Welcome to Real Estate Today. This podcast begins as a syndicated radio program, available each week in more than three dozen cities across the U.S., and broadcast on American Forces Radio to 450 stations in 160 countries throughout the world.
Your host, Tom Kelly, has been a professional journalist for 31 years. He served The Seattle Times for 20 years, many as Real Estate Editor. Tom's weekly real estate column, now being syndicated nationally, is featured in The Los Angeles Times, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Oakland Tribune, Houston Chronicle, Rocky Mountain News, Louisville Courier, Sacramento Bee, Tacoma News Tribune, Reno Gazette-Journal and dozens of other newspapers.
Sun, 30 December 2007  Tax laws have changed in recent days and homeowners should revisit what might affect them. Join accountant Rob Keasal as he explains home deductions and the recent moves in the alternative minimum tax.Direct download: TAX_TIPS_-_ROB_KEASEL_12-30.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 3:50 AM |
Sun, 23 December 2007 Home insurance is a key part of homeownership – especially during the cold season. Join us for a candid look at what you can expect when making a home insurance claim.Direct download: OSNESS-KAPLOWITZ-HOMEOWNERS_INS._12-23-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 3:55 AM |
Sun, 9 December 2007 Should you give up on selling your home during the holidays because potential buyer thoughts might be elsewhere? What if your home always looks great at Christmas and you want to show it for sale? Join Countrywide’s Eric Aasness as he discusses homes for the holidays.Direct download: MARKETING_YOUR_HOME-OSNESS_12-9.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:10 AM |
Sun, 25 November 2007 How can the real estate purchase process change to ensure accountability? How will we know when local markets have rebounded? What group of buyers will spark the next buying frenzy? Join economist John Tuccillo for an interesting look at the housing picture.Direct download: REAL_ESTATE_MARKET_PREDICTONS-TUCCILLO__11-25-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 5:33 PM |
Sun, 18 November 2007 Should you only consider fixed-rate loans? Do you now have to have perfect credit before applying for a mortgage? Join Countrywide’s Eric Aasness as he explore today’s realistic loan options. |
Sun, 11 November 2007 What is the difference between a quit claim deed and a deed en lieu of foreclosure? What instrument should you use if you are realistically considering bankruptcy or foreclosure? Join attorney Bob Pittman for candid discussion on the best legal methods.Direct download: REAL_ESTATE_LEGAL-PITTMAN__11-11-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:41 AM |
Sun, 4 November 2007 For many new homeowners, the euphoria that comes with buying the perfect new house can soon turn into total panic. First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance their new home requires—not to mention the nasty problems and surprises that seem to be lurking around every corner (and in every wall). Author Sid Davis provides answers for common worries that plague every new owner.Direct download: MAINTAIN_YOUR_PROPERTY-DAVIS_11-4-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:14 AM |
Sun, 28 October 2007 What is the best way to build a rental portfolio? What do you look for in a rental property? Join Tom Hoban of Coast Management as he discusses the best way to get started in income properties.Direct download: REAL_ESTATE_INVESTING-HOBAN_10-28-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:04 AM |
Sun, 21 October 2007 Why are Americans choosing Mexico to live or retire? What kind of growth is expected from the American market for buying permanent or second homes in Mexico? Join Patti Kilpatrick who has trained real estate professionals and consumers for years on the pros and cons of living south of the border for a provocative discussion about our neighbor country to the south.Direct download: LIVING_IN_MEXICO-KILPATRICK_10-21-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 5:02 PM |
Sun, 14 October 2007 Don’t have the funds to buy a property you feel certain will appreciate over time? Real estate can be purchased with an Individual Retirement Account, and more consumers are taking advantage of self-directed IRAs all the time. Join David Nilssen, president and CEO of Guidant Financial Group, as he explains the guidelines behind “checkbook control� real estate IRAs.Direct download: REAL_ESTATE_IRAS-NILSON__10-14-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 9:48 PM |
