Raw & Real Real Estate

In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s really been like owning and operating our very first Airbnb after seven months. If you’ve been wondering whether investing in a short-term rental is still worth it in 2026, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through the biggest surprises we’ve experienced, including the constant maintenance, the time commitment most people underestimate, and the lessons w...

Being a landlord is about much more than collecting rent. In this episode, I share the five principles that my husband and I have followed to help us become successful long-term rental owners. Growing up, I always imagined landlords as distant people who didn’t care about their tenants. As a REALTOR®, I also heard countless stories from renters who felt ignored when repairs were needed or who didn...

In this episode, I’m breaking down my boldest predictions for the 2026 housing market — from mortgage rate trends and shifting buyer behavior to inventory changes, affordability, and whether we may see more foreclosures. Using national data, NAHREP insights, and local expertise, I’ll explain what buyers, sellers, and investors should expect and how to prepare so you can stay ahead of the market in...

Part 2 of our first flip is here — and we’re finally answering the question everyone keeps asking: “Did you make money… or regret everything?” We break down the sale, the offers, what we actually walked away with, and whether we’d ever do it again. Have questions about flipping, investing, or anything from today’s episode?   📩 Email me or DM me anytime — I’m always happy to help. IG: @marysol_ort...

Most people think saving for a house is only about the down payment — but sometimes the real challenge is affording the monthly payment once you own it. In this episode, I share how my husband and I prepared financially for the new construction home we went under contract on in May 2023 — our third home overall, but the first one we purchased together.   Because we were using my husband’s VA loan...

Selling a home is part financial… part emotional. This episode breaks down the psychology behind why some sellers unknowingly slow down, block, or sabotage their own sale — and how to shift into a “ready to sell” mindset.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what the market is really telling us about homes that haven’t sold or that are sitting a little longer than expected. We’ll talk about what zero showings or low activity actually mean — whether it’s price, presentation, or buyer sentiment — and how sellers can adjust to get their home back on track. From pricing strategy and seasonal shifts to the importance of c...

Foreclosures 101: Understanding the Process and the Current State of the U.S. Market   In this episode, I break down how the foreclosure process really works and share what’s happening with current foreclosure trends across the U.S. You’ll learn what triggers foreclosure, how timelines vary by state, and what steps homeowners can take to stay ahead of it. Disclosure: This episode is for informatio...

In our first two flips ever, excitement quickly turned into chaos. Jesus and I share the real story behind how we saved for our first project, took out a HELOC for the second, and learned some expensive lessons along the way. From money mistakes to mayhem at home, this episode is a raw look at the ups, downs, and unexpected realities of flipping as a couple.   *Part 2 will reveal if we’d ever flip...

Buying your first home comes with a lot of excitement—and a lot of questions, especially about homeowners insurance. In this episode, I sit down with Yvonne, an insurance agent with over 25 years of experience, to uncover the truth about what a policy really covers (and what it doesn’t). We dive into the biggest misconceptions first-time homeowners have, how to avoid costly mistakes, and the commo...

Thinking about buying a home but not sure if a brand-new build or a resale is the smarter move? In this episode of Raw & Real Real Estate, I break down the pros and cons of both options so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget. We’ll talk about everything from price per square foot, customization, and builder incentives to lot size, and hidden costs in older homes. Learn...

In this episode of Raw & Real Real Estate, I sit down with Cesar Garcia, a loan officer with over 15 years of experience in the industry, to break down the most popular  questions buyers and homeowners face: how much interest rates really matter, whether 20% down actually lowers your monthly payment, and when refinancing makes sense — including the fees to watch out for. Cesar explains that th...

In this episode, Patricia — with over 20 years in the title industry — breaks down what title insurance really is and why it matters. We dive into real stories of title fraud, talk about new legislation addressing this growing crime, and share practical ways you can protect yourself. Plus, we tackle the overlooked questions around inheritance and wills that every homeowner should know. Disclaimer:...

As of late August, several articles revealed that many sellers are pulling back from the market. In this episode, we’re going to unpack why this is happening and what impact it could have. You’ll learn how it might affect you—or someone you know—if you’re planning to buy or sell in the coming months.