The Joshua Holt Podcast

Should you skip the home inspection to make your offer more competitive? It's a question we hear all the time, and the answer is more nuanced than most buyers expect. We sat down with Kyle Jensen from HomeStart Inspections to break down what actually gets caught during an inspection, why it matters even in brand-new construction, and what your options are if you end up waiving one. Watch our video to see what most buyers don't catch on their own.

One of the most common questions we get from buyers is whether they need a preapproval before they start looking at homes. The short answer is absolutely. We sat down with our mortgage expert Jess Rielly from Envoy Mortgage to break down why it matters, what documents you need, and why getting preapproved doesn’t mean you have to buy right away. If you have been hesitant about taking that first step, this conversation will show you how simple the process really is. Watch our video for the full conversation.

Is Madison’s housing market finally becoming more affordable for buyers? In this video, we’re breaking down the latest trends in Madison’s market and what they really mean for you. While home prices are still rising, mortgage rates have dropped, and inventory is improving, making it slightly easier to navigate the market. You’ll learn why affordability remains a challenge and how the increase in listings is providing more options for buyers. Watch the video to find out whether it’s the right time for you to buy in Madison.

Are you wondering whether to update your home or sell it as-is? Many homeowners in South Central Wisconsin worry about spending money on repairs that might not pay off. Today, I’ll guide you on which updates attract buyers and when selling as-is can be the smarter move. You’ll learn how small changes, pricing, and positioning can make a big difference in offers. If you're looking to maximize your home’s value without unnecessary spending, this video is for you.

Madison’s housing market is already tough, and now the city has hit pause on building new data centers. Could this finally give people more room to find a home without prices skyrocketing? In this video, I break down exactly how this pause could impact the market and your next move. Click the link below to watch and see what this change could mean for you.

Wondering what the 2026 real estate market will look like? After years of uncertainty and fluctuations, many potential buyers and sellers remain on the sidelines, afraid of getting the timing wrong. In this update, I’m breaking down what's actually happening beneath the headlines about rates, inventory, and buyer behavior. Right now, mortgage rates are easing to around the low to mid-sixes, creating new opportunities for refinancing and purchasing that you might not have considered. If you want to know what the market may bring this year, check out my video.

Thinking about buying a home in 2026? A proposed ban on institutional investors could shake up the market, but many buyers aren’t sure what it really means for them. I’m breaking down how this policy could affect competition, affordability, and your chances of landing the right home. From markets with heavy investor activity to broader housing supply trends, knowing what’s happening can help you plan your next move. If you want to find out what these shifts mean for your buying decisions and how to stay ahead, check out my video.

Madison, Wisconsin, is officially one of the hottest housing markets in 2026, and the buzz is real. Redfin placed it alongside other surging Midwest cities like Minneapolis, Cleveland, and St. Louis. I’ll explain what’s driving the boom: affordability, climate stability, and population growth, while homes are selling fast and competition is rising. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, now is the perfect time to see what opportunities Madison has to offer. Click the link below to learn more.

Want to buy a home in Madison this year but don’t know where to start? Take action now before the competition heats up. I’ll guide you through three smart steps to make homebuying easier and more strategic, plus common mistakes to avoid. Want to hear the full step-by-step process? Just check out my video.

The holiday season is here, and we’re feeling all the good vibes! We’re grateful for all the amazing people we’ve gotten to meet, and helping you find new spaces or start fresh has truly been one of the highlights of our careers. You’ve made this journey meaningful and a whole lot of fun. Here’s a quick, festive holiday message from our team to kick off the season.

Imagine stretching your loan to 50 years or carrying your rate through a portable mortgage, only to see how slowly your equity builds and how quickly costs rise. What looks like affordability today can create challenges later. I’ll show you what these mortgage options really mean for your finances and what buyers should consider before committing. Click the link below to make the choice that’s best for you.

What will the housing market look like in 2026? Some signs point to slow price growth, possible rate relief, and changes in inventory. What that means for buyers and sellers may surprise you. Today, I’ll break down what you need to know based on the latest data so you can make a solid plan for your next move.

Wondering why more home deals are falling through? Contract cancellations are at a record high in late 2025. But it’s not a crash; it’s a reset. Today, I’ll explain the four real reasons deals are stalling, and what you can do to protect yours, whether you’re buying or selling. Right now, buyers and sellers are misaligned, small hiccups are becoming deal-breakers, and every market is moving differently. If planning to buy or sell soon, check this out.

Should you stage your home before selling? The truth is, it depends. You first need to assess your home, market, and goals. In this video, I’ll break down when staging makes the biggest impact, how to do it cost-effectively, and when it may not be needed at all. Whether you’re working with a vacant home, an unusual layout, or just want to stand out online, these smart tips can help you attract more buyers and sell with confidence. Check out my video to learn more.

Selling your home? Here’s one thing sellers never anticipate: Even if you've accepted an offer, you're still not guaranteed a sale. It's incredibly frustrating to invest time and energy only to have the deal fall through from a bad inspection or financing issue. In this video, I’ll walk you through the five most common reasons buyers back out and how to prevent them. Whether you're selling soon or already have an offer in hand, this will help you stay one step ahead and make it to closing day with confidence.

Are you wondering if the Fed’s recent rate cut makes it cheaper to buy or the right time to sell in South Florida? Many buyers and sellers assume that a rate cut automatically means lower mortgage rates, but the truth is that they don’t always move together. Today, I’ll share how this rate cut really impacts your buying and selling decisions. You’ll learn why mortgage rates haven’t dropped as expected and why acting now could mean avoiding more competition and higher prices later. Check out my latest video to understand what’s really happening in the market.