Sun, 7 October 2007 Are all properties heading to an auction a desperate, last-resort attempt by the seller to dump a financial headache? What’s the difference between minimum bid and published reserve? Are there still bargains at auctions? What does it take to qualify as a buyer? Join Tim Reinertsen from Realty Marketing Northwest to learn the ins and outs of buying real estate at an auction.Direct download: BUYING_AT_AUCTION-RHINERTSON_10-7-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 3:39 AM |
Sun, 30 September 2007 What does property “flipping� mean? How are flippers received in a neighborhood? Can you really resell homes quickly in a “down� residential market? Join Nathaniel (Than) Merrill as he discusses ways to get into rehabbing houses.Direct download: INVESTING_IN_DOWN_MKT_-_MERRILL__9-30.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:33 AM |
Sun, 23 September 2007 Should you pay off your home mortgage as fast as you can? Is there a program that allows for liquidity when you make a lump-sum payment? How much in interest can you save by paying the mortgage off before its term? Jim Charles Nay and Drake Dornfield for a provocative discussion regarding prepayment options.Direct download: PAY_OFF_MTG_FASTER_-_NAY-DORNFIELD_9-23-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 11:59 PM |
Sun, 16 September 2007 Are those who served in the military reserves eligible for nothing-down loans insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs? Can you use your VA loan privileges more than once? What about VA loans for second homes? Join Vince Patton, director of community outreach for Military Advantage, in a helpful discussion on military housingDirect download: VA_HOME_LOANS-PATTON_9-16-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 5:52 PM |
Sun, 9 September 2007 Is a home equity loan the best way to finance a college education? If you have not contributed to college savings plan, what’s the best alternative? Do you need some budget tips for a child heading out the door to her first apartment? Join personal finance expert Ilyce Glink as she offers some terrific information about saving for education.Direct download: FINANCE_COLLEGE-GLINK_9-9-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 12:44 AM |
Sun, 2 September 2007 What, exactly, is home staging? If you cannot afford expensive furniture to help your home look great for an open house, what are some of the inexpensive ways to make your home look better than the other homes listed for sale? Join Jen Guyer and Leah Stahlsmith as they explain the art of home staging and help you get your home ready for market.Direct download: STAGING_HOMES-GUYER-STAHLSMITH_9-2.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 12:48 AM |
Sun, 26 August 2007 Today's log homes mean luxury and comfort in resort, retirement and vacation living. Find out how to select the right design, materials, and builder for your log home or timber frame home. Our guest is Jim Young, president of PrecisionCraft which offers a Total Log Home Solution.Direct download: LOG_HOMES-YOUNG_8-26-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 11:53 PM |
Sun, 12 August 2007 How do you find good renters? What are some ways landlords can better screen the people who apply to rent a unit? What must a landlord provide to a tenant who is turned down for a unit? Join attorney and author Janet Portman for a frank discussion about landlord-tenant issues.Direct download: PORTMAN-LANDLORD-TENANT_8-12-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 2:47 AM |
Sun, 5 August 2007 Real estate contracts, house trusts and purchase and sale agreements are covered in this general real estate law segment with attorney Bob Pittman.Direct download: PITTMAN_GENERAL_LEGAL_8-5-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 2:45 AM |
Sun, 29 July 2007 What has made Reverse Mortgages so popular among senior homeowners? What are the ways funds can be received? Is it wise to refinance a Reverse Mortgage? Jim Wells Fargo’s Cheryl Chapin for an informative discussion about the most talked-about financing vehicle today.Direct download: WELLS_FARGO_REVERSE_MTG_7-29-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 2:42 AM |
Sun, 22 July 2007 If you've got rental properties, you may have tax savings waiting to be claimed through chattel depreciation. What is chattel? Chattel is the carpet, cabinets, fixtures, appliances and much more inside your rental properties. Join Myles Mayfield for an informative discussion about depreciation and chattel on investment properties |
Sun, 15 July 2007 What is the tenant-in-common industry, or TIC? Does it make sense to pool funds with others to buy tax-deferred property? Is it safe? What are the questions to consider? Join attorney Tom Oldfield for a candid discussion about a popular new wrinkleDirect download: TENANTS_IN_COMMON_7-15-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 2:03 AM |
