Jeff also explains why the Fed held rates at 3.5–3.75% on March 18 — the Iran-Israel war pushed oil past $112 a barrel, keeping inflation pressure alive — and what that means for Rochester buyers planning their timeline.

Attorney John Marchioni joins to break down a significant change to Monroe County Bar Association and GRAR contracts. New language now gives buyer's agents explicit legal standing to pursue their earned commission directly from sellers who back out of a deal — no more expensive specific performance lawsuits that cost $5–20k and drag on for years.

The show closes on buyer love letters: why they create Fair Housing liability, what NAR says about them, and why Jeff draws a hard line on the practice.

Topics covered:

• Rochester ranked #2 best housing market in the US for 2026 (Realtor.com)

• 0.3 months supply — down 54.59% year-over-year

• Why the buy-now-refinance-later strategy works in this market

• The Iran-Israel war, $112 Brent crude, and the Fed's March 18 hold

• New GRAR and Monroe County Bar contract changes for 2026

• Agent commission rights when sellers breach

• Buyer love letters and Fair Housing law in New York

HouseTalk with Jeff Scofield Real Estate airs every Saturday morning on WHAM 1180 AM, Rochester NY. Call (585) 370-1000 or visit jeffscofield.com.

They dive deep into the data behind the current inventory shortage—where active listings have dropped from 1,000+ pre-pandemic to just 300 today—and what that means for both buyers and sellers as we hit the spring peak.

Key Topics Covered:

• The 8.3% Milestone: How Mike Reed’s data-driven "mad scientist" approach doubled his company's growth goals.
• Inventory Reality Check: A look at why Monroe County only saw 253 closings in February and why prices remain high.
• Real Estate Ethics & Fair Housing: Why agents legally cannot answer common questions about "nice neighborhoods" or demographics—and how to use AI (ChatGPT) and crime maps to do your own research safely.
• Utility Bill Spikes: Discussing the recent doubling of RG&E bills and the long-term impact on home values and energy efficiency (windows, roofs, and insulation).
• Metal vs. Asphalt Roofs: A guide to when the extra cost of a metal roof is a smart design investment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Spring Market Strategy: Why Rochester offers are moving to "pass-fail" inspections with same-day turnarounds.
• FinCEN LLC Rules: The $100,000 penalty facing attorneys for unreported cash deals.
• The PCD Risk: Why misstating a roof age on a Property Condition Disclosure can lead to major legal settlements.
• Sump Pump Systems: Battery vs. Water-powered backups and the launch of All County’s new $27 inspection service.
• Local Manufacturing Spotlight: A look at Bergen-based Liberty Pumps.

Jeff Scofield, Mike Reed, and John Marchioni are back at WHAM 1180 for the March 1 edition of House Talk Radio, covering the questions Rochester buyers and sellers are asking right now.

What we cover:

• Interest rates and the magic number: Jeff and Mike break down why 6.12% isn't moving the market, what rate actually would, and why the lag between Fed decisions and mortgage rates is longer than most people realize
• The starter pistol moment: Every year in early March, Rochester inventory releases all at once. Jeff has 5 to 6 listings holding for this exact window. What that means for buyers
• Low mortgage rate trap: Homes bought at $200K at 2.5% are worth $400K in many Rochester neighborhoods today. Jeff and John explain why that $200K equity gain, tax-free on a primary residence, changes the math entirely
• Competing offer rules most agents don't know: In New York, you cannot disclose another buyer's offer price without the seller's written permission. John Marchioni explains what that means, and why fabricating a competing offer to trigger an escalation clause is a felony
• Sellers at open houses: Why Jeff tells every client to not be there. One offhand comment can kill the deal

Call in: 222-1180 | Text: (585) 600-5333 House Talk airs Sundays noon to 1pm on News Radio WHAM 1180, Rochester NY.

On this February 22nd episode of House Talk Radio, Jeff Scofield, Mike Reed, and John Marchioni cover the real-world decisions buyers and sellers face in Rochester’s competitive housing market. After a quick detour recapping John’s humbling vacation to a luxury Miami resort, the conversation turns to the questions Rochester homeowners actually call in about.

The main debate centers on home inspection contingencies in competitive offers — when they hurt, when they help, and whether there’s a smarter way to approach them. Jeff gives the listing agent’s honest perspective on why losing offer momentum can cost a seller more than they realize. Mike lays out a creative same-day inspection strategy. John covers the legal risks of waiving inspections and what buyers can and cannot do when something goes wrong during the pendency of a contract.

The episode closes with a conversation about pre-listing appraisals and appraisal gaps, and Jeff shares a real Victor, NY story where delayed negotiations took a $500,000 appraisal to $725,000 with 15 competing offers.