Be a Smarter Homeowner

Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic

Welcome to Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, where hosts, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic are dedicated to helping you save money and get organized while managing, maintaining, protecting, improving, and eventually buying or selling your largest financial asset and biggest expense, your home. Discover how easy it is to be a smarter homeowner. Having worked with homeowners for over 20 years, your co-hosts are two of the three co-founders of HomeZada, a digital home management software platform that helps you to manage everything about your home in one digital place. Episodes of Be a Smarter Homeowner Podcast will feature John and Beth as they explore all the different aspects you need to know while owning a home; from home maintenance, home improvement projects, tracking your home finances, storing important documents, to creating a home inventory. With a focus on the financial impacts all of these things have on your home's value and the expense to own it, turn the complexities of homeownership into solutions that will make your life easy and stress free. Being a homeowner can be costly and frustrating if you're not in the know. How do you know what maintenance tasks to do and when? Most homeowners forget or don't know what to do which ends up costing you more money in repair and energy costs. Do you understand your insurance policy? Save your wallet and home from taking a hit. Make sure you have the coverage for your belongings, with the liability protection you need. Love DIY and home improvement? Plan and manage all your remodel, landscaping, and design projects. Discover how to hire contractors, stay on budget, track your costs, and save information for future tax, insurance, and resale purposes. What financial info should you know? Stay in control and up to date on various financial metrics such as home values, mortgage balance, home equity, household expenses, completed projects and maintenance costs. Where are your home documents? More disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and house fires cause home damage and destruction. Learn the value of having a home inventory using photos, videos, and documents of your home and your personal property. Looking to buy an investment or rental property or vacation home? Discover important strategies on how to manage multiple homes by staying organized and in control. Intimidated by being a first time homeowner? You're excited for your new home, but now what? Accelerate your knowledge on what it takes to manage your home and avoid costly mistakes. How to get top dollar when selling your home? Get insights into current market conditions for your home and strategies you can take with your real estate agent to market your home. Planning for retirement? Get prepared with financial planning on your home equity and even include estate management plans on how to disperse your home and your assets to your heirs. Have an aging parent? Get information on downsizing or aging in place and more data on how to remotely manage your elderly parents' home for them. The podcast will feature experts in the industry. And with your home likely being one of the largest purchases of your lifetime, these experts will keep you informed, offer you tips and tricks, and weigh in on the risks and benefits of all things related to homeownership.

