Are you ready to wrap up the year with a mix of real estate wisdom, unforgettable stories, and a few good laughs? Your Real Estate Mama host Jan Scott takes us on a journey through the best moments of 2024. From must-ask questions for real estate agents to shocking home inspection tales and essential mortgage tips, this episode is jam-packed with practical advice and heartwarming reflections.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The one question to always ask your real estate agent before hiring them.
2. Why title insurance is a must and what hidden risks it can save you from.
3. Mortgage tips to simplify the lending process, especially for self-employed buyers.
4. The importance of home inspections—even for new homes!
5. The ultimate decluttering guide to sell your home faster and for top dollar.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Buying a home is the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Don’t trust it to a rookie!”
• “Your agent should know the land—what’s under it, what’s around it, and its history.”
• “Decluttering isn’t just for showings; it makes moving out easier for you, too.”
• “People build houses, and people make mistakes. That’s why a good inspection is priceless.”

Sources:

• Tracy Newby, Anchor Title: Title policy and protecting your home ownership.
• Rose Roush, Mortgage Expert: Essential mortgage insights for buyers.
• Rion Du Plessis, Home Boss Inspection: Hidden dangers in old and new homes.

Conclusion:
From hilarious “crappy subdivision” stories to hard-hitting real estate advice, Jan Scott reminds us why experience and preparation matter. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, this year’s highlights prove that “a little love, a lot of laughter, and always listening to your mama” is the key to success—both in real estate and in life.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and here’s to an even better 2025!

Send Jan a text

Follow for Weekly Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in every week for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Are you ready to save money on your taxes this year?

In this episode, I dive into essential year-end tax tips for homeowners and homebuyers. Learn how to maximize deductions like mortgage interest, property taxes, and home office expenses, and discover tax breaks for new homebuyers, including homestead exemptions and energy-efficient upgrades.

Whether you’ve owned your home for years or just purchased your first, this guide will help you prepare and organize for tax season while keeping more money in your pocket.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why year-end tax planning is crucial for homeowners and buyers.
• Key tax deductions for homeowners, including mortgage interest, property taxes, and home office expenses.
• Special tax breaks for recent homebuyers, such as deducting points and claiming homestead exemptions.
• How energy-efficient upgrades and medical-related home modifications can save you money.
• Important reminders for Alabama listeners and military families.
• How to stay organized with tax documents and avoid penalties for new 2024 regulations.

Resources Mentioned:

• BOIR Filing: bioefiling.fincen.gov
• Homestead Exemption Details: Contact your local tax assessor’s office.
• Proverbs 16:9 for Inspiration

Send Jan a text

Follow for Weekly Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in every week for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Are you waiting for the "perfect time" to buy a home? With so many people holding off for lower interest rates or other reasons, let’s unpack why homeownership might still be the smarter move—right now!

I’m Jan Scott, your Real Estate Mama, and today I’m joined by Rose Rauch, the mortgage gal with Magnolia Mortgage. Rose is my go-to miracle worker when it comes to navigating the world of mortgages, and she’s here to share her wisdom on why owning a home beats renting every time.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The financial benefits of owning a home—including building equity and tax advantages.
• How homeownership fosters stability for your family and strengthens communities.
• Creative financing options for buying a home, even with a small down payment.
• Why the home you buy today can be the stepping stone to your dream home.
• How to create a plan to move from renting to owning—no matter where you are financially.

We’ll also bust some common myths about interest rates and help you see why waiting might cost you more in the long run. Whether you’re ready to buy now or just starting to dream, this episode is packed with insights to get you on the path to homeownership.

Tune in and let’s make sure that lease you’re in now is your last!

Send Jan a text

Follow for Weekly Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in every week for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the mortgage process and unsure where to start on your homeownership journey? In this eye-opening episode of Your Real Estate Mama Podcast, mortgage expert Rose Rauch pulls back the curtain on the complex world of home lending, providing listeners with a comprehensive roadmap to securing their dream home.

