Baez Real Estate Podcast

Hosted by Alex Baez / Hidey Baez

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Baez Real Estate Podcast. 🏡 Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or invest, our team is here to help you reach your real estate goals with expert guidance and personalized service. Based at 747 Palisades Ave in Yonkers, NY, we proudly serve the Bronx, Westchester, and surrounding areas. Thinking about buying? Want to get pre approved? Contact Hidekel Baez at (914) 409-5647 or email hidey@gorascal.com . 📞 General Inquiries: 929-222-6979 📧 Email: info@baezre.com Subscribe for real estate tips, market updates, and insights to help you succeed in today’s market.

Listen to episodes

36 recent

May 20, 202623 min

Landlords And Peace Of Mind

Send us Fan MailA $31 million slumlord settlement in the Bronx is a wake-up call: housing isn’t just an “investment” on a spreadsheet, it’s where people live. We start with a light catch-up on travel and weather, then zoom into a bigger shift happening across vacation markets and home markets alike. Rafael’s upcoming Puerto Rico trip turns into a real conversation about Airbnb, cash buyers, and what happens when short-term rental demand changes neighborhoods and squeezes long-time residents, especially after hurricanes and major storms. From there, we get practical about what responsible landlording actually looks like. We talk straight about budgeting for repairs, planning for vacancies, staying ahead of maintenance, and why ignoring basic needs like heat and hot water isn’t just unethical, it can become expensive fast. We also dig into how tenant screening and day-to-day responsiveness build the kind of reputation that keeps your units filled and your stress low. If you own rentals or want to buy your first investment property, this is the mindset that saves you years of headaches. We also make the case for homeownership when rent keeps climbing. We break down why a mortgage can build equity over time, how small extra principal payments add up, and why “peace of mind” is more than a slogan. Then we shift behind the scenes: Rafael shares the milestone of his first listing and what it’s like learning the full selling process, and Angelo tells a high-pressure closing story where the team pushed to start at 8:30 PM to help a client avoid a rate extension cost. If you like real estate stories with real lessons you can use, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. What’s the biggest landlord or rent problem you’ve dealt with?Support the show

April 20, 202623 min

When An Offer Is Really Accepted

Send us Fan MailA seller says “yes” and you start celebrating, but how real is that win if you’re buying in New York? Angela and Chris get brutally practical about what actually qualifies as an accepted offer, why verbal acceptance can vanish, and how buyers lose great homes simply by moving too slowly between the handshake moment and signed contracts. If you’re competing in a hot spring and summer market with bidding wars, timelines matter just as much as price.We walk through the exact pressure points: scheduling a home inspection fast, getting the inspection report back quickly, and telling your attorney you’re ready so contracts can be prepared and signed. We also explain why sellers often continue showings even after they “accept” an offer, and how that backup plan protects them if the inspection uncovers issues or the buyer asks for big credits. Along the way, we compare New York’s attorney-driven process with what we’ve heard about Connecticut, including the idea of being “in contract” sooner and the debate over whether agents should draft contracts.Then we hit the contingencies buyers should think twice before waiving. We unpack appraisal contingency with a painful story of a buyer stuck paying a huge gap in cash, explain how an appraisal gap clause can limit risk, and touch on mortgage contingency as a basic safeguard for your escrow deposit. To close, we shift to a real-life lifestyle question: would you ever buy a home with a shared driveway, and what should you ask neighbors before you commit?Subscribe for more New York real estate and home buying advice, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review with your biggest question: what part of the offer process feels most confusing right now?Support the show

April 13, 202620 min

A Haunted House Listing<br>

Send us Fan MailA house sells, the buyers move in, and within days they swear something is wrong: doors slamming, objects falling, and the kind of fear that makes you question every sound at night. They install cameras in every room, the “activity” keeps happening, and the footage shows nobody. Angelo and Chris open with that real estate horror story and ask the question every buyer secretly wonders: if a home has a reputation, does it change what it’s worth, and are sellers required to disclose anything like that?From there, we shift into the real work of modern real estate marketing. We talk about what it actually takes to grow on TikTok as a real estate agent, from coming up with ideas to editing to scheduling posts, and why reposting evergreen homebuyer tips is sometimes the only sustainable strategy. We also break down the video that climbed toward 50,000 views: the rent math that shows how quickly $3,000 a month adds up, and why the comments turned into a surprisingly thoughtful renting vs buying debate.We wrap with practical guidance for the spring housing market: when it’s the best time to sell, why winter can be a smart season for buyers, how pricing slightly below market can spark bidding wars, and why appraisal and inspection contingencies matter when offers go $100K to $150K over asking. If you’re buying a home, selling a house, or thinking about building wealth with a multi family, this one is packed with real talk and real strategy. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review with your take: would you rent, buy, or wait?Support the show

