Real Estate: The Simple Truth About Buying, Selling & Building a Business | Marci Muster

In this Light Up the Mic episode, host Kembala Evans sits down with a seasoned realtor Marci Muster with more than 30 years of experience helping families buy and sell homes across Rhode Island and Georgia. Marci puts the real in real estate — from how she got started to why great photos, honest communication, and negotiation skills matter more than fancy brochures or brand names. 

She shares stories about walking away from bad deals, building trust that lasts decades, and how today’s market challenges are changing what it takes to close a sale. Marci talks about what really drives a successful home sale — from why pictures are everything to how honesty, accessibility, and keeping your interests in mind can make or break a deal.

They discuss how today’s buyers and sellers are adapting to a changing market, why location and timing still matter, and what separates a good agent from a great one. Whether you’re buying, selling, or thinking about a career in real estate, Marci’s straight-talk advice brings clarity to one of life’s biggest investments.

Key Takeaways:

• Pictures Are Everything - Great photos attract buyers before they ever step inside.
• Relationships Drive Success - Real estate is built on trust, referrals, and long-term connections.
• Trust Over Transactions - A good agent protects clients from bad deals, even when it costs a commission/compensation.
• You Can Negotiate Commission - There’s no fixed 6% rule; compensation for realtors is negotiable. 
• You Buy the Realtor, Not the Brand - Big-name agencies don’t guarantee great service—the real estate agent matters.
• Control What You Can - Focus on curb appeal, decluttering, staging, and visual presentation when the market slows.
• Honesty Builds Longevity - Integrity, responsiveness, and genuine care can turn clients into lifelong friends.

Resources:

1. Here’s why the housing slowdown isn’t lowering home prices
2. U.S. Foreclosures Rise 17 Percent In Third Quarter Of 2025 
3. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher, William L. Ury and Bruce Patton

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