The Better Buy Podcast: Your Guide to Inspired Homeownership
Expert stories and hands-on strategies make every stage of creating your dream home clear.
The Better Buy Podcast: Inspiring Your Homeownership Journey
The Better Buy Podcast from Better Homes & Gardens is dedicated to guiding listeners through every stage of the homeownership experience. Hosted by Mélanie Berliet, each episode dives into essential topics—house hunting, moving, home improvements, interior design, and landscaping—connecting listeners to expert insights, real-life stories, and practical advice. Join us as we explore how The Better Buy Podcast helps homeowners create their dream spaces.
About the Podcast
- Category: Home & Garden
- Host: Mélanie Berliet
- New Episodes: Every Wednesday
- Audience: Homebuyers, owners, design enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to improve their living space
- Mission: To inspire and empower listeners in creating their dream home
Podcast Structure: Season Highlights
Season 2 of The Better Buy Podcast unfolds as a step-by-step journey through the home buying and ownership timeline. Each episode is tailored to specific themes, including:
- House Hunting: How to find and secure the perfect home.
- Moving and Settling In: Tips for a smooth transition.
- Renovations and Upgrades: Financing, planning, and executing meaningful changes.
- Interior Design: Crafting beautiful, functional spaces.
- Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces: Creating inviting exteriors.
- Entertaining at Home: Hosting unforgettable gatherings.
Meet the Experts & Guests
Each episode features interviews with industry experts, celebrity guests, and successful homeowners. Their stories and tips provide actionable advice, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned renovator.
- Stephen Orr – Editor-in-Chief, Better Homes & Gardens, shares lessons from renovating a historical Cape Cod home, balancing vintage charm with modern needs, and overcoming renovation challenges.
- Katie Lee Biegel – Food Network host and cookbook author, reveals entertaining essentials and strategies for hosting joyful gatherings at home.
- Mika Kleinschmidt – Realtor and co-host of HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home, discusses designing dream homes, the role of collaboration, and prioritizing functionality in creative projects.
- Samir Patel – Discover Personal Loans, offers insights into financing renovations and maximizing home improvement budgets.
The Home Buying Process: Step-by-Step Guidance
The Better Buy Podcast guides listeners through the complexities of home buying, starting with finding the right property and carrying through to ownership and upgrades. Key stages covered include:
- Defining Needs & Wants: Assessing priorities such as location, budget, and size.
- House Hunting Strategies: Leveraging expert tips for competitive markets and making informed decisions.
- Working with Agents: Navigating realtor relationships and maximizing their expertise.
- Closing the Deal: Understanding contracts, inspections, and financial obligations.
Table: Home Buying Timeline Overview
| Stage | Description | Podcast Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Setting finances, researching locations, clarifying needs | Budgeting tips and priority lists |
| Searching | Touring homes, evaluating options | Expert insights on picking homes with lasting value |
| Buying | Negotiating, securing financing, closing paperwork | Loan options and negotiation strategies |
| Moving In | Organizing move, adjusting to new space | Tips for stress-free transitions |
| Enhancing | Renovations, design, landscaping | Stories and advice from renovation experts |
Renovating for Value and Comfort
Renovations are a major theme, with podcast guests discussing both the emotional and practical aspects of transforming a house into a home. Highlights include:
- Balancing Old and New: Strategies for updating historic properties while preserving character.
- Managing Renovation Challenges: How to deal with unexpected obstacles, from budget overruns to design changes.
- Financing Improvements: Understanding loan options, budgets, and choosing projects with the best ROI.
- Choosing Contractors: Screening professionals and managing the renovation timeline.
Essential Tips from Stephen Orr’s Renovation Journey
- Start with a clear vision—but stay flexible.
- Appreciate the history of your home and integrate its character into your design.
- Expect surprises and prepare with contingency funds.
- Engage trusted professionals and communicate regularly.
Designing Dream Spaces: Creativity Meets Functionality
Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring each space is optimally functional and suited to the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Insights from Mika Kleinschmidt and others highlight:
What others are reading
- The Importance of Vision: Begin every design with an idea, but tailor it to practical needs and existing architecture.
- Collaboration: Successful design projects are team efforts, involving homeowners, designers, and sometimes builders.
- Functionality First: Create layouts and select features that support daily living, not just style.
