In this episode, Leigh interviews Nicole Solari, a realtor from Napa Valley, California who has made a remarkable record selling 191 real estate units in just 1 year. Listen as Nicole shares two nerve-wracking experiences with the same house—she discovers the house’s dark past and not-so-bright future, as she had to shoo away a hooker and her client out of the house during a showing.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:27 – Leigh introduces Nicole Solari
• 00:50 – Nicole is a Boston qualifier
• 01:04 – She has been in real estate for 3 years
• 01:08 – Nicole is based in Napa Valley, in California
• 01:30 – She sold 191 units last year amounting to $68M in sales
• 01:44 – The average realtor sells 10 houses in a year
• 02:49 – This story is the most shocking one in Nicole’s career:
  • 03:00 – One of Nicole’s very first listings was a home that hadn’t been occupied for a while
  • 03:14 – One day while she was there a neighbor came over to tell her the house’s story
  • 03:39 – The neighbor said the home was owned by a gentleman who took care of the elderly
  • 03:45 – As soon as the elderly check in, they never check out
  • 03:53 – Neighbor claims that the elderly people get murdered, chopped and hidden underneath the house
  • 04:02 – They found 6 bodies, 10 years later, and the mass murderer is now in jail
  • 04:14 – Nicole Googled about it to be sure – lo and behold, the claims were true
  • 04:28 –She wasn’t surprised of the house’s history as Nicole felt something was weird in that house
  • 04:44 – She received a call from a couple and showed the house
  • 05:01 – She opened the house and turned on the light – there was a pink book bag down the hallway
  • 05:09 – She heard noises but continued to go up the master’s bedroom
  • 05:14 – She saw a hooker on the floor with a man in the corner, smoking
  • 05:28 – Nicole walked out immediately and yelled that she would call the police
  • 05:33 – They didn’t leave
  • 05:45 – 45 mins later, Police knocked and they didn’t come out
  • 06:01 – K9s were released
  • 06:15 – The hooker and the old man came running out – buttnaked
  • 06:30 – Police chased them
  • 06:40 – Finally the police woman tackles them, holds out her gun and says, “Give me a reason to shoot you, I’m on my period!”
  • 06:55 – It was the most hilarious thing for Nicole
• 08:22 – Nicole now researches about the houses before she lists them
• 09:25 – Connect with Nicole at 707-486-5400 or on Instagram and Twitter
• 09:40 – Email her at nicole@solariteam.com
• 10:14 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate 

3 Key Points

1. Being in real estate for a short time does not necessarily mean you’re less experienced.
2. Always do a background check first about the homes you’re about to list.
3. Follow your intuition—it’s there for a purpose and oftentimes, it never hurts to do your due diligence.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

In this episode, Leigh interviews Joe Battisto, an NYS licensed property inspector from Syracuse who works for Haven Environmental. Joe founded Haven Environmental in 2015, and they’re trying to raise the bar for home inspection. Listen to Joe’s advice as an expert in the field and hear how he rescued a couple from buying a problematic house that was a far cry from what was shown in photos.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Joe Battisto
President
Haven Environmental
www.havenenvironmental.com

Up here in Central New York I did one last week I had to post on the company Facebook page.   The homeowner started using cardboard boxes as HVAC duct work after his metal ducts starting rotting away.  Then he used old bed rails as structural support posts to hold up the floor from falling into the basement.   He was asking low 6 figures for the hot mess.  The prospective buyers were making an offer based on the online photos from the real estate advertisement without ever actually seeing the property in person.  Bad idea, at least they called a home inspector to put eyes on it before sealing the deal!

If you check our site, you will see we are trying to raise the bar for home inspection by adding capabilities most one man operators don't have:

• We are a licensed firm in NYS to provide mold assessments.
• We have a highly experienced Certified Industrial Hygienist on staff.
• Our principal IAQ inspector Is certified by the IICRC, NORMI, OSHA, and NACHI.
• We are certified for thermal imaging analysis.
• We are licensed in NYS to provide buyer/bank property inspection for real estate transactions on properties up to 4 units.
• We are FAA commercial certified to fly camera drones for high resolution roof inspections.
• We are experienced and formally trained to provide contractor estimates for mold and water damage restoration.
• We are trained and experienced in providing property insurance underwriting inspections.
• We can provide asbestos, radon, and lead testing.
• In addition to general liability and an attestation of worker’s compensation exemption filed with NYS, we carry professional liability and errors and omissions insurance on all our projects.
• We oversee an extensive network of reliable mold and water damage sub - contractors across upstate NY.
• We use 2 of the most highly respected microbial laboratory firms in the country for our lab work.

Realtors tell me 50% of the homes they list have mold issues, so we try to guide buyers, sellers, and agents all the way through that mess and keep the closing on track.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:49 – Leigh introduces Joe Battisto
• 00:58 – Joe is from Syracuse, NY
  • 01:06 – Joe is from Haven Environmental and they provide buyers’ inspection services for real estate transactions
• 01:21 – In real estate, the inspection process is sometimes the most uncomfortable part of the transaction
• 01:55 – The moral of the story is never ever buy a property that you haven’t physically walked through yourself
• 02:07 – A few weeks ago, Joe received a call from a couple who wanted to buy a house
  • 02:15 – It is a 2-storey house and Joe was asked to do the inspection
  • 02:33 – When Joe was inspecting the property, things began to cramp up
  • 02:44 – Joe describes the structure of the house
  • 03:06 – Joe went to the basement and saw that the metal brackets that held up the first floor were cracking and slipping
  • 03:15 – Old bed rails was used as structural support posts to hold up the floor from falling into the basement
  • 04:06 – The homeowner repurposed cardboard boxes as HVAC duct work after his metal ducts started rotting away
  • 04:48 – On Joe’s way out of the basement, he saw another major problem with plumbing
  • 05:30 – Joe sent the report to the buyer and he learned that the couple haven’t even been in the house
  • 06:02 – The couple only saw the listing online and were buying it from Europe
  • 06:40 – Joe became the buying agent
  • 07:10 – The listing agent put up photos of the house which looked really good
  • 07:26 – Joe had a serious talk with the buyer and the buyer thought that they wouldn’t need to put much money into the house
• 08:02 – The couple found Joe online
• 09:30 – When having a talk with your home inspector, match your needs to your home inspector’s qualifications and be comfortable with what he is going to do
• 09:55 – Ask for a copy of the report done by your home inspector to get an idea of how he does the inspection
• 10:52 – Joe sees himself more as a partner than a vendor
• 11:00 – Regarding how realtors should select their home inspector partner, Joe advises…
  • 11:17 – Realtors control 80% of the home inspector’s work
  • 11:32 – “Realtors should be qualifying those home inspectors as well”
• 11:52 – The past week, Haven Environmental was approved by the New York State to provide continuing education instruction for realtors in their area of Syracuse, NY
• 12:20 – Find Joe on their website which links to their Facebook
• 13:01 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. In real estate, the inspection process may be the most uncomfortable part of the transaction, but is also necessary. .
2. Never buy a property that you haven’t physically walked through yourself.
3. Try to match your needs to your home inspector’s qualifications, so you can be aligned and comfortable with how they choose to do their job.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

