Real Take On Real Estate

Gretta Volkenstein & Joel Kruggel(daughter-father team) from Coldwell Banker Advantage join Joe Daniel and Jon Wallace this week in the studio. Together they’ve owned (or still own) homes in California, New Hampshire, Germany, Aruba, Florida and the home base of Southwest Michigan. From investment properties to second homes, Gretta and Joel have remodeled or built a number of properties, including both historic homes and new projects that generate investment income and equity growth. Joel’s email is homewithjoel@gmail.com and cell phone is 269-769-6767.  Gretta’s cell phone is 269-281-6889 and email is homeswithgretta@gmail.com. It’s a fascinating discussion.

Chris George, the current chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the founder, President and CEO of CMG Financial joins Joe Daniel and Jon Wallace in the studio by phone. Chris discusses industry leadership changes  in Washington DC and what’s coming for 2019. Chris also shares about the exclusive down payment crowdfunding platform HomeFundIt, the newest piece called UpIt (retailers contribute a % of shopping to your down payment), and the new CMG mobile app. Chris also discusses the importance of serving others (Servant Leadership), repairing 1900’s steam engines on the weekends, and our mutual love for Bob Seger(among other artists).

Drew Kauffman, co-owner of Housemaster Home Inspections of Southwest Michiganjoins Joe Daniel and Jon Wallace to break down what home inspections are, and what they’re not. Drew and his teams cover Saugatuck to Battle Creek to New Buffalo and everywhere in between. They’ve also added a concierge service to help homeowners transfer utilities, affiliations with UHaul, Home Depot and others that give you discounts when buying a home, AND a Christmas light hanging service! The office number is 269-408-1910 to reach Donna who runs the ship.  Drew’s email is drew.kauffman@housemaster.com.  Housemaster Home Inspections of Southwest Michigan can also be found on Facebook. By the way, it’s Housemaster, not “housemasters”.

Doug & Mark Wortman, 2/3’s of the Wortman Real Estate Group  of @Properties join Joe Daniel and Jon Wallace in the studio. All four of us find winters in MI to be a great time to list, buy or sell a home. Some of their many listings discussed include 2998 Lakeshore Avenue in Benton Harbor on Lake Michigan; 45532 Blue Star Highway in Coloma on Lake Michigan; 3253 S Estates Place in Saint Joseph; and newly built 29 Walden Way in New Buffalo. The Wortman Real Estate Group closed over $30 million in real estate transactions in 2018 and are kicking off 2019 just as busy.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mark, Mary, Doug, Joe and Jon.

Steve Light, regional manager for American Home Shield joins Joe Daniel and Jon Wallace in the studio. American Home Shield is the largest home warranty provider in the country and now has plans which cover both the seller and buyer from the moment a purchase agreement is signed. Coverage can be obtained even if you already own your home and don’t have one currently. For realtors, the website is www.pro.ahs.com and for consumers, it’s www.ahs.com. To reach Steve for more information the email is slight@ahslink.com and phone: (269) 760-0916