U.S. Home Talk

Hosted by Jason Walgrave

Business Investing Education Leisure

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Episodes

180

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 14, 2026Episode 3831 min

Data Centers Raise Big Questions About Power Water And Property Values

Data centers are not just a tech story anymore, they are a land, power, water, and housing story. We sit down as real estate and lending pros to unpack a first of its kind National Association of Realtors data center impact report that analyzes more than 3,200 US counties and pairs that data with what Realtors hear directly from clients. If you have been wondering how data centers affect property values, utility costs, and development decisions, this conversation gives you a grounded way to think about it. We start with why the map looks so uneven, including why Virginia holds nearly 20% of US data centers and how Loudoun County near Washington, DC became a major hub. From there, we get honest about what the research can and cannot prove yet. Yes, median home prices in high data center areas tend to run higher, but the report warns against confusing correlation with causation because many of these places already had higher incomes, higher education, and a tech heavy economy before the boom. The commercial real estate angle is where things get clearer. Even if a data center does not employ hundreds of people long term, cloud computing and AI demand can pull other companies close, raising interest in nearby land and facilities. We also dig into the most common concerns we hear: electricity rates, water use, and environmental risk, plus why “not in my backyard” still shapes how people feel even when they like the broader economic idea. If your city or county is being approached by a data center developer, the biggest takeaway is leverage: communities can negotiate requirements for power infrastructure, closed loop water plans, noise control, and better design before permits are approved. Subscribe for more real estate clarity, share this with a friend who is watching local development, and leave a review with your question or your take on data centers in your area. 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

October 7, 2026Episode 3721 min

High Impact Fall Home Improvements For Curb Appeal And Comfort

Fall is the rare season where home projects feel doable and actually pay off fast. We’re leaning into that window with a practical, real-world list of fall home improvements that can boost curb appeal, improve daily comfort, and help you head into winter with fewer surprises. If you’re a homeowner thinking, “What should I tackle before the snow flies?” this is your roadmap. We start outside with the upgrades that make the biggest visual and functional difference: lawn aeration and overseeding (especially if you’re fighting clay soil), plus smart planting choices like evergreens and arborvitae for privacy. We also talk curb appeal improvements that don’t require a full weekend of chaos, including repainting a front door, tightening up landscaping, and getting those clean driveway edges that make a house look instantly more cared for. Along the way, we get into the always-important reality of tools, time, and what’s worth paying a pro to handle. Then we move indoors to high-impact interior upgrades: closet organizers that turn cramped storage into usable space, cabinet refinishing and repainting that can change the whole feel of a kitchen or bath (with a real warning about oak grain and bad prep), and replacing outdated light fixtures, hardware, and plumbing fixtures for a more modern look. We wrap with smart home upgrades like smart thermostats, Ring doorbells, and wireless security cameras, plus a candid debate about whether “smart” tech actually simplifies life or just adds steps, especially when automation starts ordering your groceries. If you found something helpful, subscribe, share this with a homeowner friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find US Home Talk. What fall project are you taking on 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

September 30, 2026Episode 3619 min

Teeter Totter Economics For Grown Ups (Or the Rate Price Seesaw)

Mortgage interest rates are up, so does that automatically mean it’s a bad time to buy a home? We don’t think so, and we’ve got real examples to prove it. We break down the “teeter totter” between interest rates and home prices and why the best move is often to compare price and payment together, not just chase a lower rate. We rewind to the COVID housing market when rates were at historic lows and buyers had to bid 5% to 10% over list price to win. Then we fast forward to what we’re seeing now across the Minneapolis metro real estate market: listings with meaningful price drops, sellers open to strong discounts, and situations where a higher rate can still produce a lower monthly payment because the purchase price is so much better. We also talk commercial real estate and why mixed-use properties can start to “pencil out” again when values adjust. Midway through, we hit our Legal Minute with attorney Jeff O’Brien, covering environmental laws that can impact Minnesota real estate transactions and development, including CERCLA, MERLA, and the Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Act. After that, Marcus shares what he’s seeing in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota market, including how different price ranges can behave like totally different markets and why local data matters. If you’re waiting for the perfect day where rates and prices are both ideal, we’ll challenge that mindset and explain how refinancing later can be the missing piece. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s on the fence, and leave a review. What’s your biggest hesitation about 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

September 23, 2026Episode 3524 min

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

If you wait until the first real cold snap, home maintenance stops being a weekend project and starts becoming an emergency. We’re putting together a practical fall maintenance checklist that helps you protect your home, avoid winter breakdowns, and keep repairs simple while the weather still cooperates. We start inside with the stuff that quietly turns into chaos: smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries, plus the little-known “end of life” timer that makes newer alarms beep after about 10 years. We also talk through where water damage really begins, including worn caulk and grout in bathrooms and kitchens, and why it’s worth checking now instead of discovering stains later. Then we hit preparedness and safety basics like emergency kits and fire extinguishers, including what to look for on gauges and age limits. From there we move into HVAC and appliance maintenance that pays off fast: changing furnace filters, booking an HVAC tune-up before winter, cleaning greasy range hood filters, and clearing dryer vents to reduce fire risk. Outside, we cover gutter cleaning, downspouts, and the big one many homeowners underestimate: making sure grading and drainage push water away from the foundation. We wrap with exterior caulking and weather stripping tips, roof inspections, and fall landscaping tasks like trimming trees, shutting off exterior faucets, sealing driveway cracks, and winterizing irrigation systems so you don’t get hit with a costly spring surprise. If you want help planning repairs or you’re thinking about selling soon, subscribe for weekly real estate and homeownership advice, share this with a homeowner friend, and leave a quick 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

September 16, 2026Episode 3420 min

Sell-Ready Starts Now

Buyers don’t magically disappear after summer, they get focused. Once Labor Day is over and school routines settle in, we see a real push from people who want one thing: get under contract and close before Thanksgiving or Christmas. That urgency can be a gift to sellers, but only if your home is ready to win online, where nearly every buyer starts their search. We walk through how to prepare your home today so you can sell tomorrow, whether “tomorrow” means next week or next spring. We talk curb appeal that actually changes behavior, including Midwest-friendly fall lawn care like continued mowing, early-fall high-nitrogen fertilizer, aeration, and overseeding so your yard rebounds fast. We also explain why it can be smart to schedule professional exterior photos while your landscaping looks its best, then use that marketing package during winter and early spring when outdoor photos are harder to capture. On the nuts-and-bolts side, we get real about exterior maintenance and why waiting can cost you. Cold weather can shut down painting and repairs, and lender rules mean you cannot always escrow money for fixes just because both sides agree. We also break down the “rule of three” we see in negotiations: a $3,000 issue can quickly become a $9,000 request once buyers price in hassle and risk. If you’re thinking about selling in five weeks, five months, or five years, start the plan now. Subscribe for more practical real estate advice, share this with a homeowner who’s on the fence, 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

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