Shows
The Conscious CollaborationCollaborative Waves: Transforming Communities & Real EstateEver wondered how collaboration can transform not just business, but entire communities? In Episode 143 of The Conscious Collaboration, Lisa and Emily sit down with the inspiring Nicole Saunches, a real estate advisor and wellness advocate who’s making waves with her collaborative spirit.Nicole shares her journey from working with the US Olympic Committee to becoming a best-selling author in "The Girl boss Effect." Discover how her vision for investment co-ops could reshape the real estate landscape, making it accessible for all.We dive deep into the challenges of living in St. Petersburg, Florida, where Ni...2025-01-2940 min
Selling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE062: Housing Market UpdateIn this episode, I share some of the latest insights on the housing market, covering nationwide and local trends impacting buyers and sellers.
Key Highlights:
Nationwide Trends:
4 million real estate transactions in 2023, the lowest in three decades despite a 24% population increase since 1993.
Local Insights:
Pinellas County saw an 11% sales decrease, while St. Pete experienced a 6.4% decline year-over-year.
Impact of Interest Rates:
Rising rates have prompt homeowners to hold onto low pandemic-era rates, leading to pent-up demand.
Cash Purchases:
Nationwide, cash transactions hit a 10-year high, comprising one-third of...2024-03-0713 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE061: Establishing Business Credit vs. Corporate Credit: A Deep Dive into Financial Success for Business OwnersNicole Saunches from Coastal Properties Group engages in an insightful conversation with Angelic Williams, financial expert from J Galt Financial Suite, on the crucial topic of financial strategies for business owners. In this episode of Selling St Pete podcast, they explore the nuances between establishing business credit and corporate credit, shedding light on the advantages of securing corporate credit for business growth, and the significance of maintaining a clear separation between personal and business expenses.
Episode Highlights:
Distinguishing Business Credit and Corporate Credit:
Angelic Williams begins by demystifying the terms 'business credit' and 'corporate...2024-01-2526 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE060: Exploring the Shifting Tides of Real Estate: Insights from Attorney David Reider on Brokerage Relationships, Sitzer vs NAR, and Future Industry ChangesJoin us on the latest episode of Selling St Pete as we sit down with Pinellas County native and attorney David Reider from Berlin, Patten, Ebling. Discover how David's background as a real estate agent influences his role today and gain valuable insights into the various brokerage relationships realtors can establish with clients. Explore Berlin, Patten, Ebling's unique approach as both a title company and a representative in real estate transactions.
In a groundbreaking discussion, we delve into the aftermath of the Sitzer vs NAR class-action lawsuit, a recent decision favoring the plaintiffs, and its potential impact...2024-01-0438 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE059: Navigating Holiday Stress, A conversation with Kelly Abanda - Positive Intelligence Coach with Design Your DetourIn this episode of Selling St Pete, your host, Nicole Saunches, delves into the holiday season and how to navigate it with grace, focusing on mental well-being. Joining her is Kelly Abanda, a Positive Intelligence Coach with Design Your Detour, as they explore strategies to avoid the top 3 mistakes that often lead to increased stress during this festive time.
Nicole and Kelly set the stage by discussing the common stressors people face during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. Additionally, they introduce the concept of Positive Intelligence, otherwise known as PQ. Positive Intelligence refers...2023-12-1649 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE058: Navigating the Shifting Tides of Real Estate, a mortgage expert's insightIn this episode, I chat with Frank Gemma with Caliber Home Loans. He explains why sellers may want to consider offering a credit vs. a price reduction when selling their home.
With interest rates in the 7-7.5% range, many home are staying on the market longer and some buyers are seeing a decrease in their buying power due to higher interest rates. A seller credit will have a bigger impact in reducing a buyer's mortgage than a price reduction of the same amount.
Sellers will pay a little more (and net a little less) when...2023-12-0745 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE057: Inside the transaction - Learn how Joanna was able to attain home ownership and overcome barriers previously facedIn this episode, Nathan and I speak with Joanna - a mutual client of ours who previously had been unsuccessful in attempting to purchase a home. When I met her in 2022, she mentioned that she would like to purchase a home eventually, but had some things she needed to sort out first. Throughout our discussion, it became clear that most of the obstacles and barriers she mentioned could be overcome with the loan product that Nathan Willis and I discussed in the previous episode, episode 056. I suggested to Joanna that if she really wanted to purchase a home, she...2023-11-2920 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE056: Don't let the down payment be your obstacle to home ownership. Nathan Willis with Southstate Bank speaks about a loan with 100% financing, no PMI AND credit for closing costsNathan Willis with Southstate Bank joins me again (previously featured on Episode 44) and this time we are discussing a loan geared towards first-time homebuyers.