  1. The Smart Homeowner's Guide to Tax Deductions

    1d ago

    The Smart Homeowner's Guide to Tax Deductions

    Show Notes In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, host Beth Dodson sits down with Craig Sheets, founder of Crestville Accounting, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of homeownership: taxes. Craig brings nearly 25 years of senior-level accounting experience and helps individuals and business owners not only stay compliant, but also make smarter financial decisions throughout the year. Together, Beth and Craig discuss how homeowners can better understand deductions, tax planning, rental property rules, renovation records, mortgage interest, inherited homes, and the importance of working with a knowledgeable CPA. This conversation covers practical tax considerations for both primary residences and rental properties, including the difference between repairs and capital improvements, how renovations can affect your cost basis, what rental property owners should know about depreciation, and why keeping detailed records can make a major difference when it is time to file taxes or sell a home. Topics covered include: Homeowner tax myths, Schedule A deductions, sales tax deductions, mortgage interest, real estate taxes, rental property deductions, cost segregation, depreciation, repairs versus renovations, capital improvements, tax basis, inherited homes, revocable and irrevocable trusts, energy-efficiency tax credits, and why planning with your CPA matters. Important note: This episode is for educational purposes only. Tax laws and individual situations vary, so homeowners should consult their own CPA, accountant, or financial advisor before making tax decisions.   Episode Summary Your home is often your largest financial asset, but many homeowners do not fully understand how it connects to their tax strategy. In this episode, Beth Dodson talks with CPA Craig Sheets about the deductions, credits, planning opportunities, and recordkeeping habits homeowners should know. Craig explains why tax planning should happen year-round, not just during filing season. He discusses how homeowners may be able to deduct certain taxes, mortgage interest, sales tax on qualifying renovations, and energy-efficient upgrades. He also breaks down the difference between a repair and a renovation, explaining why that distinction matters for tax purposes. For rental property owners, Craig goes deeper into depreciation, cost segregation, active versus passive management, possible travel and business-related deductions, and the importance of understanding how a property is owned. Beth and Craig also explore how renovations can affect a home's tax basis and why detailed project records can help homeowners reduce potential capital gains later. The episode closes with practical advice: keep receipts, track home improvements, document energy-efficient upgrades, communicate with your CPA before major projects, and treat your home like the financial asset it is.   Key Takeaways Homeowners may miss deductions simply because they do not know what to track. Repairs and renovations are treated differently for tax purposes. Rental property ownership comes with additional rules, deductions, and planning opportunities. Cost segregation may help rental property owners accelerate depreciation. Home improvements can increase your tax basis, which may matter when you sell. Mortgage interest can be part of an itemized deduction strategy. Energy-efficient upgrades may qualify for tax credits, which can be more powerful than deductions. Inherited homes and trusts can create tax consequences that should be planned carefully. Good recordkeeping can save homeowners money. The best tax strategy usually begins before the project, purchase, sale, or filing deadline. Chapters 00:40 Understanding Homeownership and Taxes 01:52 Myths and Misconceptions in Home Taxation 05:40 Deductions for Home Renovations 10:42 Navigating Rental Property Deductions 15:38 The Importance of Active Management in Rentals 20:35 Repairs vs. Capital Improvements 22:24 Understanding Repairs vs. Renovations 24:25 Appliances and Their Tax Implications 27:29 The Impact of Renovations on Capital Gains 32:10 Tax Basis and Renovations Explained 36:18 Living in Your Home: Tax Implications 39:47 Mortgage Interest Deductions: A Double-Edged Sword 41:24 Understanding Mortgage Interest Deductions 42:56 The Benefits of Homeownership 44:41 Renovations and Their Impact on Home Value 48:19 Inheriting a Home: Key Considerations 53:36 Tax Tips for Homeowners

    1h 1m

  2. Jun 4

    Why Leak Detection Is the Smartest Home Investment

    Show Notes What if you could catch a plumbing leak before it became a five-figure repair? In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, Beth Dodson talks with Ian Greene about why leak detection is one of the smartest upgrades a homeowner can make. They break down how flow-based leak detection works, why hidden leaks are so destructive, and how smart systems can shut water off automatically before a small issue becomes a major disaster.  Beth also shares her own experience with water damage and why even a "small" leak can create months of disruption, unexpected out-of-pocket costs, and a long repair process. Ian explains why toilets, hidden pipe failures, freezing conditions, critters, and faulty fittings are among the biggest leak risks homeowners face. He also shares how FlowLogic differs from simpler devices by detecting extremely low flow rates, offering battery backup, app alerts, and user-controlled settings that help prevent nuisance shutoffs.  The conversation also explores the insurance angle: how water damage claims can be costly, why some insurers now require leak detection devices for certain homes, and how discounts may help offset installation costs over time. Beyond protecting your home, Beth and Ian discuss the peace of mind, water savings, and environmental benefits that come with catching leaks early.  If you have ever worried about what's happening behind your walls, under your floors, or while you're away from home, this episode is a practical reminder that prevention is far easier than restoration.  Sound bites  "Recognize when a leak has been going on too long." "Nothing lasts forever, but technology can help." "Installing leak detection can significantly reduce risk." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Leak Detection and FlowLogic 01:41 Inspiration Behind FlowLogic 03:06 How FlowLogic Detects and Controls Water Leaks 04:49 Monitoring Water Use and Automatic Shutoff 06:45 Common Hidden Leak Areas and Risks 08:07 Insurance Claims and Leak Prevention 12:54 FlowLogic vs Other Leak Detection Devices 15:03 Installation Options: New Construction vs Post-Construction 17:11 Early Leak Detection and Preventing Damage 18:34 FlowLogic's Sensitivity and Smart Home Integration 22:15 Insurance and Cost Savings with Leak Detection 25:28 Final Tips and Resources for Homeowners

