Real Estate Connections | with Mary Foerster

Mary Foerster

Real Estate Connections is a real estate podcast exploring the people, trends, and ideas shaping today’s housing market. Hosted by Mary Foerster, the show features thoughtful conversations with real estate professionals, investors, and industry leaders about how residential and commercial real estate evolves across communities and markets. Each episode goes beyond the transaction to examine market shifts, housing supply, investment perspectives, and the relationships that influence successful real estate experiences. You’ll hear discussions on: • Housing market trends and regional insights • Real estate investing perspectives • The role of referrals and professional networks • Navigating change in residential and commercial markets • Technology and innovation in real estate • Recent Housing News • The human side of buying, selling, and investing Whether you are curious about the housing market, considering a move, or interested in understanding how real estate professionals approach their work, Real Estate Connections offers informed, balanced conversations about one of the most important sectors of our economy. Because in real estate, relationships matter.

  1. 5d ago

    Creative Real Estate Investing: Renovating Distressed Homes With Integrity

    What does it take to turn a neglected property into a home someone can be proud to buy? In this episode of Real Estate Connections, Mary Foerster sits down with Suzanne Sharkey, a fourth generation real estate investor and developer who buys and renovates homes throughout North Shore Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Suzanne is the founder of Creative Elite and specializes in complex real estate situations, distressed properties, creative acquisitions, and thoughtful renovations. Her work focuses on breathing life back into neglected spaces while building a network of high-integrity professionals who believe they can do more together. Suzanne shares how real estate runs through her family tree, beginning with a grandmother whose investments helped shape Suzanne’s understanding of property, security, opportunity, and legacy. She also talks about her mother’s career in real estate and how watching her serve clients helped Suzanne understand both the beauty and the difficulty of this work. Mary and Suzanne discuss Suzanne’s current renovation project in Nashua, New Hampshire, and the real-world decisions that come with renovating a home well: permits, contractors, tile choices, cabinets, budget limits, quality materials, and the concept Suzanne calls “affordable luxury.” This conversation also explores creative finance, subject-to transactions, foreclosures, auctions, hard money, family lending, and the unconventional real estate deals that do not always fit inside the traditional MLS box. Suzanne explains why she is drawn to complicated situations and why distressed sellers often need customized solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. At its heart, this episode is about integrity, relationships, problem-solving, and the belief that real estate can be both profitable and deeply human. What You Will Hear How Suzanne became a fourth generation real estate investorThe role Suzanne’s grandmother played in shaping her real estate mindsetHow Suzanne’s mother influenced her understanding of service and clientsWhy traditional real estate roles did not fully fit Suzanne’s personalityWhat creative finance means in Suzanne’s workWhy distressed properties often require customized solutionsHow foreclosures, auctions, and off-market opportunities differ from traditional MLS listingsWhy Suzanne is drawn to complicated real estate problemsThe story behind Suzanne’s Nashua renovation projectWhat “affordable luxury” means in a renovationWhy material choices matter when renovating a homeHow to compare contractor quotes intelligentlyWhy the lowest bid is not always the best choiceHow Facebook contractor groups help Suzanne find qualified tradespeopleWhy Suzanne believes in ripping out work and doing it right when something is wrongHow family support helped her finish a difficult projectWhy relationships matter in real estate entrepreneurshipHow community helps investors avoid isolationGUEST BIOSuzanne Sharkey is a fourth generation real estate investor and developer who buys and renovates homes throughout North Shore Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. As the founder of Creative Elite, Suzanne specializes in untangling complex real estate situations, creatively buying distressed properties, and breathing life into neglected spaces. Her work includes unconventional acquisitions, foreclosures, auctions, creative finance opportunities, and renovation projects that require thoughtful problem-solving. Suzanne describes her renovation style as “affordable luxury,” choosing quality materials and finishes that elevate a home while remaining within reach for real buyers. She is passionate about making real estate more approachable by sharing her experiences openly, fostering a network of high-integrity friends and professionals, and helping people do more together. In this conversation, Suzanne shares how her family legacy in real estate, her love of problem-solving, and her belief in connection have shaped the way she invests, renovates, and builds community. GUEST LINKSInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/suzanneksharkey Send us Fan Mail This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