Originally from Springfield, MO, the Southwest Missouri State graduate transitioned from corporate sales into the mortgage industry approximately 20 years ago.
Nathan's father was a contractor and he was familiar with the real estate industry. He enjoys being able to help his clients achieve home ownership.
In this episode, Nathan answers the following questions:
What is the biggest misconception buyers face right now?
How is the...2023-11-2331 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE055: With interest rates hovering around 7%, is now a good time to buy a home? Jason Williams talks with Nicole Saunches about where the opportunities are for buyersThe market has slowed considerably since the pandemic frenzy. Since then, interest rates have eclipsed 8% and exceed 7%. These rates may seem astronomical following the historically-low rates we saw in 2020 and 2021. And, yet, the current interest rates hover near the median interest rate since 1975 (7.14%) and far lower than the 18.63% rates experienced 1981.
For buyers who are looking to make a purchase, Jason Williams with Guild Mortgage speaks about where the opportunities are and why making a purchase still can be a great investment despite the current interest rates.
If you would like to speak...2023-11-1635 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE054: Thank you for your service. VA Loans and why they are the best options for service members, veterans and surviving spouses.In this episode, I speak with Andi Menaul with Motto Mortgage Impact. Andi and I share many passions, one of which is working with and helping service members and veterans. We both have histories of working with service members and veterans prior to entering the real estate in our respective roles. We chat about how the VA loan is different from other loans such as FHA, conventional, jumbo and portfolio loan products; we discuss the eligibility requirements and some additional benefits veterans with disabilities are eligible for. We also discuss the possibility of using a VA loan to refinance...2023-03-2320 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE053: With interest rates on the rise, is now a good time to buy?In this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks with Alexa Price of the Price Mortgage Group at Go Mortgage. Born and raised in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Alexa was raised in a family with deep roots in the real estate industry. She has been in the mortgage industry since 1995 and has a wealth of knowledge. Alexa and the Price Mortgage Group are backed by Go Mortgage, an innovative mortgage company that offers a variety of tools.
As the market conditions shift from an incredibly fast-paced market towards a normal market following the pandemic, Nicole and Alexa discuss whether or not it...2023-02-2331 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE052: Condo, Coop, Villa or Townhome...what's the difference???In this episode, I talk about the difference between a condominium, coop, townhome and villa. Additionally, I outline the documents sellers should provide to buyers when purchasing a condominium or coop. It is important for sellers to provide buyers with those documents as soon as possible because buyers have a three-day rescission period when requesting the documents in writing.
When buying a condo, you should receive the following documents from the seller: a current copy of the declaration of condominium, Articles of Incorporation of the association, Bylaws and Rules of the association, FAQs and a copy of th...2023-02-0921 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE051: Business Banking with Tiffany StreetIn this episode, I discuss business banking with Tiffany Street and why it is important for business owners, especially entrepreneurs to open a business bank account when they establish their business.
Additionally we discuss:
what documentation a business owner needs to do to start up a business account
how a business owner's personal finances, credit and income impact the business' bank account
what is required to secure a business credit card and/or utilize other products available, such as a loan, line of credit, equipment loan, business real estate loan, etc
Programs available for business owners...2023-02-0224 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE050: A Discussion with Kelly Abanda on the Power of Community and CollaborationIn this episode of the Selling St Pete podcast, I chat with Kelly Abanda, founder of the Biz Bestie Lounge, on the power of community and collaboration. Kelly shares with listeners her journey from the Midwest, to LA, to a 4-year global road trip, and what led her to relocate to St Petersburg in the summer of 2022.
Along the way, she learned powerful and valuable lessons that gave her the confidence to take the leap and start her own business.
I didn't realize how many entrepreneurs reside in St Petersburg, Florida until I became one mys...2023-01-1938 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE049: State of the Market...What to Expect in 2023In this episode of the Selling St Pete podcast, I provide a market update with nationwide and local data. The presentation utilized in this episode was prepared by Brian Buffini, the National Association of Realtors and the Florida Realtors Association.
