U Own It!

Two years after the National Association of Realtors settlement dominated headlines, Jerry Thompson cuts through the noise to explain what actually changed, and what did not. The 2024 settlement eliminated the requirement to publish a cooperating commission on the MLS and made it mandatory for buyer's agents to have a written agreement before showing homes. But the industry did not collapse, commi...

In today's scarcity-driven housing market, especially in Western New York, the first thing a buyer needs to understand isn't the price, the neighborhood, or even the square footage. It's the seller's rules of engagement. In this episode, Jerry breaks down the two most common ways listings hit the market: with a deadline set in advance, or with no deadline at all. Understanding the difference is wh...

The real estate industry is entering a major shift with the rise of "Coming Soon" listings and exclusive property marketing. In this episode, Jerry explains what these listings are and why they're becoming so controversial. He walks through how the market evolved from limited exposure to today's MLS-driven system, where maximum visibility typically leads to stronger offers and higher sale prices....

Buying a home in today's fast-moving market can feel like a losing game, but it doesn't have to. In this episode, Jerry breaks down how buyers can navigate scarcity, multiple offers, and aggressive pricing strategies by thinking like the sellers themselves. He introduces the "Gas Gauge Pricing Strategy" to understand listing decisions, market expectations, and how to approach offers strategically....

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and often with it comes fear. In this episode, Jerry addresses the growing anxiety around AI "replacing" jobs and industries, particularly in real estate. Rather than framing AI as a threat, he reframes it as an opportunity to pivot, evolve, and deepen the human value professionals bring to the table. Jerry explores how AI is poised to reshape lead management...

As the calendar turns and a new year begins, Jerry reflects on what 2025 taught us and what buyers, sellers, and agents should expect as we head into 2026. With more than 30 years in real estate, Jerry uses his insight to break down industry shifts through a grounded lens! From the NAR settlement and commission transparency to interest rates, inventory realities, AI's growing role, and why, despit...

In this episode, Jerry tackles a topic every realtor dreads — the deal fold. From cold feet to financing failures, he shares real-world stories of transactions that fell apart and the lessons they left behind. If you've ever wondered why a home goes back on the market after going pending, or what really happens behind the scenes from contract to closing, this episode pulls back the curtain on the...

In this shocking episode of U Own It, Jerry shares a true story about real estate deed fraud that hit close to home in Western New York. What began as a suspicious letter to a former client turned into the discovery of a fraudulent property sale, where a vacant lot was "sold" without the real owner's knowledge.  Jerry walks listeners through every step of the ordeal, how multiple professionals wor...

In this episode, Jerry dives deep into the buyer's side of real estate, delivering a clear, honest, and practical roadmap for anyone preparing to purchase a home. Drawing on years of experience guiding clients through countless deals, he explains what makes buyers stand out in a competitive market and how to approach each step of the process with confidence. From selecting the right financing and...

Ready to sell your home for top dollar? In this episode, Jerry reveals the seven game-changing factors that can make or break your sale. From mastering the "Goldilocks" art of pricing to boosting curb appeal that wows buyers at first glance, Jerry walks you through the exact steps to position your home for success. You'll learn how to stage your space like a model home, why timing the market matte...

In this high-stakes episode, Jerry steps into the negotiation arena with a toolkit full of battle-tested strategies for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're chasing your dream home or selling your biggest asset, you'll learn how to win without losing your cool.  Discover the art of getting the best price, the power of silence, and why knowing more than the other side gives you the upper hand. J...

So, you've decided to list your home—what happens next? In this episode, Jerry pulls back the curtain on everything that kicks into gear after you sign with a real estate agent. From crafting the perfect pricing strategy using a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to sorting through all the essential paperwork (think listing agreements, disclosures, and more), Jerry walks you through the full proces...

