Episode 36 Refinance When It Saves You Real Money

Rates are finally easing, but smart moves still come down to math, paperwork, and timing. We open up about our first year running the business, why having a lender who answers on weekends changes everything, and how lower rates can revive buying power for first-time buyers and investors alike. Then we get practical: when does refinancing make sense, and how do you calculate a realistic breakeven so you don’t trade one headache for another?

From there, we tackle a deal killer most people overlook: underground oil tanks. Banks worry, insurers hedge, and buyers get spooked—often for good reason. We share what to check with your lender, which inspections matter, and how to negotiate a clean solution by moving the tank above ground with permits and full removal documentation. We also highlight a costly trap: sellers turning off utilities in vacant homes. Locked meters, permit hurdles, and surprise five-figure bills can wreck closing timelines. Our checklist shows you how to verify status with the utility and keep your deal safe.

We also unpack COPA—the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act—and how a nonprofit first-right process could affect four-plus unit buildings. Expect longer timelines, potential fines for skipping the process, and new underwriting risks that may change pricing and strategy. Add in New York’s relentless demand and rising rents, and you’ve got a market where preparation beats speed. If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, this conversation gives you a clear playbook: know your numbers, secure the right documents, and plan for the real-world frictions that kill deals.

Enjoy the episode, then share your take: would COPA protect tenants or stall much-needed transactions? If you found this helpful, follow the show, leave a quick review, and send this to a friend who’s house hunting or refinancing this year.