The Troubleshooter 03-24-26

The Troubleshooter podcast episode aired on March 24, 2026, opens with host Tom Martino welcoming real estate expert Frank Duran, who shares his record-breaking achievement of securing 11 home contracts in just 72 hours. Duran emphasizes the importance of show-ready property condition, strategic pricing, and aggressive outbound marketing—particularly drone fly-throughs and targeted digital campaigns—as key drivers of success. The episode then transitions into a series of listener calls addressing diverse real-life challenges. A caller recounts the distressing removal of his grandson’s belongings after a hospitalization, highlighting systemic gaps in mental health care and tenant protections. Another caller disputes a $800 charge from Blackhawk Movers who failed to move safes properly, prompting a discussion on fair compensation—most agree on a one-third refund given the customer’s involvement. Sway, a tenant and attorney, shares her struggle with a landlord who retaliated with a 20% rent hike after she reported habitability issues, leading to a conversation about Colorado’s anti-retaliation law (CRS 13-12-1307), which allows for triple damages. The team advises documentation and strategic use of public pressure as alternatives to litigation, especially for those with disabilities. Other segments cover a utility scam involving a fake 'Saver Switch' installation, HVAC system design pitfalls, and the difficulty of returning modified vehicles like the Colorado ZR2. Tom Martino reinforces the importance of verifying contractors, avoiding unsolicited services, and understanding that even small oversights—like improper return air flow—can impact performance. The episode closes with a reaffirmation of Apex Tech (720-980-4609) as a top-tier appliance repair service, despite no longer being on the official referral list, and a final reminder that while spring and summer remain ideal listing times, market dynamics can shift, with recent peaks extending into fall.