Shows
Real Estate TodayBuilding Wealth Through Real EstateReady to build wealth through real estate? This week, we’re diving into the fundamentals of investing. Debra Beagle, CEO and broker/owner of Ashton Real Estate Group in Nashville, Tennessee, shares how she started investing in college towns and what signals a strong investment opportunity. Melissa Bailey, team lead at the Jason Mitchell Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers tips on how to break into real estate investing and the types of properties that tend to deliver the best return on investment. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, walks us through new data showing that investor selling hit a...2025-07-1130 minReal Estate TodayBuilding Wealth Through Real EstateReady to build wealth through real estate? This week, we’re diving into the fundamentals of investing. Debra Beagle, CEO and broker/owner of Ashton Real Estate Group in Nashville, Tennessee, shares how she started investing in college towns and what signals a strong investment opportunity. Melissa Bailey, team lead at the Jason Mitchell Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers tips on how to break into real estate investing and the types of properties that tend to deliver the best return on investment. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, walks us through new data showing that investor selling hit a...2025-07-1130 minReal Estate TodayBuying Brand New: Spring 2025Thinking about buying brand new? Whether you’re considering new home construction or a move-in-ready build, we’re breaking down what to expect in spring 2025. First, REALTOR® Gonzalo Mejia breaks down the process of buying a brand-new home versus an existing one, and why home inspections are crucial for home warranties. Next, REALTOR® Christine Richardson shares the potential advantages of working with a builder’s preferred lender and explains why having a REALTOR® is essential throughout the buying process. Home design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey explores the latest trends in new home construction and shares insights from the 2025 International Builders...2025-04-0424 minReal Estate TodayBuying Brand New: Spring 2025Thinking about buying brand new? Whether you’re considering new home construction or a move-in-ready build, we’re breaking down what to expect in spring 2025. First, REALTOR® Gonzalo Mejia breaks down the process of buying a brand-new home versus an existing one, and why home inspections are crucial for home warranties. Next, REALTOR® Christine Richardson shares the potential advantages of working with a builder’s preferred lender and explains why having a REALTOR® is essential throughout the buying process. Home design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey explores the latest trends in new home construction and shares insights from the 2025 International Builders...2025-04-0424 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyColor Experts Reveal the Latest Paint TrendsEPISODE 54: Should you paint that red brick—white? Which is more on-trend: Gray or beige for that all-over color for your home? And could your home’s wall color actually help boost your mood? Color forecasters Sue Wadden and Emily Kantz from Sherwin-Williams join The Housing Muse Podcast to talk paint trends. Visit the Housing Muse’s home: housingmuse.com https://www.housingmuse.com/ Housing Muse Podcast was named one of the “40 Best Housing Podcasts to Listen to in 2025”! https://podcast.feedspot.com/housing_podcasts/?feedid=5380682&_src=f1_featured_email2025-03-2815 minReal Estate TodayMarket Trends and Real Estate Tips for Valentine's DayLooking to make your home more romantic this Valentine’s Day? Home stager Tori Toth shares secrets on using the five senses to make your home more romantic before Natalie Carmolli from Proven Winners ColorChoice plants discusses selecting the best rose. Design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey considers whether using the same color on your walls and floor is hot or not. Melissa also examines whether the old money aesthetic is a hot home trend. Then, REALTORS® Krista and Philip Becker talk about working together and how they make each other better real estate professionals. Finally, economist Nadia Evangelou with the...2025-02-0727 minReal Estate TodayMarket Trends and Real Estate Tips for Valentine's DayLooking to make your home more romantic this Valentine’s Day? Home stager Tori Toth shares secrets on using the five senses to make your home more romantic before Natalie Carmolli from Proven Winners ColorChoice plants discusses selecting the best rose. Design expert Melissa Dittmann Tracey considers whether using the same color on your walls and floor is hot or not. Melissa also examines whether the old money aesthetic is a hot home trend. Then, REALTORS® Krista and Philip Becker talk about working together and how they make each other better real estate professionals. Finally, economist Nadia Evangelou with the...2025-02-0727 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann Tracey2025 Home Design Trends: The Good & The BadEPSIODE 53: What’s hot in 2025 for home design? To sum up, it’s getting loud! Home designer and stager Krisztina Bell joins Melissa Dittmann Tracey on The Housing Muse Podcast to break down the hottest home trends for 2025 ... the paint colors, the interior and exterior home trends, all of those arches, kitchen trends and more. Find out the trends they like--and the ones you may want to avoid. Check out The Housing Muse Blog: 2025 Colors of the Year: The Paint Trends to Watch View the colors mentioned on the episode—and see what you think. ...2024-11-0542 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyA Home Remodeling Disaster: Don’t Let It Happen to You EPISODE 52: Jody Costello was eager to start a two-story addition on her 1940s home that would include an owner’s suite and upper deck. But she quickly learned hiring the wrong contractor for the job can be a costly mistake. A leaky roof, shoddy work, surging costs, and a constantly MIA contractor eventually resulted in a lawsuit and a three-year battle to try to recoup costs and get her project completed. Costello is now the creator of the website “Contractors From Hell,” where she helps homeowners remodel smart. Listen to her story and tips so that you never have to fac...2024-07-1735 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyFind Your Home's Chi: How to Feng Shui Your Space EPISODE 51: What is feng shui? Can it actually make you feel good and make you like your home more? Could it even help you sell your home? Feng Shui expert and author Steve Kodad joins The Housing Muse Podcast to breakdown the principles of this ancient art to spatial arrangement and building design, and offers insights on its potential real estate impact. Learn more about Steve Kodad (https://www.housingmuse.com/guests/steve-kodad/) and TheFengShuiCure.com (https://www.thefengshuicure.com/) Listen to more episodes of The Housing Muse Podcast: htt...2024-06-1932 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyYou’ll Never Look at Your Home’s Clutter the Same EPISODE 50: The overstuffed closets, cluttered counters and piles of unopened mail may be more than just household annoyances. It may be hurting your mental or physical health—maybe even more than you know. Professional organizer Linda Samuels joins The Housing Muse Podcast to offer up some helpful clutter cures to take back control over your home—and possibly your sanity! Learn more about Linda Samuels: https://www.housingmuse.com/guests/linda-samuels-1/ How Clutter Creates Stress and Anxiety: Strategies for Decluttering (HouseLogic.com, by Melissa Dittmann Tracey) https://www.houselogic.com/or...2024-05-2338 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyIs That Home a Money Pit or Hidden Gem?EPISODE 49: A fixer upper--that is, a home in need of some TLC--could help you strike real estate gold, allowing you to possibly even double or triple the home’s