#24: Creative Paths to Homeownership in 2025 with Betsy Pepine

What if you could confidently and clearly navigate today's shifting real estate market? In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris talks with Betsy Pepine, a nationally recognized broker and best-selling author, about navigating today’s evolving real estate market. From the “new normal” of interest rates to creative buying strategies, Betsy shares practical insights for homebuyers. They explore why smaller homes can bring more happiness, how to adapt to NAR settlement changes, and the importance of authentic agent relationships in finding a true sense of home. Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook

What if you could confidently and clearly navigate today's shifting real estate market?

In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris talks with Betsy Pepine, a nationally recognized broker and best-selling author, about navigating today’s evolving real estate market. From the “new normal” of interest rates to creative buying strategies, Betsy shares practical insights for homebuyers. They explore why smaller homes can bring more happiness, how to adapt to NAR settlement changes, and the importance of authentic agent relationships in finding a true sense of home.

Here is what you will learn:

How to adjust to the "new normal" of higher interest rates
Why the size-happiness correlation in homes often peaks at moderate square footage
How to navigate the new NAR settlement changes with buyer agents
The smart approach to making offers (and why lowball offers often backfire)
Why different price segments can exist in entirely different market conditions
How to think creatively about homeownership through options like duplexes and ADUs,
The importance of focusing on the feeling of "home" rather than just checking boxes on a wishlist
Why building trust with your real estate agent matters

Betsy Pepine is a best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, and nationally recognized real estate broker. She leads one of the country’s top-producing real estate teams, as ranked by The Wall Street Journal, and is endorsed by real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran. Betsy owns multiple real estate-related businesses and founded Pepine Gives, a nonprofit dedicated to helping cost-burdened families achieve homeownership. A Duke and Wharton alumna, she’s passionate about mentorship, community impact, and animal rescue and enjoys traveling with her daughters. Her award-winning book, Breaking Boxes, reflects her mission to empower others and break through limitations.

Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook

Episode Timeline

00:00 Intro: Welcome to The Pursuit of Home with Scott Harris
02:31 The New Normal: Navigating Today's Interest Rates
05:01 Why Bigger Isn't Always Better: The Home Size Sweet Spot
06:48 Understanding the NAR Settlement & Commission Changes
12:47 How to Choose the Right Buyer's Agent in Today's Market
17:02 Inside Gainesville's Unique Real Estate Market
22:22 Creative Solutions for Today's Home Buyers
24:17 Avoiding the Lowball Offer Mistake
27:11 Finding Home: A Real Estate Agent's Personal Journey
31:22 Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts

Episode Resources:

Betsy Pepine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsypepine/

Learn more about Pepine Realty here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepinerealty/
Scott Harris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisresidential/
Learn more about Magnetic here: https://magneticre.com/