The Fun and the Mentals of Real Estate

Are gray floors out in 2026? In this episode of The Fun and Mentals of Real Estate, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin break down the flooring trends buyers love — and the flooring choices that may be making homes feel dated. Gray LVP flooring was one of the most popular choices for flips and remodels over the last decade, but is it starting to look cold, dated, or overdone? In this episode, we talk a...

2026 paint colors, Sherwin-Williams color trends, warm paint colors, luxury home design, St. Louis real estate, home staging tips, interior design trends 2026, paint colors that sell homes faster — Angela and Glen from The Fun and the Mentals of Real Estate break down the biggest 2026 color trends and how to make your home feel more expensive, warm, and inviting. Is gray officially dead? What pain...

Stop believing reverse mortgage myths! Learn how a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) works, protects your heirs, and serves as a powerful wealth-building tool for your retirement lifestyle. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 — The "Win" Scenario: Staying 20-30 years without a payment 0:30 — Myth #1: Will I lose my home to the bank? 0:52 — Myth #2: Will my heirs be stuck with the debt? 1:32 — Non-Reco...

We ask the question: where does return on investment meet lifestyle when it comes to your home? 🏡 We discuss how to make all your money in the kitchen and bath, focusing on smart home renovation choices like quartz countertops. Learn how to maximize your home value through strategic kitchen upgrades and bathroom renovation projects. What home improvement projects do you prioritize for the best ro...

Most homeowners believe the myth that every dollar spent on renovations comes back double at closing. In this episode of The Fun and Mentals of Real Estate, we’re looking at the hard data for 2026. We break down the professional-grade strategies that separate expensive hobbies from smart investments. The ROI Breakdown:• The #1 Winner: Why the garage door consistently beats almost every other inter...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the transition to senior housing? In Part 2 of our "7 Senior Housing Secrets" series, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin dive deep into the specific tiers of care and the financial realities most families overlook. We break down the three primary options mentioned in today’s episode: • Independent Living: 55+ communities with active lifestyles, five-star amenit...

What is the biggest mistake people make as they age? Today, we reveal 7 senior housing secrets to help the sandwich generation navigate aging in place, senior living, and downsizing. Are you feeling the pressure of the "sandwich generation"? In this episode of The Fun and Mentals of Real Estate, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin discuss the emotional and financial pitfalls of waiting too lo...

In this episode, we break down the 2026 real estate landscape and how to bridge the gap between getting your family into a home and making sure they actually keep it. We’re moving past basic "advice" and getting into the professional-grade tools that protect your legacy. 🛡️ Inside This Episode: • The Family Opportunity Loan : Buy for a child or grandchild with 5% down—avoiding high inves...

Ever wonder why some houses sell quickly over list price while others sit? In this video, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin discuss key real estate advice and home selling tips. Learn how proper pricing strategies, backed by market data, are crucial to sell your home effectively. 🏡 In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ The 90% Rule: Why pricing is the most important part of your market position. ✅ Urgenc...

Are you sitting on the sidelines of the 2026 housing market? In this episode of The Fun-and-Mentals of Real Estate, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin (Guild Mortgage) tackle the most pressing question of the year: " Should I wait to buy a home? " We dive into the "brutal truth" about why waiting for a market crash might be a $100,000 mistake. While St. Louis remains one of the mos...

Learn how to price your home to spark a bidding war and use local real estate data to predict market trends. We break down the St. Louis housing market metrics you need to build wealth. Pricing a home in today’s landscape is 90% of your marketing strategy. If you get the number wrong, you don’t just lose time—you lose money. In this "Best of Volume 5" compilation, we’re bridging the gap...

Mortgage recasting vs. refinancing: which saves you more? Learn how to lower your mortgage payment and build wealth using real refinance math, break-even points, and expert recasting tips. [Best of VOL 4]In this "Best of" montage, experts Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin break down the critical differences between a mortgage recast and a refinance. Whether you have a lump sum of cash to pu...

