Tom's crazy story about opening the WRONG car door! Hollywood stuff, Olympics kick off, Ridiculous news and more! 

Tom's crazy story about opening the WRONG car door! Hollywood stuff, Olympics kick off, Ridiculous news and more!&nbsp;

Tune in weekday mornings from 5-10am for the Free Country Wake Up Crew with Tom Whalen and Dianah Gibson.

Tune in weekday mornings from 5-10am for the Free Country Wake Up Crew with Tom Whalen and Dianah Gibson.

Andy & Emma Podcast

Wake Up Crew

July 23, 2021

 This Week on the Podcast: Why So Many Homeowners Are Downsizing Right Now 

Have you noticed more “For Sale” signs popping up from longtime homeowners? There’s a reason.

According to recent data, nearly 12,000 people are turning 65 every day, and a significant percentage are planning to retire in the next couple of years . That’s a big shift — and it’s impacting the housing market in a meaningful way.

On this week’s episode, we break down:

 Why downsizing isn’t about “giving something up” — it’s about gaining control and simplicity
 The top reasons homeowners over 60 are making a move (hint: it’s lifestyle, not timing the market)
 How equity is making downsizing more achievable than many expect
 What this means for inventory heading into 2026

The average homeowner today has around $299,000 in equity — and for many longtime owners, it’s even more. That changes the conversation.

If you’re thinking about what the next chapter looks like — or you’re wondering how this trend affects you as a buyer or seller — this episode is a must-listen. 

 House of the Week
 6705 W Lakeridge Rd, New Market, MD
 $795,000
 Open House: Saturday 2/14 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Welcome to lake life in Lake Linganore! 

&nbsp;This Week on the Podcast: Why So Many Homeowners Are Downsizing Right Now&nbsp;
Have you noticed more &ldquo;For Sale&rdquo; signs popping up from longtime homeowners? There&rsquo;s a reason.
According to recent data, nearly&nbsp;12,000 people are turning 65 every day, and a significant percentage are planning to retire in the next couple of years . That&rsquo;s a big shift &mdash; and it&rsquo;s impacting the housing market in a meaningful way.
On this week&rsquo;s episode, we break down:
&nbsp;Why downsizing isn&rsquo;t about &ldquo;giving something up&rdquo; &mdash; it&rsquo;s about gaining control and simplicity &nbsp;The top reasons homeowners over 60 are making a move (hint: it&rsquo;s lifestyle, not timing the market) &nbsp;How equity is making downsizing more achievable than many expect &nbsp;What this means for inventory heading into 2026
The average homeowner today has around&nbsp;$299,000 in equity&nbsp;&mdash; and for many longtime owners, it&rsquo;s even more. That changes the conversation.
If you&rsquo;re thinking about what the next chapter looks like &mdash; or you&rsquo;re wondering how this trend affects you as a buyer or seller &mdash; this episode is a must-listen.&nbsp;
&nbsp;House of the Week &nbsp;6705 W Lakeridge Rd, New Market, MD &nbsp;$795,000 &nbsp;Open House: Saturday 2/14 | 1:00 PM &ndash; 3:00 PM
Welcome to lake life in Lake Linganore!&nbsp;

Episode #453 - 2/13/26

Thinking about buying in 2026?  Let’s talk about what’s really happening with rising home insurance costs — and what you need to plan for as a buyer or seller. 

 On this episode, I break down:
 Why insurance premiums are rising across the country
 The impact of natural disaster risk zones on pricing
 What it means for your closing costs and monthly payments
 And why skipping insurance (even “just until later”) is a mistake you don’t want to make

Smart buyers are budgeting beyond the mortgage — and in today’s market, awareness = leverage.  Tune in so you’re not caught off guard.

 House of the Week!
104 Hadrian Ct | Martinsburg, WV | $525,000
 Open House:
 Sat 2/7 | 12–3 PM
 Sun 2/8 | 12–2 PM

Set on 2 serene acres in a cul-de-sac, this home checks all the boxes for space, privacy & style! 
 Main-level bedroom with en suite
 LVP flooring throughout main level
 Finished basement with walk-out & rec space
 Level 2 EV charger + large driveway
 Multi-level deck, covered porch, fenced yard
 Above-ground pool for summer fun 
 Close to commuter routes — yet feels like your own peaceful retreat!

 Come tour this weekend or click to learn more!

