Ep011: 10 Tips to Win a Bidding War – Competing Smarter in Today's Market

Ep011: 10 Tips to Win a Bidding War – Competing Smarter in Today's Market

In today’s competitive housing market, finding the right home is only half the battle — winning it is where strategy matters most. In this episode of the All Things Real Estate Podcast, Chris McAllister and Laci LeBlanc break down the real-world tactics buyers can use to compete smarter in bidding wars without simply throwing more money at the problem. From escalation clauses and appraisal gap coverage to lender strategy, contingencies, and the power of agent reputation, this conversation gives buyers a practical roadmap for navigating one of the most frustrating parts of today’s market. If you’ve ever lost out on a home despite making what felt like a strong offer, this episode explains why. Sellers aren’t always choosing the highest price — they’re choosing the offer that feels most likely to close smoothly and with the least stress. Chris explains how preparation, flexibility, and strong relationships with experienced agents and lenders can often outweigh price alone. You’ll also learn: * How escalation clauses actually work — and where buyers get into trouble * Why the “Two Lender Strategy” can strengthen your offer * What the new buyer agency rules mean for buyers in 2026 * How to structure contingencies strategically instead of recklessly waiving them * The right (and wrong) way to use personal letters to sellers * Why HOA and condo rules can derail deals at the last minute * What makes a “perfect offer package” stand out to listing agents * Why flexibility and preparation often beat emotion in competitive markets Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, downsizing, or trying to compete in a fast-moving market, this episode is packed with actionable advice that can help you stay competitive while still protecting your financial future. Visit https://10TipsToWinABiddingWar.com to download the free “10 Tips to Win a Bidding War” guide discussed in this episode and learn how to compete with confidence — not panic. #AllThingsRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #BiddingWar #RealEstatePodcast #BuyWithROOST #RealEstateAdvice #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #CompetitiveHousingMarket P.S. Want more practical tips for buying and selling real estate? Our ever-growing library of books, blog posts, podcast episodes, masterclasses, documents, and other tools is at your fingertips. Learn More >>> The All Things Real Estate Resource Hub [http://email.send.roostrealestateco.com/c/eJxs0D1PwzAQxvFPY2-pfOeLXwYPCClTWVgYLcc-mkAao9jt50eUDTE-0k96pH_K8doucS0BTTSkfGwRLYExKiKhA-ejsTQaWQKSg1lJDmDRg9dKebkE50vJ2ng75jKD08iaGIx281y0Le9yDaiQQIEFjxrdqSSr2AJTIsuaR0Gq8V5OR62tH5w2bj11zvWU61VuYen9qwn9JHASOP2rBE594SFt29CXdb-04UcMv2Q4uNXbkXlYbrPASR5hS3kVpAqn_SPlz1b3x1cPb-fn1xeF-rze-c985JH3gN8BAAD__4W1Xxc]

