Raw & Real Real Estate

Marysolortizrealtor
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to Raw & Real Real Estate with your host, Marysol Ortiz. Here, we cut through the noise and have honest conversations about the housing market. Each episode brings you real insights, stories, and perspectives from inside the industry, so you can better understand what’s really happening in real estate today.

  1. 1d ago

    The ROI of Memories

    In Episode 8, we’re talking about the ROI of memories—because sometimes the best return on investment can’t be measured in dollars. I share some of the pool gadgets we’ve invested in to make pool ownership easier, including a robot vacuum, smart chemical monitor, and pool cover. While pools typically have a very low financial return on investment, I look at it differently as a parent. For me, the real return is having a place where my kids and their friends can spend their summers, make memories, and eventually—especially during the teenage years—want to spend their time at home and with us. And hey, getting to meet all the parents of the kids they bring over? That’s an added bonus!   Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, real estate, legal, or professional advice. Individual results and experiences may vary.

  2. Aug 11

    Pool 101: Pool Parts, Maintenance & Saltwater vs. Chlorine

    Thinking about buying a home with a pool—or adding one yourself? In this episode, we break down the main parts of a pool and explain what each one does, from the pump and filter to the skimmer, main drain, and returns. We also compare saltwater and traditional chlorine pools, including maintenance, costs, water feel, and the pros and cons of each system. Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a homebuyer considering a house with a pool, this episode will help you understand what you’re getting into before you literally dive in!

  3. Aug 4

    Pool or No Pool? Is That Backyard Paradise Worth It?

    Thinking about buying a home with a pool or adding one to your current home? In this episode, I share the questions my husband and I asked before making our own decision, plus practical tips every homeowner and homebuyer should know. We cover pool inspections, maintenance costs, insurance, safety, red flags to watch for, and how to decide if a pool truly fits your family’s lifestyle. Next Episode: Pool Ownership 101—because buying the pool is only the beginning. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The information shared is based on my personal experience as a real estate agent and investor and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, insurance, construction, or professional advice. Every real estate transaction and property is unique. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your specific situation before making any real estate or financial decisions.

  4. Jul 28

    Avoid Costly Mistakes During Your Inspection Period

    The inspection period is about much more than scheduling a home inspection. In this episode, I share seven important steps every homebuyer should take before their inspection period ends, including reviewing the seller’s disclosure, obtaining insurance quotes, requesting a CLUE report, checking flood zone status, getting repair estimates, reviewing the inspection report thoroughly, and planning for future home maintenance. A little extra due diligence today can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress after closing. Podcast Disclaimer Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, insurance, lending, or real estate advice. The views and opinions expressed are my own and are based on my experience as a licensed real estate agent and real estate investor. Every real estate transaction is unique, and laws, contracts, lending guidelines, insurance requirements, and market conditions vary by state and may change over time. Always consult with your own real estate agent, lender, insurance professional, attorney, tax advisor, inspector, contractor, or other qualified professionals regarding your specific circumstances before making any real estate or financial decisions. References to third-party products, services, or professionals are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee. While every effort is made to provide accurate and current information, I make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information discussed. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that no client, fiduciary, or professional relationship is created and that you assume full responsibility for any decisions you make based on the content presented.

  5. Jul 22

    Loan Assumptions: Amazing Opportunity or Major Headache?

    In this episode of Raw and Real Real Estate, I share my firsthand experience helping clients successfully close a loan assumption transaction. While assumable loans can offer incredible long-term savings, they also come with challenges that many buyers and sellers don’t expect. In this episode, we discuss: What a loan assumption is and how it works. Which loans are typically assumable (most commonly VA, FHA, and some USDA loans). The biggest benefit of assuming a lower interest rate. Why the gap between the loan balance and the purchase price can be a major hurdle. How buyers can cover that difference. Why assumption transactions often take much longer than traditional home purchases. Common communication and paperwork challenges during the process. Who may benefit most from purchasing a home through a loan assumption. How sellers can use an assumable loan as a marketing advantage. Lessons I learned from completing my first assumption transaction and what I’ll do differently moving forward. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about assumable mortgages, this episode will help you understand both the opportunities and the realities of the process. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from learning about loan assumptions. Podcast Disclosure The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is based on my personal experiences as a real estate agent and investor. Nothing discussed in this episode should be considered legal, financial, tax, lending, insurance, or investment advice. Real estate laws, lending guidelines, market conditions, and individual circumstances vary, and every transaction is unique. Always consult with qualified professionals—including your attorney, CPA, lender, financial advisor, insurance agent, or other licensed experts—before making decisions related to buying, selling, financing, or investing in real estate. Listening to this podcast does not create an agency relationship, fiduciary relationship, or client relationship between you and Marysol Ortiz.

