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Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown

Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate!—a podcast that will shatter the HGTV-induced veneer of real estate, and celebrate the challenges of working in this wild, wacky business. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com DM Leigh Brown on Instagram: @leighthomasbrown DM Leigh Brown on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeighBrownSpeaker/ DM Leigh Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighthomasbrown/ Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast: https://www.leighbrown.com/podcast/real-estate-from-the-rooftops
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Now displaying: Page 14
Jun 12, 2018

Have no fear, the Real Estate Superhero is here! Jeremias “J-Man” Maneiro, a realtor in Rochester, NY, tells us the story of when he carried a client through her entire home tour, and how that moment officially bestowed him with true superhero status. But this superhero’s not just muscle. Tune in to hear how he cared for his client before and after her broken ankle surgery, despite how motivated she was to buy. And, for all you cold-weather dwellers, J-Man’s got some valuable advice that could save you an insurance claim worth nearly as much as your home.

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:

  • 00:45 – Jeremias “J-Man” Maneiro’s background
  • 01:00 – He started in real estate in 2005 when he was 25, he’s in Rochester, NY, he and his wife Christina are a real estate team, and they’ve been married for 10 years
  • 02:55 – They met at a company Christmas party when they found out they have the same birthday
  • 03:35 – J-Man’s CSIRE story
  • 04:00 – What makes him different, what makes him a Real Estate Superhero, started from this one story when he was showing homes to a young couple
  • 04:05 – In the second to last house, the woman falls on the front step; he heard a snap and told them they could stop but husband told her to “suck it up”
  • 04:55 – Husband thought the next house was the one, so he said to go to it and they could go to the hospital afterwards
  • 05:30 – He liked the house and came back out to get the wife from the car; they carried the wife through the whole house
  • 06:30 – They wanted the house but went to urgent care first; she had broken her ankle, was rushed into surgery, and wrote an offer that day (after the drugs wore off)
  • 07:25 – She tells the story to her friends and family and says her “Real Estate Superhero” carried her through the whole house
  • 08:12 – Reminder to carry short-term disability insurance as a realtor in case something like that were to happen to you, and not your client
  • 08:43 – J-Man made sure his client was in the right state-of-mind before allowing her to write an offer
  • 09:03 – A professional realtor stands out for being careful, thoughtful, and with integrity
  • 10:20 – A piece of advice for sellers
  • 10:50 – He’s had at least 8 different clients that have had frozen pipes, which can cause extreme water damage, when they move out and leave their home vacant
  • 11:10 – He suggests winterizing the house because it’s not worth the risk
  • 11:32 – Someone his brother referred him to had thought he could control his furnace and home appliances from his phone, but the thermostat had run out of batteries
  • 11:50 – A main waterline had broken on the second floor of the house and it sounded like a waterfall from next door; water was coming out of the basement windows
  • 12:07 – They were already in contract and they had a $78,000 claim against the water damage on a $95,000 home
  • 12:30 – This is why you hire a realtor; things will always happen in a transaction, but the realtor is the glue that keeps the transaction going
  • 12:50 – It worked out in the buyer’s advantage because she could select the changes during the reconstruction
  • 13:15 – How to contact J-Man: themaneiroteam.com @jmanspeaks on Instagram, and JManSells on Twitter and Snapchat

3 Key Points

  1. Carry short-term disability insurance as a realtor.
  2. Be a real estate superhero by going above and beyond for your clients.
  3. A realtor is the glue in your real estate transaction that make sure everything works out.

Credits

Jun 7, 2018

Ohana is a Hawaiian word that means extended family and Sissy Sosner, a Hawaiian realtor, has got a true ohana story for us! Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how much of a supportive family we’ve got within the real estate community. Sissy tells us about a friendship that led to a house-swap, and how she’s so grateful for the people in her life who connect, care, and support her in true Hawaiian ohana fashion. Tune in to hear about what happens when you trust the universe and allow magic to happen.  

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:

  • 00:45 – Sissy’s Background
  • 01:00 – She grew up in Hawaii, lives on the island of Oahu, works on the island of Kawai, and has been in real estate for 8 years
  • 02:30 – Sissy’s CSIRE story about Hawaii being all about “ohana”
  • 03:13 – Her Caldwell Banker office is her ohana, her church is her ohana, CRS is her ohana (she got her CRS designation a few years back), and she has ohana in Cape Cod
  • 03:30 – In early 2017 she read an article on a CRS designee Nadine who jumpstarted her business on the cape and Sissy reached out to her
  • 04:00 – Fast forward a few months and they found a school for their son on the cape, remembered Nadine, and connected with her there
  • 04:45 – She toured the Cape Cod market, discussed house swapping, and did a house sway with Nadine when her son had a week off for Thanksgiving
  • 06:15 – They entrusted their homes to each other and it was all thanks to the CRS family
  • 06:35 – RRC is the Residential Real Estate Council which improves the education of realtors and CRS are the Certified Residential Specialists who have gone beyond the regular training
  • 07:05 – You should never hire a realtor unless they have their CRS designation because they focus on creating a community and bettering where they live
  • 07:45 – Realtors are interconnected and family-centered, and sometimes that isn’t seen when people think “realtor”
  • 08:20 – Nadine had connected her with a friend and made time to spend with Sissy without any monetary benefit
  • 10:00 – Their house-swap took a leap of faith; the same leap that clients make when choosing a realtor
  • 10:45 – It’s all about putting the other person first, Nadine does this in her personal and business life
  • 11:30 – Contact Sissy: call/text (808)938-5588, email sissys@cbpacific.com, or on her website sissysosner.com
  • 12:30 – Go to CRS.com to find a CRS realtor or to get more information on becoming a CRS

3 Key Points

  1. Ohana can be found within the real estate world.  
  2. Trust the universe and magic will happen.
  3. Hire a CRS if you are looking to buy or sell real estate, or become one if you’re a realtor!

Credits

Jun 5, 2018

What can be messy and smelly and furry all over? Foreclosures! Especially the ones Sharon has seen. Sharon Alters, a second-generation realtor from Jacksonville, shares her craziest real estate stories which include none other than stubborn hoarders and house-squatting horses! Although she no longer does foreclosures, Sharon recognizes that they can be fun – like a box of chocolates where, “ya never know what you’re gonna get.” Plus, there’s a sense of fulfillment in helping families get into properties they may not otherwise afford. Tune in to hear all about hoarders and horses, homes turned into barns, sky-high piles of junk, and tons of stuff with a grand yard sale value of – drum rolls, please – zero. 

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:

  • 00:50 – Sharon’s Background
  • 00:54 – She lives in Jacksonville, has been in real estate for 18 years, is a 2nd generation realtor, and now her daughter works in real estate, too
  • 01:50 – Her CSIRE story
  • 02:00 – In 2011 her friend who worked with a big bank asked her if she wanted to do foreclosures
  • 02:10 – About a year in, she got a small farm with two houses; one house was on the road and she didn’t see the second house
  • 02:45 – She sent her handyman to rekey the houses and find the second house, he called her from the property to tell her there were horses in the second house
  • 03:30 – The doors and windows had been taken out of the house to make it a barn
  • 04:00 – The horses had been living in the house for over a year and a half; the house had to be torn down, which was expensive because it was in the middle of nowhere
  • 04:30 – The house had been stripped down and she tracked down the original owners to figure out what to do with the horses
  • 05:30 – The bank reimbursed the people that had been feeding the horses; Sharon liked that bank because it took care of her and others
  • 06:25 – The bank demolished the house and sold it that way; a man across the street bought it for his daughter
  • 07:20 – The rush of working with bank-owned properties; helping people get into properties they couldn’t otherwise afford
  • 07:40 – She got a notice of eviction to give to a family on Christmas Eve; she decided she wouldn’t do that
  • 08:10 – She did it a few days later; and the bank waited until February and gave the family money to move
  • 08:35 – They went to the house and they hadn’t moved; she told the bank and they gave them 24 hours to leave
  • 09:00 – The next day they were gone, but they were hoarders so the inside of the house was full up to the ceilings
  • 10:00 – “Yard sale value” is sometimes $0; but this was an expensive trash-out
  • 10:45 – She no longer does foreclosures
  • 11:30 – Foreclosures are not the bank’s fault; banks can be understanding and flexible

3 Key Points

  1. In many instances, it’s not the bank’s fault if someone gets foreclosed on.
  2. Foreclosures can be fulfilling because you help people get into homes they may typically not be able to afford.  
  3. Banks can be understanding and work with people to an extent; they’re not all bad. 

