pplpod

pplpod

pplpod is a podcast about people, places and lots of other stuff. Each episode takes a deep dive into the lives, choices, and legacies of fascinating figures from history, culture, music, and beyond. From icons who shaped entire generations to hidden stories that deserve the spotlight, pplpod brings you closer to the people behind the headlines and the legends. Thoughtful, engaging, and story-driven, pplpod explores what makes these lives extraordinary—and what we can learn from them today.

  1. VOR 1 TAG

    Amortization: Loans, Laws, and Algorithms

    In this episode of pplpod, we explore the multifaceted definition of "amortization" beyond just paying off debt. We discuss how the term applies to the decreasing principal of a loan, but also how it functions in accounting for expensing intangible assets and in tax law as a cost recovery system. Finally, we dive into its surprising applications in computer science for analyzing algorithm costs and in zoning laws regarding non-conforming properties.

    33 Min.

  2. VOR 1 TAG

    Unlocking Equity: The Guide to Home Equity Loans and HELOCs

    In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the world of home equity loans to help you understand how to leverage your property’s value. We explain the fundamentals of using home equity as collateral to finance major expenses like home repairs, medical bills, or college education. Tune in to learn the critical differences between a standard closed-end home equity loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), including how they differ in terms of interest rates and repayment flexibility. We also cover the financial fine print you need to know, from the potential fees involved—such as appraisal and originator fees—to the impact of the 2018 Tax Reform bill on interest deductions.

    30 Min.

  3. VOR 1 TAG

    Unlocking Home Equity: The Mechanics, History, and Global Rise of the HELOC

    In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), a financial tool that allows homeowners to turn their property into a revolving line of credit. We explain the two distinct phases of a HELOC—the "draw period," where borrowers can withdraw funds and often pay only interest, and the "repayment period," when the principal becomes due. Key topics covered in this episode include: • Risk and Reward: Why HELOCs often offer lower interest rates than unsecured debt, but carry the serious risk of foreclosure if the loan is not repaid. • The US Market: How HELOCs became a staple of American finance in the early 2000s, their role in the subprime mortgage crisis, and how the 2017 tax laws changed their deductibility. • Canada’s Boom and Regulation: A look at how Canadian HELOC debt grew from 10% to 40% of non-mortgage consumer debt between 2000 and 2012, prompting stricter government rules on borrowing limits. • New Markets: The arrival of HELOC products in the UK via fintechs in 2021 and their introduction in Brazil in 2023 to combat historically high consumer interest rates. Tune in to learn the difference between a HELOC and a conventional loan, and what you need to know before leveraging your home's equity.

    28 Min.

  4. VOR 1 TAG

    The Real Estate Agent: Brokers, Commissions, and the Truth About "Realtors"

    In this episode of pplpod, we unlock the door to the world of real estate professionals. We break down the crucial difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker, explaining how agents must usually work under licensed brokers to negotiate sales and manage the documentation required for closing. We explore the financial incentives of the industry, discussing the typical 5-6% commission structure and the argument made by economist Steven Levitt that agents may actually be motivated to sell a home quickly rather than for the highest possible price. Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of representation, from full-service fiduciary relationships to "transaction brokers" in states like Florida who act as neutral parties. We also examine alternative models like flat-fee "limited-service agents" and clarify why the term "Realtor" is a trademark rather than a generic job title. Whether you are buying, selling, or just curious about how these licensed professionals operate, this episode covers the essentials of the trade.

    36 Min.

  5. VOR 1 TAG

    Behind the Sale: How the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Shapes Real Estate

    In this episode of pplpod, we unlock the closed doors of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). What started in the late 1800s as local brokers gathering to share property information has evolved into a complex suite of services that dominates the real estate industry. We explore the fundamental principle driving the MLS—"Help me sell my inventory and I'll help you sell yours"—and how this system facilitates contractual cooperation and compensation between brokers. Join us as we examine how the MLS operates as a private club for licensed professionals rather than a public utility, often requiring significant fees for access. We also travel globally to compare different real estate ecosystems, looking at why the United Kingdom relies on centralized advertising portals instead of a traditional MLS, and why high demand in the Czech Republic has made such systems unnecessary there. Key topics covered in this episode include: • The Power of Proprietary Data: How brokers maintain ownership of listing data while using "Internet Data Exchange" (IDX) to display properties to the public. • Antitrust Battles: A look at the legal history, including FTC investigations and Department of Justice lawsuits, aimed at stopping MLSs from blocking discount brokers and limiting competition. • A Fragmented System: Understanding why there is no single authoritative MLS in the U.S., but rather hundreds of regional organizations setting their own rules. • Global Adoption: How countries like Vietnam and India are adapting the U.S. model to modernize their property markets.

