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Close to Home

Close to Home

By Brennen Clouse

How do you buy a home? Why is the home the most intimate and telling place in your life? What makes the home the most important place to you? What makes your home feel like your own? How do you sell your home? What's the best way to decorate? What are the hottest paint colors? Where is everyone eating and shopping this month?

Welcome to the Close to Home podcast where we will answer all of your home questions and beyond! Every other week, hosts Brennen Clouse and Tracy Erickson dishes the newest trends, how-to's, and stories about the home - one of the most special places for each of us.
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Currently playing episode

The Clouse Corner: How Important is Staging?

Close to HomeJun 08, 2020

00:00
04:23
The Clouse Corner: What is an Expired Listing?
Jan 17, 202205:20
The Clouse Corner: Top Predictions for 2022
Jan 10, 202208:21
The Clouse Corner: Top 4 Mistakes Home Buyers Made in 2021?
Dec 27, 202104:18
Wishing You Happy Holidays!

Wishing You Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays and thanks to all our listeners, you'll hear more from us in the new year!

Dec 24, 202103:53
The Clouse Corner: What is Seller Sabotage?
Dec 20, 202104:25
#47 Lending a Helping Paw with The Pittie Project!

#47 Lending a Helping Paw with The Pittie Project!

This week's episode is dedicated to all the four legged members of our families as Brennen and Tracy are sitting down with Ashley Georgia the owner and operator of the Pittie Project. The Pittie Project is an amazing organization that partners with dog rescues across the US in order to give pitbulls a second chance at life. It's amazing work and we loved helping Ashley share her story. Also, some surprise guest appearances this week by Ashley and Tracy's dogs!

If you would like to get involved with the Pittie Project with donations, volunteering, or even adopting, you can find them at: www.thepittieprojectpnw.org

And as always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Dec 15, 202124:48
The Clouse Corner: What is an FHA Loan?
Dec 13, 202103:28
The Clouse Corner: 4 Steps to Becoming a Successful Real Estate Agent
Dec 06, 202107:19
#46 Making Your Home Shine with L’AVANT!

#46 Making Your Home Shine with L’AVANT!

It's getting to be that time of year! And luckily this week Brennen and Tracy are sitting down with Kristi and Lindsay the amazing founders of the L’AVANT Collective, makers of beautiful all natural soaps that happen to make amazing holiday gifts! L'AVANT was a mutual brainchild of it's two founders on a trip to Cabo, and it took four years to come to fruition, as you might imagine the story has several great twists and turns, so enjoy!

Kristi and Lindsay were also kind enough to give listeners of our show an exclusive discount! Just go to their site: lavantcollective.com
and enter the code: closetohome and you'll get 15% off your order! How amazing is that?

And as always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Nov 10, 202119:12
The Clouse Corner: Why is Home Owners Insurance Important?
Oct 26, 202103:41
The Clouse Corner: Flipping Homes vs Flipping Condos
Oct 22, 202104:29
The Clouse Corner: Top 3 Mistakes During a Kitchen Remodel
Oct 11, 202104:27
The Clouse Corner: How to Sell Your Home in the Fall
Oct 04, 202104:31
The Clouse Corner: The Benefits of Generational Living
Sep 21, 202104:08
The Clouse Corner: Potential Pitfalls of Vacant Land
Sep 14, 202104:12
The Clouse Corner: What Can I Do With a VA Loan?
Sep 08, 202104:11
#45 Strawberry Poptarts and Shikorina Pastries

#45 Strawberry Poptarts and Shikorina Pastries

The pastry train keeps on rolling this week as Brennen and Tracy sit down with Hana Yohannes, founder of Shikorina Pastries. Hana is a former student of The Pastry Project, our previous guests on the show, who decided to make her dreams a reality and created the bakery she always wanted to own. Shikorina Pastries uses 100% fair trade, organic ingredients, sourced from the local Puget Sound region; and strives for an inclusive menu that caters to different diets and food allergies, as well as gluten free and vegan options.