As I mentioned in the podcast, real estate is hyperlocal. If you would like to receive a market update specific for your neighborhood, community or subdivision, please email me at nicole@nicolesaunches.com with the subject line: Personalized Market Update and I will prepare a report specific to your community. Additionally, if you would like to track you...2023-01-0530 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE048: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of CureIn this episode of the Selling St Pete podcast, I have recorded my most personal episode yet; I am speaking with Margaret Wright from an Ounce of Prevention about health and wellness and the role nutrition and supplements play in optimal living.2022-12-0136 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE047: Talking Title with Leah Negri, The importance of title insurance and reading your title commitmentIn this episode, Nicole Saunches interviews Leah Negri, General Manager of Platinum National Title. For Leah, this is a family affair as she and her mother manage Platinum National Title and between the two of them have more than 50 years of experience in the title industry!
Leah and Nicole speak about the importance of title insurance and why it is critical to store your title insurance policy in a safe space. Additionally, they discuss how a defect in the title, also known as a cloud in the title, can delay and/or derail a transaction. They discuss exam...2022-08-251h 09Selling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE046: Nutrition with KC, Founder of the Feel Good FormulaIn this episode, Nicole speaks with KC Kephart - a functional medicine nutritionist, Board Certified health coach and founder of the Feel Good Formula. They discuss:
Why she chose to specialize working with women who have autoimmune diseases
the definition of autoimmune diseases are
the most common symptoms women with autoimmune diseases experience
the connection between autoimmune diseases and leaky gut syndrome
some of the biggest lifestyle habits and contributing factors for developing autoimmune diseases
how dietary choices can play a role in alleviating the symptoms for autoimmune disease
how to access her course, The Feel Good Formula f...2022-08-1847 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE045: Mid-Year Market UpdateIn this episode, I am joined by Mike Romano with Thrive Mortgage. We discuss:
the difference between a buyer's market and a seller's market
the rapid increase in interest rates in 2022
an historic view of interest rates in the last 50 years
the pace of new construction and how that plays a role in the inventory
we look at data points for several categories all the way back to 2008 to see how the market during the 2008-2009 crash compares to the market when the pandemic began to today's market
If you would like to connect with Mike, you c...2022-07-1432 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE044: 100% Physician Loans with No PMIOn this episode, I'm joined by Nathan Willis with South State Bank and we will be discussing South State's Physician Loan. This portfolio product offers medical doctors (MD), doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), dentists, and veterinarians who possess a 700+ credit score with a 100% loan to value mortgage up to $750,000, a 95% loan to value mortgage up to $1M for applicants with a 720+ credit score, and loan from $1M to $2M with a 720 credit score and just 10% down. All of these loans are available without private mortgage insurance (PMI) resulting in big savings for the borrower.
These loans are ava...2021-01-2117 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE043: How these 3 features can help homeowners save on their property taxesHave you recently purchased a property in Florida? Did you have a homestead exemption on your previous home? Did you move less than two years ago?If you answered yes to these questions, did you or are you planning to apply for the portability benefit? If not, you may be leaving money on the table.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Save our Homes cap, portability benefit, homestead exemption, and additional exemptions residents of Florida may be eligible for and how these elements can save homeowners money on their property taxes when compared to homeowners who...2021-01-1432 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE042: All about Property Taxes - how they are calculated and how you can lower your property taxesIn this episode, Nicole Saunches explains how property taxes are calculated in Pinellas County, including what variables impact property taxes, how exemptions and valuation caps are administered, how the taxing authorities set their budgets each year and how homeowners can work with the property appraiser's office to ensure their property values are fair and accurate.
I think this is an important conversation because buyers assume when they purchase their home that their property taxes will be similar to the taxes the current homeowner is paying and in some cases that couldn't be further from the truth.
2020-12-1837 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE041: An Up-Close Look at Closing Costs, What to Expect and How You Can SaveIn this episode, I discuss customary closing costs for buyers and sellers in a residential real estate transaction. O break down the costs customary for sellers and for buyers as well as some differences in closing costs when buying new construction. Additionally, I offer several ways to potentially save money at closing. I hope this episode has been informative and useful for you. If you think so, please consider leaving a review or sharing with someone who could use the information. Thanks for listening!2020-12-1030 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE040: Will the presidential election have an impact on the real estate market?In this episode of the Selling St. Pete podcast, we examine whether or not we can expect the outcome of the presidential election to have an impact on the real estate market.
