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

5 days ago
5 days ago
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.

5 days ago
5 days ago
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.

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Relocating? Here’s How to Buy & Sell at the Same Time
Relocating for work, family, or a fresh start can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to sell your current home and buy a new one at the same time. In this episode, we break down what this process really looks like and how to move without unnecessary stress or costly mistakes.
We talk through real-life scenarios, smart timing strategies, and the most common questions buyers and sellers ask when they’re relocating. From understanding your financing options to managing timelines, contingencies, and expectations, this episode gives you a clear game plan — no fluff, no confusion.
If you’re asking yourself:
* Can I buy before I sell?* What happens if my home doesn’t sell in time?* How do contingencies work when relocating?* How do people actually pull this off?
This episode is for you.
Tune in for honest advice, real examples, and practical tips to help you relocate with confidence. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s planning a move.

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Relocating? Here’s How to Buy & Sell at the Same Time Relocating for work, family, or a fresh start can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to sell your current home and buy a new one at the same time. In this episode, we break down what this process really looks like and how to move without unnecessary stress or costly mistakes. We talk through real-life scenarios, smart timing strategies, and the most common questions buyers and sellers ask when they’re relocating. From understanding your financing options to managing timelines, contingencies, and expectations, this episode gives you a clear game plan — no fluff, no confusion.
If you’re asking yourself: * Can I buy before I sell? * What happens if my home doesn’t sell in time? * How do contingencies work when relocating? * How do people actually pull this off? This episode is for you. Tune in for honest advice, real examples, and practical tips to help you relocate with confidence. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s planning a move.

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
In this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged, Lauren and Naya dive into one of the smartest questions every future homebuyer should be asking: “Can I shop around for more than one lender?”
The answer is yes — and today we’re breaking down why it matters, how it impacts your monthly payment, and the right way to compare lenders without hurting your credit. We share real examples, common misconceptions, and the insider tips buyers need to feel confident and empowered when choosing a loan.
If you’re preparing to buy a home soon, this episode gives you the clarity you need before you take your first big step.

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
In this episode of Beyond the Sold Sign: Real Estate Unplugged, Lauren and Naya dive into one of the smartest questions every future homebuyer should be asking: “Can I shop around for more than one lender?”
The answer is yes — and today we’re breaking down why it matters, how it impacts your monthly payment, and the right way to compare lenders without hurting your credit. We share real examples, common misconceptions, and the insider tips buyers need to feel confident and empowered when choosing a loan.
If you’re preparing to buy a home soon, this episode gives you the clarity you need before you take your first big step.

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




