The Real Deal with Courtney Nielsen

Courtney Marshall Nielsen
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  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Join us each week as we explore the dynamic world of real estate through engaging conversations, expert insights, and practical tips for buyers, sellers, and investors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll discover how a love for lifelong learning can transform your approach to real estate and empower you to make informed decisions.

  1. May 19

    Price it Right the First Time, And What to Do if You Didn't

    National inventory up 3 to 5% year over year and what it means for Utah sellers. How buyer behavior has shifted in a balanced market. The three pricing strategies and when each one works. How search price brackets make an overpriced home invisible. Why the first two weeks on market are your most powerful asset. A real listing case study using event-based pricing. How to diagnose a stalled listing using showings data. Why token price reductions don't work. How to create a second window of visibility with a meaningful adjustment. What sellers leave on the table by starting too high and chasing the market down.

    22 min

  2. Apr 10

    Should You Wait For Rates to Drop? Expert Melissa Jones Tells All

    Should you wait for rates to drop? A mortgage expert's blunt answer Melissa Jones, founder of Keyvia Mortgage, brings nearly 30 years of financial industry experience to the table — and she is not here to sugarcoat anything. In this episode, Courtney and Melissa dig into where rates actually stand, how buyers can get creative with financing, and the honest mistakes that derail deals right before closing. If you have been watching rates and wondering whether now is the time to buy or keep waiting — this episode was made for you. Melissa breaks down the current rate environment heading into Q2, explains creative loan tools most buyers have never heard of, and shares the one mistake she sees derail transactions again and again (that has nothing to do with your credit score). In this episodeEpisode timestamps00:00Introduction — meet Melissa Jones and the story behind Keyvia Mortgage06:40Why Melissa left the corporate lending world and launched her own brokerage — "I didn't want to make other companies wealthy anymore"08:00What "Keyvia" means — and why the name perfectly captures her mission09:00Independent broker vs. big lender: where the savings actually come from10:30Where rates are right now heading into Q2, and what the Fed's latest decision means for buyers12:30"Should I wait for rates to hit 5%?" — Melissa's honest answer14:00Rate buydowns explained: the permanent buydown vs. the 2-1 buydown18:00What separates buyers who get approved easily from those who struggle21:00What "building lasting financial confidence" actually looks like in practice22:30The 20% down myth — and what mortgage insurance actually costs per month25:30What buyers can do right now to position themselves for approval27:30The most common avoidable mistakes Melissa sees buyers make32:00Why your lender choice matters as much as your loan program37:00What Melissa wishes real estate agents understood about the lending process43:00One piece of advice for every first-time home buyer45:30Commercial loans and how Melissa helps business owners find financing47:00How to reach Melissa and connect with Keyvia Mortgage

    39 min
  3. Shedding Skins & Igniting Stride: A 2025 Review + Fire Horse Year Momentum

    Feb 17

    Shedding Skins & Igniting Stride: A 2025 Review + Fire Horse Year Momentum

    Today is February 17, 2026, the first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, and I released this episode today on purpose. The Fire Horse comes once every 60 years. It brings passionate movement, bold momentum, and courageous action. After a year of shedding, reflecting, and doing deep inner work in the Snake year, we are finally ready to run. But before we gallop forward, I want to honor what 2025 actually asked of us, because it was hard. For me personally, and in the Utah real estate market. In this episode, I get honest about: What the Snake year revealed in me (overfunctioning, perfectionism, releasing what no longer aligned)What 2025 really looked like in Utah real estate (pricing was challenging - we were testing, adjusting, adapting)Why the Snake year market rewarded persistence and adaptability over perfectionWhat the Year of the FIRE Horse means for 2026, and why this year is differentI'm an Earth Horse (born 1978), and what it means to have my grounded nature ignited by Fire Horse energyPLUS practical real estate guidance for buyers and sellers in 2026: Why waiting for rates to drop could cost you $15,000-$25,000 on a $500K homeUtah has averaged 4% appreciation annually for 30 years - prices are going up, not downWhat's actually selling in 2026 (hint: presentation + adaptability wins)Why this is the year to act on clarity, not wait on fearThis episode is personal, reflective, and honest. It's for anyone who navigated a hard 2025 and is ready to step into 2026 with intention and courage. The shedding was necessary. The clarity was earned. Today, we move. CONNECT WITH COURTNEY:Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in 2026? Let's talk.📧 courtney@nielsenpropertygroup.com📞 801.230.8278🌐 nielsenpropertygroup.com📍 Serving Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Utah (and beyond) If this episode resonated, please subscribe, rate, and review. Share it with someone who's ready to step into their Fire Horse year. Happy Year of the Fire Horse. Let's gallop forward, together. 🔥🐴 #utahrealestate #firehorseyear #realestatepodcast #2026market #therealdealpodcast #eaglemountain #saratogasprings #homebuying #intentionalliving #lehiutah

