Freeman On Real Estate

Exploring Solar Opportunities with Zoe Haley

Mike welcomes back guest Zoe Haley, a representative from Sunrun. Zoe discusses her transition from private lending to joining Sunrun, the largest residential solar company in the US known for its robust market presence in Massachusetts. With insights into the daily challenges of door-to-door sales, Zoe emphasizes the importance of educating customers about solar energy benefits, addressing concerns like high electricity rates, and offering tailored solutions. The episode also touches upon Sunrun's competitive edge, including their integrated service model and community-focused approach, and concludes with a light-hearted segment on unusual pets' names.
 
Topics
00:28 Meet the Special Guest: Zoe's Journey to Sunrun
01:06 Zoe's Role and Experience at Sunrun
03:35 Challenges and Rewards of Door-to-Door Sales
05:36 Customer Experience and Solar Panel Installation Process
11:06 Why Choose Sunrun?
14:09 Exploring Solar Purchase Options
14:39 Understanding Lease Terms and Ownership
15:45 Tax Rebates and Market Credits
16:13 Neighborhood Suitability for Solar
17:19 Expanding Solar Services Across Towns
18:02 Customer-Centric Approach
20:00 Fun Segment: Best and Worst Pet Names
23:58 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Zoe Haley's Journey to Sobriety & Success

Zoe Haley from Sun Run Solar Panels. Zoe shares her powerful personal journey from struggling with addiction to celebrating over a year of sobriety. She discusses her experience with various recovery programs, the habits she developed to maintain her sobriety, and her current role as a sober house manager. Zoe’s story is inspiring, highlighting the importance of setting goals, building positive daily habits, and learning from failures. 
Topics
01:29 Introducing Guest Zoe Haley from Sunrun
01:51 Zoe's Journey: From Biotechnology to Real Estate
02:44 Struggles with Addiction and Path to Sobriety
07:05 Implementing New Habits for a Better Life
16:22 Life in a Sober House and Future Goals
22:58 More About Mike: Advice to Past Self
26:16 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Is the Housing Market Soft?

Mike discusses the current state of the real estate market, addressing the perceptions of a slow market. Drawing on his 10 years of experience and financial expertise, Mike elaborates on critical factors affecting low inventory, high prices, and the cyclical nature of the market. He examines the lack of new construction, the skew toward luxury homes, and regulatory obstacles. Mike also highlights the impact of rising interest rates and changing demographics, offering a five-point strategy to improve the housing market. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion on favorite Boston sports coaches, sharing anecdotes and insights into their legacies.
 
Topics
 
01:33 Current Market Perceptions and Realities
03:25 Factors Affecting Inventory and Prices
08:55 Interest Rates and Their Impact
10:02 The Vicious Cycle of the Housing Market
14:01 Potential Solutions and Strategies
16:42 Sports Talk: New England Patriots and Favorite Coaches
26:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

Common Mistakes Sellers Make

Realtor Mike Freeman discusses the common mistakes sellers make during real estate transactions. Mike emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations, pricing to sell, and being willing to address necessary repairs. He also touches on the intricacies of commission payments and the emotional aspect of selling a home. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'More About Mike' segment, where they discuss their favorite Saturday Night Live cast members.
 
Topics
 
01:02 Catch-Up and Personal Stories
02:22 Common Mistakes Sellers Make
07:44 Handling Offers and Negotiations
15:42 Commission and Legal Considerations
18:05 More About Mike: SNL Favorites
25:08 Conclusion and Contact Information

Common Mistakes Home Buyers Make

Mike discusses common mistakes home buyers often make and how to avoid them. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding real estate commissions, correctly handling home inspections, and the significance of the purchase and sale agreement. The conversation covers why it's crucial to rely on experienced realtors, avoid unnecessary purchases before closing, and manage the influence of parents during the home buying process. To conclude, Mike shares a personal anecdote about his least favorite job from his youth.
 
