Buying Your Home
Podcast Episodes
What is the ONE thing that can’t be changed in the real estate market? The purchase price! Right now the market is still pretty crazy but not impossible. So whether you are thinking about it, currently leasing, selling or buying, join Lori and Amy and the conversation about this crazy real estate market and that there is hope if you’re getting ready to jump in.
Let’s look into what the real estate market looks like these days in our challenging economy! To put it simply there just is not enough inventory right? Well, it’s a little more than that. In today’s episode Lori dives in and breaks down what is happening in the market because it is NOT the same real estate market from a few months ago
Did you know homes that have been staged are statistically known to sell faster and for more money! WOW! What is staging? Well, when staging a home, you are helping to enhance certain areas of the home but also the goal is to make it someone else’s space. There is so much that goes into staging; the particular rooms, the style and even techniques. Who knew?! So tune into today’s podcast to hear what kind of value there is in staging your home before it goes on the market.
What does it look like when you’re thinking of buying a new home when you already own a home? Well Lori shares some tips on what that transaction will look like. Equity is a huge part in these transactions but you don’t want to forget to get pre-approved! Tune into today’s episode to hear more!
How do you go about asking a real estate agent to be.. Well your agent? Lori dives into a great conversation and shares some tips on how to find a great agent but also how to properly ask them to represent you as a buyer, seller or even both! So whether you are buying or selling your home, finding THE agent is such a crucial part of your real estate transaction! Tune in today to hear all about it.
Thinking about owning a pool or know someone who does? Today, Lori and Amy are talking about everyone's favorite thing: POOLS!!! And as you may have remembered, Amy was sick last week. Why do we need to wait for Amy? Well, Amy's the only one that owns a pool. So as we promised, Amy will be going into depth about owning a pool and some pros and cons that you may not know about.
"I don't believe that we're born to just exist and then die. I believe that all of us have the potential to do something amazing in our own way." What do you do when homes aren't affordable? You find a solution or build a solution. Dr. Dionne Payn is a resident of Australia and the inspiring CEO and founder of High Impact Property Investments which has changed the financial services industry. How amazing is it to leave a legacy that you love, that's ethical, and helps people? Tune in to this incredible talk with Dr. Dionne Payn!
Do you like being smart with your finances? Have you heard of Dave Ramsey? We're talking to those of you that love being financially sound. And you're raising your hand, saying "Me! Me!" Right? Lori is an Endorsed Local Provider for Dave Ramsey and we're going to talk about what that means and how to start the journey.
That cat's out of the...house? We're sharing a testimonial today. Our surprise guest has been revealed! We are talking with the amazing, Lauryn Creager. One of our very own, and a voice behind the social media you see for Instagram @LoriAlvarezAndTeamRealtors and beyond. Hear what it's like to sell a home with Lori Alvarez and Team and move out of state!
Almost 30,000 houses came on the market in the last 30 days. This current market is for the brave. So what's really happening in the real estate market? Is there finally some hope for buyers? Is it still a great time to sell? Let's dive into a conversation.
Are you looking for a blueprint to build your investments? Do you love hospitality and re-decorating your home all the time? Short-term rental investing may be the perfect thing for you. We are here today with Expert Danielle Tate, and Co-Author of her latest book, Host Coach. Sometimes the most unexpected things turn out to be the greatest blessing, so let's get brave. You're going to want to do this.
Highs and lows. We love celebrating our clients! It makes us so happy. But sometimes, we have to walk with our clients through some learning moments. It's a big decision to buy a home. But waiting to buy your home can cost you, and we know first hand. So we're going to share our stories from 2009 and our recent moments in this 2022 market on just HOW MUCH waiting to buy your home can cost you if you wait.
Did you know there are home buyer warranties and home seller warranties? We're going to share our realtor experience on what you should consider and think about when you're buying or selling your home sweet home. Of course— sprinkled in with a few of our own family stories with home warranties.
Are you struggling to save up for your first home? It can be really overwhelming, but we want to give you some tips and encouragement to keep pushing forward into homeownership. You need to start believing you can do it. Because only you can move your goals forward.
Watch this episode and see who is behind the voice at https://youtu.be/yQo4s-P61SM
Are you buying a house with your partner? Do you know about passing on your real estate to your kids? We sat down with Rebecca Larson, Your Home Legal, APC to talk about some common legal situations people find themselves in when buying and selling real estate. Let's find out why working with a realtor and an attorney at the same time is beneficial to you.