Credits

May 31, 2018

Not all Crazy Shit in Real Estate stories have to be bad-crazy! We’ve got some good-crazy ones, too! Dawn Kayano, a realtor in Honolulu, warms our hearts with a real estate story full of generosity, surprises, and the true meaning of “ohana.” It’s refreshing to hear a story about good people in the world coming together. Dawn tells about how a heartfelt story, an ambitious young woman, a killer cover letter, and a passionate realtor made magic happen. Tune in to hear what Dawn’s client did to buy her father a home he could finally call his own.

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:

  • 00:45 – Dawn’s Background
  • 1:00 – She’s lived in Honolulu for 8 years and is an Oahu native, which helps in real estate
  • 02:22 – Dawn’s CSIRE Story
  • 02:30 – She’s been pushing her Facebook and Instagram more and a friend reached out that she met 10 years ago through a friend
  • 03:10 – She asked if Dawn would be interested in helping her find a property for her father who never owned property
  • 03:42 – He lived in a rented studio and they were going to sell it so he wasn’t going to have a home
  • 04:02 – The friend wanted to use the equity in her studio to pay the down payment for her father’s studio as a surprise
  • 04:20 – She was in her early 30s and Dawn was touched that she would do this for her father
  • 05:00 – They found a ground floor unit with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms close to her father’s job
  • 05:30 – They submitted an offer and she wrote an amazing cover story; they had received a cash offer as well, so she felt weary going up against that
  • 06:20 – The seller ended up going with her because she loved the story and wanted to support
  • 07:00 – They brought her father into the unit and had him read the letter she had written; he started tearing up and couldn’t believe it
  • 08:20 – He was so grateful and it was a special moment
  • 09:00 – Props to the seller and the seller’s agent for believing in the story; it feels good to be a part of special stories like this of making a house a home; this is the good CSIRE
  • 10:00 – Real estate can be about stories and family and making a home
  • 11:45 – How to reach Dawn
  • 11:50 – Telephone: (808)389-4662 text/call or her website: http://www.dawnkayano.com/

 3 Key Points

  1. Using social media is important so you can connect with prospective clients.  
  2. A great and heartfelt cover letter can make a difference.
  3. Being in real estate is so rewarding, especially when you get to be a part of special moments like these!

 Credits

May 29, 2018

Thou shalt not quit thy job before closing! Jen Teske, a realtor in Edwardsville, IL, keeps a record of all the crazy real estate stories she’s got, but the one that involves a buyer quitting his job before closing day beats them all. Jen gives us the scoop on an early possession gone wrong, how she handled the situation, and what she learned. Tune in to hear about Jen’s 2-hour move-out and how, at the very least, she got her cooler back.   

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:

  • 00:50 – Jen’s Background
  • 1:00 – She’s been in real estate since 2007, lives in Edwardsville, IL in a suburb of St. Louis, and is a part of the “Jen and Jean Team”
  • 02:30 – Jen’s CSIRE story (she writes them down!)
  • 02:45 – One of her buyers broke one of “the golden rules” when you buy property, the family moved in and got early possession before closing and then the buyer quit his job
  • 05:22 – She called the client to ask what happened, and he said he didn’t think they’d check the day of closing
  • 06:05 – The client had to be out of the house in two hours so she helped them move out; a month later he returned her cooler and said they were going to buy in a year
  • 07:00 – She blocked his number and added more commandments to the “golden rules” list
  • 07:30 – Buyers, don’t ask for early possession and sellers, don’t give it
  • 07:40 – She highly recommends against
  • 08:20 – The buyer had no idea that his actions were going to affect other people
  • 08:40 – The real estate agent can’t control the client’s behavior but still looks bad to the other agent; she had to profusely apologize and take ownership for the client
  • 08:50 – Handling the situation
  • 09:00 – She explained to the other agent what the client did despite having told him the ground rules
  • 09:40 – She felt terribly for the boy who was wanting to start his new school after the move
  • 10:30 – How to get in touch with Jen and the Jen and Jean Team
  • 10:35 – Website: com
  • 10:50 – Telephone: (618)541-1010
  • 11:00 – If you know someone relocating to St. Louis, don’t forget about the Illinois side

3 Key Points

  1. Always tell your clients the ground rules...and repeat yourself if you have to!
  2. Buyers and sellers: Early possession is not recommended!
  3. Always handle less-than-ideal situations with transparency and grace.   

Credits

May 15, 2018

Beware of falling ladders! Well, this warning came a little late when a potential buyer got hit in the head with a ladder when he decided to open the attic door. But Kristi was smart: She connected the seller and potential buyer and let them handle the rest on their own. (Potential legal battle? No thanks!) Tune in to learn about Reed and Kristi’s real estate journey and how they’ve teamed up as a couple to offer an incredible and unique experience to their 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: 

  • 00:45 – Their background  
  • 00:47 – Reed has been in real estate for over 10 years and Kristi started in 2016 as Reed’s assistant after being a dental hygienist; she got licensed in March of 2017 
  • 02:45 – Kristi’s biggest challenge as a real estate spouse 
  • 03:00 – They get along well, but the biggest challenge is that she’s the decision-maker at home while now he’s the decision-maker at work 
  • 03:30 – Reed is more spontaneous while Kristi is more structured and organized; they share a calendar so they know each other’s schedule  
  • 04:45 – Reed would want to spend before and she wouldn’t understand, but now that she’s an agent she understands the investments that need to be made 
  • 05:15 – Their CSIRE story 
  • 05:40 – They were about to board a plane when she got a phone call from another agent who showed her listing 
  • 06:15 - The client had pulled the attic door down and the ladder attached to it smashed his face 
  • 06:35 – She called back when they landed, and it turns out the buyer wanted the $500 ER visit paid for, and the agent said $700 
  • 08:00 – She told the seller to contact an attorney, backed out of the deal, and put the seller in contact with the client 
  • 09:10 – Realtors can carry liability that they don’t even think about, even they go through only 90 hours of “training” to become licensed 
  • 10:00 – On the job training is so much better than any licensing class and Kristi could get that through working with Reed 
  • 10:30 – Advice for working with a spouse or working with a spouse team if you’re a client 
  • 11:00 – Clients like working with a spouse team because there is more knowledge and availability between the two 
  • 11:30 – They are all-in real estate; it’s their livelihood  
  • 12:15 – They do well together and think the same way through most things 
  • 13:00 – How to contact Reed and Kristi: Call or text (502)741-1391 or email reed@reedestategroup.com; they service Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana 

3 Key Points 

  1. When working with a spouse, it’s important to set roles. 
  2. Realtors can carry liabilities they don’t realize can exist.  
  3. On the job training is essential because the licensing simply isn’t enough.  

Credits 

May 10, 2018

From pouncing wolves to snapping snakes, Kimberly Adams-Mann has seen it all in real estate – and lived to tell about it. Kimberly dives into stories of abandoned dogs and hoarding, clues us in on the way she handles challenging sales, and tells us why it’s sometimes just easier to smile. Tune in to hear how Kimberly manages working with her husband, and why she’d pick taxidermy over pet damage any day.     

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:

  • 00:55 – Kimberly’s background
  • 01:00 – Kimberly was born in San Francisco, grew up in Wisconsin, then moved to northern Illinois; she could be an English teacher if she wanted to be
  • 01:15 – Her family has been restoring properties since she was in her 20s; she moved back from England and got into real estate about 5 years ago
  • 02:35 – The trouble with animals in real estate
  • 03:09 – You have to get past bad animal stuff if you want to succeed in real estate, and just smile sometimes
  • 03:30 – CSIRE Story
  • 03:35 – Kimberly received a listing opportunity; a woman had gotten ill and dogs were left on her property
  • 03:45 – The property was left a disaster; she even needed people to sign waivers that they understood that there was a biological hazard on the property
  • 04:00 – She got the property, listed it, sold it to one of her investors, and the investor listed it with he again later
  • 04:20 – There was a lack of care for the property because she had gone to the hospital, but she was a hoarder as well
  • 04:55 – Hoarding: The house had pathways to rooms and some places were not even accessible
  • 05:13 – The biggest form of hoarding Kimberly has seen is papers, like stacks of old bills
  • 05:36 – The property was on MLS but wasn’t traditionally marketed and was sold quickly to the investor
  • 06:15 – Agents brought investors through
  • 06:45 – Doing the right thing and being honest about concerns/hazards and what you need to do to protect your business
  • 07:00 – Kimberly’s husband is her business partner, he’s nicer and the “rainmaker,” and she come in to tell how it is
  • 07:30 – Taxidermy stories
  • 07:40 – Her husband saw a stuffed pouncing wolf displayed right inside a front door
  • 08:00 – She was walking through a house she loved, went into the family room, and saw a stuffed coiled snake in the living room
  • 09:20 – She prefers taxidermy over pet damage
  • 10:40 – Contact Kimberly through their website: tamthomes.com - (262)676-2383

3 Key Points

  1. Do what you need to do to protect your business.
  2. Be honest and clear about your listings and protect your clients.
  3. Get past animal stuff with a good attitude: It may not be bad to the client.  

