Keep’n It Real-T Podcast

Ep. 17 – Home Inspections 101: What Every Buyer Needs to Know | Keep’n It Real-T

🎙️ Episode 17 – Home Inspections 101: What Every Buyer Needs to Know | Keep’n It Real-T
Thinking about skipping the home inspection? Think again! 🏡
In this episode of Keep’n It Real-T, hosts Martha Smith and Natalia Pierantoni sit down with Phillip Jorge of House Doctors Home Inspections to break down everything you need to know about home inspections before buying or selling a home.
From explaining what inspectors look for, to the different types of inspections, and the top red flags buyers should watch for, this episode will leave you informed and prepared for your next real estate move.
What we cover:
✅ What a general home inspection is and how it works✅ Different types of inspections (4-point, wind mitigation, termite, sewer scope, mold, and more)✅ When you should schedule a home inspection (buyers, sellers, post-renovation, and new construction)✅ Red flags to look for in an inspection report✅ Cost-effective tips from an inspector’s point of view✅ A fun Home Inspector Rapid-Fire with Phil you don’t want to miss! 🔥
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or agent, this episode will help you understand why inspections are critical in protecting your investment and avoiding costly surprises down the road.
📩 Got questions? Want to connect with us? Email us at: keepnitrealt@gmail.com📲 Follow us on Instagram: @keepnitreal_t🔔 If you’re watching on YouTube, hit the bell so you never miss an episode!💙 Love the show? Share this episode with a friend and leave us a review to support Keep’n It Real-T!
 

Keepn’ It Real-T EP 16 | Buyer’s Agent vs. Listing Agent — Who Does What?!

 
🎙️ Episode 16: Buyer’s Agent vs. Listing Agent — Who Does What?!
Ever wondered what the real difference is between a buyer’s agent and a listing agent? Or why a seller pays the buyer’s agent’s commission? In this episode of Keep’n It Real-T, we’re breaking it ALL down for you!
Your favorite hosts, Martha & Natalia, unpack:
The responsibilities of both buyer’s agents and listing agents
How they work together to close the deal
Why commissions are structured the way they are
What’s changing in the market (yes, buyers—this one’s for you!)
How “dual agency” or “double ending” works in Florida
Real stories from deals gone right… and a few gone sideways
A fun rapid-fire Q&A you don’t want to miss!
📚 Whether you’re buying, selling, or thinking about becoming a real estate agent, this episode gives you insight into how deals get done—and what to look for in an agent.
✅ Bonus: We also talk about Florida’s representation laws, so you understand your rights and what kind of relationship you really have with your agent.
📩 Questions? Want to work with us? Email us at keepnitrealt@gmail.com
📢 If this episode helped you, share it with a friend or client!
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and leave a review so we can keep bringing the Real-T to you every week.
#RealEstatePodcast #KeepnItRealT #BuyersAgent #ListingAgent #DualAgency #TampaRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #MarthaSmith #NataliaPierantoni #RealEstateEducation #AgentLife

Keep'n It Real-T EP 15 | Buy it and Fix it (Rehab Loan)

🎙️ Episode 15: FHA Construction Loans – Buy it and Fix it!
Welcome back to Keep’n It Real-T! In this episode, your hosts Martha Smith and Natalia Pierantoni are joined once again by mortgage expert Heidi Lambordi from Pioneer Mortgage.
Last time, Heidi gave us the inside scoop on the Hometown Heroes program—this time, she’s back to break down the FHA Construction Loan, a powerful tool that lets buyers purchase a home AND finance renovations all under one FHA loan. 💰🔨
We cover:
What the FHA Construction Loan is and how it works
Who qualifies (and who doesn’t)
What the application process looks like
Common pitfalls to avoid
What kinds of homes or repairs don’t qualify
Plus a fun rapid-fire round of Take It or Leave It!
If you're a buyer looking at fixer-uppers or an agent wanting to guide your clients better, this episode is a must!
📩 Questions or want to work with us? Email us at keepnitrealt@gmail.com📤 Know someone this could help? Share the episode!
🎧 Listen now, laugh with us, and learn something new—only on Keep’n It Real-T! 💙
#FHAConstructionLoan #MortgageTips #KeepnItRealT #FirstTimeBuyer #RealEstatePodcast #TampaRealEstate #HeidiLambordi #RenovationLoan #FixerUpperFinancing #RealEstateEducation
 

Keep'n It Real-T EP 14| The Real Deal with Open Houses

🎙️ Episode 14 – The Real Deal with Open Houses | Keep’n It Real-T
Ever wondered what really goes down behind the scenes at an open house? 🏡✨
In this episode, Martha Smith and Natalia Pierantoni are spilling all the Real-T on what it takes to host a successful open house—from prep to promotion to the wild things that can happen when the doors open!
Whether you're a seller wondering if you should host one, a new agent trying to learn the ropes, or just curious about what we really do out here—this episode is for YOU.
We dive into:
What an open house is really for and who shows up
Step-by-step prep tips for sellers and agents
Our best (and worst) open house stories 😬
The truth about safety (yup—we talk about foot guy)
When open houses work, when they don’t, and how to decide
PLUS: Don’t miss our Rapid-Fire Open House Edition 🎯From bad snacks to sign overload to open house etiquette—we keep it real, funny, and informative!
📩 Got questions or want to work with us? Email: keepnitrealt@gmail.com📲 Follow us on IG: @keepnitreal_t🛎️ Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode.
💙 See you next time on Keep’n It Real-T!

