エピソード

  • We inherited a house. Keep it, rent it, or sell it?
    2026/07/15

    Inheriting a home is a significant milestone, but it often brings a wave of unexpected family dynamics and six-figure financial decisions during an emotional time . In this episode of Lease it or List it, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger tackle a common listener dilemma: a sibling duo who inherited a paid-off, $650,000 home in Frisco, Texas, but disagree on whether to sell or manage it as a rental property . Discover how to navigate emotional attachments, evaluate true property conditions, and align family goals with professional advice to create a clear, business-minded path forward .

    Contact:

    Savannah: https://www.dunnrealtygrouptx.com/

    Glynn: https://www.rpmonesource.com/

    Key Takeaways
    • Separate Emotion from Business: Making major financial moves based purely on sentimental attachment often leads to expensive real estate mistakes .

    • Explore Creative Options: Sibling disagreements can sometimes be resolved through alternative paths, such as one sibling buying out the other to retain the home as a personal rental asset .

    • Consult Professionals First: Reach out to real estate experts, financial planners, CPAs, and probate professionals before making any renovations or structural decisions .

    • Leverage Property Management: Hiring a professional management team can transform an overwhelming "accidental landlord" situation into a stress-free, passive cash-flow vehicle .

    • Clean Slates Prevent Conflict: If multiple parties remain completely split on whether to lease or list, selling the asset completely is often the cleanest way to eliminate ongoing friction and future shared responsibility .

    • Existing Leases Must Be Honored: If a property has tenants when a parent passes away, the beneficiaries must legally honor the existing lease or execute a buyout before listing the home for traditional buyers .

    • The Power of Estate Planning: Homeowners can spare their children significant emotional and financial stress by explicitly detailing the property's intended future path in a legally binding will .

      LEGAL

      Texas law requires all real estate licensees to provide the following Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Service and Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice.

      Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios:

      https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

      https://caddooffices.com/

      #LeaseItOrListIt #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyInheritance #EstatePlanning #PropertyManagement #AccidentalLandlord #FamilyBusiness #HomeSelling #FinancialPlanning #RealEstateAdvice