Sun, 8 July 2007 Is it still wise to consider a second home as an investment? What is the best way to attract good renters? Do owners really need a property manager or can they handle all the chores themselves? Join author Christine Karpinski as she helps clarify many of the questions second home owners are facing.Direct download: RENT_VAC_PROP_BY_OWNER_7-8-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 9:51 PM |
Sun, 1 July 2007 What do single women have to gain by buying a house on their own? What types of homes appeal to women, especially regarding safety? Ilona Bray is an attorney and co-author of "Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home." Join us for a candid discussion.Direct download: SINGLE_WOMEN_IN_MARKETPLACE_7-1-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 11:05 PM |
Sun, 24 June 2007 What makes a good recreational investment? Is it important to have a property manager help you with finding great renters? Join us for an interesting conversation about second homes and recreational properties featuring author and recreational property specialist, Christopher Cain.Direct download: RECREATIOAL_PROPERTY-KANE_6-17-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 11:04 AM |
Sun, 17 June 2007 What are the basics you need to prepare yourself for a home purchase and mortgage? Susan Martin of Countrywide home loans joins us to discuss an interactive learning center which includes comprehensive coverage of five topics: Basic Finance, How Credit Affects You, Preparing for Home Ownership, Steps for Buying a Home, and Life as a Homeowner. Direct download: COUNTRYWIDE_TOOLS-MARTIN_6-17-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 11:00 AM |
Sun, 10 June 2007 What’s the difference between a modular home and a prefab home? What homes still are towed to manufactured home parks? Does a custom, prefab home qualify for conventional financing? Join author Sheri Koones for an informative discussion on the state – and variety – of today’s prefab homes.Direct download: PRE-FAB_HOMES-KOONES_6-10-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:17 AM |
Sun, 3 June 2007 It's National Homeownership Month and lenders and agents are packaging consumer information to help the home buying process easier to understand. Join actor and author Suzanne Whang for some helpful tips on getting ready to buy a home. In a capsule, your attitude is the key.Direct download: HAPPY_HOME-BUYING_6-3-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:44 AM |
Sun, 27 May 2007 What, exactly, is building green? Does it make financial sense to consider "green" steps if you only will be living in your home for a short period of time? Join Ben Kaufman, specialist in listing and selling green homes, for a candid discussion. Direct download: BUILDING_GREEN-KAUFMAN_5-27-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:41 AM |
Sun, 20 May 2007 How does a first-time buyer enter an expensive market? Should you continue to rent, expecting prices in some markets to drop even more? Join first-time buyer specialist Ardell DellaLoggia for a frank discussion about what's possible for first-timers attempting to be owners. |
Sun, 13 May 2007 Is it difficult for an appraiser to find comparable sales in a down market? What is the appraiser's relationship with the lender making a loan on a house? What, exactly, constitutes market value? Join appraiser Bill King for a candid discussion of residential appraisals.Direct download: APPRAISALS_IN_DOWN_MARKET_5-13-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 9:27 PM |
Sun, 6 May 2007 How do you choose your first investment property? What should you expect from a property manager? Join income property specialist Tom Hoban for an interesting discussion about getting into the investment property game.Direct download: REAL_ESTATE_INVESTING_5-6-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 9:46 PM |
Sun, 29 April 2007 A home is typically the largest financial asset the average person owns. When a divorce enters the picture, only one spouse usually remains on the title. Do you refinance and cash out the spouse moving on? What instrument do you use? Join family law attorney Mike Fancher for a candid discussion on the home in a divorce.Direct download: DIVORCE_AND_THE_HOUSE_4-29-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 1:54 PM |
Sun, 22 April 2007 What are the most-asked questions tax-free exchange facilitators receive? What's new in the 1031 Exchange world? Can you exchange property out of a corporation? Join attorney Tom Oldfield for a candid conversation on one of the most valuable tools in real estate. |