    19 min

  4. Feb 5

    The 2026 Utah Housing Market: Clarity Over Chaos with Jonny Christensen

    If you're stepping into 2026 feeling unsure about the housing market—unsure what to believe, what applies to Utah, or how to time a decision—this episode brings clarity. I sat down with Jonny Christensen, Regional Director for Keller Williams Utah and Operating Principal of KW Westfield (the largest brokerage in Utah County). With 19 years in real estate, Jonny has seen both extremes: the Great Recession and COVID's frenzy. His perspective? 2026 is bringing us back to normal. And that's good news. IN THIS EPISODE: Why "normal and stable" is a win after years of extremes2026 forecast—transactions, inventory, and pricing expectationsInterest rates—where we're headed and why slow improvement is healthyHome prices—why they're NOT coming downInventory levels—2.5-3 months vs. Great Recession's 13-14 monthsThe affordability crisis and potential solutionsBuyer advice—should you wait for rates to drop?Seller advice—why pricing + presentation = everythingWhy investors are buying againThe #1 thing to do in 2026KEY TAKEAWAYS: 5-10% more transactions in 2026—steady improvementRates likely drifting to high 5s by year-endHome prices will continue climbing 3-5% annuallyUtah fundamentals remain strong (migration, jobs, limited inventory)Sellers: the prettiest home at the best price winsBuyers: stop waiting—start building equity nowNational headlines don't reflect what's happening in Utah County. This conversation gives you actionable clarity whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing. The right decisions come from understanding your position and having trusted guidance. ABOUT JONNY:Regional Director for Keller Williams Utah with nearly 19 years of experience. He brings data-driven insight with approachable, practical advice. CONNECT:Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in 2026? Let's talk.📧 [Your Email]📞 [Your Phone Number]🌐 [Your Website]📍 Serving Eagle Mountain & Saratoga Springs KEY STATS MENTIONED: Utah home appreciation (30 years): 5.75%—highest in the nation since 1991Historical mortgage rate (50 years): 8%Current Utah County inventory: 2.5-3 months80% of Utah mortgages are under 5%65% of Utah mortgages are under 4%If this episode brought clarity, subscribe, rate, and review. Share with anyone making a move in 2026. Let's make 2026 a year of clarity, strategy, and intentional moves. #UtahRealEstate #2026Market #InterestRates #HomeBuying #RealEstatePodcast #UtahCounty #EagleMountain #SaratogaSprings

    34 min

  5. 05/01/2025

    The Tax Talk Every Real Estate Investor Needs

    In this episode of the Real Deal Podcast, host Courtney and guest Jordan Koehler (owner of Prodigy Accounting in Draper) discuss the often-overlooked topic of taxes, particularly in relation to real estate investing. They explore the importance of year-round tax planning, the necessity of having a proper business structure, and the unique tax advantages that real estate offers. The conversation delves into depreciation, cost segregation, and common mistakes that investors make, emphasizing the need for proactive financial strategies. Jordan shares insights on navigating capital gains and inheritance, and the episode concludes with a call to dream big and plan intentionally for the future.

    1h 1m

  6. 03/27/2025

    Navigating the Short-Term Rental Market: Tips for Aspiring Investors

    In this episode, Courtney and Jennifer Yorgesen explore the world of short-term rentals, discussing Jennifer's journey into real estate, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to succeed. They delve into the importance of understanding market dynamics, maximizing profitability, and effectively managing rental properties. Jennifer shares valuable insights and tips for aspiring investors, emphasizing the need for preparation and awareness in the real estate investment landscape.

    41 min

  7. 03/20/2025

    What Every Aspiring House Flipper Needs to Know

    In this conversation, Courtney interviews Desi Mauerman, a real estate investor who shares her journey into flipping homes in Utah. Desi discusses her initial motivations, the challenges she faced during her first flip, and the lessons learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, conservative financial planning, and the realities of the rehab process. The conversation also touches on current projects, market insights, and advice for aspiring flippers, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in real estate investing.

    41 min

  8. 03/06/2025

    From First Property to Financial Freedom: Amy Kendall’s Investment Journey

    In this episode of The Real Deal Podcast, host Courtney Nielsen speaks with Amy Kendall, a successful real estate investor, about her journey from healthcare to real estate. They discuss the opportunities in the Utah market, the importance of education, tax benefits, and strategies for aspiring investors. Amy shares her experiences with multifamily properties, 1031 exchanges, and her recent ventures into commercial real estate. The conversation emphasizes starting small, understanding the market, and the long-term benefits of real estate investing.

    1h 1m
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About

Join us each week as we explore the dynamic world of real estate through engaging conversations, expert insights, and practical tips for buyers, sellers, and investors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll discover how a love for lifelong learning can transform your approach to real estate and empower you to make informed decisions.

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