  6. Jul 14

    Top 5 Hurdles For Sellers in 2026 (And How to Overcome Them)

    Imagine accepting an offer on your home… then watching the deal fall apart. Now imagine that happening four times before finally making it to the closing table. That’s exactly what one of my recent sellers experienced, and it inspired today’s episode. If you’re thinking about selling your home—especially in the El Paso area—this episode breaks down the biggest challenges sellers are facing right now and, more importantly, how to overcome them. In this episode, we discuss: Why new construction is your biggest competition and how to compete with builder incentives. Why buyers have more choices than they’ve had in years and what that means for your pricing strategy. How inspection negotiations can derail a sale—and how to prepare before listing. Why overpricing your home can actually cost you money. The financing issues that can cause contracts to fall apart, even after you’ve accepted an offer. Tips for keeping your sale on track from listing to closing. The market has changed, but homes are still selling every day. Success comes from pricing strategically, preparing your home, remaining flexible during negotiations, and working with experienced professionals who can help you navigate today’s market. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s thinking about selling their home.   Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, lending, or real estate advice. Every real estate transaction is unique, and market conditions, financing guidelines, and local laws may change over time. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific situation before making any real estate, financial, or legal decisions. Listening to this podcast does not create an agency relationship between you and Marysol Ortiz.

  7. Jul 7

    Before You Own an Airbnb in 2026, Listen to This

    In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s really been like owning and operating our very first Airbnb after seven months. If you’ve been wondering whether investing in a short-term rental is still worth it in 2026, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through the biggest surprises we’ve experienced, including the constant maintenance, the time commitment most people underestimate, and the lessons we’ve learned since opening our doors. I’ll also share practical tips for anyone considering buying an Airbnb, including how to research your market, estimate potential income, and save thousands by furnishing your property on a budget. Finally, I’ll explain why, despite the challenges, our short-term rental has been a worthwhile investment for our family and how it has helped us move closer to financial freedom while maintaining flexibility to spend time with our children. In this episode you’ll learn:  ● Why Airbnb maintenance never seems to stop  ● How much time we actually spend managing our rental each month  ● The importance of researching your local market  ● How to estimate your Airbnb income before you buy  ● Ways to save money when furnishing your rental  ● Why we still believe Airbnb can outperform a long-term rental  ● Whether we’d invest in another Airbnb in 2026 If you’re thinking about starting a short-term rental business, this episode will help you make a more informed decision before taking the leap. DISCLAIMER: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is based on my personal experience as a real estate professional and investor. It should not be considered legal, financial, tax, investment, or professional advice. Every real estate market, property, and financial situation is different. Before making any real estate or investment decisions, consult with the appropriate licensed professionals, including your real estate agent, lender, attorney, accountant, or financial advisor. Any opinions expressed are my own and do not guarantee future results. Investing in real estate, including short-term rentals, involves risk, and past performance is not a guarantee of future success.

  8. Jun 30

    The Landlord Playbook: 5 Tips That Have Worked For Us

    Being a landlord is about much more than collecting rent. In this episode, I share the five principles that my husband and I have followed to help us become successful long-term rental owners. Growing up, I always imagined landlords as distant people who didn’t care about their tenants. As a REALTOR®, I also heard countless stories from renters who felt ignored when repairs were needed or who didn’t feel respected. Those experiences shaped the kind of landlord I wanted to become. In this episode, I cover: • Deciding whether to self-manage your rental or hire a property manager. • Why homeowners insurance and a home warranty can save you thousands. • How we screen tenants and why meeting applicants in person has been valuable for us. • Building positive relationships with tenants through respect, communication, and appreciation. • Our mindset for protecting our investment while providing a safe, dignified place for someone to call home. Whether you’re thinking about buying your first rental property or already own investment real estate, these practical lessons can help you avoid costly mistakes and create a better experience for both you and your tenants.   If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s interested in investing in real estate. DISCLAIMER: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is based on my personal experience as a real estate professional and investor. It should not be considered legal, financial, tax, investment, or professional advice. Every real estate market, property, and financial situation is different. Before making any real estate or investment decisions, consult with the appropriate licensed professionals, including your real estate agent, lender, attorney, accountant, or financial advisor. Any opinions expressed are my own and do not guarantee future results. Investing in real estate, including short-term rentals, involves risk, and past performance is not a guarantee of future success.

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About

Welcome to Raw & Real Real Estate with your host, Marysol Ortiz. Here, we cut through the noise and have honest conversations about the housing market. Each episode brings you real insights, stories, and perspectives from inside the industry, so you can better understand what’s really happening in real estate today.

Information

  • Creator
    Marysolortizrealtor
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Raw & Real Real Estate