If you heard the last episode, you already know we had to keep the conversation going. This week Jose and Kate return with attorney Edward Bruton and Mortgage Banker Brianna Lundquist to dive into the unpredictable world of Jersey real estate and all the surprises that come with it. And yes, the stories get even wilder.

Edward sets the tone early with a simple truth. “Trust your gut. It is usually right.” That becomes even more clear when Brianna drops moments from the lending side that you could not make up. Wedding gifts written the wrong way. Savings hidden in unexpected places. The kind of mattress money story that makes everyone stop and look at each other.

You also hear the compassion behind the chaos. These four care about their clients and it shows in every example they share. Edward sums it up perfectly. “Give us the facts and we can protect you.” And suddenly you see how much work happens long before a buyer ever gets the keys.

Here are the key takeaways:

(1:57) Trusting Your Gut During a Deal

(5:09) Why Attorneys Need Every Fact

(7:49) What Clients Must Tell Their Attorney

(11:15) The Mattress Money Problem

(12:38) How Lenders Verify Every Dollar

(14:50) The Wedding Check Mistake

(17:14) When Fifty Fifty Ownership Changes

(19:54) Survivorship vs Non-Survivorship

(24:39) Walkthrough Surprises Sellers Leave Behind

(31:00) The Risk of Waiving Inspections

(39:17) The Gas Pipeline Discovery

(45:32) Same Day Closing Stress Points

(50:50) Managing Emotions in Real Estate

(56:26) Why the Right Team Matters

(57:18) Balancing Empathy and Experience

This continuation feels warm, local, and full of the energy that makes Central Jersey such a memorable place to move through real estate. If you want the stories you never hear at the closing table, this episode brings them to life.

About Brianna Lundquist

Brianna Lundquist is a mortgage banker and longtime Freehold resident. She guides buyers and sellers through the financing side of a real estate transaction and works closely with agents and attorneys to keep deals on track. Her background in home lending and her understanding of the local market help clients navigate income checks, approvals, and last minute issues. She supports every stage of the mortgage process with clear direction and practical insight.

Connect with Brianna:

LinkedIn

About Edward J. Bruton

Edward J. Bruton is an attorney whose practice focuses on commercial and residential real estate transactions, loan matters, and general contract work. He assists clients through complex closings, title issues, and the legal steps involved in buying or selling property. His firm also handles personal injury cases and litigation. Edward works closely with real estate teams to help clients move through a transaction with clarity and proper legal protection.

Connect with Edward:

LinkedIn

About Katlin Vargo

Katlin Vargo is a real estate agent, focused on serving buyers, sellers, and investors in Central New Jersey. She has lived in Middlesex County for over ten years and brings a strong understanding of the local market. Outside of work, she spends time with her son, Beau, and their dog, Brooklyn, exploring nearby neighborhoods and parks.

Connect with Katlin:

Instagram

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Every town has its wild stories, but real estate in New Jersey hits a different level. On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo sit down with Mortgage Lender Brianna Lundquist and Attorney Edward Bruton to talk about the moments no one warns you about. The kind of moments that make even seasoned pros say, You are not going to believe this.

Jose sets the tone with a story from one of his early listings. A normal winter closing turned into something out of a movie when he got a call saying there was ice inside the house. Not outside. Inside. “It looked like winter in the living room”. And that was only the first surprise.

From there, the table gets into the hidden side of real estate. Buyers who forget they are on what Brianna calls financial probation. Walk-throughs that change everything. Insurance details that no one thinks about until it is too late. You can feel the room react because every single person has lived some version of these moments.

Here are the key takeaways:

(7:34) The Frozen Walkthrough Story

(14:21) Vacant Home and Seller Abroad

(16:15) Selling and Buying on the Same Day

(16:50) The Importance of Keeping Utilities On

(18:56) Refrigerator Disaster After Power Off

(21:24) Nightmare Financing in 2025

(24:26) The Tight DTI Problem

(27:28) Why Buyers Cannot “Just Tell” Their Lender

(28:10) The real reason underwriting is so strict

(31:04) Losing a Job Right Before Closing

(35:09) Why the team you work with matters

(41:57) What Clients Never See Behind the Scenes

(42:30) How Many Hands Touch a Real Estate Deal

If you have ever bought a home here or even thought about it, this episode will make you laugh, shake your head, and appreciate how much goes into getting a deal to the finish line. Hit play and step behind the scenes.

About Brianna Lundquist

Brianna Lundquist is a mortgage lender and longtime Freehold resident. She guides buyers and sellers through the financing side of a real estate transaction and works closely with agents and attorneys to keep deals on track. Her background in home lending and her understanding of the local market help clients navigate income checks, approvals, and last-minute issues. She supports every stage of the mortgage process with clear direction and practical insight.

