The Mostly Real Estate Podcast, with Declan Spring | Inside The East Bay Housing Market
Conversations about the East Bay housing market and the people shaping it.
Master the East Bay housing market through conversations with the people who know it best. Hosted by Declan Spring, this podcast goes beyond the transaction to explore the stories, personalities, and real-world forces shaping real estate across Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and the surrounding East Bay communities.
Each episode features thoughtful conversations with top agents, lenders, developers, historians, and local voices who influence how the market actually works. From pricing strategy and buyer behavior to neighborhood dynamics and industry shifts, the show offers an inside look at the craft, challenges, and character of East Bay real estate.
Who this podcast is for.
Homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals interested in understanding how the East Bay housing market actually works — through conversations with the people shaping it.
Declan has spent years working inside the East Bay housing market and brings a journalist’s curiosity to conversations with the agents, lenders, and local figures who influence how the market evolves.
Produced by Declan Spring and Denitsa Shopova, founders of The Home Factor, the podcast blends local insight, professional expertise, and long-form storytelling. Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, investor, or real estate professional, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the market and the people shaping it.
Thinking about buying or selling in the East Bay?
Declan Spring and Denitsa Shopova lead The Home Factor, a real estate team focused on helping clients navigate Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and surrounding communities.
Learn more at:
thehomefactor.com
Subscribe for regular conversations about housing, community, and the evolving East Bay real estate landscape.
CA DRE#01398898
The Mostly Real Estate Podcast, with Declan Spring | Inside The East Bay Housing Market
#33 - Ruth Stroup, A Conversation About The Changing Landscape of Property Insurance
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This podcast episode is cross branded with a weekly podcast I host and produce on behalf of Bridge Association REALTORS®: The Bridge Association of REALTORS® Podcast
Ruth Stroup is a 17 year insurance agent with Farmers®, and founder of the Ruth Stroup Insurance Agency in Oakland.
In our conversation Ruth educates me on many aspects of property insurance and the changes she has seen in her 17 year career. Topics include a brief history of property insurance since the 1980’s and the unintended consequences of 1988’s Prop 103; State Farms May 27th announcement that it has discontinued writing new policies on California property; The reinsurance market; Population growth and property development; Insurance company formulas - loss ratio, combined ratio; Firelines and the 3 factors that comprise fireline scores; Types of insurance carriers in California; FAIR plan; Insurance coverage and purchase contract contingencies; Property insurance inspections after the policy has been written.
Ruth Stroup Insurance Agency, 3560 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610 License #0M13985
Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898