Ep010: Why Winter Might Be the Best Time to Sell Your Home — Especially in Ohio

Most homeowners believe spring is the only “right” time to sell — but that assumption may be costing you time, money, and leverage. In this episode of the All Things Real Estate Podcast, host Laci LeBlanc sits down with Priscilla McNamee, Director of Sales at ROOST Real Estate Co., to break down why winter can actually be one of the strongest seasons to list and sell a home — even in Ohio and the Midwest. Together, they unpack what’s really happening in the winter housing market and why serious buyers, lower competition, and faster timelines often work in sellers’ favor. 🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why waiting for spring isn’t always the smartest move  ✔️ How lower winter inventory helps listings stand out  ✔️ Why winter buyers are more serious (and better qualified)  ✔️ How homes often show more honestly in cold weather ✔️ Why winter sales can close faster than spring transactions ✔️ How relocation buyers, investors, and estate sales drive winter demand ✔️ What sellers can do to make their homes feel warm, inviting, and move-in ready ✔️ Why pricing and preparation matter even more heading into a more “normal” 2026 market This conversation is especially helpful if you’re: * Thinking about selling in December, January, or February * Unsure whether to wait for spring * Navigating a relocation, estate sale, or life change * Curious how shifting market conditions affect your home’s value ❄️ The Big Takeaway Winter isn’t a bad season to sell — it’s a different season. With fewer listings, more motivated buyers, and professionals who can move faster, the quiet season is often where the best opportunities show up. Strategy matters more than season. 📍 Thinking About Selling? If you’re considering a move, now is the time to talk with a local expert who understands your market. 👉 Connect with a ROOST real estate professional: https://SellWithROOST.com [https://SellWithROOST.com] Find out what your home could be worth right now — while many sellers are still waiting for spring. #AllThingsRealEstate #WinterHomeSelling #SellYourHome #OhioRealEstate #HousingMarket #ROOSTRealEstate #HomeSellingTips #RealEstatePodcast P.S. Want more practical tips for buying and selling real estate? Our ever-growing library of books, blog posts, podcast episodes, masterclasses, documents, and other tools is at your fingertips. Learn More >>> The All Things Real Estate Resource Hub [http://email.send.roostrealestateco.com/c/eJxs0D1PwzAQxvFPY2-pfOeLXwYPCClTWVgYLcc-mkAao9jt50eUDTE-0k96pH_K8doucS0BTTSkfGwRLYExKiKhA-ejsTQaWQKSg1lJDmDRg9dKebkE50vJ2ng75jKD08iaGIx281y0Le9yDaiQQIEFjxrdqSSr2AJTIsuaR0Gq8V5OR62tH5w2bj11zvWU61VuYen9qwn9JHASOP2rBE594SFt29CXdb-04UcMv2Q4uNXbkXlYbrPASR5hS3kVpAqn_SPlz1b3x1cPb-fn1xeF-rze-c985JH3gN8BAAD__4W1Xxc]

Ep009: The State of the ROOST Union 2026

In this annual State of the Union–style episode, ROOST Founder & CEO Chris McAllister reflects on a pivotal year of rebuilding, professionalization, and strategic positioning—and lays out a clear, grounded vision for 2026 and beyond. Joined by ROOST’s Marketing Director and longtime podcast partner Laci LeBlanc, Chris breaks down what actually moved the needle in 2025—not buzzwords, not vanity metrics, but real operational upgrades that improved owner profitability, team effectiveness, and long-term scalability. This is not a highlight reel. It’s a candid operating report from inside a real, growing real estate company—what worked, what had to be rebuilt, and what’s now possible because the foundation is finally right. Whether you’re a landlord, investor, agent, property manager, or business owner thinking about scale without losing your soul, this episode offers practical insight and a clear lens for evaluating your own next season. KEY TAKEAWAYS * How Rehab & Maintenance 2.0 evolved from a reactive cost center into a profitability engine * Why Owner Portfolio Reviews became the most valuable—and personal—work ROOST does * How ROOST intentionally became a media company, using YouTube and avatar-driven content to educate, attract, and scale trust * The team investments that had to happen before meaningful growth was possible * Why migrating marketing and referrals into HighLevel changed everything * A deep look at “Hey Chris, Buy Me a Beer”, ROOST’s referral partner program built for modern agents and professionals * The launch of a unified investor ecosystem combining Invest With ROOST and ROOST Portfolio Management * New initiatives in publishing, recruiting, leasing, and brand experience heading into 2026 * The long-term vision behind Boutique@Scale—and why it’s harder (and more valuable) than it sounds LINKS * ROOST Rehab & Maintenance [https://roostrealestateco.com/roost-home-services-co/] – The Key to Your Profitability (and Ours)  * ROOST YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ROOSTRealEstateCo] – Content You Can Trust * GoHighLevel [https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=laci60] – CRM Software that Automates What Makes Sense so We Can Personally Manage Relationships (Full Disclosure: This is an affiliate link!) * Invest with ROOST [https://roostrealestateco.com/investwithroost/] – For Investors with Fewer than 50 Properties * ROOST Portfolio Management [https://roostrealestateco.com/roost-portfolio-management-institutional-property-management-services-central-ohio-floridas-space-coast/] – For Investors with More than 50 Properties * Learn With ROOST [https://roostrealestateco.com/the-all-things-real-estate-resource-hub/] – View our evergrowing library of resources at the All Things Real Estate Hub. P.S. Want more practical tips for buying and selling real estate? Our ever-growing library of books, blog posts, podcast episodes, masterclasses, documents, and other tools is at your fingertips. Learn More >>> The All Things Real Estate Resource Hub [http://email.send.roostrealestateco.com/c/eJxs0D1PwzAQxvFPY2-pfOeLXwYPCClTWVgYLcc-mkAao9jt50eUDTE-0k96pH_K8doucS0BTTSkfGwRLYExKiKhA-ejsTQaWQKSg1lJDmDRg9dKebkE50vJ2ng75jKD08iaGIx281y0Le9yDaiQQIEFjxrdqSSr2AJTIsuaR0Gq8V5OR62tH5w2bj11zvWU61VuYen9qwn9JHASOP2rBE594SFt29CXdb-04UcMv2Q4uNXbkXlYbrPASR5hS3kVpAqn_SPlz1b3x1cPb-fn1xeF-rze-c985JH3gN8BAAD__4W1Xxc]