In this episode, Leigh interviews Kristina Rhodes, a realtor from Indiana who works for FC Tucker Emge. Kristina has been in real estate for 17 years and, at the same time, has volunteered for Make a Wish. Listen to find out how realtors are making the effort to help their communities while hustling in the world of real estate. Kristina also shares how being a volunteer to Make a Wish has impacted Kristina’s real estate brand, career, and life.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience. 

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:34 – Leigh introduces Kristina Rhodes
• 00:58 – Kristina works for FC Tucker Emge, in Indiana, and has been in real estate for 17 years
• 01:46 – Kristina contacted Leigh to share about the Good Neighbor Program
  • 01:53 – The program is exclusively for realtors
  • 02:00 – Every year, 5 out of 1M realtors are chosen to be awarded
  • 02:07 – The award is reserved for realtors who do good for their community
  • 02:17 – Some Good Neighbor nominees go to Africa to give clean water to villages
  • 02:25 – There are also realtors supporting veterans, homeless, and those who need help
  • 02:42 – Some realtors fight for rights and awareness
  • 03:01 – There is not enough positive press out there about realtors
  • 03:28 – The Good Neighbors Society work all year long
  • 03:48 – Kristina has been a volunteer for Make a Wish for 17 years
  • 04:32 – Kristina talks about how Make a Wish impacted her brand in real estate
  • 05:20 – When Kristina first became a volunteer, she didn’t know what to expect
  • 05:29 – In 17 years, each child that they serve teaches Kristina something
  • 07:08 – Kristina simply wants to spread the message that realtors are not just realtors, they do more than just real estate
  • 07:23 – There are so many realtors out there doing something good
  • 07:40 – Leigh is promoting #MoreThanHouses
• 08:59 – Connect with Kristina at 812-305-3914
• 09:06 – If you know a realtor who is making an impact in society, you can contact Kristina
• 09:13 – Realtors who want to learn more about Good Neighbor and Volunteering Works, Kristina will connect you
• 09:24 – The National Association of Realtors has grants available to support realtors with their projects
• 10:29 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. Realtors need to be recognized not only for their work, but for how they are making a difference in this world, too.
2. Many realtors help several causes, charities, and local needs in a variety of ways.
3. The National Association of Realtors provide grants that can help realtors with their projects – all you need to do is inquire about it.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Whenever a scheduled closing does not work out, make sure you understand why. What spooked the buyer? What made them delay or change their mind? In Tricia’s case, perhaps it was the basement flooded with oil or the potential run-in with a murderer...

In this episode, Leigh interviews Tricia Beam, a realtor from Jersey Shore who works for Coldwell Banker Homes and has 20 years of experience in the business. Tune in as she shares her crazy story that explains the importance of doing your due diligence with your future clients and their homes.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:22 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:36 – Leigh introduces Tricia Beam
• 00:45 – Tricia comes from the Jersey Shore
• 00:56 – Tricia covers most parts of Jersey Shore and has been in real estate for 20 years
• 01:41 – Tricia’s story has to do with walkthroughs
  • 01:49 – She had a listing in a town near her office
  • 01:53 – She had a listing on a vacant home
  • 01:55 – She didn’t really know the owners, but she met them a few years back
  • 02:00 – The sellers had a family member that was buying the home from them
  • 02:09 – The owner held onto the mortgage and payments weren’t being made
  • 02:14 – They got the family member to move out of the house
  • 02:19 – A year later, Tricia received a call asking for a meet-up
  • 02:25 – She went to meet the family and the house was vacant
  • 02:31 – They listed and sold the house right away
  • 02:34 – They wanted to close on Friday
  • 02:39 – The selling agent did a walkthrough
  • 02:45 – The buyer had issues, so they rescheduled to close on Monday afternoon
  • 02:57 – Tricia didn’t come to the closing
  • 03:03 – After closing, she got a call from the agent saying the whole basement was flooded with oil, there was also a problem in the bathroom upstairs, and somebody broke the window to get in
  • 03:54 – Tricia didn’t know what to do
  • 03:58 – Her manager told her that the fault was with the selling agent who didn’t make another walkthrough
  • 04:08 – In every closing that doesn’t actually close, there should be another walkthrough
  • 04:49 – A few days later the selling agent called again to ask if Tricia read the news
  • 05:05 – They found out that the relative who lived in the house was charged with murder for dismembering a body and putting it in a fridge in Florida
  • 05:41 – The relative was just caught
  • 05:50 – The selling agent thought it might be him who broke into the house
• 06:55 – Tricia was a bit resentful because the family didn’t even warn her about their relative
• 07:37 – The family knew about the issues without warning their realtors
• 09:25 – Look after your own safety
• 10:18 – If you’re looking for a realtor in the Jersey Shore, get in touch with Tricia
• 10:32 – Connect with Tricia through phone at 732-766-2985
• 10:37 – She works for Coldwell Banker Residential
• 11:25 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. It pays to check and double check – make sure you are diligent in your walkthroughs.
2. When a closing isn’t successful, make sure you understand what went wrong.
3. Do your best as realtors to be aware and cautious of anything that may be suspicious.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

In this episode, Leigh welcomes Pam Gebhardt to the show. Pam is a realtor in the Atlanta area and has been in the real estate industry for more than 26 years. Her crazy story describes a kind deed that went terribly wrong and is, indeed, a tragedy! Listen to hear why Pam no longer gives housewarming parties as a congratulatory gift to  her clients.  

