Real Estate Right Now

Hosted by Jay Izso

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Aug 2026

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Radio Show/Podcast that focuses on the matters of real estate that matter to home buyers, sellers, and investors

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10 recent

August 27, 202645 min

Fix It – List It – Profit – The Smart Way to Sell for More

What if the difference between listing your house as-is and walking away with real money came down to knowing exactly where to put $10,000 — and exactly where not to? That’s the question I dug into on this episode of Real Estate Right Now with Steve Kruger, Senior Listing and Sales Expert with Linda Craft Team, REALTORS. Steve’s team built a Fix & Flip program that lets sellers renovate before they list and pay at closing — but here’s what most people miss: the real value isn’t the financing. It’s Steve walking through a home and telling you, room by room, which fixes actually move the sale price and which ones are just money out the window. We spent real time on this, because it’s the heart of the episode — how Steve decides whether spending $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 leaves a seller ahead at the closing table, or just leaves them poorer with a shinier house. And we didn’t stop at theory. Steve walked us through an actual before-and-after: the condition the home was in, what he recommended, what it cost, and what it sold for. That one example alone is worth the listen. If you’ve got a home that needs some love before you sell — or you’ve been told “just list it as-is” and aren’t sure that’s the right call — catch the full conversation, “Fix It, List It, Profit: The Smart Way to Sell for More.” Link in the comments. Then tell me: what’s the one improvement you’d never skip before selling? L inda Craft Team, REALTORS no matter where you live in the world, Linda Craft and her team can help you find the best professional in your area to help you sell or buy your next home. While most real estate professionals belong to a nationally affiliated company where they are obligated to use the people in their company’s network. Linda Craft Team are privately owned and operated. That means they can find the absolute best professional from ANY company to ensure you get the best service. Located in the Raleigh Research Triangle Park of North Carolina…they are indeed legendary when it comes to service. Learn more by going to Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS www.LindaCraft.com Hey…do me a favor and please tell your friends to subscribe to A New Direction on their favorite podcast platform and give us a 5 star rating we are so grateful when you do! ABOUT YOUR HOST Meet Jay Izso Executive Performance Coach | Host of A New Direction Every week on A New Direction , I sit down with CEOs, founders, and the researchers behind the science of leadership performance. The conversations go deep. We talk about the decisions that built companies, the mistakes that nearly destroyed them, and the personal breakthroughs that changed everything. But here’s what most people don’t know about me: the show is an extension of the work I do every day with executives behind closed doors. Who I Am I’m an Executive Performance Coach. I work with CEOs and founders of $5M-$50M companies who have hit a wall they can’t explain. The marketing looks fine. The team is capable. The market is there. But the business won’t move. The problem, almost every time, is the person running it. I find the personal behavioral patterns that are driving the business dysfunction. Then I help the CEO disrupt those patterns so the company can grow. That’s it. No motivational platitudes. No vision boards. Diagnostics, intervention, results. Where This Comes From My approach comes from two places most coaches never set foot in. The farm. I grew up as a farmhand in Ithaca, Nebraska—population 100. I started working at nine years old. By the time I left for college, I’d spent a decade learning that you can’t cheat the harvest, pain is part of the job, and the work has to get done whether you feel like it or not. I was fourteen the first time I had to castrate boars. Nobody was going to do it for me. That lesson never left: sometimes you have to do things afraid. The forensic psychology unit. In graduate school at Washington State University, I trained under Dr. Thomas Brigham—co-author of the Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis —in a human behavior lab focused on real-world problems. I then served in a Clinical Psych II role at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington, a forensic setting where I conducted psychological evaluations of individuals charged with the most serious criminal offenses. Sixteen months assessing human behavior at its most extreme taught me how to cut through defenses, identify what’s really driving someone’s decisions, and see what they can’t see in themselves.

