Shows
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What is an Expired Listing?What is an expired listing and can it be made into a good thing for either the buyer or seller? The answer to both is a resounding, "yes!" This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is going to do a quick dive into what makes a listing expire and what both buyers and sellers can do to make the most of the situation!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso...2022-01-1705 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Top Predictions for 2022Happy New Year to all our lovely listeners, we hope you had an amazing holiday! This week we are jumping right back into it with Brennen's annual top predictions for the Seattle real estate market in the upcoming year. If you're thinking of buying or selling property this year this one is a must listen!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup.comAnd as...2022-01-1008 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Top 4 Mistakes Home Buyers Made in 2021?Happy holidays to all our lovely listeners! With the new year fast approaching we here at the Clouse Corner thought it would be a good idea to close out the year with a little retrospective, so to put a proverbial bow on it Brennen is going to be running down the top 4 mistakes he saw buyers commonly make in 2021. Happy New Year!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online...2021-12-2704 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What is Seller Sabotage?What is seller sabotage and is it as bad as it sounds? Well, yes, it's pretty bad, but luckily it is avoidable. That's why on this week's Clouse Corner Brennen is going to give you the quick run down on seller sabotage, how to recognize it, and how to deal with it!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup.comAnd as always thank you...2021-12-2004 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What is an FHA Loan?Sometimes the number of loans available to help you buy a home can be overwhelming, both in their numbers and complexity. How do you choose which is best for you? The answer: stay informed. That's why this week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is giving the fastest possible breakdown on FHA loans, what they are, and how best to use them!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at...2021-12-1303 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: 4 Steps to Becoming a Successful Real Estate AgentThere's never been a better time to get into real estate from the agent side, but how do you even begin? This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is giving a quick 5 minute walkthrough to how you can get started selling real estate!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup.comAnd as always thank you for listening!Our Opening theme:“In...2021-12-0607 minClose to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Why is Home Owners Insurance Important?Everyone knows home owners insurance is important, but what seperates a good plan from a bad one, and why do you need it? This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is going to be giving a super quick breakdown on home owners insurance plans and what you need to be looking out for!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup.comAnd as always thank...2021-10-2603 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Flipping Homes vs Flipping CondosThese days most people are looking for an entry point into the housing market, which probably means you'll start with a fixer upper and try to flip. But which is the better choice? On this weeks Clouse Corner Brennen is going to be digging into the pros and cons of condos versus single family homes on this week's Clouse Corner!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup...2021-10-2204 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Top 3 Mistakes During a Kitchen RemodelSo you've finally done it, you've got the money together, called up a contractor and are about to go all in on that kitchen remodel. But what are the potential pitfalls you should be watching out for? Don't worry, this week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is going to give you a quick rundown of the top 3 common mistakes people make during their kitchen remodel! If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitter2021-10-1204 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How to Sell Your Home in the FallIt's that time of year again, the leaves are changing, the pumpkin spice lattes are in full flow. But I know what you're thinking, what about real estate? That's right dear listener this week's episode is for anyone looking to sell their home or condo in this, the spookiest month of the year. Be sure to tune in as Brennen gives the inside track to selling your home in the fall!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:Instagram2021-10-0504 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Benefits of Generational LivingWhat the heck is, "Generational Living," You might ask? Generational living is a growing trend in today's market where multiple members of a family combine their buying power in order to get a larger home, often with separate attached residences. But what are the benefits beyond that? That's what we are diving into on this week's Clouse Corner as Brennen explains all the tips and tricks that can give you a legal and financial leg up using generational living!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel...2021-09-2104 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Potential Pitfalls of Vacant LandWe've all been there, you see a vacant lot and suddenly your brain is just a Pintrest board of bewitching little tiny homes you can live in while you finish your dream home on the property proper. But how feasible is that really? This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is digging into the potential pitfalls you can face when you decide to build your dreams from the ground up on a vacant plot of land. If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach o...2021-09-1404 minClose to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What Can I Do With a VA Loan?In our continuing series on loans this week Brennen is breaking down VA loans. What is a VA loan you might ask? A Veterans Association loan, or VA loan is a home loan given to members of the armed services and backed by the US government instead of a bank. If that's enough to peak your interest then this week's episode is definitely for you!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitter2021-09-0804 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What Do I Do With a Seller's Credit?At first glance this title might sound like a real estate riff on a sea shanty, but that is not in fact the case! A Seller's credit can help a buyer deal with closing costs and repairs during the close of a sale on a property. Does that sound like something you would be interested in? Well then this weeks Clouse Corner is just for you!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitter2021-08-3004 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How to Deal with a CounterofferOnce you've put in an offer on a house and it's been accepted you're in the clear right? Right? Not quite, there are still a few hurdles to clear, and by far one of the most scary is the possibility of a counteroffer. What does that mean, and what do you need to be prepared to do about it? Don't worry Brennen has all the answers you're going to need on this week's Clouse Corner!