The Kevin Smith Podcast

What happens to your home if something happens to you? It's not a fun question, but it's one of the most overlooked parts of selling a home, and the answer can mean the difference between a smooth closing and a two-year probate process. In this video, I sit down with my title rep Austin Kikuchi from Ticor Title to break down what most homeowners get wrong about trusts and probate before it becomes a problem at the closing table. If you own a home in Southern California, this is worth a few minutes. Watch my video to make sure you're set up the right way.

If you're looking at new construction in Orange County, the options right now are better than most people realize. Whether you're 55+ and looking for resort-style living, a first-time buyer exploring communities like Irvine's Great Park, or a family looking for space, schools, and neighborhood activities, there's a community designed for your stage of life. In this video, I walk you through three lifestyle categories, the builders behind each one, and some energy-saving features that come standard with new builds that most buyers don't know about. Watch my video to find out which one fits you.

Is the spring housing market finally heating up in Southern California? Mortgage applications have jumped significantly, interest rates have come down, and more inventory is hitting the market than we've seen in months. In this video, I break down what the latest numbers mean for buyers and sellers, including where rates stand right now, what's happening with inventory in Orange County, and why this spring could be a strong window to make a move. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, refinance, or explore investment options, this update is worth your time. Watch my video for the full breakdown.

Want more consistent clients without chasing every lead? One of the most overlooked strategies for vendors is partnering with real estate agents. They work with buyers and sellers every day and constantly need trusted vendors. In this video, I’ll explain how to build those relationships and turn them into steady referrals. Click below to learn how to grow your business the smart way.

Are you thinking about buying a property in cash or with an LLC? New rules will apply in 2026, and they could impact your transactions. The government is increasing transparency by requiring background checks for real estate purchases. This video covers everything you need to know about the new rule and what steps you should take to ensure smooth transactions.

Inheriting a property in California can come with complex decisions, including understanding trusts, probate, and taxes. With nearly 80% of estate transactions in California being handled through inheritance, it's essential to know how to avoid probate and manage your inheritance properly. In this video, I will guide you through the probate process and how setting up a trust in advance can save you time and money. I’ll also dive into the impact of Prop 13 on property taxes. If you want to make the inheritance process smoother, check out the full video.

Orange County kicked off 2026 with fewer listings and a fast-moving market. But are we still in a seller’s market? In this video, I’ll share what mid-January inventory tells us and how interest rates are reshaping buyer urgency. You’ll also learn what today’s market conditions mean for timing your next move. Get the full breakdown by clicking the link below.

Is your credit score ready for your next move in Mission Viejo? Whether you're looking to rent or buy, small missteps, like a missed payment or a high balance, can delay or derail your plans. In this video, I’m sharing the smart credit habits that make the biggest difference for local renters and buyers. If you want to boost your score before applying, this video is for you.

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

Looking for the best mortgage options? If you’re looking for ways to lower monthly payments on a home, I’ll go over the three best mortgage strategies in today’s market, from 50-year mortgages to buy-downs. I’ll break down how these mortgage strategies compare with others. Whether you’re buying, selling, or helping clients, you’ll want to see this to get ahead in today’s market.

Are you staying on top of your property taxes? Missed payments can rack up penalties. If you want to avoid late payments and reassessments, staying proactive is key. Today, I’ll outline simple steps to keep your property tax records in check. If you’re looking to avoid unnecessary costs and stress, this video is for you. Click the link below to get started.

Are you unsure about how to find your dream home in a new city? If you’re thinking about moving to Southern California or Mission Viejo, understanding the local housing market, taxes, schools, and amenities will make the transition easier. The simple truth is that it’s not just about finding a place, but about finding the right fit. Today, I’ll show you the factors that make a place ideal for homebuyers. Check out my video to learn more.

Are solar panels really worth it for homeowners in Southern California? With power rates among the highest in the country, it’s no surprise many are wondering if going solar truly pays off. I’ll break down what makes solar a smart move right now, especially before the 2025 tax credit ends. We’ll look at installation costs, long-term savings, ownership options, and how new policies like NEM 3.0 affect your return. Want to learn more? Just check out my full video by clicking the link below.

Thinking of moving your family to Orange County? With so many great communities to choose from, it can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the area. Where do you start? That’s why I put together a guide to some of the most family-friendly cities in Orange County. From Irvine’s top-ranked schools to Mission Viejo’s lakeside parks and outdoor lifestyle, these neighborhoods offer safe streets, vibrant family activities, and homes that grow with your family. Skip the guesswork and watch my latest video to discover which city might be the perfect match for your family.

The news about rising insurance costs is everywhere, but there's a bigger, scarier problem: uninsured HOAs. This oversight is a legal violation that can cost your home sale and put every homeowner's personal finances at risk. I’m here to talk about the risks of an expired or missing HOA insurance and how to avoid these issues before it becomes a problem. One way to get ahead of this is by checking the disclosures early and verifying coverage is in place. If you want to hear the rest, just check out my latest video and don't let a missing document kill your closing.

Finding a property with both unique character and serious financial upside can feel impossible, especially in a market like San Diego. Today, that's exactly what I'm going to show you. I'll walk you through a 1924 Craftsman that blends historic charm, modern upgrades, and impressive rental income. It's already bringing in $4,500/month, and with two permitted ADUs on the way, the numbers only get better. Check my video to see why this home stands out and why it might just be the smartest buy on the market.

Do you know that one device could protect your home and save you money on repairs? Water leaks are one of the leading causes of home damage, yet many homeowners don’t think about them until disaster strikes. That's why today, I’ll explain the difference between portable water leak sensors and automatic shut-off valves and how they work to stop leaks fast. You’ll learn why these tools are becoming essential and how they can prevent everything from insurance delays to costly repairs. Get the full breakdown in my latest video.

Are you looking for an easier way to manage your property taxes and insurance payments without the anxiety of missing important details? As a homeowner, these significant and often infrequent financial obligations can be challenging to handle alone. Today, I’ll explain how escrow accounts work, their benefits, and key considerations. While escrow accounts offer a convenient way to manage your finances, there is a risk of shortages. To learn more about the pros and cons of escrow accounts, check out my latest video.

Are you tired of feeling powerless against tenants who won't pay rent in California? The legal system and tenant-friendly laws can make eviction seem impossible. Learn the six essential steps you need to take to evict a non-paying tenant without unnecessary delays. Start by knowing how to serve notices correctly to avoid mistakes that can prolong the process. Don’t let tenant-friendly laws cost you. My latest video will explain how to protect your property from non-paying tenants.

Looking for a coastal lifestyle without the premium price? Check out this three-story condo in Laguna Niguel, just 14 minutes from Dana Point Harbor and four miles from Laguna Beach. Featuring brand-new upgrades and modern appliances, this home seamlessly blends convenience and luxury. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Saddleback Mountains and low HOA fees, making it an attractive option for many buyers. Don’t miss out—take a virtual tour of this condo in my latest video.

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.