Brewed In Monmouth:The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen

KittyRox

Welcome to Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen! In this podcast, we’re serving up everything you need to know about the vibrant real estate and social scene in Monmouth County. From beach towns like Asbury Park to suburban gems like Holmdel, we dive into the best neighborhoods, market trends, and insider tips. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious, Kate and Doreen will give you the scoop on all the amazing offerings this area has to offer. Grab your TEA and tune in for the latest real estate buzz!

  1. 4d ago

    Brewed in Monmouth | Mortgage Built for Physicians with Neil Surgenor

    This week on Brewed in Monmouth, Kate and Doreen sit down with Neil Surgenor, Mortgage Loan Officer with Truist, to unpack a lending program that most medical professionals — and even many real estate agents — don't know exists. Neil has built his practice around helping doctors, dentists, and other high-earning professionals navigate one of the most misunderstood corners of the mortgage market. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how the Physician Loan Program works, who qualifies, and why getting educated early in the process changes everything. In this episode, we cover:✔️ How Truist's Physician Loan Program works — 100% financing up to $1M, no mortgage insurance✔️ Why student loan debt doesn't disqualify medical professionals the way it does with conventional loans✔️ How residents and fellows can secure a home up to 90 days before their start date using only an offer letter✔️ How skipping the 20% down payment can actually strengthen your offer in a competitive market✔️ The Premier Program for attorneys and other professionals — 10% down with no mortgage insurance✔️ Why working with a knowledgeable lender early in the process is the move most buyers wish they'd made sooner Whether you're a physician just finishing residency, an attorney buying your first home, or a real estate professional looking to better serve your clients — this episode is essential listening. 👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and real estate insights from Monmouth County! #BrewedInMonmouth #MonmouthCountyNJ #NeilSurgenor #TruistMortgage #PhysicianLoan #DoctorMortgage #NJPodcast #HomeLoansNJ #MonmouthCountyRealEstate #RealEstateNJ #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MedicalProfessionals

    18 min

  2. May 21

    Building Intentionally in Monmouth County with Trevor Munson | Brewed In Monmouth

    This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Trevor Munson, architect and entrepreneur behind REIDY Contracting Group, to talk about what it really takes to build something that lasts — from commercial spaces to company culture. Trevor has spent his career working at the intersection of design, construction, and client partnership in Monmouth County. In this episode, he shares what separates the projects that succeed from the ones that don't — and why the best builders aren't just thinking about opening day. In this episode, we cover:✔️ Why Monmouth County is attracting serious commercial development post-COVID✔️ The shift from new construction to adaptive reuse — and why it makes sense right now✔️ What makes an ideal client (hint: it starts before the blueprints)✔️ How REIDY builds its workforce — hiring for work ethic, not just credentials✔️ Trevor's core advice for business owners: stop, pause, and be intentional Whether you're a local business owner, a developer, or just curious about what's being built in your backyard — this one's worth a listen. 👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and real estate insights from Monmouth County! #BrewedInMonmouth #MonmouthCountyNJ #REIDYContractingGroup #CommercialConstruction #TrevorMunson #AdaptiveReuse #MonmouthCountyRealEstate #NJRealEstate #BuildingMonmouth #LocalBusiness

    40 min

  3. May 6

    Staging Your Home to Sell with Tara Taylor | Brewed in Monmouth

    This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Tara from Taylor Home Designs to talk about the art and strategy behind professional home staging — and why it can be one of the smartest investments a seller makes before listing.Tara found her way into staging after a career change following the loss of her father, encouraged by a colleague who recognized her natural design eye. Ten years later, she's built a business that helps sellers across the area present their homes in the best possible light — from occupied homes that need decluttering and depersonalizing, to vacant properties that need furnishings to feel like a home again.In this episode, we cover:✔️ Why staging helps buyers emotionally connect with a space✔️ The difference between staging occupied vs. vacant homes✔️ Practical tips on odors, curb appeal, and decluttering before you list✔️ How Tara manages the logistics of a full professional stage✔️ Her consulting service — a written, room-by-room prep plan for sellers who want a roadmapWhether you're thinking about listing soon or just want to know what goes into getting a home market-ready — this episode is for you.👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and real estate insights from Monmouth County!#MonmouthCountyNJ #HomeStagingTips #BrewedInMonmouth #TaylorHomeDesigns #SellingYourHome #RealEstateNJ #HomeStaging #MonmouthCountyRealEstate #NJRealEstate #StagingYourHome

    40 min

  4. Apr 22

    A New Chapter in Full Bloom Michelle Higgins Fine Flowers & Gifts

    This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Michelle Higgins, owner of Fine Flowers and Gifts in Middletown, NJ, to talk about her inspiring leap from a 36-year career in radiology to running a beloved local flower shop. After decades specializing in mammography, Michelle took a chance on a new chapter—one rooted in the same values of connection, care, and community that guided her first career. Today, she leads a shop known for personalized service, curated gifts, and floral designs crafted by her expert team, Katie and Jessica. In this episode, we cover:✔️ How Michelle transitioned from healthcare to small business ownership✔️ Why personalized service still wins over big-box convenience✔️ Current wedding floral trends—from minimalist bud vases to smaller bridal posies✔️ The emotional impact of flowers during life's biggest moments✔️ How Monmouth County's family-run businesses support one another Whether you're a Monmouth County local, a small business lover, or someone dreaming about your own career reinvention—this episode is for you.