January 9, 202624 min

Episode 36 Refinance When It Saves You Real Money

Send us Fan MailRates are finally easing, but smart moves still come down to math, paperwork, and timing. We open up about our first year running the business, why having a lender who answers on weekends changes everything, and how lower rates can revive buying power for first-time buyers and investors alike. Then we get practical: when does refinancing make sense, and how do you calculate a realistic breakeven so you don’t trade one headache for another?From there, we tackle a deal killer most people overlook: underground oil tanks. Banks worry, insurers hedge, and buyers get spooked—often for good reason. We share what to check with your lender, which inspections matter, and how to negotiate a clean solution by moving the tank above ground with permits and full removal documentation. We also highlight a costly trap: sellers turning off utilities in vacant homes. Locked meters, permit hurdles, and surprise five-figure bills can wreck closing timelines. Our checklist shows you how to verify status with the utility and keep your deal safe.We also unpack COPA—the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act—and how a nonprofit first-right process could affect four-plus unit buildings. Expect longer timelines, potential fines for skipping the process, and new underwriting risks that may change pricing and strategy. Add in New York’s relentless demand and rising rents, and you’ve got a market where preparation beats speed. If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, this conversation gives you a clear playbook: know your numbers, secure the right documents, and plan for the real-world frictions that kill deals.Enjoy the episode, then share your take: would COPA protect tenants or stall much-needed transactions? If you found this helpful, follow the show, leave a quick review, and send this to a friend who’s house hunting or refinancing this year.Support the show

January 9, 202619 min

Episode 35 A First-Time Buyer Walks Through Negotiation, Financing, And Full Renovation

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to buy your first property at 23—and then rip it down to the studs without losing your mind or your budget? We walk through the entire arc: prospecting to find a motivated seller, negotiating below market based on real condition, wrangling a 1099 mortgage file, and keeping the deal tight through appraisal, clean title, and insurance. No gloss, no fluff—just the practical steps and honest math that got the keys.Chris breaks down how transparency with the seller set the tone for a fair price, why the appraisal mattered more than opinions, and how a clean title kept the path clear. Then we get into the renovation: day-one demolition, the shock of trash and hauling costs, the pileup of materials from Home Depot, and the quiet budget killers hiding in fixtures, hardware, and labor hours. We compare contractor bids, explain how to weigh price against proven quality, and share the checks that prevent scope creep and change-order chaos.Along the way, we talk financing strategy for independent contractors, the tradeoffs of using debit versus stacking credit card rewards, and the importance of building a realistic renovation budget before making an offer. The theme is simple: the first deal hurts the most, but it also teaches the most. By the end, you’ll know how to de-risk your search, negotiate with facts, protect yourself with title and inspections, and move fast when opportunity aligns. If you’re mapping your first purchase—or your first flip—this story gives you a workable blueprint and the mindset to repeat it.If this helped you take the next step toward ownership, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more first-time buyers can find it.Support the show

January 8, 202615 min

Episode 34 From Basement To Storefront

Send us Fan MailA basement office, a Bronx block, and a storefront full of momentum—this is a story about building a brokerage around service, trust, and home. We share how giving away nearly 400 turkeys wasn’t a stunt but a promise to the community that raised us, and how keeping our team small lets us protect the experience clients remember us for: honest guidance, quick feedback, and the kind of advocacy we’d want for our own families.We get practical about timing the market without falling for hype. Winter can be a buyer’s secret weapon: fewer competitors, more flexible sellers, and rates easing into a friendlier range. We spell out smart first steps—buy what you can afford now, whether that’s a condo or a starter home in more affordable counties like Duchess or Sullivan—and explain why getting your foot in the door beats waiting for perfect. We revisit 2021 to show how ultra-low rates fueled bidding wars and bad habits, and we draw a firm line on one rule: never skip a home inspection. Protect your downside, then let time and equity do their work.You’ll also hear a standout milestone from our own team: a 22-year-old buying his first place after starting with us at 16. It’s proof that real estate can change a family’s trajectory when you combine mentorship, consistency, and long-term thinking. We round out with fast, actionable winter home maintenance tips—keep heat above 60, shut exterior water lines, check the roof, and choose ice melt that won’t chew up concrete—so homeowners stay ready when temps drop.If you’re a first-time buyer, a cautious investor, or a homeowner mapping the next move, this conversation is a clear, no-fluff guide to buying smart, maintaining well, and building wealth steadily. Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us.Support the show

January 8, 202623 min

Episode 33 -From Barber Chair To Broker

Send us Fan MailA lot of people think real estate looks easy from the outside—until they step in. Rafael joins us to share how he went from renter to homeowner to licensed agent thanks to a timely push from an old friend, a decisive spouse, and a burst of brave action. We walk through the entire arc: finding the right place, facing a crowded showing, submitting a same-day offer, and hearing “accepted” just days later. The win wasn’t luck. It was speed, clarity, and a team that knew how New York really works.We unpack what “accepted” actually means in New York—nothing counts until contracts are fully executed—and why fast follow‑through on attorneys and paperwork can make or break a deal. Still, moving fast never means skipping safeguards. Rafael explains why a thorough inspection saved stress and money, and we outline the real costs first‑time buyers forget: taxes, water, insurance, utilities, and repair reserves. For anyone looking to build wealth, we dig into house hacking, short‑term and long‑term rentals, and how a multifamily can drastically offset monthly payments.On the agent side, Rafael shares his early hustle: door hangers, neighbor intros, and visible branding that most new agents shy away from. The lesson is simple—courage compounds. Add in community roots and service—turkey drives, pantries, and winter coat giveaways—and you get a blueprint for trust that ads can’t buy. If you’ve been hesitating, consider this your sign: act with speed and intention, protect yourself with inspections and solid contracts, and lean on a team that answers every question.If this story gave you the nudge you needed, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s on the fence, and leave a quick review with your biggest takeaway. Your next step might be closer than you think.Support the show