      real estate, inherited property, estate planning, property management, accidental landlord, sibling inheritance, home selling tips, rental property investment, Frisco real estate
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    21 分
  • The house needs $50,000 in repairs. Would you sell it anyway?
    2026/07/08
    The inspection report just came back, and it looks like a mile-long CVS receipt. Now what? Do you drop $50,000 on repairs, sell it completely as-is, or finally call that investor who has been sending you postcards for the last five years? In this heavy-hitting episode of Lease it or List it, hosts Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger break down the exact math of handling a severely outdated or inherited property . They look at a real-life viewer scenario in Plano: a paid-off home that needs a new roof, foundation work, a 30-year-old HVAC replacement, and a total 1990s kitchen remodel . Before you get overwhelmed during an already emotional time, like navigating probate, funerals, or moving parents into assisted living, discover why the hosts urge families to slow down, look at creative ways to defer costs, and avoid the trap of leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table by selling off-market to cold-calling investors . Tune in to learn which high-stakes repairs are non-negotiable for resale, what you can safely skip, and how a rental strategy can fund long-term elder care without draining your 401(k) . Contact: Savannah: https://www.dunnrealtygrouptx.com/ Glynn: https://www.rpmonesource.com/ Key Takeaways Don't Flee to Postcard Investors: Selling off-market straight to cash investors who cold-call or text is almost never a winning strategy for the homeowner . These investors budget everything at retail repair prices while demanding a massive 20% cut for themselves, causing impatient owners to lose up to three times more money than they would by simply paying a standard professional real estate commission . The Cold Math of "As-Is" vs. Repairing: When evaluating an inherited, paid-off home valued at $350,000 as-is versus $475,000 repaired, a $50,000 structural investment is a no-brainer . Even after accounting for transaction fees, taking the time to repair yields an extra $75,000 in net equity that would otherwise be left on the table . The Non-Negotiable Capital Expenditures: If you are listing a home for retail resale, foundation work, old plumbing (especially clay or cast-iron yard sewer lines that cost $10,000–$15,000 to replace), and safety-related electrical issues must be fixed . Furthermore, roofs must be replaced proactively because a bad roof cannot be insured by incoming retail buyers . Buyers Triple the Cost of Repair Concessions: Trying to pass a faulty HVAC unit or roof onto the next buyer via closing concessions is a major financial mistake . In real estate transactions, typical retail buyers will mentally triple the actual cost of a repair, meaning a seller is much better off hiring their own trusted contractor to fix it correctly for less money before listing . The "Vertigo" Foundation Rule for Rentals: If your goal is to transition an outdated home into a rental property, you can drastically minimize your upfront costs . You do not need to fix foundation differentials unless they are severe enough to cause "elevator vertigo" when walking across the room, nor do you need to touch cosmetic details like foggy broken-window seals . Strategic "Paid at Close" Repair Funding: Landlords who do not have $50,000 in cash on hand to prep an inherited home do not need to settle for an investor's lowball bid . Specialized real estate brokerages can partner with vendors to coordinate essential structural repairs that get completely funded and paid directly out of the closing proceeds at settlement . Funding Assisted Living with Rental Revenue: When managing aging parents moving into assisted living, families frequently panic and rush to liquidate the family home for a quick lump sum. By setting up the property as a managed business, you can comfortably secure $2,500 to $3,000 in monthly rental income. When combined with Social Security, this can fully cover your monthly senior facility fees, helping you avoid early withdrawals from your 401(k) accounts. It's a smart way to ensure financial stability and peace of mind. Y LEGAL Texas law requires all real estate licensees to provide the following Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Service and Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice. Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios: https://www.bluemicstudios.com/ https://caddooffices.com/ #RealEstateMath #InheritedHome #PropertyRenovation #LandlordLife #PropertyManagement #LeaseItOrListIt #TexasRealEstate #FixAndFlip #AccidentalLandlord #RealEstatePodcast Inherited property repairs, off-market cash buyers, foundation repair cost, Plano real estate math, rental property conversions, probate real estate tips, capital expenditure budgeting, wholesale investor offers, home renovation ROI, assisted living financial planning
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    20 分
  • Our rental property isn't making money. Why are we keeping it?
    2026/07/01
    My rental property barely breaks even, and then the water heater dies. Am I building wealth, or did I just buy myself another job?" If you've ever felt like you're constantly writing checks for your real estate investment rather than cashing them, you are not alone . In this episode of Lease It or List It, hosts Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger tackle a massive dilemma facing accidental landlords and seasoned investors alike: what do you do when your rental isn't generating monthly cash flow? They break down why viewing your property only through the lens of monthly cash flow is a $20,000-foot-view mistake . By evaluating the actual data—including school districts, tax depreciation, and equity daisy-chaining—they reveal why a short-term "bump in the road" shouldn't cause you to sacrifice a long-term appreciating asset . Tune in to discover the financial calculators you should be using and how to evaluate if your money is truly working hard enough for you. Contact: Savannah: https://www.dunnrealtygrouptx.com/ Glynn: https://www.rpmonesource.com/ Key Takeaways The Four Pillars of Real Estate Wealth: Remember, cash flow is just one way to gauge an investment's success. Truly rich real estate wealth considers four key pillars each year: cash flow, tax depreciation write-offs, historical appreciation, and the principal equity growth paid down by tenants. • Negative Cash Flow Isn't Automatically Bad: Even if a property has a small monthly deficit, it can still offer a strong ROI when you include tax benefits and equity growth—something a CPA can help clarify. • The ROI Snowball of Tenant Retention: The biggest investments—like dealing with vacancies, marketing, and leasing fees—happen mostly in the first year. By choosing tenants carefully from the start, you can enjoy an 80% to 90% renewal rate, helping your returns grow steadily from year two onwards. • Anticipate Maintenance and Insurance Deductibles: It's smart to prepare for sudden repair costs, especially for common issues like plumbing or HVAC problems. Setting aside money for insurance deductibles is also wise, especially in regions prone to hailstorms or severe weather. • Leverage Equity Without Selling: If you own a property with lots of equity, you don't have to sell it to access that cash. Savvy investors often borrow against the equity in their existing properties to fund new rental opportunities. • Never Fund a Depreciating Asset with an Appreciating One: Instead of selling an appreciating property just to pay off personal debts, it's better to keep the property growing in value and use that revenue to clear what you owe. • Watch Local Micro-Market Shifts: Local demand can change quickly—based on infrastructure and schools. While some development projects may seem to move away from city centers, many suburban areas like Plano, Texas, are booming because tenants are eager to rent just to access top-tier schools. Your story deserves more than just a conversation—it deserves impact. At Blue Mic Studios, we help businesses like Matrix Software Solutions turn expertise into authority through high-quality podcast production. From 4K video and crystal-clear audio to social media-ready clips that drive engagement, we make it easy to showcase your value and attract your ideal customers. 👉 Be the voice your audience trusts. 👉 Build credibility at scale. 👉 Turn conversations into customers. Book your podcast experience with Blue Mic Studios today. www.bluemicstudios.com Podcast Production provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production arm of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios: https://www.bluemicstudios.com/ https://caddooffices.com/ #RealEstateInvesting #LandlordDilemma #PropertyROI #WealthBuilding #HomeEquity #PassiveIncome #LeaseItOrListIt #TexasRealEstate #AccidentalLandlord #PropertyManagement Rental property wealth, cash flow real estate, accidental landlord tips, property appreciation pillars, tax depreciation write-offs, home equity leveraging, property management budgeting, Plano real estate investing, tenant retention strategies, commercial real estate metrics
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    20 分
  • My Tenant Wants to Buy the House. Now what?
    2026/06/24