    38 Min.

  6. VOR 1 TAG

    Real Estate 101: Agents, Brokers and the Truth About Commissions

    In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the complex world of property sales to demystify the professionals who handle your biggest financial transactions. We break down the crucial distinctions between a standard real estate agent, an independent broker, and a trademarked Realtor. Tune in as we explore: • Roles & Hierarchy: Why agents typically must work under licensed brokers to represent clients, and how experienced salespeople can eventually upgrade their licenses to run their own brokerages. • The Cost of Business: A look at standard commission rates, which often range between 5-6%, and the rise of "flat-fee" agents who offer limited services for a fixed price. • Conflicts & Economics: We discuss the "Freakonomics" theory suggesting brokers may keep their own homes on the market longer than client homes to get a better price, and how laws like RESPA prevent agents from taking kickbacks from lenders. • Legal Representation: Understanding the difference between a fiduciary agent and a "transaction broker," who brings buyers and sellers together without legally representing either side. Whether you are looking for full representation or planning to navigate a transaction unrepresented, this episode covers the essential licensing and legal standards you need to know.

    42 Min.

  7. VOR 1 TAG

    Zoning Out: How Invisible Lines Shape Our Cities, from Ancient Walls to Modern Skyscrapers

    In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the complex world of zoning, the regulatory framework that dictates what can be built where. We trace the history of land-use regulation from the walled cities of antiquity—designed to keep dangerous activities away from residents—to the industrial revolution and the first modern US zoning ordinances in Los Angeles and New York City. Join us as we break down the different ways governments manage growth: • The American Model: We explain "Euclidean" single-use zoning, the dominant system in North America that rigidly separates residential, commercial, and industrial areas, often leading to urban sprawl and car dependency. • Global Alternatives: We look at how other nations handle development, including the form-based codes of France, the mixed-use hierarchies of Japan, and the United Kingdom’s unique "discretionary" system that eschews zoning entirely. • The Controversy: We explore the criticism facing zoning laws today, discussing how density regulations have been used to exacerbate racial segregation and housing costs, and examine the unique "no zoning" experiment in Houston, Texas. Whether it is preserving historic character or driving up rent, find out how these planning rules impact your daily life.

    31 Min.

  8. VOR 1 TAG

    How Zoning Shaped America, Spiked Rent, and Sparked a YIMBY Revolution

    Why is single-family zoning considered "practically gospel" in America, and how did invisible lines drawn a century ago lead to today's housing affordability crisis? In this episode of pplpod, we dig into the history of Zoning in the United States, a system of laws dividing land into specific districts that originated with limits on wash houses in Los Angeles and the 1916 New York City Zoning Resolution designed to stop skyscrapers from blocking the sun,. We explore how early zoning ordinances were often motivated by racism and classism, serving as a workaround to segregate neighborhoods after the Supreme Court struck down explicit racial ordinances in 1917,. You’ll learn about the landmark Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. case that solidified the constitutionality of "Euclidean" zoning and how these laws have artificially inflated housing costs through a hidden "zoning tax",,. Plus, we examine the modern backlash to exclusionary zoning: • The Houston Exception: How America’s fourth-largest city expanded without any official zoning ordinances. • The Reform Movement: Why cities like Minneapolis and states like Oregon and California are moving to abolish single-family zoning to combat homelessness, segregation, and environmental damage,,. • The Cost of Sprawl: How strict regulations contribute to car dependency and billions in lost economic output,. Join us as we decode the legal framework that decides who gets to live where.

    35 Min.
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Info

pplpod is a podcast about people, places and lots of other stuff. Each episode takes a deep dive into the lives, choices, and legacies of fascinating figures from history, culture, music, and beyond. From icons who shaped entire generations to hidden stories that deserve the spotlight, pplpod brings you closer to the people behind the headlines and the legends. Thoughtful, engaging, and story-driven, pplpod explores what makes these lives extraordinary—and what we can learn from them today.

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  • Erstellt von
    pplpod
  • Jahre aktiv
    2025 - 2026
  • Folgen
    2000
  • Bewertung
    Anstößig
  • Copyright
    © pplpod
  • Sendungswebsite
    pplpod

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