Be Real: The Maryland Real Estate Podcast Michael Becker and Brad Cox

Episode 24 (Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know):
 
In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. 
 
In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest - Tim Shotzberger of Homeland Environmental. We discuss the ins and outs of buying, selling, and owning a property with well and septic. It's a deep subject, but hopefully we dispel some myths and concerns.
 
In this week's The Unreal, we talk about how you water bill can raise your property tax bill, and what to look out for. 
 
In The Spotlight we feature Golden West Cafe in Hampden! A little Southwest and a little Wild West. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Elvis Pancakes! They're on Instagram at @goldenwestcafe, or call them at (410) 889-8891, or find them on the web at www.goldenwestcafe.com. Check them out!
 
Episode Highlights
The episode where the guys were efficient (we're under an hour this time!) Special guest: Tim Shotzberger, Homeland Environmental [00:01:57] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:06:30] Brad has hair envy because of @logan_mohtashami [00:07:55] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:09:30] Some thoughts on why showing activity has diminished [00:12:57] THE SCOOP (Well and Septic: What Homebuyers and Sellers Should Know) [00:13:40] Apologies for the Dad Jokes [00:15:00] If you've never lived on a property with well and septic... [00:16:27] What are the key considerations when buying a property with well and septic? [00:18:10] What are the legal/licensing requirements in Maryland for well and septic work? [00:20:00] What are the costs of these inspections? [00:21:45] What are the advantages/disadvantages of well and septic versus a municipal water supply and sewer system? [00:23:38] What tests/inspections should you get? [00:25:50] What kind of red flags should you watch out for? [00:28:10] Kudos to the folks at the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection & Sustainability (if you have questions about well and septic in Baltimore County, reach them at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/environment/) [00:30:25] What are the maintenance requirements for well and septic systems? [00:33:00] What is the expected lifespan for well and septic systems? [00:35:55] How can you determine the size and capacity of your systems? [00:37:50] What's the process for putting a new well and septic system installed? [00:39:13] What do sellers need to do to get the system ready when you decide to sell? [00:40:20] Common mistakes buyers and sellers make about well and septic [00:44:50] Final thoughts on these systems [00:46:23] THE UNREAL Did you know your water bill can make your property tax bill increase? [00:52:17] THE SPOTLIGHT Golden West Cafe in Hampden! [00:55:20] Final thoughts Next episode - Downsizing: When Less Can Be More
Hosts
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
NMLS #200085
Michael.Becker@spmc.com
(443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office)
https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
MD Lic #652795
Brad@HomesByVesta.com
(410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office)
https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 
Our Guest
Tim Shotzberger, Homeland Environmental
(443) 995-5385 (office)
https://www.homelandhealthyhomes.com
Links
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
@berealmdpod

Episode 23 (Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips):
 
In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. 
 
In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest and insurance broker - Jeff Nengel of Baystate Insurance Group. We discuss the importance of having the proper coverage when buying a home, and some tips on what to consider when choosing an insurance policy. 
 
In this week's The Unreal, we talk about some good news! Do you know what asset class now eclipses the value of the S&P 500 and in fact that of all US public companies? 
 
In The Spotlight we feature Maggie's Farm in Hamilton! Farm to table with super fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. They're on Instagram at @maggiesfarm_md, or call them at (410) 254-2376, or find them on the web at www.maggiesfarmmd.com. Check them out!
 
Episode Highlights
Brad surprises Michael Special guest: Jeff Nengel with Baystate Insurance Group Words to live by: "Always rake your bunkers." We have no control over the TV in our homes [00:05:15] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:08:41] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) More props for @logan_mohtashami (follow him on IG) [00:18:41] THE SCOOP (Insuring Your Home: Top Insider Tips) [00:22:38] Why are insurance companies leaving California? [00:28:30] What should people be aware of when choosing an insurance company? [00:32:30] How much coverage is enough? [00:35:22] What types of coverage do homeowners need? [00:38:15] What's the scoop with liability insurance? [00:41:22] Does it make sense to bundle policies? [00:44:10] What can homeowners can do to save money on insurance? [00:46:36] What's not covered with typical home insurance policies? [00:52:44] How can you find out who the best insurance companies are? [00:58:00] How often should you review your insurance policies? [01:01:42] Final thoughts from Jeff Nengel [01:05:35] THE UNREAL Any guesses what has become the largest asset class in the US? [01:09:40] THE SPOTLIGHT Maggie's Farm in Hamilton! [01:12:20] Final thoughts Next episode - Well and Septic: What Homeowners and Homebuyers Should Know (another special guest!)
Hosts
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
NMLS #200085
Michael.Becker@spmc.com
(443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office)
https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
MD Lic #652795
Brad@HomesByVesta.com
(410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office)
https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 
Our Guest
Jeff Nengel, Baystate Insurance Group
(410) 419-6273 (mobile)
https://www.savewithbig.com
Links
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
@berealmdpod

Episode 22 (Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying):
 
In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. 
 