    Your tenant just called and said, "We love the house and we want to buy it!" Sounds like a dream scenario for a landlord, right? Before you agree to an off-market deal, you need to hit pause.

    In this episode of Lease it or List it, hosts Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger break down the hidden complexities of selling directly to a tenant . From over-inflated expectations of "loyalty discounts" to qualification traps and the legal realities of lease-to-own options in Texas, they reveal why taking a shortcut might actually cut your profits at the knees .

    Before you make an emotional choice, learn how to separate your feelings from market reality and evaluate what is truly best for your long-term wealth .

    Contact:

    Savannah: https://www.dunnrealtygrouptx.com/

    Glynn: https://www.rpmonesource.com/

    Key Takeaways
    • The Illusion of Convenience: While selling directly to a tenant eliminates property showings and vacancy gaps, landlords often sacrifice true market value by accepting lower initial pricing just to keep the transaction simple .

    • The "Loyalty Discount" Trap: Tenants frequently expect a steep price discount based on their history with the property, which can deeply hurt a landlord trying to maximize equity for retirement or a future property purchase .

    • The Necessity of an Emotional Sponge: Negotiations between landlords and tenants can get awkward and ugly very quickly . Real estate agents act as a crucial buffer to manage emotional expectations on both sides .

    • Zillow is Not a Local Appraisal: Many landlords rely on online algorithms to estimate property values, but in non-disclosure states like Texas, these numbers are entirely private and inaccurate . Only a real estate professional can accurately assess the true market value .

    • Beware of Lease-to-Own Legalities: Texas lacks a standardized, legally protected lease-to-own program . Trying to build a custom setup without strict professional guidance often leads to a reset timeline, lost money, and legal trouble .

    • Don't Flee the Hockey Stick of Appreciation: Many accidental landlords experience panic and attempt to sell between years three and five, which is right before real estate investments typically experience their highest historical spikes in equity appreciation .

      Your story deserves more than just a conversation—it deserves impact.

      At Blue Mic Studios, we help businesses like Matrix Software Solutions turn expertise into authority through high-quality podcast production. From 4K video and crystal-clear audio to social media-ready clips that drive engagement, we make it easy to showcase your value and attract your ideal customers.

      👉 Be the voice your audience trusts.
      👉 Build credibility at scale.
      👉 Turn conversations into customers.