Topics
 
00:31 Winter Weather Chat
01:39 Common Mistakes Buyers Make
05:09 Importance of Home Inspections
14:54 Financial Tips Before Closing
18:15 Mike's Least Favorite Job
21:52 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Navigating the New Realtor Commission Rules

Mike discusses recent changes in real estate commission regulations following a major settlement in Missouri. He breaks down what these changes mean for buyers and sellers, particularly regarding written buyer agreements and commission disclosures. The episode also delves into the potential impact on the buyer's market and emphasizes the importance of transparent discussions about commissions.
Topics
01:11 Real Estate Developments and Lawsuits
03:47 Understanding Realtor Commissions
07:54 Advice for Buyers and Sellers
18:28 Holiday Season and Favorite Movies
21:23 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Transparency in Real Estate & An Update On The Brokerage Commission Lawsuit

Mike Freeman of Coldwell Banker, updates us on the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement that took effect on August 17th. Mike explains how the settlement has introduced significant changes in terms of transparency regarding brokerage commissions for both buyers and sellers. He highlights the ethical practices of Coldwell Banker and contrasts them with less transparent practices within the industry. The podcast also delves into the implications of the settlement on market dynamics, the necessity of buyers' agent agreements, and the importance of clear contracts. The episode concludes with a light-hearted segment on comfort foods.Topics01:00 Impact of NAR Lawsuit on Real Estate03:38 Changes in Brokerage Commissions10:00 Buyer's Agent Agreements Explained18:15 More About Mike: Comfort Food19:53 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Navigating Current Market Trends

Realtor Mike Freeman discusses the evolving trends in the real estate market, particularly in Norfolk County. Drawing from nearly a decade of experience and data up until October 30, he examines shifts in sales numbers, inventory levels, median prices, and absorption rates. The conversation highlights the complexity of the market and the importance of understanding these changes for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Beyond the data, Mike also shares his perspective on new construction, advising against attempting to time the market. Topics00:32 Market Changes and Trends01:53 Sales Data Analysis04:13 Inventory and Absorption Rates07:29 Future Market Predictions10:10 Building Trends and Housing Shortages16:14 Driving Pet Peeves20:31 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

More Expert Insights with Blake Fouracre

Blake Fouracre from Coastal Boston Property Inspections returns to the show to share his unique journey from engineering to becoming a top home inspector. Blake provides detailed insights into how he conducts home inspections, what differentiates his approach from others, and the importance of client education during the inspection process. The episode covers Blake's method of categorizing inspection findings, his policy of not doing any marketing due to high word-of-mouth referrals, and how he helps clients understand their homes better. The conversation also touches on the significance of not waiving home inspections, and the human element of home buying, emphasizing clear communication and reducing client anxiety. Listeners get to learn about Blake's unique process, especially his 'table talk' method and his solitary initial inspection approach, aimed at maintaining focus and accuracy.Blake: www.coastalbostoninspects.com617-COASTALCall Mike on his cell at 617.759.1513.Email MIke at mike.freeman@nemoves.comWebsite: mikefreemanhomes.comTopics01:31 Blake's Unique Approach to Home Inspections04:12 The Importance of Client Education06:31 Blake's Inspection Process and Client Interaction12:05 The Value of a Thorough Home Inspection18:56 Fun Segment: More About Mike and Blake21:29 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

From Engineering to Inspections: Blake Fouracre’s Journey

In this episode of Freeman on Real Estate, hosted by Realtor Mike Freeman at the Boston Podcast Network, guest Blake Fouracre from Coastal Boston Property Inspections shares his unique journey from engineering to becoming a top home inspector. Blake discusses his background in corrosion engineering, the intervention that led him to home inspections, and the rigorous process of becoming licensed in Massachusetts. The episode also features an engaging segment where Mike and Blake share their favorite movie quotes.Blake: www.coastalbostoninspects.com617-COASTALCall Mike on his cell at 617.759.1513.Email MIke at mike.freeman@nemoves.comWebsite: mikefreemanhomes.comTopics00:00 Introduction to Freeman on Real Estate01:07 Meet Blake Fouracre: Coastal Boston Property Inspections01:47 Blake's Journey to Becoming a Home Inspector05:07 The Home Inspection Process and Challenges15:10 More About Mike and Blake