August 23, 202642 min

How Your Home Computer Can Be Hacked – Bayne Schulstad

What if the biggest risk to your next closing isn’t a low appraisal, a shaky buyer, or rising rates — but the laptop sitting open on your desk right now? Wire fraud, phishing emails disguised as title company updates, and data breaches are quietly costing real estate professionals and their clients real money, and most of us have no idea how exposed we actually are. That’s exactly why I’m sitting down with Bayne Schulstad, Owner of Triangle CompuDocs , on this week’s episode of Real Estate Right Now. Bayne has spent years in the trenches fixing what breaks, patching what’s vulnerable, and explaining tech in plain English to people who just want their computer — and their business — to work. If there’s a gremlin hiding in your systems, he’s the guy who finds it. We’re going to dig into the cybersecurity blind spots that put agents, buyers, and sellers at risk during a transaction, the simple habits that stop most attacks before they start, and why “I’ll deal with it later” is the most expensive sentence in real estate. No jargon, no scare tactics — just straight talk you can actually use. Join us and don’t skip this one. Your next deal might depend on it. Would you like to have a free conversation with Bayne and talk about what you have going on in your home, or concerns about cyber security. Just click on www.bookbayne.com L inda Craft Team Realtors . So what can you say about a real estate company that has spent more than 40 years at the top of their game? Well the first thing is you have to admit that their customers and clients continue to drive their business…but why? That’s because the Linda Craft Team continue to believe that every person and every relationship is important, not just now, but even in the future. It is why she is devoted to continually adding value to her clients and community by serving them in ways that matter…it is also why their clients say, “The Linda Craft Team have legendary customer service!” When it comes to real estate start with the legends start with Linda Craft & Team, Realtors – www.LindaCraft.com

August 10, 202626 min

How to Get $15,000 to Buy a Home

Are you holding off on buying a home because you think you need 20% down, or that interest rates have priced you out of the market entirely? You might be leaving real money on the table. On this episode of Real Estate Right Now , Jay sits down with Dwayne Reece , Listing Expert with Linda Craft Team Realtors, to reveal a major resource for North Carolina renters: the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment Program, which offers up to $15,000 in assistance for qualified buyers across all 100 counties. Dwa yne breaks down the most persistent real estate myths keeping renters stuck paying someone else’s mortgage. From waiting for price drops to assuming you lack the savings to qualify, discover why so many prospective buyers eliminate themselves before ever speaking to a professional. Learn the core eligibility guidelines for down payment assistance, how equity builds long-term wealth, and how to accurately weigh renting against buying in today’s market. Stop letting assumptions stand between you and property ownership. Tune in to learn why a simple 15-minute conversation with an expert Realtor and lender could completely change your strategy—and find out if you are much closer to owning a home than you think. Would you like to start having the conversation and get your first home? You can talk to Dwayne personally: dwayner@lindacraft.com or call 919-623-3731 L inda Craft Team, Realtors when you are looking to sell your home or buy a new home start with what their clients refer to as “the legends of customer service”. Whether you are in the Greater Raleigh Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina or any where in the world they can help you with your home dreams. Contact our friends Linda Craft Team at www.LindaCraft.com

March 27, 20261 hr 6 min

Real Estate Headlines for the Week – What They May Mean for You and I

The housing market just pulled off something it hasn’t done in decades — and if you’re a buyer, renter, or anyone thinking about making a move in 2026, you need to hear this before the weekend. Mortgage rates jumped back to 6.22% this week after teasing a dip, new home sales dropped sharply, and yet somehow the data is quietly stacking up in the consumer’s favor. How is that possible? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking live tomorrow. Join me and Paul Fitts, Senior Loan Officer of Advantage Lending on Real Estate Right Now . Paul works in the trenches every day helping buyers navigate the rate environment, and together we’re breaking down the Top 10 residential real estate headlines that matter most to consumers right now — from the historic flip where resale homes now cost more than new construction, to renters securing concessions at a 10-year high, to the slow thawing of the lock-in effect that has frozen so many homeowners in place. We’re not here to give you hype or a national average that means nothing for your zip code. Markets like New York, Chicago, and Cleveland are climbing while Miami, Tampa, and Austin are falling — sometimes by more than 5% year-over-year. The data is real, it’s conflicting, and it deserves a real conversation. That’s what this show is built for, and Paul brings the lending lens that ties it all together for buyers who are close to pulling the trigger. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get serious about buying, selling, or renegotiating your lease — this is the episode. Touring activity is up 23% since January 1st, inventory is rising, and for the first time since 2022, buyers may be spending less than 30% of their income on housing. The window is opening. Come find out exactly how wide. Linda Craft Team, Realtors they have been helping people with their home selling and buying needs and wants for more than 40 years. Their clients call their customer service “legendary”. That’s because Linda and her team recognize that your home is more than a purchase, it is the place that some of your most significant memories will be made. When you are looking for the best expert when it comes to real estate in your area start with the “legends of customer service” start with Linda Craft Team. Head on over to www.LindaCraft.com