    31 min
  3. How to Detox Your Home for Better Health

    May 21

    How to Detox Your Home for Better Health

    Show Notes In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, Beth Dodson talks with Nicole Jacques, home system strategist and creator of the House CEO philosophy, about how the products, routines, and systems inside our homes can affect both our health and our peace of mind. Nicole shares how her own pregnancy and later autoimmune diagnosis pushed her to examine the hidden environmental factors inside the home, leading her into the world of low-tox living.  Together, Beth and Nicole unpack what "low tox" really means, why so many so-called "clean" products are confusingly marketed, and how homeowners can make healthier swaps without becoming overwhelmed. Nicole emphasizes that low-tox living is not about perfection. It is about reducing toxic load step by step, especially with the products and systems you use every day.  The conversation also digs into synthetic fragrance, air quality, and the reality that many homeowners have never been taught how to properly care for a home. Nicole explains why overwhelm often comes from a knowledge gap, not laziness, and offers a more realistic, forgiving approach to home care: fewer products, fewer decisions, more routines, and lower standards in the right places.  They also cover practical issues homeowners often overlook, including dryer vent safety, the health impact of stagnant indoor air, the value of air scrubbers and filters, and why functionality matters more than aesthetics when creating a home that truly supports your life. Nicole closes with three simple takeaways: do not aim for perfection, start with what you use every day, and find community so the process feels lighter and more doable.  Key Takeaways Your home environment may be affecting your health more than you realize.  Low-tox living does not have to be all-or-nothing. Replace products gradually as they run out.  Synthetic fragrance often masks problems instead of solving them.  Clean air and clean water are some of the best places to start.  Many homeowners feel overwhelmed because nobody taught them how to care for a home.  A home should feel like a safe place, not a second job.  Buying more products usually adds complexity instead of solving the problem.  Function matters more than "pretty" when creating a healthy home.  Dryer vent maintenance is a major fire-prevention issue.  Simpler routines can improve both your home and your well-being.   sound bites "Fragrance can be endocrine disruptors." "Lower your standards for a healthier home." "Simplify and praise your progress." Chapters   00:40 Introduction to Home Wellness 03:49 The Journey to Low Tox Living 06:44 Understanding Low Tox and Lowest Tox 09:46 Making Healthier Choices in Home Products 12:41 The Impact of Fragrances on Health 15:33 Overcoming Home Overwhelm 18:39 Creating a Healthy Home Environment 22:22 Creating Shared Responsibility at Home 23:14 Lowering Standards for a Healthier Home 24:41 The Impact of Mindset on Household Tasks 25:52 Rethinking Cleaning Products and Their Necessity 27:52 Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality in Home Design 29:35 Understanding Home Safety and Maintenance 30:52 The Importance of Air Quality in Homes 35:10 Practical Steps for Low-Tox Living