Connect with Brianna:

LinkedIn

About Edward J. Bruton

Edward J. Bruton is an attorney whose practice focuses on commercial and residential real estate transactions, loan matters, and general contract work. He assists clients through complex closings, title issues, and the legal steps involved in buying or selling property. His firm also handles personal injury cases and litigation. Edward works closely with real estate teams to help clients move through a transaction with clarity and proper legal protection.

Connect with Edward:

LinkedIn

About Katlin Vargo

Katlin Vargo is a real estate agent, focused on serving buyers, sellers, and investors in Central New Jersey. She has lived in Middlesex County for over ten years and brings a strong understanding of the local market. Outside of work, she spends time with her son, Beau, and their dog, Brooklyn, exploring nearby neighborhoods and parks.

Connect with Katlin:

Instagram

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate with Keller Williams Realty with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

Instagram

When prices rise, it is easy to look at a house and think… that much? But in East Brunswick, you are not just buying a property. You are buying the neighborhood that stays well cared for and the access to parks, highways, and local spots that make everyday life easier.

In this clip, we step back from the walls of a home and shine a light on the community wrapped around it. With Mayor Brad Cohen in the conversation, we explore why this town keeps its value and continues to win families over year after year.

Catch this conversation in this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dczT5A4H9Su9yYtAtsBmpApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep09-how-mayor-brad-cohen-is-shaping-east-brunswicks/id1822771174?i=1000731229950YouTube: https://youtu.be/YforbR4hDOc

Until the next episode!

What do you get when you mix soft serve, a snack bar, and 70 years of Freehold history?

You get Jersey Freeze!

In this clip, we rewind to the 1950s to uncover the humble beginnings of Jersey Freeze, starting as a simple soft-serve stand and growing into a beloved Freehold staple. From window-side service to full dining rooms, and from father to son, this is more than just a food spot…it’s a slice of local history.

Whether you're here for the nostalgia, the burgers, or the best soft serve in town, Jersey Freeze is a testament to how small beginnings can leave a lasting mark on a community.

Catch this sweet story in this episode of The Jersey Link

Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zlHmx2QLRLDbGGm8rBsO9

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep07-jersey-freeze-then-and-now-freeholds-favorite/id1822771174?i=1000724042574

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/oasFye2df6o

See you in the next one!

The population is 50,000…, and somehow it still feels like everyone knows each other. What keeps East Brunswick feeling so connected while it keeps growing?

On this Jersey Link Podcast recap, Jose Sanchez and Kate Vargo look back at East Brunswick, a town blending tradition, progress, and a whole lot of community pride. They revisit their chats with Sensei Andrew Katz from Tiger Schulmann’s and Mayor Brad Cohen to show how personal growth and community growth go hand in hand.

From the mats of Tiger Schulmann’s to the construction zones along Route 18, this recap captures East Brunswick in motion. Sensei Katz shares how lessons in confidence and discipline go far beyond martial arts, the kind that shape kids, parents, and the way a town sees itself. Then, Mayor Brad Cohen opens up about major projects breathing life back into Route 18, from new walkable developments to plans for a hockey arena that could turn East Brunswick into a weekend destination.

Jose and Kate also dig into what this all means for the real estate scene, tight inventory, rising values, and what smart buyers and sellers should be paying attention to. And just when things get serious, the episode wraps with a laugh-out-loud True or False round powered by local trivia. Turns out, even seasoned locals can get surprised by how much there is to love about East Brunswick.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:59) Sensei Katz on teaching more than martial arts

(8:12) New businesses and Route 18 growth

(11:07) The hidden gems of East Brunswick’s recreation scene

(12:54) Why East Brunswick remains a strong seller’s market

(16:36) Selling fast with the right price strategy

(18:43) Smart updates that help homes sell

(21:51) Winning a bidding war and budgeting tips for buyers

(24:25) Financing renovations the easy way

(25:49) True or False: East Brunswick trivia gets spicy

Whether you live in East Brunswick or just love stories of local passion done right, this episode will have you nodding, laughing, and thinking about what home really means. Watch now and get a front-row seat to how Central Jersey keeps growing with heart.

About Katlin Vargo

Katlin Vargo is a real estate agent, focused on serving buyers, sellers, and investors in Central New Jersey. She has lived in Middlesex County for over ten years and brings a strong understanding of the local market. Outside of work, she spends time with her son, Beau, and their dog, Brooklyn, exploring nearby neighborhoods and parks.

Connect with Katlin:

Instagram

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.

East Brunswick is changing, and so is the way people see it. On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo sit down with Mayor Brad Cohen to talk about what makes this town tick and where it’s headed next.

Brad never planned on being mayor. In fact, his career started in medicine, not politics. But a few moments pushed him to step up, first for the schools, then for the whole community. “Public service, if you’re doing it right, is solving people’s problems,” he says. And you can hear how much that drives him as he talks about his vision for the town.

From a two-rink ice complex to new neighborhoods that feel like real communities, Brad shares just enough to get you curious about what’s coming. There’s also a bigger conversation here about what it means to grow without losing your roots and why East Brunswick feels like home to so many different people.