Credits

May 3, 2018

Can you feel the love? Brady could after Megan gave him her business card!  After Megan showed him some homes, he found the one – house I mean – but not before a relationship blossomed between the two. Now they’re happily married and working together; she with the marketing, communications, and negotiation skills and he as the numbers wiz. A perfect match! Tune in to hear how they met, what they learned, and what the future has in store.  

 

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:

  • 01:00 – Background
  • 01:05 – They are in Palm Coast, Florida, have been in FL and real estate for 5 years; Brady is a financial advisor and realtor
  • 01:35 – Megan started as a kindergarten teacher in NC; she moved to FL mid-school year and a friend suggested real estate
  • 02:30 – Their CSIRE story
  • 02:37 – They live 30 minutes north of Daytona Beach, where all the bikers end up; 3 years ago, she was working at their office, handing out hot dogs, and talking to bikers
  • 03:08 – She grabbed a drink at a nearby restaurant, chatted with a table of people, started to give her cards out, and they said, “Brady’s looking to buy a house!”
  • 03:40 – They started talking, he was with a financial advisor and they were looking for a realtor partner to refer to their clients
  • 04:10 – Brady was looking, but wasn’t in a rush; he was interested in Megan, they had dinner a few times and she met his partners
  • 04:45 – He finally asked her on a date; she consulted with her friends, and decided to do it
  • 05:05 – They had a romantic beach date with wine and a fire; but she didn’t know where he was taking her at first
  • 06:25 – They went looking at houses; they found one that she loved, was good for a family, and had good resale value
  • 08:15 – They are selling it now
  • 08:30 – The agent had told her about the house a week prior, and had posted it on MLS seconds before she called him
  • 09:20 – Their love was budding at the time of home’s purchase
  • 09:35 – Why sellers and buyers should not talk
  • 10:00 – They bought the house from kids selling their parent’s house; they thought the roof had been redone in 1994
  • 10:13 – Brady and the seller exchanged phone numbers
  • 10:30 – She learned that the house had never been redone and was almost 40 years old; Brady already knew and said “it’s fine”
  • 11:30 – They could’ve had serious problems with that, but they got an inspection and it was fine
  • 11:40 – He could’ve gotten himself in trouble talking to the seller; Megan had to take off the girlfriend hat and tell Brady that he couldn’t do that
  • 12:45 – Next steps in Megan and Brady’s life
  • 12:48 – Brady got his license a year ago and they’re looking to grow their team
  • 13:00 – Their goal is to live in the beach town where they met
  • 13:26 – They are qualified to help people in both real estate and finances; he in numbers and she in negotiating and communications

 

3 Key Points

  1. You never know if love might find you through real estate!
  2. Buyers and sellers shouldn’t talk; your realtor needs to be there as a chaperone!
  3. Inspections are important:  The information the seller gives you may be incorrect.

 

Credits

May 1, 2018

Here’s a riddle: When would a buyer question the valuation of a seller’s house due to damage they did to it themselves? ...When it’s a daughter buying from her parents! Jerry Cibulski, a realtor living the life on the North Fork of Long Island, will never forget when he found himself in the middle of a family sale. Tune in to hear how Jerry handled his family members while managing everything behind the scenes, and why he believes family members are best referred elsewhere.

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:

  • 00:30 – Introduction
  • 00:40 – Jerry is a Southold real estate agent with Century 21 Albertson Realty; there are lots of vineyards, vacation properties, and beautiful homes
  • 1:10 – Everything is interconnected to create a food, entertainment, family, and sharing experience
  • 02:45 – His parents thought about moving back down to FL but changed their minds; they went down to Bradenton, FL to visit family and he gave them their home’s value
  • 03:25 – He called them and turns out they found a house, put money down, and needed to close in 90 days, which means a buyer would’ve needed to contract that day
  • 03:37 – They said that his sister could buy it and they needed his help to figure out how
  • 04:00 – 3 months later, his dad is saying “shit or get off the pot” and his sister is rethinking the valuation of the home due to a hole in the door she kicked as a teenager
  • 04:50- People don’t know what is going on behind the scenes; there are so many nuances to working within guidelines, especially in unique situations
  • 06:15 – He also helped his sister sell her house and had to walk her through the appraisal process
  • 07:12 – His sister learned from experience; to get the best interest rate she called her mortgage rep every day until she liked the rate
  • 08:00 – When she was ready to purchase and move forward, the perfect home in FL showed up and the timing connected
  • 08:30 – Her parents love their new house and community
  • 09:05 – After going through everything herself, his sister understands the process much better
  • 09:35 – Jerry’s thoughts about representing family members
  • 09:48 – You’re better off referring them to someone else; you’re too close to it
  • 10:15 – Being a seasoned agent, you need more experience and explaining
  • 11:00 – You can set up a team in other places and refer your family to them
  • 11:32 – How to reach Jerry: By phone, (631)404-2507, email, Instagram, or Facebook

3 Key Points

  1. There are so many nuances to working within guidelines, especially in unique situations.
  2. Refer family out to other realtors in your network to save the headache and build your team.
  3. People don’t know what goes on behind the scenes in real estate – do what you can to educate them.

Credits

Apr 24, 2018

Sticks and stones may break bones...but they won’t stop a good realtor from taking a call from a client! Kellie Tinnen, Training Administrator for the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors, shares the story of when her friend was –literally– beat with a stick by an unruly child. Now that Kellie does broker outreach and in-office trainings, she teaches new brokers how to treat clients, other brokers and property (hint: beatings NOT included), and ensures they’re up-to-speed on association happenings and updates. 

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:

  • 00:40 – Kellie’s background
  • 00:45 – She’s located in Albuquerque, NM, started in real estate almost 10 years ago as a broker, and now works for the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors as a training administrator
  • 01:15 – She does broker outreach and in-office training; there are about 3,400 brokers in the greater Albuquerque area
  • 02:30 – Kellie’s CSIRE story
  • 03:05 – The worst things that have happened she’s done to herself
  • 03:38 – The funniest thing was “the kid with the stick”
  • 04:05 – She got a phone call from a man who wanted to see a property in a remote area
  • 04:15 – She went with the realtor listing the property and they met the man and his son there; the boy was misbehaving
  • 05:04 – The boy yelled at the other woman and hit her with a stick while she was trying to take a call from another client
  • 05:20 – The funniest part is how she didn’t miss a beat; she told the client to hold, told the father to tell his son to stop, and continued her call
  • 06:00 – Lesson: Separating yourself from flash emotions and keeping it together
  • 07:30 – What Kellie trains to get new realtors up to speed on best practices
  • 07:40 – Starting early with new member orientations; she teaches how to treat clients, other brokers, and other people’s property
  • 8:30 – Buyers can’t take ownership of a property until the deal is complete
  • 09:02 – Set expectations for clients
  • 10:10 – Kellie’s successes in outreach to brokers
  • 10:15 – She had good relationships already before going into the association
  • 10:40 – GAP (Gar Ambassador Program); ambassadors from the association funnel the trainings into their offices
  • 11:27 – 70% of their membership is made up of smaller brokerages, so GAP is necessary to spread messages
  • 11:45 – It spreads awareness of what goes on at the association, so it can fuel political involvement as well
  • 12:20 – How to contact Kellie: by email at kellie@gaar.com 

3 Key Points

  1. Be professional and separate yourself from flash emotions.  
  2. It’s important to train new brokers how to treat clients, other brokers, and property.   
  3. Outreach programs like GAP train and bring association awareness to new brokers.
Apr 19, 2018

Crime scene showing, anyone? Despite any caution tape in her way, Shakeima Chatman knows how to hustle. At the lowest point of the recession, she decided to leave her stable corporate job and take the leap into real estate. She said it best: “It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been worth it.” Today, Shakeima has her own team, The Chatman Group, is brokered with Carolina Elite Real Estate, and has authored the book, “Possess the Land: The Believer’s Guide to Home Buying.” Tune in to hear how Shakeima sees home ownership as a legacy, educates her clients beyond just the buy and sell, and empowers single home buyers to shift their mindset about ownership.