In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest and title attorney - Tom Drechsler of Sage Title Group. We discuss the work title companies do to ensure buyers can legally buy and sellers can legally sell a house. 
 
In this week's The Unreal, we talk about the impact a single person had on inflation in Sweden (can you guess who it was?).
 
In The Spotlight we feature Linwoods in Owings Mills! You can get everything from a burger or pizza to lobster tempura to sea bass to rib eye. They're on Instagram at @linwoodsrestaurant, or call them at (410) 356-3030, or find them on the web at www.linwoods.com. Check them out!
 
Episode Highlights
Brad talks more slowly Hope everyone had a fantastic Father's Day! How we spent our Father's Days [00:03:55] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:07:30] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:12:05] So what is a skoonch (and how do you spell it)? [00:17:10] THE SCOOP (Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying) [00:17:22] Buyers have the right to choose their title company in a home purchase [00:21:40] What's the 50,000-foot level overview of the title process? [00:28:40] What tools and sources do title companies use in their work? [00:39:35] Title insurance overview and why you need it Link for Maryland State Insurance Commission info on title insurance: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/publications/titleinsurancebrochure.pdf  [00:48:06] How title companies handle escrow funds (and fraud advice) [00:53:33] What do you actually sign at the settlement table? [00:56:22] How title companies ensure the property transfers legally to the right parties [00:59:30] What happens after the settlement? [01:02:00] How long does it really take to do the title work (and what can slow things down)? [01:05:37] Strange things that happen in title work [01:08:30] Things real estate agents should look out for related to title [01:10:50] Final thoughts from Tom Drechsler [01:12:35] THE UNREAL The unexpected impact of a single person on inflation in Sweden [01:16:10] THE SPOTLIGHT Linwoods in Owings Mills! [01:18:55] Final thoughts Next episode - Insuring Your Home: Top 10 Insider Tips (another special guest!)
Hosts
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
NMLS #200085
Michael.Becker@spmc.com
(443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office)
https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
MD Lic #652795
Brad@HomesByVesta.com
(410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office)
https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 
Our Guest
Tom Drechsler, Sage Title Group
(410) 821-4510 (office)
https://www.sagetitlegroup.com
Links
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
@berealmdpod

Episode 21 (Dollars and Sense: Financial Planning for Homebuying):
 
In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. 
 
In The Scoop, we're joined by a special guest and financial planner - Jason Piebes of Edward Jones. We discuss common sense financial planning to get ready for homebuying and for setting yourself up for financial success. 
 
In this week's The Unreal, we talk about a recent CoreLogic study that the average US homeowner lost approximately $5400 in equity from Q1 2022 to Q1 2023 (and what that means).
 
In The Spotlight we feature Pairings Bistro in Bel Air! Their premise is combining great food with the right wine for an incredible experience. They're on Instagram at @pairingsbistro, or call them at (410) 569-5006, or find them on the web at www.pairingsbistro.com. Check them out!
 
Episode Highlights
Brad talks too fast National Beef Jerky Day Ideas for inflicting Dad Jokes on your family Say yes to everything and tell your people you love them How 'bout dem O's! What president is credited with creating the 7th inning stretch? [00:08:06] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:12:50] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:20:00] THE SCOOP (Dollars and Sense: Financial Planning for Homebuying) [00:21:47] It's hard to impulse buy a home [00:22:03] How much of your income should you use toward your home? [00:25:55] How should you set up a budget? Think cash flow. [00:29:07] Cash or credit? [00:31:54] Strategies for saving money [00:34:25] Reducing your tax liability [00:35:30] First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts [00:40:05] Can you buy a home with college debt? [00:42:13] The impact of SECURE ACT 2.0 [00:45:33] Can current homeowners buy a new home without a home sale contingency? [00:50:22] Including real estate in your investment strategy [00:54:55] How to balance saving for your future vs saving for your home purchase [01:01:40] THE UNREAL CoreLogic's report - homeowner equity down year over year (and what it means) [01:08:00] THE SPOTLIGHT Pairings Bistro in Bel Air! [01:10:50] Final thoughts Next episode - Behind the Curtain: The Role of Title Companies in Homebuying 
Hosts
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
NMLS #200085
Michael.Becker@spmc.com
(443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office)
https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
MD Lic #652795
Brad@HomesByVesta.com
(410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office)
https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 
Our Guest
Jason Piebes, Edward Jones
(410) 337-9146 (office)
https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/jason-piebes 
Links
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
@berealmdpod

Episode 20 (VA Benefits: Homebuying for Our Service Members):
 
In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. 
 
In The Scoop, we talk about the benefits afforded to our armed forces members and veterans through the VA loan program. 
 