In a year filled with adversity, the real estate market has actually been a bright spot with strong sales - so strong in fact, they are the most since 2005 in February, July, September and October.It’s quite possible we would have had more months had we not experience massive economic shutdowns due to the pandemic.
I believe sales in Pinellas County and the Greater Tampa Bay area wi...2020-11-1310 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE039: Home Monitoring Services While You’re AwaySeveral years ago Sean Doyel was looking after his friend's home while he was away. On one of his inspections, Doyel encountered a pipe that had burst in the ceiling and had caused approximately $75,000 in damage to the property. The homeowner filed a claim with his insurance company and the claim was denied. The homeowner went to court to try and compel the insurance company to pay for the damages and Doyel was brought in as a character reference.
The suit was dismissed because the magistrate determined there wasn't adequate proof of inspections and that Doyel lacked the...2020-10-2220 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE038: Give Home ownership a test drive with this innovative Lease with Right to Purchase programAre you looking for a Lease with a Right to Purchase? Are you looking for transparency, choices, value, control and flexibility?
-Transparency: Upon entering this program, you are given the monthly lease and purchase price informaiton each year for up to five years so you can plan for the future
-Choices: This investment firm provides access to the MLS listings in the communities they serve, expanding your selection to all qualifying homes for sale
-Value: The investment first uses their skill to purchase the home you want, providing you with an affordable lease and a pre-set purchase price each year...2020-10-1515 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE037: How to make your offer stand out in a multiple offer situationIn this episode, we talk about what buyers can do to write a compelling offer that captures the seller’s attention in a multiple offer situation. My top three tips are:
1) Show you are qualified, and are the best candidate, to purchase the home
2) Find out what's important to the seller and include it in your offer, and conversely, do not include the seller's non-negotiables in your offer
3) Write your best offer - you may not have the chance to counter your offer and you only have one chance to make a great fir...2020-10-0824 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE036: Mid-Year Market Update, Has COVID-19 had an impact on the real estate marketIn this episode, we take a look at Brian Buffini’s mid-year real estate report and compare the national numbers in that report to what is happening here locally in Pinellas County. Following this episode, I will be taking a brief hiatus to re-Group and will resume with new episodes in October. I would love to know if you have topics that you would like to request or have questions that you would like answers to. You can reach me via email at nicole@nicolesaunches.com or call or text me at 719-201-5022. Thank you so much for listening, vi...2020-09-1725 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE035: Searching for your dream homeOn this episode of the Selling St Pete podcast, I share why I am a fan of the Homesnap app. This mobile application can be downloaded on mobile phones or can also be accessed via the web at www.homesnap.com. Outlined below and in this episode are all the reasons I am a fan of the Homesnap app.
Homenap offers a national search portal
Homesnap is syndicated with all of the multiple listing services and will immediately alert you to new listings, price changes, and any other market updates in the zip codes you want to watch.
Home...2020-08-2829 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE034: Condo Financing with Nathan WillisIn this episode, I speak about the nuances of condo financing with Nathan Willis of CenterStage Bank.2020-08-1326 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE033: Discussing Holistic Ways of Managing Stress and Boosting Immunity with Dr Nyree Abdool.2020-07-2336 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE032: Know Your Rights...A discussion about Fair Housing for allIn this episode, I'm joined by Paul Valenti and Jeffrey Lorick from the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights and we are going to be talking about Fair Housing. A few months ago, I attended a training these gentlemen put on at my realtor board, the Pinellas Realtor Organization. The training was about how implicit bias can have an impact on Fair Housing laws. The training was one of, if not the best, training I have experienced in my real estate career.
In light of the recent events across our nation as it relates to COVID-19 as wel...2020-07-0940 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE031: To Build or Not To BuildTo build or not to build - that is the question for this episode of the Selling St. Pete podcast. Today we’re going to be talking about new construction.
When it comes to buying a new home, a buyer may opt for a newly constructed home over an existing home, especially in a market that is expanding rapidly. In this episode, we’re going to take a high-level overview of new construction. We’ll be looking at factors to consider when deliberating between purchasing an existing home or new construction. We'll discuss the difference between tract, spec and...2020-07-0220 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE030: Is a pocket listing the best option for you?On this episode of the Selling St. Pete Podcast, I'm joined by Susan Vaughn a fellow real estate advisor with me at Coastal Properties Group, Christie's International Real Estate and today's topic is pocket listings.
