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This isn’t a crash.
It’s not a bubble.
And it’s not being talked about nearly enough.

In Episode 17 of Real Estate UnRaked, host Eric Rakers is joined by Dane and Garrett to break down what may become the biggest drag on real estate mobility in modern history: the Trapped Homeowner.

Millions of homeowners are locked in place—unable to sell, refinance, or move without financially destroying themselves. With over 85% of U.S. mortgages under 5% and economists signaling that 6.5–7% rates may be the new normal, the math simply doesn’t work anymore. The result? A frozen housing market that looks like low inventory—but is actually locked inventory.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why 5–6% mortgage rates likely aren’t coming back anytime soon
• How ultra-low interest rates created “titanium handcuffs” for homeowners
• Why the move-up buyer has quietly vanished
• How aging homeowners are staying put and dragging inventory down
• What “zombie inventory” really is—and why it matters
• The psychological standoff between 2022 seller pricing and 2026 buyer reality
• Why the market isn’t crashing… it’s clogging

Then we shift from truth to strategy.

You’ll hear practical, actionable tactics for:

• Buyers navigating a frozen market using leverage, creativity, and timing
• Sellers unlocking mobility without chasing outdated pricing expectations
• Why new construction may be the most liquid and flexible option right now
• How incentives, buydowns, and smart planning beat emotional decisions

This is not a doom-and-gloom episode.
It’s a map through the logjam.

If you’re a buyer, seller, homeowner, or agent trying to understand where the market is headed in 2025–2026, this episode is required listening.

🎧 Subscribe, follow, and don’t forget to check out the full video version on YouTube, plus walkthroughs, education, and short-form content.

📲 Thinking about making a move? Talk to The Rakers Home Group and start planning—because timing the market is a losing strategy.

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Episode 16: Rage-Quitting Sellers — Why Listings Are Vanishing & What Nobody’s Saying

Are sellers disappearing from the market… or are they just refusing to play the game anymore?

In this bold episode of Real Estate UnRaked, hosts Eric Rakers, Dane, and Garrett pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood trends in today’s housing market: rage-quitting sellers.

Listings aren’t crashing. They aren’t expiring. They’re being pulled — often intentionally — because sellers are emotionally anchored to 2022 pricing while buyers are trapped by today’s affordability reality. What we’re witnessing isn’t a collapse… it’s a standoff.

In Episode 16, we break down:

• Why delistings are surging and what that actually means (hint: it’s not demand disappearing)
• The psychology behind sellers who would rather “wait it out” than adjust price
• Why affordability — not buyer interest — is the real pressure point in today’s market
• How buyers can still win by tracking withdrawn, canceled, and temporarily off-market homes
• And the growing force nobody is talking about enough: Shadow Inventory

Shadow inventory is the collection of homes that aren’t for sale… yet — owners waiting for lower rates, life changes, or a market shift before re-entering. These homes will matter a lot as we head into 2025–2026.

You’ll also hear real-world strategies for:

• Buyers positioning themselves early before competition returns
• Sellers deciding when delisting makes sense — and when it’s just emotional avoidance
• Why staying listed right now can actually be a strategic advantage
• How agents who understand invisible inventory are playing chess while others play checkers

As always, we skip the fluff, ditch the TikTok talking points, and give you real strategy, real psychology, and real market insight.

🎧 Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand what’s really happening — this episode explains why the market feels stuck… and where the hidden opportunities are.

👉 Subscribe to Real Estate UnRaked, leave a review, and drop your questions — we tackle what everyone else avoids.

🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube, featuring weekly walkthroughs, market breakdowns, and short-form insights you won’t want to miss.

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Real Estate UnRaked — the show where we tell the truth most agents are terrified to say out loud.
In this explosive episode, Eric, Dane, and Garrett break down the massive real estate shift coming in 2026 — a shift most Realtors aren’t prepared for… but YOU will be.

We’re diving deep into the structural changes that are about to reshape the housing market:

• Assumable mortgages with 2–3% rates becoming the hottest inventory in America
• The rise of 40-year and even 50-year mortgages and what they really mean for affordability
• Mortgage lock-ins finally breaking, unleashing pent-up seller movement
• Builders overbuilding the wrong price ranges and how buyers can use that leverage
• Florida’s insurance reform changes that will alter buying behavior statewide
• The surge of AI-powered home valuations — and why agents who ignore it will become irrelevant

This isn’t fear-mongering.
It’s not hype.
It’s exactly what’s coming, and whether you’re a buyer, seller, or agent, you need to understand the playbook before the shift hits.

We break down what to do RIGHT NOW to position yourself for success, how to spot the biggest opportunities, and the brutal truths the industry refuses to talk about.

If you want real estate advice without the fluff, the scripts, or the sugarcoating — hit subscribe.
And catch the full video version on our YouTube channel, along with weekly walkthroughs, education drops, and tons of short-form market insights.

This episode is based on material from:
“Your Realtor Probably Has No Idea What’s Coming in 2026…”

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Most agents say they negotiate.
But the truth? Most of them are just passing messages like human email servers.

In this bold episode of Real Estate UnRaked, Eric, Brooke, Brittany, and Dane tear apart one of the biggest lies in real estate: the idea that your agent is actually negotiating on your behalf.