Curious about the amazing photos you see when searching for a home? Let's talk about how the fantastic QwikVid team we've worked with for 13+ years achieves those top-dollar photos.
If you're not sure how to start your investment journey right now, you need to hear this talk. COVID-19 has changed the game, but Justin Brown of New American Funding with 20 years in the mortgage industry and over 41.2K Followers on Instagram (@loansbyjb) he knows a thing a two. Just is here to teach you what investment options are available to break into Real Estate Investing.
Do you dream of walking your little ones to school each morning? Living conveniently close to your children's schools may sound incredible. But, there are a few things to consider when choosing just how close you really want to be.
Getting ready to go back to school? With so many unknowns, there are a lot of things to consider when going back into the classroom. Let's talk about a few changes, expectations, and thoughts as we dive into the school year and this month's topic: Back to School.
Financial freedom with property investment isn’t about owning 100 doors. You want a fun life, not a frantic one! You just need a few quality houses, a couple of hours a week, and a comfy armchair! Armchair Real Estate Millionaire is your simple guide to property investment that creates consistent and sustainable wealth and savvy retirement planning—without taking over your life.
Want to get into real estate but avoid the competitive housing market? Mother, Land Investor, and Coach Christina Walls of Land Profit Generator tells of her inspiring success in a few short years. Listen in to hear about a simple way you too can get into real estate with as little as $90 and some grit.
Can't find a home? A lack of inventory has pushed the pricing of real estate higher than we anticipated and it's causing many people to think in creative ways to enter the real estate investment world. Let's go over the basics of what it would take to be a real estate developer.
Do you want someone else to pay your mortgage? Um, yes? There are many different ways to make that happen. Let's dive into the house hacking strategies you can do for your next real estate investment.
Nobody likes paying taxes. Did you know there is a way to transition from one investment property to another without paying a penny in taxes? Dave Foster, the 1031 Exchange Expert and Qualified Intermediary, is going to teach us a strategy to grow your legacy faster—using your own tax dollars.
Every community is in need of support and community comes from the people. Alta Skinner, Community Volunteer/Advocate, has made it her life's work to service her community near the city of San Dimas. What turns a community into a family and a home?
Are you "living your best life"? Communities can be built and communities can be found. We're here to talk about what makes a community feel like home and what to look for when choosing a home sweet home.
Are you looking to build a strong legacy and financial future for your family? There are three ways to build money: be born into it, be an entrepreneur, or be an investor. For the past 12 years, Arthur Garcia has successfully ventured into buying and holding real estate as an investment to support his family's future.
Are you afraid to move out of state? If you're thinking about taking the leap, journeying across the states, and starting anew—have no fear. That's how Mike and Tara Yazawa found their dream home and you can too.
How do you move to positive cashflow? It's all about house hacking. Victor Zeledon, graduate of Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey, is here to share his family's success story and journey into the world of Real Estate.
Blog Articles
Here’s your checklist of ideas for getting your offer accepted and stand out from the competition.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re preparing to buy your home sweet home.
More great resources
You have a 3% mortgage, but your house no longer fits your life. Should you sell or stay? In Episode 226 of Real Estate with Soul, Lori Alvarez breaks down the numbers and the emotions behind giving up a low rate to downsize, relocate, retire, move closer to family, or finally buy the home you really want.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, Lori Alvarez explores When a spouse dies, the house can suddenly become one of the biggest decisions you never expected to face. Do you stay? Sell? Downsize? Move closer to family? And how do you make those choices while you’re still grieving?
In this guide, we explore the practical and emotional side of those decisions, with a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out at once. Sometimes, the most important first step is simply giving yourself time, gathering the right information, and understanding your options.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, Lori Alvarez explores how families can navigate conversations about aging in place, downsizing, and Mom’s future without taking away her independence. From recognizing when it’s time to start talking to understanding the financial and emotional factors involved, Lori shares practical guidance for approaching these decisions with empathy, respect, and compassion. Because the goal isn’t always to sell the house, but to help Mom find the best path for her next chapter.
What happens when siblings don't agree about what to do with Mom's house? In Episode 223 of Real Estate with Soul, Lori Alvarez explores the emotional side of inherited homes, downsizing, grief, and family conflict. She shares practical ways families can approach difficult conversations with empathy, get clear on their options, and make thoughtful real estate decisions without damaging the relationships that matter most.