In this episode, Jerry tackles the all-important topic of selecting the right real estate agent to sell your house. Drawing from his extensive experience in the field, Jerry shares three fundamental life lessons he teaches to anyone aiming for success: working harder than the competition, focusing on the process rather than the immediate results, and always aiming for 100%. Jerry underscores the i...

In this episode, we unpack the major real estate search portals and their impact on the industry. Jerry discusses the prevalent 'Zillow hate' among agents and explains why this sentiment is misguided. By exploring the evolution from traditional data-guarding methods to the current, more open and consumer-friendly systems, Jerry illustrates how sites like Zillow , Realtor.com , and Homes.com have r...

In this episode, Jerry covers the frequently asked question, "When is the best time to sell your house?" He discusses the critical role of supply and demand in determining real estate prices and explains how these factors fluctuate based on various economic and seasonal influences. Highlighting data from the National Association of Realtors , Jerry reveals that the ideal time to list a house natio...

In this episode, Jerry explores the often misunderstood roles of real estate agents by taking a deep dive into the closing process. Inspired by a South Park episode about realtors, he outlines the various steps involved in closing, from contract agreements and attorney approvals to home inspections, deposits, and mortgage financing. Jerry provides a detailed look at these stages, specifically in t...

In this episode, Jerry provides an in-depth guide to the practical aspects of buying a home. He highlights the potential pitfalls of scheduling appointments through real estate websites, urging buyers to secure a dedicated agent to ensure they aren't left standing in front of a house with no appointment. Jerry also explains how to obtain pre-approval, respect sellers' and agents' time, and why it'...

In this episode, Jerry breaks down how to determine your home's market value and choose the right pricing strategy. He clarifies the differences between assessed, appraised, and perceived values, explaining why they don't always match the market value. Using a comparative approach, Jerry outlines how to evaluate active, pending, and sold properties to establish an accurate market value. He also in...

In this episode, Jerry dives into the complexities of the escalation clause in real estate transactions. He explains what an escalation clause is and breaks down its fundamental components: the base price, the escalating factor, the maximum price, and the required documentation. He also highlights the pros and cons, providing real-life examples to illustrate how escalation clauses can be misused,...

In this episode, Jerry guides listeners through the essential steps to take after purchasing a house. He highlights the importance of quickly finalizing the purchase contract, choosing a competent real estate attorney, and scheduling a home inspection. Jerry also emphasizes the necessity of selecting a reliable lender, understanding the mortgage process, and effectively dealing with local lenders...

In this episode, Jerry discusses five key pitfalls in real estate negotiations: Third-Party Interference "Squeaking the Step" The Economics of Your Decision Fighting on Too Many Fronts Don't Make it Personal With examples from real estate and everyday purchases, Jerry provides actionable insights for buyers and sellers about how to navigate large transactions effectively. The episode concludes wit...

In this episode, Jerry provides insights that will help you confidently navigate the home-selling process! The discussion begins with the importance of making a financial plan and conducting a market evaluation to determine the value of your home. The collaborative nature of pricing the home with an agent is emphasized, along with strategies for listing and staging the home to attract buyers.  Jer...

In Episode 3, Jerry delves into the pivotal National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, a significant development that will revolutionize disclosure practices concerning how sellers and buyers compensate their agents. Jerry, with his extensive industry experience, explains the litigation that led to this settlement and the practical changes that will be implemented in the real estate indust...

In this episode, Jerry breaks down the entire process of buying a home, from determining your financial readiness to closing the deal. He discusses the importance of setting a budget, understanding mortgage options, deciding whether to hire a real estate agent or go solo, and conducting a thorough home search. He also covers how to properly make an offer, the role of inspectors and attorneys, and...

Welcome to U OWN IT! with Jerry Thompson, where we dive into the world of real estate sales. With over 33 years of experience and 1,500 transactions, Jerry shares valuable insights and proven strategies to help you succeed in the competitive real estate market. Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or a real estate professional, this podcast is your ultimate resource for practical tips and ga...