Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged
In this podcast, we’re here to share the juiciest stories, insider tips, and expert insights from others in the real estate industry that will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of buying, selling, and investing in real estate. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or just curious about the crazy, wild, and sometimes unbelievable experiences in the world of real estate, you’re in the right place.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
House hunting looks fun on HGTV… until you’re actually doing it 😅
In this episode we’re talking about the real side of the home search — the emotional rollercoaster, the hidden stress, and the hilarious (and sometimes heartbreaking) moments no one warns you about.
We’ll unpack:💸 The reality of budgets vs. dream homes💔 Falling in love with a house you don’t get🧭 How to stay sane and focused during the process
Whether you’re house hunting now or just love real estate stories that keep it real — this one’s for you.
🎧 New episodes every week — subscribe and join the conversation!

7 days ago
7 days ago
House hunting looks fun on HGTV… until you’re actually doing it 😅
In this episode, we’re talking about the real side of the home search — the emotional rollercoaster, the hidden stress, and the hilarious (and sometimes heartbreaking) moments no one warns you about.
We’ll unpack:🏡 The mental load of touring 10 homes that all “just need a little work”💸 The reality of budgets vs. dream homes💔 Falling in love with a house you don’t get😂 The weird things buyers say during showings🧭 How to stay sane and focused during the process
Whether you’re house hunting now or just love real estate stories that keep it real — this one’s for you.
🎧 New episodes every week — subscribe and join the conversation!

Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Thinking about skipping the home inspection to make your offer stronger? Let’s talk about it. In this episode, we’re sharing the real stories — the good, the bad, and the “oh no, not the HVAC” moments — of what can happen when buyers choose to waive inspections. We’re not here to scare you… but we are here to make sure you go into this decision with your eyes open. We’ll walk through: • When waiving inspections makes sense (and when it seriously doesn’t) • How to do an informational only inspection • What to look for at showings if you can’t do an inspection • And some personal experiences we’ll never forget 👀 Tap in. Take notes. Share with a friend who’s home shopping right now.

Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Thinking about skipping the home inspection to make your offer stronger? Let’s talk about it. In this episode, we’re sharing the real stories — the good, the bad, and the “oh no, not the HVAC” moments — of what can happen when buyers choose to waive inspections. We’re not here to scare you… but we are here to make sure you go into this decision with your eyes open. We’ll walk through: • When waiving inspections makes sense (and when it seriously doesn’t) • How to do an informational only inspection • What to look for at showings if you can’t do an inspection • And some personal experiences we’ll never forget 👀 Tap in. Take notes. Share with a friend who’s home shopping right now.

Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Thinking about buying a home but not sure if now is the right time? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down the real considerations that go beyond just interest rates and market headlines.
We’re talking:• What your finances should actually look like (in real life, not on paper perfection)• How to know if you're mentally and lifestyle-ready to be a homeowner• The difference between being “ready to buy” vs. just feeling pressure to buy• Why owning isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay• How to evaluate timing when the market feels uncertain
Whether you’re renting, saving, newly pre-approved, or simply curious — this episode will help you think clearly, confidently, and realistically about your next move.

Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Thinking about buying a home but not sure if now is the right time? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down the real considerations that go beyond just interest rates and market headlines.
We’re talking:• What your finances should actually look like (in real life, not on paper perfection)• How to know if you're mentally and lifestyle-ready to be a homeowner• The difference between being “ready to buy” vs. just feeling pressure to buy• Why owning isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay• How to evaluate timing when the market feels uncertain
Whether you’re renting, saving, newly pre-approved, or simply curious — this episode will help you think clearly, confidently, and realistically about your next move.

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Thinking about buying new construction? Before you fall in love with that model home smell, this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged is a must-see.
Lauren and Naya pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes of new builds—from builder contracts and design center upgrades to inspection surprises and hidden costs no one tells you about.
We’ll cover:
Why bringing your own REALTOR to new construction mattersThe truth about “builder incentives” and what’s negotiableHow timelines, appraisals, and warranties really workMistakes buyers make when they skip representation
If you’re considering a brand-new home or you just want to understand how the process differs from resale, this episode will help you go in informed—and protect your investment.

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Thinking about buying new construction? Before you fall in love with that model home smell, this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged is a must-see.
Lauren and Naya pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes of new builds—from builder contracts and design center upgrades to inspection surprises and hidden costs no one tells you about.
We’ll cover:
Why bringing your own REALTOR to new construction mattersThe truth about “builder incentives” and what’s negotiableHow timelines, appraisals, and warranties really workMistakes buyers make when they skip representation
If you’re considering a brand-new home or you just want to understand how the process differs from resale, this episode will help you go in informed—and protect your investment.

Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
You finally got your offer accepted—yay! But then the appraisal comes in lower than what you offered… now what? In this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged, Naya and Lauren break down what really happens when the numbers don’t match up.
We’ll talk about:
Why appraisals can come in low (and what that really means)The tough conversations that happen next between buyers, sellers, and lendersYour options: renegotiate, appeal, or walk awayHow to protect yourself before this happens again
Whether you’re a buyer stressed about losing your dream home or a seller worried about the deal falling apart, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
You finally got your offer accepted—yay! But then the appraisal comes in lower than what you offered… now what?
In this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged, Naya and Lauren break down what really happens when the numbers don’t match up.
We’ll talk about:
Why appraisals can come in low (and what that really means)
The tough conversations that happen next between buyers, sellers, and lenders
Your options: renegotiate, appeal, or walk away
How to protect yourself before this happens again.
Whether you’re a buyer stressed about losing your dream home or a seller worried about the deal falling apart, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Lauren Thomas
DC & MD Realtor, The Thomas Team of Compass
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Naya Patterson
Maryland Realtor, The Thomas Team of Compass




