EP 58 | Your Guide to Real Estate Success (for Homeowners & Industry Pros) | Stephanie Finch

Feb 17, 2025

In this episode:

We’re joined by Stephanie Finch of Finch Property Group, a real estate expert with Compass Real Estate in Houston. Stephanie shares her journey into the world of real estate, starting with leasing to friends in college and eventually building her own successful brokerage. We discuss the importance of building a strong professional network, the challenges of navigating today’s fast-paced remodeling trends, and the evolving dynamics of homeownership in a market driven by HGTV and social media

TOPICS COVERED:  

    • A Lifelong Passion: Stephanie’s journey from college realtor to seasoned brokerage owner.
    • The Power of Referrals: Building a strong network of trusted professionals to provide quality service and ensure accountability.
    • Matching Clients with Experts: The importance of understanding client needs and referring them to appropriate professionals based on project scope and budget.
    • The HGTV Effect: How home renovation shows and social media have influenced homeowner expectations and accelerated remodeling cycles.
    • The Five-Year Flip: The shift from updating homes every ten years to every five years, driven by trends and buyer expectations.
    • Sticker Shock: The surprise many homeowners experience when faced with the increased costs of remodeling compared to previous decades.
    • Over-Improving vs. Personal Enjoyment: Balancing resale value with personal enjoyment when making remodeling decisions.
    • The Pool Predicament: Weighing the costs and benefits of adding a pool, considering personal enjoyment and potential return on investment.
    • The Forever Home Fallacy: The changing dynamics of homeownership and the decreasing length of time people stay in their homes.
    • The True Cost of Homeownership: Understanding the hidden costs of homeownership, including maintenance, repairs, and transactional expenses.
    • Renting vs. Buying: When buying a home may not be the right decision, especially for those with short-term plans or limited financial resources.
    • Competence and Specialization: The importance of working with realtors and other professionals who have expertise in your specific market and property type.
    • The Value of a Designer: How professional designers can help homeowners make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

    GET IN TOUCH: 

    Guest: Stephanie Finch
    Business Title: Broker’s Associate and Team Lead
    Company: Finch Properties Group
    Website: https://finchproperties.com/

    Bonus:

    • When selecting a realtor, consider their experience in your desired neighborhood and price range.
    • If planning to sell your home, consult with a realtor early to discuss potential updates and market expectations.
    • Before embarking on a major remodel, consider your long-term plans for the home and balance resale value with personal enjoyment.

    How to get in touch: Have questions about buying, selling, or remodeling a home? Reach out to us at info@yourprojectshepherd.com.

     

    About Our Guest:

    Stephanie Finch is a dedicated real estate professional with a passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of the housing market. As the leader of Finch Property Group with Compass Real Estate, she brings years of experience and a deep understanding of the Houston market. Stephanie’s commitment to building relationships, providing valuable insights, and offering personalized guidance makes her a trusted advisor for both buyers and sellers.

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    Full Transcript