, a wife to a stay-at-home dad, and a Realtor during a pandemic. It’s all about the right mindset, and Kathleen definitely has it! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Consider Kevin Groff your home’s “check engine” light. His company, A Reliant Home, was created to help homeowners identify small issues before they become big ones. As homeowners, we’re often too busy to scan our homes on a regular basis and check for potential problems. And sometimes, we’ve had problems so long that we forget they’re even there! Admit it, there may be more than one missing fire alarm in your home as a result of the dreaded 3am chirping wake up call that leads to us yanking it out of the wall and tossing it into the abyss. Unfortunately, the wires can’t detect a fire, so what happens then? If you have Kevin to inspect your home every quarter, then you wouldn’t lose sleep or your belongings. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound (or thousands of dollars!) of cure. The bottom line is that a well-maintained home is a sanctuary when you live there and a huge asset when you sell it. Check out Kevin’s website at www.arelianthome.com for more home maintenance info and be sure to download “5 Things Your Home is Trying to Tell You.” For you DIY-ers out there, you can buy his book, Know Your Home, on Amazon and go through the checklists yourself. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Mike Cotton of Cotton’s All Lines insurance is a 47-year insurance industry veteran. He knows the ups and downs of every kind of personal insurance, and his agency is one of very few that specializes only in personal lines instead of personal and commercial. What does that mean to us, the consumers? It means that this guy really knows what he’s talking about and can simplify even the most complicated insurance issues. Listen as Mike tells it like it is, shares some interesting insurance stories and fiascos, and gives us the scoop about the importance of condo insurance and renters insurance, which often go hand-in-hand. This episode is perfect for you, whether you’re a first-time condo buyer, investor, or tenant. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
If you search for “Selling a Home” you’ll often find articles that cover the top questions that sellers should ask their agents. What you usually don’t find are questions that a good agent will ask a potential seller. These questions are key to helping the agent best serve as a consultant to the seller and to understand how much money the seller needs to net from the sale, the seller’s timeline and motivation, the seller’s expectations, and more. In this episode, we cover several questions that we at Segway Group ask sellers before we list their homes. If you’re thinking about selling, you’ll want to listen and come up with your answers before you decide whether or not you’re ready to meet with an agent and list your home. Once you’re ready, then we’d love to meet with you and go over those answers and more. Contact us at info@segwayre.com for more information. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Homeowner’s insurance is one of those topics that we can all find really confusing...and probably really boring. However, insurance on your home is a must if you intend to get a loan, and it’s strongly suggested even if you pay cash. Insurance adds a small cost to homeownership while also saving you thousands of dollars should something go wrong. From floods and fires to someone tripping and falling in your home and so much more, insurance is a small price to pay for the major peace of mind it provides. In this episode, 20-year insurance agent Kim Videon of Cotton’s All Lines Insurance walks us through the home insurance process, from the info she gathers when you first call her right through what you can have covered and what you’ll get credits for. If you want more info after listening to this episode, we encourage you to contact Kim at Kimberly@cottonsalllines.com to learn more and ask questions that will help you to protect your investment and save money in the process. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Inspections aren’t sexy but they’re absolutely necessary. If you’re buying a house an inspection is imperative, and a good inspector can mean the difference between buying your dream home and a nightmare. Selling? You can also benefit from a home inspection before listing so that you can take care of any potential issues and your home can sell for top dollar. Learn all about the ins and outs of the inspection process and why an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure as we chat with veteran inspector Josh Hellstrom. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Lauren and Steven Keys describe themselves as middle-class millennials who, at the age of 29, essentially found financial freedom at a time when most people find themselves buried in a mountain of debt. With just a few tweaks to their spending and saving habits, this young couple managed to save enough to buy their first home for cash in their mid-20s, quit their full-time jobs, and proceed to travel like a pair of retirees. Their blog, Trip of a Lifestyle, offers a unique take on personal finance and adventure that can help you save money, travel more, and live free. Today they join us to share the pluses and minuses of purchasing their home outright, and the lessons they’ve learned during the past three years. Learn more about Trip of a Lifestyle at tripofalifestyle.com, Facebook: Trip of a Lifestyle, Instagram @tripofalifestyle, Twitter @toalifestyle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Jason Dougherty may not be a real estate agent, but he definitely has his finger on the pulse of the Gainesville area real estate market. As the owner and publisher of Gainesville Real Producers, a monthly magazine that targets the top 300 agents in our area, he has important conversations with industry professionals about what the market is doing now and what their predictions are for the future. This episode has something for anyone who has ever been interested in the world of real estate, whether already a top producer, a professional in a real estate-related industry, or an up-and-comer who will make it big soon. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Sister city to Gainesville, this once sleepy northern neighbor is seeing an explosion. Under the leadership of city manager, Adam Boukari, the town is flourishing and growing at a rapid pace, becoming a center for innovation and technology. Forward-thinking Boukari knows that the city can be even more than it is, and with vision, action, and strategic planning, he’s doing what others haven’t. As a result, the city is growing with new housing, commercial development, and people who crave the convenience and lifestyle of living just outside of Gainesville, yet close to everything that the metro area has to offer. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Considering a move to Gainesville? Luckily, our relocation specialist, Angela Foote, and Anna work with dozens of people who relocate to the Gainesville/Alachua County area each year. Trailing partners, interviewees, and recruits alike typically ask similar questions, and Angela and Anna thought it would be helpful to cover the five most asked questions about moving to the area. Angela even threw in some colorful stories that just prove that Gainesville is a very interesting place to call home! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Does someone want to give you money for your home purchase downpayment? Lucky you! In this episode you’ll hear from Dan Coffey, Mortgage Banker at Ameris Bank, who gives us the rundown on gift funds: who you can get them from, how you get them, and how much of your home purchase down payment they can cover. Your dream of homeownership may be more attainable than you think, especially if someone is willing to help you make the dream come true. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat buyer, you’ll inevitably have questions about the home buying process. Today we cover the Top 5 Buyer Questions that we are consistently asked, particularly in the Gainesville/Alachua County market. For fun, Anna added her post-COVID buyer request predictions and her personal experience of what life is like when everybody is working from home. Let’s just say that she’s craving her own office space and thinks that you are, too! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Pinner’s Fine Shoes is a Gainesville icon. For 53 years, Duke Pinner and his family have served generation after generation of discerning Gainesvillilians who desire only the best in fabulous footwear. Duke himself is as recognizable as his store, and on this episode he discusses why he loves Gainesville and its residents, how he’s seen the area boom, how he’s adapted to meet today’s more challenging business environment, and why some brick and mortar stores will never go away. Join us as we step into Duke’s world! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Fiscal fitness is as important as physical fitness, and a good financial planner will help you to reach your goals so you can take on whatever life throws at you. Today’s guest, David Hanson, Senior VP of Investments at Raymond James, draws from his experience and knowledge to serve as our financial personal trainer. Whether it’s building an investment portfolio or building a new home, having a financial planner there to guide you can be the difference between early retirement and working 9-to-5 until you’re 95. Ready to start your financial workout? Let’s go! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Is this a good time to buy your first home? Surprisingly, yes! With some of the lowest interest rates we’ve seen in years and with the opportunity to save now more than ever, first-time buyers have a huge opportunity. Listen as Anna shares some useful and important info regarding what you need to know both before and during the buying process and how the COVID-related changes could positively impact buyers now and during the months to come. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Kevin Balukas is Segway Group's newest agent and already an invaluable team member due to his outstanding attitude, willingness to absorb as much information as possible, and never ending optimism and positive attitude. He shares what it's like to become an agent, what it takes to get licensed, what the transition is like from another career, and what the challenges are now that he's ready to go into the field and play. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Real estate teams are a fairly new concept and many people don't quite understand how they work or why they're useful. This episode will explain the dynamics of a real estate team and how working with one to buy or sell a home is ideal. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/segwayre/ Website: https://segwayre.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SegwayRE Insta: https://www.instagram.com/segwayre/
Segway Group team member Angela Foote couldn't wait to become an agent...until she did and then realized she hated it! Here she discusses real estate agent perception vs. reality and how she finally found her ideal role doing what she loves.
Eric Godet, President and CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, joins us this week to discuss the Chamber's response to the COVID-related issues that our area's businesses are facing and how the Chamber is working to help them during this time. From assisting with PPP loans to an eat and shop local initiative, the Chamber is advocating for our area's businesses more than ever. And while no one can predict what the future holds, the Chamber is making every effort to stay proactive and plan ahead for when this crisis is over and we can go back to business as usual.
Shelter-in-place orders and uncertainty about, really, everything are affecting us all these days. Fortunately, with real estate being considered an essential business and with Gainesville's booming economy, the housing market in our area is not experiencing too much disturbance, at least not at the moment. Segway Group partners and Realtors Whitney Perkins and Darren Jones join in on the conversation today as we answer our customer's questions and talk about COVID as it relates to the Gainesville-area real estate market.
Staging a home for sale is an art, and one that should be tackled by a master. Most buyers have trouble visualizing the size of a space or where the furniture will go, and they can't imagine what it would be like to live there. A good stager will turn an empty home into a sold one! Master stager and designer Aileen Crapps tells us how and why staging is key to selling a home quickly and for top dollar.
Mortgage banker Becky Bessinger of Ameris Bank returns with new and exciting information about FHA loans for condos, which is especially useful in a town like Gainesville that has a robust condo market. While FHA loans aren't suitable for investors, they are terrific for those who are purchasing primary residences for their students while they're in college. Young professionals who are just starting out and want the convenience of condo living will also benefit from these new loan guidelines.
Whole Foods Store Team Leader, Mario Torres, chats with us about the Whole Foods philosophy of giving back to the community, why Whole Foods chose to come to Gainesville, why he decided to make the move, and how he loves living in the heart of Central Florida. We also touch on how the Coronavirus outbreak has affected the store and what he and his team is doing to ensure that they continue to provide exceptional customer service and top-notch products.
Becky Bessinger, Mortgage Banker with Ameris Bank gives us the run-down on the most popular types of loans and what you can do to get your hands on one of them. Website Link Facebook Link Instagram Link
Ten easy steps to the home buying process, specifically for the greater Gainesville market. We want to make it as easy and stress-free as possible for you to move to our town and we want to give you a taste of what it's like to work with the Segway Group team. After all its a new way of doing real estate.
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A real estate resource like no other for the Gainesville and North Central Florida Market. Whether you are buying, selling, relocating or already living in Greater Gainesville, you'll want to listen and share the wealth of info that you will learn every week. We will also throw in a quick antidote or two to keep if quirky just like we are.