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:2021-08-1603 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How to Get in Ahead of the Offer Review Date!Sometimes you've just found the perfect house, you know it, we know it, heck the house knows it. When that time comes there is nothing more nerve wracking than waiting for the offer review date to see if yours is going to be the one accepted. So why not avoid it entirely? There is an art to constructing an offer that a seller will snap up well in advance of reviewing all their other prospects, and this week on the Clouse Corner we are giving away the first steps to get you started!If want to know...2021-08-0304 minClose to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Does Selling 0ff-Market Save Money?One piece of advice you'll often receive when you tell people you're selling your house is that you can save money by selling off market and not using a real estate agent, but is that really the case? On this weeks Clause Corner Brennen weighs the benefits and potential downsides of selling off market. Which one is ultimately more profitable? You'll have to listen and find out!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebook...2021-07-2604 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: New Warning Signs of a Cooling Market?This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is going to be breaking down some of the warning signs of a cooling real estate market. Now nothing is guaranteed, but the market does give definite signals when it comes to these things and it's a good idea to know what you might need to look out for in the future, whether that's just a better time to sell or a good time to get a great deal! The answers to that and more on this week's Clouse Corner!If want to know more, or have any questions about...2021-07-1904 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What You Need to Know About Homeowner's InsuranceRecently a client reached out to Brennen with a question about using their homeowner's insurance and in doing so inspired this episode. Obviously homeowner's insurance is something you must have to close the sale of a house but how do you use it properly, and what potential mishaps should you try and avoid? Those questions and more are getting answered on this week's Clouse Corner!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitter2021-07-1204 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How Much Should Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Be?This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is giving a brief rundown on mortgage payments. Full disclosure we here at the Clouse Corner are not financial experts and this should be by no means taken as the end all be of advice on the topic. This is mostly just a 5 minute rundown to get you in the right ballpark so that you will feel confident knowing roughly what is feasible for your finances moving forward. All that being said, sit back, learn, and enjoy!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or...2021-07-0504 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What the Heck is Happening in Seattle's Housing Market?This week on the Clouse Corner we're taking a break from our usual format of teaching specific lessons in real estate and just taking a deep dive on what the heck is going on in Seattle's housing market right now. Obviously the pandemic has thrown a lot of things out of whack and many of the trends seen in the housing market right now are pretty unprecedented. So let's take a minute and talk about them!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach...2021-06-3005 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid on an Investment RentalAre you hoping to break into the rental game with an investment property? Maybe somewhere super desirable right now like Seattle? Well then look no further! This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is giving a quick crash course in the top three common mistakes people should avoid with their first investment rental.If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup.comAnd as always thank...2021-06-3004 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Don't Fall in Love with Glamor ShotsGlamor shots are a must for selling your house, they use perfect staging and amazing life to turn a house into the home of your dreams. That ebing siad come closing time you want to make sure that you've got a genuine prince and not just a from in a wig if you catch my drift. This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is taking a quick look at glamor shots, what are they good for, and what do you need to keep an eye on?If want to know more, or have any questions about real...2021-06-0804 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Number 1 Question You Need to be Asking in Todays MarketWith all the madness that has happened over the course of the last year on both the seller and buyer sides of the market it's hard to know where you should be putting your focus. That's why this week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is honing in on what he believes is the most important question a seller should be asking themselves right now, and where they (and their realtors) should be putting their focus!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:2021-06-0103 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What is a Long Closing and Should it Worry You?At a recent open house Brennen was asked whether not putting in an offer because of a potentially long closing was a good idea. It's an interesting question and so we are theming this week's episode around it. Is it better to play it safe? Or do you miss 100% of the shots you don't take? Find out this week on the Clouse Corner!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso...2021-05-2504 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How Important is Proof of Financing?Proof of financing is can sometimes go overlooked in the buying process and yet it plays a cruicial role in the buy offers you put out on each property. What are the advantages to having a current proof of financing attached to each offer you make? Find out from Brennen on this weeks Clouse Corner!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup.comAnd as...2021-05-1804 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What is Buyer Fatigue?Everyone has experienced buyers fatigue at some point, maybe when you're three-quarters of the way into a long grocery run, maybe when your favorite collectible card game starts printing a new set every other month and you can no longer keep up. The conditions that create buyers fatigue are pretty universal and that applies to real estate as much as anything. That's why this week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is taking a few minutes to explain the conditions that create buyers fatigue, and what you can do to avoid it as both a buyer and a seller!2021-05-1004 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Best Places to Move After Selling Your HomeIt's hard to debate that there has ever been a better time to sell your home, especially if you live in a desirable city like Seattle. However there is one question that looms over such a decision, even in the best of times: "Where do you go?"This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is laying