How to Own a Home: Strategies for Buying, Selling, and Improving

NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Get a comprehensive breakdown of strategies for buying, selling, and improving homes in our homeowners lightning round.

00:42 This Month’s Nerdy Question: What’s the best thing you spent your money on this month? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner kick off a new segment by sharing some of their recent purchases, in a new segment designed to encourage you to think about your consumption habits.

08:24 Today’s Money Question: Should you shop around for a title agency? What are the pros and cons of owning a second home? What’s the ROI for home improvement projects? What are the financial implications of using retirement funds for home improvements? Housing Nerd Kate Wood joins Sean and Sara to delve into the complexities of the homebuying process, financing home upgrades, and leveraging home equity. They discuss the risks and strategies associated with using home equity for investing in real estate, the importance of an emergency fund when becoming landlords, and the alternatives to using retirement savings for home improvements.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: homeownership, smart home investments, title insurance, home equity, real estate investments, financial security, home improvement financing, title agencies, home disasters, buying a home, home equity loans, home equity line of credit (HELOC), cash-out refinancing, real estate game, emergency funds, home buying process, navigating title agencies, financial planning, home maintenance savings, intentional purchasing, home renovations ROI, anti-overconsumption, plumbing repairs, tax lien, closing costs, home buying in 2024, second property investment, becoming a landlord, IRA withdrawals, real estate attorney fees, escrow services, lender's title insurance, owner's title insurance, home value increase, property investment risks, buying second home, home buying expenses, mortgage application, real estate market trends, and decision fatigue.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [e-mail].

Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.