- Customization: Invest in unique touches—custom cabinetry, smart storage, and personalized décor.
Financing Home Improvements
Funding renovation projects or upgrades is a vital element in the homeownership journey. Samir Patel explores the landscape of personal loans and budgeting for improvements:
- Understanding Loan Types: Fixed-rate vs. variable, secured vs. unsecured.
- Evaluating Payback Terms: How duration and interest rates impact monthly payments.
- Project Selection: Prioritize upgrades that add lasting value to your home and lifestyle.
- DIY vs. Professional: Deciding what is worth outsourcing based on skill, time, and risk.
Entertaining at Home: Creating Memorable Experiences
Hosting friends and family is a cornerstone of a happy home. Katie Lee Biegel shares her secrets for stress-free entertaining:
- Planning Ahead: Organize menus, décor, and guest lists early.
- Handling the Unexpected: Tips for making quick adjustments if plans change.
- Staying Organized: Create checklists for preparation, shopping, and setups.
- Enjoying the Process: Remember that the hosts set the tone—relax and appreciate the event.
Katie Lee Biegel’s Entertaining Essentials
- Create a welcoming entry with lighting and flowers.
- Offer simple, crowd-pleasing foods that can be made in advance.
- Delegate tasks to guests (drinks, games, dessert).
- Embrace imperfection—focus on connection, not perfection.
Landscaping & Curb Appeal
Increasing a home’s value and livability extends outside with smart landscaping and outdoor living solutions. The podcast covers:
- Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Sustainable plants and easy-care lawns.
- Functional Outdoor Spaces: Patios, decks, and gardens suited for gatherings and relaxation.
- Seasonal Upgrades: Tips for enhancing curb appeal in every season.
Frequent Listener Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I choose the right renovation to boost home value?
A: Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and curb appeal—areas that buyers consistently prioritize. Consult experts featured on the podcast for project ideas.
Q: What are some easy ways to make entertaining at home stress-free?
A: Prepare ahead, stick to simple dishes, and enlist help. Remember, hosting is about connection not perfection—advice echoed by Katie Lee Biegel.
Q: I want my new home to reflect my personality. Where should I start?
A: Mika Kleinschmidt recommends starting with a vision board and collaborating with designers to balance personal style with practical function.
Q: How can I keep renovation costs under control?
A: Set a detailed budget with a contingency buffer and explore financing options like personal loans. Include only upgrades with good return on investment.
Q: What landscaping features add the most to curb appeal?
A: Well-maintained lawns, colorful seasonal planting, and updated walkways or lighting are top choices according to landscaping professionals.
Behind the Scenes: Producing The Better Buy Podcast
- Host: Mélanie Berliet – SVP & Group General Manager, Dotdash Meredith Home & Design
- Executive Producer: Lottie Leymarie
- Associate Director, Special Projects: Lauren Phillips
- Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations: Jennifer Del Sulè
- Producer/Editor: Jeremiah McVay
The collaborative team ensures each episode is packed with insightful, actionable advice, making every listener feel equipped to pursue their own homeownership dreams.
Why Listen to The Better Buy Podcast?
- Actionable Advice: Real tips from industry leaders and homeowners make each episode practical and empowering.
- Wide Variety of Topics: Whether you’re buying, renovating, designing, or entertaining, there’s expert content for every stage of homeownership.
- Authentic Stories: Candid experiences from guests resonate with listeners’ own journeys.
- Community Feel: The Better Buy’s approachable, inspiring tone fosters a sense of belonging among listeners.
Where to Listen & Learn More
- New episodes released every Wednesday on major podcast platforms.
- For further resources and episode details, visit Better Homes & Gardens’ podcast hub.
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
- Start your journey with clear intentions and inspiration from real experts.
- Plan, budget, and dream—then act with practical advice in hand.
- Your home is a canvas: balance personal style, functional layout, and timeless upgrades.
- Make every stage of homeownership rewarding by learning from the best.
References
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-better-buy/id1628904301
- https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-better-buy-4779796
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-the-better-buy-from-better-homes-gardens/id1628904301?i=1000565941812
- https://www.bhgre.com/bhgrelife/
- https://goodpods.com/podcasts/the-better-buy-269556
- https://podnews.net/podcast/iaqn1
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/better-homes–gardens-celebrates-100-years-301603817.html
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