out what he thinks are the most desirable places and properties one can move to after they sell their homes. They may not all be sipping Mai Thai's on the beach, but they are pretty great!If want to...2021-04-2604 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Why Houses That Look New Sell BetterThis one might seem like a no brainer but houses that look new tend to sell faster and for more money. Unless your property is some kind of heirloom or landmark that tends to be the case. But where should you put your energy when you go to start fixing your place up to sell? This week on The Clouse Corner Brennen is giving his top tips for areas that need to look like new in order for your house to sell.If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for...2021-04-1204 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Top Tips for Helping a Property Sell QuicklyOnce you've made the decision to sell your home or condo you'll probably want to make the transition from owning the asset to cash in hand as quickly as possible. Of course there are the usual things to consider, like the market, and timing, which will affect the demand for any property. However there are also several easy steps you can take as a seller to make people go, "shut up and take my money!" (not literally of course). Anyway those are the tips Brennen is sharing this week, so take them in, make them happen, and watch how...2021-04-0605 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: 3 Things You Must Know Before Buying a New Townhouse!New Townhomes certainly are eye catching and often sought after in any marketplace, but just like there are tips and tricks for buying an older home (good bones, sound foundation etc.) there are also some things you really should know before jumping into new construction as well. This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is going to share 3 of his favorite tips for people looking to buy a new town home, which let's face it is just about everyone!If want to know more, or have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel...2021-03-3105 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How to Create "Curb Appeal"Everyone knows what "Curb Appeal" is, but they also tend to talk about it like it's the "It" factor in a teen romcom and that makes it harder to achieve than it actually is. This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is sharing his top 4 tips for what you should maintain or repair to give your house that "wow" factor from the moment people step out of their car!If you have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitter2021-03-2905 minClose to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Why You Don't Live in Your House When it's Being SoldIf you're trying to sell a property you also live in it may seem like a huge logistics problem to not live there as it's being sold, however there are some good reasons most people choose not to live in a house as it's being sold if they can. This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen will lay out those reasons and hopefully make the case for why you, or your clients, should not live in their house as it's being sold if that's an option!If you have any questions about real estate or ideas for...2021-03-1604 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Why is a TV The Most Important Staging Item?It may sound absurd that will all the effort that goes into staging a house the make or break item is often the TV but it's the truth. After all it's not like some of the usual must haves like a fireplace, you can literally put a TV almost anywhere. And yet if you don't include one you may find your people walking away from the your open house, why? This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is breaking down why putting a TV in your staged home can make all the difference!If you have any...2021-03-0904 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What Does Your Townhome HOA CoverMore and more Townhomes are including HOA fees but what do they actually cover, and why is this becoming the new norm? This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is giving his two cents on why HOA's are becoming more and more common in developer packages, and how you can find out what yours covers! If you have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup.comAnd as always thank you for l...2021-03-0203 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Why is the Weekend Important in Real Estate?Have you ever wondered why homes almost always go under contract starting on Monday? Is it because people just want to get a jump on the week, or is there more to it? A savvy buyer knows that the weekend is the best time to make a descison about a house and this week on the Clouse Corner we're walking you through it. Whether you're a buyer or seller you'll come away from this episode with a whole new appreciation for the weekend, and let's face it, you appreciated it a lot before anyway!If you have...2021-02-2304 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Why is The Market Crazy During the Beginning of the Year?The first few months of the year are always boom time in the real estate market. But why? Is it just something in their air, or perhaps a mad dash to convert your Christmas bonus into equity? This week Brennen will be breaking down the real estate rush of the first few months of the new year, why it happens, and how you can best capitalize on it!If you have any questions about real estate or ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitter...2021-02-0904 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Reasons Deals Fall Through in EscrowWe've all heard the phrase "it fell through in escrow," even if it was just in an old episode of Fraiser or The Simpsons, but what does it actually mean? Sadly if something is common enough to be mentioned in prime time television then it is a not uncommon occurence. That's why we're using this weeks Clouse Corner to break down all the ways that a deal can fall apart in Escrow.If you have any questions about real estateor ideas for future episodes feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebook...2021-02-0205 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Brennen's Real Estate JourneyOne of the most frequently asked questions that comes our way is how does one start out in real estate. In order to answer that question Brennen is using this weeks Clouse Corner to give listeners the whirlwind tour of how he himself got into this crazy business! This story has everything drama, sacrifice, a man with a dream, and a happy ending. Also, the whole thing clocks in at under 5 minutes, which is a hard deal to beat.If you have any questions about starting your own journey in real estate or ideas for future shows f...2021-01-2606 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner; What is the Secret to Maintaining Your Homes Value?Equity, or the value of your home overtime, might as well be considered the cornerstone of real estate. And keeping up your homes value in order to take full advantage of it is a big part of that. That's why this week Brennen is giving his insight from a realtors perspective on what you, a homeowner, can do in order to not lose value on your house while you own it. If you have any questions about real estate or ideas for future shows feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTw...2021-01-1904 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Brennen's Top 5 Seattle Real Estate Predictions for 2021Pull out your crystal balls because it's prediction time again! At the start of every year Brennen likes to make some called shots about the real estate market and Seattle in particular. How did we do from last year and what does 2021 have in store? Find out on this weeks Clouse Corner!If you have any questions about becoming a better real estate agent or about working with us feel free to reach out:InstagramFacebookTwitterAlso online at: TheClouseGroup.comAnd as always thank you...2021-01-1107 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How Much Should I Rent My Property For?Knowing how much to rent your property for is definitely a tricky subject. Charge too little and you're not getting the full bang for your buck, but charge too much and you risk losing even more money with an empty property. That's why this weeks episode is all about finding the right balance with your property. Brennen will be breaking down the Seattle market rent prices and giving his tips to get you the most out of your rental in the New Year!If you have any questions about the show, or about working with us feel...2020-12-2904 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Upsides to Owning an Air B&BThis week in the first of a two part series Brennen is talking about Air B&B's, specifically the upsides and downsides. This is the good week where it's all about upside. Enjoy!Converting an in-law unit or studio space into an Air B&B for an additional revenue stream is becoming more and more popular recently (with some notable recent exceptions). But with a Covid vaccine on the way and life possibly returning to normal within the next year we thought now would be a good time to give our listener some info about the worthiness...2020-12-1505 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner Where Does Your Poop Go?This week Brennen is giving a sneak peak at what goes on under your floorboards, more specifically your sewage line which is, I think we can all agree, something you don't want anything to go wrong with. what are the proper steps to take to make sure your new home is also not sitting on a giant pile of... well you know. Find out this week on the Clouse Corner!There are a lot of things to check and maintain when it comes to buying or upkeeping a home but your sewage line isn't one that immediately...2020-12-0705 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Full Time Versus Part Time Real EstateThis week a trip to the dentists office gave Brennen gave Brennen the surprising fact that a lot of dental hygienists also work part time in real estate, so this week we are discussing the advantages of hiring professional versus part time when it comes to buying your home.Hello listeners! Look, we've all hired a "guy" at some point, everyone knows a "guy." It starts with a project, some minor build or home improvement that is just a little too pricey to justify and so you let it slowly get worse until eventually you decide to...2020-11-3004 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Should I Refinance Now?This week Brennen wanted to talk about refinancing because right now with the market where it is it can look like a very tempting offer. However, what are the mitigating questions people should be asking?Refinancing is a big decision. Right now with the housing market in Seattle being what it is getting a better deal on your mortgage through refinancing seems like a slam dunk and for many people it is, but not everybody. It's important to remember that among other factors refinancing costs money up front, which is luxury not everyone has right now. Of...2020-11-2304 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: When to Lower your Listing PriceThis week Brennen is giving some insight into how strategically lowering your listing price can actually help out with the sale of a property.Lowering your listing price may seem like the last thing you want to do, after all who doesn't want to make the most money on their sale? The real answer is a little more nuanced than that though. The truth is lowering the listing price on a house or property if done correctly can actually do a lot to help get a property attention when it is otherwise struggling to sell. Of course...2020-11-1604 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What is Buying During Covid Like?What exactly does the buying process look like during Covid? Does it come with extra risks of exposure? This week on the Clouse corner we are hoping to allay those fears by clearly laying out how the buying process has changed and how you are being kept safe.Greetings listeners! We hope all of you have gotten out and cast your ballots, or if not yet that you will do so tomorrow! We published some Covid 19 centered episodes earlier in the pandemic but I think we were all hoping that we would be over the worst of...2020-11-0205 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Using an Additonal Down Payment to Beat The CompetitionThere are a lot of ways to get the leg up in the real estate market, on this weeks Clouse Corner, Brennen explains how and when to utilize an additional down payment to gain a tactical advantage. Halloween is closing in this week and in the sprit of clever disguises this week Brennen is offering up some practical advise. Now I'm sure some of you are still looking at the words "additional down payment" and thinking, "really?" Trust us, we know that sometimes it feels like there isn't another pound of flesh to give when it comes t...2020-10-2705 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Get Hype for Timelines!This week Brennen is breaking down the various timelines that go hand in hand with various real estate practices, his theory is that it's better to be well informed than to live dangerously, but he's open to dissenting opinions. We've covered timelines a few different times on this program, both from a buyer and sellers perspective, but something we've never dared ask before: Are timelines exciting? Could it be that timelines in real estate are actually sexy bad boys, and not just high stakes homework assignments which cost you an arm and leg if you me...2020-10-2004 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Is The Seattle Exodus Real?This week Brennen is talking about the rumors of a, "Seattle Exodus" is it a real thing and should people be alarmed? Listen and find out!If you live on the West Coast and have tried to rent a U-Haul recently you've probably heard from someone on the customer service chain that truck supplies are low because of everyone is moving right now. This is certainly the case in Manhattan and San Francisco where previously very in demand areas are suddenly seeing an excess of available inventory relative to the demand. But what about Se...2020-10-1305 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What Exactly is Underwriting?This week in our ongoing effort to demystify any and all real estate terms Brennen will be digging into underwriting and how it can effect the buying process.Taken at face value underwriting sounds like those correction notes teachers used to leave on your essays back in school. However, it's actually an important part of acquiring a loan for buying a house or property. Basically it's an assessment of the amount of risk that a loan would carry, but that is the most skin deep of definitions. In order to get the full picture