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:

  • 01:13 – Shakeima’s background
  • 01:15 – She’s from Charleston, SC; her father was in the Navy so she grew up part-time in Virginia Beach, VA
  • 01:26 – She’s been in real estate for 7 years; she quit a corporate management job for a commission-only lifestyle: “It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been worth it”
  • 02:08 – She’s only known hustle because she got in the game during the recession; it shaped her strategy, discipline and fate
  • 03:45 – Her CSIRE story
  • 03:55 – She was going to show a property to a single mom and safety was a primary concern; they pulled up and it was a crime scene, the seller was trying to convince them
  • 04:37 – The police officer in her car was telling them “Run! You don’t want to live here!” so Shakeima didn’t have to
  • 05:25 – They had had a break-in; they were remodeling a house in a neighborhood that was in the process of being revitalized, and it was attractive to burglars
  • 06:20 – She ended up buying in a different neighborhood; most of Shakeima’s clients are single women who are doing it on their own
  • 06:47 – The biggest challenge that single buyers face when entering the marketplace
  • 07:05 – Fear and overcoming the beliefs/myths they hear from others; understanding that they don’t have to have the traditional family to have the house
  • 07:35 – She teaches the investment-opportunity aspect of real estate; she helped a woman sell her townhouse and buy a house and she walked away with $10,000
  • 08:38 – Clients are part of the home ownership message; she encourages those conversations on social media
  • 08:45 – Shakeima’s book and its premise
  • 08:50 – Book: “Possess the Land: The Believer’s Guide to Home Buying”
  • 08:57 – Tells stories of home ownership; her grandmother rented a home for over 30 years and lost the home and legacy when it switched owners
  • 10:00 – One of her Facebook friends now owns that house
  • 10:30 – How to contact Shakeima: The Chatman Group SC on Social Media
  • 10:50 – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, website, and by phone (843)225-8830
  • 11:20 – Possess the Land: The Believer’s Guide to Home Buying” takes you through the journey of homeownership compared to the journey that the children of Israel took to the promised land
  • 11:32 – The book can be found on Amazon or through the book’s website

3 Key Points

  1. Hustle your way to success and don’t lose what you’ve learned in tough times.
  2. Educate your clients on the deeper reasons behind ownership like legacy and investment.
  3. Your clients may be fearful or doubtful – be the support they need to make the best decision.
Apr 17, 2018

Dog? What dog? When Linda Devlieg, realtor of 25 years and ex-dog groomer, tells you to pay attention to a “Beware of Dog” sign, LISTEN! Tune in as Linda tells us about how she singlehandedly stopped two attacking dogs, how her clients ran off when they saw a bull snake sunning on a porch, and – if you haven’t noticed yet – how real estate is nothing like what you see on TV. Linda also sheds some light on how patriotic the job of a realtor really is and encourages us to do our homework to learn why.

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:

  • 00:50 – Linda’s Background
  • 01:00 – She’s been in real estate for 25 years and serves Albuquerque, NM and the surrounding areas
  • 01:20 – There’s a city in New Mexico called Truth or Consequences
  • 02:20 – Linda’s CSIRE story
  • 02:30 – She was going to show a home and a sign said “Beware of Dog;” she knocked, but no one answered and there was no barking
  • 02:55 – Two dogs suddenly attacked her; she grabbed one by the muzzle and the other backed off
  • 03:30 – She went to show a luxury property but there was a 6-foot bull snake on the front porch; the buyers ran away and never saw the home
  • 04:05 – The day-to-day in real estate isn’t what you see on TV
  • 04:35 – Real estate is more important than what the public sees
  • 05:10 – Linda’s husband is in the moving industry
  • 05:15 – He runs one of the top beacon’s agencies in the country
  • 05:48 – He tries to make things comfortable; people don’t understand what happens in the background
  • 06:30 – She’s called him for male back-up before, but he’ll never bring home boxes
  • 07:00 – One thing that makes Linda stay in real estate despite all the changes over the past 25 years
  • 07:15 – The feeling of accomplishment when you realize the part you play in something so patriotic as home ownership
  • 08:15 – The Code of Ethics and history behind real estate and the association is amazing
  • 09:05 – She once had a man propose to his wife at the open house so they could write a VA offer
  • 09:15 – Realtors should get involved in political work; their job is so patriotic
  • 09:43 – How to contact Linda or reach out to her husband for moving services
  • 09:53 – Her website: realestateinabq.com, phone number: (505)440-7200

3 Key Points

  1. Real estate isn’t what you see on TV.
  2. As a realtor, you play a part in something very patriotic: Home ownership.  
  3. Learn the history of real estate and get involved in its political future.  
Mar 29, 2018

This is real estate church, and we’re preaching some truth! Early on in her real estate career, Kim Knapp learned what it takes to be successful. It’s very simple: Just be above average. After selling $6 million in her first year, Kim landed among the stars and now instructs other realtors on how to do the same. Powered by hustle and grit, Kim discusses the importance of doing what it takes – even if that means popping 99 red balloons. Tune in to hear what it means to be “above average” and what it takes to become a true leader.

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:

  • 01:00 – Background
  • 01:06 – Kim works in Jacksonville, FL in Clay County, has been in real estate for 18 years, has a background in ministry and original had planned on working in counseling
  • 1:40 – That background has been very useful in her work now; she knows that it’s not about the money in real estate
  • 02:20 – In her first year in real estate, she didn’t know anyone but sold $6 million; Kim has had a strong work ethic since she was young
  • 03:40 – She read and followed all the instructions in Danielle Kennedy’s book “How to List and Sell Real Estate”
  • 04:30 – Kim asked her business-owner friend for the one most important piece of advice and it was, “Just be above average,” and to do a little more than everyone else
  • 05:45 – Kim’s CSIRE story
  • 06:00 – She went to a woman’s house that she had listed that was closing in 4 days; she hadn’t packed at all and was like a “crazy cat lady” with only one cat
  • 06:50 – Kim and her family helped pack the lady’s belongings while she and a friend sat folding and pumping up balloons
  • 07:05 – They put the balloons inside a cabinet so the glass shelves don’t break – it didn’t work – and Kim was left popping balloons and cleaning up glass
  • 08:00 – She had 4 neighbors help pack and clean up this woman’s home, but in the process Kim lost a pair of Chanel sunglasses and a diamond out of a ring
  • 08:40 – Doing what it takes but having boundaries
  • 09:05 – When she first started she would drive across town for a $65,000 trailer; she gets agents that don’t want to drive far for an $80,000 trailer
  • 09:30 – Treat everyone the same and be above average; you must hustle and do what it takes
  • 10:00 – Kim now works in leadership and instructs realtors
  • 10:15 – Be deeply invested in knowing what’s happening in the industry and educate yourself constantly
  • 10:45 – Realtors are the voice for property owners; they aren’t banded together like realtors are
  • 12:05 – People will respect and value you if you put in the work to become a true leader
  • 12:45 – How to reach Kim and Team Knapp: Office Phone Number (904)637-0285, Cell Number (904)334-7425, or by visiting her website teamknapp.com

3 Key Points

  1. Just be above average; do more than anyone else.
  2. Treat everyone the same and do the right thing.
  3. Know what’s going on in the industry and educate yourself constantly; the learning is never over.
Mar 27, 2018

Kynse Leigh is a trooper. In 2014, she opened her own brokerage –just to find out two years later that she had a failing kidney and would need a transplant. That didn’t stop Kynse from documenting her journey with Facebook Live videos, continuing her work, spending time with her son, and creating awareness around the transplant journey and the importance of being a donor. Tune in to hear how Kynse was supported by her community of realtors, how she connected with her donor’s family, and why she’s got not one, but three kidneys now! 