Missouri property tax alert! Learn how to freeze Missouri property taxes for seniors and appeal your assessment. Stop the escrow shock with our guide to Missouri real estate tax relief. Are you tired of seeing your mortgage payment climb due to rising property taxes? In this "Best Of" highlight, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin reveal the essential strategies every Missouri homeowner needs...

In this "Best Of" volume, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin dive deep into the biggest misconceptions currently hitting the housing market. From the "Shrinkflation" of new builds to the surprising truth about condo inventory in St. Louis, we’re giving you the local facts that the national news misses. Key Topics Covered:✅ National vs. Local Stats: Why your local market (like Miss...

The cost of living is rising fast. In this Best of The Fun and the Mentals of Real Estate episode, we break down inflation, real estate investing, building wealth, buying a home with low or no money down, and helping families build long-term financial security. In this Greatest Hits Vol. 1 episode, we’ve merged some of our most impactful podcast moments covering: • Why the cost of living doubles o...

Rental property investing mistakes can destroy cash flow and profits. Learn the top 10 rental property pitfalls landlords and real estate investors must avoid, including property management errors, passive income traps, and ROI killers. Avoid losing money on your investment property. In this episode, we break down the Top 10 Rental Property Pitfalls That Sink Profits, covering real estate investin...

Homeowners insurance costs are rising fast, and choosing the right coverage has never been more important. In this episode, insurance expert Dan Luigs breaks down how smart homeowners protect their property, lower risk, and avoid costly insurance mistakes. If you’ve been hit with higher premiums or you’re buying a home soon, this episode explains why insurance rates have spiked, what factors impac...

🛑 Airbnb Insurance & Multi-Unit Coverage SECRETS! Expert Dan Luigs reveals the special insurance endorsements every Short Term Rental host and Real Estate Investor must have to protect their assets and avoid catastrophic claims. If you own Airbnb properties or Multi-Unit rentals , you have different risks than a typical long-term landlord. Your standard policy won't cover these situations...

🛑 STOP losing money on your rental property! In this must-watch episode, learn the exact Landlord Insurance strategy Smart Investors use to choose the right policy and AVOID 3 costly coverage gaps that can wipe out your profits. You'll hear from insurance expert Dan Luigs who reveals the traps that most landlords fall into, including the shocking truth about percentage deductibles and underin...

Stop wasting money on bad leads! 🛑 Learn the best advertising channels for rental property and the smart investor's secret to finding the right tenant on platforms like MLS, Zillow, or Facebook. Get the proven tenant screening process and avoid rental scams! This episode breaks down the pros and cons of every major rental advertising channel so you can stop wasting time and start attracting q...

Welcome back! In this second part of "The Top 10 Tenant Screening Tips Every Landlord Should Know," we dive into the critical mistakes and legal pitfalls that landlords must avoid to secure their investment and select the right tenant. We're covering the final five essential tips (Tips #6–#10) to complete your comprehensive tenant screening checklist. Learn how to avoid choosing tena...

Tenant screening tips, landlord advice, and rental application best practices — all in one place. In this episode, we reveal the Top 10 Tenant Screening Tips Every Landlord Should Know (Part 1) — covering tips #1 through #5 to help you protect your investment, avoid bad tenants, and confidently choose the right renter for your property. From running background and credit checks to spotting red fla...

How do smart investors choose the perfect property? In this episode, we reveal real estate investing secrets every buyer needs to know before saying yes to a rental deal — from cash flow and ROI analysis to location strategy and risk management. Learn how to evaluate whether a rental property is truly profitable before you buy. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ What the smartest investors look for...

🔑 WANT TO BUY RENTAL PROPERTY WITHOUT A W-2? You don't need a traditional job or tax returns to invest in cash-flowing real estate. In this deep dive, we reveal the two core strategies for financing your first, second, or tenth rental property using the property's income instead of your personal debt-to-income ratio. We demystify the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan and show you ho...

Making investment decisions doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, we break down the Personal Model —a mindset-driven approach that helps you make smart, confident real estate investment decisions that fit your goals. Whether you’re a first-time investor or expanding your portfolio, understanding how emotions, comfort, and timing shape your financial moves is key to long-term success. In...