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:36 – Introducing Pam Gebhardt
• 00:54 – Pam was trained in Education with a master’s degree in Mathematics
• 01:01 – It’s her 26th year now, as a realtor in Atlanta
• 01:58 – This is a true and crazy story
  • 02:12 – Pam lives in a gated golf course community
  • 02:17 – She sells and lists homes around the area
  • 02:21 – When Pam sells a luxury home, she throws a housewarming party for the clients
  • 02:37 – She sold a $2.8M brand new home to friends in her community
  • 02:48 – They closed in July, but her clients didn’t want to do the party until they had all the furniture in the house
  • 02:58 – They called Pam in mid-October for the party
  • 03:03 – They had the caterers and 140 guests ready
  • 03:27 – People were in the house – it was full
  • 03:35 – Pam and the owner were in the basement, in the home theater and bar
  • 03:49 – All of a sudden, Pam and her client noticed a smell – which they thought were people going up and down the elevator
  • 04:10 – Pam suggested to her client to get people off the elevator, which he did
  • 04:21 – They started to see smoke coming out of the cam lights
  • 04:27 – 5 minutes later, all the alarms went off in the house
  • 04:35 – Finally, they decided to go outside
  • 04:50 – There were flames shooting out of the fireplace
  • 05:06 – A person came up and told them to go in front of the house – somebody called the fire department
  • 05:18 – Everybody thought is was funny
  • 05:36 – The firemen advised them to take the cars out of the garage and remove all jewelry from the house
  • 05:51 – People were having fun outside
  • 05:58 – The firemen went up the house with a ladder
  • 06:27 – All of a sudden, all the firemen came running out of the house
  • 06:30 – All 120 guests were outside and they watched the house burn to the ground
  • 06:46 – Her clients lost everything! Fortunately, their old house was not sold and was still furnished
  • 06:58 – The client moved back to their old house and Pam recommended a reputable builder for them
  • 07:14 – Long story short, there was a defective fireplace
  • 07:19 – Pam makes sure that inspection amendments are being chased properly
• 07:34 – Once the attic is in flames, there’s nothing that can save the house
• 07:47 – The incident bothered Pam and the people in the community
• 08:20 – The insurance company reimbursed the money
• 08:49 – The clients were back in the house in a year and 21 days after the fire
• 09:33 – The insurance company sued the fireplace company
• 10:13 – It took Pam at least 2 years before she could talk about it
• 10:30 – Her client’s father was a fire chief in another city, so he understood the gravity of what happened
• 10:44 – The buyers now ended up with a much better home than they originally had
• 12:03 – Pam’s clients made “lemonade out of lemons”
• 12:32 – Pam now gives paintings instead of housewarming parties
• 13:17 – Pam has a team of 3 and is located north-northeast of Atlanta
• 13:30 – Contact Pam on her email
• 13:50 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. It pays to check, cross check, and triple check the quality of the house you’re buying.
2. It’s normal to feel guilty for something bad that happens to the house you sold, even if it’s not your fault.
3. Make sure to have a great home insurance for your home.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Start them young! This is what Michelle did for her daughter, Amanda, who started joining client meetings and showings every time she was grounded. This relationship eventually grew to a mother-daughter partnership in real estate. In this episode, Leigh welcomes Michelle and Amanda Gordon who are family, best friends, and business partners. Michelle and Amanda are both from The Gordon Group in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience. 

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:40 – Leigh introduces Michelle and Amanda Gordon
  • 00:50 – Michelle is with The Gordon Group in Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • 00:55 – Amanda is also with Gordon Group and is a Director of ISA
• 01:36 – Michelle discusses the family dynamics
  • 01:40 – Amanda was with Michelle since Amanda was 13 years old
• 02:00 – Amanda would help Michelle in her work whenever she was grounded
  • 03:10 – Amanda would go to showings and client meetings with Michelle
• 03:40 – Amanda didn’t want to go to college, but her parents insisted
  • 03:48 – Amanda took 1 year in business school
• 04:05 – Michelle and Amanda are also best friends and business partners
  • 04:15 – While working, Amanda would call Michelle by her first name and Michelle would fully understand why
• 05:14 – Amanda became Michelle’s secretary and would do administrative work—this is where Amanda learned the back end of real estate
  • 05:35 – Michelle is the techy one and taught Amanda about social media marketing
  • 06:20 – Amanda and Michelle have almost the same DISC profile result
  • 06:30 – Leigh explains what the DISC profile test is
• 07:30 – Amanda and Michelle had a roller-coaster, working relationship as a mother and daughter
  • 08:08 – Amanda quit and got fired more than 5 times
  • 08:22 – Michelle needed to figure out the dividing language for them
  • 08:30 – Michelle hired a business coach to help them
  • 08:47 – Michelle and Amanda are both passionate about real estate
• 09:10 – Michelle shares her views on getting out of the business, without losing the business
  • 09:20 – Michelle has to make a smooth transition and it was a wise move to have Amanda start early on
• 10:16 – Michelle and Amanda’s specialize in luxury listings
  • 10:30 – The price range for a luxury listing in Grand Rapids
  • 11:17 – Michelle gets people from New York and other cities wanting to relocate to Grand Rapids
  • 11:55 – People should not rely on national media to talk about the real estate market because they simply don’t know the market
• 12:14 – Grand Rapids’ focus is local
• 13:15 – Amanda talks about the python they saw in one house
  • 13:18 – In 2008/09, Michelle and Amanda had a showing together
  • 13:25 – In a box that was half-covered by a sheet, was a 15ft python
  • 13:43 – There was also a room with 5 bird cages
  • 14:08 – Michelle and Amanda went upstairs because the parrots were making so much noise
• 15:50 – Grand Rapids, Michigan is different from Detroit
• 16:51 – There are areas in Grand Rapids that are on the rise, so it is a good opportunity for investors
• 17:36 – Amanda knows her areas well
• 18:07 – Reach Amanda Gordon at 616-560-2928 or by email
• 18:22 – Call or text Michelle Gordon at 616-443-0596 or by email
• 19:10 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. Having your child become involved in your business at a young age has its pros and cons.
2. Hiring a business consultant will not only help your business, but your relationship with your business partners as well.
3. People should not rely on national media to talk about the real estate market, because they simply don’t know the market well.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Real estate was in Mark Allen’s blood, but he found himself wanting to take a different path than his parents. In the end, his roots won him over and he found great success in real estate. Listen as he shares a crazy story about hosting an open house in the wrong neighborhood—but manages to make that sale anyway. In this episode, Leigh interviews Mark Allen, Vice President for Industry Relations at Move Inc.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:22 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:44 – Leigh introduces Mark Allen
• 01:05 – Mark currently works with Move Inc., a company that provides real estate software products and they also operate com
• 01:30 – Back then, Mark became a real estate agent after college
• 01:44 – He’s an S-O-B (Son of a broker)
• 02:04 – When he went to college, he wanted to do anything, but real estate
• 02:15 – His real estate career has been wonderful throughout the years
• 02:20 – Mark shares a story of when he was a new agent
  • 02:35 – One new agent, like himself, was holding an open house for one of the senior agents
  • 02:44 – The open house was set on a Sunday afternoon, at Red Circle Drive
  • 02:56 – The sellers were not in the house, but the door was open for the open house
  • 03:02 – The open house lasted for 2.5 hours and had a fair amount of traffic
  • 03:10 – Just as the agent was about to close the house, the sellers came up and were quite irate as to why he was on their property
  • 03:19 – The agent quickly said they agreed to have an open house that day to market the home to buyers
  • 03:26 – The sellers told him that their house was NOT for sale
  • 03:33 – The agent realized he was not supposed to be on Red Circle South, but in Red Circle North!
  • 04:00 – The agent had buyers interested from the open house he held and eventually ended up selling the house he showed, but didn’t list
  • 04:14 – The buyers offered a price that the homeowners did not anticipate
  • 04:50 – The original homeowners from where the agent originally listed weren’t very happy that their house didn’t have that initial open house, but the listing agent was able to recover from that
• 05:13 – The real estate business is a very fluid environment
• 05:32 – 35% of the US population has linear thinking
• 06:06 – Mark shares another story as a realtor
  • 06:09 – Mark was called to show a house
  • 06:15 – He picked up the buyer from a shopping mall and drove them to the house
  • 06:24 – As he was picking up his things, he saw the buyer get into another car and drive off
  • 06:32 – He became an instant Uber driver
• 07:17 – Mark’s parents both have been successful in real estate
• 08:08 – Move Inc. is not owned by the National Association of Realtors
• 08:19 – More than 2 years ago, it was purchased and is now a subsidiary of NewsCorp
• 09:17 – com is a website for real estate listings
• 11:20 – Reach Mark on his email
• 12:00 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. The path you’re avoiding might be the path that will lead you to success.
2. Always double check your listings!
3. Be open to options and don’t just stick with linear thinking.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Agents go out of their way to prepare snacks for clients, but what do you do with the clients who pack down their purses with the snacks? Or better yet, rob the whole house that you’re showing? In this episode, Leigh welcomes Scott Lincicome who is from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Scott shares his experience dealing with some downright thieves. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience. 

