House hunting starts online for most buyers, but what looks perfect on your screen may tell only part of the story. This week on Real Estate Today, we help buyers become smarter online shoppers by breaking down how to spot the difference between eye-catching listings and what really matters once you see a home in person. Learn how to avoid getting catfished by listing photos and what red flags to watch for.

Guests include Ryann Brier, REALTOR® from Michigan, who shares expert tips on what buyers should look out for when shopping for homes online; and real estate professional Scott Henderson, who explains how he creates catchy songs to creatively market listings.

Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, Krisztina Bell, founder of No Vacancy Home Staging in Atlanta, weighs in on selling a home by leaving rooms completely empty and the growing use of virtual home staging.

Buying a home today takes more than finding the right property. It also takes financial fitness. This week on Real Estate Today, we break down the true cost of homeownership, from hidden expenses buyers often overlook to the impact of soaring home insurance bills. Learn how much buyers really need to save, what down payments look like in today's market, and the smart ways buyers are getting creative to make homeownership possible.

Guests include Christopher Wands, REALTOR® with Douglas Elliman Real Estate; Shawn Yerkes, group president of financial services at Genstone Financial; and Julia Taliesin, data journalist at Insurify.

Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we look at what's trending in home design, including color capping, texture maxxing, tile drenching, cozy maxxing and loud luxury, along with design trends officially out this year, such as minimalism, modern farmhouse and dainty florals.

The hottest home trends for 2026 are coming into focus, and they could have a major impact on resale value. This week on Real Estate Today, we break down what's driving tomorrow's design decisions and how homeowners can remodel with resale in mind. From trending colors and finishes to smart updates that appeal to buyers, real estate and design experts share practical advice to help homes stand out in a competitive market. We also explore insights from the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 2026 Design Trends Moving Real Estate report, along with the "HGTV effect" and how buyer expectations shaped by television can clash with real-life home tours.

Plus, in our Hot or Not segment, we examine black window frames and matte black hardware.

Guests include Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate; Emily Kantz, color marketing manager for Sherwin-Williams; and Jennifer Bien, director of interior design at DAHLIN Architecture.