Afleveringen
-
In Episode 25 of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Sasha Wilde, owner of Sexton Roofing & Siding, to talk about taking a leap into business ownership, finding home in Western Massachusetts, and building a company rooted in relationships and community. After purchasing Sexton Roofing & Siding with her husband Tim in 2023, Sasha shares the honest side of entrepreneurship â from the challenges of their first year to building a team, finding support, and creating a business they hope will serve the community for generations. Sasha also shares valuable advice every homeowner should know, including how to extend the life of your roof, what buyers should look for during the home search process, and why maintaining your home is about protecting one of your biggest investments. This conversation is about more than roofs â itâs about taking chances, building connections, and creating something that lasts.
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Heather Ferrari of William Raveis Real Estate for a conversation about community, connection, and the unexpected paths that lead us home.Born in Northampton and raised in South Amherst, Heatherâs deep Pioneer Valley roots started long before real estate. From growing up around her familyâs beloved Amherst restaurant, Nancy Janeâs, to earning her Theater degree from UMass Amherst, Heather built a foundation centered around people, storytelling, and relationships.Her journey took her from Western Mass to New York City, where she spent over a decade pursuing acting and working in the wine and spirits industry, before eventually discovering a passion for real estate after her own homebuying experience. Heather shares how her background in hospitality, sales, and performing shaped the Realtor she is today â helping her listen, advocate, negotiate, and guide clients through some of lifeâs biggest transitions. Lindsay and Heather also dive into:
đĄ What makes the Amherst and Pioneer Valley markets unique
đ Advice for buyers navigating todayâs competitive market
đ¤ Why collaboration matters in real estate
â¤ď¸ The emotional side of buying and selling a home
đ Heatherâs favorite Amherst spots and hidden gems
Whether youâre buying your first home, making a big life change, or simply love learning about the people who make Western Mass special â this episode is all about finding your place and the relationships that help get you there. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
In Episode 23 of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Jen Ewers of Edward Jones for a conversation about financial wellness, community connection, and why itâs never too late to move forward with confidence. With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate major life decisions, Jen shares a refreshingly approachable perspective on financial planning and reminds us that itâs not just about moneyâitâs about goals, relationships, and creating a life that feels meaningful and secure. The conversation explores the real questions people often hesitate to ask: Who actually needs a financial advisor? What should someone do before buying a home? How do budgeting, investing, and long-term planning fit together? Jen also shares insight into socially responsible investing, the importance of having the right team around you during major life transitions, and how community involvement has shaped both her career and her outlook on life.What stands out most is Jenâs ability to make financial conversations feel hopeful instead of intimidating. Her perspective on focusing less on past financial regrets and more on the opportunities ahead offers an encouraging reminder that itâs never too late to take the next step toward your goals. Whether youâre buying your first home, planning for retirement, navigating a major transition, or simply trying to feel more confident about your future, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and a meaningful reminder that progress starts wherever you are today. Real stories. Real people. Real estate. Right here in Western Mass.
-
In Episode 22 of Real People Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Aimee Fraulo, a science researcher and outdoor educator who recently returned to Massachusetts after spending 14 years in North Carolina. While trying to relocate back to New England and stay close to family and friends, Aimee took an unconventional path â purchasing a tiny house on wheels while searching for a permanent home in Western Massachusetts. What seemed like a simple solution quickly turned into a crash course in zoning laws, local regulations, housing culture, and the hidden realities of tiny house living. Along the way, Aimee discovered just how connected people truly are through community, support systems, and shared experiences. This episode dives into the challenges of relocating, the realities of alternative housing, and the importance of community in shaping the places we call home.
-
In Episode 21 of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Attorney David Berson of Legacy Counsellors, P.C. to talk about the realities of todayâs housing market and why helping first time homebuyers still matters so deeply to him. David shares his journey from serving as an Assistant District Attorney in New York to building a real estate focused legal practice here in Western Massachusetts. The conversation dives into what buyers are facing in todayâs market, common legal and zoning issues, the importance of having the right team around a transaction, and how education and guidance can completely change the experience for a homebuyer.What stands out most is Davidâs genuine care for helping people navigate one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of their lives with clarity, confidence, and honesty. Whether you are a first time buyer, homeowner, investor, or real estate professional, this episode offers practical insight and a behind the scenes look at the legal side of real estate that most people never hear about until they need it. Real stories. Real people. Real estate. Right here in Western Mass.
