The Mostly Real Estate Podcast, with Declan Spring – Details, episodes & analysis

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What happens when you combine authentic passion for unique homes with consistent content creation? Roland Osage's journey from barber to real estate powerhouse with over 220,000 TikTok followers provides a masterclass in building a thriving business through social media.

Roland's path to real estate success began unexpectedly when he purchased his first home at just 19 years old. After witnessing significant appreciation without making improvements, his curiosity was piqued. While working as a barber in San Francisco, he began exploring property flipping, eventually obtaining his license in 2018 to better understand the terminology and processes. Fast forward to 2021, and a simple decision to create walkthrough-style property tours on TikTok would transform his business forever.

What makes Roland's approach unique is his commitment to showcasing homes he genuinely finds interesting – properties with natural elements, wood features, and distinctive character rather than the ubiquitous white-gray aesthetic dominating recent years. His consistent schedule generates a steady stream of quality content while respecting the collaborative spirit of the East Bay real estate community by always featuring other agents' listings with proper credit.

The results are remarkable: beyond his massive social media following, Roland earns real money directly from TikTok and has built an automated lead generation system that seamlessly funnels potential clients from social media into scheduled consultations. Most importantly, he's created an authentic brand that resonates with clients and colleagues alike – proving that in real estate, "you will get back exactly what you put into it."

Want to revolutionize your own real estate marketing? Follow Roland on Instagram and TikTok to witness firsthand how consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to share the spotlight can create extraordinary results in today's digital landscape.

Follow Roland Osage on TikTok @rolandosage

Follow Roland Osage on Instagram @roland_osage 

Roland Osage is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 02055089

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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Dive into the captivating underbelly of East Bay history with Liam O'Donoghue, the passionate storyteller behind the acclaimed podcast East Bay Yesterday. From corrupt political beginnings to cultural transformations, this conversation unveils the hidden forces that shaped Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and beyond.

Did you know Oakland's first mayor essentially stole the town? Horace Carpentier, a shrewd lawyer turned politician, manipulated his way into ownership of Oakland's valuable waterfront before selling it to railroad barons for personal profit. This foundation of opportunism set a precedent that would echo through generations of East Bay governance – a reminder that today's political challenges have deep historical roots.

The struggle for housing equity takes center stage as we explore Byron Rumford's groundbreaking Fair Housing Act of 1963 and the fierce backlash it faced from the real estate industry and a pre-gubernatorial Ronald Reagan. This pendulum of progress and resistance reveals how neighborhood demographics shifted over decades – from Italian immigrants moving up from West Oakland to Temescal, to the complex dynamics following Japanese American internment during WWII.

Emeryville's transformation from a vice-filled "gambling hell" (complete with corrupt police chiefs driving DeLoreans and taking bribes) to today's shopping destination demonstrates how quickly a place's identity can change. Meanwhile, the once-thriving warehouse art scenes that defined East Bay counterculture in the 1990s and early 2000s have largely disappeared, raising questions about where tomorrow's cultural innovations will emerge in an increasingly expensive region.

Whether you're a longtime resident or recent arrival, these stories provide crucial context for understanding the East Bay's present challenges and future possibilities. Join us for this illuminating journey through the colorful, complicated history that continues to shape one of America's most dynamic regions. Follow Liam's work through East Bay Yesterday's podcast, Substack, or join one of his popular boat tours for an immersive historical experience.

Click here for the East Bay Yesterday podcast front page and tour info

Follow East Bay Yesterday on Instagram @eastbay_yesterday

Click here for information about the book Hella Town by Mitchell Schwarzer

Click here for information about the book The Pacific Circuit by Alexis Madrigal

Click here for a prior episode with Liam O'Donoghue from 2021 

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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Berkeley's revised energy savings ordinance and a proposed fire safety ordinance will significantly impact homeowners and real estate transactions starting January 2026. Third-generation Berkeley resident and REALTOR® Megan Micco shares essential details about the changes, compliance requirements, and strategies for navigating these new regulations.

• BESO (Berkeley Energy Savings Ordinance) will require actual energy efficiency improvements rather than just assessments starting January 1, 2026.
• Properties must achieve six credits from a menu of energy upgrade options or place a $5,000 deposit in escrow at closing.
• Heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and knob-and-tube replacement each provide full compliance with six credits.
• Buyers receive the full $5,000 deposit back after making improvements within 2-3 years.

