The Mostly Real Estate Podcast, with Declan Spring

Declan Spring
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Conversations with East Bay real estate agents, creatives, and community voices shaping today’s local market. The Mostly Real Estate Podcast with Declan Spring spotlights the people shaping East Bay real estate — top producers, rising stars, and agents known for creative marketing or unique insight. Each conversation explores the craft, challenges, and character of this dynamic market. Produced by Declan Spring and Denitsa Shopova, founders of The Home Factor, a Berkeley-based real-estate and creative-media team, the show celebrates collaboration, storytelling, and community across the East Bay. CA DRE#01398898

  1. 5D AGO

    Bestie Slay! Gen Z Agents vs. The Market - #66 Emma Dolgin and Ellen Martinez

    Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text! Two twenty-somethings, high stakes, and a market that refuses to sit still. I sit down with Emma Dolgin (The Grubb Company) and Ellen Martinez (Compass) to unpack what it really takes to build a real estate career in your early 20s. No TV gloss, just the moves that matter. From first deals during the 2021 frenzy to the humbling slowdown that followed, Emma and Ellen share how they learned fast on strong teams, built trust through consistency, and kept cash flow sane when commissions went quiet. We dig into the East Bay’s unique rhythm, upfront disclosures, multiple offers, and the kind of local nuance that renders automated pricing laughable. They explain why buyer representation agreements filter for serious clients, how open houses and sphere marketing still work when you’re patient, and where social media shines as a credibility layer rather than a magic lead faucet. The Oakland realities come into focus: price declines, tougher insurance in the hills, and the lock-in effect of 2–3% mortgages that keep sellers put and inventory uneven.  And yes, we challenge the AI narrative. Emma tested disclosure summaries with a model and watched it miss vital details. Helpful for drafts and checklists? Absolutely. A stand-in for local judgment, negotiations, and on-the-spot problem solving? Not even close. If you’re an aspiring agent, you’ll hear hard-won advice about choosing teams, asking for help early, and treating real estate like a pro, because the moment you show up with care and competence, people notice. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, share with a friend who loves the East Bay market, and leave a quick review—your feedback helps more curious listeners find the show. Follow Emma Dolgin on Instagram @emma.dolgin  Follow Ellen Martinez on Instagram @ellenmartinezre Emma Dolgin is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#02113494 Ellen Martinez is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#02135069 Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

    1h 20m

  2. SEP 19

    Navigating the September 17 Fed Rate Cut: A Mortgage Expert Explains - 65# Evelyn Freitas

    Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text! When the Federal Reserve announces a rate cut, why do mortgage rates sometimes go up instead of down? This puzzling financial paradox sits at the heart of my insightful conversation with mortgage expert Evelyn Freitas of Guaranteed Rate. Drawing from over two decades of industry experience, Evelyn takes us behind the curtain of how mortgage rates actually work. She reveals the crucial distinction between the Fed's backward-looking policy decisions (made eight times yearly) and the real-time bond market activity that determines your mortgage rate. "The bond market already did it," Evelyn explains, illuminating why rates had already decreased weeks before the September 17th Fed announcement. We explore the inner workings of the Federal Reserve Board itself—the 19 participants, 12 voters, and the mysterious "dot plot" that forecasts future rate movements. Evelyn breaks down why Chairman Powell's post-meeting press conference often impacts markets more than the rate decision itself, especially as the Fed navigates tensions between its inflation and employment mandates. For homebuyers navigating today's market, Evelyn shares invaluable strategic advice. She compares temporary rate buydowns with permanent ones, outlines when adjustable-rate mortgages make sense, and explains why locking your rate early provides stability—like "standing on the ground while watching a turbulent plane fly by." With conventional rates currently in the low 6% range and some government-backed loans dipping below 6%, we discuss why crossing that psychological "5-handle" threshold could stimulate market activity. Whether you're actively house-hunting, considering a refinance, or simply wanting to understand the economic forces shaping today's housing market, this episode delivers clarity on one of real estate's most misunderstood relationships: the dance between Fed decisions and the mortgage rates that impact millions of homeowners. Evelyn Freitas is a licensed Mortgage Lender NMLS# 247578 Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