      Book your podcast experience with Blue Mic Studios today. www.bluemicstudios.com

      Podcast Production provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production arm of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC

      Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios:

      https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

      https://caddooffices.com/

      #RealEstateInvesting

      #LandlordTips

      #PropertyManagement

      #LeaseItOrListIt

      #HomeEquity

      #PassiveIncome

      #RealEstatePodcast

      #TexasRealEstate

      #PropertyInvestor

      #SmartInvesting

      Real estate investing, landlord advice, tenant buying house, market value, property management, selling a rental property, home equity appreciation, lease to own Texas, commercial real estate brokers, accidental landlord

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    17 分
  • Should You Buy Before You Sell - Lease it or List it
    2026/06/17

    Should you keep your current home as a rental, sell it to fund your next purchase, or try to buy before you sell? In this episode of Lease it or List it, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger break down one of the biggest financial decisions homeowners face. They discuss cash flow, rental income potential, bridge loans, contingency offers, and the risks of overextending yourself in pursuit of a larger home. If you're trying to build long-term wealth through real estate, this episode offers practical advice on how to make smarter, less emotional decisions.

    Contact:

    Savannah: https://www.dunnrealtygrouptx.com/

    Glynn: https://www.rpmonesource.com/

    Key Takeaways
    • Keeping your first home as a rental can be a powerful wealth-building strategy if the property cash flows and fits your long-term goals.
    • Many homeowners sell too soon because they need the equity for a larger home, missing out on future appreciation and rental income.
    • Before turning a home into a rental, evaluate cash flow, HOA restrictions, lease requirements, and whether the neighborhood is renter-friendly.
    • Buying before selling can reduce moving stress and give buyers more flexibility, but only if they can comfortably carry both mortgage payments.
    • Contingent offers are often difficult to win in competitive markets, making buy-before-you-sell programs or new construction purchases more attractive options.
    • Bridge loans and equity-access programs exist, but they can be expensive and may indicate a buyer is stretching beyond their financial comfort zone.
    • The best real estate decisions come from careful planning, understanding your goals, and consulting professionals who can evaluate both the selling and rental scenarios.

    LEGAL

    Texas law requires all real estate licensees to provide the following Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Service and Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice.

    Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios:

    https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

    https://caddooffices.com/

    #realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

    #LeaseItOrListIt #RealEstateInvesting #RentalProperty #BuyBeforeYouSell #HomeSellingTips #RealEstateAdvice #PassiveIncome #PropertyManagement #Homeownership #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #InvestmentProperty #RealEstatePodcast #DFWRealEstate #SavannahDunn #GlynnCrutsinger

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    14 分
  • What HGTV Gets Wrong About Renovations - Lease it or List it
    2026/06/10

    HGTV makes renovations look like a guaranteed payday, but Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger explain why over-improving a property can actually hurt your return on investment. Whether you're preparing to sell or lease, the smartest upgrades are often the simplest, most practical, and most timeless. This episode focuses on making strategic improvements that attract the widest pool of buyers or tenants while avoiding costly mistakes.

    Contact:

    Savannah: https://www.dunnrealtygrouptx.com/

    Glynn: https://www.rpmonesource.com/

    Key Takeaways
    • Over-renovating rarely delivers the ROI homeowners expect. Custom dream upgrades often don't translate into higher sales prices when life circumstances force a move.
    • For rental properties, think durability over luxury. Focus on reliable systems, functional repairs, and materials that can withstand tenant wear and tear.
    • Timeless beats trendy every time. Bold design choices, unusual fixtures, climbing walls, and highly personalized features can shrink your buyer or tenant pool.
    • Invest in the fundamentals first. HVAC systems, plumbing, roofs, flooring, paint, lighting, and cleanliness have a bigger impact than expensive cosmetic upgrades.
    • LVP and durable flooring often outperform carpet. Modern buyers and renters want low-maintenance surfaces that look great and stand up to daily use.
    • Lighting and fresh paint create outsized value. Bright, neutral spaces photograph better, show better, and appeal to more people.
    • A deep clean can be more valuable than a major renovation. Cleanliness, fresh grout, repaired caulking, and well-maintained finishes signal that a property has been cared for.

    LEGAL

    Texas law requires all real estate licensees to provide the following Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Service and Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice.

    Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios:

    https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

    https://caddooffices.com/

    #LeaseItOrListIt #RealEstateTips #HomeSelling #RentalProperty #PropertyManagement #LandlordLife #RealEstateInvesting #HomeRenovation #HGTV #ROI #HomeImprovement #DFWRealEstate #InvestmentProperty #SellYourHome #RentalIncome #SavannahDunn #GlynnCrutsinger #RealEstatePodcast #HousingMarket #PropertyOwners#realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

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    21 分
  • The Most Expensive Mistakes First-Time Sellers Make - Lease it or List it
    2026/06/03

    Selling your first home—or becoming a first-time landlord—can be expensive if you learn lessons the hard way.

    In this episode of Lease it or List it, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger reveal the small mistakes that often cost homeowners thousands of dollars. From overpricing listings and skipping home prep to poor tenant screening and emotional decision-making, they share practical advice that can help sellers and landlords protect their equity and maximize results.

    If you're preparing to sell or rent a property, this episode could save you money, stress, and months of frustration.

    Contact:

    Savannah: https://www.dunnrealtygrouptx.com/

    Glynn: https://www.rpmonesource.com/

    Key Takeaways
    • Overpricing your home is often the most expensive seller mistake. A home that starts too high loses momentum, sits on the market longer, and gives buyers leverage to negotiate harder.
    • Bad tenant screening can destroy rental profits. Thoroughly verifying credit, rental history, employment, and references helps avoid costly tenant issues later.
    • Don't over-renovate investment properties. Expensive upgrades like premium countertops may improve appearance but don't always increase value enough to justify the cost. Focus on ROI.
    • Preparation matters before listing. Professional photos, decluttering, staging, cleaning, and eliminating odors can dramatically improve buyer impressions and interest.
    • Emotional pricing leads to poor decisions. Buyers and renters don't pay extra simply because owners spent money on upgrades or need a certain amount to cover their mortgage. Market data determines value.
    • Choosing an agent solely based on lower commission can cost more in the long run. Poor marketing, weak communication, and lack of local expertise often result in longer market times and lower sale prices.
    • Self-managing rentals without systems creates risk. Communication failures, poor documentation, and inconsistent processes can lead to financial loss and even legal exposure.

    LEGAL

    Texas law requires all real estate licensees to provide the following Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Service and Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice.

    Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios:

    https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

    https://caddooffices.com/

    #realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

    #LeaseItOrListIt #RealEstateTips #HomeSelling #FirstTimeSeller #PropertyManagement #LandlordTips #RealEstateInvesting #HomeStaging #RentalProperty #DFWRealEstate #SavannahDunn #GlynnCrutsinger #RealEstateEducation #Homeowners #SellSmart

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    24 分
  • The Hidden Costs of Waiting to Sell - Lease it or List it
    2026/05/27

    In this episode of Lease it or List it, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger break down the real financial and emotional costs of waiting too long to sell or lease a property. From declining home values and rising carrying costs to missed rental opportunities and tenant timing strategies, they explain why hesitation can quietly cost homeowners thousands. The conversation also dives into smart leasing practices, market timing myths, and how experienced professionals help remove emotion from high-stakes real estate decisions.

    CONTACT

    Savannah: https://www.dunnrealtygrouptx.com/

    Glynn: https://www.rpmonesource.com/

    Key Takeaways
    • Waiting for the "perfect market" can actually cost sellers tens of thousands in declining property value.
    • Carrying costs like mortgage payments, vacancies, and maintenance continue to eat away at profits every month you delay.
    • On the rental side, getting a property market-ready quickly helps owners start generating income faster and reduces stress.
    • Many sellers hold onto outdated price expectations while the market continues shifting beneath them.
    • Being first to market — especially in spring — can help sellers set pricing expectations instead of chasing declining comps.
    • Professional property managers help landlords avoid emotional tenant decisions by relying on structured screening systems and fair housing compliance.
    • Sometimes the biggest "hidden cost" isn't financial — it's the stress, uncertainty, and paralysis that come from waiting too long to act.

    LEGAL

    Texas law requires all real estate licensees to provide the following Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Service and Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice.

    Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios:

    https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

    https://caddooffices.com/

    #LeaseItOrListIt #RealEstatePodcast #HomeSellingTips #PropertyManagement #RealEstateInvesting #HousingMarket #LandlordLife #DFWRealEstate #SavannahDunn #GlynnCrutsinger #RentalProperty #HomeEquity #PodcastMarketing #RealEstateAdvice #BlueMicStudios

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    18 分