Be Real: The Maryland Real Estate Podcast

By: Michael Becker and Brad Cox
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  • Summary

  • Be Real, The Maryland Real Estate Podcast, brings you timely, accurate information and advice about buying and selling residential real estate, mortgages and mortgage interest rates, the economy, and the Maryland real estate market (and beyond). ​It's time to be real about real estate. Hosted by Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage, and Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate.
    2023
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Economics Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Episode 24 - Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know

    Episode 24 - Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know
    Jul 14 2023
    Episode 24 (Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know):   In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending.    In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest - Tim Shotzberger of Homeland Environmental. We discuss the ins and outs of buying, selling, and owning a property with well and septic. It's a deep subject, but hopefully we dispel some myths and concerns.   In this week's The Unreal, we talk about how you water bill can raise your property tax bill, and what to look out for.    In The Spotlight we feature Golden West Cafe in Hampden! A little Southwest and a little Wild West. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Elvis Pancakes! They're on Instagram at @goldenwestcafe, or call them at (410) 889-8891, or find them on the web at www.goldenwestcafe.com. Check them out!   Episode Highlights The episode where the guys were efficient (we're under an hour this time!)Special guest: Tim Shotzberger, Homeland Environmental[00:01:57] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages)[00:06:30] Brad has hair envy because of @logan_mohtashami[00:07:55] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate)[00:09:30] Some thoughts on why showing activity has diminished[00:12:57] THE SCOOP (Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know)[00:13:40] Apologies for the Dad Jokes[00:15:00] If you've never lived on a property with well and septic...[00:16:27] What are the key considerations when buying a property with well and septic?[00:18:10] What are the legal/licensing requirements in Maryland for well and septic work?[00:20:00] What are the costs of these inspections?[00:21:45] What are the advantages/disadvantages of well and septic versus a municipal water supply and sewer system?[00:23:38] What tests/inspections should you get?[00:25:50] What kind of red flags should you watch out for?[00:28:10] Kudos to the folks at the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (if you have questions about well and septic in Baltimore County, reach them at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/environment/)[00:30:25] What are the maintenance requirements for well and septic systems?[00:33:00] What is the expected lifespan for well and septic systems?[00:35:55] How can you determine the size and capacity of your systems?[00:37:50] What's the process for putting a new well and septic system installed?[00:39:13] What do sellers need to do to get the system ready when you decide to sell?[00:40:20] Common mistakes buyers and sellers make about well and septic[00:44:50] Final thoughts on these systems[00:46:23] THE UNREALDid you know your water bill can make your property tax bill increase?[00:52:17] THE SPOTLIGHTGolden West Cafe in Hampden![00:55:20] Final thoughts Next episode - Downsizing: When Less Can Be More Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 Michael.Becker@spmc.com (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker  Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 Brad@HomesByVesta.com (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/  Our Guest Tim Shotzberger, Homeland Environmental (443) 995-5385 (office) https://www.homelandhealthyhomes.com Links Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod
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    59 mins
  • Episode 23 - Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips

    Episode 23 - Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips
    Jun 28 2023
    Episode 23 (Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips):   In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending.    In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest and insurance broker - Jeff Nengel of Baystate Insurance Group. We discuss the importance of having the proper coverage when buying a home, and some tips on what to consider when choosing an insurance policy.    In this week's The Unreal, we talk about some good news! Do you know what asset class now eclipses the value of the S&P 500 and in fact that of all US public companies?    In The Spotlight we feature Maggie's Farm in Hamilton! Farm to table with super fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. They're on Instagram at @maggiesfarm_md, or call them at (410) 254-2376, or find them on the web at www.maggiesfarmmd.com. Check them out!   Episode Highlights
    • Brad surprises Michael
    • Special guest: Jeff Nengel with Baystate Insurance Group
    • Words to live by: "Always rake your bunkers."
    • We have no control over the TV in our homes
    • [00:05:15] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages)
    • [00:08:41] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate)
    • More props for @logan_mohtashami (follow him on IG)
    • [00:18:41] THE SCOOP (Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips)
    • [00:22:38] Why are insurance companies leaving California?
    • [00:28:30] What should people be aware of when choosing an insurance company?
    • [00:32:30] How much coverage is enough?
    • [00:35:22] What types of coverage do homeowners need?
    • [00:38:15] What's the scoop with liability insurance?
    • [00:41:22] Does it make sense to bundle policies?
    • [00:44:10] What can homeowners can do to save money on insurance?
    • [00:46:36] What's not covered with typical home insurance policies?
    • [00:52:44] How can you find out who the best insurance companies are?
    • [00:58:00] How often should you review your insurance policies?
    • [01:01:42] Final thoughts from Jeff Nengel
    • [01:05:35] THE UNREAL
    • Any guesses what has become the largest asset class in the US?
    • [01:09:40] THE SPOTLIGHT
    • Maggie's Farm in Hamilton!
    • [01:12:20] Final thoughts
    • Next episode - Well and Septic: What Homeowners and Homebuyers Should Know (another special guest!)

    Hosts

    Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
    NMLS #200085
    Michael.Becker@spmc.com
    (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office)
    https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 

    Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
    MD Lic #652795
    Brad@HomesByVesta.com
    (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office)
    https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 

    Our Guest

    Jeff Nengel, Baystate Insurance Group
    (410) 419-6273 (mobile)
    https://www.savewithbig.com

    Links

    Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
    Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
    @berealmdpod
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Episode 22 - Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying

    Episode 22 - Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying
    Jun 24 2023
    Episode 22 (Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying):   In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending.    In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest and title attorney - Tom Drechsler of Sage Title Group. We discuss the work title companies do to ensure buyers can legally buy and sellers can legally sell a house.    In this week's The Unreal, we talk about the impact a single person had on inflation in Sweden (can you guess who it was?).   In The Spotlight we feature Linwoods in Owings Mills! You can get everything from a burger or pizza to lobster tempura to sea bass to rib eye. They're on Instagram at @linwoodsrestaurant, or call them at (410) 356-3030, or find them on the web at www.linwoods.com. Check them out!   Episode Highlights Brad talks more slowlyHope everyone had a fantastic Father's Day!How we spent our Father's Days[00:03:55] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages)[00:07:30] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate)[00:12:05] So what is a skoonch (and how do you spell it)?[00:17:10] THE SCOOP (Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying)[00:17:22] Buyers have the right to choose their title company in a home purchase[00:21:40] What's the 50,000-foot level overview of the title process?[00:28:40] What tools and sources do title companies use in their work?[00:39:35] Title insurance overview and why you need itLink for Maryland State Insurance Commission info on title insurance: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/publications/titleinsurancebrochure.pdf [00:48:06] How title companies handle escrow funds (and fraud advice)[00:53:33] What do you actually sign at the settlement table?[00:56:22] How title companies ensure the property transfers legally to the right parties[00:59:30] What happens after the settlement?[01:02:00] How long does it really take to do the title work (and what can slow things down)?[01:05:37] Strange things that happen in title work[01:08:30] Things real estate agents should look out for related to title[01:10:50] Final thoughts from Tom Drechsler[01:12:35] THE UNREALThe unexpected impact of a single person on inflation in Sweden[01:16:10] THE SPOTLIGHTLinwoods in Owings Mills![01:18:55] Final thoughts Next episode - Insuring Your Home: Top 10 Insider Tips (another special guest!) Hosts Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific MortgageNMLS #200085 Michael.Becker@spmc.com (443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office) https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker  Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real EstateMD Lic #652795 Brad@HomesByVesta.com (410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office) https://www.bradcox.realtor/  Our Guest Tom Drechsler, Sage Title Group (410) 821-4510 (office) https://www.sagetitlegroup.com Links Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate @berealmdpod
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    1 hr and 25 mins

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