• The Expert Podcast

  • By: Various
  • Podcast

The Expert Podcast

By: Various
  • Summary

  • The Expert Podcast brings you firsthand narratives from experts across diverse industries, including private investigators, general contractors and builders, insurance agencies, vehicle specialists, lawyers, and many others.
    2021 Active Intel Media
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Episodes
  • How to Get Contractors to Return Your Call: Tips for Effective Communication
    Dec 25 2024

    If you're working on any building project, large or small, and having trouble getting contractors to respond, this episode will help you increase the likelihood of securing a contractor for your project. Here are five essential things you can do to get a better response:

    • Understand the Problem:
      Contractors are struggling with labor shortages, making them selective about which jobs they take on. They often have more work than they can handle, so it's not always about the money but the type of job they’re willing to take on.
      Tip: Be the most desirable job for them, not necessarily the most expensive.
    • Put Yourself in the Contractor’s Shoes:
      Contractors may not have the skilled workers to do highly detailed or artistic jobs. For example, if you’re building a fence, a simpler design might make you more appealing to a contractor who doesn’t have the workforce for highly precise work.
      Tip: Keep the design simpler and avoid demanding perfection.
    • Eliminate Bureaucratic Hurdles:
      Contractors don’t want to deal with too many details or red tape.
      Tip: Have your designs and requirements as clear as possible before reaching out. Be organized and flexible, and show that you’re open to suggestions while still having a clear idea of what you want.
    • Provide a Written Checklist:
      Contractors appreciate having a clear understanding of what you want.
      Tip: Type up a checklist of what you’re looking for in terms of materials, specifications, and square footage. Provide this to the contractor to give them a better idea of the project. A simple drawn map or sketch can also help clarify your expectations.
    • Prepare the Job Site:
      Contractors will judge the job site as much as they judge the project itself. A cluttered or difficult-to-navigate site can discourage them from taking the job.
      Tip: Clean up the job site by removing debris, mowing the lawn, and ensuring good access for equipment.
    • Set a Realistic Timeline:
      Be careful with your timeline expectations.
      Tip: Instead of saying you don’t care when the job is completed or setting an unrealistic hard deadline, tell the contractor that the sooner it’s done, the better, but there's no strict deadline. This shows you're serious but not pressuring them.
    • Select the Right Contractor:
      Don't just pick the first contractor that responds.
      Tip: Research potential contractors by reviewing their recent work, job sites, and equipment. Be knowledgeable about their business, and show genuine interest in their work. This helps build a collaborative relationship.

    By following these five strategies, you can increase the odds of getting a response from the right contractor, and possibly even secure a better price for your project.

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    11 mins
  • Resolving Small Claims: Is Mediation the Right Choice?
    Dec 25 2024

    Can Mediation Be Used for Small Claims Lawsuits?

    • Many people associate mediation with large commercial disputes, litigation, or divorce cases, but it can also be used for small claims cases.
    • Some courts even require mediation before taking a small claims case to court.

    Why Mediation Works for Small Claims

    • Small claims cases are often more straightforward than large litigation cases.
    • Examples of small claims include a damaged lawnmower, a car crash, or unpaid debts.
    • Unlike complex litigation, the facts in small claims cases are simpler, making them more amenable to mediation.

    The Role of a Mediator vs. a Judge

    • A mediator is not a judge and cannot make binding decisions.
    • However, mediators can highlight areas where both parties agree, potentially resolving 90% of the dispute.
    • This allows for an agreement on a small portion of the case, avoiding the need for a court battle.

    Why You Should Consider Mediation

    • Mediation allows you to stay in control of your case.
    • Unlike going to court, where a judge has the final say, mediation offers the possibility of a resolution that both parties can agree to.
    • Mediation can save time, attorney fees, and court costs, making it a cost-effective option.

    Can Mediation Work Even If One Party Doesn't Agree?

    • Yes, you can still pursue mediation even if the other party doesn't want to participate. A mediator may help guide the process to a resolution, even without full cooperation from both sides.

    Important Consideration: Mediators Don't Give Legal Advice

    • While mediators can't offer legal advice, they can assist in resolving disputes before they escalate to court, helping both parties reach a resolution on their own terms.

    Why Stay Out of Court?

    • Once you go to court, you lose control of the outcome.
    • Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes without handing over control to a judge.
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    3 mins
  • Bridging the Gap: 5 Million Homes Needed to Solve the Housing Crisis
    Dec 25 2024

    Key Topic: Home prices are high not because of interest rates, corporate greed, or other common explanations, but because there is a shortage of homes in the U.S.

    Housing Shortage:

    • Millions of housing units are needed to meet demand.
    • The shortage is mainly due to restrictive permitting policies in many cities.
    • In some cities, permit fees and regulatory requirements can add $300,000–$400,000 to the cost of building a new home.

    California's Example:

    • In California, permitting issues are a major reason behind the affordability problem.
    • The state failed to build enough homes during the 60s and 70s. During the last housing boom, only 100,000 homes were built, far below the demand.

    The Housing Deficit:

    • Estimates of the housing shortage range from 4 to 7 million homes, with some suggesting as many as 35 million homes are needed.
    • The deficit continues to grow because the rate of new housing construction doesn’t match the increasing demand from population growth, college graduates, and immigration.

    The Impact of the Housing Slowdown:

    • The current housing slowdown and higher interest rates are causing builders to reduce the number of homes they build.
    • In 2023 and 2024, fewer homes will be built in California due to the high costs of impact fees and lengthy permit approval processes.

    Cost of Permitting:

    • In California, permit fees for a typical single-family house range from $200,000 to $250,000 and can take 2 to 3 years to secure, adding additional carrying costs.

    Conclusion:

    • The high price of homes is primarily due to supply and demand—there simply aren’t enough homes to go around, creating competition and driving prices up.
    • Even with higher interest rates, there are still enough buyers with the income to afford higher prices, leaving many still without homes.
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    4 mins

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