  2. Jul 15

    The Power of Staying Connected: Why Relationships Open Doors

    What if the people you are thinking about are not thinking about you because they are busy worrying about themselves? In this solo episode of Real Estate Connections, Mary Foerster reflects on a memorable scene from Buffy the Vampire Slayer that reveals something deeply human: most of us assume people are focused on us, judging us, or thinking about what we are doing, when in reality, they are usually thinking about their own worries, fears, and lives. That realization leads Mary into a thoughtful conversation about connection, isolation, the pandemic, business relationships, old friendships, former clients, personal notes, phone calls, and the simple but powerful act of reaching out. Mary shares how the pandemic reminded many people of what truly matters and how her own podcasting journey began through connection with Mary Elliott and Mary McCauley on Married to Real Estate. That experience eventually helped shape Real Estate Connections, a podcast built around the belief that relationships open doors. This episode is a reminder that connection does not have to be complicated. It can be a call. A note. A message. A birthday greeting. A “you came to mind today.” Whether in your personal life, your business, or your community, reaching out can create meaning for someone else and strengthen the relationships that matter most. What You Will Hear The Buffy the Vampire Slayer scene that sparked Mary’s reflectionWhy we often assume people are thinking about usHow that assumption can limit usWhat the pandemic revealed about isolation and lonelinessWhy connection became more important after the world slowed downThe story behind Married to Real EstateHow relationships became central to Mary’s business and podcastWhy your existing network may be your greatest resourceThe value of reaching out to old friends and former clientsWhy personal notes still matterHow one phone call can bring joyWhy relationships open doors personally and professionallyMary’s challenge to reach out to one person todayEPISODE SUMMARYIn this solo episode, Mary Foerster reflects on the importance of human connection in life, business, and community. Using a memorable episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a starting point, Mary explores how often we hold ourselves back because we assume other people are focused on us or judging us. In reality, most people are consumed with their own thoughts, worries, and lives. Mary connects this idea to the isolation many experienced during the pandemic and to the regrets people often express near the end of life: wishing they had been more themselves, worked less, expressed their feelings, stayed connected with friends, and allowed themselves to be happier. She also shares how podcasting, real estate, personal outreach, client relationships, handwritten notes, and reconnecting with people from the past have reinforced one of the central beliefs behind Real Estate Connections: Relationships open doors. This episode encourages listeners to reach out to someone today — personally, professionally, or in their community — and remember that a small gesture can have a meaningful impact. Send us Fan Mail This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

  3. Jul 11

    Moving After Divorce: Finding Home, Community, and a More Sustainable Life

    What happens when you make a big move after divorce, hoping for a fresh start, only to realize the new place does not feel like home? In this episode of Real Estate Connections, Mary Foerster talks with Amy Bolduc, host of the Grounded in Maine podcast, about sustainability, relocation, starting over, and the courage it takes to keep searching for a place that truly fits. Amy shares how her journey from Maine to southern Virginia, and eventually back to New England, was shaped by divorce, affordability, remote work restrictions, her desire for more land, and her dream of building a life closer to gardening, food preservation, and community. She also talks about why “proof of concept” is helpful when considering a move, but not always realistic for people with limited resources, pets, family responsibilities, or an urgent life transition. This is a conversation about much more than real estate. It is about how we decide when to take a leap, how we respond when a move does not go as planned, and why telling people what you are looking for can open unexpected doors. Amy also shares her personal approach to sustainability: you do not have to be perfect. You simply have to care for the piece of the world you occupy and do the best you can with the resources you have.  What You Will Hear  What sustainability means to Amy  Why sustainability does not require perfection  How Amy started gardening, making jam, and preserving food  The story behind Grounded in Maine  Moving after divorce and needing a fresh start  Why Amy moved from Maine to Virginia  What she wishes she could have done before the move  The value of a “proof of concept” move  Why affordability can make trial moves impossible  Buying a home after only a short visit  Why the right property can matter as much as the right house  The dream of farming, land, tiny homes, and intentional community  Solar panels, composting, community solar, and practical sustainability  Why sharing what you need can lead to unexpected opportunities  How relationships can open doors during a move GUEST BIOAmy Bolduc is the host of Grounded in Maine, a podcast featuring open conversations about sustainability, food, gardening, community, homesteading, practical climate action, and how people show up for the world. A self-described wannabe farm girl, Amy currently lives in Maine with her dog and two cats. She loves cooking, baking, gardening, preserving food, birdwatching, and learning from people with different experiences and perspectives. Amy’s sustainability journey grew from gardening, food preservation, volunteering at an organic farm, and launching a jam business in 2020. She started Grounded in Maine in 2022 as a place for honest conversations about creating a better future through everyday choices.  In this episode, Amy shares her own relocation story, including moving after divorce, purchasing a home in Virginia, realizing the area was not the right fit, and returning to New England while continuing to search for a more sustainable, community-centered way of living.  GUEST LINKSGrounded in Maine Podcast and Website  https://www.groundedinmaine.com/1952444 Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/groundedinmainepodcast_?igsh=cjMyYzhqem9ucmxi&utm_source=qr Send us Fan Mail This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