In this week's The Unreal, we talk about a recent home price appreciation outlook from a Zillow economist.
 
In The Spotlight we feature RockSalt Grille in Westminster! Seafood, steak, raw bar, and tavern - all rolled into one. If you have a picky eater in your group, they'll almost certainly find something they will enjoy at RockSalt Grille. They're on Instagram at @RockSaltGrille_, or call them at (410) 861-6400, or find them on the web at www.rocksaltgrille.com. Check them out!
 
Episode Highlights
Remembering those who serve, have served, or made the ultimate sacrifice - thank you for your service! [00:04:20] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:09:00] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:14:04] THE SCOOP (VA Benefits: Homebuying for Our Service Members) [00:16:09] Benefit #1 - down payment [00:17:30] Benefit #2 - mortgage insurance [00:19:51] Benefit #3 - interest rates [00:22:08] Benefit #4 - credit requirements [00:25:41] Benefit #5 - closing costs [00:31:38] Benefit #6 - lifetime benefit [00:34:40] Benefit #7 - prepayment penalty [00:35:13] Benefit #8 - foreclosure avoidance [00:36:06] Benefit #9 - VA appraisal [00:38:41] Benefit #10 - acceptable income [00:41:04] Benefit #11 - variety of loan types [00:43:41] Benefit #12 - loan limits [00:45:35] Benefit #13 - funding fees [00:47:25] Benefit #14 - assumability [00:52:00] THE UNREAL Zillow economist's forecast for property values [00:56:17] THE SPOTLIGHT RockSalt Grille in Westminster! [00:58:30] Final thoughts Next episode - Preparing to Buy: Financial Planning for Homebuyers 
Hosts
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
NMLS #200085
Michael.Becker@spmc.com
(443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office)
https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
MD Lic #652795
Brad@HomesByVesta.com
(410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office)
https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 
Links
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
@berealmdpod
Zillow housing market prediction: https://archive.ph/2023.05.23-192316/https://fortune.com/2023/05/23/housing-market-home-price-prediction-by-zillow-2024-real-estate/#selection-479.118-479.164
VA entitlement calculator: https://whatsmypayment.com/va-entitlement-calculator/

Episode 19 (How to Make Your Offer Stand Out from the Crowd):
 
In The Rundown, Michael and Brad highlight the latest mortgage news and real estate market stats. Michael makes his next prediction for where interest rates are headed. Brad reviews the March year-over-year plus the last 7 days of real estate market activity and how the market is trending. 
 
In The Scoop, we talk about the challenges of the current market and the necessity for buyers to find ways to make their offers stand out from the crowd.
 
In this week's The Unreal, we talk about an article on Axios Markets about how 78% of those surveyed don't think it's a good time to buy a home.
 
In The Spotlight we feature La Cuchara! Basque-inspired, fresh, and local cuisine in a beautifully-renovated old mill building with phenomenal service. They're on Instagram at @LaCucharaBaltimore, or call them at (443) 708-3838, or find them on the web at lacucharabaltimore.com. Check them out!
 
Episode Highlights
Michael is an amatuer handicapper, and Brad guessed the winner of the Preakness (but didn't bet!) [00:07:36] THE RUNDOWN (Mortgages) [00:10:00] THE RUNDOWN (Real Estate) [00:15:31] You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. [00:15:39] THE SCOOP (Winning the House: Top 10 Tips to Make Your Offer Stand Out from the Crowd) [00:17:15] Tip #1 [00:21:55] Tip #2 [00:27:38] Tip #3 [00:32:56] Tip #4 [00:34:03] Tip #5 [00:35:48] Tip #6 [00:40:11] Tip #7 [00:41:36] Tip #8 [00:45:18] Tip #9 [00:47:09] Tip #10 [00:50:27] Bonus Tip (#11) [00:52:19] Bonus Tip (#12 - Brad's really not good at Math) [00:56:55] THE UNREAL 78% of those surveyed believe it's a bad time to buy a house - what do you think? [01:01:55] THE SPOTLIGHT La Cuchara in Baltimore! [01:03:54] Bugs Bunny. Also, Schlemiel, Schlamazel, Hasenpfeffer Incorporated! (If you know, you know...) [01:05:15] Final thoughts Next episode - A few options we're considering - stay tuned!
Hosts
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
NMLS #200085
Michael.Becker@spmc.com
(443) 310-0012 (m) / (410) 252-9000 (office)
https://lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/michael-becker 
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
MD Lic #652795
Brad@HomesByVesta.com
(410) 375-7550 (m) / (410) 583-5700 (office)
https://www.bradcox.realtor/ 
Links
Michael Becker, Sierra Pacific Mortgage
Brad Cox, The Vesta Group of Long & Foster Real Estate
@berealmdpod