Our definition of pocket listing is: a property where a broker holds a signed listing agreement with the seller, whether that be an Exclusive Right to sell or Exclusive agency" but which is never advertised publicly or published to multiple listing service (MLS) members.
It's important to note that a pocket listing is not the same as a For Sale B...2020-06-1838 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE029: Is your money managing you or are you managing your money? Let Lori show you the joys of #LifeAfterDebtIn this episode, we talk about debt and financial literacy with Lori Elliott of Prosperity Solutions Group (PSG). Lori has spent the majority of her career in finance. About four years ago, Lori and her husband Tom co-founded PSG. The company is chartered to provide consumers and business owners with financial literacy as well as methods to become debt-free and build wealth. In fact, in many cases she can help you eliminate debt in a fraction of the time - often in 1/3 or 1/4 of the bank or lender's timetable.
PSG offers self-paced online courses and Selling St. P...2020-06-1154 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE028: In Hurricane season, preparation is key.Hurricane season is officially underway and today we're going to be talking about buying and selling during hurricane season. On this podcast, I have been joined by Frank Gemma with Caliber Home Loans and Tracy Baer with Northshore Insurance.
Weather experts are predicting an active hurricane season with above-normal activity this year. In fact, we have already had three named storms so far. But this year brings added considerations as we are also dealing with COVID-19 and must also take additional provisions and guidelines into consideration.
Below are some tips from the National Weather Service and...2020-06-0441 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE027: Fun Family activities you help quarantine fly by & looking at Florida’s Plan for Recovery.2020-05-2116 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE026: Are you struggling financially due to COVID-19 restrictions? Here are some resources you may be able to tap in to.In this episode, we chat with Chris Boss with Boss Law in St. Pete to discuss resources that people can tap into if they are struggling financially due to COVID-19.
To apply for the Payment Protection Program (PPP loan), you need to apply with a bank (and you must have an account open with the bank 48 hours prior to the application).
The federal government has contributed a $600/week kicker for unemployment benefits in addition to the potential $275/week from the State of Florida. Independent contractors due qualify for the $600/week benefit from the federal government.
To file for the Economic...2020-05-0745 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE025: Is your realtor representing you?Real estate laws vary from state to state and an important question to ask when hiring your real estate agent is how you will be represented in the transaction.
As discussed in this episode, there are three different relationships a customer can have with their real estate agent In the state of Florida.
Listed below are the duties of the agent in each relationship.
A Transaction Broker provides you a limited form of representation that includes the following duties:
Dealing honestly and fairly;
Accounting for all funds;
Using skill, care, and diligence in...2020-04-1616 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE024: Preparing to sell or want to refresh your home with a makeover?In this episode, Nicole Saunches interviews Cathy DiLeo with DiLeo Design and Staging.2020-04-1055 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE023: Facilitating Real Estate Transactions in the ERA of Social Distancing ERAIn this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks with Nicole Hayes, also known as Escrow Nico, from Coast to Coast Title & Escrow. COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus has caused a massive shift in the way we live and work as we all adjust to this new era of social distancing. And, though the real estate industry is still deemed an essential business in Florida and we are able to continue facilitating transactions, we too are having to adjust to working remotely or making modifications to the way we run our businesses. Fortunately, recent legislation and technology allows us to continue most...2020-04-0230 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE022: Nicole Saunches & Justin Kelly discuss recent real estate changes due to the global pandemicIn this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks with Justin Kelly of VanDyk Mortgage about the recent changes in the real estate industry in the midst of the current global health crisis. The events of the last few weeks have created a lot of uncertainty and unprecedented measures have been taken to attempt to slow down this global pandemic. And, while a lot of people have lived through wars, challenging recessions and instability previously, it’s fair to say that no one has experienced an event like this where. Health crisis has effectively shutdown so many industries in a short period of ti...2020-03-2640 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE021: Coronavirus - what to know and what you can do to protect yourselfOn today's episode, we're discussing the Coronavirus. I thought it was important to do so for several reasons:
Though state officials say the threat to the public remains low, public interest in learning about the disease is high - in particular, who is most at risk and how to prevent it from spreading
Overnight the first two cases for Pinellas County were reported bringing the number of cases in Tampa Bay to 6 - 2 in Pinellas County, 2 in Hillsborough County, 1 in Pasco County and 1 in Manatee County
Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade C...2020-03-1212 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE20: Talking Personal Safety and Self Defense with Dan Miller of Tactical DefenseOn this podcast, I am joined by Dan Miller of Tactical Defense and we are talking about about personal safety and self defense.