-
What really happens to your home if something unexpected happens to you? And why do so many families find out the hard way that âweâll deal with it laterâ is not a plan? In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Ben Palkowski, attorney and CPA at Old Colony Law, to break down estate planning in plain Englishâno legal fluff, no scare tactics. We cover the questions homeowners and homebuyers ask all the time but rarely get clear answers to:⢠What estate planning actually is and why it matters even if youâre not âwealthyâ⢠What happens to your home if you die without a plan⢠The probate process and how to avoid unnecessary delays and costs⢠The key documents every homeowner should have in place⢠When and how often your estate plan needs updating⢠Whether your home should be titled in a trust⢠How real estate ownership impacts taxes and legacy planning⢠The most common (and costly) estate planning mistakes⢠The single most important piece of advice Ben would give if he only had 10 minutes⢠How planning changes for business owners and commercial property owners. If you own a home, plan to buy one, or care about protecting your family and your legacy, this episode is a must-listen. Estate planning isnât about being morbidâitâs about being prepared, thoughtful, and kind to the people you love. Real talk. Real guidance. Real estateâbeyond the transaction.
-
Downsizing isnât about stuff. Itâs about life, family, timing, and emotion.In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, we welcome back Micki Sanderson to talk about her newest venture, Next Chapter Clean Outs, co-owned with Lisa Brommer, a business built to help people navigate one of the most overwhelming questions in real estate and life: Where do I even start? From clearing out a home after 60 years of living, to organizing a garage, barn, or basement, Micki and Lisa step in as conveners. They coordinate the right people, the right timing, and the right plan so families donât have to carry the weight alone. We talk about:⢠Why downsizing canât be done in a weekend⢠How decluttering impacts home value, marketability, and peace of mind⢠The emotional role of a neutral third party between parents and adult children⢠What actually happens during a clean-out process from start to finish⢠Why Next Chapter Clean Outs is not a moving company, but can seamlessly coordinate one⢠And Lisa's real âcleaning superpowerâ that makes the entire process feel lighter. Whether you are preparing to sell, helping aging parents, consolidating households, or just staring at a basement wondering how it got this bad, this conversation is for you. Because real estate isnât just about homes. Itâs about people, relationships, and the chapters in between.
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Christina Wheeler, an insurance industry veteran with over 30 years of experience and the founder of Wheeler Insurance Agency, for an honest, approachable conversation about life insuranceâand why it matters more than most homeowners realize.
Christina recently launched her own agency with a focused mission: helping individuals and families understand and secure the right life insurance coverage for their unique situations. Together, we break down Life Insurance 101 in plain Englishâwhat it is, why itâs important, and how it fits into responsible homeownership and long-term planning.
While life insurance isnât always the most comfortable topic, Christina explains why having coverage in place is one of the most meaningful ways to protect the people and investments you care about. We walk through the different types of life insurance policies, the pros and cons of each, and common misconceptions that often prevent people from taking action.
This episode is for homeowners, parents, business owners, and anyone who wants clarityânot pressureâaround life insurance and financial protection.
In this episode, we cover:
⢠Why life insurance is a key part of homeownership planning
⢠Term vs. permanent life insuranceâpros and cons of each
⢠Common myths and misunderstandings about life insurance
⢠How to think about coverage based on real life, not fear
⢠Why educationânot salesâis the foundation of good insurance adviceReal people. Real planning. Real protectionâfor the life youâre building.
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Taylor Robbins, Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager at M&T Bank, for a conversation that puts relationships at the center of commercial banking.
Taylor shares what it truly means to be a relationship banker and why trust, timing, and collaboration matter long before a business owner ever needs financing. Together, we unpack how commercial banking differs from residential lending, when homeowners and small investors should start thinking commercially, and where the gray areas often create confusion, especially with multi-family properties.