March 27, 20261 hr 8 min

Built to Win – The Masterclass Land Development & New Construction

The Architect of the Market: How Jim Allen Builds the Future… Most people see a “For Sale” sign and think the story starts there. The truth? The real money and the biggest moves happen years before a foundation is even poured. Today on Real Estate Right Now, we are sitting down with the man who sees the finish line before the race even begins. Jim Allen isn’t just a top-tier name at Coldwell Banker; he is a visionary in land development who understands the DNA of a successful community. If you want to know where the market is going, you have to talk to the person building it. We’re stripping away the fluff to talk about the high-stakes reality of new construction. Jim will be breaking down the “hidden” side of real estate: identifying raw land with untapped potential, navigating the red tape that stops most builders in their tracks, and the precise science of timing the market. In a world where inventory is tight and “resale” feels like a compromise, Jim explains why new builds are the ultimate solution for today’s savvy investors and homeowners. This interview is a rare opportunity to get inside the mind of a developer who has seen every cycle the market can throw at him. We’ll discuss the “New Home Advantage”—why certain areas explode in value while others stall, and how Jim’s team manages to stay steps ahead of the competition. Whether you’re looking to break into development or you just want to understand the forces driving property values in our region, this conversation will change the way you look at a plot of dirt forever. Don’t settle for the headlines; get the ground-truth from a legend. Join us as we dive deep into the strategies, the risks, and the massive rewards of the development world. Jim Allen is ready to share the blueprint—all you have to do is listen. L inda Craft Team, REALTORS , their clients say that their customer service is “legendary” and the reason for that is because for more than 40 years they build and maintain personal relationships with their clients. Why? Because buying and selling of a house is a great deal more than a business transaction, it is a life altering experience. That’s because we don’t just live in a home, some of our most significant memories will be made in that home. The Linda Craft Team are dedicated to taking care of your memory maker as if it were their own. Whether you are about to purchase a new home, or sell your current home, start with the relationship legends. Start with Linda Craft Team, Realtors – www.LindaCraft.com

March 12, 202643 min

The House You Think You Can’t Afford (And How to Get It)

Stop doom-scrolling through Zillow and assuming you’re priced out of the Triangle real estate market. The headlines want you to believe that without a 20% down payment and an 800 credit score, you’re stuck renting forever—but the actual math tells a different story. In our next episode, we are cracking the door open on the specific, often-overlooked programs that are helping normal people buy homes right now, even in this economy. We are joined by Christopher Coy , Vice President and Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at TowneBank Mortgage in Raleigh. Unlike big-box online lenders who treat you like an algorithm, Chris is a local expert who specializes in “hacking” the system for first-time buyers and self-employed professionals. He’s coming on the show to debunk the biggest myths in lending and reveal why a local pre-approval letter might be the secret weapon that gets your offer accepted over the competition. We dig deep into the “cheat codes” of homeownership that banks rarely advertise. Chris breaks down how the NC Home Advantage program can cover your down payment, why you might qualify for 0% down with a USDA loan just outside the city limits, and why your credit score is likely already good enough to get started. We also discuss the “fixer-upper” strategy—how to buy a cheaper home and borrow the renovation costs in a single loan—so you can stop fighting over turnkey houses and start building equity. Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you paying someone else’s mortgage. Tune in to hear why the path to your front door is shorter, cheaper, and easier than you think. Whether you are looking to buy your first home in 2026 or refinance the one you have, this conversation with Chris Coy will give you the blueprint you need to take action. L inda Craft Team, Realtor s, they have been serving people in the real estate world for more than 40 years. And in so doing their customers rave about them, by saying they have “legendary customer service”. When you have customers from more than 40 years ago still stopping in to say “hello” and “thank you” that says there is something special about Linda and her dedication to her clients and her team. When you are ready to sell or buy why not start with Linda Craft & Team, www.LindaCraft.com