Ep008: What to Expect from Your Listing Agent (Even if Your Listing Agent is YOU!)

Selling a home isn’t just putting a sign in the yard and waiting. In this episode of All Things Real Estate, Chris McAllister and Laci LeBlanc break down what a professional listing agent actually does—step by step—and what you’ll need to take on if you decide to sell on your own. You’ll learn how to think like the CEO of your home sale (not a homeowner), why emotions can quietly sabotage pricing and negotiations, and how today’s marketing and tech tools (photos, 3D tours, digital scheduling, e-signatures) can either elevate your listing—or amplify the wrong strategy. Whether you’re hiring an agent or being your own agent, this conversation will help you make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and get to the closing table with fewer surprises. KEY TAKEAWAYS Think like a CEO, not a homeowner: make decisions based on evidence, not nostalgia. Your home needs a coordinated marketing plan: consistent story + strong presentation across every channel buyers use. Professional photos matter: not just for “pretty pictures,” but for perceived value and competitiveness. Prep wins: Chris’s top 3 must-dos are Tidy Up (declutter), Clean Up (spotless), Fix Up (small repairs). Pricing isn’t a guess: use recent comparable sales, supply/demand, days on market—and avoid “testing the market.” The first 2 weeks are critical: online platforms reward “fresh” listings; overpricing can cost you attention and credibility. Zillow Zestimate is a data point, not a strategy: useful for context, risky as a final answer. Offers are the beginning, not the finish line: financing strength, contingencies, timelines, and closing probability matter. Quiet professionalism = calm + proactive management: deadlines, inspections, appraisal, lender/title coordination. Minimum communication rhythm: weekly updates at minimum; after-showing updates when possible (even if there’s “no news”). P.S. Want more practical tips for buying and selling real estate? Our ever-growing library of books, blog posts, podcast episodes, masterclasses, documents, and other tools is at your fingertips. Learn More >>> The All Things Real Estate Resource Hub [http://email.send.roostrealestateco.com/c/eJxs0D1PwzAQxvFPY2-pfOeLXwYPCClTWVgYLcc-mkAao9jt50eUDTE-0k96pH_K8doucS0BTTSkfGwRLYExKiKhA-ejsTQaWQKSg1lJDmDRg9dKebkE50vJ2ng75jKD08iaGIx281y0Le9yDaiQQIEFjxrdqSSr2AJTIsuaR0Gq8V5OR62tH5w2bj11zvWU61VuYen9qwn9JHASOP2rBE594SFt29CXdb-04UcMv2Q4uNXbkXlYbrPASR5hS3kVpAqn_SPlz1b3x1cPb-fn1xeF-rze-c985JH3gN8BAAD__4W1Xxc]

Ep007: My Next ROOST – How to Buy a New Home and Sell Your Old One at the Same Time