What you'll learn:

• The essential documents needed for mortgage approval
• Different types of home loans (FHA, VA, conventional, USDA)
• How debt-to-income ratio impacts your loan eligibility
• The difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval
• Tips for self-employed borrowers navigating the mortgage process

Packed with insider knowledge and practical advice, this episode breaks down the mortgage process step-by-step, demystifying everything from credit requirements to loan types. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to understand the intricacies of home financing, Rose Rauch offers actionable insights that can save you time, money, and stress. Learn how to prepare your finances, choose the right loan, and confidently move through the mortgage approval process with expert guidance from two industry professionals.

Send Jan a text

Follow for Weekly Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in every week for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

What really happens behind the scenes on closing day? This week on Your Real Estate Mama, Jan Scott welcomes Traci Newby from Anchor Title to unpack everything you need to know about title policies and the crucial role title companies play in ensuring your home purchase is smooth and secure. Traci, with over 25 years of experience in the real estate title industry, shares insider knowledge about title searches, clearing title requirements, and preventing common pitfalls like fraud and title defects.

Plus, discover why Alabama's unique tax laws matter to out-of-state property owners and learn about new regulations aimed at combating money laundering and protecting buyers. Whether you're buying your first home or you're a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable advice and southern charm.

Stay tuned until the end for a dose of Mama Wisdom & Inspiration that will remind you why a house is so much more than just a transaction—it’s where your story begins.

👉 Don’t miss this episode if you want to buy or sell a home with confidence!

Send Jan a text

Follow for Weekly Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in every week for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Wondering how the new real estate law is shaking things up for buyers? In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, Jan Scott shares an update on the new law and tackles the top five questions she’s been asked since it went into effect.

From signing forms and understanding who pays for what, to navigating the rules about working with agents, Mama breaks it all down in her signature straightforward style. Gain clarity on these changes, learn how to stay ahead of the curve, and discover why having a great agent by your side is more important than ever.

Whether you’re just starting your real estate journey or deep in the process, this episode is packed with the insights and advice you need to navigate the new landscape. Hit play, follow the show, and let Mama guide you home!

Send Jan a text

Follow for Weekly Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in every week for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing? You’re not alone! In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, Jan Scott dives into the often daunting task of downsizing, aiming to make it feel less like a chore and more like a fresh start.

Whether you’re an empty nester, craving a simpler life, or just ready for a change, Jan shares practical steps to help you declutter with confidence and purpose. She recounts her own family’s story, including her dad’s heartwarming determination to stay in his beloved home of over 65 years. Together, listeners will explore ways to handle emotional attachments, tackle clutter, and pass on sentimental keepsakes.

Jan offers a step-by-step approach to make downsizing manageable, from setting a realistic timeline to choosing the perfect home for the next chapter. For those dreaming of a low-maintenance space close to family and everyday conveniences, this episode provides the insights needed to turn those dreams into reality.

And because change can be tough, Jan closes with two of her favorite Bible verses that helped her through the process of selling her childhood home, offering listeners wisdom and encouragement for life’s transitions. Ready to simplify, embrace change, and create a new beginning? Hit play and find out how to make downsizing doable—and even a little fun!

Send Jan a text

Follow for Weekly Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in every week for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Are you dreaming of owning a beachfront condo that doubles as a source of extra income? 🌴💰 Whether you’re picturing lazy beach days and stunning ocean sunsets or imagining your property bringing in a steady cash flow, this episode is for you!

Join Your Real Estate Mama as she dives into the ups and downs of buying an investment condo, sharing her firsthand experiences—from the thrill of gutting and decorating her first beach property to the reality check that came with her first renters.

Learn about the true costs, potential tax benefits, handling storm risks, and the often-overlooked HOA fees and assessments. With over 15 years of insights and a touch of mama wisdom, this episode will give you the knowledge you need to make a smart and profitable investment.

Whether you're a first-time investor or looking to expand your portfolio, this episode will give you the knowledge you need to make a smart and profitable beach condo investment.

Send Jan a text

Follow for Weekly Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in every week for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast