In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with nationally recognized broker, best-selling author, and serial entrepreneur Betsy Pepine to explore what it truly takes to find a home in a market that has changed significantly in recent years.
With interest rates holding steady in the 6% range and affordability continuing to challenge buyers across the country, Betsy delivers a masterclass in both mindset and strategy. From rethinking square footage to crafting smarter offers, she shares tools for navigating today’s real estate terrain with clarity, creativity, and confidence.
Whether you’re actively in the market or just beginning to dream, this conversation will help you shift your thinking and find freedom in the process.
The New Normal: Stop Waiting for Rates to Drop
Betsy opens the episode with a critical perspective shift: the 2-3% interest rates of the pandemic era were the exception, not the rule. With rates now stabilizing around 6%, today’s buyers need to stop holding their breath and start focusing on what’s possible within this reality.
For many, that means getting creative, whether that’s looking at smaller homes, exploring new neighborhoods, or reconsidering what “must-have” really means. The key takeaway? You don’t need to wait for the market to change; you need to change the lens through which you see it.
Why Right-Sizing May Bring More Joy Than Super-Sizing
Betsy shares a surprising insight from her own life: living in a 5,000-square-foot home actually made her family feel less connected. The reason? They couldn’t even find each other without texting.
This moment cuts to the heart of something many buyers overlook: happiness in a home isn’t measured in square footage, but in how well the space supports real life. Today’s families are increasingly gravitating toward function over flash, seeking layouts that encourage connection, not isolation.
If you’re home hunting now, this episode invites you to stop asking “How big?” and start asking “How does it feel to live here?”
Creative Solutions for Creative Times
Betsy dives into a toolbox of unconventional paths to homeownership that reflect today’s economic realities. From purchasing a duplex and renting one side, to adding an ADU for income or extra space, to considering condos or manufactured housing, her message is clear: if you’re willing to expand your idea of “home,” the market has more to offer than you think.
For buyers feeling boxed in by affordability, these insights are both grounding and liberating. Betsy reframes the process not as a sacrifice, but as a strategic move toward independence and long-term stability.
No More Lowballs: Why Respect Wins in Negotiation
In a refreshingly honest moment, Betsy calls out one of the most common myths in real estate: that lowball offers are clever negotiation tactics. In reality, she explains, they often backfire, damaging trust and closing doors that might have otherwise remained open.
Instead, she urges buyers to ground their offers in real market data and recognize that not all segments behave the same. While luxury homes may sit longer, entry-level homes could be gone in days. Understanding your segment and making thoughtful, respectful offers is the real key to winning.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Values Lead You Home
Above all, this episode is about realigning your pursuit of home with what actually matters: connection, creativity, trust, and emotional fit. In an age of uncertainty, these aren’t just “nice-to-haves,” they’re essential.
Whether you're searching solo, as a couple, or for your growing family, Betsy and Scott’s conversation is your reminder that the right home isn’t just a transaction; it’s a transformation.
🎧 Tune in now to listen to the full episode:
🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/42Z6eHm
🎵 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/439XNaS
▶️ YouTube: https://bit.ly/3Sxx431
📘 Ready to dive deeper into this mindset? Pre-order Scott Harris’s new book, The Pursuit of Home, for more insights on how to make emotionally intelligent and strategically smart home decisions.