Thinking about buying in 2026?&nbsp;&nbsp;Let&rsquo;s talk about what&rsquo;s&nbsp;really&nbsp;happening with rising home insurance costs &mdash; and what you&nbsp;need to plan for&nbsp;as a buyer or seller.&nbsp;
&nbsp;On this episode, I break down: &nbsp;Why insurance premiums are rising across the country &nbsp;The impact of natural disaster risk zones on pricing &nbsp;What it means for your closing costs and monthly payments &nbsp;And why skipping insurance (even &ldquo;just until later&rdquo;) is a mistake you don&rsquo;t want to make
Smart buyers are budgeting beyond the mortgage &mdash; and in today&rsquo;s market, awareness = leverage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tune in so you&rsquo;re not caught off guard.
&nbsp;House of the Week! 104 Hadrian Ct | Martinsburg, WV | $525,000 &nbsp;Open House: &nbsp;Sat 2/7 | 12&ndash;3 PM &nbsp;Sun 2/8 | 12&ndash;2 PM
Set on 2 serene acres in a cul-de-sac, this home checks all the boxes for space, privacy &amp; style!&nbsp; &nbsp;Main-level bedroom with en suite &nbsp;LVP flooring throughout main level &nbsp;Finished basement with walk-out &amp; rec space &nbsp;Level 2 EV charger + large driveway &nbsp;Multi-level deck, covered porch, fenced yard &nbsp;Above-ground pool for summer fun&nbsp; &nbsp;Close to commuter routes &mdash; yet feels like your own peaceful retreat!
&nbsp;Come tour this weekend or click to learn more!

Episode #452 - 2/6/26

 New Podcast Just Dropped! 

This week, we’re diving into two big topics you don’t want to miss:

 Selling During a Snowstorm? Yep, it happens—and we’ve got your checklist for making your home shine (even when the weather doesn't). From curb appeal in the cold to keeping walkways safe & welcoming, we’ve got pro tips to help you stand out in the snow. 

 Foreclosures in the News Again? Let’s clear the air. This market is nothing like the early 2000s—and we’ll explain exactly why today’s homeowners are in a much stronger position 

 Tune in for clarity, tips, and straight-up facts you can trust.



 House of the Week
 10720 Lamoka Ln | New Market, MD
 $460,000
 Open House: Saturday, Jan 24 | 11 AM – 3 PM

This stunning end-unit townhome in Lake Linganore’s Hamptons neighborhood is light, bright, and ready to impress 

 Highlights:


3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths


Finished walkout basement w/ bonus room + rough-in bath


Custom moulding, open layout & Trex deck


Primary suite w/ tray ceiling & spa-style bath


Energy-efficient design throughout


Access to lakes, beaches, pools, trails & dog park


Close to I-70, Downtown Frederick & commuter routes

&nbsp;New Podcast Just Dropped!&nbsp;
This week, we&rsquo;re diving into two big topics you&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;want to miss:
&nbsp;Selling During a Snowstorm?&nbsp;Yep, it happens&mdash;and we&rsquo;ve got your checklist for making your home shine (even when the weather doesn't). From curb appeal in the cold to keeping walkways safe &amp; welcoming, we&rsquo;ve got pro tips to help you stand out in the snow.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Foreclosures in the News Again?&nbsp;Let&rsquo;s clear the air. This market is&nbsp;nothing&nbsp;like the early 2000s&mdash;and we&rsquo;ll explain exactly why today&rsquo;s homeowners are in a much stronger position&nbsp;
&nbsp;Tune in for clarity, tips, and straight-up facts you can trust. 
&nbsp;House of the Week &nbsp;10720 Lamoka Ln | New Market, MD &nbsp;$460,000 &nbsp;Open House: Saturday, Jan 24 | 11 AM &ndash; 3 PM
This stunning&nbsp;end-unit townhome in Lake Linganore&rsquo;s Hamptons neighborhood&nbsp;is light, bright, and ready to impress&nbsp;
&nbsp;Highlights:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">
3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Finished walkout basement w/ bonus room + rough-in bath
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Custom moulding, open layout &amp; Trex deck
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Primary suite w/ tray ceiling &amp; spa-style bath
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Energy-efficient design throughout
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Access to lakes, beaches, pools, trails &amp; dog park
</li>
<li dir="ltr">
Close to I-70, Downtown Frederick &amp; commuter routes
</li>
</ul>

July 23, 2021

Andy & Emma Podcast

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