Keep'n It Real-T EP 13 | Hometown Heroes Program (Down payment Assistance)

 
🎙️ Episode 13 – Hometown Heroes Program is BACK! | Keep’n It Real-T
Ready to buy a home with little to NO money down? 👀 You need to hear this!
In this episode of Keep’n It Real-T, hosts Martha Smith and Natalia Pierantoni are joined by special guest Heidi Lombardi, Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator with Pioneer Mortgage, to break down the newly relaunched Hometown Heroes Program—expected to roll out July 1, 2025!
This game-changing loan program is designed to help first-time homebuyers achieve homeownership with up to $35,000 in down payment assistance.
In this episode, we cover:
What the Hometown Heroes Program is and who qualifies
Step-by-step breakdown of how to apply
Common mistakes to avoid
Who this program is not for
Why this is a limited-time opportunity you don’t want to miss
Plus, we put Heidi in the Hot Seat for a fun rapid-fire Q&A you won’t want to miss! 🔥
💡 If you're a first-time homebuyer—or know someone who is—this episode is for YOU.
📩 Questions or want to connect? Email us at: keepnitrealt@gmail.com📲 Follow us on IG: @keepnitreal_t💙 Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and leave us a review!
 

Keep'n It Real-T EP 12 | Comprador Por Primera Vez- En Español para nuestra comunidad Latina

🎙 Episodio 12: Spanglish Special – ¡Sí Se Puede! Comprar Sin Miedo 🏡
 
En este episodio especial de Keep’n It Real-T, lo hacemos Spanglish-style 🎉 porque queremos hablar directamente con nuestra comunidad Latina. Si alguna vez has pensado que no puedes comprar casa porque no tienes suficiente dinero ahorrado, no entiendes el proceso o simplemente tienes miedo... ¡ESTE episodio es para ti!
 
Las anfitrionas Martha Smith y Natalia Pierantoni comparten toda la información esencial para que puedas comprar tu casa sin miedo:
✅ Qué necesitas para empezar
✅ Qué documentos piden los prestamistas
✅ Qué programas existen para ayudarte con el (down payment)
✅ Cómo funciona la pre-aprobación y por qué es tan importante
✅ Qué hacer si tienes ITIN, DACA o estatus mixto
✅ ¡Y mucho más!
 
🎯 Este episodio es para ti si:
 
Eres comprador por primera vez
 
No sabes por dónde empezar
 
Crees que necesitas crédito perfecto (¡no es cierto!)
 
Quieres aprender cómo salir del ciclo de la renta
 
✨ Mensaje importante: No estás solo. Sí se puede. Te ayudamos paso a paso.
 
🎙️ Anfitrionas: Martha Smith & Natalia Pierantoni
📩 ¿Tienes preguntas? Escríbenos a keepnitrealt@gmail.com
📲 Síguenos en Instagram: @keepnitreal_t
 
#KeepnItRealT #PodcastEnEspañol #ComprandoCasa #PrimeraCasa #SiSePuede #ITIN #DACA #AsistenciaParaCompradores #RealEstatePodcast #Propiedad #TampaRealtor #FamiliaLatina

Keep'n It Real-T EP 11 | GTE Financial- Down Payment Assistance, Grants & More

🎙️ Episode 11: Down Payment Assistance – with Nancy Booi from GTE Financial
If you’ve ever wondered how buyers come up with the money for a down payment—or if you're a hopeful homebuyer thinking “I don’t have enough saved”—this episode is for YOU!
We’re sitting down with Nancy Booi, Mortgage Loan Executive at GTE Financial, to break down the truth about down payment assistance, grants, and other special loan programs that can make homeownership more accessible than you think.
✨ GTE Financial isn’t just any credit union—it’s the official credit union of the Tampa Bay Lightning 🏒⚡ and they’re doing BIG things for buyers in the Tampa Bay area.
Hosted by realtors Martha Smith and Natalia Pierantoni, this episode will give you the inside scoop on:
🏡 What You’ll Learn:
What sets credit unions apart from traditional banks
Who qualifies for GTE’s exclusive mortgage programs
How down payment assistance programs really work
What grants are, how to qualify, and if they’re forgivable
Tips for getting pre-approved and improving your chances
Special programs for medical professionals and more
The full mortgage process—from application to approval
🗣 Plus, we wrap things up with a fun Rapid Fire Round to get to know Nancy beyond the numbers!
🎙️ Guest: Nancy Booi 📣 Hosts: Martha Smith & Natalia Pierantoni📅 Air Date: June 3, 2025
👇 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more real estate insights and episodes that keep it real!📩 Want to connect or learn more? Email us: keepnitrealt@gmail.com📲 Follow us on Instagram: @keepnitreal_t
#KeepnItRealT #DownPaymentAssistance #GTEFinancial #NancyBooi #FirstTimeHomebuyer #MortgageTips #RealEstatePodcast #CreditUnionLoans #HomeOwnership #WomenInRealEstate #TampaRealtor #RealTalkRealEstate