value. But to get that type of ROI, you need to buy smart. We offer up 10 key things to consider before purchasing a fixer upper, whether it’s your pathway to afford homeownership or an investment property. Is That Fixer-Upper House Really Worth It? (HouseLogic.com) https://www.houselogic.com/buy/house-hunting/is-buying-a-fixer-upper-worth-it/ Does Your Home Have 1 of the 3 Major Health...2024-05-1020 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyYou're Cleaning Your Home All Wrong!EPISODE 48: Many of us are making mistakes in cleaning our homes, and it could be hurting our home—and even our health. Yikes! Cleaning expert Debbie Sardone joins The Housing Muse Podcast to tell us the right way to clean. Here’s some extra incentive in why you should want to: A clean home makes YOU look good. Seriously! A new study from the American Cleaning Institute finds that 60% of Americans say they feel more attracted to their partner when they take the initiative to clean the house. And, college students say they’ll break up with a date if they...2024-03-2232 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann Tracey5 House Problems That Will Make You Want to MoveEPISODE 47: A lot can go wrong with a house. It’s the less glamorous side to homeownership. But if you ignore some key signs, you could find small problems quickly turn into really BIG problems that may even make you want to toss over your house keys and move. Joining the Housing Muse Podcast is Scott Loignon, the owner of WIN Home Inspection in New Hampshire. In this episode, he will share five house problems you don’t want to ignore. And, here’s a silver-lining: If you catch many of these house problems early enough, you won’t feel lik...2024-02-2139 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyFrom Decluttering to Discounts: How Estate Sales Can Help You EPISODE 46: You may have never given much thought to estate sales, but they could prove to be a “home rescue,” no matter if you’re the seller or the possible buyer. Estate sales can help you quickly clear a home due to a changing life circumstance or help you offset a costly move across the country. Estate sales can be a way to score some major discounts on household items and furniture. Learn how estate sales could be the answer to your homeownership needs—and the proper etiquette if you go to one! Learn more about thi...2024-02-1233 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Best Time to Buy Home Stuff for DealsEPISODE 45: The money-saving episode! Home appliances and household purchases can really bite into a budget. But how would you like to save potentially hundreds of dollars? Luckily, there are plenty of studies that can help turn us into savvy shoppers when it comes to outfitting the home. Housing Muse Host Melissa Dittmann Tracey sums up all the research, including the best time to buy certain household products, where to buy and the average lifespan of products so that you can start budgeting ahead. As mentioned in this episode: Money-saving tools, apps and articles … Ge...2024-01-1223 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyBeat the Mom Stress: Hacks for 3 Home Cleaning StylesEPISODE 44: It’s the merriest, most stressful time of year! Nearly 60% of Americans say they’re stressed out about the holidays, and that’s mostly due to preparing and decorating the home, according to a new survey from Thumbtack. After all, guests will soon be arriving at your doorstep and judging your home. Sorry to say, but they’ll be scrutinizing everything, from the looks to the smell. Let’s all make a better impression this holiday season, while also lessening the stress. Sound too good to be true? In this episode, we breakdown three cleaning styles and personas—Neatnick Nan...2023-11-2914 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Real Deal on 2024 Home Design TrendsEPSIODE 43: What’s hot in 2024 in home design? Time to find out! From “dopamine décor” to sculptural and darker home elements and some wild color schemes, home designer and stager Krisztina Bell joins The Housing Muse Podcast to break down the trends entering into more homes. We get real on the latest design trends as well as ideas on how to incorporate them into your home—as well as those trends you might want to avoid! Check out The Housing Muse Blog: 2024 Colors of the Year: The Paint Trends to Watch View the color...2023-11-0934 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyTrue Crime in Real Estate: 5 Situations to Fear EPISODE 42: Every crime has a setting, and sadly too often, it plays out inside a home. Even if you’re a law-abiding citizen, you could face the fallout from crime in real estate. In this episode, we unpack five fearful real estate situations. Be prepared to get scared on everything from stigmatized properties, ghosts and paranormal activity, meth labs to varmints (“the snake house”—oh my!) and more. Housingmuse.com Follow the Housing Muse on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, @housingmuse.2023-10-1721 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyPickleball in Real Estate … P-NIMBY at Play?EPISODE 41: Pickleball is serving up some serious wins in real estate, like revitalizing once-abandoned shopping malls into booming pickleball hubs. Developers are in a race to bring more pickleball courts to more places all across the country. But there’s also a dark-side to America’s fastest-growing sport—that’s getting louder and louder. In this episode: Learn more about the rapid growth of America’s newest favorite sport and how it’s shaking up real estate. Beware P-NIMBY: Pickleball, not in my backyard. What to watch for if pickleball courts are soon coming closer to your home. 2023-09-2715 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyQuiz Time! Test Your Real Estate SmartsEPISODE 40: It’s one of our favorite regular segments on The Housing Muse: Quiz Time! Take our interactive quiz to test how smart you are when it comes to the latest real estate and home design trends, home maintenance and more. (Hint: If you’re a regular listener to The Housing Muse, you’ll fare well! Otherwise, we’re going to teach you a few things.) Take our quiz and chime in with your answer to see how many you get right. Episodes/Articles Mentioned in This Episode: Decorate Like a Designer: 5 Affordable Home Acces...2023-09-0821 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyHow to Clean Your Home’s Indoor AirEPISODE 39: Just like you clean your home on a regular basis, you can clean your home’s air, too. More research is showing why you should. Consider, this stat: Indoor air can contain two to five times more pollutants than outside, according to research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Yes, your home’s indoor air tends to be more toxic than outside! Most Americans spend a majority of their time indoors, which means you could be breathing in dirty air on a regular basis. However, there’s plenty you can do to change that. Housing Muse host Meliss...2023-07-1714 minReal Estate TodayTips to keep your house cool this summerLet’s keep our homes cool this summer! New Orleans REALTOR® Evelyn Wolford talks central air, window air conditioning units, and how to cool your home properly. Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains how to improve indoor air quality to make sure the air you breathe in your home is clean. Then Bill Stack from Eversource Energy shares how you can keep your house cool efficiently and gives some low-tech ways to cut down your energy bill. Melissa comes back to let us know if pink is a hot home color before NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the latest existing-home sal...2023-06-2332 minReal Estate TodayTips to keep your house cool this summerLet’s keep our homes cool this summer! New Orleans REALTOR® Evelyn Wolford talks central air, window air conditioning units, and how to cool your home properly. Melissa Dittmann Tracey explains how to improve indoor air quality to make sure the air you breathe in your home is clean. Then Bill Stack from Eversource Energy shares how you can keep your house cool efficiently and gives some low-tech ways to cut down your energy bill. Melissa comes back to let us know if pink is a hot home color before NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun discusses the latest existing-home sal...2023-06-2332 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyI Binge Watched HGTV ... Here's What I Learned (Part 2)EPISODE 38: In part 2, we continue to highlight HGTV-inspired home design tips and tricks to make your home look as pretty as they do on TV. We also cover a few trends that may best be reserved for TV—and not real-life. Check out The Housing Muse blog to view an infographic of TV designers’ favorite home accessories: https://www.housingmuse.com/blog/hgtv-inspired-home-accessories-for-any-budget/ Follow the Housing Muse on Instagram and Twitter. Visit the home of The Housing Muse: Housingmuse.com 2023-06-0917 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyI Binge Watched HGTV ... Here's What I Learned (Part 1)EPISODE 37: Home buyers are overwhelmingly disappointed at homes they tour for-sale. Why? Because they don’t look as pretty as they do on TV. The HGTV-effect is skewing our impressions of how a home should look. But there are some easy (and affordable ways!) to get our homes looking as pretty as they do on TV. Housing Muse Host Melissa Dittmann Tracey gathers up ideas inspired by the shows and hosts on HGTV. This is part one of a two-part series on HGTV-inspired ideas. Check out The Housing Muse blog to view an infographic of the top ho...2023-06-0817 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyAllergy-Proof Your LandscapeEPISODE 36: Seasonal allergies can be a nuisance. Your home’s outdoor plantings may be making it worse. Joining The Housing Muse Podcast is gardening guru Linda Vater to share which plants may be more prone to triggering allergies, and how to plan a landscape so that you can breathe a little easier. SHOW NOTES Learn more about Linda Vater Find gardening tips at Linda's YouTube channel Allergy Forecast Apps Allergy Plus by Pollen.com Zyrtec Allergycast WeatherWell Housing Muse home: housingmuse.com 2023-05-0835 minReal Estate TodayHow to Invest in Real Estate How can you get started investing in real estate this spring? Louisiana REALTOR® Matt Ritchie explains how to get going despite higher interest rates and how today’s real estate market can be an opportunity. Plus, he defines many of the most important terms that real estate investors need to know. Chicago REALTOR® Dan Wagner explains 1031 like-kind exchanges and how you can use the tax deferral program to build your portfolio. And REALTOR® Luke Worrell from Jacksonville, Illinois tells us about investing in land and he explains what makes ‘good’ land ‘good!’ Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what’s HOT or not in s...2023-04-0732 minReal Estate TodayHow to Invest in Real Estate How can you get started investing in real estate this spring? Louisiana REALTOR® Matt Ritchie explains how to get going despite higher interest rates and how today’s real estate market can be an opportunity. Plus, he defines many of the most important terms that real estate investors need to know. Chicago REALTOR® Dan Wagner explains 1031 like-kind exchanges and how you can use the tax deferral program to build your portfolio. And REALTOR® Luke Worrell from Jacksonville, Illinois tells us about investing in land and he explains what makes ‘good’ land ‘good!’ Also, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what’s HOT or not in s...2023-04-0732 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyRenovating to Sell for More MoneyEPISODE 35: The top concerns from homeowners recently surveyed about selling their home: They fear their home is in need of too many repairs, has an outdated interior, not trendy enough fixtures and lacks curb appeal. Sorry to say, but all of those things could potentially lessen your sales price! So there’s reason to fear. But a pre-listing improvement or renovation could help—and you don’t even have to foot the bill for it. Olivia Mariani from the company Curbio joins The Housing Muse Podcast to talk about this latest trend in real estate, and how it’s helping...2023-04-0623 minReal Estate TodayWhat should I know as a first-time home buyer?How can first-time buyers achieve homeownership despite low housing inventory and mortgage rates in the sixes? Colorado REALTOR® Natalie Davis shares the steps renters can—and should—take to become homeowners. She also explains why finding a good local lender to walk you through different loan products is so important. Sean Moss of Down Payment Resource takes us through a variety of down payment assistance plans and says why it’s a mistake to assume you don’t qualify for one. Frank Lesh from the American Society of Home Inspectors unveils what home inspectors truly look for during the inspectio...2023-03-3135 minReal Estate TodayWhat should I know as a first-time home buyer?How can first-time buyers achieve homeownership despite low housing inventory and mortgage rates in the sixes? Colorado REALTOR® Natalie Davis shares the steps renters can—and should—take to become homeowners. She also explains why finding a good local lender to walk you through different loan products is so important. Sean Moss of Down Payment Resource takes us through a variety of down payment assistance plans and says why it’s a mistake to assume you don’t qualify for one. Frank Lesh from the American Society of Home Inspectors unveils what home inspectors truly look for during the inspectio...2023-03-3135 minReal Estate TodaySelling a home in the spring of 2023Are you ready to sell your house this spring? NAR Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Jessica Lautz explains why the latest existing-home sales data saw the largest increase since the summer of 2020, what the median home price in the United States is, and if home sellers are once again getting multiple offers for their houses. REALTOR® J. Lennox Scott discusses how home sellers are dealing with higher interest rates and what they need to do to get their homes ready to sell for the best price. And interior designer Karen Post gives tips on how to prepare your home to se...2023-03-2426 minReal Estate TodaySelling a home in the spring of 2023Are you ready to sell your house this spring? NAR Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Jessica Lautz explains why the latest existing-home sales data saw the largest increase since the summer of 2020, what the median home price in the United States is, and if home sellers are once again getting multiple offers for their houses. REALTOR® J. Lennox Scott discusses how home sellers are dealing with higher interest rates and what they need to do to get their homes ready to sell for the best price. And interior designer Karen Post gives tips on how to prepare your home to se...2023-03-2426 minReal Estate TodayThe 2023 Spring Real Estate MarketWill the spring real estate market be hot or cool for home buyers and sellers? Washington state REALTOR® J. Lennox Scott explains how interest rates and inventory are impacting the real estate market and why potential home buyers should get fully underwritten before they sign a purchase agreement. Alicia Huey, chairman of the board of directors for the National Association of Home Builders, talks new build timelines and how labor challenges and supply issues are impacting the construction of new homes. And Keith Gumbinger of HSH.com shares what higher interest rates for home mortgages mean for you and w...2023-03-1734 minReal Estate TodayThe 2023 Spring Real Estate MarketWill the spring real estate market be hot or cool for home buyers and sellers? Washington state REALTOR® J. Lennox Scott explains how interest rates and inventory are impacting the real estate market and why potential home buyers should get fully underwritten before they sign a purchase agreement. Alicia Huey, chairman of the board of directors for the National Association of Home Builders, talks new build timelines and how labor challenges and supply issues are impacting the construction of new homes. And Keith Gumbinger of HSH.com shares what higher interest rates for home mortgages mean for you and w...2023-03-1734 minReal Estate TodayWhen to move or improve my homeDo you wish you had a new home? Can you improve your home or should you move to a new house? We look into what may be the best option for you. Idaho REALTOR® Chris Pelkola Lee discusses the pros and cons of moving to a new home versus renovating or fixing your current house. NAR Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Jessica Lautz shares what they found in their Home Remodeling Impact Study. What projects do homeowners want, do the improvements warrant the cost, and were people happy with their decision? Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet shares what they found in t...2023-03-1033 minReal Estate TodayWhen to move or improve my homeDo you wish you had a new home? Can you improve your home or should you move to a new house? We look into what may be the best option for you. Idaho REALTOR® Chris Pelkola Lee discusses the pros and cons of moving to a new home versus renovating or fixing your current house. NAR Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Jessica Lautz shares what they found in their Home Remodeling Impact Study. What projects do homeowners want, do the improvements warrant the cost, and were people happy with their decision? Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet shares what they found in t...2023-03-1033 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Mooch Strategy to Real EstateEPISODE 34: To get into real estate today, do you need to adopt a “mooch strategy?” Possibly. Young adults have been moving back home in record numbers—and even well into adulthood. Parents are footing the bills, and even helping their adult children achieve homeownership later on—that is, when they do finally move out. The mooch strategy may be in response to an out-of-whack real estate market where first-time home buyers and renters are facing surging prices. Housing Muse host Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares three steps to the mooch strategy that reveals a legacy of mooching to get ahead, and how...2023-03-0723 minReal Estate TodayHow to personalize your new home So, you bought your home and have moved in. Now it’s time to make it your own. But where do you even start? REALTOR® and home designer Addie Mulry explains how she works with her clients to help them reimagine their homes. She walks through the steps: What is normally the first thing to be updated; how to overhaul your kitchen without a complete renovation and adjust your floors without replacing them; and how to pick colors. And speaking of home colors, Sue Wadden from Sherwin-Williams talks about how paint can transform your living space and what colors are...2023-03-0334 minReal Estate TodayHow to personalize your new home So, you bought your home and have moved in. Now it’s time to make it your own. But where do you even start? REALTOR® and home designer Addie Mulry explains how she works with her clients to help them reimagine their homes. She walks through the steps: What is normally the first thing to be updated; how to overhaul your kitchen without a complete renovation and adjust your floors without replacing them; and how to pick colors. And speaking of home colors, Sue Wadden from Sherwin-Williams talks about how paint can transform your living space and what colors are...2023-03-0334 minReal Estate TodayWhat to know about closing on a homeWe detail all the information you need to know before you close on your home. Georgia REALTOR® Vanessa Goggans goes over how to prepare for a home closing, what documents you need to bring, and why an insurance binder is so critical. Colorado REALTOR® Michael Labout tells us what buyers and sellers need to do between signing the contract of sale and sitting down at the settlement. We’re talking inspections, appraisals, and a whole bunch of contingencies. And don’t forget about the loan underwriting. Olivia Mariani from Curbio shares how they can help you update your home before...2023-02-1733 minReal Estate TodayWhat to know about closing on a homeWe detail all the information you need to know before you close on your home. Georgia REALTOR® Vanessa Goggans goes over how to prepare for a home closing, what documents you need to bring, and why an insurance binder is so critical. Colorado REALTOR® Michael Labout tells us what buyers and sellers need to do between signing the contract of sale and sitting down at the settlement. We’re talking inspections, appraisals, and a whole bunch of contingencies. And don’t forget about the loan underwriting. Olivia Mariani from Curbio shares how they can help you update your home before...2023-02-1733 minReal Estate TodayFall in love with your homeLet’s put some love in your home. We talk to married San Antonio REALTORS® Krista and Phillip Becker on what buyers have to do to get that home they love. Home stager and lifestyle specialist Tori Toth gives us tips on how to put some love back in your home and how important the five senses are in making your home more romantic. Also, Kell Phelps from the National BBQ & Grilling Association tells us how to make that perfect steak dinner for Valentine’s Day. And Are whites and grays hot bedroom colors? Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares the hot h...2023-02-1030 minReal Estate TodayFall in love with your homeLet’s put some love in your home. We talk to married San Antonio REALTORS® Krista and Phillip Becker on what buyers have to do to get that home they love. Home stager and lifestyle specialist Tori Toth gives us tips on how to put some love back in your home and how important the five senses are in making your home more romantic. Also, Kell Phelps from the National BBQ & Grilling Association tells us how to make that perfect steak dinner for Valentine’s Day. And Are whites and grays hot bedroom colors? Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares the hot h...2023-02-1030 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Real Deal on 2023 Home Trends (with special guest Krisztina Bell)Episode 33: We take on the good, the bad and ugly of 2023’s hottest home styles. Krisztina Bell, home stager and designer with No Vacancy Home Staging in Atlanta, joins the Housing Muse Podcast to talk about the designs that you can expect to see more of in the new year, including the hottest paint colors, the freedom to no longer be “Pinterest-perfect,” and even cord-free design. Plus, learn what trends are heading out this year! LEARN MORE View the 2023 Colors of the Year from the Major Paint Firms A Home Stager Shares 5 Hot Trends...2023-02-0729 minReal Estate TodayHow to make the best offer on a homeWhat does it take to make a winning offer on a home? Michigan REALTOR® Pat Vredevoogd Combs talks earnest money, contingencies, and where there may be room to negotiate on your offer. Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet discusses their 2022 Home Buyer Report and what sellers and buyers are expecting to see and just how misinformed they are. Do you think you can get a home for less than $270,000 like the majority of Americans? And Chief Appraiser at HomeSight Appraisal, Peter Gallo, walks us through the home appraisal process. We also see if gray is no longer a hot home color. M...2023-02-0331 minReal Estate TodayHow to make the best offer on a homeWhat does it take to make a winning offer on a home? Michigan REALTOR® Pat Vredevoogd Combs talks earnest money, contingencies, and where there may be room to negotiate on your offer. Elizabeth Renter from NerdWallet discusses their 2022 Home Buyer Report and what sellers and buyers are expecting to see and just how misinformed they are. Do you think you can get a home for less than $270,000 like the majority of Americans? And Chief Appraiser at HomeSight Appraisal, Peter Gallo, walks us through the home appraisal process. We also see if gray is no longer a hot home color. M...2023-02-0331 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyWhy It's Now OK to Have a Messy HomeEpisode 32: Enter a judge-free zone with the Housing Muse. After all, even organization guru Marie Kondo recently said it’s acceptable to not have a spotless, perfectly organized home all of the time. Maybe tidy doesn’t always spark joy. As you adopt more of a get-‘er-done than perfection mantra, find hacks to solve everyday cleaning and organization challenges. And learn to stress less over the mess. Home Cleaning Tips for Every Hosting Vibe (HouseLogic.com/By Melissa Dittmann Tracey) Housingmuse.com Follow the Housing Muse on Instagram @housingmuse 2023-01-3011 minReal Estate TodayHow to buy a brand new home in 2023What will it take to buy a newly built home in 2023? Gonzalo Mejia, a REALTOR® from Jacksonville, Florida, shares the benefits of buying a newly constructed home and walks us through the process and how to navigate changing mortgage rates while your house is being built. Rose Quint from the National Association of Home Builders tells us what types of homes and features new home buyers are looking for (hint: home offices are big) and where homeowners want the laundry room. Also, National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest on pending home sales and Melissa Di...2023-01-2726 minReal Estate TodayHow to buy a brand new home in 2023What will it take to buy a newly built home in 2023? Gonzalo Mejia, a REALTOR® from Jacksonville, Florida, shares the benefits of buying a newly constructed home and walks us through the process and how to navigate changing mortgage rates while your house is being built. Rose Quint from the National Association of Home Builders tells us what types of homes and features new home buyers are looking for (hint: home offices are big) and where homeowners want the laundry room. Also, National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares the latest on pending home sales and Melissa Di...2023-01-2726 minReal Estate TodayBuying a Home in 2023What will buying a home be like in 2023? Massachusetts REALTOR® Arlene Castellano, who teaches a class for first-time buyers, shares what she’s hearing from buyers and sellers and how inventory and mortgage rates are changing expectations. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com explains the latest on mortgages and what you should look for in your home loan. We also speak to Down Payment Resource CEO Rob Chrane who goes through down payment assistance programs you can use to purchase your home. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey reports on some of the HOT items from the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show.2023-01-1328 minReal Estate TodayBuying a Home in 2023What will buying a home be like in 2023? Massachusetts REALTOR® Arlene Castellano, who teaches a class for first-time buyers, shares what she’s hearing from buyers and sellers and how inventory and mortgage rates are changing expectations. Keith Gumbinger from HSH.com explains the latest on mortgages and what you should look for in your home loan. We also speak to Down Payment Resource CEO Rob Chrane who goes through down payment assistance programs you can use to purchase your home. And Melissa Dittmann Tracey reports on some of the HOT items from the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show.2023-01-1328 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Worst Trendy Home Trends EVEREPISODE 31: You have some of these in your home. We all do. In this episode of The Housing Muse Podcast, we question some mainstream design trends that may be doing more to make our lives harder than easier. Listen in as host Melissa Tracey offers an amusing countdown to the five trends she has started to question, and why she believes you should, too. Follow The Housing Muse @housingmuse on Twitter or Instagram. Check out the Housing Muse’s home at: Housingmuse.com2023-01-1210 minReal Estate TodayHomeownership & Building Generational Wealth!We’re covering homeownership—building memories, celebrating milestones, building generational wealth, and creating a sense of community. Virginia REALTOR® Mary Dykstra joins us to talk about how owning a home contributes to your family’s wealth. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun covers the latest Existing-Home Sales report, and credit expert Gerri Detweiler speaks about credit scores and what factors impact them. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what you should NOT store in your home garage. For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.2022-12-2333 minReal Estate TodayHomeownership & Building Generational Wealth!We’re covering homeownership—building memories, celebrating milestones, building generational wealth, and creating a sense of community. Virginia REALTOR® Mary Dykstra joins us to talk about how owning a home contributes to your family’s wealth. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun covers the latest Existing-Home Sales report, and credit expert Gerri Detweiler speaks about credit scores and what factors impact them. Lastly, Melissa Dittmann Tracey shares what you should NOT store in your home garage. For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.2022-12-2333 minReal Estate Today2023 Real Estate Market ForecastWhat will 2023 mean to home buyers, home sellers, and homeowners? Let’s discuss mortgage rates, the supply of homes for sale, home prices, tax codes, and how they directly impact your real estate strategy. Philadelphia broker-owner Greg Herb joins us to talk about the biggest challenge of the new year: shortage of homes for sale. National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist Robert Dietz also spoke to us about the challenges facing home builders including the inventory shortage, and the time frame it may take to build a home. National Association of REALTORS® Director of Federal Tax Policy came on...2022-12-0234 minReal Estate Today2023 Real Estate Market ForecastWhat will 2023 mean to home buyers, home sellers, and homeowners? Let’s discuss mortgage rates, the supply of homes for sale, home prices, tax codes, and how they directly impact your real estate strategy. Philadelphia broker-owner Greg Herb joins us to talk about the biggest challenge of the new year: shortage of homes for sale. National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist Robert Dietz also spoke to us about the challenges facing home builders including the inventory shortage, and the time frame it may take to build a home. National Association of REALTORS® Director of Federal Tax Policy came on...2022-12-0234 minReal Estate Today2022 Holiday Real Estate MarketAs you approach the holiday season, we’ll let you know whether you need to put a halt to your real estate plans or continue as usual. Washington, D.C, REALTOR® Donna Evers joins us to share how current buyers and sellers should navigate the holiday schedule. Professional interior design expert Mary Patton lets us in on how to transform your home for the holidays and Light Up Your Holidays owner Kelly Fitzsimmons covers outdoor holiday lighting and her charity work, decorating group homes. We were also joined by Eric Zeman at PCMag.com who covered 5G service. Lastly, Mel...2022-11-2529 minReal Estate Today2022 Holiday Real Estate MarketAs you approach the holiday season, we’ll let you know whether you need to put a halt to your real estate plans or continue as usual. Washington, D.C, REALTOR® Donna Evers joins us to share how current buyers and sellers should navigate the holiday schedule. Professional interior design expert Mary Patton lets us in on how to transform your home for the holidays and Light Up Your Holidays owner Kelly Fitzsimmons covers outdoor holiday lighting and her charity work, decorating group homes. We were also joined by Eric Zeman at PCMag.com who covered 5G