Thinking about renovating before selling your home? Discover seven strategic upgrades that can increase your home’s value and attract stronger offers, plus the renovations that may not be worth the investment. Fresh paint, updated flooring, kitchen updates, bathroom improvements (keep this one SIMPLE), curb appeal, lighting, deep cleaning & staging.
Inherited a home and wondering whether to sell it as-is or make improvements first? Learn how strategic repairs, renovations, and concierge real estate services can help families maximize their home’s value while minimizing stress.
Most homes don’t sell for less because of the market — they sell for less because they weren’t prepared correctly. In this episode, we break down why preparation is the real key to a higher sale price and fewer days on market, and why it should begin 60 to 90 days before listing. From first impressions and curb appeal to decluttering, strategic repairs, staging, and professional marketing, we explain how buyer perception drives value. The takeaway? Selling well isn’t about perfection — it’s about smart preparation, strong presentation, and pricing your home correctly from day one.
In this episode, we break down the October 2025 market across LA, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Three very different stories with one shared truth: inventory is tightening, and strategy matters. LA County is competitive and steady, with low inventory giving sellers the upper hand. Orange County remains one of California’s fastest-moving and highest-priced markets, where buyers must come prepared. San Bernardino County offers the most balance, tightening but still giving buyers some breathing room. Whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both, we cover the numbers, trends, and strategies you need to navigate this fall market with confidence.
In this week’s episode, we break down the proposed 50-year mortgage the Trump administration is floating as a way to reduce monthly housing payments. At first glance, stretching a loan from 30 to 50 years sounds like welcomed relief in a market where affordability is the worst it has been in U.S. history. But do the numbers actually help buyers long term? Using data from AP News and Business Insider, we compare real scenarios — like a $410,000 home where monthly payments drop slightly, but total interest jumps from around $730,000 to over $1.1 million. We walk through why equity would grow painfully slow, why buyers could be paying mortgages into their 80s, and how this change could shake up demand, prices, and investor strategy. This episode breaks down what the proposal means for affordability, competition, equity, and long-term financial health. If you’re considering buying in the next few years, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.
Zillow might be the #1 real estate website but that doesn’t mean everything you see there tells the full story. In this episode, we’re diving into how to use Zillow effectively whether you’re buying, selling, or just window shopping. We’ll walk through a real listing in Pomona and show you exactly what to look for (and what to question). From understanding how listing details get uploaded, to knowing that your “schedule a tour” button connects you to a Zillow-preferred agent, not necessarily the listing agent.. What about that famous “Zestimate”? We’ll talk about how Zillow calculates it, why it’s often off-base, and why working with a local real estate professional is key to getting accurate numbers and guidance. Zillow can be an amazing tool when you know how to use it right.
Is remodeling your home really worth it? In this week’s episode, we are breaking down the top 5 home upgrades that actually add value. With real numbers to show what delivers the best return on investment. From small curb appeal updates like new doors and fresh paint to energy-efficient improvements and kitchen refreshes, these are the projects that make sense for your wallet and your future. We will talk about what is worth the spend, what adds the most value in Southern California’s market, and how to enjoy your upgrades while building long-term equity. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to make smart improvements, this episode will help you prioritize upgrades that truly pay off.
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on La Verne, CA. One of Southern California’s most charming foothill cities. Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, La Verne offers small-town warmth with big-city convenience. From its citrus roots and community feel to the newly opened La Verne Metro Station shaking up housing demand, we’re breaking down what makes this city stand out. From current market trends and rental prices to neighborhood highlights, pros and cons, and the insider tips you’ll want to know before buying or renting here. Whether you’re a local, investor, or just dreaming of a new zip code. This one’s for you.
Let’s take a quick tour through the local real estate markets across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties to see how the numbers are shaping up. From LA’s competitive sellers’ market to Orange County’s quick-moving inventory and Riverside’s balanced affordability, this episode breaks down what’s happening on the ground in real time. Whether you’re a buyer looking for opportunity, a seller planning your next move, or an investor watching the market, we’re covering everything you need to know from current inventory levels and median prices to how fast homes are selling and where the best opportunities might be hiding.
