Seat at the Table

What’s really happening beneath the surface of your home?In this episode of Seat at the Table, hosts Brad Walsh and Betsy Jiranek sit down with John Rivers of Maryland Mold and Waterproofing to discuss some of the most common—and often overlooked—issues affecting homes, including mold, moisture intrusion, basement waterproofing, and foundation concerns.John shares his experience identifying the root causes of water and moisture problems, explains why prevention matters, and offers practical advice for homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. From understanding humidity levels to recognizing warning signs and finding the right solutions, this conversation offers valuable insight into protecting one of your biggest investments.In this episode:Common causes of basement moisture and moldWarning signs homeowners shouldn't ignoreThe importance of managing humidity and drainageHow water and foundation issues can affect real estate transactionsWhy the right solution isn't always the most expensive oneWhether you're buying, selling, or maintaining a home, this episode is packed with helpful information to help you make more informed decisions.About Seat at the TableHosted by Eagle Title's Brad Walsh and Betsy Jiranek, Seat at the Table brings together industry professionals, community leaders, and experts for meaningful conversations about real estate, business, and the relationships that drive success.Learn more about Eagle Title: https://eagletitle.com

What makes a home stand out in today's real estate market? It's more than great photos or beautiful furniture. It's about creating an emotional connection that helps buyers envision themselves living in the space.In this episode of Seat at the Table, we sit down with Joni Laycook of Shore Studio to explore the art and strategy of home staging and how thoughtful presentation can influence buyer perception, generate interest, and help homes sell.Joni shares her expertise on the psychology behind staging, the differences between virtual and physical staging, and why preparing a home for the market means seeing it through the eyes of a potential buyer. She also shares real-world experiences, industry insights, and the results that demonstrate the value of professional staging.Whether you're a real estate agent looking to elevate your listings, a homeowner preparing to sell, or simply curious about what makes a property memorable, this conversation offers valuable takeaways.In this episode:Why first impressions matter in real estateHow staging influences buyer emotions and decisionsVirtual staging vs. traditional home stagingThe impact of staging on marketability and salesWhy sellers need to think of their home as a productAbout Seat at the TablePresented by Eagle Title, Seat at the Table brings together real estate professionals, industry leaders, and community voices for conversations that inform, inspire, and connect.Learn more about Eagle Title at www.eagletitle.com.Subscribe to our channel for more conversations from Seat at the Table.

Success isn’t always about having the perfect pitch or knowing exactly what to say. Sometimes, it starts with something much simpler: showing up.In Part 2 of our conversation with Brooke Silard, Senior Settlement Officer at Eagle Title, we move beyond her career journey and talk about what it takes to build meaningful relationships, earn trust and create long-term success.Brooke shares her approach to networking and business development, including why consistency matters, why relationships take time and why you can’t expect one interaction to immediately turn into an opportunity. She also talks about the part of relationship-building that many salespeople overlook — what happens after the initial introduction.From being an “Olympian at showing up” to understanding that no one builds a career in one night, Brooke offers a practical perspective on creating genuine connections and staying present for the people you want to work with.In this episode, Brooke discusses:• Why simply showing up consistently can make a difference• Building genuine relationships instead of chasing immediate results• The part of the sales process that is often overlooked• The importance of follow-up and staying connected• Building trust and a strong professional reputation over time• Why lasting success comes from consistency, patience and relationshipsIf you work in real estate, sales or any relationship-driven business, this conversation is a reminder that some of the most valuable connections are built one interaction at a time.Seat at the Table is presented by Eagle Title and features conversations with people across real estate, business and our community about the experiences, ideas and relationships that shape their work and their lives.

