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Be a Smarter Homeowner

Be a Smarter Homeowner

By: Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic
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About this listen

 Welcome to Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, where hosts, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic are dedicated to helping you save money and get organized while managing, maintaining, protecting, improving, and eventually buying or selling your largest financial asset and biggest expense, your home. Discover how easy it is to be a smarter homeowner. Having worked with homeowners for over 20 years, your co-hosts are two of the three co-founders of HomeZada, a digital home management software platform that helps you to manage everything about your home in one digital place. Episodes of Be a Smarter Homeowner Podcast will feature John and Beth as they explore all the different aspects you need to know while owning a home; from home maintenance, home improvement projects, tracking your home finances, storing important documents, to creating a home inventory. With a focus on the financial impacts all of these things have on your home's value and the expense to own it, turn the complexities of homeownership into solutions that will make your life easy and stress free. Being a homeowner can be costly and frustrating if you're not in the know. How do you know what maintenance tasks to do and when? Most homeowners forget or don't know what to do which ends up costing you more money in repair and energy costs. Do you understand your insurance policy? Save your wallet and home from taking a hit. Make sure you have the coverage for your belongings, with the liability protection you need. Love DIY and home improvement? Plan and manage all your remodel, landscaping, and design projects. Discover how to hire contractors, stay on budget, track your costs, and save information for future tax, insurance, and resale purposes. What financial info should you know? Stay in control and up to date on various financial metrics such as home values, mortgage balance, home equity, household expenses, completed projects and maintenance costs. Where are your home documents? More disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and house fires cause home damage and destruction. Learn the value of having a home inventory using photos, videos, and documents of your home and your personal property. Looking to buy an investment or rental property or vacation home? Discover important strategies on how to manage multiple homes by staying organized and in control. Intimidated by being a first time homeowner? You're excited for your new home, but now what? Accelerate your knowledge on what it takes to manage your home and avoid costly mistakes. How to get top dollar when selling your home? Get insights into current market conditions for your home and strategies you can take with your real estate agent to market your home. Planning for retirement? Get prepared with financial planning on your home equity and even include estate management plans on how to disperse your home and your assets to your heirs. Have an aging parent? Get information on downsizing or aging in place and more data on how to remotely manage your elderly parents' home for them. The podcast will feature experts in the industry. And with your home likely being one of the largest purchases of your lifetime, these experts will keep you informed, offer you tips and tricks, and weigh in on the risks and benefits of all things related to homeownership.2021
Episodes
  • Your First Homeowner Roadmap - Simplifying the Complex

    Your First Homeowner Roadmap - Simplifying the Complex
    Nov 11 2025

    Summary

    this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Elizabeth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the essential steps for first-time homeowners. They cover the importance of understanding how to operate and maintain a home, the significance of regular maintenance, and how to prioritize home projects based on inspections. The conversation also delves into budgeting for homeownership, including the total cost of ownership and the balance between DIY projects and hiring professionals. The hosts emphasize the need for preparation and awareness to navigate the complexities of homeownership successfully.

    Takeaways

    • Homeownership is a journey that requires understanding and preparation.
    • Knowing how your home operates is crucial for effective management.
    • Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs in the future.
    • Creating a maintenance calendar helps keep track of necessary tasks.
    • Prioritizing projects based on inspections can save time and money.
    • Understanding the total cost of ownership is essential for budgeting.
    • DIY projects can save money but require time and effort.
    • Home inspections provide a snapshot but do not replace ongoing maintenance.
    • Engaging with neighbors can provide support and resources for home care.
    • Planning and budgeting for home projects is key to successful homeownership.

    Chapters

    00:40 Welcome to Homeownership

    03:36 Understanding Your Home's Operations

    06:30 Maintenance and Care for Your Home

    12:36 Prioritizing Home Projects

    18:46 Managing Home Expenses

    24:32 The Total Cost of Homeownership

    30:39 Becoming a Smarter Homeowner
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    36 mins
  • First-Time Homebuyers: The 4 Phases to Get it Right

    First-Time Homebuyers: The 4 Phases to Get it Right
    Oct 16 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Elizabeth Dodson and John Bodrozic share their personal experiences as first-time homeowners and provide valuable insights into the home buying process. They discuss the importance of financial readiness, the significance of choosing the right location, and the criteria for selecting a home. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper planning and preparation to navigate the complexities of buying a home, including understanding financing options and the negotiation process with real estate agents.

    Takeaways

    • Home buying is a significant financial decision.
    • Understanding your financial readiness is crucial before shopping for homes.
    • It's important to know your loan capacity and financing options.
    • Location plays a vital role in the home buying process.
    • Consider the type and condition of the home when making a decision.
    • Be aware of the costs associated with homeownership, including maintenance and HOA fees.
    • The home buying process involves negotiations and understanding market conditions.
    • Getting organized before contacting a real estate agent can save time.
    • DIY projects can be a fun way to personalize your new home.
    • Planning for future expenses, including furniture, is essential.

    Sound bites

    "I got free advice."

    "I wanted something of my own."

    "Location is key too."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Home Buying Experiences

    02:56 Personal Experiences of Home Buying

    05:58 Understanding the Motivation Behind Home Ownership

    09:05 The Importance of Financial Preparation

    11:58 Navigating the Financing Process

    15:01 Understanding Mortgage Payments and Budgeting

    18:00 Exploring Loan Options for First-Time Buyers

    21:05 The Role of Location in Home Buying

    23:38 The Evolving Importance of Location

    29:01 Criteria for Choosing the Right Home

    36:37 Navigating the Home Buying Process

    42:42 Understanding Trade-offs in Home Buying
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    46 mins
  • What Every Homeowner Should Know About Shutoffs and Safety

    What Every Homeowner Should Know About Shutoffs and Safety
    Oct 16 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner Podcast, hosts Elizabeth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss essential knowledge every homeowner should have regarding their home's utilities. They emphasize the importance of understanding how to manage water, electricity, and gas systems to prevent damage and ensure safety. The conversation covers practical tips on locating shutoff valves, the significance of sump pumps, and the necessity of documenting procedures for emergencies. The hosts aim to empower homeowners with the knowledge to protect their homes and minimize risks effectively.

    Takeaways

    • Homeowners should know how to manage their utilities effectively.
    • Understanding where shutoff valves are can prevent significant damage.
    • Documenting utility shutoff procedures can enhance preparedness.
    • Sump pumps are crucial for homes with basements to prevent flooding.
    • Awareness of home systems contributes to overall safety.
    • Gas shutoff valves are essential for preventing neighborhood hazards.
    • Electricity management is key during repairs or emergencies.
    • Homeowners should regularly check and maintain their utility systems.
    • Knowledge of sewer cleanouts can prevent costly backups.
    • Proactive measures can save homeowners from extensive damage.

    Sound bites

    "Be a Smarter Homeowner Podcast"

    "How do I protect my home?"

    "Awareness is the key to minimizing damage."

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding Home Utilities and Their Importance

    03:05 Water Shutoff Valves: The First Line of Defense

    05:59 Electricity: Managing Your Home's Power Supply

    11:58 Gas Safety: Knowing Your Shutoff Points

    17:47 Sump Pumps and Sewer Lines: Preventing Water Damage

    30:00 Final Thoughts: Awareness and Preparedness for Homeowners
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    32 mins
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