Real People, Real Estate

Episode 21: Real Estate Law, Real Strategy & Helping Buyers Feel Confident with David Berson

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 today’s 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 today’s 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 David’s 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.

Episode 20: Wills, Trusts & The Family Home: Estate Planning Every Homeowner Needs to Understand

What really happens to your home if something unexpected happens to you? And why do so many families find out the hard way that “we’ll deal with it later” 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 English—no 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 you’re not “wealthy”•        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 isn’t about being morbid—it’s about being prepared, thoughtful, and kind to the people you love.  Real talk. Real guidance. Real estate—beyond the transaction.

Episode 19: Where Do I Even Start? Downsizing, Decluttering & Creating a Soft Landing During Life’s Transitions with Next Chapter Clean Outs

Downsizing isn’t about stuff. It’s 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 don’t have to carry the weight alone.  We talk about:•        Why downsizing can’t 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 “cleaning superpower” 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 isn’t just about homes. It’s about people, relationships, and the chapters in between.

Episode 18: Protecting What Matters: Life Insurance 101 with Christina Wheeler

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 insurance—and 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 English—what it is, why it’s important, and how it fits into responsible homeownership and long-term planning. While life insurance isn’t 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 clarity—not pressure—around life insurance and financial protection. In this episode, we cover: • Why life insurance is a key part of homeownership planning • Term vs. permanent life insurance—pros and cons of each • Common myths and misunderstandings about life insurance • How to think about coverage based on real life, not fear • Why education—not sales—is the foundation of good insurance advice Real people. Real planning. Real protection—for the life you’re building.

Episode 17: Relationships First: The Inside Scoop on Commercial Banking with Taylor Robbins

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 Taylor’s 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 accomplishment—another 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.