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:41 – Leigh introduces Scott
• 00:53 – Scott is from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Pinehurst
• 01:09 – The largest Harris Teeter store is in Pinehurst
• 02:23 – Scott calls his clients “snack snatchers” in the story
• 02:49 – The story started last fall during a estate sale
  • 03:32 – 2 days after the sale, Scott got a call from an internet lead —a family who wanted to see the house
  • 03:40 – The clients came to the house and said they wanted to buy the house and said they also bought the furniture from the estate sale that happened two days ago
  • 04:20 – Scott got a call from an agent with an offer represented by that family that got in contact with him via internet
  • 04:58 – The family’s agent was negotiating with Scott over the sale of the house
  • 05:20 – The family’s agent said that every meeting, the family would steal the snacks the agent prepared, thus the nickname “snack snatchers”
  • 06:31 – Scott received a call from a different agent about a couple interested in the same property
  • 07:00 – The couple turned out to be the snack snatchers from the first agent with whom Scott was already negotiating
• 08:17 – Three weeks ago….
  • 08:22 – The snack snatchers had an offer on another house one street over, with the same builder who partners with Scott
  • 08:44 – Two days before the closing, the snack snatchers went to the property with an agent and they unlocked the windows
  • 08:54 – The day before closing, the snack snatchers went back into the house through the windows and backed out of the sale, closing day
• 09:30 – Back to the first story...
  • 09:39 – Scott, the agent, and the snack snatchers went to the property
  • 09:46 – Scott talked to the agent in the corner about what happened three weeks ago
  • 10:00 – While the snack snatchers were touring the house, they got a call from Scott’s first agent asking them what was going on
  • 10:32 – The husband was on the phone
  • 10:52 – The wife said that she still needed to look at one thing and went back inside the house
  • 11:00 – The husband told the wife that they needed to go, so they left in their minivan
  • 11:20 – The agent went back into the house and noticed that the wife unlocked the back door
  • 11:43 – Scott calls the first agent to check on the first property the snack snatchers visited
  • 12:00 – Scott drove to the first property to see the lights on, the back door unlocked, and the furniture missing
  • 14:30 – Four days after, the snack snatchers were seen around the neighborhood sneaking around
  • 15:00 – Scott and some of the people from the neighborhood called the police
  • 15:20 – It turned out that the snack snatchers were making an offer again on a house across the property they had just robbed
  • 15:51 – The snack snatchers bought the third house
• 17:45 – Reach Scott at 910-315-7856, or by email and website
• 19:00 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate! 

3 Key Points

1. You can usually find crazy clients, but psychotic ones – they’re quite rare.
2. Be more cautious during the viewing—make sure that you’re the last to check the house.
3. Advise your agents of previous problematic clients, so they will be more aware.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

The smell of cookies baking in the oven, the decor arranged just right, clearing the clutter...all strategies to draw people in. However, a very chic cake left for you to sample? Now, that’s just showing off. However, for Ruth, this particular cake was no ordinary cake. In this episode, Leigh welcomes Ruth Hauser who has been in real estate for almost 15 years. She is an agent for Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston in the Raleigh area in North Carolina.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:38 – Leigh introduces Ruth
• 00:59 – Ruth is an agent at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston
• 01:15 – She’s been in real estate for almost 15 years
• 02:02 – Ruth’s story starts with a house she listed several years ago for a young couple
  • 02:11 – Fortunately, her clients were very patient and easy to work with
  • 02:19 – The house was always clean and rarely missed a showing
  • 02:30 – Their house was under contract with a big investment company
  • 02:46 – Eventually, they also went under contract with the house they wanted to purchase
  • 02:50 – Home inspections were done and went well
  • 02:59 – The house the couple wanted to purchase, had a big chic cake on the kitchen counter
  • 03:21 – It was a huge cake and it was partially eaten
  • 03:30 – 2 days after the inspection, the investment company purchasing the couple’s house terminated the contract
  • 03:55 – The couple terminated the purchase with the “cake house” because they needed to sell their house first
  • 04:03 – 21 days later, the couple’s house went under contract again so they went under contract with the “cake house” for the second time
  • 04:18 – Both deals closed this time
  • 04:26 – When they went to look back at the “cake house”, the cake was still there but was in the garage with more of it, eaten
  • 04:49 – The cake looked exactly the same 21 days earlier—no mold, no bugs, and no melting
• 06:23 – The cake became an inside joke for Ruth and her clients
• 07:13 – Buyers name houses all the time
• 07:51 – “You need to be memorable for the right reasons”
• 09:24 – Reach Ruth through her phone at 919-818-9982 or email her at hauserr@hpw.com
• 10:32 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate 