We also dive into Taylorâs experience as a powerhouse networker, woman, and young professional in Western Massachusetts. We talk candidly about building authentic relationships, showing up consistently for the local business community, and creating long-term success without being salesy.
And stay tuned to the end of the episode, where Taylor shares an exciting update on her latest community volunteer leadership accomplishmentâanother example of how she lives out her commitment to Western Massachusetts beyond banking.
Real people. Real relationships. Real estate on both sides of the lending conversation.
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Felicia Colcombe, recent homeowner and owner of Anytime Nutrition, to talk about what it really takes to grow roots and a business at the same time. *****Felicia shares her firsthand experience navigating both residential and commercial real estate while running a thriving nutrition business in Southampton. From balancing entrepreneurship with the homebuying process to the bigger-picture reality that accessible housing is essential for local businesses to survive and grow, this conversation gets real fast. *****If youâve ever wondered how homeownership, entrepreneurship, and community are deeply connectedâor youâre a business owner thinking about your next moveâthis episode is for you. ****Real stories. Real people. Real estateâright here in Western Mass.
-
In this episode of Real People Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Applied Mortgage loan originator and longtime investor Jeff LaPointe, the definition of cool, calm, and collected â and someone who has quietly built serious expertise through more than 15 years as a landlord of six rental units, 14 years in banking, and now serving over 100 homeowners with consistent five star service. Jeff shares the practical lessons real estate has taught him, how he helps buyers navigate todayâs market with confidence, and why staying steady and people focused has been the key to both his investing success and his rapid rise as a top mortgage professional in Western Mass.
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, host Lindsay Barron LaBonte sits down with Western Massachusetts real-estate pro Micki Sanderson to explore what happens when deep local roots, genuine listening, and strategy all come together to serve clients at the highest level. Micki isnât just another REALTORÂŽ â she brings 18 years of Western Mass experience, a people-first approach rooted in connection and communication, and a genuine ability to listen to clientsâ needs, wants, and wishes to help them find the neighborhood â and the life â that truly fits. We dig into why having a team who knows the Valley inside and out, from zoning to hidden gems, can make all the difference, and how listening well translates into turning home-dreams into real keys. Tune in for: Real stories of local market fluency and what it means for buyers & sellers The people-first mindset that elevates the experience beyond a transaction How thoughtful strategy and full-service commitment shape outcomes youâll feel, not just see Why community engagement, local knowledge, and authenticity arenât extras, theyâre the backbone of smart real estate. Whether youâre actively buying, selling, or simply curious how to connect to place (and people) more deeply, youâll leave this episode with clarity and inspiration. Because real estate isnât just about property, itâs about people and building the life you want.
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay Barron LaBonte chats with Nick Stoddard â Executive Sales Agent with Comparion Insurance Agency (a Liberty Mutual Company), proud Holyoke local, and four-time Elite Leader placing him in the top 1% nationwide.
Nick brings a fresh perspective on insurance after the home purchase â not as something to worry about, but as an opportunity to stay ahead, protect your investment, and even save money in the long run.
We cover:
Whatâs changing in the insurance world and why it matters.
How post-purchase inspections are helping homeowners spot small fixes before they become big problems.
Simple ways to make sure your policy is working for you.
Why transparency and partnership with your agent can make all the difference.
Nickâs style is straightforward, down to earth, and genuinely focused on protecting what matters most. His advice is clear: with the right information and the right agent, insurance doesnât have to be stressful â it can be part of a smart, long-term homeownership strategy.
Tune in, feel confident about your coverage, and step into homeownership with peace of mind. -
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with industry veteran Peter Ruffini to dig into two of the most talked-about shifts in real estate â the 2024 NAR settlement and the new 2025 home inspection changes in Massachusetts. Peter breaks down what these updates mean for agents, buyers, and sellers, and how professionals can adapt with clarity and confidence. He also highlights the often-overlooked distinction between training, coaching, and mentoring, and why understanding the difference can make or break your success in this changing market. A must-listen for anyone who wants to stay informed â and stay ahead â in todayâs evolving real estate world.