Careers don’t always follow a straight line — and sometimes the opportunities you never expected lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.In this episode of Seat at the Table, Brooke Silard, Senior Settlement Officer at Eagle Title, shares the story of her career journey and how a series of experiences, connections and opportunities ultimately led her to the title industry.Brooke talks about embracing career pivots, being open to what comes next and learning a new industry from the ground up. She shares why knowledge has been so important to her growth, how experience builds confidence and why understanding the details behind a real estate transaction can make such a difference for the people you serve.And yes, there’s a Maryland flag involved in how it all began.In this episode, Brooke discusses:• Her unexpected path into the title industry• Why you can have more than one career in your lifetime• Taking chances on new opportunities• Learning the title business and building expertise over time• Why knowledge is one of the most valuable tools you can bring to the closing table• The experiences and relationships that helped shape her careerThis is Part 1 of our conversation with Brooke. In Part 2, we continue the conversation with a closer look at relationships, reputation, showing up and what Brooke has learned about building lasting success.Seat at the Table is presented by Eagle Title and features conversations with people across real estate, business and our community about the experiences, ideas and relationships that shape their work and their lives.

What really happens behind the scenes when a title issue threatens to derail a real estate transaction?In this episode of Seat at the Table, Brad Walsh and Betsy Jiranek sit down with Bill O’Connell, Mid-Atlantic Underwriting Counsel for Fidelity National Financial, for a candid conversation about the complicated—and surprisingly fascinating—world of title insurance and underwriting.Bill shares what it’s like to be the person title professionals call when there’s a problem, why his approach is to be the “calming voice” in a difficult transaction, and the philosophy that guides his work: “I don’t need to be right. I want to get it right.”The conversation dives into real-world title issues, seller impersonation and wire fraud, forged documents, remote online notarization, identity verification, and the safeguards that help protect buyers, sellers and their investments. Bill, Brad and Betsy also break down what title insurance actually does—and why some of the biggest risks are the ones you may never see coming.If you’ve ever wondered what title insurance protects, what an underwriter actually does, or just how complicated a seemingly straightforward real estate transaction can become, this episode offers an inside look from people who deal with it every day.In this episode:• What an underwriting counsel does behind the scenes• Why staying calm matters when a transaction gets complicated• Real-world title claims and total failures of title• Seller impersonation, forgery and fraud• The growing challenges of AI and deepfakes• Remote online notarization and identity verification• What title insurance protects—and why it matters• Why getting it right is more important than being rightSeat at the Table is presented by Eagle Title and brings together industry professionals for candid conversations about real estate, title, leadership and the issues shaping our industry.#SeatAtTheTable #EagleTitle #TitleInsurance #RealEstate #RealEstateProfessionals #TitleIndustry #RealEstateFraud

In this episode of Seat at the Table, hosts Brad Walsh and Betsy Jiranek sit down with Andrew Hooper for a conversation about what it takes to build meaningful relationships, stand out in a crowded market, and use technology without losing the human connection that drives business.As AI continues to change the way professionals market, communicate, and work, Andrew shares why relationships, trust, and authentic conversations matter more than ever. The discussion explores how real estate professionals can use AI as a tool—not a replacement for personal connection—and why the time technology saves should be reinvested into the people you serve.Andrew also shares practical insight on differentiation and personal branding, including why trying to be everything to everyone can actually make it harder to grow your business. From identifying your niche to asking better questions and becoming a more thoughtful listener, the conversation is packed with takeaways for anyone looking to strengthen their sales approach and build a business rooted in relationships.Brad, Betsy, and Andrew also discuss mentorship, consultative selling, creating content that can be discovered through AI search, and the importance of understanding the thought process behind an answer rather than simply looking for the answer itself.Topics include:• Why AI won't replace relationships• Using AI to create more time for clients• Relationship-based and consultative selling• Asking better questions—and listening to the answers• Finding your niche and differentiating yourself• Personal branding for real estate professionals• Creating content for the changing world of AI search• The value of mentorship and learning how to think through problems• Building trust in an increasingly technology-driven industryWhether you're a real estate professional, business owner, salesperson, or leader, this episode is a reminder that technology may change how we work—but relationships are still what move business forward.

