U.S. Home Talk

Hosted by Jason Walgrave

Business Investing Education Leisure

Website RSS feed YouTube

Episodes

174

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

U.S. Home Talk is your resource to the real estate market, mortgages and home improvements. U.S. Home Talk will cover a variety of related topics that will prove educational, informative, and entertaining, including New Construction, Investing in Real Estate, Selling in Today's Market, Mortgage and Credit Scores, Financing, Luxury Homes, and more. Jason Walgrave with The Minnesota Real Estate Team and RE/MAX Advantage Plus will provide the “insiders” perspective on real estate topics that are headlining the news, and relevant to our listeners. Jason and his Team have developed an extensive network of industry specialists that will join the show to address specific topics each week. Mike Ouverson will present a mortgage market update each week. Listeners are welcome to call in live and ask the experts what you want to know about real estate and related topics. You are also encouraged to send us questions or comments via e-mail. All questions that are asked will be answered.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 3323 min

A Negotiation Market, what does that mean for you?

“Buyer’s market” and “seller’s market” don’t really capture what’s happening on the ground anymore. We’re seeing a negotiation market, where the real advantage comes from knowing when a home has leverage and when it doesn’t, how long it has been listed, and what terms a seller will actually accept. Along with Jason Walgrave and Marcus Walgrave, we talk through the shift from the frantic, rate-driven buying era to a slower pace where buyers can breathe, compare options, and ask for real protections again. We dig into inventory and price reductions, including why some areas can feel tight while others are stacked with listings, and why the same city can act like two different markets depending on price point. Then we share a wild example of cash buyers potentially paying above market to “reset” neighborhood comps, and what that could mean for valuations, appraisals, and everyday buyers trying to make sense of the numbers. If you care about real estate trends, housing market data, and smart negotiation strategy, this is the stuff that changes decisions. From there we get practical: home inspections are back, sellers are contributing to closing costs again, and days on market can be the difference between getting credits or getting shut down. Finally, we answer the question we hear constantly: should you wait for mortgage rates to drop? We lay out why “buy now, refinance later” can win when lower rates bring a wave of new competition, higher prices, and fewer concessions, especially when you factor in home appreciation. Subscribe for more real-world real estate and mortgage guidance, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave us a review with your biggest “should I buy or wait?” question. You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

September 2, 2026Episode 3219 min

Moving Without Losing Your Mind

Moving day doesn’t have to feel like a full-contact sport. We’re breaking down the small decisions that make a huge difference when you’re packing, loading, and trying to feel settled fast, whether you’re moving across town or into your first home. If you’ve ever opened a random box on night one hunting for a phone charger, a shower curtain, or the one screwdriver you need, you’ll want this practical moving checklist. We walk through simple, proven moving tips: pack your “need it immediately” items in clear plastic totes, hire a sitter for kids and even pets to cut stress, and use what you already own like clothes, towels, and yes, extra bed pillows as protection for breakables. We also share the underrated unpacking accelerators: label boxes by room, and photograph the back of your electronics so reconnecting cords doesn’t turn into a frustrating trial-and-error mess. Plus, we cover the plastic wrap trick that can save you from the nightmare of shampoo or detergent leaking all over your clothes. Then we take a quick Legal Minute with attorney Jeff O’Brien on commercial tenant expansion rights, clarifying the difference between a right of first offer and a right of first refusal, and why the details matter in a lease. We wrap with decluttering strategies like selling bulky valuables early, bagging small parts, changing your address ahead of time, and scheduling charity donation pickups before calendars fill up. If these tips help, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who’s moving, and leave a review so more people can find the show. You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

August 26, 2026Episode 3124 min

Landscaping Upgrades That Sell

Your yard can do a lot more than sit there and grow grass. We get practical about landscaping trends that actually change how a home feels, from the first look at the curb to the way you live in the backyard on a crisp fall night. Jason Walgrave, Marcus Walgrave, and Mortgage Mike Overson swap ideas and real examples you can steal right away, whether you’re in Minnesota, South Dakota, or anywhere with real seasons. We start with crowd-pleasers like fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, including why builders are running natural gas lines for instant-on convenience. Then we get into outdoor lighting trends that make a house look higher-end without a full renovation: solar pathway lights, uplighting on trees, deck and fence lighting, and even permanent color systems people use year-round for holidays and game days. From there, we talk outdoor seating and dining areas, when outdoor kitchens and heaters make sense, and how decks shape the whole layout of an outdoor living space. Decking gets a real-world breakdown too: cedar vs composite and other maintenance-free options, plus what maintenance looks like depending on sun exposure. After Jeff O’Brien’s Legal Minute on purchase agreement defaults, cancellation, and specific performance under Minnesota law, we jump back to fun upgrades like outdoor TVs, speakers, and backyard movie setups, along with practical additions like pools, hot tubs, outdoor storage sheds, hammocks, cooling fans with misters, and outdoor showers you can winterize before the freeze. Subscribe for weekly real estate advice, share this with someone planning a backyard upgrade, and leave a review so more homeowners can find the show. What outdoor feature would you add first? You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

