Lori Alvarez’s Real Estate with Soul

Most people inherit more than a house—they inherit stress, memories, deferred maintenance, and one big question: Should we sell it as-is or fix it up first? In Episode 221 of  Real Estate with Soul , Lori Alvarez shares how the  REsolved Concierge Program  is helping families maximize the value of inherited homes, probate properties, trust sales, and outdated houses—often without paying renovation...

Moving a parent is never just about boxes and paperwork. In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, Lori Alvarez shares the emotional weight of helping her father transition from his home — and the sadness that surprised her most. When we move a parent, we aren’t just changing addresses. We’re closing chapters, shifting roles, and letting go of pieces of our own childhood. If you’re navigating down...

In this episode, we break down the October 2025 market across LA, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Three very different stories with one shared truth: inventory is tightening, and strategy matters. LA County is competitive and steady, with low inventory giving sellers the upper hand. Orange County remains one of California’s fastest-moving and highest-priced markets, where buyers must come pre...

In this week’s episode, we break down the proposed 50-year mortgage the Trump administration is floating as a way to reduce monthly housing payments. At first glance, stretching a loan from 30 to 50 years sounds like a welcome relief in a market where affordability is the worst it has been in U.S. history. But do the numbers actually help buyers long term? Using data from AP News and Business Insi...

Zillow might be the #1 real estate website but that doesn’t mean everything you see there tells the full story. In this episode, we’re diving into how to use Zillow effectively whether you’re buying, selling, or just window shopping. We’ll walk through a real listing in Pomona and show you exactly what to look for (and what to question). From understanding how listing details get uploaded, to know...

Is remodeling your home really worth it? In this week’s episode, we are breaking down the top 5 home upgrades that actually add value. With real numbers to show what delivers the best return on investment. From small curb appeal updates, such as new doors and fresh paint, to energy-efficient improvements and kitchen refreshes, these are the projects that make sense for your wallet and your future....

This week, we’re putting the spotlight on La Verne, CA —one of Southern California’s most charming foothill cities. Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, La Verne offers small-town warmth with the convenience of a big city. From its citrus roots and community feel to the newly opened La Verne Metro Station shaking up housing demand, we’re breaking down what makes this city stand out. From current mar...

Let’s take a quick tour through the local real estate markets across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties to see how the numbers are shaping up. From LA’s competitive sellers’ market to Orange County’s quick-moving inventory and Riverside’s balanced affordability, this episode breaks down what’s happening on the ground in real time. Whether you’re a buyer looking for opportunity, a seller p...

The Texas real estate market 2025 has officially hit a turning point. With inventory at its highest level in a decade and homes sitting longer on the market, 2025 is testing both buyers and sellers across the Lone Star State. In this episode, we’re breaking down why homes in Texas are struggling to sell; from inflated prices and high mortgage rates to shifting buyer expectations and regional coold...

Is renting just throwing money away? Not exactly. In this episode, we break down one of the most debated questions in real estate: renting vs. buying. While owning a home builds equity and can grow long-term wealth, it also comes with taxes, repairs, and upfront costs that don’t make sense for everyone. Renting, on the other hand, offers flexibility, lower initial costs, and in many cities in 2025...

Think you need 20% down to buy a home? Think again. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most persistent myths in real estate and breaking it wide open with real numbers, history, and stories from the field. We’ll look at why the 20% rule started, how it turned into an outdated myth, and what today’s buyers are actually putting down. From FHA and VA loans to conventional options as low as 3%...

In this episode of Real Estate with Soul- Learning from Real Estate History: 3 Lessons Shaping Today’s Market, we explore how the history of real estate isn’t just a story of houses bought and sold, it is a roadmap for understanding today’s housing market. From the suburban boom after World War II and the barriers of redlining, to the 2008 housing crash, to the passage of the Fair Housing Act, the...

In this episode of Real Estate with Soul , we’re breaking down the best home features in 2025—whether you’re house hunting, daydreaming, or just curious about what adds value. From chef-inspired kitchens and spa-like bathrooms to energy-efficient smart homes and outdoor living spaces, these features aren’t just luxuries—they’re investments. A modern kitchen can boost your home’s value by up to 12%...