3 Key Points

1. It’s a blessing for a realtor to find patient and understanding clients.
2. There will be times that houses under contract get terminated if “the numbers don’t add up.”
3. Make an impact and be memorable to your clients for the right reasons.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Rachel didn’t think she’d be dealing with anymore crises after switching professions. That’s the beauty of real estate, you never know what you’re going to walk into next.  In this episode, Leigh welcomes Rachel Hammer, a board director of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, who has been in real estate for over 11 years. She was a former crisis counselor for the government before she became a realtor. It looks like her experience has come in handy for this particular couple from Ottawa.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:22 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:37 – Introducing Rachel Hammer, from Ottawa
• 00:51 – Rachel has been a realtor for 11 years
• 00:54 – She is also a board director for the Ottawa Real Estate Board
• 00:58 – She was a crisis counselor for the government in the past
• 02:23 – Rachel’s story happened a year ago
  • 02:25 – She got a lead from their brokerage website
  • 02:29 – It was a gentleman interested in listing his home
  • 02:33 – Rachel contacted him and the man mentioned that his wife was working, so she wouldn’t be with them – Rachel didn’t think too much about this
  • 02:43 – She made an appointment and made a visit
  • 02:48 – It was the most beautiful home Rachel was going to list, so she was excited
  • 02:54 – The man was casual and laid back and he signed the papers right away
  • 03:03 – He told Rachel to set up an appointment with his wife
  • 03:13 – It took a few weeks for the wife to reply
  • 03:29 – She set-up an appointment
  • 03:36 – The woman was crying hysterically and was screaming at Rachel
  • 03:55 – Rachel learned that the couple hadn’t been together for 2 years and that he was already with another woman
  • 04:08 – Rachel couldn’t believe the man left Rachel to tell his wife that they were no longer together after 15 years and a child
  • 04:19 – The wife allowed Rachel in the house and they talked
  • 04:45 – After they talked, the wife asked Rachel if they were going to sign the papers
  • 05:00 – Rachel said “no” to be considerate
  • 05:11 – Rachel recommended the wife go see a lawyer
  • 05:43 – The husband wanted to sell but the wife tried to avoid showings
  • 05:52 – Rachel had to come up with a strategy to make the wife excited about the sale
  • 06:02 – They looked for a house very similar to the wife’s at a price she could afford on her own
  • 06:12 – They negotiated two deals within the same week that allowed the wife to move on
  • 06:25 – Rachel is still working with the ex-husband to find a new home for him and his new girlfriend
• 07:00 – Rachel genuinely felt bad for the wife having to go through that sale
• 07:37 – Each realtor has different qualities
• 08:08 – Leigh commends Rachel about being client-first and not being selfish when she had the chance to push the sale
• 08:47 – Rachel believes that things happen for a reason
• 09:51 – Realtors help clients make the right decisions to find their perfect home
• 10:58 – The house is usually the last part of that relationship
• 11:58 – There is NO realtor training for dealing with clients’ emotions
• 12:55 – It’s not about how long you’ve been in the business
• 14:05 – Build a relationship with your realtors
• 14:55 – Connect with Rachel on her website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• 15:35 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. A great realtor puts the client first in finding that perfect home.
2. Show compassion to your clients – it’s not always about the money.
3. Every home, every client, and every situation is different.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Yet another unfortunate pet event—apparently someone forgot to tie up the dogs and the results were fatal. In this episode, Leigh shares the mic with Diane Vinson Kolberg, a real estate broker from Bozeman, Montana. Diane has been in the real estate industry for over 17 years and delves into her unfortunate story as well as the reasons why it is important to set your schedule as a realtor. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes 