We expose why so many agents avoid conflict, don’t understand leverage, show up unprepared, negotiate blindly, and ultimately cost buyers and sellers thousands. Then we break down what real negotiation looks like — strategy, timing, data, silence, and intentional pressure.

You’ll learn:
✔ Why agents fear confrontation and fold too fast
✔ How leverage actually works (and why almost no one studies it)
✔ Market velocity explained in plain English
✔ The difference between “getting the deal done” and “getting the BEST deal”
✔ The exact strategies Rakers Home Group uses to negotiate with purpose
✔ Why hope is NOT a negotiation plan

If your agent can’t explain their negotiation strategy…
they don’t have one. Period.

🎥 WATCH THE FULL PODCAST ON YOUTUBE
We also post weekly walkthrough tours, market breakdowns, educational videos, and tons of shorts that’ll change how you think about real estate.

Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share — we’re raising the standard in this industry one episode at a time.
Let’s UnRake It.

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

The Perfect Home Is a Lie — What Smart Buyers Should REALLY Be Looking For | Real Estate UnRaked Podcast

Most buyers spend months — sometimes years — searching for that perfect, HGTV-approved dream home… and they end up missing out on incredible opportunities. In this episode of Real Estate UnRaked, Eric Rakers and co-hosts Bridget, Dane, and Pam expose one of the biggest myths in real estate: the idea that the “perfect home” actually exists.

In this brutally honest, highly practical episode, we break down:

🔎 Where the Perfect Home Myth Comes From

• Pinterest, HGTV, and unrealistic social media expectations
• How buyers create impossible checklists
• The emotional trap of perfectionism that sabotages good decisions

💸 The Hidden Costs of Chasing Perfection

• Rising home prices while you wait
• Lost opportunities in great neighborhoods
• Getting beat by more decisive buyers

🏡 What Actually Matters When Buying a Home

• Long-term resale value
• Lot, location, and lifestyle
• Functionality over fancy finishes
• The power of room-to-grow

🎯 The 80% Rule Every Smart Buyer Should Use

• Why 80% is the new “perfect”
• Why the final 20% can be added later
• How to focus on things you can’t change (schools, lot, location)

🧭 Resetting Expectations Without Settling

• Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
• Thinking 5–10 years ahead
• How a knowledgeable local agent (👋) keeps you on track

This episode will change the way you think about home buying and help you avoid the perfection trap that keeps buyers stuck and frustrated. Perfect doesn’t build wealth — smart does.

👉 Subscribe & Follow

Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon
Watch the video version on YouTube: @TheRakersHomeGroup

👉 Buying or selling in Northeast Florida?

Get the Home Team Advantage with The Rakers Home Group.

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

In this episode of Real Estate UnRaked, we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of the home buying journey, focusing specifically on the due diligence period. We break down exactly what buyers need to know to avoid costly mistakes and ensure they’re making a fully informed decision before closing the deal. From navigating inspections to understanding contingencies, we cover the essential steps that can save you thousands and keep your real estate transaction on track.

Tune in to get the insider scoop on what due diligence really means and why it’s one of the most important phases in buying a home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need for your next purchase.

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

In this episode of Real Estate UnRaked, we’re taking a transparent look at one of the biggest conversations in real estate today: Should you work with a large national brokerage or a local, relationship-driven real estate team?

We break down the real advantages that big-box brokerages vs our Locally grown Brokerage. From nationwide referral networks to bundled service convenience, brand recognition, and advanced buyer tools, there are real benefits worth acknowledging.

But then we flip the script.

We unpack how The Rakers Home Group delivers those same advantages with more personal service, deeper community knowledge, exclusive Homes.com exposure, free Matterport 3D tours, creative social media marketing, and a nationwide referral network built by actual relationships, not corporate directory lists.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just getting your bearings in the Northeast Florida real estate market, this episode helps you make an informed decision based on what actually matters to you.

We’re here to empower, educate, and be real about the experience you deserve.

Support the show

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.

Send us a text

Welcome back to Real Estate UnRaked, the podcast that keeps it real—no fluff, no gimmicks, just real talk about what’s happening in the world of real estate.

In this episode, Eric, Brooke, and Brittany, pull back the curtain on the truth about real estate marketing—why so much of what’s out there feels repetitive, and what customers actually want from their agents.

We’re diving into:
🏡 The State of Real Estate Marketing — Why “Just Sold” and “Under Contract” posts aren’t cutting it anymore.
🎯 What Clients Really Want — Honest conversations, transparency, and content that provides real value.
⚖️ This or That Debate — Polished home tours vs. market talk? Market stats vs. community lifestyle content? Tell us what YOU prefer in the comments!
🤝 Our Commitment — How The Rakers Home Group is taking this feedback to heart and raising the bar for client-first marketing.

This episode is for agents who want to stand out and for buyers and sellers who want authenticity from their real-estate experience.

🎙️ Join the conversation—comment, share your thoughts, and let us know what kind of content helps you most!

👉 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insight, honest market talk, and creative marketing ideas from The Rakers Home Group.
📍 Serving Northeast Florida — Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs, Jacksonville, St. Johns, and beyond.

🎧 Listen now and get the Home Team Advantage.

(904) 906.8381

www.rakershomegroup.com

Support the show

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.