    40 min
  4. Reverse Mortgages Explained: Myths, Truths, and Real-Life Uses

    May 6

    Reverse Mortgages Explained: Myths, Truths, and Real-Life Uses

    summary Explore the ins and outs of reverse mortgages with expert Laura Phillips, including misconceptions, costs, and practical uses for homeowners aged 62 and older. Learn how reverse mortgages can support aging in place, fund education, and provide financial security.  key  topics What is a reverse mortgage and how does it work Common misconceptions about reverse mortgages Cost structure and mortgage insurance explained Uses of reverse mortgage funds: aging in place, education, second homes What happens when the homeowner passes away  Guest Laura Phillips Home Equity Strategist | Creator of The Equity Shift Turning Home Equity Into Life Options Explored carefully. Decided thoughtfully. Licensed Mortgage Professional NMLS # 281098 MAC5 Mortgage Inc NMLS # 199325 Licensed in CO, CA, FL Equal Housing Lender  303-817-4611  WWW.LauraPhillips.com  laura@lauraphillips.com Laura Phillips is a Licensed Reverse Mortgage Specialist with over 25 years of experience in real estate lending, dedicated to guiding clients through the HECM and reverse loan process to ensure they make informed financial decisions for their futures. Serving all of Colorado, California and Florida, she specializes in FHA HECM and proprietary Portfolio Jumbo Reverse loans, helping her clients enhance cash flow and preserve their retirement assets. Laura believes that a home is more than just a house; it's a significant financial commitment, and she is committed to helping families enjoy their best years in their homes. sound bites "Reverse mortgages allow aging in place comfortably" "A reverse mortgage can fund a trip around the world" "Find a lender you trust for this important decision" Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Reverse Mortgages 02:21 Understanding HECM and Its Benefits 04:25 Common Misconceptions About Reverse Mortgages 06:00 Costs and Fees Associated with Reverse Mortgages 08:20 Accessing Funds from a Reverse Mortgage 10:57 Homeownership and Reverse Mortgages 12:31 Using Reverse Mortgages for Various Needs 13:16 What Happens When a Homeowner Passes Away? 15:31 Aging in Place and Reverse Mortgages 18:15 Unique Uses of Reverse Mortgages 20:49 Considerations Before Choosing a Reverse Mortgage 23:43 The Importance of Family Discussions 26:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

    30 min
  5. I Got a Guy: The Secret to Running Your Home Like a Pro

    Apr 10

    I Got a Guy: The Secret to Running Your Home Like a Pro

    summary This episode explores the importance of maintaining a comprehensive contact list for home management, covering categories from service providers to legal and financial contacts. Learn practical tips to organize and centralize your home-related contacts for easier management and emergency preparedness.  key  topics Building a comprehensive contact list for home management Tracking service providers, contractors, and utility companies Storing important documents and account information Benefits of centralized contact management for homeowners Practical tips for organizing contacts and documents  sound bites "Track all your service providers and contractors" "Attach documents and contracts to your contacts" "Start small: gather five contacts in 30 days" Chapters 00:40 Building Your Trusted Contact List 03:47 Service Providers and Contractors 06:34 Utility and Service Providers 09:26 Property Protection Contacts 12:29 Organizing Your Contact Information 15:38 Practical Tips for Homeowners

    20 min
  6. What Every Smart Homeowner Tracks (But Most Don't)

    Apr 10

    What Every Smart Homeowner Tracks (But Most Don't)

    summary This episode explores the importance of home calendaring systems for managing maintenance, warranties, property taxes, and other home-related tasks. Hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic share practical tips on how to stay organized, save money, and protect your home effectively.  key  topics Benefits of home calendaring systems Seasonal home maintenance tasks Tracking warranties and insurance Managing property taxes and bills Preventive home repairs and cost savings  sound bites "Prevent downstream costly repairs." "Reminders help you avoid missing warranty deadlines." "Documenting costs helps plan for future expenses." Chapters 00:40 The Importance of Home Calendaring Systems 03:29 Managing Home Maintenance and Tasks 06:43 Seasonality and Home Maintenance 09:32 Tracking Warranties and Insurance Reviews 12:39 Financial Implications of Home Management 15:28 Lifestyle Management Through Calendaring 18:45 The Role of Calendaring in Property Management 21:47 The Continuous Journey of Home Ownership

    29 min
  7. Before the Storm Hits: What Smart Homeowners Do Differently

    Apr 10

    Before the Storm Hits: What Smart Homeowners Do Differently

    summary This episode explores the impact of extreme weather on homes across the US, how homeowners can prepare and mitigate risks, and the importance of digital tools like a digital twin for effective home management and insurance claims.  key  topics Types of extreme weather events and their impact on homes Proactive maintenance tips to prevent damage The concept and benefits of a digital twin for homes  takeaways Assess your home's risk based on local weather patterns. Create a comprehensive home inventory for insurance and recovery. Use digital tools to monitor and manage home risks. sound bites "Extreme weather can significantly damage your home." "Proactive maintenance can prevent many damages." "Severe weather alerts can give you early warning." Chapters 00:40 Understanding Extreme Weather Events 03:40 Impact of Extreme Weather on Homes 06:33 Preparedness and Maintenance Strategies 09:45 The Importance of Documentation 12:36 Creating a Digital Twin of Your Home 15:40 Top Tips for Homeowners 18:36 Homeowner Intelligence and Weather Alerts