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:

  • 01:00 – Kynse’s background
  • 01:10 – Kynse started as an assistant with ReMax in 2000, was licensed in 2003, and opened her brokerage Remax Dream in downtown Fort Myers, FL in 2014
  • 01:50 – She had two agents and was the short-sale queen for a while
  • 02:00 – Her health journey
  • 02:45 – In October of 2016, she was told she had a failing kidney and would need a transplant
  • 03:25 – She would need a kidney and pancreas transplant so she would avoid kidney failure and no longer be a Type I Diabetic; she’s 37 years old and has a 9-year-old son
  • 04:55 – She grew up as a Type I Diabetic and went through everything that comes with that
  • 05:20 – She feels blessed because she still has her eyesight, limbs, and has no other diabetic issues; she actually has 3 kidneys now, including the new one
  • 06:50 – She refused to start dialysis; she wanted to be there for her son and realtors and be doing things
  • 07:49 – She documented the whole transplant process to share the journey, starting with the first call from the transplant team
  • 09:53 – Her documentation shows people what the process is like; Leigh Brown and her son have watched the videos because he has kidney issues as well
  • 11:05 – Her son has been very supportive of her; Kynse is happy her journey has helped Leigh’s son in his own
  • 13:30 – Being real, authentic, and yourself goes a long way; Kynse has connected with incredible realtors going through their own health challenges
  • 14:40 – The community of realtors has been amazing and supportive
  • 15:22 – The transplant family and the connection
  • 16:20 - Most people write letters that go through LifeLink to connect to the donor family; her donor was named Elijah and was 15 when he passed
  • 16:53 – She didn’t receive much information about the donor, and the donor didn’t receive much information about her
  • 17:30 – She comes up if you Google “Florida kidney and pancreas transplant” because of her work in raising awareness around it
  • 18:08 – They found his GoFundMe page and the donor’s family found her
  • 19:00 – Become a donor: Only 45% of Americans are registered organ donors; 115,000 people in America are waiting for an organ and an average of 21 people pass away each day waiting
  • 20:20 – Her organ donor saved 6 lives, he has a page and hashtag #sixisgreaterthantwentyone
  • 21:50 – On the iPhone Health App, you can sign up to become an organ donor in minutes; or go to org if you don’t have an iPhone
  • 22:58 – Let your family know your wishes; they could say no
  • 24:50 – You could be a living donor; you only need one kidney to live and you can donate a portion of your liver (it grows back)
  • 26:15 – Being a broker through all this change
  • 26:45 – Her office management and agents are amazing; she lost a few agents and realized who she chooses to spend her time with
  • 28:00 – Use hashtag #dontburygoodorgans when you sign up to be a donor and support
  • 28:47 – Stay in touch
  • 28:54 - Remax Dream contacts: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, email, website
  • 29:15 – Kynse’s contact information: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

3 Key Points

  1. Remain optimistic.
  2. You have the chance to touch lives; become an organ donor.
  3. Support those that inspire you and connect with others that have a relatable journey.  
Mar 22, 2018

Stephanie White has worn many hats in the real estate world. She’s gone from realtor, to broker, to managing and regional broker, to working in the association world – and not necessarily in that order. Stephanie gets into the problem of new shiny things on the market when realtors should just focus on what’s tried and true. Tune in to hear how you can’t buy likeability, why authenticity always wins, and what it means to be proactive.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes

  • 01:15 – Stephanie’s background
  • 01:20 – Stephanie is in Mobile, Alabama, has been there for 2 years, and was in Florida for 25 years
  • 01:35 – She worked and volunteered at 5 different associations, started as a realtor, became a broker, then became a managing and regional broker
  • 02:10 – She worked with a company that sold leads and measured ratios from call to close; the results were enlightening because she had no idea how it worked
  • 03:28 – Understanding conversion rates was something she didn’t know for the first 10 years of being in real estate, and that was after getting out of the selling side
  • 03:50 – It’s critical for realtors now to drill into their own markets
  • 04:30 –Every realtor should have to go through the process of listing their own home and purchasing a home before leading a client through the process
  • 04:50 – Before you’ve lived it, it’s hard to council and advise someone going thorough it
  • 05:00 – Her cross-sale with her purchase was with a successful woman; Stephanie learned that it was about tenacity and staying with it
  • 06:00 – Her association members are inundated with new things that want their money and time, but door-knocking, cold-calling, marketing, and authenticity still win
  • 06:45 – Likeable realtors do well because they’re authentic
  • 07:35 – There will always be someone who doesn’t like you; don’t take it personally
  • 08:55 – Facebook groups: No one is who they are online
  • 09:40 – Social Media
  • 09:53 – Stephanie sticks to work and cat videos; there’s so much noise out there
  • 10:18 – As an associate executive, you must be where your members are
  • 10:45 – Mobile association: Big events, participation, and culture, but there were certain gaps
  • 11:30 – Policy manual creation for Mobile
  • 12:23 – Sending members and staff to national events so they are educated themselves
  • 12:53 – They have credibility with members so they’ll listen
  • 13:15 – New perspectives and people add value and engage members
  • 14:36 – The importance of knowing the “why” behind what’s going on
  • 14:48 – People fear change but need to be adaptable and proactive; you should anticipate change that is coming and make thoughtful decisions
  • 15:48 – Talk to your association executive, get them to listen to this episode, and have a conversation about your involvement; consumers, too
  • 16:15 – Associations give realtors comradery, education, and current happenings
  • 16:37 – How to reach Stephanie White
  • 16:42 – Stephanie Sharp White on Facebook or email Stephanie@gcmls.com 

3 Key Points

  1. Experience what it is you are advising and counseling on.
  2. Be outrageously authentic; people will see if you are trying to be someone else.
  3. You won’t be liked by everyone – its ok – don’t take it personally.
Mar 20, 2018

Laura Fangman, realtor of 10 years and micro-farmer, gives us the dirt on some drama that ensued when she showed a home to a buyer who had recently gotten into a fight with the seller, unbeknownst to her. Laura reflects on her experience as a new realtor and how she learned to select her clients carefully from that point on. Tune in to hear how Laura insists on asking better questions, receiving better answers, and what she does if she can’t get them.  

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

  • 01:20 – Laura is in Virginia with a micro-farm outside of D.C., has been licensed in Georgia and Tennessee, and has been licensed for 10 years
  • 02:25 – Laura’s CSIRE story
  • 02:30 – 10 years ago, she got a call on her cell; it was an agent from a close market, from the same brokerage, calling to refer a client
  • 03:10- She spoke to the people and was excited; they were working on selling a house before buying one they liked and said they were already working with a lender
  • 03:48 – She took them out to see homes, the last home was the original one they were looking at; the sellers and their agent were there
  • 04:40 –The agent’s male client starts losing his mind; he was shouting obscenities, trying to move past his agent to where her clients were standing, his wife started crying
  • 05:30 – She leaves the house with her clients, apologizes, and walks back in to talk to their agent; something was going on
  • 06:02 – She learned that the sellers and her clients had had an altercation and fight that involved police not long before the showing
  • 07:00 – The clients and the realtor who referred them to her were friends and had set her up to show it, knowing that guy from the altercation was the seller
  • 07:30 – The seller had just gotten his stitches taken out from the last altercation
  • 07:40 – Laura learned that it is important to prequalify clients before taking them out to make sure they are serious about the purchase
  • 08:18 – If that had happened now, 10 years later, Laura would’ve been better equipped to handle the escalation with the broker who referred the clients to her
  • 08:35 – Real estate is a self-policing profession; oftentimes new realtors aren’t prepared for this
  • 09:10 – Laura doesn’t know if that realtor is still in the business
  • 09:28 – What Laura would say to a potential buyer/seller who doesn’t want to answer questions
  • 09:43 – “I’d be more than happy to refer you somebody who might be more interested in dealing with this? Can recommend another agent?”
  • 10:00 – She has lost clients over this, but she refuses to invest valuable time in people who aren’t serious about doing something and don’t understand the importance of it
  • 10:30 – She insists on a lender letter (proof of funds letter if paying cash)
  • 11:00 – How to reach Laura: her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

3 Key Points

  1. As a new realtor, be aware that you may need to self-police; if caught in a scary or serious situation, make your safety top priority.
  2. Make sure someone is prequalified before taking them out; not just to make sure that they’re at the right price point, but to make sure they’re legit and serious.
  3. Select clients that understand and respect your service and time investment; if they don’t, it is okay to acknowledge that it isn’t a good fit.
Jan 26, 2018

Clint Skutchan, recovering association CEO, consultant, and podcast show host, digs deep into the struggles of association life, including having to deal with people who seem to just be “riding it out.” Whether it be unmotivated volunteer leaders or members that fear change and use their power for the not-so-good, Clint seems to have dealt with it all. Tune in to hear what it takes to create real change and shift the minds of the people who have the power to make it.