August 19, 2026Episode 3030 min

How To Tour The Fall Parade Of Homes Like A Pro

This is our socks And crocs approved home touring guide! You can learn more about real estate in one afternoon of touring than in weeks of scrolling listings, if you know what you’re looking for. We break down how to use the Fall Parade of Homes as a real buying tool, not just a weekend activity, with practical guidance for shoppers in Sioux Falls and the Twin Cities and ideas that apply in any market. We talk through what you’ll actually see on parade routes: new construction single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and even multifamily projects, plus the neighborhood features builders use to stand out like parks, pools, and master-planned communities. Then we get tactical on the money. Builder incentives can change affordability fast, from upgrade credits to closing cost help and special mortgage rate options, and we explain why end-of-year timing can be a sweet spot when builders want inventory off the books. If you assume a new build is automatically out of reach, this conversation will challenge that. We also zoom out on the bigger housing story. With first-time homebuyers trending older, many buyers skip the classic starter home and jump straight into move-up new construction, which reshapes inventory and how long people stay put. On the ownership side, we cover why new construction can mean lower maintenance for years, how to actually secure extended warranties by registering appliances, and the touring basics people forget: shoes off, booties, no bathrooms, no food, and using parade apps to map a route by price and location. If you found this helpful, subscribe to US Home Talk, share this with a friend who’s touring homes soon, and leave a review so more buyers and sellers can find the show. You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

August 12, 2026Episode 2915 min

You Can Refinance A Rate But Not A Price

Mortgage rates are the loudest headline in real estate, but they’re often the wrong decision-maker. We’re digging into a question we hear constantly from buyers: “Should I wait until rates drop?” Our answer is direct, backed by math and market history. You can refinance your mortgage rate later, but you cannot reset the price you pay for a home once you’ve closed. We walk through a real example where a three-eighths percent rate change only moved the payment about $99 a month on a $425,000 home. Then we zoom out and compare that kind of savings to what home price appreciation can do while you sit on the sidelines, including a Lakeville, Minnesota snapshot that shows how quickly the same kind of home can get more expensive. We also talk about the hidden trap of falling rates: lower rates often bring more buyers into the market, which can mean multiple offers and higher purchase prices that cancel out the “better rate” you were waiting for. We also keep it real about timing. Life events do not care about interest rates. New jobs, growing families, and that rare dream home can force a move on your schedule, not the market’s. The goal is to plan smart, run the numbers with your mortgage and real estate pros, and remember that the rate is just one part of the decision, especially when refinancing is still an option later. If this helped you think differently about buying, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s rate-watching, and leave a review so more buyers can find us. What’s the one thing holding you back from buying right now? You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

August 5, 2026Episode 2822 min

The Fastest Way To Make An Older Home Feel New Again

Mini Claps And Major Upgrades For A More Valuable Home Most home improvement advice sounds like a blank check. We wanted a list that’s grounded in what buyers notice first, what inspectors flag, and what actually changes how a home feels the moment you pull up. From siding and exterior paint to new windows, doors, and even a simple garage door upgrade, we break down curb appeal moves that can make a 35-year-old home look nearly brand new in photos and in person. If you’re staying in your home longer, these are the upgrades that can make daily life better while still building real resale value. We also dig into the interior “needle-movers” for home value: flooring choices like LVP and LVT, high-impact kitchen upgrades such as countertops, cabinets, backsplash, and fixtures, and budget-friendly bathroom refreshes that don’t require a full remodel. Lighting gets its own spotlight because swapping dated fixtures, adding under-cabinet lighting, and moving to LED bulbs can change the entire mood of a space quickly and affordably. We even talk about interior paint strategy, including why a consistent color flow can make a home feel more cohesive and updated. Then we hit the big-ticket, high-stakes items that can derail a deal: roof age, foundation concerns, inspection findings, and the surprise factor of insurance requirements. Our legal minute adds a helpful estate-planning angle with a clear explanation of transfer on death deeds and why revocability can matter. We close with a tip that’s almost too simple to be true: deep cleaning, because a spotless home sends a powerful “well maintained” signal to buyers. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a homeowner friend, and leave a review so more people can find practical real estate advice that actually saves money. You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