  4. Jul 1

    Moving Aging Parents: What Families Need to Know Before the Move

    Moving an aging parent is rarely just about boxes, trucks, and logistics. It is about memories, family roles, downsizing, difficult decisions, safety, health changes, and the emotional work of letting go. In this episode of Real Estate Connections, Mary Foerster talks with Ryan Hegarty about what happened when a moving professional had to help move his own parents. Ryan has spent more than 16 years in the moving industry, but he says helping his parents move twice gave him a much deeper understanding of how exhausting and emotional a transition can be for families. He shares how his parents first moved from their longtime Waltham home into a smaller apartment and later moved closer to Ryan and his family in Billerica. Ryan explains why the physical move is often the easiest part. The harder work can be decluttering, deciding what to keep, preparing a home for sale, navigating health changes, packing, managing timelines, and helping parents feel respected throughout the process. Mary and Ryan also discuss the role of move managers, professionals who help families coordinate downsizing, sorting, packing, organizing, moving day, unpacking, and settling into a new home. Ryan explains why this support can be especially valuable when adult children are trying to help aging parents without becoming overwhelmed themselves. This episode is for anyone helping a parent move, considering downsizing, preparing for assisted living, moving closer to family, or trying to understand how to make a major transition feel more manageable. WHAT YOU WILL HEARRyan’s personal experience moving his parents twiceWhy moving parents can shift family roles quicklyThe emotional side of leaving a longtime family homeWhy downsizing decisions can feel overwhelmingHow health changes can accelerate a move timelineWhy the moving truck is often the easiest partHow adult children can become partners instead of pushersWhat a move manager doesHow move managers support downsizing and senior movesWhy professional movers and move managers work well togetherWhat can go wrong with DIY moving solutionsWhen portable storage containers may or may not make senseWhy listening is one of the most important service skillsHow moving companies build trust with clientsWhy families should plan before a move becomes urgentRyan Hegarty is the Director of Residential Sales at Olympia, a full-service moving and relocation company. He has been with Olympia for more than 16 years, beginning his career on moving crews before transitioning into office and leadership roles. Today, Ryan helps clients plan local, interstate, and complex residential moves with a focus on communication, problem-solving, and reducing stress during major life transitions. Olympia identifies Ryan as its Director of Residential Sales and notes that its moving consultants work directly with clients to understand needs and create detailed move plans. In this episode, Ryan shares the personal experience of moving his own parents twice, first from their longtime family home in Waltham and later closer to family in Billerica. His perspective offers a rare combination of professional moving expertise and firsthand understanding of the emotional realities families face when parents downsize or relocate. GUEST CONTACT  Olympia Website: https://olympiamoving.com/ Send us Fan Mail This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

  5. Jun 24

    Best YouTube Channels and Podcasts for Homebuying and Retirement Planning

    In this solo episode of Real Estate Connections, Mary Foerster shares two YouTube channels she believes are especially helpful for people thinking about buying a home, preparing for retirement, improving financial confidence, or making sense of long-term care costs. First, Mary recommends How to Buy a Home with David Sidoni, a consumer-focused resource designed to help future homeowners understand the homebuying process, challenge common myths, and make a step-by-step plan for purchasing a property. While David’s work is especially focused on first-time homebuyers, Mary explains why his content can also be useful for anyone trying to better understand real estate vocabulary, mortgage calculators, credit preparation, affordability, and long-range planning. Mary also shares why she has become a fan of Erin Talks Money, a YouTube channel focused on personal finance, retirement planning, long-term care, retirement spending, investing, and financial decision-making. This episode is not financial advice. It is a resource-sharing conversation for listeners who want more information, better questions, and greater confidence as they make decisions over time. What You Will Hear Why Mary recommends David Sidoni’s How to Buy a HomeHow parallel planning can help future homeownersWhy mortgage calculators can be useful but incompleteHow credit, income, savings, and timing affect homebuying decisionsWhy real estate vocabulary matters more than people thinkWhy Mary recommends Erin Talks MoneyHow to think about retirement spendingWhy long-term care planning can feel overwhelmingHow personal finance education can reduce fearWhy planning one step at a time matters Resources Mentioned How to Buy a Home with David Sidoni  Website: https://howtobuyahome.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowToBuyAHome Erin Talks Money  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@erintalksmoney Send us Fan Mail This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