    1h 8m

  3. AUG 29

    Mastering Digital Real Estate: From Barber to TikTok Sensation - #64 Roland Osage

    Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text! What happens when you combine authentic passion for unique homes with consistent content creation? Roland Osage's journey from barber to real estate powerhouse with over 220,000 TikTok followers provides a masterclass in building a thriving business through social media. Roland's path to real estate success began unexpectedly when he purchased his first home at just 19 years old. After witnessing significant appreciation without making improvements, his curiosity was piqued. While working as a barber in San Francisco, he began exploring property flipping, eventually obtaining his license in 2018 to better understand the terminology and processes. Fast forward to 2021, and a simple decision to create walkthrough-style property tours on TikTok would transform his business forever. What makes Roland's approach unique is his commitment to showcasing homes he genuinely finds interesting – properties with natural elements, wood features, and distinctive character rather than the ubiquitous white-gray aesthetic dominating recent years. His consistent schedule generates a steady stream of quality content while respecting the collaborative spirit of the East Bay real estate community by always featuring other agents' listings with proper credit. The results are remarkable: beyond his massive social media following, Roland earns real money directly from TikTok and has built an automated lead generation system that seamlessly funnels potential clients from social media into scheduled consultations. Most importantly, he's created an authentic brand that resonates with clients and colleagues alike – proving that in real estate, "you will get back exactly what you put into it." Want to revolutionize your own real estate marketing? Follow Roland on Instagram and TikTok to witness firsthand how consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to share the spotlight can create extraordinary results in today's digital landscape. Follow Roland Osage on TikTok @rolandosage Follow Roland Osage on Instagram @roland_osage  Roland Osage is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 02055089 Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

    1h 16m

  4. AUG 17

    Grifters, Racists, a DeLorean, and a Mountain of LSD: Uncovering The East Bay's History with Liam O'Donoghue, Host of East Bay Yesterday - #63

    Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text! Dive into the captivating underbelly of East Bay history with Liam O'Donoghue, the passionate storyteller behind the acclaimed podcast East Bay Yesterday. From corrupt political beginnings to cultural transformations, this conversation unveils the hidden forces that shaped Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and beyond. Did you know Oakland's first mayor essentially stole the town? Horace Carpentier, a shrewd lawyer turned politician, manipulated his way into ownership of Oakland's valuable waterfront before selling it to railroad barons for personal profit. This foundation of opportunism set a precedent that would echo through generations of East Bay governance – a reminder that today's political challenges have deep historical roots. The struggle for housing equity takes center stage as we explore Byron Rumford's groundbreaking Fair Housing Act of 1963 and the fierce backlash it faced from the real estate industry and a pre-gubernatorial Ronald Reagan. This pendulum of progress and resistance reveals how neighborhood demographics shifted over decades – from Italian immigrants moving up from West Oakland to Temescal, to the complex dynamics following Japanese American internment during WWII. Emeryville's transformation from a vice-filled "gambling hell" (complete with corrupt police chiefs driving DeLoreans and taking bribes) to today's shopping destination demonstrates how quickly a place's identity can change. Meanwhile, the once-thriving warehouse art scenes that defined East Bay counterculture in the 1990s and early 2000s have largely disappeared, raising questions about where tomorrow's cultural innovations will emerge in an increasingly expensive region. Whether you're a longtime resident or recent arrival, these stories provide crucial context for understanding the East Bay's present challenges and future possibilities. Join us for this illuminating journey through the colorful, complicated history that continues to shape one of America's most dynamic regions. Follow Liam's work through East Bay Yesterday's podcast, Substack, or join one of his popular boat tours for an immersive historical experience. Click here for the East Bay Yesterday podcast front page and tour info Follow East Bay Yesterday on Instagram @eastbay_yesterday Click here for information about the book Hella Town by Mitchell Schwarzer Click here for information about the book The Pacific Circuit by Alexis Madrigal Click here for a prior episode with Liam O'Donoghue from 2021  Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