service. Lastly, Mel...2022-11-2529 minReal Estate TodayThe Pulse of Real Estate: Mortgage Rates, Home Prices, Home Supply and More!NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun provided the latest information on existing-home sales, hot off the press. Massachusetts REALTOR® and broker-owner Dawn Ruffini joined us to chat mortgages, and up-to-date strategies for buyers and sellers. In addition, HSH.com Vice President Keith Gumbinger spoke to us about mortgage rates and how to qualify for a home loan. And for HOT or NOT, Melissa Dittmann Tracey looked back at the housing trends in 2022, and what will be HOT in 2023. For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.2022-11-1830 minReal Estate TodayThe Pulse of Real Estate: Mortgage Rates, Home Prices, Home Supply and More!NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun provided the latest information on existing-home sales, hot off the press. Massachusetts REALTOR® and broker-owner Dawn Ruffini joined us to chat mortgages, and up-to-date strategies for buyers and sellers. In addition, HSH.com Vice President Keith Gumbinger spoke to us about mortgage rates and how to qualify for a home loan. And for HOT or NOT, Melissa Dittmann Tracey looked back at the housing trends in 2022, and what will be HOT in 2023. For more, follow Real Estate Today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.2022-11-1830 minReal Estate TodayMaintenance Tips to Prep Your Home for the Winter SeasonLet’s get your entire home ready for the winter months! This Old House host Tom Silva tells us what we should be doing with regards to insulation, the roof, and eliminating drafts. North Carolina REALTOR® Audrey June-Forshey advises us on how to keep odors out of the home and how to maintain a pleasant home scent. Scotts MiracleGrow’s Ashton Ritchie also talks gardening, landscaping, and what the numbers on fertilizer bags indicate. We’ll also speak to Melissa Dittmann Tracey who reminisces on some throwback trends and confirms whether they are HOT or NOT now! For mor...2022-11-1129 minReal Estate TodayMaintenance Tips to Prep Your Home for the Winter SeasonLet’s get your entire home ready for the winter months! This Old House host Tom Silva tells us what we should be doing with regards to insulation, the roof, and eliminating drafts. North Carolina REALTOR® Audrey June-Forshey advises us on how to keep odors out of the home and how to maintain a pleasant home scent. Scotts MiracleGrow’s Ashton Ritchie also talks gardening, landscaping, and what the numbers on fertilizer bags indicate. We’ll also speak to Melissa Dittmann Tracey who reminisces on some throwback trends and confirms whether they are HOT or NOT now! For mor...2022-11-1129 minReal Estate TodayCommercial Real EstateLet’s switch gears and discuss commercial real estate! We’re talking to real estate professionals about the future of office buildings, massive shopping malls, condos, and warehouses. Michigan REALTOR® Bill Milliken discusses how office space in America looks at this point in time, and whether office skyscrapers will be converted into other properties. We also spoke to New York City broker and commercial real estate expert James Prendamano about investing in commercial property. In addition, Manager of Business Intelligence at Yardi Doug Ressler shared some upcoming commercial real estate trends. Last, but certainly not least, Melissa Dittmann Tracey expla...2022-11-0431 minReal Estate TodayCommercial Real EstateLet’s switch gears and discuss commercial real estate! We’re talking to real estate professionals about the future of office buildings, massive shopping malls, condos, and warehouses. Michigan REALTOR® Bill Milliken discusses how office space in America looks at this point in time, and whether office skyscrapers will be converted into other properties. We also spoke to New York City broker and commercial real estate expert James Prendamano about investing in commercial property. In addition, Manager of Business Intelligence at Yardi Doug Ressler shared some upcoming commercial real estate trends. Last, but certainly not least, Melissa Dittmann Tracey expla...2022-11-0431 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann Tracey5 DIY Tasks Home Inspectors Want You to STOP DoingEpisode 30: The pandemic ushered in a DIY craze, as homeowners armed with YouTube tutorials and power searches on Google went to work on their homes in high numbers. But they may have taken on more than what they should have in an effort to save money and bypass waiting on overbooked contractors. Home inspectors are now spotting homeowners’ not-so-handy work. Let’s head into the home inspection files to uncover the most common household tasks that inspectors say they’re spotting, and what could even jeopardize a sale of your home one day. Follow the Housing Muse @h...2022-10-2809 minReal Estate TodayBuying a Second Home in Today’s Real Estate MarketLet's explore second homes, short-term rentals, and the mortgage details you’ll need to know when it comes to buying a second home. Arizona REALTOR® Sindy Ready joins us to discuss how higher mortgage rates are affecting second home sales, while Michigan REALTOR® Beth Foley talks about the second home market in her area, and explains the rules of owning an Airbnb, Vrbo, or HomeAway properties. Last, but not least, we’ll reveal what’s HOT in smart-home tech with Melissa Dittmann Tracey.2022-10-2132 minReal Estate TodayBuying a Second Home in Today’s Real Estate MarketLet's explore second homes, short-term rentals, and the mortgage details you’ll need to know when it comes to buying a second home. Arizona REALTOR® Sindy Ready joins us to discuss how higher mortgage rates are affecting second home sales, while Michigan REALTOR® Beth Foley talks about the second home market in her area, and explains the rules of owning an Airbnb, Vrbo, or HomeAway properties. Last, but not least, we’ll reveal what’s HOT in smart-home tech with Melissa Dittmann Tracey.2022-10-2132 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyHome Sellers Are Liars!Episode 29: Ninety-four percent of homeowners admit to not disclosing property defects when selling their home. Home buyers then move in and uncover shoddy repairs and cover-ups. The percentage is alarmingly high, and particularly worrisome given that so many buyers recently waived their home inspection contingency to purchase a home in a competitive real estate market. Let’s dive in to what home sellers are lying about, and the potential repercussions for doing so. Stay tuned for part 2—coming soon! We’ll have more frightening stories in real estate and spotlight the red flags home inspectors are fin...2022-10-0712 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyDesigning Versailles: The Biggest House in AmericaThe interior designer behind the Siegels’ famous home, "Versailles," joins the Housing Muse to talk about designing the largest single-family home in the U.S. The home, belonging to socialite Jackie Siegel and billionaire David Siegel, has been featured on the Discovery-Plus series, “Queen of Versailles Reigns Again.” Hear from designer Kim Coombs, founder and president of KBCO Interior Design, as she walks us through the eclectic styles in designing this mammoth home, including that much-buzzed about purple dining room. Also, find out how to add luxury to your own home, even on a much smaller budget. Discov...2022-09-0827 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann Tracey6 Ways to Channel Barbiecore Home DesignFind out about the latest craze in home design: Barbiecore. The iconic doll is inspiring real-life Barbie Dreamhouses that can be used for anyone’s home. In this episode, hear how Barbie’s home is inspiring interior design and how to incorporate the trend in more tasteful ways beyond bubblegum pinks. You may be surprised to find at least one trend you’ll even be willing to try to jump on the hype! Read more about Barbiecore and see pictures at the Styled, Staged & Sold blog Or, read more about