-
Meet Theresa Ryan â LA real estate pro turned Western Mass powerhouse. After relocating east during the pandemic, Theresa brought her competitive edge, investor savvy, and infectious enthusiasm to one of the hottest markets in New England. In this episode, she shares how she rebuilt her business from the ground up, why Western Mass is a the perfect spot for smart investors, and how she balances real estate with running CrèmeBru.LA, her locally loved dessert venture with her husband. A true story of reinvention, resilience, and community connection.
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Tom Crossman, a true Amherst original whose real estate journey started with a $90,000 first homeâand a whole lot of sweat equity. From saving up dollar by dollar (and crate by crate) to becoming a seasoned property manager, landlord, and community leader, Tom proves that success in real estate isnât handed to youâitâs built through hard work, persistence, and heart.
Tom shares the insider secrets, tips, and tricks heâs learned from over a decade in property managementâcovering everything from smart home maintenance moves to landlord lessons you wonât find in a textbook. Beyond the business, heâs the voice of Amherst High School football, a youth coach, and a proud board member for Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, always giving back to the community that helped shape him.
Tune in for a conversation packed with real-world advice, small-town heart, and a reminder that whether youâre buying, maintaining, or mentoringâitâs all about putting in the work and paying it forward. -
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Brian Megliola, founder of The Megliola Group, to explore what it really means to go beyond the transaction in real estate. From buying and selling to flipping, leasing, and property management, Brianâs team has created a full-circle model that touches every corner of the housing industry. But itâs their heart-led nonprofit, Leoâs Home, that truly sets them apartâproviding support, stability, and second chances for those in need of housing help.
Tune in for an inspiring look at how one Western Mass company proves that real estate done right isnât just about propertiesâitâs about people, purpose, and creating lasting impact.
-
What do you really know about your homeâs history? In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, Lindsay sits down with Attorney Roger Lipton â a seasoned real estate and litigation attorney with more than 40 years of experience in Western Massachusetts. Roger shares how a routine title search turned into a major discovery when he uncovered a hidden defect in the early days of a local condominium association in Northampton â and why thorough title work is one of the most important (and overlooked) steps in the homebuying process. From complex closings to courtroom wins, Roger brings stories, insights, and a refreshing dose of perspective on how legal expertise helps protect both people and property.
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, host Lindsay Barron LaBonte sits down with Erica Swallow - top real estate agent, writer, and historic preservation advocate - to dive into the trends shaping both our local Western Massachusetts market and the national real estate landscape.We cover:â Housing inventory, prices, and affordabilityâare things getting better or worse?â Relocation patternsâwhoâs moving into (and out of) New England, and whyâ How storytelling and marketing can help buyers and sellers make smart moves â The value of preserving historic homes and why they matter now more than everErica brings a rare blend of expertise in real estate, advertising, writing, and community leadership, offering a fresh perspective on how buyers, sellers, and homeowners can navigate todayâs market with confidence
-
In this episode of Real People, Real Estate, host Lindsay Barron LaBonte sits down with longtime real estate attorney Mark NeJame of NeJame & Kling Law Offices in Northampton, MA. With over three decades of experience representing buyers, sellers, and refinancing homeowners, Mark shares insights from the legal side of the closing table â especially when it comes to working with first-time homebuyers. From evolving industry practices to common legal pitfalls, Mark breaks down how Massachusetts real estate law works, what buyers need to know, and why heâs passionate about making the process smoother and more accessible. We also talk about the value of community education, his role in local housing boards, and how real estate continues to challenge and inspire him even after 30+ years in practice. Whether youâre a first-time buyer, a real estate professional, or just curious about how closings really work, this episode is packed with knowledge â and heart.đ§ Tune in for:The role of real estate attorneys in Massachusetts, Markâs advice for first-time homebuyers, Tips for navigating a changing housing landscape, Common modern-day closing hurdles (like digital banks!), Why giving back is central to Markâs mission.
- Laat meer zien