January 17, 202644 min

Luxury and Ultra-Luxury What You Need to Know

Luxury and Ultra-Luxury A Different Way of Thinking About Real Estate When does a home shift from “luxury” to “ultra-luxury,” and why does that distinction matter significantly to your bottom line? The high-end real estate market is often viewed as a monolith, but the strategies required to navigate the stratosphere of ultra-luxury properties are vastly different from standard luxury transactions. From marketing reach to negotiation psychology, understanding these nuances is critical for buyers and sellers looking to protect their assets. In this episode, we sit down with Tony Fink , Senior Listing and Buyers Expert with Linda Craft REALTORS , to dissect these differences. Tony brings years of experience navigating the complex landscape of high-value properties. He walks us through exactly what clients should expect when stepping into the ultra-luxury arena and the specific hurdles that often trip up the unprepared. We also introduce a pivotal evolution in the industry: the RFA (Real Estate Financial Advisor) . As real estate holdings comprise a massive percentage of personal net worth, the role of an agent is shifting from a transactional facilitator to a strategic wealth partner. We discuss why you don’t just need a Realtor anymore—you need an RFA who understands the financial implications of your portfolio. Don’t miss this deep dive into the upper echelon of real estate. Whether you are an investor, a homeowner, or an industry professional, this conversation will change how you view high-end real estate representation. L inda Craft Team, Realtors Linda built her business in 1985 one relationship at a time, and her team and her continue to do the same things she did 40 years later. They have provided thousands of people the ability to help people sell or buy their next home with personalized legendary customer service. They have the experience, knowledge, and understanding of the home industry. They also understand you and what you want and need from your next home purchase or sale. What is more they can help you regardless of where you live. Ready to buy or sell your next home or your first…click on over to www.LindaCraft.com

January 17, 202636 min

From Clutter to Closing: How Decluttering Adds to Your Home Value

Declutter and Increase Your Home Selling Value Is your home working for you, or are you working for your home? Whether you are preparing to put your house on the market, in the middle of a chaotic move, or simply drowning in “stuff,” the state of your environment directly impacts your peace of mind and your property value. In this episode of Real Estate Right Now , we are tackling the clutter crisis head-on to help you reclaim your space. I am thrilled to be sitting down with Sara Howard , the expert behind Elevate Your Environment. Sara isn’t just about tidying up; she is a master at creating functional systems that transform chaotic spaces into serene sanctuaries. We are going to dive deep into how professional organizing can be the secret weapon in real estate—from staging a home to sell for top dollar, to making your move seamless and stress-free. If you have ever stared at a packed garage or an overflowing closet and felt overwhelmed, you cannot afford to miss this conversation. Sara will be sharing actionable tips on how to purge what you don’t need, organize what you love, and elevate the way you live. We’ll discuss the psychology behind the mess and practical strategies to maintain a home that looks as good as it feels. Learn how to finally take control of your space. Catch the livestream or listen in—this is the episode that changes how you look at your home forever. Linda Craft Team, Realtors Linda built her business in 1985 one relationship at a time, and her team and her continue to do the same things she did 40 years later. They have provided thousands of people the ability to help people sell or buy their next home with personalized legendary customer service. They have the experience, knowledge, and understanding of the home industry. They also understand you and what you want and need from your next home purchase or sale. What is more they can help you regardless of where you live. Ready to buy or sell your next home or your first…click on over to www.LindaCraft.com