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:27 – Introducing Diane to the show
• 00:53 – Diane comes from Bozeman, Montana where it’s -25° right now
• 00:57 – Diane is a real estate broker and has been in the industry for 17 years
• 01:53 – Diane’s tips for looking at properties in Montana, in the winter
• 02:52 – Diane received an email from one of the producers of a real estate show asking for the best looking developers in her area
• 03:43 – TV’s vision of reality is far different from the truth
• 04:51 – Diane has a lot of stories, but she decided to share this one
  • 05:00 – Diane was showing a house for one of her friends
  • 05:09 – Her friend, MIchelle, was unavailable so Diane did the showing
  • 05:21 – This story happened 13 years ago
  • 05:31 – The place was beautiful
  • 05:45 – Michelle was so excited about the place and tried opening a window
  • 05:55 – When they looked down at the yard, there were 6 dead kittens lying around
  • 06:21 – The dogs got into the kittens
• 06:43 – Diane’s friend, Michelle, was an amazing realtor
• 07:32 – At one time, Michelle had 14 deals going on at once without an assistant
• 07:47– When the recession hit, it was really hard for Michelle
• 08:08 – 6 years ago, Michelle struggled from a cerebral hemorrhage and a stroke
• 08:20 – She was in a coma for a month, but she lived
• 08:41 – She still has her sense of humor
• 08:51 – Say “NO” when you have to
• 08:58 – “We can’t be everything to everybody”
• 09:57 – Don’t let work be a huge burden in your life
• 10:24 – Be honest and clear about your schedule to your clients – they will understand
• 11:15 – You have value
• 12:50 – Connect with Diane through Facebook, email: kolberg@gmail.com, or call her at 406 539 1593
• 14:10 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. There are prime times throughout the year to put your house up for viewings.
2. Hustling is good, but keep your priorities in tact. Know when to say “No”.
3. Set a schedule – your clients will be more understanding that you think.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Koki has not 1, but 5 crazy stories to share—and, to our dismay, we don’t even get his most crazy one! In this episode, Leigh interviews Koki Adasi, an associate broker and team leader for Long and Foster Real Estate in Washington DC. With 10 years in the industry, Koki is no stranger to the debauchery that can be found behind closed doors.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:27 – Introducing Koki Adasi to the show
• 00:47 – Koki is a Team Leader and Associate Broker for Long & Foster, in Washington, DC
• 01:03 – Koki has been in real estate for 10 years
• 01:55 – There are so many stories Koki has from his 10-year experience
• 02:07 – The best story Koki has can’t be shared
• 02:18 – One of Leigh’s brokers told her before, “If you don’t wind up in litigation at some point, you really aren’t busy in real estate”
• 02:39 – Koki shares about the crazy mural
  • 02:42 – Koki had a short-sale listing 5-6 years ago
  • 02:48 – The house was in disrepair
  • 02:54 – The seller had a knee problem and asked Koki to go upstairs by himself
  • 03:07 – Koki found this huge mural across the wall which was the picture of the owner in a thong!
  • 03:27 – When Koki went downstairs, the owner’s boyfriend looked at him, laughing
• 04:14 – Koki’s second story just happened recently
  • 04:18 – He was in Virginia, showing a luxury property
  • 04:23 – He arrived at the property before his clients
  • 04:42 – He pulled up to the house and looked to see if anyone was there
  • 04:46 – A highschool kid answered the door
  • 05:00 – Koki’s clients arrived and they went through the house
  • 05:06 – They went into their son’s bedroom and saw a young lady in the bed, under the sheets
• 05:37 – Koki shares his third story
  • 05:43 – Koki called the owner early and she said she’ll be home for the showing
  • 05:52 – Koki and his clients knocked, but no one answered
  • 06:00 – As soon as they walked in, the condo smelt like marijuana
  • 06:14 – They proceeded to go in and walk around
  • 06:26 – The master bedroom door was wide open and they found two people doing the deed
  • 06:45 – Koki’s client wanted to watch, but he proceeded to leave
• 07:28 – Koki shares a dog story
  • 07:38 – Koki was previewing a property
  • 07:41 – The owner said there are dogs in the house that are super friendly
  • 07:52 – Koki arrived at the property and tried to make some noise – no dogs in sight
  • 07:57 – He walked upstairs and heard dogs barking from the basement
  • 08:04 – He went to the top of the stairs and saw not-very-friendly looking pitbulls
  • 08:21 – He turned and ran to the bathroom, while the dogs barked ferociously
  • 08:28 – The dogs made it to the top of the stairs and were banging the bathroom door
  • 08:33 – He wasn’t comfortable leaving the property so Koki waited 30 mins for the agent to fetch him
• 09:20 – Koki’s last story happened while they were doing a home inspection
  • 09:37 – They knew there was one tenant who was unhappy that the owner was selling the property
  • 09:44 – The tenant was following them around
  • 09:54 – The tenant threatened Koki’s client that if they proceeded to buy the property, he would kill them
  • 10:15 – Koki’s client is handicapped
  • 10:34 – They followed the tenant to his unit and tried to diffuse his anger
  • 10:50 – Koki’s client said they weren’t buying the property
• 11:52 – Previewing means your realtor goes out to check on the property prior to any showings
• 12:00 – Leigh believes agents should preview a property before bringing a client over for a viewing
• 13:12 – Connect with Koki on his website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• 14:04 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate 

3 Key Points

1. Definitely expect to have MORE than one crazy real estate story over the span of your career.
2. Property owners can sometimes be uncooperative in unexpected ways.
3. Realtors should always preview the properties before the actual showings for the client.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Steve Westmark knew he had to keep his cool when he found his seller asleep and the house a mess minutes after the open house was scheduled to begin. Little did he know, he’d be dealing with paramedics and questioned by the police in this unfortunate, real estate story. In this episode, Leigh interviews Steve Westmark, from Minneapolis, Minnesota—a realtor who stayed calm in a terrible situation.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:20 – Introduction to today’s episode
• 00:28 – Today Leigh welcomes Steve Westmark!
  • 01:03 – Steve started in 1973, right out of elementary school
  • 01:09 – Steve works in the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis, Minnesota
• 01:56 – Steve is finally sharing his real-estate story!
  • 01:57 – Steve was planning his open house from 1:00-4:00pm
  • 02:04 – Steve arrived at the house at 1:05 and luckily no one was there
  • 02:21 – When Steve walked into the house, the seller was not prepared
  • 02:40 – Steve started cleaning everything and making the house presentable
  • 03:10 – Someone rang the bell, but the seller was still sleeping in bed
  • 03:37 – Steve walked the client around the house
  • 04:00 – Steve told the client about the potential of the house and took a look at the lot
  • 04:24 – Steve walked up the bedroom to wake up the seller
  • 04:37 – The seller didn’t look alive, so Steve called 911
  • 05:22 – Steve went back to the room, as advised by 911, to verify whether the seller was dead
  • 06:09 – Steve closed the open house, even though interested buyers kept coming
  • 07:00 – Another client arrived for the open house at the same time as the police
  • 07:51 – Steve walked in the house with the police and answered their questions
  • 08:42 – The paramedics came and it was confirmed that the seller died from a heart attack, Steve was released by the police
  • 09:18 – Steve called the pastor who referred him to the seller and told him the sad news
• 10:43 – The family of the seller gave Steve back the listing after 6 months
• 10:50 – Steve was still able to sell the house
• 11:08 – Leigh’s takeaways from Steve’s story
• 12:10 – Contact Steve Westmark through his website at com or at SteveWestmark.com

3 Key Points

1. Plan and organize your open house—be there AHEAD of the scheduled time to make sure everything is in order.
2. Stay calm and keep your cool, even in the most stressful and unplanned situations.
3. Do your due diligence and check in with your seller before the open house.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Have you ever considered using Craigslist for your next home purchase? Perhaps it’s just reserved for that broken toaster or teal ottoman you’ve had your eye on. Susanne Casey not only helped one client purchase a house on Craigslist, but THREE clients for the SAME house, over a span of 2 years—poor woman. In this episode, Leigh interviews Susanne Casey from Columbus, Ohio, who takes us into her Craigslist buying fiasco and why sometimes we’re just better off calling  a realtor.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience. 