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:

  • 01:15 – Clint’s background
  • 01:20 – He was an association CEO for 10 years, spent 10 years in talk radio, and he now consults
  • 01:45 – He combines his association and media skills to nationally consult and speak
  • 02:11 – Why should people be interested in association life?
  • 02:19 – If you aren’t paying attention, others can take advantage of leadership roles and relationships
  • 02:52 – Local, state, and national associations leadership tips; a woman called Leigh to ask for advice on her incoming local presidential role
  • 03:50 – Leadership is all about what you can do for the association and its members; it is about serving and understanding your role and process
  • 04:45 – Leigh asked the woman how the CEO/association executive is, because that’ll give insight into what advice to give
  • 05:22 – Leigh asked why the woman labeled the person as “bad to medium;” they don’t communicate, value the members, or have a clear and positive view of the future
  • 05:58 – What would Clint tell an incoming leader who’s dealing with a staff person who isn’t energetic or shoulder-to-shoulder with their volunteer leaders?
  • 06:07 – Asking the question: “Why are you here?”
  • 06:20 – What is their motivation? Are they just riding it out?
  • 06:45 – Figure out how to manage that or how to move away from that kind of executive
  • 07:00 – If you are an executive that has lost your motivation, you should change personnel or change your perspective
  • 07:21 – “My Year:” One person’s legacy that may not encompass the whole
  • 07:52 – Ask the staff what they need; sometimes it’s the volunteer’s problem
  • 08:09 – Some volunteers are used to running their own business; an association is very different because it is a collective experience
  • 08:43 – There isn’t any real formal training in most cases for association leadership
  • 09:02 – When you rise to leadership you are no longer just focusing on one thing; you must oversee it all and the whole team
  • 09:20 – Are volunteer leaders provided the correct education to succeed and understand what they’ve said “yes” to, since the role is entirely different than their day-to-day life? Does Clint think that realtors are responding to threats in a personal way because they must move fast in their business life and associations typically move slowly? Have associations failed to respond because they don’t educate their volunteer leaders correctly?
  • 10:18 – The good organizations are doing it right; there is a big difference between those and the ones just finding their way through
  • 10:33 – The ones geared towards flexibility and change work in a change-based world; the ones stuck on status quo get stuck
  • 11:02 – How can volunteer leaders push their associations to have a mindset that embraces change rather than resists it?
  • 11:28 – It comes down to the association’s culture which consists of strategic focus, repeatable processes, consistent outcomes, and mutual passion
  • 12:15 – With those things, you’ll identify the self as an entity; it starts with a good staff and good leadership
  • 12:47 – If you have a forward-thinking leader in an association but the volunteer leaders fear change, resist listening, and eliminate staff, how do you get past that?
  • 14:00 – When you are an executive you hire and fire volunteers that make decisions based on whims, are too comfortable, don’t want to follow processes
  • 14:53 – Ultimately it’s a matter of how much attention the general membership pays to those who are their leaders and their decisions
  • 15:00 – Their actions show if the leadership is ready to lead and represent
  • 15:35 – What Clint thinks will happen in real estate life within the next 3-5 years
  • 15:55 – He looks through the lens of the association
  • 16:08 – 5 trends he sees in the association world: leadership shift impacts will find their way to the local organizations
  • 16:50 – Consolidation shifts will continue (regionalization) and will impact day-to-day agents
  • 17:28 – Advocacy must start to adapt; the way advocacy is approached and delivered needs to shift; if you aren’t going to adapt you are going to struggle
  • 18:00 – As markets settle in, we are going to see agents have extra time on their hands; there will be more volunteers coming back to the association
  • 18:50 – Even new realtors can have the knowledge and expertise to make good positive changes in the association world
  • 20:00 – When does Clint think we will see a National Multiple Listing service that is backed by realtors?
  • 20:19 – He doesn’t see a national one happening, he thinks regional ones that revolve around true markets are more likely
  • 21:54 – You can read Clint’s columns on Inman or listen to his podcast called The Association  

3 Key Points

  1. Leadership is about serving and understanding your role and processes; know what you can do for your team and members.
  2. Get involved in association life but be adaptable and accepting of positive change and future-driven leaders.
  3. Both in association life and in your own business, the keys to a solid culture are strategic focus, repeatable processes, consistent outcomes, mutual passion, and identifying the self as the entity.

Credits

Jan 23, 2018

AJ is a star, and not just on the dance floor or roller rink! Tune in to learn how AJ took over a roller rink, hosted a skating party, got made fun of by strange association tenants, and still managed to become an “accidental volunteer leader.” Learn why volunteer leaders matter in real estate – and not just for realtors, but for homeowners and homeowners-to-be, too.

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:

  • 00:55 – AJ’s background: She is in Dayton, Ohio and focuses on property management, commercial, residential and receivership, and has been in the business for 25 years
  • 01:27 – What is receivership?
  • 01: 30 – She goes in and takes over things on behalf of courts and law firms; businesses to run and real property
  • 01:41 – This can be an inn, a roller skating rink, an industrial warehouse operation, office buildings, hotels, multi-family units; all could be at a moment’s notice
  • 02:06 – They also do residential and property management
  • 02:20 – How did taking over a roller skating rink happen? What’s the story?
  • 02:34 – She used to skate and was good; when she took it over she shut it down, invited a ton of friends, and had a skating party
  • 03:17 – She didn’t buy the rink, but her friend bought it to showcase his luxury cars
  • 03:50 – AJ’s crazy story
  • 04:00 – She never expected to be made fun of by people in the Condominium and Home Owner’s Associations
  • 04:15 – Strange people can live in the associations and have strange ideas despite state law that dictates otherwise
  • 04:41 – She tried to encourage to clients to buy into the associations so they participate in what is going on because they’ve already made the investment
  • 05:20 – You can’t complain about the decisions if you aren’t apart of the association’s decision-making process
  • 06:20 – She is going to be the president of the state of Ohio in 2019; she is an “accidental volunteer leader”
  • 06:42 – She is from a small brokerage that she started with her father; at her local board, you must be president before you can be president or officer in Ohio
  • 07:00 – She couldn’t get on the board of directors and had tried for years; she kept missing because she was from such a small brokerage
  • 07:20 – They appointed her on two different years and asked her to run for Treasurer and she won
  • 08:03 – One reason why this role has been worth her time/energy and why it matters that she, as a volunteer leader, is involved in a real estate deal?
  • 08:28 – The friendship and contacts that you gain make it easy to close a deal because you have personal connection with other agents
  • 09:20 – Hire a volunteer because they are up-to-date, involved, and lobbying on the homeowner’s behalf
  • 10:10 – In volunteer leadership you get someone who knows all changes that affect your home and sale
  • 10:35 – When interviewing realtors, always ask how invested they are in political advocacy work to affect policy in ways that help you as the consumer
  • 11:15 – Why AJ is a star
  • 11:20 – She is a competitive ballroom dancer and loves dancing
  • 11:35 – She’s done “Dancing with the Stars” and have competed with many pros head-to-head
  • 12:20 – How to reach AJ: Her company’s website or call her at (937)609-4281
  • 12:50 – Contact Leigh if you want to learn how to get involved

3 Key Points

  1. As a homeowner, it is important to get involved with your association so you can impact its decisions and policies.  
  2. Active volunteer leadership as a realtor guarantees friendships and contacts that prove useful when needing to close a deal or work with another agent.
  3. As a client, always hire a volunteer because they’ll be up-to-date, involved, and lobbying on your behalf.
Jan 19, 2018

Nope, this episode of CSIRE isn’t a Saturday Night Live skit, this is the real-life story of Shelly’s second sale! Tune in to hear how Shelly got into real estate by knowing she could “do it better” and why she loves the wild, wild, Wyoming. Don’t miss her crazy story complete with a Hare Krishna compound, attorneys, gas money wires, and a van...down by the river. 

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:

  • 00:35 – Shelly is a realtor and was the President of the Wyoming State Association of Realtors
  • 00:58 – Shelly’s background
  • 01:08 – She grew up in Texas and migrated north to Wyoming; her family came up for the oil boom
  • 01:26 – She started in Art and Design and landed in Real Estate after she would look at newspapers and feel like people were designing houses wrong
  • 01:44 – She bought her own house and told the real estate agent that she could do it better; she’s been licensed in Real Estate since 2005 in Torrington, Wyoming (pop. 6,000)
  • 02:00 – She lives in a “suburb” of Torrington called Lingle, population 515
  • 02:29 – She’s in an agricultural community near the Nebraska border, they measure distance in hours
  • 03:06 – They have lots of cattle, corn, sugar beets, soybeans; they can grow almost anything and can fish and hunt
  • 04:26 – She lives near old western movies are set
  • 05:00 – Shelly’s crazy story
  • 05:15 – It was her 2nd sale; a $32,000 adobe house that was being sold because the couple was divorcing
  • 05:30 – She never saw the couple, she dealt with them via phone and internet
  • 06:25 – She learned that the woman lived in a Hare Krishna compound in Idaho and the man didn’t have an address and lived in a van by a river in a friend’s yard in California
  • 07:42 – Shelly found a buyer that was a flipper; when they were trying to close she needed to find a place for both buyers to meet and sign the documents
  • 08:35 – The woman signed at a local title company but was worried that the ex-husband would get a check and she wouldn’t get any money
  • 09:20 – They UPS’ed some documents to the ex-husband’s “friend/neighbor,” who said he didn’t know who the man was
  • 09:25 – They had to find the ex-husband and the closest title company, which was 40 miles away; he didn’t have enough gas or gas money to make it there
  • 09:50 – They figured out how to get him there, but then the check had both names on it and neither one trusted the other to deposit it and split the money
  • 10:10 – It ended up being sent to attorneys to distribute
  • 10:45 – She let them move on and never heard from them again but she kept in touch with the buyers
  • 11:48 – There are things that could happen that would never expect; you must learn how to figure out solutions
  • 12:33 – Trust the experts; the title company people were trained in handling situations like hers and the attorneys helped, too
  • 14:03 – People talk about realtor’s “money grubbing,” but she did all of that for $600
  • 14:47 – Clients come in for advice and questions and she just asks for referrals in return, she does a lot for free to build relationships
  • 15:24 – How to reach Shelly: Her company’s website or via email