What if your accepted offer isn’t secure? In South Central Wisconsin, bump clauses can change everything for buyers and sellers. Today, I’ll explain how a bump clause can protect both buyers and sellers, when it applies, and what other strategies can keep your deal safe. Check out the link below to know how to protect your move and avoid costly surprises.

Picture this: you’ve saved for the down payment and secured a pre-approval, but are you really financially ready to buy a home? In 2025, the price on the listing is only the beginning. Before finalizing anything, I’m sharing five extra costs you need to prepare for when buying a home. From inspections and escrow accounts and more, hidden costs can add up fast and throw your budget off track. By understanding these hidden costs now, you can confidently buy your dream home without added stress. To learn what they are, just check out my video!

AI-powered home value tools are everywhere in 2025, but how accurate are they? If you’re relying on an algorithm to price your biggest asset, it might be undervalued. Today, I’ll break down when AI gets it right, when it misses the mark, and why working with a local agent still makes all the difference when it’s time to sell. I’ll tell you this: it’s great at giving you a quick home estimate, but it won’t be able to account for home upgrades that might give your home value a boost. Check out my latest video to learn more.

“How soon can I sell my home?” This is the most common question I get from home sellers. This summer, with buyers being more selective and interest rates still high, the answer isn’t always clear. Today, I’ll break down what’s really happening in the summer market and what steps you can take to sell faster. From smart pricing to simple prep, I’ll show you exactly how to position your home so it stands out and attracts serious buyers. Just click the link below to learn more.

The summer 2025 housing market is full of mixed signals. In some cities, home prices are climbing fast, while others are seeing slowdowns or price drops. I'm sharing three current housing trends using up-to-date local market data to help you understand what's really happening in today's summer market, whether you’re buying or selling. Check out my latest video to learn more!

Are you trying to make the most of summer in Madison but unsure which events are actually worth your time? I know the best spots you don’t want to miss this summer. Today, I’ll highlight four standout experiences that bring together music, art, nature, and local flavor. From lakeside paddleboarding to an open-air concert series, you’ll get a preview of what makes each one a top pick. Get the full details in my latest video.

Are you considering selling your home this spring? A pre-listing inspection is one of the smartest ways to sell faster in today’s market. I’ll share three powerful reasons why this step in the listing process gives you a competitive edge, helps you avoid surprises, builds buyer confidence, and gives you leverage during negotiations. Learn more about how a pre-listing inspection can work in your favor by clicking the link below!

Are you thinking about selling your home this spring but unsure which upgrades will actually add value? With so many options out there, you might end up wasting money on improvements that won’t make much of a difference. That’s why today, I’ll walk you through high ROI upgrades that can effectively boost your home’s value without breaking the bank. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and focus on projects that buyers really want.

Are you paying too much in property taxes? If your property assessment seems too high, you have the right to challenge it. Today, I’ll walk you through the steps to protest your property taxes, from understanding your assessment to gathering the evidence needed to support your case. You’ll learn how to spot errors, research comparable properties, and submit a successful appeal. Check out my full video for more tips on reducing your tax bill.

Are you planning to buy, build, or renovate a home soon? You might be surprised to learn that tariffs are driving up prices faster than you think. In today’s video, I’ll break down how rising tariffs on lumber, steel, and aluminum are adding $7,500 to $10,000 to the cost of a new home—and what you can do to avoid paying more. I’ll also show you how acting now, exploring alternative materials, and working with the right professionals can help you stay ahead of the market. Get the full details in my latest video.

Are you curious about what your home is actually worth? Whether you’re looking to sell in the near future, are considering refinancing, or just want to know how much equity you have, your real estate plans should start with an accurate home valuation. I’ve helped countless homeowners find out their property’s true value, which is why today, I’m sharing three ways to find out what your house is worth. I’ll go over quick methods, like online home estimates, and share more involved ways you can get a better valuation.

What is the best way to stage a home while you’re still living in it? The truth is that this process can be a little tricky, but it’s worth it: staged homes sell 13% higher on average and often bring in more money. Fortunately, I’ve helped countless homeowners stage their properties while living in them, so today, I’ll go over five of the best tips I’ve learned on the job. First, declutter and pack early–you should think of it as ‘pre-moving.’ To learn more tips, just check out my latest video.

Want to sell your home but don’t know how to get it ready for the open market? I know it can be overwhelming to prepare your home for sale, but it’s worth it: In this market, quality homes sell fast, while others run the risk of sitting for a long time without any offers. That’s why today, I’m sharing three simple tips you can follow to attract the most buyer attention possible. You’ll learn how to enhance your curb appeal, declutter and depersonalize, and highlight the key features of your house. Just check out my video for more information.

In the wake of the LA wildfires, a lot of homeowners have reached out with a serious question: “What happens if your home is damaged by a natural disaster while under contract?” No matter which area of the country you live in, you don’t want to be caught flat-footed in case of an emergency. That’s why today, I’m going over three steps you can take to prepare for the worst-case scenario. First, you’ll need to work with your agent to review exactly what your contract says about this situation. To learn more, check out this video.

Right now, the No. 1 question people are asking me is, “When is the best time of year to sell my house?” While I don’t usually recommend trying to time the market, the truth is that the busy season in real estate is right around the corner. Late winter to early spring is often considered the best time to sell due to lower inventory and increasing buyer demand, so how can you get ready now to take advantage of this window? In this video, I’m sharing how planning early, being patient, and beating your competition to the market can help you hit this sweet spot and sell your home at the best time possible. Just click the link below to learn more.

There are a lot of different types of home loans and a lot to understand. Where do you even begin? Today I am going to dive deep into VA home loans. Have you ever heard of them? They provide a lot of very helpful benefits, but you have to qualify first, and the process of buying a home looks a little different. To learn what you need to know about VA home loans, watch my latest video here.