    37 min
  8. Are You Ready for a Disaster? What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

    Apr 9

    Are You Ready for a Disaster? What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

    Summary In this episode, disaster preparedness expert Patrick Hardy shares practical tips on how to prepare for various disasters, from fires to hurricanes, emphasizing personalized plans and mental resilience. Learn actionable steps to safeguard your home and loved ones and discover innovative methods like the 30-day backpack challenge.  Key  topics Disaster preparedness strategies Fire safety tips and equipment Personalized emergency planning Takeaways Always have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket accessible. Create a personalized disaster backpack using the 5 pocket method. Test your emergency equipment regularly in the dark or under stress. Diversify your backup plans for critical documents and power sources. Use scent and psychological tools to manage stress during disasters. Guest Patrick Hardy Sound bites "Chemical fires can reach 5,000 degrees" "Always customize your disaster backpack" "Use scent to relax during disasters" Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Disaster Preparedness 01:48 Common Disasters and Fire Safety 11:33 The Importance of a Disaster Backpack 17:45 Backup Plans and Document Safety 19:19 The Importance of Diversification in Disaster Preparedness 20:40 Building a Personal Disaster Kit 23:02 Evacuation Strategies During Disasters 29:01 Psychological Preparedness in Disasters 33:19 Empowerment Through Disaster Preparedness  resources -  Guest links Website - https://disasterpatrick.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DisasterPatrick

    37 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, where hosts, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic are dedicated to helping you save money and get organized while managing, maintaining, protecting, improving, and eventually buying or selling your largest financial asset and biggest expense, your home. Discover how easy it is to be a smarter homeowner. Having worked with homeowners for over 20 years, your co-hosts are two of the three co-founders of HomeZada, a digital home management software platform that helps you to manage everything about your home in one digital place. Episodes of Be a Smarter Homeowner Podcast will feature John and Beth as they explore all the different aspects you need to know while owning a home; from home maintenance, home improvement projects, tracking your home finances, storing important documents, to creating a home inventory. With a focus on the financial impacts all of these things have on your home's value and the expense to own it, turn the complexities of homeownership into solutions that will make your life easy and stress free. Being a homeowner can be costly and frustrating if you're not in the know. How do you know what maintenance tasks to do and when? Most homeowners forget or don't know what to do which ends up costing you more money in repair and energy costs. Do you understand your insurance policy? Save your wallet and home from taking a hit. Make sure you have the coverage for your belongings, with the liability protection you need. Love DIY and home improvement? Plan and manage all your remodel, landscaping, and design projects. Discover how to hire contractors, stay on budget, track your costs, and save information for future tax, insurance, and resale purposes. What financial info should you know? Stay in control and up to date on various financial metrics such as home values, mortgage balance, home equity, household expenses, completed projects and maintenance costs. Where are your home documents? More disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and house fires cause home damage and destruction. Learn the value of having a home inventory using photos, videos, and documents of your home and your personal property. Looking to buy an investment or rental property or vacation home? Discover important strategies on how to manage multiple homes by staying organized and in control. Intimidated by being a first time homeowner? You're excited for your new home, but now what? Accelerate your knowledge on what it takes to manage your home and avoid costly mistakes. How to get top dollar when selling your home? Get insights into current market conditions for your home and strategies you can take with your real estate agent to market your home. Planning for retirement? Get prepared with financial planning on your home equity and even include estate management plans on how to disperse your home and your assets to your heirs. Have an aging parent? Get information on downsizing or aging in place and more data on how to remotely manage your elderly parents' home for them. The podcast will feature experts in the industry. And with your home likely being one of the largest purchases of your lifetime, these experts will keep you informed, offer you tips and tricks, and weigh in on the risks and benefits of all things related to homeownership.

Information

  • Creator
    Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Be a Smarter Homeowner

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