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.
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

18 minutes ago
18 minutes ago
Buying a home together when you’re not married can be a great move — or a really expensive mistake if you don’t plan it correctly. In this episode, we break down what unmarried couples need to think about before signing a contract, from ownership structure to finances, expectations, and exit strategies.
We talk through the most common mistakes couples make when buying together, what happens if things change down the road, and how to protect yourselves legally and financially. This isn’t about fear — it’s about clarity.
If you and your partner are asking:
Should we buy together before getting married?How should we take title?What happens if one person wants to sell?How do we protect ourselves if things don’t work out?
This episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Tune in for honest guidance, real-life scenarios, and practical advice to help you make a smart, informed decision — without learning the hard way.
👉 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s thinking about buying a home with their partner.

18 minutes ago
18 minutes ago
Buying a home together when you’re not married can be a great move — or a really expensive mistake if you don’t plan it correctly. In this episode, we break down what unmarried couples need to think about before signing a contract, from ownership structure to finances, expectations, and exit strategies.
We talk through the most common mistakes couples make when buying together, what happens if things change down the road, and how to protect yourselves legally and financially. This isn’t about fear — it’s about clarity.
If you and your partner are asking:
Should we buy together before getting married?How should we take title?What happens if one person wants to sell?How do we protect ourselves if things don’t work out?
This episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Tune in for honest guidance, real-life scenarios, and practical advice to help you make a smart, informed decision — without learning the hard way.
👉 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s thinking about buying a home with their partner.

Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
When it comes to negotiating real estate offers, most buyers and sellers have no idea what Realtors are actually allowed to say — and what crosses the line. 👀
In this video, we're breaking down what Realtors can legally and ethically say during negotiations, what we can’t say (even if we want to), and how those rules directly impact your deal. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about how offers really work behind the scenes, this is information you need to know.
You’ll learn:• What information Realtors can share during negotiations• What agents are prohibited from saying — and why• Common myths buyers and sellers believe about offer strategy• How these rules affect your leverage and outcomes• What to listen for when your agent is negotiating on your behalf
👇🏽 Drop your questions in the comments and let’s talk strategy.

Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
When it comes to negotiating real estate offers, most buyers and sellers have no idea what Realtors are actually allowed to say — and what crosses the line. 👀
In this video, we're breaking down what Realtors can legally and ethically say during negotiations, what we can’t say (even if we want to), and how those rules directly impact your deal. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about how offers really work behind the scenes, this is information you need to know.
You’ll learn:• What information Realtors can share during negotiations• What agents are prohibited from saying — and why• Common myths buyers and sellers believe about offer strategy• How these rules affect your leverage and outcomes• What to listen for when your agent is negotiating on your behalf
👇🏽 Drop your questions in the comments and let’s talk strategy.

Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Welcome back to **Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged!**
In today’s episode, Lauren and Naya are talking about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: the *mixed emotions* that come with buying a house. Because let’s be real… you can be grateful for your current home and still feel ready for more — more space, a better layout, a new location, or just a fresh start. And that doesn’t make you ungrateful. It makes you human.
If you’ve been feeling torn, overthinking your next move, or stuck in that “should we stay or should we go?” mindset… this episode is for you.
🏡 In this episode, we cover:• Why it’s normal to feel emotional about moving• The guilt people feel about leaving a home they once prayed for• How to know when you’re truly ready for the next step• What first-time homebuyers *don’t expect* emotionally• The difference between wanting more vs. being ungrateful• Encouragement + real talk for buyers navigating today’s market
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upgrading, downsizing, or just thinking about what’s next — you are not alone.
💬 Drop a comment: What’s the biggest emotion you’ve felt when thinking about moving?📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Welcome back to Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged!
In today’s episode, Lauren and Naya are talking about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: the *mixed emotions* that come with buying a house. Because let’s be real… you can be grateful for your current home and still feel ready for more — more space, a better layout, a new location, or just a fresh start. And that doesn’t make you ungrateful. It makes you human.
If you’ve been feeling torn, overthinking your next move, or stuck in that “should we stay or should we go?” mindset… this episode is for you.
🏡 In this episode, we cover:• Why it’s normal to feel emotional about moving• The guilt people feel about leaving a home they once prayed for• How to know when you’re truly ready for the next step• What first-time homebuyers *don’t expect* emotionally• The difference between wanting more vs. being ungrateful• Encouragement + real talk for buyers navigating today’s market
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upgrading, downsizing, or just thinking about what’s next — you are not alone.
💬 Drop a comment: What’s the biggest emotion you’ve felt when thinking about moving?📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Mortgage Payments Increasing? Here's Why | Beyond The Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Ever opened your mortgage statement and thought… **WHY did my payment go up?!* You’re not crazy and you’re definitely not alone.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reasons mortgage payments increase (even when you have a “fixed” rate), and what you can do about it. We’ll explain it in a way that actually makes sense.
✅ In this episode, we cover:• Why your mortgage payment can increase after closing• What an escrow shortage is (and how it happens)• How property taxes and homeowners insurance impact your monthly payment• The difference between escrow changes vs. your actual interest rate• What to look for on your mortgage statement• How to avoid surprises year after year
If your payment jumped and you’re feeling stressed — this episode is for you.
📍Have a question you want us to cover next? Drop it in the comments!🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with a homeowner who needs this.

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Mortgage Payments Increasing? Here's Why | Beyond The Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Ever opened your mortgage statement and thought… **WHY did my payment go up?!* You’re not crazy and you’re definitely not alone.
In this episode, we’re breaking down the real reasons mortgage payments increase (even when you have a “fixed” rate), and what you can do about it. We’ll explain it in a way that actually makes sense.
✅ In this episode, we cover:• Why your mortgage payment can increase after closing• What an escrow shortage is (and how it happens)• How property taxes and homeowners insurance impact your monthly payment• The difference between escrow changes vs. your actual interest rate• What to look for on your mortgage statement• How to avoid surprises year after year
If your payment jumped and you’re feeling stressed — this episode is for you.
📍Have a question you want us to cover next? Drop it in the comments!🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with a homeowner who needs this.

Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Welcome back to Beyond the Sold Sign Real Estate Unplugged! This week, Naya and Lauren tackle a listener's challenging situation: navigating how to buy a house while going through a divorce. They offer essential divorce advice and discuss factors like who gets the house in a divorce, providing practical guidance for those seeking a fresh start through home buying. Tune in for candid insights, real estate tips and support for your real estate journey.

Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Welcome back to Beyond the Sold Sign Real Estate Unplugged! This week, Naya and Lauren tackle a listener's challenging situation: navigating how to buy a house while going through a divorce. They offer essential divorce advice and discuss factors like who gets the house in a divorce, providing practical guidance for those seeking a fresh start through home buying. Tune in for candid insights and support for your real estate journey.

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




