The John Salkowski Podcast

I just got off a one-hour discovery call with a woman who wants to buy a home but has to sell her current one first. The first thing I told her was not to look at a single home yet, because that's where most people stall out. In this video, I walk through the three-step process I give every client who's buying and selling at the same time, in the order it has to happen. I also answer the question...

I got a great question in my DMs: when you're buying new construction, do you actually need your own representation? Here's the part most buyers miss, and it can cost you. In this video, I break down who that sales center agent really works for, and why it changes everything about how you should walk in. Watch my video to see why it matters.

Before you list your home and pour tens of thousands into renovations, it's worth having me over first. Earlier this week I talked with a homeowner who was about to spend $30,000 to $40,000 on a kitchen renovation she didn't need. In this video, I explain how a pre-sale walkthrough shows you what's actually worth doing and, more importantly, what to skip so you don't invest money you won't get bac...

Whoever told you to interview three agents and hire the one who promises the highest price set you up to ask the wrong questions. Selling your home is your largest financial and emotional transaction, so the criteria you use to choose an agent should match those stakes. In this video, I explain why the highest number is the worst reason to hire an agent and walk through what you should actually be...

If you're planning a move to Southwest Florida, there's a good chance you've already told yourself you don't want to be in an HOA. In Naples, most gated communities come with one, so ruling them all out can quietly cross off some of the best places to live. In this video, I share the two questions I walk every buyer through so you can decide whether an HOA community is the right fit for you. It co...

I have a question for you: what's the best investment you've ever made? Most people reach for real estate, or stocks and bonds, or a retirement account, and I'm a Realtor, so you can probably guess which answer I'm supposed to give you. After 56 years on this earth, and a career I didn't start until I walked away from another one at 37, I've landed somewhere completely different, and a visit I mad...

A potential seller emailed me with a great question: What are the big turnoffs for buyers when they walk into a home? I came up with five, and every one of them can end a sale before it even starts. In this video, I walk through all five and show you how addressing them ahead of time can mean selling faster and for more money. Watch my video to make sure your home isn't quietly pushing buyers away...

I just wrapped up a home inspection with one of my buyers, and it was a special one, a friend from high school whose daughter is buying her first home, so I had my fatherly protection cap on the whole time. Walking through it with her got me thinking about how many buyers don't know how to make the most of this part of the process. In this video, I share exactly what I recommend during a home insp...

If you're thinking about selling your home, there are three mistakes I see sellers make over and over again that cost them thousands of dollars. Most of them happen before the home even hits the market. In this video, I walk through the three biggest seller mistakes, from overpricing to skipping professional preparation to hiring the wrong agent, and what to do instead to protect your bottom line....

If the last time you bought or sold a home was before 2024, the commission process looks a little different now. Back in 2024, the National Association of Realtors settled a major lawsuit that changed how buyer's agent fees are handled. The headlines made it sound dramatic, but the reality is a lot more straightforward than most people think. In my video, I break down what actually changed, why se...

Are you planning to sell your home this spring? Before you start a major renovation, you should know that the most expensive upgrades are rarely the ones that give you the best return. According to the latest industry data, a new garage door can return nearly three times what you spend, while a high-end kitchen remodel returns less than 40 cents on the dollar. In this video, I’ll break down the th...

Can you really sell your home and buy your next one on the same day? I've done it numerous times over my career, and the answer is yes, but it takes preparation, structure, and experience. A lot of agents struggle with this, and I'm hearing from more buyers and sellers whose agents couldn't handle both transactions at once. In this video, I walk you through three ways to make it work, from conting...

What would you do if a contractor took your deposit and disappeared? It sounds like a nightmare, but I’ve seen it happen firsthand, and it’s more common than people realize. In this video, I’m sharing a homeowner’s guide to hiring contractors safely, including the key questions and steps every homeowner should know. Don’t risk your home or hard-earned money. Click the link below to see how to prot...

Leaving town soon? Before you go, one quick step could save your home from a messy, expensive disaster. In this video, I’ll show you how to prevent a $700 plumbing nightmare and keep your sewer line flowing smoothly while you’re away. Even small oversights can turn into costly repairs, but this simple tip can stop them before they start. Click the link below to protect your home and wallet.

Your home may need repairs, but should you fix them before listing or offer buyers a credit? Major repairs like a new roof can boost your sale price, while smaller issues may be easier to credit. In this video, I’ll break down real-life examples and explain which choice actually pays off and why it matters for your timeline and profit. Save time, money, and stress by making the right decision befo...

Even a great home can sit too long if it’s overpriced. Timing and pricing matter more than you might think. I’ll show you how to price correctly from day one to attract more attention, generate more showings, and secure better offers. Click the link below to learn the steps that make your home irresistible to buyers.

Rates below 6% are rare, and they’re already creating buzz in the market. Buyers who were waiting are moving, and sellers may see offers faster than before. I’ll guide you through what this means for your home and your finances. Click here to see how to act before the competition heats up.

Are staged homes really the key to selling fast, or can leaving a home empty actually work better? Many sellers assume staging is a must. I’m sharing home seller tips, personal insights, and what you should consider before deciding whether to stage or show your home vacant. How your home looks to buyers can affect how quickly it sells. Click here to know which works best for your property.

The holiday season is here, and I’m feeling all the good vibes! I’m grateful for all the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet, and helping you find new spaces or start fresh has truly been one of the highlights of my career. You’ve made this journey meaningful and a whole lot of fun. Here’s a quick, festive holiday message from me to kick off the season.

Are high mortgage rates making it hard to upgrade? There’s a potential solution. I’ll share how portable mortgages work and who benefits and who does not. Learn how you could keep your low rate when moving. Check out my video to see if it’s right for you.

Does a 50-year mortgage sound like the shortcut to finally owning a home? It’s marketed as “affordable,” but it quietly drains your wallet for half a lifetime. I’ll show you why this loan worries me and what you should do instead. Most buyers don’t realize how costly this mistake becomes until it’s too late. Check out the video before signing onto decades of regret.

Worried the home inspector might find something that scares off your buyer? I’ve helped countless sellers face that same fear and win. I’ll show you four ways to prepare your home for inspection. Taking proactive steps now, such as spotting major issues or being proactive with maintenance, can help prevent last-minute repairs and stressful negotiations later. Click below to see the full checklist.

Is your asking price scaring off buyers? In Pennsylvania, overpricing your home can make your property sit on the market...and may even cost you the sale entirely. But what if there was a formula for selling your home faster and for more money? After all, pricing isn’t guesswork; it’s a strategy that can make or break your sale. I’ll walk you through the three proven pricing strategies successful...

Are you wondering if it makes sense to wait until spring to sell your Philadelphia home? Many homeowners assume the busiest season is always the best, but that’s not the full story. Today, I’ll walk you through why fall and winter often bring less competition, more motivated buyers, and stronger negotiating power. You’ll discover how the timing of your life can matter more than the timing of the c...

Anyone who has tried hiring a contractor knows how hard it can be to find one you can trust – but what if we could make that easy and less complicated? Today, I want to talk about how we’re building a curated list of Philadelphia’s top contractors. The best part is, you’re invited to share your own suggestions! Curious about how it works, or want to be part of the process? Just check out my video.