Podcast
House Wars
Hosted by Laura · EN
House Wars
The real estate market isn’t all open houses, pretty listings, and reality TV drama. Behind every deal is a battlefield of negotiations, hidden rules, corporate power plays, and agents fighting to protect their clients in an industry that’s constantly shifting.
Hosted by top real estate agent Laura Valente, House Wars takes you behind the scenes of the housing market — from commission debates and client loyalty struggles, to the truth about Zillow, MLS rules, and why buyers often don’t see the whole picture. Expect insider stories, market shakeups, and unfiltered conversations that reveal the wild, wild west side of real estate.
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or just fascinated by the business, House Wars pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win in real estate today.
6episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 5 "The House Was Perfect... Until the Neighbors"
1w ago00:22:33Tap to summarizeYou're not just buying the house. You're buying the neighbors.In this episode of House Wars, Laura Valente breaks down the one thing buyers consistently overlook — and how it can blow up an entire deal. From the neighbor who invented wild stories about her client's Airbnb guests, to the Point Loma man who showed up at the door every week claiming he was God and demanding the keys, Laura shares real stories from the field that nobody talks about in real estate.Plus — why "quiet street" means absolutely nothing, what HOA politics actually look like from the inside, and the simple thing you should do before you ever make an offer on a property.You date the house. You marry the neighborhood.House Wars with Laura Valente.
Transcribe →Episode 4: Trusted Transactions- The Psychology Behind Every Buyer Decision
Mar 2300:12:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of House Wars by Laura Valente, Laura takes you inside the unspoken psychology of real estate transactions—revealing what truly drives buyer decisions beyond price, property features, or market conditions.Through a compelling narrative and real-world insight, Laura breaks down the emotional journey every buyer experiences—from initial excitement to hesitation, fear, and ultimately, the critical moment of decision. She introduces her signature concept of the “Trusted Transaction,” a framework built on transparency, emotional intelligence, and strategic guidance.This episode explores how successful transactions are not simply negotiated—they are guided. Laura shares how top-performing agents act as both advisors and emotional anchors, helping clients navigate uncertainty, filter outside noise, and move forward with clarity and confidence.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of:The five emotional phases every buyer goes throughWhy deals often fall apart at the moment of hesitationHow trust—not pressure—is the key driver in decision-makingThe balance between emotion and logic in high-stakes purchasesPractical frameworks to help buyers make aligned, confident choicesWhether you are a buyer, seller, or real estate professional, this episode offers a powerful perspective on how to approach transactions with intention, clarity, and trust.Because at the end of the day, real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about people, psychology, and the power of the right guidance.
Transcribe →Episode 3: You can't spell Negotiation without "EGO"
Jan 2800:20:40Tap to summarizeEverybody thinks today’s price is expensive—until five years later, when they wish they bought it.In this episode of House Wars, Laura goes behind the scenes of real estate negotiations and unpack what really determines whether a deal gets done—or dies on the table.From low offers and best-and-final standoffs to the psychology behind why buyers and sellers hold their ground, this episode explores negotiation as more than just numbers. Drawing inspiration from real-world experience and proven negotiation principles, we break down when it’s smart to push, when it’s strategic to pause, and when walking away is actually the strongest move you can make.Laura dives into:Why buyers often negotiate emotionally and justify logicallyThe hidden cost of shopping outside your comfort zoneHow long-term value and location change the way price should be viewedThe difference between COVID-era chaos and today’s more balanced marketWhy not every deal is worth forcing—and why that’s okayWhether you’re buying, selling, or simply fascinated by the psychology of high-stakes decisions, this episode offers perspective, strategy, and clarity in a market that’s constantly evolving.Because in House Wars, the real wins aren’t about ego—they’re about knowing how to be emotionally intelligent.
Transcribe →HOUSE WARS – EPISODE 2: The Pricing Trap
Dec 200:13:37Tap to summarizeHouse Wars with Laura Valente Episode: The Pricing Trap — Why Overpricing Can Destroy Your ListingIn this eye-opening episode, Laura Valente breaks down one of the biggest mistakes sellers and agents make in today’s market: overpricing a home.With her signature honesty and real-world experience across San Diego and Orange County, Laura explains why unrealistic pricing can sabotage a sale, damage an agent’s reputation, and turn a great listing into a stale one.You’ll learn:Why “dream prices” don’t work in a data-driven marketHow buyers actually evaluate value (stack, comps, upgrades, views)The psychology behind days-on-market and why it mattersWhen underpricing works… and when it absolutely does notWhy turning down a listing can sometimes protect your businessHow sellers can choose the right agent — not the flattery agentWhether you’re a seller who wants to understand real market value or an agent who wants to build a reputation for integrity, this episode gives you the truth the industry doesn’t always say out loud.A property is only worth what the market is willing to pay — and what someone ultimately does pay. Honesty is not just good ethics… it’s good business.Tune in to learn how to price with confidence and avoid the most common trap in real estate.
Transcribe →Episode 1 : YOU NEED AN AGENT
Nov 400:09:08Tap to summarize“Welcome to House Wars. I’m Laura Valente — Realtor, designer, strategist, and the woman who’s seen it all when it comes to real estate deals.In this world, everyone thinks they can do it themselves. But real estate isn’t a YouTube tutorial — it’s a battlefield of contracts, emotions, and money on the line.And today, we’re going to talk about why you actually do need an agent. What it takes to close a deal. What really happens behind the scenes.Because this business isn’t just about opening doors — it’s about protecting dreams, building trust, and surviving the war zone that happens before the keys ever hit your hand.This is House Wars. Let’s go.”
Transcribe →Introduction to House Wars
Aug 2900:01:06Tap to summarizeWelcome to House Wars. I’m your host, Laura Valente, and this is where we strip away the glossy version of real estate and show you what really happens behind the deals.Buying or selling a home isn’t just about pretty listings and open houses — it’s about negotiations, contracts, loyalty, strategy, and sometimes chaos. On this show, I’ll share real stories from the front lines, the struggles agents face that buyers never see, and why being a realtor is so much more than just collecting a commission.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to get a deal done in today’s market, you’re in the right place. This is House Wars — and the battle starts now.
Transcribe →