    1h 9m

  5. AUG 1

    From Meta to Real Estate: How Ellie Ridge Roared to Success on Instagram - #62 Ellie Ridge

    Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text! What happens when you combine in-depth construction knowledge, real estate expertise, and authentic social media content? For Ellie Ridge, it created a phenomenon that transformed her from a recently laid-off Meta employee to a successful realtor with 234,000 Instagram followers in just two years. This conversation takes us through Ellie's fascinating journey, beginning with her unique background. As the daughter of a master roof framer (and later home inspector), Ellie grew up absorbing valuable knowledge about building structures that would eventually become her professional superpower. When her family lost their home, 13-year-old Ellie developed a fierce determination for financial security that would shape her future decisions. Ellie shares the pivotal moment when, at age 24 while working in tech, she purchased her first home. She approached this not as her dream home but as a strategic investment – a mindset she now passes on to her first-time homebuyer clients. After being laid off from Meta two years ago, she joined her mother's real estate business, bringing a fresh perspective and emphasis on construction knowledge. What makes this episode particularly valuable is Ellie's candid discussion about social media success. She reveals how her construction-focused content unexpectedly went viral, the mental health challenges that came with sudden internet fame, and her approach to creating sustainable, authentic content. Rather than focusing on algorithms or growing followers, she emphasizes the importance of genuine passion: "Make videos about stuff you love talking about. People can feel when you care about it." For real estate professionals and anyone interested in building an online presence, Ellie offers practical insights about lead generation, conducting effective open houses, and maintaining multiple business channels rather than relying solely on social media. Her journey demonstrates how specialized knowledge and authentic communication can create a unique path to success in a competitive field. Ready to learn how someone turned construction knowledge into social media gold? Listen now and discover strategies you can apply to your own business and online presence. Follow Ellie Ridge on Instagram @ellieridgerealtor  Ellie Ridge is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 02217753 Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

    1h 17m

  6. JUL 24

    Decoding the Inner East Bay Housing Market: A Mid-Year Analysis - #61 Aman Daro

    Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text! What happens when data nerds dive deep into the Inner East Bay real estate market? Aman Daro, Director of Operations at the Grubb Company, returns to the podcast armed with comprehensive MLS data that reveals surprising trends shaping our local housing landscape. The numbers tell a fascinating story of market bifurcation. While homes priced below $500,000 struggle to maintain value (selling 7% below asking on average), properties in the $1-2 million range are thriving at 22% over asking price. Even more striking, the luxury market above $2 million is performing exceptionally well, defying conventional expectations during economic uncertainty. This pattern suggests wealthy buyers may be viewing real estate as an inflation hedge, while entry-level segments face greater challenges. Geographic variations paint an equally compelling picture. El Cerrito has emerged as one of the region's hottest market with the lowest months' supply of inventory. Berkeley continues its remarkable stability, now boasting the highest 20-year appreciation rate in the Inner East Bay. Meanwhile, Oakland and Richmond show strong performance in desirable neighborhoods despite higher cancellation rates. The condo market tells a different story, with median prices down 12% year-over-year and significantly longer days on market. Aman also tackles controversial topics like private listings versus MLS exposure, sharing data that homes sold off-market typically achieve lower prices than those with full market exposure. For both buyers and sellers, this conversation offers invaluable insights into timing strategies, price point considerations, and neighborhood dynamics that could significantly impact your real estate decisions in this unique East Bay market. Connect with Aman at adaro@grubbco.com or explore more local real estate content through The Home Factor's weekly Substack newsletter at thehomefactor.com. Aman Daro is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 01350412 Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