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:20 – Introduction to today’s episode
• 00:40 – Today, Leigh welcomes Susanne Casey!
  • 01:00 – Susanne is located in Columbus, Ohio
  • 01:05 – Real estate is Susanne’s 3rd career
  • 01:20 – She started as an agent and now has her own team
  • 01:39 – Susanne does charity work with a client
• 03:00 – Susanne is finally sharing her real-estate story!
  • 03:02 – Susanne had a Craigslist house that she helped a buyer purchase 3 times in 2 years
  • 03:27 – In 2008, Susanne had a great client that saw a house in Craigslist that was listed for sale by the owner
  • 04:25 – The house was overpriced and had 3 owners/decision-makers involved
  • 05:20 – Susanne asked for a lower offer than posted
  • 06:10 – Susanne and her buyer went to visit the house and made an offer
  • 07:00 – The seller rejected the offer and Susanne’s buyer agreed to go with the listing price; the house was sold
  • 07:44 – After almost a year, Susanne saw the house listed again on Craigslist by her client that she had helped purchase the house in the first place
  • 08:19 – The previous owners wanted to move back
  • 08:50 – Susanne brought in new buyers who bought the house
  • 09:06 – 8 months later, the house was on Craigslist again!
  • 09:13 – The couple who bought the house was getting a divorce
  • 09:38 – Susanne brought another buyer in who was represented by a family member that was a commercial agent
  • 10:00 – The buyer lived in the neighborhood for 20 years before and the house hasn’t been on Craigslist since
• 10:43 – Leigh’s takeaways from Susanne’s story
• 12:20 – Contact Susanne Casey through her Susanne@SusanneCasey.com and at 614-313-8198

3 Key Points

1. Putting your house on Craigslist can cause more hassle than it’s worth.
2. Realtors can help you make the right decisions to save money and time.
3. Don’t ever have the two parties, buyer and seller, in the same place.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Melissa Kennedy did her due diligence and advised her client to evaluate over and over again, her decision to buy a trainwreck of a house. Did the client comply? Of course not! Otherwise, we wouldn’t have this story. In this episode, Leigh interviews Melissa Kennedy from Pittsburgh. Tune is as Melissa shares just how stubborn a client can be and the repercussions Melissa endured just for doing her job.                                                               

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:20 – Introduction to today’s episode
• 00:44 – Today, Leigh welcomes Melissa Kennedy!
  • 00:53 – Melissa has been selling in the suburbs of Pittsburgh for 6 years
  • 01:01 – Melissa made $9M last year, by herself
• 01:16 – Leigh explains the current trend in real estate where agents are turning into teams
• 02:31 – The $9M equates to about 50 properties that were sold by Melissa
• 03:18 – Melissa is finally sharing her real-estate story!
  • 03:25 – Melissa turned down a listing for the first time
  • 03:32 – A past client called Melissa and wanted to make an offer on a house
  • 04:07 – Melissa went to the property and took a ton of pictures. She was on the phone with the client describing the place and telling the client how it was worse off than other properties
  • 04:26 – The client was really determined to buy
  • 04:33 – Melissa advised the client to have a home inspection with a structural engineer
  • 04:44 – The house was 100+ years old
  • 05:10 – The client decided NOT to see the house or have an inspection
• 06:06 – One hour before closing:
  • 06:13 – Melissa suggested to have a final walkthrough
  • 06:24 – They met at the house and the client was blown away by the condition and felt it was worse off than she saw in the photos
  • 06:37 – Melissa advised her client to walk away if it was too much for her to handle, but the client wanted to follow through on the sale
  • 07:00 – The client was really upset during the closing
  • 07:19 – After closing, the client started screaming at Melissa
  • 07:30 – The client wanted an idea of what the house could sell for once it was finished and Melissa felt she couldn’t offer her a number because it wasn’t a finished product
  • 08:05 – 2 hours after closing and throughout the weekend, the client was bombarding her with texts and calls, sending pictures and her complaints about the house
  • 08:45 – The client was unhappy and wanted to get out of it, somehow
  • 09:20 – Melissa told her that she can’t “un-sign” the papers
  • 10:00 – Melissa decided that she could no longer work with the client
  • 10:29 – The client flipped out and wrote Melissa a bad review in Zillow
  • 11:09 – The client’s new agent was Melissa’s ex-boyfriend
  • 11:33 – The property was listed, then withdrawn, then listed again with a different agent
• 12:22 – Leigh’s takeaways from Melissa’s story
  • 13:35 – “The market is so fluid”
• 14:23 – Contact Melissa Kennedy through email at MelissaKennedy@Northwood.com or at 412-527 -4393

3 Key Points

1. Having a great track record with previous clients does NOT guarantee a great experience with your next client.
2. Do NOT blame the agent for your carelessness and please don’t harass them; they have lives, too.
3. The real estate market is never steady—you cannot price, today, a product that isn’t finished.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

In this episode, Leigh interviews Sean Moore, a former police officer who shifted his career into full time real estate. Even though crazy stuff happens in real estate all the time, this police officer’s buyer’s experience is one of the most unbelievable ones you’ll ever hear—mind your ears, there’s porn in this one!

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:28 – Introducing Sean Moore
• 00:48 – Sean was formerly a police officer but has been in real estate for 12 years
• 01:01 – His background is in education and training helped him in his real estate career
• 01:43 – Pre-licensing doesn’t teach you everything you’ll face in the field
• 02:30 – Sean’s story happened in his 2nd or 3rd year in the business
  • 02:42 – In Columbia, Missouri where he works, new construction was booming
  • 02:48 – A plethora of new construction homes were built and the biggest bracket was the starter home or the 3-2-2 (3BR/2T&B/2CG)
  • 03:27 – Sean was referred to a first-time buyer couple
  • 03:38 – The couple had been clear upfront, informing Sean that they are very thorough in checking properties
  • 03:50 – The couple told Sean they would probably look at a hundred houses before they could make a decision
  • 04:01 – Sean set ground rules for the couple – including giving a login portal for the couple to check out properties on their database
  • 04:17 – He also instructed them to do “drive-bys”
  • 05:03 – The family got into a habit of printing out data sheets on Fridays before driving by the houses
  • 05:19 – Their criteria was New Construction ONLY
  • 05:42 – One particular Friday, Sean answered a phone call, and the woman from the couple was screaming terribly into the phone
    • 06:15 – It took Sean 30-40 seconds to calm the woman down
    • 06:32 – Eventually, he figured out what was going on—there was a porn shoot happening on the property they went to look at
    • 06:42 – The husband got on the phone and validated what his wife said
  • 07:20 – Sean got off the phone and called the listing agent, who happened to be a friend of his
  • 07:42 – Sean told the agent what happened and his agent thought he was joking
  • 08:08 – Sean asked his agent to look into the issue
  • 08:17 – The agent called back after an hour and it turned out the builder of the house had a foreman dating a pornstar – and they had full consent to use the home as a stage!
  • 08:36 – Sean called his buyer back and apologized for what happened
  • 08:53 – The wife’s only comment was, “Well, if we to buy that house, Sean, they would have to steam clean those carpets”
• 09:27 – Sean has better stories in real estate than in law enforcement
• 10:17 – Past career experiences can definitely help you out in real estate
• 10:33 – Sean’s experiences being a street cop vs real estate agent
• 11:04 – There was a guy who was a police officer with Sean but left his career for real estate
• 11:15 – Now, 6 ex-law enforcers in Sean’s marketplace are successful realtors
• 12:06 – Leigh points out that buyers who want to look at a hundred homes may be difficult to work with
• 12:26 – Sean’s professionalism led him to make markers and rules around how he and his buyers could make the home-hunt work
• 13:06 – In real estate, you track 3 numbers – volume, commission earned and units
• 13:18 – Focus on the units – these are the people and relationships
• 14:40 – Reach out to Sean Moore Associates at www.sean-moore.com
• 15:20 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. Your past career experiences can be of great value and help mightily when launching in to a real estate career.
2. Always be professional with your clients, even when they aren’t behaving in a professional manner.
3. Be careful of giving your clients free-license to go check out homes unsupervised.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