In this episode of Seat at the Table, hosts Brad Walsh and Betsy Jiranek welcome Terry Liff, one of the founding leaders of Eagle Title and a respected mentor in the real estate industry, for a conversation about the relationships, values, and work ethic that have shaped his decades-long career.Terry shares the lessons he's learned from building lasting partnerships, why authenticity matters more than image, and how putting people first has been the foundation of his success. Along the way, you'll hear the story behind his legendary tie collection, the unique working relationship he shares with his nephew and business partner, Brad Walsh, and why he still gets excited every time a new transaction comes in.More than a conversation about title insurance, this episode is a look at leadership, mentorship, and the importance of showing up consistently—for clients, colleagues, and your community.Topics include:* Building lasting relationships in business* Leadership through mentorship and authenticity* The importance of consistency and professionalism* Growing a business through trust and service* Creating memorable client experiences* Networking with purpose* Family, partnership, and working across generations* The story behind Terry's legendary tie collection

In this episode of Seat at the Table, hosts Brad Walsh and Betsy Jiranek welcome Megan McCorkell, Executive Director of Live Baltimore, for an engaging conversation about the people, neighborhoods, and community spirit that make Baltimore one of the most unique cities on the East Coast.Megan shares how Live Baltimore helps prospective homebuyers discover the city's 250+ residential neighborhoods, connect with local residents, and find a place that truly feels like home. From the organization's popular Trolley Tours and Neighborhood Ambassador program to innovative initiatives like the Buy Back the Block grant program, she explains how Live Baltimore is changing perceptions, supporting homeownership, and strengthening communities one neighborhood at a time.The conversation also explores Baltimore's evolving housing market, the city's affordability, downtown revitalization efforts, and why community—not just location—is at the heart of every home purchase.Whether you're considering a move to Baltimore, work in real estate, or simply want a fresh perspective on one of America's most resilient cities, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes Baltimore a great place to live.Topics include:* Live Baltimore's mission and impact* Exploring Baltimore's diverse neighborhoods* Building community through the Neighborhood Ambassador program* Homebuyer resources and Trolley Tours* The Buy Back the Block grant program* Baltimore housing market trends and affordability* Downtown revitalization and the future of the city* Changing perceptions of Baltimore through community and connection

In this episode of Seat at the Table, hosts Brad Walsh and Betsy Jiranek sit down with Annapolis real estate leader Brad Kappel to discuss what it takes to build a successful real estate business, lead a high-performing team, and serve clients at the highest level.Brad shares his philosophy of acting as a trusted advisor rather than a salesperson, the lessons he learned transitioning from solo agent to team leader, and why deep local market knowledge is essential—especially in unique waterfront communities like Annapolis and Eastport. From navigating complex title issues before they become problems to understanding the details that matter most to luxury homebuyers, this conversation offers valuable insights for real estate professionals at every stage of their careers.You'll also hear about Brad's journey from restaurant management and radio advertising into real estate, the grit and authenticity that shaped his success, and why he values strong partnerships with trusted industry professionals.Topics include:• Building and scaling a real estate team• Luxury and waterfront real estate expertise• Setting client expectations and professional boundaries• Proactive transaction management• The importance of local market knowledge• Leadership, trust, and delegation• Real estate success through grit and consistencyWhether you're a real estate agent, broker, lender, title professional, or simply interested in what it takes to succeed in a competitive market, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience.Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders from across the real estate community.

In this episode of Seat at the Table features special guest Lacey Snyder joining Brad Walsh and Betsy Jiranek for a conversation centered around networking, relationship-building, personal branding, and creating meaningful business connections.From the value of in-person networking to the role LinkedIn plays in expanding your reach, this episode explores how strong relationships continue to drive success in the real estate industry and beyond.Topics include:• Building authentic professional relationships• Networking strategies that still work• LinkedIn and connection-building• Personal branding and headshots• Transactional vs. long-term relationships• Growing your business through people-first experiencesSubscribe for more conversations from Seat at the Table, the Eagle Title podcast focused on real estate, business, leadership, and community.