The Texas real estate market 2025 has officially hit a turning point. With inventory at its highest level in a decade and homes sitting longer on the market, 2025 is testing both buyers and sellers across the Lone Star State. In this episode, we’re breaking down why homes in Texas are struggling to sell; from inflated prices and high mortgage rates to shifting buyer expectations and regional cooldowns. We’ll cover real data from Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, and explain what this market shift means for buyers, sellers, and investors. Whether you’re thinking about selling, buying, or waiting, this episode gives you the insights you need to navigate Texas real estate with confidence.
Is renting just throwing money away? Not exactly. In this episode, we break down one of the most debated questions in real estate: renting vs. buying. While owning a home builds equity and can grow long-term wealth, it also comes with taxes, repairs, and upfront costs that don’t make sense for everyone. Renting, on the other hand, offers flexibility, lower initial costs, and in many cities in 2025 even lower monthly payments compared to a mortgage. We’ll dive into the numbers, the pros and cons of each, and the key factors to consider before making your choice. By the end, you’ll know when renting is the smarter move, when buying pays off, and how to decide what’s right for you right now.
Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Think again. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most persistent myths in real estate and breaking it wide open with real numbers, history, and stories from the field. We’ll look at why the 20% rule started, how it turned into an outdated myth, and what today’s buyers are actually putting down. From FHA and VA loans to conventional options as low as 3%, we’ll explore the real facts about down payments — and the pros and cons of putting less versus saving more. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s fact, what’s fiction, and how much you really need to buy a home in today’s market.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul; Learning from Real Estate History: 3 Lessons Shaping Today’s Market, we explore how the history of real estate isn’t just a story of houses bought and sold, it is a roadmap for understanding today’s housing market. From the suburban boom after World War II and the barriers of redlining, to the 2008 housing crash, to the passage of the Fair Housing Act, these pivotal moments remind us that real estate is about more than money. It’s about access, fairness, and smart decision-making. History doesn’t repeat itself, but it echoes. And if you know the past, you can navigate the future.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re breaking down the best home features in 2025—whether you’re house hunting, daydreaming, or just curious about what adds value. From chef-inspired kitchens and spa-like bathrooms to energy-efficient smart homes and outdoor living spaces, these features aren’t just luxuries—they’re investments. A modern kitchen can boost your home’s value by up to 12%, while outdoor upgrades like decks and firepits can increase returns by 10%. Add in smart technology, dedicated office space, and plenty of storage, and you’ve got a home that sells faster and lives better. Not every home checks every box, but this guide will help you figure out which features matter most for your lifestyle, your sanity, and your future.
In How to Invest in Real Estate for Retirement: Simple Steps & Real Numbers, we explore how real estate can be a powerful tool to fund your future. Over the past 20 years, real estate has delivered average returns of 5.2% annually, often outperforming bonds and stocks, while REITs (real estate investment trusts) are projected to yield around 9%. This episode breaks down three clear strategies: buy-and-hold rentals for steady long-term cash flow, REITs for hands-off investing with strong returns, and real estate funds or crowdfunding for a low-maintenance, diversified approach. Whether you want to be an active landlord or a completely passive investor, we’ll show you how to build wealth, create income, and let your money work for you in retirement. Let’s dive in and get your future ready for your retirement.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re setting the record straight on the so-called “Tesla Tiny Home.” That doesn’t mean your tiny home dreams have to stay rumors. We’ll walk through the real options available in 2025, from park model RV-certified homes like the Escape Traveler or Tumbleweed, to modular builds like the Boxable Casita, to site-built homes designed with Appendix Q in mind. Along the way, we’ll break down costs, zoning rules, permitting challenges, land considerations, and the all-important difference between homes on foundations versus homes on wheels. Plus, we’ll cover how to avoid scams and do your due diligence before handing over your hard-earned money. Whether you’re curious about a backyard ADU, dreaming of downsizing, or considering a tiny home as an investment, this episode gives you the roadmap to explore real, legal, and lasting tiny home options.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, From Toys to Titles: The Gift of Real Estate for Your Children’s Future, we’re diving into the ultimate long-term gift you can give your kids—real estate. While toys and gadgets bring short-term joy, property builds wealth that lasts for generations. We’ll explore why home equity makes up 50–70% of a middle-income family’s net worth, and how 38% of Gen Z homeowners needed help from their parents to buy their first home. You’ll also hear practical strategies for buying, teaching, and transferring real estate—even without millions. From starting small with condos, duplexes, or rentals to being smart with taxes and debt, this episode shows how you can build assets your kids can leverage for decades. Legacy starts today.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re breaking down exactly what to look for in a real estate brokerage—before you sign on the dotted line. From culture and collaboration to commission splits, tech tools, and brand support, we’ll cover the red flags to avoid and the green flags that set you up for a thriving career. Whether you’re a new agent, a mid-level producer, or just looking for a better fit, you’ll learn how to choose a brokerage that equips you, supports you, and helps you build more than just a job—you’re building a business.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re diving into the rising trend of tiny homes and ADUs—and how they’re reshaping homeownership, rental income, and flexibility in 2025. In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, we’re exploring how ADUs and JADUs—like casitas or converted garages—are changing the real estate game in 2025. Learn what qualifies as a tiny home, why they can boost your property value by up to 35%, and how much rental income you could earn in LA. We’ll break down pros, cons, solar rules, financing tips, and whether this small-space lifestyle is right for you—or just a smart investment.