Welcome back to the All Things Real Estate Podcast, with Chris McAllister. Today we’re talking about one of the biggest and most exciting transitions a homeowner can make: moving from your current home into your next home. We call this episode My Next ROOST, because for many of us, there comes a time when the house we’re in just doesn’t fit our lives anymore. Maybe your family is growing. Maybe you’re ready for a shorter commute or a better school district. Maybe you’re downsizing and simplifying. Whatever the reason, this step isn’t just about buying and selling houses. It’s about creating a home that matches the life you’re living now — and the future you’re building. But let’s be honest — moving up can feel overwhelming. How do you sell one home and buy another at the same time? What if the timing doesn’t line up? What if you end up stuck carrying two mortgages? The good news is, there are smart strategies that can make this transition not only possible, but exciting and joyful. And I’ve got the perfect guests with me to dig into this. Joining me is a familiar voice — Priscilla McNamee, our Director of Sales at ROOST Real Estate Co., who has helped countless families navigate this process with confidence. Together, we’re going to explore what homeowners are really worried about, what they should be thinking about, and the strategies that can make moving from one home to another a seamless, even empowering experience. So if you’ve been thinking about your next ROOST, you’re in the right place. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Start with your why. Moves stick (and feel better) when they reflect real life changes—kids, schools, commute, lifestyle—not just “a good deal.” * First-time seller realities. Your Zestimate isn’t your net. Expect closing costs, tax prorations, payoff nuances, repairs, and commissions to affect proceeds. * Know your numbers early. A clear Net Seller Sheet up front can prevent last-minute disappointments and keep your plan on track. * Market check. Pricing based on last year’s comps can stall your sale. Today’s market requires right-now data and realistic list prices. * Contingency options go both ways. * Buy subject to selling your current home (no “bump clause” if structured well). * List subject to finding suitable housing so you’re not rushed out. * Use time-boxed clauses (e.g., “under contract in 3 weeks or we revisit”). * Same-day success is possible. Many clients sell at 1 PM and buy at 4 PM—with funds disbursed the same day—when the plan and parties are aligned. * Financing tools (use thoughtfully). Bridge loans, HELOCs, and lender programs can help—but fees add up. Contingencies often save $5–10k in closing costs when viable. * Rent-back & possession. Less common locally, but still a tool—especially for relocations—when structured to protect both sides. * Beware the “We Buy Houses” blitz. Mailers and contracts can look easy—but may cost you far more than any saved commission. Run offers by a trusted agent or attorney. * The winning combo. A counselor-level agent + a fiduciary-minded lender = less anxiety, better timing, and a move that actually fits your life. LINKS * What Is a Seller Net Sheet? And Why a Great Listing Agent Always Provides One [https://roostrealestateco.com/what-is-a-seller-net-sheet-and-why-a-great-listing-agent-always-provides-one/] * Download the Buy with ROOST Brochure [https://roostrealestateco.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Buy-with-ROOST-073024-1.pdf] * Download the Sell with ROOST Brochure [https://roostrealestateco.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sell-with-ROOST-073024.pdf] * Ready to buy with confidence? Check out < P.S. Want more practical tips for buying and selling real estate? Our ever-growing library of books, blog posts, podcast episodes, masterclasses, documents, and other tools is at your fingertips. Learn More >>> The All Things Real Estate Resource Hub [http://email.send.roostrealestateco.com/c/eJxs0D1PwzAQxvFPY2-pfOeLXwYPCClTWVgYLcc-mkAao9jt50eUDTE-0k96pH_K8doucS0BTTSkfGwRLYExKiKhA-ejsTQaWQKSg1lJDmDRg9dKebkE50vJ2ng75jKD08iaGIx281y0Le9yDaiQQIEFjxrdqSSr2AJTIsuaR0Gq8V5OR62tH5w2bj11zvWU61VuYen9qwn9JHASOP2rBE594SFt29CXdb-04UcMv2Q4uNXbkXlYbrPASR5hS3kVpAqn_SPlz1b3x1cPb-fn1xeF-rze-c985JH3gN8BAAD__4W1Xxc]