you'll have to...2020-10-0604 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Why Buy New?This week Brennen is weighing out the advantages of buying a new home.You may have asked yourself what are the advantages of buying a home new? Some of the primary ones are having a greater say over the final touches of construction, as well as saving money on initial upkeep. Certainly most of the market is usually comprised of older homes and don't get us wrong they can be great too! However, if you are weighing all of your different options, and maybe there's a particular style of kitchen finish you have your...2020-09-2804 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What Exactly is Equity?This week Brennen is demystifying the term, "equity" so that listeners can better understand how it translates to money in their pocket.What is equity? From context it's decently easy to pick up that it is a good thing. Our parents and friends tell us we should but property so that we can start gaining equity, but unless you are in the know that can really just lead to more questions. That's why we decided drop some basic financial literacy on you this week and make it abundantly clear just what exactly "equity" is, how it's calculated...2020-09-2101 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Top 5 Things to Test in Your Final WalkthroughThis week Brennen goes through the final checks and touches you should keep in mind during a final walkthrough of a property. Hey folks! We are back again with another top 5 list and this weeks is an important one. It doesn't matter if you're buying or selling the final walkthrough is possibly the most important step of the process. If you're selling it's where you make sure that everything is in up to your standard and appealing to a potential buyer. And if you're buying it's your last chance to catch any problems you might have missed a...2020-09-0705 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How Long Does It Take To Get Your Home On The Market?This week Brennen is breaking down how long it takes to get a home in tip top shape and ready for the market. We all know the difference between just getting something done and getting it done right. For instance: if you're writing a paper and you bang the whole thing out in one frantic night versus taking your time over a number of weeks, any professor is going to be able to tell the difference. Obviously this is a purely hypothetical example with absolutely no close real world parallels to actual life events, o...2020-08-3105 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: All About PaintHow big of a difference can a coat of paint make? Brennen investigates on this weeks Clouse Corner!Lets talk a tale of two houses: Two houses go on the market at the same time. Both are spacious two bedroom, one bath, affairs in a desirable neighborhood; located near a natural grocery store, and some boutique shops. For ease of comparison we'll say they were built at the same time and have the exact same fixtures and amenities. In fact the only difference at the time of them entering the market is their paint jobs. One...2020-08-2504 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Can I Make Money Owning a Condo?Recently Brennen got asked an interesting question, “how much money will I make buying a Seattle Condo, historically speaking, versus continuing to rent?” It’s a good question, and doesn’t just apply to Seattle, so we are breaking it down on this week's Clouse Corner.Hello listeners! We talk a fair bit about renting versus buying on this show. Check out our past episode on that subject if you want to know more. But basically we tend to favor buying, surprising literally no one. But it’s not just because we are in the real estate game. The...2020-08-1706 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Top 5 Mistakes You Might Make Selling Your HomeIf you're in the market to sell your home but not sure how to proceed never fear! In this weeks Clouse Corner Brennen is giving the run down of the top 5 mistakes he sees sellers making in the market right now and how to avoid them. To say a lot of things are changing right now would be a pretty huge understatement. Covid has had rippling effects on almost every industry and that includes real estate. With that in mind how do these changes affect what someone looking to sell their home should prioritize? It's a good q...2020-08-1105 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Top 7 Mistakes First Time Home Buyers MakeThis week Brennen is diving into some more mistakes first time home buyers make, and how best to avoid them. Hello again listeners! If you've been with us for any amount of time you'll know that we do these kind of lists semi-regularly on the Clouse Corner, that's because there are always new people entering the market and we believe and informing people on both sides leads to the best interactions in the industry. That being said if you are old hat at buying properties at this point feel free to go and check out an episode f...2020-08-0407 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Top 5 Questions You Should Ask Potential AgentsThis week we Brennen talks about what in his opinion are the 5 key questions people should be asking their real estate agents. Welcome back to the Clouse Corner listeners! Real estate is a competitive market, this is pretty well known fact, and as such there is a lot of competition helping you sell your property. This should be a good thing for you, as greater competition should give you the best chance at being able to negotiate terms in your own favor, but that's much harder in practice than in theory. The truth is all of that c...2020-07-2707 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Top 6 Mistakes When Buying a CondoThis week Brennen tries to demystify the world of condominiums and how potential buyers of them can avoid the most common pitfalls that come with the purchase. Hello listeners, we hope everyone is staying safe out there. We talk a lot about houses on this show, obviously, it is a real estate podcast after all. However this week we are mixing it up and focusing in on serious home-ownerships fun loving BFF aka buying a condo. There are a lot of reasons to own a condo, they make a great entry property into a certain areas and n...2020-07-2007 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Taking The Best Photographs PossibleThis week on the Clouse Corner Brennen is talking photography, what to avoid and how to get the perfect snapshot.There really is nothing like a first impression, and the first impression your property listing often makes is through photos, and so it makes sense that you should be willing to put a little extra elbow grease into getting them just right. It's important that people be able to see themselves in your space without it seeming like someone else already lives there, and that can be a hard line to tread. Personally Brennen has seen photos...2020-07-1306 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Racism in Real EstateThis week Brennen takes some time to talk about red lining and the Equal Housing Act and how they shape the housing market and wealth gap still evident today. Hello listeners, normally we are not the the kind of podcast that does very special episodes, but in light of everything going on in the world right now we wanted to contribute to the conversation in our own small way. Now don't let the somewhat