July 29, 2026Episode 2725 min

You Can Stay Comfortable Without Running The AC All Day

Tinfoil The Windows And Call It Science! Your house can be perfectly fine and still feel impossible in a humid heat wave, then your electric bill shows up and makes it worse. We get real about what drives air conditioning costs up in the first place, especially when the heat index climbs and the air feels heavy the second you step outside. We walk through practical, homeowner-tested ways to stay comfortable for less: creating shade with trees, “clothing” your windows with blinds and curtains to block solar heat, and using thermostat schedules so you are not cooling an empty house all day. We also talk about why airflow matters so much, from ceiling fans and portable fans to running your HVAC fan for better circulation, plus a couple of scrappy tricks for quick relief if your AC ever goes out. Then we zoom in on the “don’t cool the whole house for one problem” idea, including bedroom-specific options for hot sleepers and the underrated value of basements as a naturally cooler zone. We cover summer cooking choices that can quietly heat your kitchen, and we make the case for annual HVAC maintenance and tune-ups so your system runs efficiently and lasts longer. You also get Jeff O’Brien’s legal minute on Minnesota waters, including how meandered versus non-meandered lakes and streams can affect who owns the lake bed if water levels change. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the show with a friend who is melting this week, and leave us a review so more homeowners can find these tips. You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

July 22, 2026Episode 2634 min

Your Junk Drawer Is Lying To You

Your house is not “messy,” it’s overloaded and that’s a different problem with a different fix. We dig into decluttering tips that work in real homes with real schedules: setting a clear goal, starting small, and building a repeatable routine so you stop cycling between panic-cleaning and re-cluttering. If you have ever sworn you’d “do the whole house” and then quit halfway through a closet, this conversation is for you. We talk through the biggest traps we see all the time in real estate and everyday life: buying storage bins before you purge, creating a “maybe pile” that magically becomes a keep pile, and paying for a storage unit that only moves the problem. You’ll hear why labeling and categorizing save you time and money, how hiring a professional organizer (or even just some extra hands) can keep you accountable, and how a simple donation system, like a single tote in the garage, makes giving things away feel automatic. We also share the honest math on resale value, because most used items will not bring back what you paid. Then we take a quick but fascinating detour in our Legal Minute: who owns the lakebeds under Minnesota lakes, how “navigable waters” ties back to 1858, and why similar water and access questions show up with glacier lakes in places like South Dakota and North Dakota. Finally, we bring it back to the point that matters most: decluttering is a “legacy of love,” because the things you choose on purpose mean more than a house full of random stuff. Subscribe for weekly real estate and homeowner advice, share this with a friend who’s stuck in the clutter loop, and leave us a review. What’s the one spot in your home you’re ready to declutter first? You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

July 15, 2026Episode 2529 min

It’s Not The Heat Dome, It’s The Listing Drought

The story of the 2026 housing market isn’t hiding in a national headline, it’s living in your local inventory, your neighborhood price band, and what buyers are doing right now. We’re sharing a mid-year real estate market update from two Midwest vantage points: Sioux Falls and the greater Sioux Empire, plus the Twin Cities metro. If you’ve been waiting for prices to fall, or you’re unsure whether the second half of the year is worth jumping into, this conversation brings the numbers and the real-world context together. We get specific on the stats that shape outcomes: Sioux Falls inventory down sharply year over year, median sale price rising, and pending sales swinging from “oddly quiet” to “super hot” in a matter of weeks. Then we compare it to the Twin Cities, where inventory is steadier and price growth is more modest. We also explain why MLS data can miss a meaningful slice of new construction activity when builders sell directly, and how that can change how you interpret “months of supply” and competition. We zoom out to the trends underneath the charts, including population growth, seller hesitation, and the surprising rise of luxury listings in markets that didn’t have them a few years ago. And we bring it back to street-level reality with micro-markets like Edina versus Lakeville, where two nearby suburbs can deliver totally different outcomes for sellers at the same price point. If you want help making sense of your own market, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review. Then send us your questions at 612-234-7585 or find us at ushometalk.com. You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com

July 8, 2026Episode 2425 min

Why Ramblers Are Ranches In Disguise

Your favorite home style is never just a “look” it’s a set of tradeoffs you live with every day. We’re Marcus and Jason Walgrave, and we’re breaking down America’s most popular architectural styles with a real estate lens, comparing what we actually see on the ground in Sioux Falls, South Dakota versus the Twin Cities in Minnesota. If you’re buying a house, selling, investing, or planning new construction, this helps you spot the details that affect value, function, and long-term upkeep. We run through Colonial Revival symmetry, mid-century modern lines, and why Craftsman homes keep winning hearts across generations. We also get into the ranch style home (and why many Midwesterners call it a “rambler”), including how builders blend styles to create modern ranch and ranch-Craftsman hybrids that fit today’s lots and buyer preferences. Then we shift into Prairie style and its Frank Lloyd Wright influence, plus Tudor and Cape Cod homes that show up differently depending on neighborhood age and local demand. You’ll also hear a fast, practical legal minute on encroachments and how an encroachment and easement agreement can prevent a future cloud on title when a survey reveals a shed or porch crossing a property line. And if you’ve ever admired a slate roof, our insurance perspective explains why “different than normal” materials can limit carrier options and push you toward boutique insurers. We close with Victorian homes, where breathtaking millwork meets real questions about maintenance, layout, and cost. If this was helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave us a review. You can always find U. S. Home Talk and connect with the hosts and the community at their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/U.S.HomeTalk/ or at our website, USHomeTalk.com