In this episode, Leigh welcomes Veronica Figueroa, a realtor based in Orlando, Florida to the Crazy $hit stage! Veronica will talk about her crazy encounters with squatters, agents gone rogue, and agents who flat-out can’t control their temper when they sale goes south. She will also share her most important insights and advice for dealing with foreclosures, short-sales, and possible recessions. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:27 – Introducing Veronica Figueroa
• 01:01 – Veronica is based in Orlando, Florida and she’s been doing real estate since 2001
• 01:08 – Contact the Figueroa Team at figueroateam.com
• 01:43 – Every day you experience more crazy shit in real estate
  • 02:10 – All people in real estate can definitely share a story or two
• 02:43 – People don’t realize that squatters are a real issue
  • 03:22 – Realtors wear many hats
  • 04:31 – Veronica’s squatter stories included being threatened to be killed with a baseball bat if she reclaimed the house
  • 04:50 – Veronica talks about an agent who wanted a property with squatters
• 05:53 – What you really experience in real estate is something never taught in textbooks
• 06:55 – Not all realtors disclose the facts to their clients
• 07:15 – The agents who succeed in real estate are those who aren’t exclusively after money
  • 08:04 – A professional realtor should disclose foreclosures
  • 08:42 – Pros and cons of foreclosures
• 09:10 – “What makes a home is a roof over your head with your loved ones”
• 10:07 – Leigh discuss stock trading, and how you aren’t allowed to handle other people’s money if you declare bankruptcy
• 11:46 – Veronica’s biggest joy is to help families who have gone through a foreclosure own a home again
• 12:06 – Veronica shares her short-sale experience
• 13:06 – Leigh discusses her lessons learned from 2008
• 13:56 – “It’s never fun to see families lose their homes. It’s never fun to see families break up over financial matters”
• 14:57 – How millennials take on home ownership
• 15:20 – Live within your means
• 15:47 – Be prepared for the next recession
• 16:07 – “You can’t out hustle hard work”
• 16:57 – For Orlando, Florida real estate needs, call Veronica and her team at 407 625 3749
• 17:08 – Veronica’s personal phone is 407 301 9574
• 17:38 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. Real estate isn’t how it seems in HD TV.
2. Always disclose everything to your clients.
3. Be prepared – you never know when the next recession is.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

In this episode, Leigh interviews Dawn Roy, an experienced broker based in Virginia. Realtors sometimes compete with one another especially if a buyer is very much ready to purchase a house! At the end of the day, it just comes down to who gives better value to the client. Listen as Dawn shares her crazy experience in an almost-lost client scenario because of a sneaky listing agent.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:27 – Introducing Dawn Roy to the show
• 00:42 – Dawn has just began work as a broker from being a sales realtor
• 01:04 – The best learnings realtors get are the ones in the start of their careers
• 01:14 – Dawn’s story happened on her first 3 months in real estate
  • 01:19 – She was working as a buying agent and her buyers (a husband and wife) had fallen in love with a home near Dawn’s office
  • 01:38 – Being a new player, Dawn immediately made an appointment to view the house by calling the listing agent, who invited them to an open house
  • 02:24 – Dawn went to the showing early and—to her surprise—her buyers were already there already too!
    • 03:19 – They were in the house with the listing agent and told her they didn’t need a buyer’s agent anymore
  • 03:27 – The listing agent went out to Dawn and told her that her clients are already being contracted
    • 04:16 – The wife loved the house so much, she didn’t want to wait for Dawn and insisted they no longer needed a buyer’s agent
  • 05:01 – Carefully, Dawn explained to the couple there would be multiple offers made on this property and that they would need to have all their ducks in a row if they wanted to have a hope of getting it—that’s when the other shoe dropped!
    • 05:09 – The husband told Dawn about his lender who wasn’t available right now
  • 05:20 – Dawn saw the opportunity and hit it had, guaranteeing that if the couple used her as a buyer’s agent, they would get the house no matter how many offers came in
  • 06:07 – Eventually the husband and wife agreed
  • 06:18 – They all went back to Dawn’s office, prepared an offer, and got the lender letter
    • 06:24 – Out of 5 offers, they got the house – and below list price!
  • 06:44 – Dawn knew the listing agent was just after the dollar
  • 06:56 – When you’re a new agent, you just have to do what you’ve got to do
  • 07:36 – A phone call does NOT guarantee the buyers are yours
  • 07:48 – Explore your clients’ needs and desires and help them understand the process
  • 09:24 – Leigh loves the agent in Dawn’s story who gave her the heads up about her client being contracted
  • 10:02 – There’s just good timing in everything
  • 11:09 – The questions you ask your clients are what gives them the value
  • 11:30 – Reach Dawn through 804 986 9911 or send an email at dawn@dawnroyrealestate.com
  • 12:48 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. Always set an appointment prior to any showings – you will have to know your clients well if you’re going to help them buy the house they truly want.
2. Know your client’s needs and desires and give value to them by helping them understand the real estate process.
3. Sometimes you just have to go the extra mile to get the deal DONE.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music