The Closing Table Podcast

On this episode, Ernie kicks off with his terrible experiences with realtors who take this industry and make a bad name for itself. Mel offers a loan product that can help make your offers more competitive to win more opportunities. 

The closing table welcomes David Madara who has been taking Hamburg by storm. He is a father, a digital marketer, a content creator and a Hamburg resident who just became an owner and operator of a smoothie bar located in the heart of Hamburg!

In episode 26 Ernie went over the steps to become a realtor and getting you license and the small financial investment to get started. Now what are you gonna do with that! You gotta start building your business! How do you do that! Ernie goes over a few things that was a little to no financial investment to find leads and prospects to get your business going!

In this episode, Mark Mohn sits down with us to briefly go over some community redevelopment projects, his time becoming a realtor and transitioning to Government Affairs Ambassador, all the way into being an RBAR (Reading-Berks Association of Realtors) Associate. This man has a world of knowledge in his cranium and we plan to tap into that knowledge, experience, expertise and his involvement in a lot of the development efforts throughout the county. 

In this episode, Ernie briefly goes over the few steps to take to become a realtor and the financial investment needed to start your career. Its important to find a good support system. The right brokerage helps build the right real estate business!

On this episode Ernie and Mel bring back some of the first guests that took precious time out of there day for a podcast startup and shared some great info. A little fun was had at Ernie expense, but it was a great opportunity to catch up and see where they  are and where they want to be. 

A lot got done 2025. But 2026 is only just beginning and a lot planned for it. Mel helped Fulton Mortgage company Affiliate of the year award for 2025. Ernie earned Realtor of the Year!!!! And it isn't enough! We want to help more people, build more relationship, and make a bigger impact!!!

On this episode, Ernie and Mel call back Jay Winkleman of the Computer Wizards to help explain SEO and building a good google business page that should help you get exposure on google that should help your business grow!

Ernie and Mel discuss what a non QM loan is and who it primarily helps. If you are an investor or a self employed or business owner these loans can help you achieve homeownership!

On this episode Ernie and Mel talk about some great places to eat and see if you ever make it out to Berks County. There is a lot to offer, festival's to visit, attractions to see and places to eat that are fantastic in the community!

Our guest and friend Liz Sweeney discusses a company specializing in emergency cleanup services with Puroclean. This company has a very high customer satisfaction record and its because of there attention to detail and there compassion with the consumer. They do more than just help clean up a home from catastrophes. They also help with hoarder situations, biohazard and chemical clean up. 

There is a lot going on throughout berks county. One of the biggest is the new development that broke ground mid to late October off of Broadcasting road! Outlet style shopping center along with the development of 700 residential homes!! This could have market implications for the next ew years to come! TUNE IN!!!!

On this episode, we dive into the world of public auctions by a local auctioneer and realtor! We learn a little more about what it takes to become an auctioneer, how they are marketed and the value it brings to have more than one way to sell a property for the public. Isaiah Ayala, realtor, auctioneer and once in the agricultural space shares how he is able to assist sellers with multiple strategies!

New appraisal changes are expected to cause heavy delays in transaction closings as well as getting appraisals scheduled. Changes in valuing a property, and overall recording of the inspection throughout the inspection. Make sure to contact your lender before writing up an offer to make sure that you don't put yourself and your clients in a situation. 

Mel and Ernie go over some of the tik tokers who focus on real estate  related content. Some of their favorites, and some of their... not so favorites. And what to look out for when listening to some of these content creators.

This gentleman created a business and revolutionized working at your desk with the walking activity desk. He was diagnosed with early onset Parkinsons at a very early age which caused him embarrassment and shame. But a revolutionary procedure allowed him to enjoy life the way he was meant to. And from there, he created a non profit foundation which helps others get the same procedure with financial assistance and mental support. The Be Still Foundation has helped many and has the goal to help many more per year. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

You've probably heard the morbid saying, "Theres more than one way to skin a cat?" Which by the way, why the hell are we skinning cats. Anyway, theres more than one way to offer to buy a house. And we go over a few simple but effective strategies you could use when submitting against multiple offer situations!

You can't do as much as you think by yourself. Having a good support system and a team to help you succeed is prevalent to your journey to success! YOUR NETWORTH IS YOUR NETWORK!!!!

Mel and Ernie have guest from Peak Financial Services who has been a numbers guy all his life. Dennis Pellgrini goes over common terms and products to help you with your financial future and what's the right and wrong way to save. He also goes over a strategy very attractive to those who have a business and ways to alleviate the pains of a capital gains tax when you sell a property or a business!

This episode was supposed to be a fun and light debate on who has the most challenging job. But it turned into a bitch fest to allow us to lift the weight off our shoulders from past crap. Then we started to review some movies or shows thats real estate related. 

We are joined by a constantly adaptive professional who knows how to make change to better the business. Alyse Mitten with Interlace Communications comes with worlds of experience. Having a business in marketing, she saw a niche and began to educate and control her future. Her Book "AI Resistance" discusses the advantages of AI and if it really is worth the risk.  If you want to get in touch with her, her email is [email protected]

Ernie and Mel talk about self worth and how not valuing your own can hurt your business and your personal growth. Some of the warning signs on how to tell if someone isn't valuing and respecting your time and ways to avoid it. 

Health insurance is not enjoyable to talk about or learn about, but Evan Markwood can not only keep you engaged, but make sure you are making the right choice for your health options! He goes over different coverages, the differences between HSA and FSA, inexpensive options for healthcare providers, and why premiums have sky rocketed the way they have! 

This episode is one you need to hear. Steven Sims from Keller Williams Platinum will hype you up to conquer the world. Melody and I were ready to go punch a UFC fighter and take his ass down. His positive mindset and what and who inspires him helps him with is journey towards success. A native of Philadelphia and only 4 months in Berks county and he is absolutely killing his goals! 

The title search process is by far one of the most important tasks when buying a home and most don't understand what title insurance is and what's covered. Denise shares her experience and needs for title insurance and how it can protect you in the long run! You can find her at [email protected]

An extension of sheriff sale episode, Co-host Mel Ficarro with Fulton Mortgage Company talks about some options that some don't know are available. From options to help with your current loan, to options to help sell your home, to options that help stop a sheriff sale auction. 

In this episode, we bring on Guest speaker Steve Kope with Comparion Insurance Agency who speaks on the world of property insurance, how he helps his customers, how he helps our clients, and some things that some people didn't know about from just inquiring about claims and how it can affect your future coverage or qualifications!

In this episode Ernie goes over his challenges helping people on the sheriff sale list, how he goes about helping them, how to help stop or delay the auction date and what most realtors and other people don't know about the process! As well as creative ways to invest in sheriff sale properties.

Melody and Ernie go into discussions about what people think we do what we actually do. Ernie gets commonly upset with falsely spread information, the analyze a tik Tok famous FSBO that made his fame on spreading bad information to the public and becoming the best in the clickbait business!

Episode one discusses who we are and why we are putting this together. You will hear where Mel Ficarro started her career to where she is now. Ernie discusses his previous challenges before jumping into real estate. We share a brief market update to help you stay ahead of the curve and make better real estate decisions!