  6. Jun 17

    Massachusetts ADU Law Explained: What Homeowners Need to Know

    Can Massachusetts homeowners now build an accessory dwelling unit on their property? In this special episode, originally recorded for Married to Real Estate at Westford Community Access Television, Mary Foerster and Mary McCauley interview Massachusetts State Representative James “Jim” Arciero about the state’s new accessory dwelling unit law and its potential impact on homeowners, families, municipalities, renters and real estate investors. The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act made qualifying accessory dwelling units available by right in single-family zoning districts. Under the statewide law, an ADU may be located within a home, attached to an existing residence or built as a detached structure on the same property. State law generally defines a qualifying ADU as being no larger than 900 square feet or half the gross floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is smaller. Representative Arciero explains why the state changed the previous approval system, how long special-permit processes could take, and why legislators viewed ADUs as one tool for addressing Massachusetts’ housing shortage. The conversation also explores the people who may benefit most from ADUs, including: Older adults who want to age in placeFamilies caring for relatives with disabilitiesYoung adults struggling with housing affordabilityHomeowners seeking rental incomeFamilies interested in multigenerational livingInvestors looking for additional housing opportunitiesMary, Mary and Representative Arciero also address some of the more complicated questions surrounding ADUs, including septic capacity, local permitting, construction costs, public safety, neighborhood concerns, owner-occupancy requirements and the role of individual cities and towns. Massachusetts began allowing qualifying ADUs by right statewide in February 2025 following the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. In This Episode What qualifies as an accessory dwelling unitWhat “by right” means for Massachusetts homeownersWhy the previous special-permit process created barriersWho may benefit from building an ADUHow ADUs can support aging in placeHousing options for family members with disabilitiesADUs as potential sources of rental incomeHow Massachusetts is responding to its housing shortageAttached, detached and interior ADU optionsThe statewide 900-square-foot standardWhen a local special permit may still be requiredSeptic system and Title 5 considerationsConstruction costs and financing resourcesPublic-safety benefits of legal, permitted housingCommunity concerns about density and neighborhood characterCommercial-to-residential property conversionsThe future of ADU construction across Massachusetts Guest Bio Massachusetts State Representative James “Jim” Arciero James Arciero is the Massachusetts State Representative for the 2nd Middlesex District. He has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2009 and represents Westford, Littleton and part of Chelmsford. Representative Arciero previously served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing and played an important role in conversations surrounding housing production, accessory dwelling units and the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act. He is a graduate of Westford Academy and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a Master of Public Administration from Suffolk University. About the Co-Hosts Mary Foerster Mary Foerster is a real estate professional and the host of Real Estate Connections, a podcast focused on real estate decisions, housing transitions, aging in place and the professionals who help people navigate important life and property changes. Mary McCauley Mary McCauley is a Massachusetts and New Hampshire real estate professional and one of the co-hosts of Married to Real Estate. Her work combines real estate expertise with a strong commitment to the Westford community. Episode Credit This conversation was originally recorded for Married to Real Estate at Westford Community Access Television and is being shared as a special episode of Real Estate Connections. Send us Fan Mail This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

  7. Jun 10

    Should You Move? How to Make a Smart Relocation Decision at Midlife and later in life

