Ben Howard Realtor with Real

09/11/2026

08/25/2026

Welcome RE/MAX friends!

04/27/2026

Sometimes things are full circle. Nearly ten years ago I started my real estate career at RE/MAX and then in 2021 left for REAL, back when REAL had just 2,600 agents. I was the first REAL agent in El Dorado County and have been proud to watch them grow into the successful, kind organization which they are today. Looking forward to the future and welcoming RE/MAX friends to REAL.

Today we announced that Real has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire RE/MAX Holdings to bring together two complementary business models to create a leading technology-enabled global real estate platform.

This is a transformational moment for the real estate industry. The new Real REMAX Group will deliver a more innovative, more productive and more connected ecosystem for agents, franchisees and consumers. Together, we’ll improve the home-buying and home-selling experience at every transaction point.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3QtEtmp

04/11/2026

Don't miss this special edition of the Capital 5th Podcast where I take the 9 years of real estate knowledge which I have shared over the past 36 episodes, and place them into a single, extended length episode. Enjoy 95 minutes of real estate advice which will help you become a more informed buyer or seller! No area market or mortgage updates, just help that you can use now.

✅ Listen Here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/capital-5th-podcast/id1810818892

✅ Podcast Website:

https://www.capital5th.com

✅ Topics included in this episode:

Why home buyers should time the market

Why homes which have been virtually staged are at a significant disadvantage

What a home buyer can learn from pending sales

Does The Addition Of A Swimming Pool Add Value When A Home Is Sold?

Priorities For Buyers To Start The New Year

Is It Best To Premarket and Sell Your Home Early?

Removing Contingencies With An Offer

Which Home Updates Are Best Before Selling

Selling A Home In The Winter

Fire Inspection Prior To Marketing A Home For Sale

Why a lender can help or hurt your ability to get your offer an accepted and close escrow on time

Why The Appraiser Which Your Bank Hires Matters

A Title Company Almost Cost My Clients $97,000

Seller In Possession

HOA Fees

Mello Roos

Open House Hours

Buyer Opportunities Via Dark Homes

Property Website

Professional Photography & Videography

Real Time Market Data

Estimated Owner Equity Maps

5am To 11pm Realtor Access

Owner Occupied Vs. Not Maps

100,000 People Facebook Ad For Listings

The Fiduciary Standard

House & Window Cleaning

Professional Videography & Matterport 3D Tour

Twilight Photography

Home Staging

Fire Risk & Insurability

Private Off Market Home Listings

Researching Crime Before Purchasing A Home

Inspections Prior To Listing A Home For Sale