In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, I’m breaking down what it really takes to be a first-time investor in 2025—without losing your shirt (or your soul). Real estate investing isn’t just about profit—it’s about freedom, legacy, and building something that aligns with your values. No hype. No hustle culture. Just real strategy, soul-driven decisions, and stories from the trenches. We’ll talk about which investment path fits your life, how to find the right property in today’s market, and why having a trustworthy team matters more than perfect timing. Plus, I’ll share my top beginner-friendly deals for 2025—and why vision matters more than the next viral trend.
In this powerful episode of Real Estate with Soul, Lori Alvarez unpacks the current shift in the real estate market—from a fast-paced seller’s market to a more balanced, buyer-friendly landscape. But this episode goes deeper than headlines and housing stats. Lori shares her own story of risk, resilience, and radical faith—from a 24-year-old single mom in debt to a homeowner and business owner who helps others build wealth and freedom through real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, or sitting on the sidelines waiting for a "better time," this episode will challenge you to rethink your readiness. The truth? There is no perfect time. But you are perfectly built for this.
Most people expect stress when selling a home—but few expect sadness. In this heart-centered episode, Lori Alvarez talks about the often-overlooked grief that comes with saying goodbye to a place full of memories.
Whether it’s because of divorce, downsizing, the loss of a loved one, or simply growing into a new season of life, moving is never just a transaction. It’s a transition, and it comes with real emotions.
Lori shares gentle ways to honor the process—like writing a letter to the home, praying over the space with your family, or creating a memory video as a keepsake.
Because real estate isn’t just about the market—it’s about the journey. And that’s what real estate with soul is all about.
Not all homes are flying off the market—and in this episode, we’re talking about why. Lori Alvarez breaks down what’s really happening in today’s mid-2025 market and shares exactly what it takes to get a home sold in a time where buyers are picky, interest rates are higher, and strategy is everything.
From real stories of listings with multiple offers to others that sat with no activity, Lori explains the three biggest reasons homes aren’t moving, and how you can shift the outcome with better prep, pricing, and a standout marketing plan.
Whether you’re already listed or just thinking about selling, this episode is packed with insight, soul, and the clarity you’ve been waiting for.
Thinking of selling your home this year? You are NOT alone- and you have probably asked yourself, “should I wait?” In this episode Lori breaks down three key questions every seller should ask before selling: what the market is doing right now, how to know if you are ready, and why waiting is not always your safe bet.We’ll also talk about why trying to time the market can backfire, and what smart strategies actually work in today’s shifting pace. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a sense of peace about your next move.
Feeling unsure about buying, selling, or just staying put in today’s real estate market? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lori brings her signature mix of experience and heart to break down what’s really happening in the spring market. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a downsizing seller, or simply market curious, Lori offers clarity, insight, and soul to help you feel confident in your next step.
Divorce is a deeply personal and emotional life shift—and when real estate is part of the equation, the process becomes even more complex. In this episode, we explore how divorce continues to impact the real estate market, even as national rates decline.
We’ll share compassionate tips for navigating this transition: from reframing the home sale as part of the healing process to protecting your financial future and maintaining open, professional communication.
This isn’t just about real estate—it’s about resilience. We’re here to walk with you, not just sell your home.
Lori and Amy are back at it with a great conversation about a Buyer’s agent reality in the real estate world. If there is one word to describe a buyer’s agent it would be availability. Buyers agents get to make homeownership dreams come true and Amy Cruz is one of Real Estate Resolved very own buyers agents. Today’s episode she gets to share what it means to her and how she is successful at what she does..