• Starting 2027-2029, a nine-county Bay Area ban will prohibit new gas furnaces, water heaters, and eventually stoves, and all new gas appliance installs.

• Proposed new Berkeley EMBER Ordinance will require a five-foot fire-resistant "Zone Zero" buffer around homes in a newly created high fire zone
• City Council votes June 17 on expanding fire safety requirements to a proposed "Zone 4" area from Grizzly Peak to Wildcat

For more information about Berkeley climate initiatives, contact the City of Berkeley.

Megan Micco is a licensed CA REALTOR®, and Broker Associate at Compass, DRE#01930373

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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What happens when one of the world's most prestigious news organizations publishes a deeply flawed hit piece on an entire profession? That's exactly what Declan Spring and guest, José Fernández, addresses in this response to The New York Times Daily podcast episode "The Housing Market Has New Rules. Realtors Are Evading Them."

They examine and dismantle the NYT's reporting, exposing fundamental misunderstandings about how real estate actually works in America. From the false portrayal of NAR as a regulatory body to the complete omission of the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreements that now create unprecedented transparency in the industry, this episode reveals how biased framing and selective reporting can create a dangerously misleading narrative.

Together, they walk through how buyer representation actually works, why the "dreaded 6%" commission myth needs to die, and the critical difference between market education and the serious ethical violation of steering. Their exchange offers listeners a rare glimpse into the nuts and bolts of real estate practice that most reporting glosses over.

Beyond defending a profession of 1.5 million Americans unfairly characterized as a "cartel," Declan outlines the real barriers to housing affordability—from supply shortages and restrictive zoning to the insurance crisis and stagnant wages—and makes a case that scapegoating real estate professionals for systemic problems only distracts from meaningful solutions.

Whether you're a real estate professional frustrated by persistent misconceptions about your work or a consumer trying to navigate the complex world of buying and selling property, this episode delivers the context, clarity, and honest analysis that was missing from the original reporting. Join us for a defense of transparency and accuracy—not just in real estate, but in journalism too.

José Fernández  is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01353359

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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Ever wonder what makes East Bay real estate so unique? Meet Mark Choi, a data-driven agent who's been meticulously documenting every property he visits since 2004. In this conversation, Mark explains why he tours up to 36 homes on broker tour day and how his two decades of records offer rare insights into our market.

We dive into the East Bay’s unusual pricing strategy—where homes often sell 40-150% over asking—and Mark recalls an El Cerrito listing that sold for 200% of list price. He shares critical market timing lessons, pinpointing January 2012 as the bottom for prices and January 2021 as the peak for low interest rates, along with advice on seasonal rhythms and the best times to list.

Mark also discusses how a $50,000 upgrade can yield a $150,000 return, the evolution of buyer behavior, and the rise of neighborhoods like El Cerrito. Most crucially, he reveals the key question buyers should ask when hiring an agent: "What's your reputation with other colleagues?" — a factor that can make or break an offer.

Ready to really understand the East Bay market? Subscribe to The Mostly Real Estate podcast for more insider perspectives.

Read more about Mark Choi on his agent website

Mark Choi is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01433100

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What happens when global politics, tariff wars, and housing policy collide? Mortgage expert Dominic Villa pulls back the curtain on today's chaotic lending landscape, revealing truths that every homeowner and buyer needs to understand.

When the stock market plunges but mortgage rates inexplicably rise, something unprecedented is happening. Dominic breaks down this counterintuitive financial paradox, explaining how China's massive holdings of US debt create a precarious situation where tariff policies could potentially send mortgage rates skyrocketing above 10%. This isn't fearmongering—it's the reality of our interconnected global economy.

Beyond the immediate concerns, we explore why today's real estate fundamentals differ dramatically from the 2008 financial crisis. With homeowners holding substantial "real equity, not inflated equity" and lending regulations emphasizing verified income and ability to repay, the foundation remains solid despite economic turbulence. Dominic offers practical advice on fixed versus adjustable-rate mortgages in this environment, noting that "boring and predictable is everything you want in your housing payment."

The conversation takes a critical turn when discussing the potential dismantling of consumer protections. Through personal stories, Dominic illustrates how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has saved homebuyers tens of thousands of dollars by preventing predatory lending practices. His concerns about the privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac highlight a looming threat to mortgage affordability that few are discussing.