Melissa Dittmann Tracey’s Barbieco...2022-08-2610 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyChoosing the Perfect FlooringAre hardwoods still the trendiest choice? LVP’s (luxury vinyl planks)—a yay or nay? Heidi Steele, founder of Surface Resources, joins the Housing Muse Podcast to provide insights into the latest flooring trends, and tips on how to pick the best flooring with style, safety and sustainability in mind. Links & More Surface Resources HousingMuse.com 2022-07-2824 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThere's No Crying in Real Estate!But so many people are crying! A new survey shows that 50% of home buyers said the real estate process left them in tears. Here’s why and how we may be able to cheer them up. Follow @housingmuse on Twitter and Instagram. Visit housingmuse.com to listen to other episodes and view blog posts.2022-06-0813 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Best Paint Color for Every Room in the HouseOnly one good thing happened in 2020 … Sherwin-Williams brought us this paint color! Find out which color we’re loving as home stager and designer Krisztina Bell joins The Housing Muse to go room-by-room in offering up paint color ideas for the bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, kitchen and more. Make your home look like a million bucks with just a fresh coat of paint. (Royalty free music by Bensound.com) Follow Krisztina Bell on Instagram @krisztinabell and visit her website at Novacancy-atl.com View several of the colors mentioned and find a link to Krisztina’s top Sh...2022-05-2331 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann Tracey10 Ways You're Screwing Up Your Home's ValueEPISODE 23: Homeowners may be unintentionally hurting their home’s long-term value through their actions. You undoubtedly want your home’s value to grow. So, don’t stand in the way of making that happen! Listen in as the Housing Muse offers up 10 ways you could jeopardize your home’s value. New blog post alert at Housingmuse.com! 5 Home Design Trends Making a Comeback Follow The Housing Muse's Melissa Dittmann Tracey on Twitter or Instagram @housingmuse. Want to sponsor a Housing Muse Podcast episode? Email housingmuse@gmail.com for details. 2022-04-2720 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyStriking it Big in Real Estate: Yes, You!!!EPISODE 22: Hey, homeowners, have you noticed? It’s rainin’ money inside your home! Housing appreciation is in overdrive and equity is pouring in. There’s never been more homes valued at a million-or plus—you may be one of them if you hold on long enough! Join The Housing Muse on this latest episode to talk about the real estate market … the real and unreal. And guess what? The Housing Muse has a new website and blog! Bookmark it >>> Housingmuse.com NEW on The Housing Muse Blog! 10 Home Features to Boost Your Resale Value...2022-04-1218 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyQuiz! Test Your Home Design IQEPISODE 21: Listen to this fun, interactive quiz to see how cool and trendy you are when it comes to the latest home design trends. What is the hottest paint color of the year? Which surprising bathroom vanity color is seeing explosive growth? What furniture fabric choice is the latest must-have? And, are bathtubs—a yay or nay? Chime in with your guesses and find out what the surveys say. Follow The Housing Muse on Twitter and Instagram @housingmuse.2022-03-2216 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyHome Improvement Rescuer: HGTV Host Page TurnerEPISODE 20: When home renovations or housing flips go awry, Page Turner is the expert you want to call. The host of the new HGTV show, “Fix My Flip,” joins The Housing Muse Podcast to talk about rescuing home disasters. Turner also joins in for a “Lightning Round” on the latest home design trends. Find more information on Page Turner’s HGTV show, “Fix My Flip.” Follow The Housing Muse on Twitter and Instagram @housingmuse.2022-03-1517 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Housing Muse Podcast TrailerWelcome to The Housing Muse Podcast! Host Melissa Dittmann Tracey is an award-winning journalist who uncovers the latest home design and real estate trends--the good and the bad. Listen to this short teaser on what you can expect by following The Housing Muse Podcast. (*Royalty free music by Bensound.com)2022-03-0802 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyMoving the ParentsEPISODE 19: We’re all getting older and there may come a point when a house no longer fits your needs or a family member’s needs. Moving an aging parent, grandparent, or loved one can be stressful and cause tension in families when deciding the next steps. Mark and Rachel Healy, with the Senior Care Authority in Cincinnati, Ohio, share how “senior advisors” can help. (Royalty free music by Bensound.com) Seniorcareauthority.com / Mark and Rachel Healy with Senior Care Authority in Cincinnati Follow The Housing Muse on Twitter, Instagram @housingmuse2022-03-0127 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann Tracey12 Mind-Blowing Housing Stats That Will Make You Say 'What?!'EPISODE 18: Gasp. Jaw drop. And be utterly surprised along with The Housing Muse at some recent trends in the real estate market. Home buyers are willing to blow their budget by how much?! Housing equity is up by how much?! The top Googled bedroom color trend?! And the average mortgage amount is how high?! Follow The Housing Muse on Instagram and Twitter @housingmuse. (Royalty free music by Bensound.com; sound effects by Pixabay)2022-02-1516 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann Tracey'I Have Serious House Envy'EPISODE 17: We’re all trying to keep up with the Joneses. And the Joneses keep winning! Many people admit they’re taking on home improvement projects solely to impress others. They’re spending thousands of dollars to do it too! In this episode: Find out what top home improvement projects are being done just to make others jealous. The personality types of house envy. How to channel your house envy in more constructive ways. Follow The Housing Muse on Instagram and Twitter @housingmuse.2022-02-0114 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyQuiz Time! Get Smarter About Home MaintenanceEPISODE 16: Many homeowners say they regret buying their house just because of the chore of maintaining it. A lot of us are clueless when it comes to what checkups a home regularly requires to avoid costly repairs. Take a quiz to see just how home savvy you are! *Royalty free music by Bensound.com In this episode: How much do you think home experts suggest homeowners budget annually for home maintenance? How often should you replace your fire extinguisher? What is the most neglected appliance? (You’ll be shocked!) How often should you have your furnace and...2022-01-1417 min
