• #11 Work-Life Balance with Jessica Durham
    Jul 9 2025

    In this conversation, Elizabeth, Alec, & Jessica discuss various aspects of time management, community building, work-life balance, leadership, and personal growth within the real estate industry. They share insights on the importance of education, the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities, and the value of involving family in professional life. The discussion also touches on public speaking, confidence, and the significance of saying no to opportunities that do not align with personal goals.


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    47 mins
  • #10 Unlocking International Real Estate Opportunities
    Jul 1 2025

    In this conversation, Denise shares her extensive experience in international real estate, focusing on travel, investment opportunities, and the nuances of purchasing property in countries like Mexico and Dubai. She discusses the importance of trade missions, safety concerns for foreign investors, and the cultural richness of the places she visits. Denise emphasizes the potential for affordable investments and the need for proper due diligence when navigating international markets.

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    38 mins
  • #9 Part 2: All about Home Inspections
    May 23 2025

    In this conversation Elizabeth, Alec, and Stan discuss the intricacies of home inspections, particularly focusing on new construction and the importance of periodic inspections. They emphasize the need for buyers to understand the role of home inspectors and the common misconceptions surrounding new homes. The discussion also covers how to choose the right home inspector, the significance of additional services like radon and sewer scope inspections, and the challenges of navigating conversations in real estate.


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    31 mins
  • #8 Part 1: All about Home Inspections
    May 23 2025

    In this conversation, Elizabeth, Alec, & Stan discuss the challenges of dealing with difficult clients in the real estate industry, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and social skills. They share insights on the significance of home inspections, and the benefits of pre-listing inspections. The discussion also touches on the emotional aspects of real estate transactions, the impact of waiving inspections, and the necessity of understanding different client personalities. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the journey from engineering to home inspection, highlighting the value of serving clients effectively.




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    49 mins
  • #7 Navigating the World of Escrow and Title
    May 15 2025

    This conversation delves into the roles and responsibilities of escrow and title officers in real estate transactions. It covers the differences between these roles, the escrow process, the importance of communication, and the challenges faced during closing. The discussion also highlights the significance of wire fraud prevention and the role of escrow assistants, as well as the marketing and customer service aspects of title companies.

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    41 mins
  • #6 Home Staging & Design
    Apr 26 2025

    In this episode of Awkward Conversations in Real Estate, the hosts discuss the significance of home staging and interior design with Dana, a professional stager. They explore the techniques and strategies used in staging homes to make them more appealing to potential buyers, the importance of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and share success stories that highlight the impact of effective staging. The conversation also touches on the costs associated with staging and the relationship between staging and selling homes quickly and at a better price.



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    23 mins
  • #5 The Importance of Talking to a Lender
    Apr 4 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Elizabeth, Alec, and Joe delve into the intricacies of real estate and lending. They discuss the importance of early communication with lenders, the nuances of credit scores, and the impact of interest rates on home buying. The discussion also covers creative financing options, the significance of homeownership in building equity, and the implications of recent trends in the real estate market, including the rise of reverse mortgages. Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize the need for transparency and education in the industry to empower consumers.Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Awkward Conversations

    00:56 The Importance of Talking to a Lender

    06:29 Understanding Interest Rates and Sales Concessions

    11:41 Buy Downs vs. Points: What You Need to Know

    19:59 Refinancing: When and How to Do It

    22:14 Creative Financing Options and Strategies

    26:37 Understanding Recasting in Home Loans

    28:08 The Unseen Challenges in Lending

    33:47 The Impact of Real Estate Companies on Lending

    36:47 Community Engagement in Real Estate

    39:56 Empowering First-Time Homebuyers

    45:03 The Importance of Long-Term Homeownership

    47:02 Exploring Reverse Mortgages

    49:49 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations

    51:42 New Chapter


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    52 mins
  • #4 All Things Home Warranty
    Apr 4 2025

    In this conversation, Summer Sweaney discusses the importance of home warranties in real estate, sharing her extensive experience in the industry. She explains how home warranties can benefit both sellers and buyers, the differences between home warranties and homeowners insurance, and the legal implications of offering home warranties. Summer also addresses common misconceptions and provides insights on how to choose the right home warranty for your needs.Chapters


    00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches

    00:05 Summer's Journey in Real Estate

    03:23 Home Warranty Benefits for Sellers

    15:15 Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance

    16:22 Choosing the Right Home Warranty

    17:53 The Importance of Communication in Home Warranties

    20:53 Protecting Yourself in Real Estate Transactions

    24:36 Understanding Home Warranties and Their Importance

    25:57 What Home Warranties Cover and What They Don't

    33:55 The Evolution of Home Warranty Services

    35:52 Navigating Code Violations and Home Repairs


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    39 mins