If you would like to learn more, or just get your hands on some of those amazing strawberry poptarts Hana mentioned you can find them at: shikorinapastries.squarespace.com

And as always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Sep 01, 202114:28
The Clouse Corner: What Do I Do With a Seller's Credit?
Aug 30, 202104:04
#44 Spreading Opportunity with The Pastry Project

#44 Spreading Opportunity with The Pastry Project

We've been cooking up something special on this weeks Close to Home as Brennen and Tracy sit down to talk with Heather and Emily cofounders of The Pastry Project in Seattle! The Pastry Project is a non-profit that's all about giving cooks the skills they need to join a real kitchen without it being a huge undertaking for either themselves, or the restaurant. Frankly it's an amazing idea and we hope it catches on everywhere! As you can tell from the background noise Heather and Emily are both kept very busy, so this episode is a little shorter than usual, but it's packed with goodies nonetheless.

If you would like to learn more, take a class, or support The Pastry Project you can find them at: www.thepastryproject.co

And as always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Aug 18, 202111:02
The Clouse Corner: How to Deal with a Counteroffer
Aug 16, 202103:58
#43 Inside Moshi Moshi! A Special Owners Interview

#43 Inside Moshi Moshi! A Special Owners Interview

We've got something really special for you this week on the Close to Home! Tracy is sitting down with Rumi and Charlie, the current owners of Seattle's own Moshi Moshi. If you're a long time listener you might know that Moshi Moshi was originally owned and built out by Tracy and her husband Kevin, making this week's episode a fun owners-only retrospective of how far the business has come over the last decade. If you've ever dreamed of owning or operating a restaurant then this is the perfect episode for you, no purchase necessary!

If you would like to order food or learn more about Moshi Moshi you can find them at: Moshimoshiseattle.com

And as always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Aug 04, 202135:27
The Clouse Corner: How to Get in Ahead of the Offer Review Date!
Aug 03, 202104:09
The Clouse Corner: Does Selling 0ff-Market Save Money?
Jul 26, 202104:21
The Clouse Corner: New Warning Signs of a Cooling Market?
Jul 19, 202104:55
The Clouse Corner: What You Need to Know About Homeowner's Insurance
Jul 12, 202104:18
The Clouse Corner: How Much Should Your Monthly Mortgage Payment Be?
Jul 05, 202104:16
#42 Expanding a Classic at The HoneyHole with Kristin Rye

#42 Expanding a Classic at The HoneyHole with Kristin Rye

It's a triple decker this week as Brennen and Tracy are sitting down with Kristin Rye, the owner of the recently expanded HoneyHole! The HoneyHole is a Seattle institution known for it's amazing hand crafted sandwiches and Kristen is here to give the inside track on everything from new events to the optimal time to order your lunchtime special. So place your orders, sit back and enjoy this week's Close to Home!

If you would like to order a sandwich or learn more about the HoneyHole you can find them at: thehoneyhole.com

And as always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Jun 30, 202119:21
The Clouse Corner: What the Heck is Happening in Seattle's Housing Market?
Jun 30, 202105:11
The Clouse Corner: Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid on an Investment Rental
Jun 30, 202104:02
#41 Adventures in Alaskan Fishing with Luis Arruela

#41 Adventures in Alaskan Fishing with Luis Arruela

This week Tracy is sitting down with fifth generation fisherman Luis Arruela to talk about his family's history with fishing, as well as his own experiences running his own fishing boat in Alaska. The idea of running off to be a fisherman in Alaska is one that still holds a certain amount of romantic appeal, inspiring shows like Deadliest Catch. Luis is going to give his own take on the actual realities of doing the job as well as how it has changed over the last 20 years.