The Amber Weitzer Podcast | Silhouettes of SuccessTHE AMBER WEITZER PODCAST | SILHOUETTES OF SUCCESS | MELISSA DITTMANN TRACEY | EPISODE 52Today, we are in for a fabulous episode with our VIP Featured Guest! She is a journalist, blogger, and podcaster who stays ahead of the latest real estate and home design trends. She is the creator of the home design and staging blog...Styled, Staged & Sold, which is ranked the #1 home staging blog by FeedSpot for the last four years and counting. You can also hear her weekly in a segment called “Hot or Not?” in home design that airs nationwide on the Real Estate Today radio show as well as a weekly podcast. She is also the host of T...2021-12-2935 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyLet’s Talk 2022 Home Design TrendsEPISODE 15: Home designer and stager Krisztina Bell joins The Housing Muse Podcast to talk about the hot trends expected to make a bigger splash in home design in the new year, from double kitchen islands, multifunctional spaces, to green colors everywhere and more. Find some trends you'll be tempted to try in your own home. (Royalty free music by Bensound.com) Follow Krisztina Bell, No Vacancy Home Staging, on Instagram @krisztinabell Follow The Housing Muse on Twitter and Instagram @housingmuse2021-12-2328 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyFrom Cousin Eddie's to Martha's: Hosting House Guests (Part 3, Home for the Holidays)EPISODE 14: What are the worst offenses of those who visit your home? Find out in this timely segment on hosting guests—or being one yourself—this holiday season. We'll break down three types of house guests—Cousin Eddie’s, Buddy the Elf’s, and Martha’s—and tell you how to prepare for each style of visitor who may be arriving on your doorstep this holiday season. Royalty free music by bensound.com ****The National Association of Realtors recently featured the Housing Muse Podcast on its blog. Check out the story by Catherine Mesick … 5 Questions for ‘The Housing...2021-12-0912 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Spot You're Forgetting to Decorate! (Part 2, Home for the Holidays)EPISODE 13: This very well could be the hottest holiday decorating trend of the year. Forget about festive front yard decor! Unleash your inner Clark Griswold style in this prime location in your home. You’ll be sure to bring some Yuletide smiles with this trend, and unlock—or should I say inflate!—a truly magical piece of the holiday spirit this season. *Royalty free music by bensound.com Follow The Housing Muse on Instagram and Twitter @housingmuse2021-12-0107 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyThe Perfect Centerpiece (Part 1, Home for the Holidays)EPISODE 12: Warm up your spaces and impress your guests this holiday season with the perfect tablescape. Megan Bestul and Stefanie Barraco, founders of the Center of It All in Detroit, Mich., offer up several ideas in how. Gather affordable ways to dress up your tables, the mistakes to avoid, and the answer to the biggest question this holiday season: To flock or not? View Megan and Stefanie’s creations at Center of It All: centerofitalldesigns.com Follow The Housing Muse on Instagram and Twitter @housingmuse to view photos and for more home design inspiration. ...2021-11-1627 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyHome Exterior MakeoversEPISODE 11: Choosing the right color and finishes on a home's exterior can be one of the most difficult and unforgiving aspects in home design. Learn the latest exterior home trends and how to give your home's outside a dramatic makeover. Matt Mosher, founder of Dzinly, joins the Housing Muse Podcast to offer a high-tech solution to finding the perfect colors and look for your home's exterior. (Royalty free music by Bensound.com) Visit Dzinly at: Dzinly.com View exterior home makeover photos: Follow The Housing Muse on Instagram and Twitter @housingmuse2021-11-0217 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyYour Top 5 Real Estate Fears...BUSTED!EPISODE 10: The housing market is operating in crazy mode ... sky-high home prices and fierce bidding wars. So, is it a good time to buy a home? Or to sell? Are we in a housing bubble? Is a foreclosure wave coming? In this special fright-filled Halloween episode, let's take on some of the most pressing fears about the housing market and help figure out your next move. Follow the Housing Muse on Instagram or Twitter @housingmuse2021-10-1814 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyOutfitting Today’s Modern Home OfficeEPISODE 9: A home office can be anywhere—whether you have a dedicated space, spare bedroom, or even just an empty closet! The Housing Muse catches up with Dave Adams with BDI Furniture to talk furniture trends. Get inspired to find more permanent solutions to makeover your work-from-home space. In this episode, we cover: Desk and chair trends & considerations Trendy standing desks—with health benefits! Multifunctional furniture that can help you create a home office when your home’s tight on space Tips on creating the new must-have for any home office: A “Zoom Room” Worst home office decorating...2021-10-0823 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann Tracey2021 Kitchen Trends ... with Krisztina BellEPISODE 8: Will trendy gray or blue kitchen cabinets age well? Should you go with granite or quartz for the countertops? What's going on with the lights ... greenery in pendants?! We talk the latest kitchen trends with home stager and designer Krisztina Bell. *Royalty free music from Bensound.com View some of the trends mentioned on this week's episode: 4 Simple Ways to Show Off the Kitchen Follow Krisztina Bell on Instagram @krisztinabell Follow the Housing Muse on Twitter and Instagram @housingmuse 2021-09-2119 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyHelp! My Open Floorpan Is Driving Me Nuts!EPISODE 7: Homes today have a serious noise problem. We’ve knocked down walls in opening up our floorpans and then covered our floors in hard surfaces, like hardwood flooring and ceramic tile. That has only amplified the sounds! All the noise may be making it impossible for you to work from home or find some peace and quiet. And if you have an introverted personality, you may be suffering the most! Stop hiding in the closet looking for quiet. Listen to tips from acoustic consultants—yes, there’s a such thing!—on how to quiet down the noises com...2021-09-0812 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyFix or Flop? 5 Epic DIY FailsEPISODE 6: “The Great American Remodel” has emerged since the pandemic. And as more homeowners spruce up their space, they’ve taken on more of these household updates themselves. But on certain home projects, DIY can be disastrous! Home design TV shows may be making these design overhauls look too easy and make homeowners feel overconfident in their own DIY skills. Save yourself some time, money and grief, listen to the five biggest DIY fails that homeowners have taken on since the pandemic. *Royalty free music by Bensound.com2021-08-2612 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceySurprising Paint Trends to Inspire Your Next Project, Part 2EPISODE 5: "Wall Wizard" Brian Santos offers up the perfect paint colors for each room in your house. Which trendy colors should you use in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, home office, or even for that challenging open floor plan? You'll gain some unexpected color ideas that can have a big impact. *Royalty free music provided by Bensound2021-08-2012 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceySurprising Paint Trends to Inspire Your Next Project, Part 1EPISODE 4: Learn painting tips and tricks from Brian Santos--a.k.a. "The Wall Wizard." Brian shares the latest trends that draw inspiration from the Roaring '20s. Listen how these bold choices can make a dramatic difference in elevating your home's style. *Royalty free music provided by Bensound2021-08-1308 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyHow to Use Color Psychology to Pick the Best Paint Color for Your HomeEPISODE 3: The best hues for your mood. Learn how science and psychological research can offer insight into paint and color choices in your home. Certain colors may lift your mood, make you more creative, or even more attentive to detail. In this segment, we break down the moodiness of a home's color schemes. *Royalty free music provided by Bensound. 2021-07-2709 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyTop 10 Worst Home Design Trends, 2021 EditionEPISODE 2: We’re counting down to the worst home design trends. Do you have some of these items in your home? If so, it's time to remove them NOW--particularly the number one offense. *Music courtesy Bensound.com2021-06-3009 min
The Housing Muse Podcast with Melissa Dittmann TraceyI Staged My Dog in Real Estate ... and It Worked!EPISODE 1: We’re letting the dogs out in the first episode of The Housing Muse Podcast. You may have heard about staging a home to better your chances of selling. But how about staging your dog to attract buyers? The pets are getting unleashed in real estate. Find out why. *Music courtesy Bensound.com 2021-06-2309 min