Dan has a love for and training in several martial arts. And, while he has a passion as a martial artist and had a lot of training in the martial arts and self-defense, he came to the realization that the technical skills he had learned didn't necessarily translate to what actually happens in a physical altercation. His research on self-defense led him to discover a gentleman by the name of Tony Blauer and his system entitled Blauer...2020-03-0521 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE019: Building Wealth by Creating, Buying & Selling Private and Promissory NotesIn this episode, with are once again joined by Megan Galane with Mountain West IRA and she shares with us one of her wealth building strategies - the utilization of private and promissory notes.2020-02-2735 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE018: Buyer (and Seller and Homeowner) Beware! A discussion on the use of surveillance devicesIn this episode,2020-02-2013 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE017: Protecting your Home and your family’s financial futureIn this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks with Oliver Gray from New York Life about how to protect your home and your family’s financial future. In the U.S., 7 out of 10 households are dependent on two incomes. What would happen to your loved ones if you were to die prematurely, become disabled or critically ill, and your income suddenly disappeared? Would they be able to continue to make the mortgage payment without difficulty and stay in your home?2020-02-1326 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE016: 2020 Market Outlook and New Loan Limits for FHA, Conventional and VA LoansIn this episode, Nicole Saunches discusses the 2020 Real Estate Market Outlook with Chris Musto from Guaranteed Rate.
Many people are approaching this year anticipating a recession, however, times have changed and there are quite a few differences between the years that led up to 2008 and the real estate crash and today that may ease these concerns.
At the end of 2019, the U.S. jobless claims were at a 50-year low. And, we're seeing the same in Florida. A recent article in the Tampa Bay Times reported that the state's unemployment rate dropped to a record-low 3% (the low...2020-02-0634 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE015: Is Offerpad, Opendoor, Redfin, etc the best choice for me? Maximizing the profit in your saleIn this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks with Ryan Thompson of Total Title Solutions regarding the pros and cons of iBuyers.2020-01-2348 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE014: Downsizing with Distinction, Enlarging your Lifestyle by Moving to a Smaller ResidenceFor many decades, Florida has been the destination for retirees and empty nesters. And, who can blame them? The Sunshine State provides and abundance of sunshine, beautiful beaches and a variety of activities to partake in.
I’ve noticed in my nearly five years as a real estate advisor that our industry devoted more attention towards encouraging and guiding first-time home buyers and those moving up to larger homes than it does in effectively addressing the needs of those seeking to ‘right-size’ or downsize their home-related lifestyle. Which is why I have put together a free report entitle...2020-01-1615 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE013: Need more options in a tight inventory? Steve Kelly explains how a renovation loan can helpIn this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks with Steve Kelly of All Western Mortgage about renovation loans.2019-12-2553 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE012: Discussing Value and Appraisals with Valucentric’s John BarceloIn this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks about appraisals and the appraisal process with John Barcelo of Valucentric.
For customers looking to secure a mortgage, it is good to know what an appraisal is and what is involved with the process. For consumers who haven't purchased or sold a property in the last several years, the regulations surrounding appraisals has changed quite a bit as a result of the real estate crash and nefarious practices by professionals in the real estate industry.
For cash buyers, appraisals and an appraisal contingency can be a great tool to ens...2019-12-1950 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE011: Thinking of Selling? Here are my Six Steps to a Successful SaleIn this episode, Nicole Saunches outlines the six steps she takes to ensure a successful sale for her clients and to build and maintain a successful business by referral.2019-12-1231 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE010: Ready to buy a new home? Here are my Six Steps to a Successful PurchaseIn this episode, Nicole Saunches walks you through her six step process for helping buyers find their dream home.2019-11-2822 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE09: Megan Galane, Mountain West IRA, discusses buying investment properties with self-directed IRAIn this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks with Megan Galane from Mountain West IRA about utilizing a self-directed IRA to purchase investment properties or other alternative assets. Nicole felt it was important to record this episode because 1) a lot of people don’t know about self-directed IRSa; 2) a lot of people don’t know you can buy investment properties and alternative assets with a self-directed IRAs; and 3) to speak with someone who has a great deal of knowledge on the topic. And as a Certified IRA Services Provider (CISP), Megan is uniquely qualified. In this episode, Nicole and Megan discuss the diff...2019-11-2144 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE08: Looking to finance a luxury home? Chris Musto reveals Guaranteed Rate’s variety of Jumbo LoansIn this episode, Nicole Saunches interviews Chris Musto, Vice President of Mortgage Lending with Guaranteed Rate. When it comes to luxury homes, Guaranteed Rate is the #1 lender for jumbo loans and Coastal Properties Group, Christie’s International Real Estate is the #1 brokerage in Pinellas County for luxury sales, in particular waterfront sales and properties over $1M -- which makes the two a perfect pairing.