As always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Jun 09, 202141:23
The Clouse Corner: Don't Fall in Love with Glamor Shots
Jun 08, 202104:15
The Clouse Corner: The Number 1 Question You Need to be Asking in Todays Market
Jun 01, 202103:41
#40 Crafting the Cocktail for Success with Erik Carlson

#40 Crafting the Cocktail for Success with Erik Carlson

This week Tracy is sitting down with close friend and pioneer of the craft cocktail in Seattle Eric Carlson. If you read any of Seattle's numerous food magazines it's likely you've already heard of Eric who most recently has been applying his talents to the cocktail menu at Stoneburner. Over the course of this week's episode he and Tracy will be discussing his personal journey in the exciting world of bars and restaurants, as well as what the future holds, not just for him personally but the Seattle food scene as a whole.

If you would like to see Eric's masterful creations in person consider learn more at: Stoneburnerseattle.com

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

May 27, 202132:34
The Clouse Corner: What is a Long Closing and Should it Worry You?
May 25, 202104:32
The Clouse Corner: How Important is Proof of Financing?
May 18, 202104:49
#39 Creating Something Special with Raised Donuts

#39 Creating Something Special with Raised Donuts

Have some fresh coffee with you this week and be prepared to order out for emergency baked goods as Brennen and Tracy are sitting down with Mi Kim the founder and head chef of Raised Donuts! Raised Donuts (in case you didn't know) is an amazing specialty bakeshop in Seattle drawn from Mi Kim's own culinary journey and family history, and inspired by the single item specialty food stands she encountered on a trip to Korea. The shop features from scratch recipes, seasonal specialties, and hands on cooking classes, which will hopefully be returning soon. If you've ever been curious about what goes into the creation of new business then this is a can't miss episode!

Check out more amazing delicacies at: instagram.com/raiseddoughnuts

As always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

May 12, 202121:05
The Clouse Corner: What is Buyer Fatigue?
May 10, 202104:40
What Does Realtor Experience Really Count For?
May 04, 202104:20
The Clouse Corner: The Best Places to Move After Selling Your Home
Apr 26, 202104:06
The Clouse Corner: Why Houses That Look New Sell Better
Apr 12, 202104:08
The Clouse Corner: Top Tips for Helping a Property Sell Quickly
Apr 05, 202105:05
The Clouse Corner: 3 Things You Must Know Before Buying a New Townhouse!
Mar 31, 202105:10
The Clouse Corner: How to Create "Curb Appeal"
Mar 29, 202105:05
#38 What's Next for Seattle Restaurants? Interview with Ethan Stowell

#38 What's Next for Seattle Restaurants? Interview with Ethan Stowell

Pull up a seat at the table as this week Brennen and Tracy are sitting down with Ethan Stowell acclaimed Seattle chef, restaurateur, and philanthropist, to talk about how Covid has impacted the Seattle restaurant industry over the last year. Ethan is a hometown boy who has worked in, started, and built many restaurants in Seattle, including seven (yes seven) new ones during Covid. We're beyond excited to hear Ethan's thoughts on how Covid has changed Seattle's restaurant scene, possibly forever, and where he sees the industry heading in the future!

As always if you have additional questions about the show, or ideas for future guests or topics please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from you!

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Also online at: TheClouseGroup.com

Thanks for listening!

Our Opening theme:

“Inspired”

By Kevin Mcleod (incomptech.com)

Other music (in order used):

“Good Times”

By Patrick Patrikios

“We Don’t Know How it Ends”

By Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com)

“Ruination 2”

By Vibe Mountain

Music obtained and Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Mar 17, 202117:42
The Clouse Corner: Why You Don't Live in Your House When it's Being Sold
Mar 16, 202104:51
The Clouse Corner: Why is a TV The Most Important Staging Item?
Mar 09, 202104:28
The Clouse Corner: What Does Your Townhome HOA Cover
Mar 02, 202103:60
The Clouse Corner: Why is the Weekend Important in Real Estate?
Feb 23, 202104:32
The Clouse Corner: More Top Reasons Homes Fall Through in Escrow
Feb 16, 202105:56
The Clouse Corner: Why is The Market Crazy During the Beginning of the Year?
Feb 09, 202104:09