Whether you're in the market now or planning future real estate moves, understanding these forces will help you navigate one of the most complex mortgage environments in decades. Listen, learn, and make informed decisions that protect your financial future.

For more info on Dominic Villa and Castle Hill Mortgage click here. Follow Dominic on IG @MrDominic. Follow Declan on IG @DeclanSpring

Dominic Villa is Mortgage Banker with Castle Hill Mortgage NMLS ID: 1187381

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

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Let Freemodel remove the barriers to pre-sale renovations.

Lara Richmond from Freemodel reveals how pre-sale renovations with no upfront costs can transform properties and maximize sale prices, sharing real examples of homes that gained hundreds of thousands in added value through strategic improvements.

Watch our companion video segment here

• Freemodel funds and manages pre-sale renovations with payment deferred until closing
• Ideal for homeowners with equity but no available cash for improvements
• Project managers handle everything from design selections to contractor coordination
• Beyond selling, Fremodel offers "invoice projects" for buyers renovating new homes
• Project managers build reliable contractor networks for smooth project execution
• Understanding target buyer demographics drives design decisions that appeal to the market
• Forward-thinking renovations consider coming regulations like California's 2029 gas appliance ban

Lara's passion for remodeling ignited with the renovation of her first home, leading her to study design and architecture at George Washington University. Since 2008, she has been revitalizing homes across the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, and Washington, D.C. As the founder and CEO of Agave Interior Design, Lara is dedicated to creating beautiful and functional spaces that enhance the well-being of families. Her projects have set record sale prices in several East Bay neighborhoods, including Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond Heights. 

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898 

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In this episode, we break down the heated debate over the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) and its latest update. The policy, which requires Realtors to list publicly marketed properties on the MLS within one business day, has sparked division within the industry. We explore both sides of the argument, from claims of increased transparency and fairness to concerns about restricted competition and broker autonomy.

Plus, we dive into NAR’s latest policy shift—the introduction of “Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings”—and what it means for agents, sellers, and the future of MLS systems.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Origins of CCP – Why NAR introduced the policy in 2020 and its impact on pocket listings.
• The Debate Intensifies – Industry leaders take sides, with Compass CEO Robert Reffkin leading opposition efforts.
• Legal & Regulatory Concerns – How the Department of Justice’s stance shaped the policy’s future.
• NAR’s New Update – What the “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers” policy changes and how it affects MLSs.
• What’s Next? – The ongoing power struggle between traditional brokerages, tech platforms, and the evolving real estate landscape.

Tune in as we break it all down and discuss what this means for the future of real estate professionals!

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Josh Dickinson is not your typical broker! As a trained environmental engineer holding three advanced degrees—including an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business, a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame—Josh’s approach to real estate is anything but conventional.

After spending 15 years working with leading environmental firms and nonprofits, and successfully fundraising millions for one of the nation’s top universities, Josh discovered a true calling: helping people on a more personal and community-centered level. This realization led to the founding of Zip Code East Bay in 2012, marking the beginning of a fulfilling journey in real estate that has since expanded to Sonoma with Zip Code Sonoma, and a partnership with Keller Williams at their Bay Area Portfolio office in Berkeley.

Thanks to Liana Dickson for being my special guest this week for Property Of The Week.

Read more here on the Zip Code East Bay website.

Josh Dickinson is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01918193

Liana Dickson is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01984196

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898 

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"Specialty: Tough deals and strategic negotiation. I thrive in negotiations!"

Kerri Naslund-Monday is not your average REALTOR®. She's an entrepreneur through and through. 

To learn more about Kerri, or to reach out to her, visit her website here.

"I grew up in the late 1970s-early 1980s, when video games were either unavailable or too pricey for my welfare-dependent family. So I played board games; Monopoly was my favorite. I developed my own version of the game, with credit cards, loans, and renters, by the time I was eight. After working since age 14, and saving most of my pay, I set a goal—to become a homeowner by the time I was 25. One crack house in Oakland became “home sweet home” the day I turned 25. Three years later my boss, Moe, at the tattoo shop asked when I was going to purchase income property. I claimed not to have adequate savings. That’s when Moe taught me the power of leverage."

Kerri Naslund-Monday is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01759031

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898