3 Key Points

  1. There are things that could happen that you would never expect; you must learn how to figure out solutions or reach out to the experts that do.
  2. Be persistent – even if the sale is tough – and your clients will see your efforts and trust your work again for themselves and their connections. 
  3. Keep open and honest communication with your clients and you’ll be top-of-mind the next time they are asked to refer a realtor.
Jan 16, 2018

In a day and age where there seems to be shortcuts for everything, Aaron reminds us to slow down and think. After all, as a client buying or selling a home you’re choosing a realtor, not simply tonight’s dinner! Tune in to hear how Aaron compares waiting tables to selling homes, and why choosing a realtor based upon likeability over competence can leave you paying more and getting less. Listen to Aaron’s advice on interviewing your realtor to ensure you don’t end up calling voicemails and wishing you had stopped to think.

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:

  • 00:43 – Aaron’s background
  • 00:50 – He lives on a small island off the coast of Seattle called Vashon Island; it’s an island of hippies and artists
  • 01:01 – He’s been selling real estate for 5 years, has invested in it for 15, and has an entrepreneurial and art background
  • 01:18 – He worked in food service, opened a bakery, got into a sales career, and found his way to real estate; he loves it
  • 02:00 – Like waiting tables, being a realtor focuses on taking care of people and Aaron loves that
  • 02:26 – You need to mirror and match and find out what they want
  • 02:51 –The way people choose a realtor is insane; it’s with the same diligence that we use to choose dinner
  • 04:35 – In residential, clients tend to choose likeability over competence
  • 04:45 – His team sells for 5% more than average; he researched why people don’t ask questions about these statistics
  • 05:10 – Aaron loves podcasts and learning, so he was listening to Freakonomics Radio and an interview with Michael Lewis, author of “Moneyball” and “The Big Short”
  • 05:32 – Michael also wrote the “Undoing Project” and discussed behavioral economics and “mental shortcuts”
  • 06:45 – As realtors, we always want to stay “top of mind” because the brain shortcuts to what is top of mind instead of having to think
  • 07:28 – Aaron wrote a book on those shortcuts called “Shortchanged by Shortcuts”
  • 07:45 – Aaron believes we are thinking less and less, but he battles it by pointing it out and slowing down
  • 08:25 – Just slowing down a little bit can allow for some real thinking
  • 09:30 – If someone is committed to using shortcut and not slowing down, he’d rather not work with them; they won’t see the value in truly thinking about the process
  • 10:56 – Some sellers treat their real estate investments with a cavalier attitude when they should be choosing their agents and decisions wisely
  • 12:09 – Realtors did this to themselves: There’s no apprenticeship program, no journeyman master, conversation, or framing for the consumer
  • 12:44 – Real estate has the lowest bar to entry; the person who cuts his hair must do 1000 hours, a realtor only must do 90
  • 13:26 – Consumers should interview and ask for track records to see who has done the best job
  • 13:55 – The first question every consumer should ask their potential realtor: the percent over asking price that they’ve gotten for a home, this shows how good they are at pricing and advertising
  • 14:49 – Other questions: Do you work on a team or alone? What is your commission?
  • 15:00 – Someone on a team is usually better and if they can’t defend their own equity (commission), they won’t be able to defend yours
  • 15:27 – Leigh disagrees with the anti-team approach and believes it depends on the individual’s structure, focus, and availability
  • 16:20 – Many people complain about realtors not calling them back
  • 16:40 – When Leigh was making phone calls for RPAC (Realtors Political Action Committee) investments for the year, the active and dialed-in realtors all answered while the others went straight to voicemail
  • 17:27 – This a good way to tell who is active and professional; these are the only people she recommends in other markets
  • 17:51 – One thing Aaron thinks will happen in 2018
  • 17:59 – Two more interest rate hikes and a leveling off of the market as a whole
  • 18:37 – Contact Aaron via email at aaron@eandgo.me and find his books here

3 Key Points

  1. Slow down and think when choosing a realtor; your property is one of your most valuable assets.
  2. As a consumer, you should always ask the percent over asking price that they’ve gotten over a home and their commission; if they can’t defend their own equity, they won’t be able to defend yours.
  3. Whether on a team or solo, be active and professional; you’ll be respected and referred by other realtors and clients.
Jan 12, 2018

Whitney Nicely likes to move fast. From 6 week long house flips to educated decisions when it comes to renovating, Whitney knows what’s what in the world of real estate. Tune in to learn why house flipping TV show are crap, what Whitney does to make the most out of her investments, and what tends to hold women back in the world of real estate. 

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:

  • 00:45 – Whitney is in Knoxville, Tennessee, she flipped her first house in 2009, and now has land, houses, and apartment complexes all over east Tennessee
  • 02:01 – She’s allergic to the “f” word: “Foreclosures”
  • 02:28 – Whitney’s background: Her mom taught her a lot about real estate as a kid, her mom is self-taught and made ends meet through rental income
  • 03:33 – She believes women are held back in real estate so she fights for women; she was taught to go out and get what she wants, not wait for it
  • 03:57 – She was raised to look at deals herself and soon outgrew her mother when it came to investing
  • 04:34 – How she got over the fear of her first flip
  • 04:42 – The first ones she did were her mother’s and they’d take 6 months, in 2014 she got her own house and flipped it in 6 weeks
  • 05:34 – Advice for flippers: TV shows are crazy or crap
  • 05:53 – Always assume that there’s water damage and factor it in
  • 06:20 – Re-do one room or one major thing throughout the whole house; don’t gut the whole thing because then you’re just earning what you invested into the house
  • 07:15 – Many homes that she buys aren’t a disaster; they just need little updates
  • 07:38 – What’s the most mind-blowing thing you’ve seen in real estate?
  • 07:44 – People with empty houses that don’t put the extra effort in to sell or have a tenant; they make payments on an empty house for years
  • 08:15 – She tries to take these homes off their people’s backs
  • 08:35 – She finds these homes on Facebook
  • 09:30 – Whitney believes that the best agents are also investors; but the best investors she knows don’t have a license
  • 09:45 – Most realtors don’t invest because they are so busy getting the “close” and helping others make money
  • 09:50 – Women realtors have the maternal instinct to just “help, help help” and “give, give, give”
  • 10:10 – It’s ok to be selfish and build up your own retirement
  • 10:25 – Realtors don’t invest outside of what they’re going to get credit for
  • 11:15 – The risk involved in investments doesn’t stop people from investing
  • 11:30 – Whitney’s coaching specialty
  • 11:45 – She helps agents become investors and focuses on women
  • 12:07 – Men and women speak in different languages; she is working to help established investors make more money on their investments or make their next investment better
  • 12:45 – She helps investors move into smaller or larger apartments and think bigger
  • 13:30 – Trailer parks and storage units are also good investments
  • 13:50 – Trailer parks don’t go empty and is one of the last good private ways to have an affordable living situation
  • 14:18 – How to find Whitney Nicely and chat: her Facebook Group and website

3 Key Points

  1. It’s ok to be selfish and build up your own retirement; think of yourself and your future, too.
  2. Find something that make sense and pull the trigger; don’t wait until the next market downturn.
  3. Get in touch with an expert like Whitney to make educated real estate investment decisions.
Dec 8, 2017

Is this stripper pole structural? Susie Nelson-Crowley, realtor and CRS in the Tampa Bay area, will tell you that a pole, stage, DJ booth, and party tubs don’t necessarily mean an impossible sale. Tune in to learn how Susie allows her clients the space to see and experience the potential of their new home – despite themed rooms and a party house website.  