Sun, 15 April 2007 When it comes to real estate, what kinds of things are people searching for online? Homes for sale by price? Neighborhoods? Schools? Advice? etc. What are the new, popular features emerging to make it easier for searchers to find the information they seek? Join online search specialist Larry Sivitz for an informative, useful discussion on "Searching for Real Estate Online."Direct download: SEARCH_REAL_ESTATE_ONLINE_4-15-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 2:33 PM |
Sun, 8 April 2007 What is a foreclosure rescue program? Are all of them scams? What are the questions to ask if you think you are being offered such a program? Join Rebecca Jacobsen, assistant Washington State Attorney General, for a candid discussion on foreclosure rescues.Direct download: FORECLOSURE_RESCUE-JACOBSEN_4-8-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 11:26 PM |
Sun, 1 April 2007 What, exactly, is a blog? How can consumers and real estate professionals benefit from blogs? Join blog expert Ardell DellaLoggia a she explains what makes a compelling real estate blog.Direct download: REAL_ESTATE_BLOGS_4-1-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 12:18 PM |
Sun, 25 March 2007 What charges on your home loan are tax deductible? Do the energy upgrades you just finished on your rental qualify for an extra credit from the IRS? How much mortgage interest can you really deduct from your home financing? Join us for Last Minute Tax Tips before the April tax deadline.Direct download: TAX_TIPS-KEASEL_3-25-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 12:14 PM |
Sun, 11 March 2007 How is the home handled when it comes to aging and the issue of Medicaid? Are there realistic strategies to consider when it comes to paying for elder care? Join certified senior advisor George Shipe for a candiddiscussion about your home and Medicaid. Direct download: MEDICARE-MEDICAID-SHIPE_3-18-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 7:31 PM |
Sun, 4 March 2007 What should you expect from a residential building inspector? Should you walk away from a deal of all he finds is negatives about the home you would like to buy? What about environmental concerns? Join building inspector Cris Ugles as he pinpoints some of his most-asked questions when examining a home. |
Sun, 18 February 2007 Reverse mortgages have become an important vehicle in the lives of many seniors. From health care to taxes, the need for home improvement or a grandchild's tuition, reverse mortgages now serve a growing variety of financial challenges. Wells Fargo recently introduced a new reverse mortgage product with lower interest rates.Direct download: WELLS_F._REV_MTG_2-18-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 8:27 PM |
Sun, 11 February 2007 What are federal regulators doing about the growing number of mortgage foreclosures? Have lenders gone too far to extend credit to consumers? Join Chuck Cross, Director of Special Projects with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors in Washington, D.C. for a candid discussion on home loan programs.Direct download: INVESTIGATING_YOUR_LOAN_2-11-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 8:22 PM |
Sun, 4 February 2007 Is there any merit in considering a 40-year mortgage on your home? What about a 50-year loan? Do "exotic" loans still have a place in the market, given the recent rise in defaults and foreclosures? Join Eric Aasness from Countrywide Home Loans for a candid discussion of home loan programs. |
Sun, 28 January 2007 How many credit cards is too many? Do the credit bureaus care if you ask to raise your credit limit? Join credit repair expert Michael Kahl as he explains what the credit bureaus are looking for in consumer spending habits.Direct download: REPAIR_YOUR_CREDIT_1-28-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 12:05 AM |
Sun, 21 January 2007 What's it like to live above a retail space? When did mixed-use projects really become accepted in the United States? Does the in-town lifestyle really cater to families? Join national developer Dell Loy Hansen, an expert in apartments and condominiums, as we explore "living above retail.''Direct download: DOWNTOWN_LIVING-HANSEN_1-21-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 3:38 AM |
Sun, 14 January 2007 Why is real estate research more popular than ever before? What companies are interested in residential information other than agencies that specialize in listing and selling homes? Join Mike Simonson, CEO of Altos Research, as we explore the topicDirect download: HOUSING_RESEARCH_1-14-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 4:08 AM |
Sun, 7 January 2007 Is the recreational market across the country softening like many residential markets? Is a ski-side condo still an emotional purchase? A great place for an investment? Join recreational property expert Russ McClellan for a candid discussion on why some markets continue to chug along.Direct download: INVESTMENT_PROPERTY_1-7-07.mp3 Category: Real Estate Today 2007 -- posted at: 11:43 PM |