Keep'n It Real-T EP 10 | New Construction, Everything You Need to Know

🎧 Episode 10: New Construction – Everything You Need to Know 🏡
Thinking about buying a new construction home? Don’t do it without hearing the REAL-T first!
In this episode of Keep’n It Real-T, we’re diving into all things new construction—the good, the bad, and the blueprints you wish someone told you about. From builder warranties to hidden costs, production vs. custom builders, and how to protect yourself throughout the process—we’re breaking it ALL down.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or just curious about what it’s like to build from scratch, this episode gives you a real-world look at what to expect.
🔎 Here’s What We Cover:✔️ The pros of buying new: customization, energy efficiency & more✔️ The downsides: delays, upgrades, small lots, and cookie-cutter concerns✔️ Production builders vs. custom builders—what’s the difference?✔️ How your own Realtor can save you time, stress, and money✔️ The full process—from lot selection to inspections and closing✔️ Rapid Fire Q&A: biggest hidden costs, best & worst upgrades, and more
🎙️ Hosted by: Martha Smith & Natalia Pierantoni📅 Episode Air Date: May 27, 2025
👇 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk on real estate!📩 Questions or want to work with us? Email: keepnitrealt@gmail.com📲 Follow us on Instagram: @keepnitreal_t
#KeepnItRealT #NewConstruction #RealEstatePodcast #HomeBuyingTips #NewBuilds #TampaRealtor #BuyingNewConstruction #CustomHomes #ProductionBuilders #WomenInRealEstate

Keep'n It Real-T EP 9 | Exp Realty ft. Lisa Colon

🎧 Episode 9: Let’s Talk eXp Realty – with Lisa ColonWhat’s it really like to work at eXp Realty? We’re breaking it ALL down!
In this episode of Keep’n It Real-T, we’re joined by the amazing Lisa Colon—an ICON agent, former team leader, and someone who’s had a major impact on our real estate journey. We dive deep into what makes eXp Realty stand out, how the revenue share model works, and what kind of agents thrive in this growing cloud-based brokerage.
Whether you're thinking of making a switch, want to understand the eXp model, or are just curious about what it's like behind the scenes at one of the fastest-growing brokerages in the world—this episode is for YOU.
✨ In This Episode, We Cover:
What eXp Realty is and how it’s different from traditional brokerages
Revenue share, stock options & agent equity
Monthly costs vs. value: CRM, Canva, Sisu, Realty.com & more
Support, training & global reach
What it's like building a team at eXp
Tips for switching brokerages—and how sponsors help
The onboarding process & what to expect
And of course… a Real-T Rapid Fire round with Lisa!
🎙️ Hosted by: Martha Smith & Natalia Pierantoni👤 Guest: Lisa Colon📅 Episode Air Date: May 20, 2025
👇 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments!📩 Want to learn more about eXp Realty or connect with us? Email us at keepnitrealt@gmail.com📸 Follow us on Instagram: @keepnitreal_t
#KeepnItRealT #eXpRealty #LisaColon #RealEstatePodcast #RevenueShare #RealEstateAgentLife #WomenInRealEstate #TampaRealtor #JoineXp #BrokerageSwitch

Keep’n It Real-T EP 8 | Q&A with Martha Smith and Natalia Pierantoni

🎧 Episode 8: You Asked, We Spilled the Real-T! | Q&A with Martha & NataliaYou asked... and we definitely spilled. In this juicy Q&A episode, your favorite real estate duo, Martha Smith & Natalia Pierantoni, get real about everything—from our real estate journeys to behind-the-scenes tea you didn’t even know you needed! ☕️🔥💼 In this episode, we cover:✨ How we got into real estate (and what we did before)✨ Our biggest challenges, wins & wildest commission checks✨ What brokerages we're with and if we mentor new agents✨ Honest takes on Airbnb, commission structures & staying motivated✨ How we handle stress (spoiler: dirty martinis may be involved 🍸)✨ Personal life fun: Is Natalia single? How did we meet? What’s our hype song before a showing?🔥 BONUS: We end with a rapid-fire round called Real Tea—and trust us, it’s hilarious.🎤 Whether you're a new agent, thinking of joining real estate, or just love a good behind-the-scenes moment—this one’s for YOU.👇 Drop a comment with your favorite moment or your own question for a future Q&A!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe & follow us for more unfiltered real estate truth.📲 Follow us on IG: @keepnitrealtpodcast💌 Got questions? DM us or email: [your email here]🎧 New episodes every Tuesday!#realestatepodcast #realtorlife #QandA #KeepnItRealT #girlbosses #realestatetea #behindthescenes
👇 Drop your questions in the comments for future episodes!📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @keepnitreal_t📍 Serving Tampa Bay & beyond | New episodes every Tuesday!👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE so you never miss the real-T! https://www.youtube.com/@KeepnItReal_T