    27 min

  5. Apr 7

    Nature-Based Preschool Classes in Monmouth County | Sticks and Sprouts with Emily McCue

    What if preschool didn’t happen inside four walls? In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Emily McCue, founder of Sticks and Sprouts, a nature-based preschool in Monmouth County, NJ that’s redefining early childhood education through outdoor play, creativity, and exploration. With a background as a pediatric occupational therapist, Emily shares how she built a program focused on helping kids develop confidence, independence, and real-world skills—without screens or traditional classroom structure. We talk about:• What makes a nature-based preschool different• The real benefits of outdoor learning for young children• Why more Monmouth County families are exploring alternative preschool options• How Sticks and Sprouts is growing a strong local community If you're a parent, educator, or just curious about new approaches to early education, this episode is packed with insight. 🎙 Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea highlights local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community stories across Monmouth County, NJ. #MonmouthCountyNJ #PreschoolNJ #NatureBasedLearning #OutdoorEducation #BrewedInMonmouth

    32 min

  6. Mar 26

    You’re Not Alone: Grief, Healing & Stephy’s Place

    In this heartfelt episode of Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea, Kate Raftery and Doreen DeMarco sit down with Kevin J. Keelan, Bereavement Specialist at Stephy’s Place, for an honest and meaningful conversation about grief, healing, and the power of community. Stephy’s Place, a nonprofit based in Red Bank, New Jersey, provides free peer support for individuals who have experienced loss. Through professionally guided support groups and resources, they offer a safe space where people can share their stories, process their grief, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. Kevin shares insight into how grief impacts everyday life, how to support others going through loss, and why having a strong support system is so important—especially during major life transitions. This episode goes beyond real estate. It’s about compassion, connection, and showing up for people when they need it most. ✨ Whether you’re navigating loss or simply want to better understand how to support someone who is, this is a conversation worth listening to. 🔗 Learn more about Stephy’s Place: https://www.stephysplace.org

    38 min

  7. Mar 10

    Inside the 2026 CRE Playbook with Frank Forte | Brewed in Monmouth

    In this episode, Frank Forte joins us to break down the 2026 commercial real estate landscape — from the shift happening in office spaces to why multi-tenant industrial properties continue to outperform. We also discuss the challenges of apartment oversupply, the realities of tenant management, and why relationships still matter most in real estate deals. If you want an inside look at how experienced investors are navigating today’s market, this conversation is packed with insights. 📍 Serving Monmouth County, NJ☕ Real conversations. Local experts. No fluff. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring the people shaping Monmouth County. Kate Raftery is a top-producing real estate agent and owner of NextHome Peninsula Realty Group in Monmouth County, NJ. Ranked in the top 1% of Monmouth and Ocean MLS since 2023, Kate combines luxury-level service with deep community involvement — supporting local schools, businesses, and organizations while helping families feel at home in the towns she serves. Doreen DeMarco is a RealTrends Top 1% New Jersey agent with Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach in Holmdel. Known for her professionalism, market expertise, and relationship-driven approach, Doreen has built her business through trust, integrity, and long-standing community connections. Doreen has been the number 1 agent in Holmdel, NJ for the last 10 years. Together, they host Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea — a podcast spotlighting local entrepreneurs, real estate insights, and the people who make Monmouth County such a special place to live.

    37 min

  8. Mar 3

    What are the FINCEN requirements with Andy Krantz, Esq

    What just changed for cash buyers in real estate? 👀If you’re purchasing property through an LLC or trust, there’s a new layer of requirements you need to know about — and it’s already getting attention across the industry.In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Andy Krantz, Esq. to break down the new FINCEN requirements, what’s shifting behind the scenes, and how these changes could impact buyers, sellers, investors, and title companies.This conversation is educational, timely, and a must-watch if you want to understand what’s really happening before you get to the closing table.Whether you’re actively investing or just staying informed, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve.📍 Serving Monmouth County, NJ ☕ Real conversations. Local experts. No fluff. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring the people shaping Monmouth County. Kate Raftery is a top-producing real estate agent and owner of NextHome Peninsula Realty Group in Monmouth County, NJ. Ranked in the top 1% of Monmouth and Ocean MLS since 2023, Kate combines luxury-level service with deep community involvement — supporting local schools, businesses, and organizations while helping families feel at home in the towns she serves. Doreen DeMarco is a RealTrends Top 1% New Jersey agent with Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach in Holmdel. Known for her professionalism, market expertise, and relationship-driven approach, Doreen has built her business through trust, integrity, and long-standing community connections. Doreen has been the number 1 agent in Holmdel, NJ for the last 10 years. Together, they host Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea — a podcast spotlighting local entrepreneurs, real estate insights, and the people who make Monmouth County such a special place to live.

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Brewed in Monmouth: The Real Estate Tea with Kate and Doreen! In this podcast, we’re serving up everything you need to know about the vibrant real estate and social scene in Monmouth County. From beach towns like Asbury Park to suburban gems like Holmdel, we dive into the best neighborhoods, market trends, and insider tips. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious, Kate and Doreen will give you the scoop on all the amazing offerings this area has to offer. Grab your TEA and tune in for the latest real estate buzz!

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