Before you lease it, list it, or hold onto it, ask yourself the right questions.

In this episode, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger walk through five critical questions that every homeowner and investor should answer before making a real estate move. From financial goals and market timing to risk tolerance and the reality of being a landlord, this self-interview style conversation breaks down how smart planning—and honest answers—can save you thousands and protect your sanity.

Smart decisions start with better questions.

Contact:

Savannah:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

Glynn:

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

Key Takeaways:

• What is your real financial goal?
  Are you after cash now, long-term income, liquidity, or passive income? Every decision changes based on this answer.

• How does your life stage impact the decision?
  Age, family needs, schools, commute, and legacy planning all matter—and they should drive your strategy, not emotions.

• How long do you realistically plan to hold the property?
  Most owners move every 7–10 years, but holding vs. renting after a move are very different paths with different risks.

• What is the market actually doing right now?
  Buyer vs. seller markets matter—but so do landlord vs. tenant markets. Pricing wrong can cost you months of vacancy and thousands lost.

• Do you truly want to be a landlord?
  Late-night emergency calls, legal responsibilities, emotional stress, and maintenance costs make this far from "passive" for most people.

• Bonus Reality Check: What's your risk tolerance?
  Roofs, AC units, insurance deductibles, storms, and surprise repairs can quickly derail cash flow if you're not financially prepared.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

#realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

Would you rather have money in your pocket—or locked inside your walls?

In this episode, Savannah Dunn and Glynn Crutsinger break down the real difference between equity and cash flow, and why focusing on just one can cost you in the long run. From accidental landlords to recent buyers facing tough market conditions, they explain how renting, holding, or selling can each be the right move—depending on your timeline, goals, and financial reality. The takeaway? Real estate wins are built with strategy, patience, and the right conversations first.

Contact:

Savannah:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

Glynn:

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

• Cash flow vs. equity isn't an either/or decision — smart real estate choices look at the full picture, not just monthly profit.

• Four pillars matter: cash flow, depreciation (tax benefits), appreciation (market growth), and amortization (tenants paying down your loan).

• Time is your ally in real estate — equity and appreciation typically require years, not months, to truly pay off.

• Renting can be a strategic pause — especially for homeowners who bought near the market peak or would lose money selling today.

• Equity creates options — from cash-out refinancing to renting a paid-off home to fund your next move.

• A small monthly loss can beat a big one-day hit — leasing may soften the financial blow compared to selling at a loss.

• Professional guidance matters — agents, property managers, and CPAs help uncover tax benefits and long-term upside many owners overlook.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

#realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor

Life's big moments — diapers, diamonds, divorce, death, diplomas, and even relocation — shape our real estate decisions more than market trends ever could.

In this episode of Lease It or List It, Savannah and Glynn break down how each major life event impacts whether you should sell, keep, or lease your home, and why timing and planning make all the difference.

From first-time parents needing a yard, to newlyweds unknowingly selling a perfect future rental, to families navigating inheritance… the smartest choices come from education, planning, and talking to a professional before emotions take over.

If life just handed you a big "D," there's a strategy for that — and equity worth protecting.

Contact:

https://app.elify.com/vbc/hzdm5karnn

https://www.rpmonesource.com/

Top 5–7 Takeaways

The "D's of Real Estate" drive most housing decisions — Diapers, Diamonds, Divorce, Death, Diplomas… and Relocation (even though it doesn't start with D, they tried).

Diapers = First-time buyers + growing families. Whether upgrading from an apartment to a home or needing a bigger rental, life changes often require more space (and a fenced yard for the dog—another unofficial D).

Diamonds = Marriage + missed opportunities. Couples often sell one partner's property too quickly instead of keeping it as a prime rental asset that could build long-term wealth.

Divorce = Complexity + emotion. Most couples end up selling because refinancing, buyouts, and co-management of a rental are often too stressful during an already painful life event.

Death = Unexpected but financially impactful. Inheriting a fully paid-off home is often a huge opportunity—families can turn it into a cash-flowing rental instead of selling too fast.

Diplomas = Empty nesters & right-sizing. A five-bedroom with a pool may not make sense anymore. But selling and immediately buying a condo with high HOA fees isn't always the win people expect.

Planning vs. reacting. Some life events are sudden—others predictable. When there's time to plan, selling may be smart. When life hits fast, leasing can give breathing room while preserving equity.

Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios podcast production company:

https://www.bluemicstudios.com/

#realestatetips, #realestateadvice, #realestategoals, #housegoal, #architecture, #interiordesign, #hometour, #podcast #clientstories #realestateindustry #texasrealtors #realestatemarket #realestatesector #propertyinvestmentadvisor