How to Own a Home: Strategies for Buying, Selling, and Improving

Get a comprehensive breakdown of strategies for buying, selling, and improving homes in our homeowners lightning round. 00:42 This Month’s Nerdy Question: What’s the best thing you spent your money on this month? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner kick off a new segment by sharing some of their recent purchases, in a new segment designed to encourage you to think about your consumption habits. 08:24 Today’s Money Question: Should you shop around for a title agency? What are the pros and cons of owning a second home? What’s the ROI for home improvement projects? What are the financial implications of using retirement funds for home improvements? Housing Nerd Kate Wood joins Sean and Sara to delve into the complexities of the homebuying process, financing home upgrades, and leveraging home equity. They discuss the risks and strategies associated with using home equity for investing in real estate, the importance of an emergency fund when becoming landlords, and the alternatives to using retirement savings for home improvements.  In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: homeownership, smart home investments, title insurance, home equity, real estate investments, financial security, home improvement financing, title agencies, home disasters, buying a home, home equity loans, home equity line of credit (HELOC), cash-out refinancing, real estate game, emergency funds, home buying process, navigating title agencies, financial planning, home maintenance savings, intentional purchasing, home renovations ROI, anti-overconsumption, plumbing repairs, tax lien, closing costs, home buying in 2024, second property investment, becoming a landlord, IRA withdrawals, real estate attorney fees, escrow services, lender's title insurance, owner's title insurance, home value increase, property investment risks, buying second home, home buying expenses, mortgage application, real estate market trends, and decision fatigue. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.

Om Podcasten

NerdWallet’s trusted finance journalists answer real-world money questions to help you make smarter financial decisions with confidence. Each episode dives deep into topics like budgeting, saving, investing, home buying, and credit cards, cutting through misinformation to bring you clear, actionable advice backed by thorough research. By the end of every episode, you’ll have the latest financial insights and the tools you’ll need to manage your money wisely, build wealth, and plan for life’s milestones. And if you have questions for the Nerds, you can leave them a voicemail at 901-730-6373. Join hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, Elizabeth Ayoola, and other expert Nerds as they answer your biggest money questions and share strategies to help you build wealth and reach your financial goals, including: – Investing: Advanced investment strategies, integrating ETFs and mutual funds into a diversified portfolio, tax-efficient retirement planning, understanding Roth IRA conversions, and navigating robo-advisors. – Credit Cards: Top credit cards for travel rewards and luxury perks, balance transfer strategies, maximizing credit card points, and optimizing credit card usage to boost your credit score. – Personal Finance: Advanced budgeting tips, building generational wealth, creating effective savings plans, managing high-income expenses, and developing a strong money growth mindset. – Home: Smart strategies for homebuying in competitive markets, leveraging home equity loans and HELOCs, refinancing for long-term savings, first-time homebuying tips, and budgeting for major home improvements. If you’re searching for the best personal finance podcasts or want practical knowledge to make smarter money decisions, then follow NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast. You’ll love NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast if you like podcasts like: Planet Money, The Personal Finance Podcast, DIY Money, Afford Anything, How to Money, The Ramsey Show, Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, NPR’s Life Kit: Money, Popcorn Finance, Money Girl,Money Guy Show, Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, So Money with Farnoosh Tarabi, The Money with Katie Show, All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins, The Stacking Benjamins Show, MoneyWatch with Jill Schlesinger, or Your Money, Your Wealth. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539 NMLS Consumer Access: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/