clickbaity title fool you, this is not some kind of juicy tell all first hand account of discrimination in the housing market, although t...2020-06-2307 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Three Best Things You Can Do Before Putting Your House On the MarketWhat are the best improvements you can make to your house before putting it on the market? Brennen gives you the inside track to the most effective improvements!Hello Listeners! This week is all about the practical, small tangible improvements you can make to your house that will net you the biggest payoffs. In an ideal world we would all like to think that we can improve a house, maybe not to the point of full on restoration (lets be honest the plumbing alone would be a disaster) but definitely enough to leave it better than we...2020-06-1605 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How Important is Staging?This week Brennen breaks down why you should have your house put on its best outfit before you take it out on the town!Hello again lovely listeners! We are keeping it short and sweet this week with a meaningful breakdown on staging! What is staging you might ask? Actually, probably not, it's one of the more common things for people to know about real estate. Well, just to cover our bases: staging is the practice of setting up a home or property with furniture and other adornments, so that people can r...2020-06-0804 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Top 3 Mistakes You Must Avoid During ClosingClosing might seem like the end of the line for the home buying process, but there several common pitfalls that can be a first time buyers downfall. find out what they are this week on the Clouse Corner. Hello lovely listeners. It seems we are not talking as much these days and it's a shame! As some of the keener ears in the audience may have already noticed we have had to move our production into our homes with the shelter in place orders and Covid19. This meas that for the foreseeable future we w...2020-05-2505 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Should You Buy a Fixer Upper?This week Brennen delves into the DI-Why of buying a piece of work property and improving it over time. Hello Lovely listeners! The idea of buying a run down starter home and restoring it to glory with your own two hands can be a romantic one. I think deep down most of us have had the fantasy of being Diane Lane, restoring our beautiful villa under the Tuscan sun. It's a great day dream. But the practicalities of just plumbing and electric on a run down home are often enough to make your head spin. That's why t...2020-05-1205 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Jumbo LoansThis week Brennen is breaking down what exactly makes a loan a "jumbo loan" in the Seattle area. With all the craziness going on in the world right now you may have heard the term "jumbo loan" thrown around a bit. If you have and were wondering what exactly makes a loan jumbo (it's not adding fries and a drink) then that is where we come in. Brennen is here to give you the rundown on what exactly makes up a Jumbo Loan and what you can expect from them. It's a brief info d...2020-05-0505 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Your Sellers TimelineWhat kind of timeline should you plan for when putting your house on the market? Brennen tells you what to expect this week on the Clouse Corner.Putting a property up on the market can be a challenging process. From staging, to photo shoots, to actual market logistics there are a lot of things to consider and they all need to occur in a specific timeline. How should you prioritize, what comes first, and how long should you plan for it all to take. Well, that's what we are talking about this week on...2020-04-2804 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Being a Move up BuyerThis week Brennen gives a quick overview about what makes a move up buyer and how you can get started on becoming one. Hello Lovely listeners! This week we are broadcasting from a very special location, our living rooms! apologies for the less than stellar audio quality, we left the good mics at the office. However, we didn't leave the good tips and this week we are going to talk to you about one of the most important things in real estate: being a "move up buyer." Now what is a move up buyer you might ask? T...2020-04-2105 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Selling Condos Versus Selling Single Family HomesIn the second part of our short series on condos versus single family homes Brennen shares some tips on how to market and sell these two distinct pieces of property.Hello again lovely listeners! I hope you are all staying safe out there. Last week on the Clouse Corner we talked a little bit about what to look for when you’re deciding to buy a condo or a single family home. Well this week the shoe is on the other foot and we are talking to the people out there looking to sell these kinds of pr...2020-04-1405 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Condos vs Single Family HomesThis week we are taking on the pros and cons of buying Seattle area condominiums versus single family homes on the Clouse Corner!Hello lovely listeners, these days a lot of us are finding ourselves with a little extra time on our hands. That kind of thing can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand a little extra time to daydream, or maybe enjoy a good book is a precious thing, on the other hand it’s easy to get stuck in a rut thinking the same thoughts over and over again. If you’re one of t...2020-04-0706 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Credit ScoresThis week Brennen explains credit scores, what is the magic number to get the best loans and mortgages? Listen and find out!Everyone knows a little something about credit. The basic gist is high numbers are good and low numbers are bad, don’t get that one wrong whatever you do! But what are all the things your credit score is used to calculate when it comes to buying a home, and how do you go about improving your credit if it is... let's say less than optimal. Those are exactly the questions we are diving into th...2020-03-3105 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Why Your Lender Choice is ImportantThis week Brennen talks about one of the most important steps to buying a property, choosing a lender.These days it seems like everything is getting smaller, literally, last week I could go anywhere and now I just live in my house. I mean I always lived in my house but you get my point. The walls are closing in and it seems like the only solution is building strong local infrastructure. What does this have to do with loans and lenders? I am getting there. Now more than ever it seems people are seeing the need...2020-03-2306 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: February Market UpdateIt’s time to get the details on what’s going on in Seattle's real estate market, Brennen compares and contrasts February of this year with the market in 2019.Hello lovely listeners! We hope all of you are staying safe out there. As you may have guessed we record our episodes a bit in advance so there isn’t any speculation on the effects of Covid 19. We try and pride our podcast on good accurate information and facts and the truth is we don’t have the data yet for accurate predictions on the market. Look forward to next...2020-03-1604 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What