    1 hr

  7. JUL 18

    What 1,000+ Transactions Have Taught Me - #60 Andrea Gordon REalizations

    Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text! What happens when you combine 27 years of real estate expertise, theatrical directing, and PhD-level thinking? You get the incomparable Andrea Gordon.  Andrea doesn't just sell homes – she tackles challenging client psychology head-on. "Nobody in their right mind wants to spend over a million dollars on anything," she explains. When buyers find a home they love, their faces don't show joy but fear as they immediately begin creating obstacles. "Part of our service is pushing them off a little cliff," Andrea shares, highlighting how agents must help clients stop "talking themselves out of happiness." This episode reveals the communication secrets behind Andrea's success: meeting with staff three times weekly, marketing teams weekly, and conducting a 15-minute Zoom check-in with every client each week. Her philosophy is refreshingly direct: "People hire me – they don't hire somebody to send them a bulk mail." While technology offers valuable tools, personal interaction remains irreplaceable. Beyond transaction strategies, we explore how society and  the real estate environment has shifted since 2016. Andrea talks about why agents shouldn't fear asking to be paid for their value. Her passionate defense of the profession comes through clearly: "Every time you don't value yourself, you're not valuing the profession in the eyes of the world." Whether you're a real estate professional looking to elevate your business or a consumer wanting to understand today's complex market, Andrea's blend of tough love, theatrical flair, and strategic thinking offers a masterclass in what makes a legendary agent. Listen now to transform how you approach real estate transactions! Please click here for Andrea Gordon's website. Please click here for Andrea Gordon's podcast. Please click here for more information about Rainbow Zebra Productions. Andrea Gordon is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 01233563 Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

    1h 22m

  8. JUL 4

    Bonds, Bills, and BS: The Truth About Your Mortgage Rate - #59 Faramarz Moeen-Ziai

    Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text! What actually makes mortgage rates rise and fall? If you've been waiting for the Federal Reserve to cut rates before buying a home, you might be watching the wrong signals entirely. Mortgage expert Faramarz Moeen-Ziai pulls back the curtain on the complex world of mortgage rate determination, revealing why there isn't a direct correlation between Fed actions and the rates homebuyers actually see. Drawing on over 21 years of industry experience, including surviving the 2008 financial crisis, Faramarz explains how the bond market – specifically mortgage-backed securities – dictates mortgage pricing through a delicate balance of risk assessment and investor demand. The timing of this conversation couldn't be more relevant, coming just hours after Congress passed legislation potentially raising the debt ceiling by approximately $3 trillion. This massive influx of government debt will require unprecedented Treasury bond issuance, creating potential ripple effects throughout the bond market. The upcoming Treasury auctions will provide the first indication of how this expanded debt load might influence mortgage rates in the near term. For homebuyers sitting on the sidelines waiting for rates to drop, Faramarz offers a sobering reality check based on decades watching market cycles: "Waiting can really cost you. It's not a trend, it's a momentary thing." With rates currently in the mid-6% range – a significant improvement from recent highs – and somewhat reduced competition in many markets, motivated buyers may find themselves with advantages they won't see when rates eventually improve and competition increases. Beyond rate predictions, Faramarz shares how his lending approach has evolved to create deeper partnerships with real estate professionals through a customer-focused "Four Pillars" system designed to deliver exceptional service and generate mutual referrals. His insights will be valuable for anyone navigating today's complex housing market – whether you're a buyer, seller, or real estate professional looking to better understand what's really happening behind those mortgage rate headlines. Please visit Faramarz Moeen-Ziai's business page here. Faramarz Moeen-Ziai, mortgage advisor NMLS #342090 Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

    1h 29m
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About

Conversations with East Bay real estate agents, creatives, and community voices shaping today’s local market. The Mostly Real Estate Podcast with Declan Spring spotlights the people shaping East Bay real estate — top producers, rising stars, and agents known for creative marketing or unique insight. Each conversation explores the craft, challenges, and character of this dynamic market. Produced by Declan Spring and Denitsa Shopova, founders of The Home Factor, a Berkeley-based real-estate and creative-media team, the show celebrates collaboration, storytelling, and community across the East Bay. CA DRE#01398898

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