December 6, 202540 min

What to Do with the Stuff from an Estate or You Collected

This week on Real Estate Right Now we’re going to talk about something every homeowner eventually faces but almost nobody plans for: what do you do with a lifetime of “stuff” when it’s time to move on? My guest is Gavin Martin, Owner and CEO of Grandma’s Basement Estate Sales & Services , a veteran-owned company right here in North Carolina that specializes in estate sales, cleanouts, antiques, and vintage furniture. Gavin went from the U.S. Army to corporate life to turning his passion for finding hidden treasures into a full-time business helping families downsize, declutter, and uncover value in what’s been sitting in the attic, garage, or yes… grandma’s basement. We’re going to dig into the real estate side of estate sales: how do you time a sale when you’re listing a home? What should you sell, donate, or toss—and in what order? How can a smart estate sale and professional cleanout actually increase your home’s appeal and bottom line when it hits the market? Gavin will walk us through the process step-by-step, share the biggest mistakes he sees sellers make, and give you practical tips for turning “old stuff” into extra cash that can help with your next chapter, whether that’s upsizing, downsizing, or relocating across the country. And of course, we’re going to talk about the emotional side—because these aren’t just objects, they’re memories. Gavin will share stories of how he helps families honor those memories while still moving forward, and how bringing in a pro can take the stress, conflict, and overwhelm out of an already stressful move. So join us live tomorrow at 9am Eastern for Real Estate Right Now—watch the show, jump in with your questions, and if you can’t catch it live, make sure you listen or watch the replay. If you own a home, love someone who does, or you’re staring at a house full of “someday we’ll deal with this,” this is an episode you do not want to miss. Linda Craft Team, Realtors , fully locally owned and operated, and unaffiliated with a national brand for more than 40 years. They have developed relationships with the world’s best real estate professionals to help people like you have an amazing experience when it comes to selling their home or buying a new one. So, if you are looking to connect with the best person in your area…why not start with Linda Craft Team, Realtors drive on over to www.LindaCraft.com

November 14, 202554 min

What Is Going On With Morgages

What’s Going On with Mortgages? Paul Fitts of Advantage Lending joining us to break down what’s really going on in mortgages right now. First off: rate talk. The 30-year fixed is hovering near the low-to-mid 6% range—down from the peaks, yet still above what many buyers hope for. That means timing and strategy matter. We’ll dive into smart lock-windows, what “good enough and done” means in this market, and why waiting for the perfect dip could cost you. Next: the Fed & bond markets. Even though the Federal Reserve has signaled a more passive policy stance, mortgage rates don’t simply march in lockstep. Instead, they follow bond market sentiment, inflation surprises, and employment surprises. We’ll ask Paul how he coaches Triangle buyers and sellers on navigating volatility, especially when refinancing becomes more appealing. We’ll also highlight an under-the-radar trend: the re-emergence of 50-year mortgages. Yes—they’re back in the spotlight. These extended-term loans can offer lower monthly payments by stretching amortization, but they come with trade-offs: more interest paid over time, slower equity build-up, and fewer lenders willing to offer them. Paul will walk us through when a 50-year loan makes sense (flexible budget, long-term hold) and when it’s a red-flag for future resale or refinance risk. Finally: the moving parts in runway and outlook. With higher refinance activity, rising conforming loan limits, and competitive structures like temporary buydowns, there’s more opportunity—but also more complexity. We’ll ask Paul what buyers and sellers in the Raleigh/Triangle market should keep top-of-mind: Conventional vs. FHA/VA, Jumbo vs. conforming, timing your offer and lock-in strategy for when rates wobble. Bring your scenarios live—we’ll dig into which path fits your strategy. Linda Craft Team, REALTORS® , for more than 40 years they have created relationships that last a life time. That is why when it comes to real estate they are known as the “legends of customer service”. They know that your home is personal. It’s part of a life transition and it is part of your legacy of life. And over the years they have been perfecting their service and skills to help reduce the stress out of buying and selling your home as well as helping thousands of others. The Linda Craft Team would love to get to know you so that they can help you sell your home in the way it should be sold, and help you buy the home to start your next chapter of life. Click on over to www.LindaCraft.com