if You're Not Pre-approved for as Much as You Wanted?Now that we’ve talked about the importance of being pre-approved, this week we are going to discuss what to do when that number is not what you were hoping for.So last week we talked about the difference between being prequalified and pre-approved and how important the latter is over the former. If you want a quick refresher take a quick break from reading this and go give it a listen, we can wait. If you’re really pressed for time the broad strokes are: prequalified is a theoretical number for the loan you might eventually be p...2020-03-1605 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Pre-approval vs PrequalificationThis week Brennen breaks down why being pre-approved is an important and necessary step in the home buying process.Hello again lovely listeners! We are back again with our favorite hobby: busting misconceptions about the home buying process wise open. Now at a first glance being pre-approved for a loan and being prequalified for a loan would seem to be two ways of saying the same thing, but they are not. You might have talked to someone and know roughly what you are prequalified for, in terms of a loan, but that number is not the same...2020-02-2404 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: January 2020 Market UpdateIt’s Market update time! Brennen is going to give us all the latest on the Seattle real estate market.Hello Lovely listeners! Not a whole lot to describe this week to be honest. If you’ve been around here for a while you know how this song and dance goes. It’s the Market update! The best source for your up to date comparison of the Seattle real estate and how it has shifted in the last year. What was the market like in January of last year versus now? Well, you will have to listen to fin...2020-02-1706 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: When You Know It's LoveThis week Brennen gives the do’s and don’t for romancing your dream home this Valentines day.Hello lovely listeners! With Valentine's Day just around the corner we thought this would be a good week to shake up our format. Instead of our usual talk about crown moldings, and market numbers, this week we are a dating show, and we are giving out free couples counseling on how to forge a relationship that lasts a lifetime. Of course we’re talking about the relationship between a house and it’s owner, what else would we be talking...2020-02-1005 minClose to Home#22 Lessons From 2 years as a Real Estate AgentOn this very special episode of the Close to Home Podcast, Brennen lets you peak behind the curtain for an in depth look at what the last two years of working as a real estate agent in Seattle have taught him.Greeting Close-to-Homies! I wonder if I will ever not cringe typing that out? Maybe, who knows what the future can hold. If past experience is any indicator probably not. Sometimes the only way we can make sense of the uncertain future ahead of us is to look back at the people we used to be for...2020-02-0520 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Closing Costs vs Down PaymentThis week on the Clouse Corner: Brennen delves into the differences between closing costs and the down payment when it comes to purchasing a property.Hello lovely listeners! This week we thought explaining the difference between the closing cost and down payment would be helpful. These two share a lot of overlap so it’s worth picking some nits so that you, our listeners, can better understand how to prepare for them, and get all the bang possible out of your buck. Who knows if you listen carefully you might even pick up a couple tricks for ho...2020-02-0304 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: The Cost of RentingThis week Brennen takes a short historic look at the cost of renting versus buying in the marketplace. Hello again lovely listeners! Can you believe the first month of a new year is almost over? It seems like just last week we were celebrating the new year! I guess time flies when you're cranking out content! And speaking of content, this week we are bring you something a little different. You've heard us talk about renting and buying before on the podcast (big surprise we advocate for buying over renting) but this week we thought it would b...2020-01-2704 minClose to Home#21 How to Buy and Sell in 2020This week Brennen coaches would-be buyers on the best techniques for buying and selling homes in the new year. Hello lovely listeners! If you have been listening to us for any period of time you are probably aware that real estate is an ever shifting market. So, if you are wanting to get the most money for your home, or make you money go further towards purchasing new property for yourself you have to stay up to date. This week Brennen prepares for the new year by laying out his top tips for people looking to buy a...2020-01-2213 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Top 5 Things to Consider when You RelocateThis week Brennen gives his top 5 tips for listeners making big moves and lifestyle changes in the upcoming year.Hello again lovely listeners. Listen, we know it's a holiday weekend so hopefully you are out making the most of it! But, especially if your holiday itinerary involves one last wonder around your favorite neighborhood haunts before you tear everything up and head to Seattle, (trust us there are dozens of you, probably) then taking 5 minutes out of your long weekend for these 5 hot tips will be totally worth it. Even if you are not Seattle bound but...2020-01-2104 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: December Market UpdateHere's hoping each and every one of you is off to a fantastic start to the new year, thanks for listening!This week Brennen puts a new spin on the market update by bringing you two clients personal stories.Hello lovely listeners!This week we are trying something new on the Clouse Corner monthly market update. Instead of throwing a bunch of numbers at you, this week Brennen has the personal journeys of two clients, who both closed on their homes in the recent market. We are hoping that adding some of these...2020-01-1304 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How to Get Free Money for Your Down PaymentThis week Brennen talks about how Seattle buyers can take advantage of down payment assistance.Hello lovely listeners, it’s 2020! A whole new year of possibilities is right in front of us and all we have to do is reach out and grab them. In that spirit our first episode of the new year is about down payment assistance, a program available to Seattle buyers that can help them punch above their weight class, fiscally speaking. It goes without saying but don’t actually start throwing punches at an open house, it’s considered very poor sportsmanship.An...2020-01-0605 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Brennen's Top 5 Seattle Real Estate Predictions for 2020Closing out 2019 Brennen makes his top 5 real estate predictions for the upcoming year.Hello again lovely listeners, this week's Clouse Corner is going to be our final episode of 2019. It seems like the year really just flew by there at the end. Hopefully you all had a great holiday season and are looking forward to great things in the new year!Speaking of the new year, this week's episode is all about just that! If you think you might be putting a property up for sale in the next year and want to be prepared...2019-12-3009 