    Have you ever dreamed about moving somewhere new, only to wonder if you're chasing a destination or a feeling? In this episode of Real Estate Connections, Mary Foerster welcomes relocation coach, corporate executive, and Moving For Smarties founder Mariette Frey for a fascinating conversation about the emotional side of moving. Together, they explore why so many people dream about relocating, how to determine whether a move is truly right for you, and the hidden psychological factors that can influence life-changing decisions. After moving 20 times in 24 years across six major U.S. cities, Mariette developed the FRED Framework, a practical decision-making process that helps people evaluate major life transitions through four key pillars: Finances, Robustness, Ecosystem, and Dreams. This conversation goes far beyond real estate. It explores identity, grief, community, purpose, retirement dreams, and how to create a life that aligns with what matters most. In This Episode Why people often chase feelings instead of locationsHow to know if a move is truly right for youThe difference between vacation thinking and relocation thinkingWhy community matters more than many people realizeThe hidden grief involved in movingHow identity shifts during major life transitionsThe FRED Framework for decision makingWhy testing a city before moving can save costly mistakesMoving after retirement and creating a new chapterHow to reduce stress during a relocationThe power of re-parenting yourself during transitionsWhy moving home can sometimes be the best moveMariette Frey is an award-winning corporate executive, certified life coach, podcast host, and relocation expert who has guided thousands of individuals through major life transitions. Known as "the guide people call when they're at a crossroads," Mariette helps people navigate relocation decisions, career changes, lifestyle redesigns, and identity shifts with confidence and clarity. Having personally moved 20 times in 24 years across six major U.S. cities, she developed the FRED Framework, a structured decision-making process that helps people evaluate finances, resilience, community, and long-term dreams before making major life changes. Today, Mariette shares practical tools and emotional intelligence strategies through her Moving For Smarties platform, podcast, coaching programs, and educational resources. Connect with Mariette Frey Website  Moving For Smarties Instagram  @mariettesonthemove LinkedIn  Mariette Frey LinkedIn YouTube  Moving For Smarties YouTube Send us Fan Mail This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

  8. Jun 3

    How to Buy a Home for Aging Parents Using a Family Opportunity Mortgage

    What if you could help an aging parent move closer to you without paying investment property rates? In this episode of Real Estate Connections, Mary Foerster sits down with mortgage expert Gabe Whitmer to discuss one of the most underutilized mortgage programs available today: the Family Opportunity Mortgage. Together, they explore how adult children can purchase homes for aging parents or disabled family members while potentially qualifying for primary residence financing benefits. The conversation also dives into the growing role of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), multigenerational housing solutions, and creative financing options that can help families stay connected while preserving independence. Whether you're caring for an aging parent, supporting a disabled family member, or exploring housing solutions that create flexibility and long-term value, this episode provides practical strategies and expert guidance. In This Episode What a Family Opportunity Mortgage isHow children can buy homes for aging parentsQualification requirements and common misconceptionsInterest rate advantages versus investment propertiesHousing options for disabled family membersADU financing strategiesHome equity loans, HELOCs, and construction financingWhy ADUs are becoming a major housing solutionMultigenerational housing trendsCreating "raving fans" through exceptional service Gabe Whitmer is a nationally recognized mortgage banker and team leader with First Bank Mortgage. Since entering the mortgage industry in 2015, Gabe has built one of the top-performing mortgage teams in the country, ranking among the Top 30 teams nationally and finishing #1 in Tennessee. Known for his expertise in creative mortgage solutions, investment financing, and client education, Gabe is passionate about helping families navigate complex housing decisions. He leads a high-volume team while maintaining a client-first approach that has earned him a reputation for creating lifelong relationships and "raving fans." Outside of work, Gabe enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, son, and their newest addition, a baby who has quickly become the center of the family's world. Connect with Gabe Website:  Whitmer Team Mortgage Facebook:  Mortgage Expert Facebook Page Send us Fan Mail This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

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2 Ratings

About

Real Estate Connections is a real estate podcast exploring the people, trends, and ideas shaping today’s housing market. Hosted by Mary Foerster, the show features thoughtful conversations with real estate professionals, investors, and industry leaders about how residential and commercial real estate evolves across communities and markets. Each episode goes beyond the transaction to examine market shifts, housing supply, investment perspectives, and the relationships that influence successful real estate experiences. You’ll hear discussions on: • Housing market trends and regional insights • Real estate investing perspectives • The role of referrals and professional networks • Navigating change in residential and commercial markets • Technology and innovation in real estate • Recent Housing News • The human side of buying, selling, and investing Whether you are curious about the housing market, considering a move, or interested in understanding how real estate professionals approach their work, Real Estate Connections offers informed, balanced conversations about one of the most important sectors of our economy. Because in real estate, relationships matter.

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