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Welcome back to another episode of Real Estate UnRaked, where we pull back the curtain on the myths, fears, and facts shaping today’s real estate market in Northeast Florida.

In this episode, Eric Rakers, along with co-hosts Brooke and Brittany Michael, wrap up our Scary Stories Series with a real-world market reality check. After weeks of spooky tales from the trenches of real estate, we’re turning the spotlight on what’s truly haunting buyers right now — interest rates and the fear of buying too soon.

Eric dives deep into why waiting for rates to drop could actually cost buyers more in the long run, breaking down the impact of rising home prices, limited inventory, and lost buying power across areas like Fleming Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, and Fruit Cove. You’ll also get actionable advice for first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers, and even investors navigating today’s shifting market.

Whether you’re watching the market from the sidelines or actively searching for your next home, this episode delivers real insights, honest talk, and a few surprises — Northeast Florida style.

Because sometimes… the scariest story in real estate is the one where you wait too long to make your move.

👉 Tune in now for expert insights, local market trends, and tips that help you turn uncertainty into opportunity.

💬 Follow us:
📱 Instagram | Facebook | YouTube – @RakersHomeGroup
🌐 Visit: rakershomegroup.com

📧 Questions or topics you’d like us to cover next? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you! (904) 906-8381

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That’s it for this episode of Real Estate UnRaked, where we take the mystery—and sometimes the madness—out of today’s housing market.

If you enjoyed the show, follow and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to leave us a review. Your feedback helps more people across Northeast Florida discover the truth behind real-estate headlines.

For more tips, insights, and community spotlights, connect with The Rakers Home Group on:
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @RakersHomeGroup

🌐 Website: rakershomegroup.com

Call us at: (904) 906-8381

Got a question, story, or topic you’d like us to cover next? Drop us a message—we’d love to feature your ideas in a future episode.

And remember… whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, get the Home Team Advantage with The Rakers Home Group.

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Welcome back, everyone… to another chilling chapter of Real Estate UnRaked.
We’re keeping the lights dim and the stories real, as we continue our “Scary Stories” series—where every tale is pulled straight from the dark corners of the housing market.

Tonight, we’re venturing into the world of foreclosures—the deals that haunt buyers, sellers, and even agents when the market takes a turn.
We’ll uncover how it happens, what to watch for, and how—if you’re smart—you can turn someone’s nightmare… into your opportunity.

And there’s no better place to set the scene than right here in Northeast Florida’s own Orange Park—a town where history, growth, and hidden gems line every street. From the quiet riverfront homes to neighborhoods rebounding stronger than ever, we’re digging into what makes this area one of the most compelling markets in the region.

We also will be Introducing you to our newest member to The Rakers Home Group, Bridgett Hodges.

So grab your coffee—or maybe something stronger—and settle in. Because in this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain on the foreclosure process, the myths that scare buyers away, and the strategies that can turn a spooky situation into a success story.

This… is Real Estate UnRaked.
Let’s get into it.

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Get ready for chills, laughs, and insider real estate knowledge in this Halloween-season episode of Real Estate UnRaked with Eric Rakers and The Rakers Home Group.

👻 Segment 1: Scary Real Estate Stories — True tales from the field that prove not every transaction goes smoothly… but the right agent can turn even the creepiest deal into a happy ending.

🏡 Segment 2: Inspections vs Appraisals — Eric breaks down the key differences between these two critical parts of the buying process, and how understanding both can protect your investment (and your sanity).

📍 Segment 3: Spotlight on Middleburg, Florida — Discover one of Northeast Florida’s fastest-growing areas, where charming neighborhoods meet exciting new construction opportunities.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or simply love the real stories behind real estate, this episode offers equal parts entertainment and education — delivered with the honesty, humor, and heart that define The Rakers Home Group.

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What if you could take your property tax savings with you when you move? In this episode of Real Estate UnRaked, host Eric Rakers from The Rakers Home Group breaks down Florida’s Homestead Portability Benefit — one of the most powerful, yet misunderstood, tools for homeowners.

We unpack how the Save Our Homes (SOH) cap works, how you can transfer up to $500,000 in tax savings to your next home, and the key deadlines and forms every homeowner should know. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or just relocating within the Sunshine State, this episode shows how to make your move smarter — and more affordable.

👉 Tune in and learn:

• What “portability” means and why it matters
• How to qualify and apply before deadlines
• The difference between upsizing vs. downsizing benefits
• What happens if your home value drops
• Who to contact in your local county to make it happen

Don’t miss this one — it could save you thousands when you move!

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Welcome back to Real Estate UnRaked, the podcast where we strip away the fluff and give you the real talk behind today’s real estate world. In this episode, we’re bringing you three fresh segments you won’t want to miss:

🔹 Meet Garrett Allen – We’re excited to welcome Garrett to The Rakers Home Group! Hear his story, what he brings to the team, and how his fresh perspective gives buyers and sellers a real advantage.

🔹 Breaking Down Buyer-Broker Agreements – From the quick showing agreement to the final Buyer-Broker Agreement (BBA), we’re explaining what these contracts really mean, why they matter, and how they protect both clients and agents.

🔹 Spotlight on Fleming Island – We wrap things up with a closer look at one of Northeast Florida’s most desirable communities. From lifestyle perks to why it continues to attract buyers, you’ll get the inside scoop on what makes Fleming Island shine.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned seller, or just love keeping up with the real estate world, this episode is packed with insights and stories to keep you informed and entertained.

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If attention is the new currency, your scroll is the new storefront—and in 2025, how you show up online can make or break your real estate game. In this episode of Real Estate UnRaked, Eric Rakers from The Rakers Home Group at Herron Real Estate takes you behind the curtain of what’s working right now in real estate.

• Segment One – Social Media That Sells (2025 Edition): Learn why authenticity, short-form video, and consistency are now the lifeblood of your business. We break down how AI-driven algorithms reward real engagement over polished perfection, and how to build a community—not just a following.
• Segment Two – Inside the Dance of a Great Open House: We’re lifting the veil on how we at The Rakers Home Group run open houses that feel welcoming and genuine—plus what buyers should (and shouldn’t) expect when they walk through the door.
• Segment Three – Spotlight on Green Cove Springs: Take a tour of one of Northeast Florida’s most charming small towns, where historic roots meet explosive growth. Find out why this hidden gem is quickly becoming a top destination before the boom hits.

Whether you’re an agent, a buyer, or just love real estate, this episode delivers fresh, practical insight—with no fluff.

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Mortgage Rates, Insurance Costs and Affordability keeping You from buying a home right Now? Well, we have the answers to these issues, along with tackling the buyers fear of "Over Paying" for a home right now. And get you feeling confident to get out there, Right Now! to buy that home you have been waiting on!

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In this episode, The Rakers Home Group is talking about the difference between Real Estate Agent and a Realtor®. We are also discussing customer connection and how we do it different than everyone else.

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