The Tartan Team Podcast
Disclosures with Nick & Dave
Honest conversations about buying, selling, and the parts of the real estate industry no one bothers to explain.
Episode 7 · July 21, 2026
That $35,000 Builder Incentive Is Not Free — Here's the Catch
Builders advertise $30–35k in flex cash, rate buy-downs, and design credits. Nick and Dave break down where that money actually comes from, the five ways you can spend it, lender caps that can send it back to the builder, and which option is usually the best deal.
Listen, watch & read →
Episode 6 · July 14, 2026
Is Vancouver, WA Really Cheaper Than Portland, OR on Taxes?
Everyone 'knows' Washington beats Oregon on taxes — but is it true? Nick and Dave break down income tax, the WA excise tax, property tax, Portland's local taxes, estate tax, and the break-even math for buying in Clark County vs. Multnomah County.
Listen, watch & read →
Episode 5 · July 7, 2026
Renting Is Cheaper Right Now: Here's When Buying Still Wins
Is homeownership still part of the American Dream? Nick and Dave dig into the rent-vs-buy math — why renting is ~37% cheaper per month right now, the real break-even horizon, transaction costs, and how to think about a 'dream home' that fits your life instead of your ego.
Listen, watch & read →
Episode 4 · June 30, 2026
Why We Charge a Flat Fee to Buy but a Percentage to Sell
We charge a flat fee to represent buyers — but a percentage to sell your home. Nick and Dave on why that isn't a contradiction: how commission aligns incentives on the sell side, our full- and limited-service tiers, and why flat-fee listing platforms fall short on representation.
Listen, watch & read →
Episode 3 · June 23, 2026
Why We Charge a Retainer to Help You Buy a House
Why The Tartan Team charges an upfront retainer on the buy side — how commission-at-closing quietly penalizes an agent's best clients, why a retainer realigns incentives, and a full breakdown of our three flat-fee tiers.
Listen, watch & read →
Episode 2 · June 16, 2026
Real Estate Commissions After the Lawsuit: What Actually Changed
What the NAR commission settlement actually changed — and what it didn't. Nick and Dave on buyer agency, steering, the seller's playbook now, and why a cheaper buyer's agent makes you more competitive.
Listen, watch & read →
Episode 1 · June 9, 2026
From Minnesota to Washington: Dave Miller Joins The Tartan Team
Meet Dave Miller — cabinet-maker, finish carpenter, and electrician turned Tartan Team co-founder — on the trades, house hacking, and what's actually worth paying for in a home.
Listen, watch & read →
Ready to talk?
If the show resonates, the next step is a free strategy call. No pitch — just an honest conversation about your situation.
Book a Free Strategy Call →