Are you prepared for the "new normal" in real estate where buyers are no longer waiting for interest rates to drop, but instead adapting to current market conditions?

In this episode of Free Game, hosts Terence and Ed dive into the current state of the real estate market, discussing how consumer confidence has improved despite higher interest rates. They explore how appraisals are resetting market values, sometimes coming in $30,000-$35,000 lower than purchase prices. The hosts share insights about FHA policy changes affecting non-resident aliens and emphasize the importance of property presentation when selling a home. Throughout the episode, they highlight practical advice for both buyers and sellers navigating today's evolving real estate landscape.

What if the greatest barrier to success in your industry isn't competition, but a collective resistance to true collaboration?

In this thought-provoking episode of Free Game Friday, hosts Ed and Terence dive into a candid conversation about the real estate industry in Charlotte compared to other major cities. They explore why many professionals struggle with genuine collaboration, discussing everything from the transplant culture of Charlotte to the importance of intentional networking. The hosts share personal insights on building authentic relationships, providing value without expecting immediate returns, and the benefits of taking a long-term approach to business development. This episode offers valuable perspective for real estate professionals seeking to create more meaningful connections and sustainable success in an increasingly competitive market.

In this insightful episode of Free Game Real Estate, host Terence Guess and partner Ed Averette welcome special guest Joy Bailey, known as "The Mortgage Bawse." They dive into hard truths about homeownership in the African American community, discussing different expectations between clients, the façade of wealth through credit cards, and the importance of long-term financial planning. Joy shares her expertise as a mortgage broker while touching on her own financial mistakes, creating an authentic conversation about the realities of homeownership and what true financial stability looks like. The trio candidly explores how cultural pressures affect housing decisions and why understanding the complete home buying process matters, regardless of your current position.

SPECIAL GUEST:

Joy Bailey

“The Mortgage Bawse”

Mortgage Broker

CMS Mortgage Solutions

What does it really take to buy a home in today's market when even high earners struggle to qualify?

In this eye-opening episode of FREE GAME, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette welcome special guest Joy Bailey, an experienced mortgage loan officer with a decade in the industry. The conversation provides invaluable insights into the current state of the housing market, exploring the dramatic shifts that have occurred in recent years. Joy shares her transition from retail to the broker space and breaks down the harsh realities of what it takes to qualify for a home in today's market. The trio discusses common misconceptions about homebuying, the importance of financial preparedness, and why the concept of "luxury" in real estate has dramatically shifted. This episode offers a candid look at why many potential buyers are facing challenges and what they need to know to navigate the current landscape successfully.

SPECIAL GUEST:

Joy Bailey

“The Mortgage Bawse”

Mortgage Broker

CMS Mortgage Solutions

Are contingency offers in real estate worth the risk, or should buyers consider alternative approaches in today's market?

In this insightful episode of Free Game, hosts Ed Averette and Terence Guess dive deep into the complex world of contingency offers in real estate. They explore the challenges, risks, and potential solutions for buyers juggling the sale of their current home while purchasing a new one. Through role-playing scenarios and personal experiences, they break down the communication requirements, financial implications, and practical alternatives that both buyers and sellers should consider in the current market landscape. Their candid conversation offers valuable guidance for navigating these complicated transactions while maintaining realistic expectations.

Why are so many homebuyers rushing into contracts without truly understanding what they're signing up for, and what's really at stake when the ink dries?

In this enlightening episode of Free Game Friday, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette dig deep into the critical question: "Why are we under contract?" The duo examines the serious implications of real estate contracts, highlighting that they are legally binding documents with significant financial consequences—not casual agreements that can be easily broken. Throughout the conversation, they share personal experiences from both the buyer and seller perspectives, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding affordability, and working with professionals who prioritize education over rushing into decisions. Their candid discussion reveals that successful homeownership begins with proper preparation, realistic financial assessments, and a clear understanding of why you want to own a home in the first place.

What does it really take to handle 35 closings in a single month? Is pursuing quantity compromising the quality of your life and business?

In this eye-opening episode of Free Game, Ed Averette and Terence Guess dive deep into the delicate balance between quantity and quality in the real estate and mortgage industry. They share their personal experiences handling an extraordinary volume of transactions (35 closings for Terence, 18 for Ed in a single month) and the crucial lessons they learned about processes, sustainability, and maintaining quality of service. The conversation reveals the hidden reality behind impressive numbers—the strain on family life, the importance of setting clear client expectations, and knowing when to refer business elsewhere. This candid discussion offers invaluable insights for any professional looking to scale their business without sacrificing their sanity or service standards.

In this eye-opening episode of Free Game, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette break down the hidden costs of homeownership that many first-time buyers overlook. Going beyond the basic mortgage payment, they explore the full financial picture of owning a home including utilities, HOA fees, and rising property taxes. Drawing from personal experiences and industry knowledge, they provide valuable insights into creating realistic budgets that account for all homeownership expenses. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding your complete financial picture before making such a significant investment, offering practical advice that could save listeners from financial strain.