Jose and Kate bring their own stories to the table, asking the questions you’d want to know if you’ve ever driven down Route 18 and wondered what’s next. And yes, there’s even a surprising moment or two that might change the way you think about how a town works behind the scenes.

Here are the key takeaways:

(7:22) Brad’s Journey to Becoming Mayor

(13:51) Leadership and Teamwork

(15:18) Public Service vs. Politics

(16:56) Why People Move to East Brunswick

(23:30) Designing Unique Communities

(27:17) Balancing Growth and Character

(36:15) Business Growth and Competition

(39:25) Buying Into a Community

(42:32) First-Time Homebuyer Window

(44:01) Mayor Cohen’s Charity Fund

(47:12) Why Move to East Brunswick

(53:42) Most Rewarding Part of Serving

This isn’t just about buildings or roads. It’s about people, pride, and the future of a place that’s right in the heart of Central Jersey. Tune in and hear East Brunswick through the eyes of the people shaping it.

About Mayor Brad Cohen

Brad Cohen has served as Mayor of East Brunswick since 2016. He began public service in 2010 on the East Brunswick Board of Education, later becoming Board President. A longtime resident, he is a practicing gynecologist with offices in East Brunswick and Somerset. He lives in East Brunswick with his wife and their two children.

Connect with Mayor Brad Cohen:

Website

https://www.eastbrunswick.org/360/Mayor-Administrator

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.

Dreaming of your first home in Monmouth County?

We want to highlight this clip from our recent episode where we explored Freehold’s hidden gems, housing market wins, and the journey from your first home to your first mansion…one move at a time!

There are programs that could cover your entire down payment and even part of your closing costs, up to $22,000 in grant money. Freehold has every type of home imaginable, letting you grow, move, and upgrade without ever leaving the community you love.

Your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home. With Freehold’s strong appreciation rates and diverse neighborhoods, that starter home can open the door to your dream home in just a few years. This episode dives into local housing programs, real estate trends, and why now is the perfect time to start building equity.

If you missed it, catch up and listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0R7kOD1rDJ147xEIwU8iPb

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep06-what-makes-freehold-special-brooke-brianna-lundquist/id1822771174?i=1000721512672

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/aqPl4-SDXR0

See you on our next episode!

Martial arts is more than self-defense. It’s a tool, like a carpenter using a hammer. At Tiger Schulmann’s in East Brunswick, martial arts rests on three pillars: confidence, discipline, and community.

On this episode of The Jersey Link Podcast, Jose Sanchez and co-host Kate Vargo sit down with Sensei Andrew Katz to hear how a passion that started with a movie at age twelve became a lifelong mission.

Sensei Katz shares how he left his full-time job to make martial arts his career, what makes Tiger Schulmann’s culture unique, and why the “non-quitting spirit” is the most important lesson for kids and adults alike.

From kids finding confidence and standing up to bullies, to adults trading stress for strength, martial arts here goes far beyond the mat. And if you think it ends at the local level, think again. Tiger Schulmann’s has produced fighters like Lyman Good, Jimmy Rivera, Nick Pace, and Louis Gaudinot, names that stepped from East Brunswick’s mats into the UFC spotlight.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:45) Sensei Katz’s Martial Arts Journey

(4:10) History of Tiger Schulmann

(5:00) Tiger Schulmann’s Culture

(6:51) Martial Arts as a Tool

(7:50) The Non-Quitting Spirit

(12:27) Opening East Brunswick School

(16:35) Advice for First-Time Students

(18:55) The Black Belt Myth

(24:49) Stress Relief & Everyday Benefits

You’ll also hear stories of students who started out struggling and went on to excel, including one who became both a black belt and a Princeton scholar before becoming a cardiovascular surgeon.

For New Jersey families looking for something deeper than a sport, this episode shows why martial arts is about more than training; it’s about building stronger people, stronger families, and stronger towns.

About Sensei Andrew Katz

Sensei Andrew Katz is the head instructor at Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts in East Brunswick, New Jersey. With decades of experience in training and teaching, he has guided students of all ages through martial arts practice. His work focuses on helping kids, teens, and adults build discipline, confidence, and real-world self-defense skills. He continues to grow the East Brunswick school as a place for families and individuals to train together.

Connect with Sensei Andrew Katz:

Website

https://tsk.com/locations/nj/east-brunswick/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-katz-7159a81b/

About Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez is a Broker-Associate at Keller Williams Realty West Monmouth with 22 years of experience in real estate, financial sales, and business operations. He leads a team, oversees recruitment, and manages client relationships throughout the buying and selling process. Jose also directs marketing efforts and helps drive team performance. He works closely with the community to support local growth and development. His focus remains on guiding clients and building strong partnerships across the region.

Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsanchez35/

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/josersanchez

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only and reflects personal stories and community perspectives. It should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with relevant experts for guidance on specific issues.