October 24, 202524 min

Episode 32 : Yankees Joy, Red Sox Blues

Send us Fan MailA Yankees high is great, but a stable mortgage payment is even better. We ride the rivalry buzz straight into real-world wins: how New York’s new ADU pathway can turn basements and attics into compliant, income-producing spaces, and why timing your purchase before spring fever hits may be the smartest move you make this year.We share firsthand experiences helping Latino buyers who’ve felt shut out by language barriers, confusion, and fear of asking the wrong question. Clear guidance changes everything: what actually qualifies as an ADU, which safety features matter most, and the exact professionals you need—architects, licensed contractors, and inspectors—to avoid stop-work orders, fines, and insurance headaches. When the paperwork is right, ADUs can lift your pre-approval, strengthen cash flow, and even help family members live close by without crowding your budget.Rates are trending down, and that’s the double-edged sword everyone feels. Slightly lower rates can unlock affordability and bring millions of buyers back into the market, which means more competition and tighter inventory. Winter, though, offers a rare window: fewer shoppers, more negotiating room, and a chance to secure the right home before the spring surge. We round it out with practical cold-weather tips—protect water lines, check your roof, consider mini splits and electric water heaters—and a candid look at house hacking to reduce your monthly cost.If you want straight answers on legal ADUs, smarter financing, and the best time to buy, you’ll find them here—plus a little Bronx swagger for good measure. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review to tell us your biggest question about building or buying right now.Support the show

June 17, 202530 min

Episode 30: Real Estate Revelations

Send us Fan MailThe real estate landscape in New York is undergoing significant changes, and understanding these shifts could save you thousands of dollars whether you're renting, buying, or selling property. At the forefront of these changes is the newly implemented FAIR Act, which fundamentally alters how broker fees work in rental transactions. Despite widespread confusion, the rule is actually straightforward: whoever hires the broker pays the fee. If you're a renter seeking assistance, you'll pay the broker fee. If a landlord hires a broker to find tenants, they—not the renter—must cover that cost. This legislation brings much-needed transparency to transactions that historically lacked clarity.For property owners with tenants who want to sell, the podcast offers crucial advice: build positive relationships rather than pursuing costly evictions. With tenant protection laws in New York being exceptionally strong, eviction proceedings can drag on for years, costing landlords substantial amounts in legal fees while receiving zero rental income. The smarter approach? Work collaboratively with tenants, potentially helping them relocate or offering reasonable compensation. This strategy typically costs less than lengthy legal battles and results in faster, more profitable sales.The Department of Buildings has also stepped up enforcement, actively monitoring real estate listings for unpermitted work. When purchasing property, always request floor plans and property cards during your title search—these documents reveal illegal modifications and can serve as powerful negotiation tools. Taking photographs throughout renovation processes provides essential protection against potential violations later. Ready to stop renting and start building equity? Many tenants are surprised to discover they qualify for mortgages. Connect with us to explore your options and take that first step toward homeownership—where you're sleeping and making money simultaneously through property appreciation and equity building.Have questions about navigating New York's complex real estate environment? Reach out to our family business where we pride ourselves on transparency, expert guidance, and lifetime relationships with our clients that extend well beyond closing day.Support the show

June 12, 202518 min

Episode 29:Real Estate Revelations: The Boat in the Backyard

Send us Fan MailEver had a home inspection reveal something utterly unexpected? On this eye-opening episode, Chris shares his jaw-dropping discovery of an abandoned boat left in a backyard during a final walkthrough. This remarkable story highlights why these last-minute inspections are non-negotiable when purchasing property—revealing how this unusual situation required a $10,000 escrow hold until the sellers properly removed their nautical souvenir.Beyond boat tales, we dive deep into savvy homebuying strategies that could dramatically increase your purchasing power. Discover how multi-family properties and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can help you qualify for substantially larger mortgages by leveraging potential rental income. We break down exactly how lenders view these additional income streams and why this approach might be your ticket to affording more home than you thought possible.With current market conditions in mind, we tackle the burning question many potential buyers are facing: buy now at higher rates or wait for rates to drop? Our candid analysis reveals why waiting might actually put you at a disadvantage when competition surges as rates decline. Learn why buying with less competition now and refinancing later could be your winning strategy in today's evolving real estate landscape.From government rental assistance programs to refinancing guidelines, we provide actionable insights for navigating the current market with confidence. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to expand your real estate portfolio, this episode delivers practical wisdom to help you make informed decisions. Have questions about financing? Reach out to our preferred lender Heidi—her contact information is in the episode description. Subscribe now for more real estate strategies that could save you thousands!Support the show