In How to Invest in Real Estate for Retirement: Simple Steps & Real Numbers , we explore how real estate can be a powerful tool to fund your future. Over the past 20 years, real estate has delivered average annual returns of 5.2%, often outperforming bonds and stocks. Meanwhile, REITs (real estate investment trusts) are projected to yield around 9%. This episode breaks down three clear strateg...

In this episode of Real Estate with Soul , we’re setting the record straight on the so-called “Tesla Tiny Home.” That doesn’t mean your tiny home dreams have to stay rumors. We’ll walk through the real options available in 2025, from park model RV-certified homes like the Escape Traveler or Tumbleweed, to modular builds like the Boxable Casita, to site-built homes designed with Appendix Q in mind....

In this episode of Real Estate with Soul, From Toys to Titles: The Gift of Real Estate for Your Children’s Future , we’re diving into the ultimate long-term gift you can give your kids—real estate. While toys and gadgets bring short-term joy, property builds wealth that lasts for generations. We’ll explore why home equity makes up 50–70% of a middle-income family’s net worth, and how 38% of Gen Z...

In this episode of Real Estate with Soul , we’re breaking down exactly what to look for in a real estate brokerage—before you sign on the dotted line. From culture and collaboration to commission splits, tech tools, and brand support, we’ll cover the red flags to avoid and the green flags that set you up for a thriving career. Whether you’re a new agent, a mid-level producer, or just looking for a...

In this episode of Real Estate with Soul , we’re diving into the rising trend of tiny homes and ADUs—and how they’re reshaping homeownership, rental income, and flexibility in 2025. In this episode of Real Estate with Soul , we’re exploring how ADUs and JADUs—like casitas or converted garages—are changing the real estate game in 2025. Learn what qualifies as a tiny home, why they can boost your pr...

In this episode of Real Estate with Soul , I’m breaking down what it really takes to be a first-time investor in 2025—without losing your shirt (or your soul). Real estate investing isn’t just about profit—it’s about freedom, legacy, and building something that aligns with your values. No hype. No hustle culture. Just real strategy, soul-driven decisions, and stories from the trenches. We’ll talk...

In this powerful episode of Real Estate with Soul , Lori Alvarez unpacks the current shift in the real estate market—from a fast-paced seller’s market to a more balanced, buyer-friendly landscape. But this episode goes deeper than headlines and housing stats. Lori shares her own story of risk, resilience, and radical faith—from a 24-year-old single mom in debt to a homeowner and business owner who...

Most people expect stress when selling a home, but few expect sadness. In this heart-centered episode, Lori Alvarez discusses the often-overlooked grief that accompanies saying goodbye to a place filled with memories. Whether it’s because of divorce, downsizing, the loss of a loved one, or simply growing into a new season of life, moving is never just a transaction. It’s a transition, and it comes...

Not all homes are flying off the market—and in this episode, we’re talking about why . Lori Alvarez breaks down what’s really happening in today’s mid-2025 market and shares exactly what it takes to get a home sold in a time where buyers are picky, interest rates are higher, and strategy is everything. From real stories of listings with multiple offers to others that sat with no activity, Lori exp...

Thinking of selling your home this year? You are NOT alone! And you have probably asked yourself, “should I wait?” In this episode Lori breaks down three key questions every seller should ask before selling: what the market is doing right now, how to know if you are ready, and why waiting is not always your safe bet. We’ll also talk about why trying to time the market can backfire, and what smart...

Feeling unsure about buying, selling, or just staying put in today’s real estate market? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lori brings her signature mix of experience and heart to break down what’s really happening in the spring market. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a downsizing seller, or simply market curious, Lori offers clarity, insight, and soul to help you feel confident in your ne...

Divorce is a deeply personal and emotional life shift—and when real estate is part of the equation, the process becomes even more complex. In this episode, we explore how divorce continues to impact the real estate market, even as national rates decline. We’ll share compassionate tips for navigating this transition: from reframing the home sale as part of the healing process to protecting your fin...