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: How to Net More Money on Your Sale with Compass ConciergeThis week Brennen talks about how sellers can take advantage of Compass Concierge to increase the value of their property.Happy holidays lovely listeners! We hope the season is treating everyone fantastically, with good cheer, family, and joy to spare. Also we apologize for the audio quality of this episode. There is construction going on outside of our office in Seattle and we did the best we could, but it still sounds a little off. One of the nicest parts of the holiday is finally having time to relax in your home with the people w...2019-12-2306 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: November Market UpdateIt’s the middle of the month again, which can mean only one thing: it’s time for the Seattle Market update!Hello Lovely Listeners! This holiday season is really flying past. It seems like just a few days ago we were uploading our first Clouse Corner of the month and now we are almost in the scramble for gifts portion of the season. Luckily if you are looking to be better prepared than we are we have just the thing for you! That’s right it’s monthly market update time. It’s commonly thought that the b...2019-12-1607 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Three Reasons Winter is the Best Season to SellBrennen breaks down why winter is actually an underrated time to put properties on the market.Hello again lovely listeners! This week Brennen is taking on the myth of winter being a bad time to put properties up for sale. Regular listeners may note that this is the same topic we covered in Close to Home episode 18, and you would be right! Think of this episode as the cliff notes, or the introduction. So, if you missed last week's episode, or just want to try it in a shorter punchier format, here you go!The...2019-12-0904 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: When Should I Sell vs. Rent?This Week Brennen tackles the classic debate of rent vs. buy from a new angle.Hello lovely listeners! We hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving, or just enjoyed some well deserved time off. We certainly did, but now we’re back to business as usual!It’s time for another little tid-bit of wisdom on the many nuances of real estate courtesy of Brennen. Now, we’ve talked about whether it is better to rent or buy back in Episode 15, which you should check out if you have not already. However, that was from t...2019-12-0204 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: When to Start the Home Selling ProcessHello lovely listeners! This week we are back with another Clouse Corner that is all about the numbers. Specifically, when is the optimal time to start the process of selling your property? It’s the kind of issue that becomes more complex the more you look into. You have to consider all the time you’ll be spending on paperwork, cleaning, and staging. Luckily for you Brennen is here with the breakdowns to give you the optimal window for your house to be done, dusted, and sold. Of course this being a Clouse Corner, all this information is j...2019-11-2504 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Five Tips for Starting Your Home SearchHello again lovely listeners! We are back with another spicy top five list courtesy of Brennen, who is putting his own spin on How to Find Your Dream Home - Without Losing Your Mind.Often times the process of buying a new home, or even moving out of an old one can seem like an insurmountable amount of work. There are so many listings to go through, financials to get in order, not to mention seeing the actual properties themselves. Honestly, it’s enough to make you look at your current domicile and say: “eh, good enough.” 2019-11-1805 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Seattle October Market UpdateHello Lovely Listeners! We are back with some helpful, and hopefully entertaining, advice here at The Clouse Corner. In case you’re new around here, this is our weekly podcast where we take all the complexities and the world of Real Estate and condense it into tasty tidbits of wisdom. It’s like a good cup of coffee, or a bite of toast that’s been perfectly buttered, but for your brain, and maybe your house? We don’t judge. This week Brennen has the numbers, all of them. You’re going to hear the difference between the housin...2019-11-1104 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: When to Start Your Home Buying ProcessHello again lovely listeners! We are back once again with your weekly bite sized nugget of delicious wisdom, like a delicious canapé for your brain and your wallet. This week Brennen tackles the ever important question:“When should I start shopping seriously for my new home?”It might surprise you to find out, but many people can get stuck in the cycle of renting year after year, or even month to month, because they do not understand how much time it actually takes to find, purchase, and close on a home. Now though, you can put y...2019-11-0403 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: 4 Ways to Build Wealth With Real EstateHello lovely listeners and welcome back to the coziest corner of the internet, The Clouse Corner! This week Brennen shares 4 of his favorite ways for property owners to get started using their home to raise additional funds rather than just sit there like a wall, well four walls, and a roof, and maybe a cozy breakfast nook, but I digress. The Point is sure, if you already own your property you could just sit on it and let it accrue value over time; but with just a little extra work on your part you can leverage it and...2019-10-2804 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Real Estate Investing 101This week on the Clouse Corner Brennen delves into the basics of investing in real estate. If you have ever watched HGTV you should be more than familiar with the term. But what does it actually mean, and what are some of the ways you can get started? Well, get ready for not one, not two, but three ways you can begin growing wealth using your home or investment property!It’s a subject we’ve talked about on our Youtube Channel! Check out our episode on House Hacking if you want a more in depth dive onto the...2019-10-2102 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: What are Buyers and Sellers Agents?In the second episode of the Clouse Corner Brennen explains the difference between buyers and sellers agents. If you have ever gone to an open house and wondered who the agent you are talking to is working on behalf of, worry no more! In just a quick minute Brennen will explain the differences between the two, who they work for, and why you as a buyer or seller probably need one. Here at the Clouse Corner we like to keep the learning concise and to the point!As always if you have further questions feel free to...2019-10-1402 min
Close to HomeThe Clouse Corner: Closing CostsHey guys! After a hiatus the Close to Home podcast is back and better than ever. We have new music, new intros, new formats, but the same commitment to help you, our listeners, find your dream home and live your best life in it!We are starting this week with a new segment called: The Clouse Corner. These will be seperate mini- episodes, released every week, where our host Brennen shares a quick bit of advice or insight to help you better understand the world of real estate and how to navigate it. This week's episode deals...2019-10-0702 min