Chris also provides his top 3 tips for buyers. Additionally, Nicole and Chris also talk about St. Pete and the growth the city is experiencing, how recent tax changes have increased migration to Florida as w...2019-11-1427 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE07: Insurance - Tracy Baer with Northshore Insurance talks about securing proper coverageIs your home or property properly insured? When was the last time you shopped for a new homeowners insurance policy or compared your rate? Are you insured for the current value of your home? Insurance carriers do renew their dwelling values and increase them accordingly. It’s important to make sure you are not under insured.
In this episode, Nicole Saunches interviews Tracy Baer with North Shore Insurance. Tracy explains how insurance companies utilize information in the 4-point inspection to determine a property's eligibility for coverage. Additionally, we discuss how a wind mitigation report can provide homeowners with discounts on the...2019-11-0745 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE06: An Inside Look at Home Inspections with Christine Shelton from Shelton Home InspectionIn this episode, Nicole Saunches interviews Christine Shelton with Shelton Home Inspections. For most people buying a home is the largest investment and a home inspection is an inexpensive way to investigate the condition of a home. What is a home inspection? A home inspection is a systems and components inspection and giving a prospective buyer (or seller) the condition of a home.
In addition to a home inspection, many customers also choose to include a 4-Point Inspection, Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection (also known as a pest inspection or termite inspection) and to get a Wind Mitigation report.
4-Point inspection, an...2019-10-3128 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE05: How to get the most out of your home warranty plan - Brian Brown, Old Republic Home ProtectionIn this episode, Nicole Saunches interviews Brian Brown with Old Republic Home Protection to discuss why a buyer, seller and/or homeowner would be interested in purchasing a home warranty.
Below are the top reasons in favor of purchasing a home warranty plan:
Home Warranty plans can help offset or protect against unexpected costs of a major repair (Statistically, homeowners have a major repair in their first year of ownership 68% of the time)
Provide peace of mind, especially for homeowners who are not handy with repairs
Provide reliable tradesmen who carry at least $1M insurance policy
2019-10-2437 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE04: Talking Title with John Ricker from Baxter Title: The role of a title company in a transactionReal estate laws vary from state to state. Some states require the use of an attorney to facilitate a transaction. Florida is not an attorney state and transactions can be facilitated by title companies. In this episode, Nicole Saunches talks with John Ricker from Baxter Title about the role of the title company in a real estate transaction.2019-10-1734 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE03: Discussing VA Loans and Dispelling the Myths with Ray Rau of VanDyk MortgageIn this episode, Nicole Saunches speaks with Ray Rau of VanDyk Mortgage about obtaining and utilizing VA Loans.
This summer the Department of Veterans Affairs celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the GI Bill, which created the VA Home Loan Benefit. And, this summer in Washington, DC the VA honored the recipient of the 24 millionth VA home loan since the benefit's inception 75 years ago.
Additionally, we dispel 10 myths surrounding VA loans.
If you would like to speak with Ray Rau about obtaining a home loan, you can reach him by phone at 727-512-0497 or...2019-10-1036 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE02: Talking Credit Restoration and Dispelling Credit Myths with Dr. Arnold BogertyIs your credit score costing you? In this podcast, Nicole Saunches and Arnold Bogerty discuss credit, the make-up of your credit score and dispel some credit myths. Did you know the rates you pay for insurance are based on your credit score? As are the rates you pay on interest-bearing loans. If your FICO score is less than a 750, you are paying higher interest rates and sometimes overpaying significantly.
Also - do you know your credit score changes based on the inquiry. Consumers have different scores for car loans, mortgages, consumer credit, insurance, etc. And - it's import...2019-10-0332 minSelling St Pete with Nicole SaunchesE01: Welcome to the Selling St Pete Podcast!Nicole Saunches introduces herself and tells you what you can expect to hear on future episodes and gives you a sneak peek to an upcoming episode.2019-09-1407 min