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:

  • 00:35 – Susie is from Tampa, Florida
  • 00:58 – She’s been in Real Estate for 15 years and is a CRS, she services the Tampa Bay area
  • 02:05 – She is a Certified Residential Specialist: She is a realtor with additional education and enough transactions to be identified as a cut above the rest
  • 03:22 – Her crazy story in Real Estate
  • 03:28 – Was working with a new client and was mostly working with husband (wife worked in an office and was less flexible)
  • 03:44 – They wanted to put sweat equity into their investment
  • 04:03 – In the era of short-sales and bank-owned properties, they found a home in a rural area and went to the home
  • 04:35 – Home must’ve been grand in its day, and it was beautiful with corridors and windows...until they saw a stage and a pole
  • 05:35 – Embarrassed with the new client, she looked up to the roof and said, “Gee, I wonder if that’s structural”
  • 05:52 – As they walk through the house, what it was used for becomes more obvious
  • 05:58 – There was a bar, a coat check room, a DJ stand, and upstairs the rooms had titles (The Safari Suite, The Jungle Suite), party tubs, and fitting wallpaper
  • 06:44 – They could see where cameras must’ve been in the rooms
  • 07:10 – She was thinking, “Don’t touch anything in this house!”
  • 07:25 – Her clients bought the house; they could see what it could be
  • 07:35 – Home inspector is dry, walks through home saying, “We won’t have any problem knowing which room is which!” They’re already named!
  • 08:09 – Neighbors were happy it was purchased, they had the address changed with the municipality because it was listed online as a “party house”
  • 09:01 – Home inspectors need to be focused and detailed, it’s not based on personality
  • 09:28 – The inspector protects the buyer and the realtor, and can be the best to-do list if you’re getting a fixer-upper
  • 10:10 – A realtor’s personal distaste for a property could cloud the potential the client sees in the house – let them make their own decision
  • 10:55 – Realtors need to take a backseat and let the buyer experience the home themselves
  • 11:30 – Realtor provides important information as needed
  • 11:42 – If you are looking for a realtor in the Tampa/Tampa Bay area, contact Susie through her website at: tamparealestatepulse.com and check out her blog

3 Key Points

  1. If you are realtor, consider becoming a CRS – It shows that you are a cut above the rest.
  2. Select a home inspector based on their attention to detail and work – not personality.
  3. As a realtor, let your clients experience the home themselves; they may see potential where you don’t.

Credits

Dec 5, 2017

NAR President Bill Brown has been through the ringer for the last few months, but it hasn’t put a damper on this year’s Thanksgiving (except that he couldn’t wash down his turkey with a beer!). Tune in to learn why Bill was extra-thankful this Thanksgiving, and why it’s never too early to think about the future. Bill dives into the tax reform discussion and urges NAR members to participate and be a voice for the people – you DO make a difference and must ACT when called to do so!

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:

  • 00:29 – NAR President Bill Brown from Oakland; this is his first post-presidential interview
  • 01:15 – Who he is, how he came into real estate, his story
  • 01:45 – Second generation realtor, father started in the business in the 60s
  • 02:24 – Both he and his brother were inspired and Bill knew what he wanted to do by sophomore/junior year of high school
  • 02:40 – What attracted Bill to real estate
  • 02:55 – The idea of working for himself, enjoys competition, was good with numbers rather than showing homes
  • 03:44 – Stuck with what he knew – the numbers game – and felt it was easy if he had the grasp of the numbers
  • 04:15 – Believes anyone can learn commercial or apartment brokerage with devotion
  • 04:30 – Before, people could do a little of everything, now you need to be a specialist
  • 04:45 – Concentrate on the product type you do best
  • 04:50 – Bill says he’s impatient but it has gotten a lot better in the past 3-4 months
  • 05:20 – Broker told him a story about patience 10 years ago
  • 05:40 – A new broker had just graduated from Stanford, but was told it could take 6-9 months to get his first deal
  • 05:53 – On his 8th or 9th day, he picked up the phone, got a listing, and made $125,000
  • 06:13 – Guy got BMW, rented new apartment in San Francisco, but didn’t get another deal for another year and a half
  • 06:28 – You must be smart, especially when just starting out
  • 06:40 – Realtor retirement and investment planning
  • 07:01 – Many realtors make good money and don’t have anything to show for it at 50-55
  • 07:45 – Bill wants realtors to be thinking about retirement early
  • 07:57 – He knew a realtor, Tracy Saizan who put away 10-20% of every deal and has saved a good deal that way
  • 08:18 – Kudos to Sharon Millett who chaired the PAC; members will be able to take advantage of the partnership with Merrill Lynch/ Bank of America
  • 08:37 – His legacy will be this basis for financial planning
  • 09:15 – Not all members are making a living: His friend runs an MLS with 17,000 members
  • 09:25 – Half of the members have not made a deal in a year and 30% haven’t even turned the MLS on
  • 09:36 – The business is getting more competitive and people think it’s easy and don’t have the required commitment
  • 10:04 – It’s time for young people to start thinking 10-20 years’ out
  • 10:39 – He’s been a president through some monumental changes in politics
  • 11:08 – His thoughts on political changes and how it’ll affect the real estate industry
  • 11:20 – Looks back at 1986 Tax Reform for context: Property values went down and interest rates up, it’s a very similar situation
  • 11:45 – He likes the action in legislative changes and was glad he was president during this time
  • 11:51 – Had a meeting in D.C. with Chairman of Ways and Means Kevin Brady
  • 12:02 – Brought up what happened to real estate after the 1986 tax reform, and Brady said that the decline in property values will only last 3-4 years
  • 12:15 – Said that they are looking 10 years’ out
  • 12:23 – They want 80-90% of Americans to fill out their own simplified tax returns
  • 12:45 – In CA, if you eliminate state/local tax deductions, mortgage interest rate deductions, home values decrease 21-24%, it’s hard to find a home
  • 13:05 - $1 million buys you nothing in the area where he lives
  • 13:14 - $500,000 deduction is useless there, it’s a big deal to not be able to write off your taxes
  • 13:33 – 35% of Bay area home buyers will rethink buying a home if the tax reform passes
  • 13:50 – Ramifications of this tax reform are unbelievable, especially in high-cost states
  • 14:00 – NAR core value is to protect private property rights
  • 14:16 – Back in 1986 they promised to never lower the mortgage interest deduction
  • 14:35 – If you are a congressman or senator that has gotten NAR support and you vote for this bill, NAR will be very active on the other side of the election in 2018
  • 14:55 – CA has 9 Republican congressmen, and 3 voted against the bill: the other 6 voted against their constituents
  • 15:40 – Tax reform provisions that bother Bill that aren’t related to property taxes and mortgage interest deduction
  • 16:26 – Tax reform takes away the incentive to buy a home
  • 16:36 – Other side will say that the itemized deduction has doubled, but the mortgage interest deduction pushes the buyer over the threshold
  • 17:25 – If a couple gets married, saves, and tax reform hits, they’ve lost their down payment and years of saving
  • 18:00 – Car wash manager makes $85,000 a year, but didn’t want to buy a house because of what his friends experienced in the recession
  • 18:50 – The timing is still fresh for a lot of people who were impacted by the recession
  • 19:30 – How Bill landed in voluntary leadership
  • 19:51 – He was an apartment broker in 1982 with brother and father when rent control came on the horizon
  • 20:15 – City council voted it down, but tenants got an initiative on the ballot and it was going to impact his ability to make a living
  • 20:45 – He went to the Board of Realtors and volunteered to help against rent control and became a chair
  • 21:20 – Realtors do help members make money and stay in business, he decided to get on local association committees, and became president in 1984
  • 21:57 – Started at committee level, has chaired at pretty much every public policy and PAC committee at CAR while involved there, and in 2008 was president of his state association
  • 22:20 – Members need to participate with time and money to help make initiatives successful
  • 22:40 – When he graduated college, he knew his dad would take him under his wing
  • 23:10 – Glad he was interested in real estate early-on
  • 23:39 – Why don’t more realtors get involved?
  • 23:50 – We haven’t found a way to get members to understand the importance of what they are doing
  • 24:08 – Call to Action: A few clicks to flood senator offices with letters for legislative change
  • 24:45 – Members need to understand importance of their participation
  • 24:58 – People that aren’t making a living doing it don’t care, or ones that do figure that others will do it; leadership needs to work on messaging and members need to know importance of participation
  • 26:22 – Individuals can get involved and make an impact
  • 26:46 – Only 21% of members sent letter to congressperson for a Call to Action for the tax reform, but average response for other trade associations is 3%
  • 27:40 – Coalition of Homeowners – 8 million members willing to participate
  • 28:30 – Realtors give clients a voice and tools to be heard
  • 29:04 – Realtors vote, have lobbyists in D.C., are active in their communities, and give voice to the people
  • 29:17 – Last act as president: A fly-in of 78 realtors to tell their side of story
  • 29:40 – Politicians know that realtors are a strong voice and know that if they don’t support them, they’ll go after them come election-time
  • 30:37 – You can’t undo the tax reform
  • 30:55 – Speculation, economic theory cannot promise anything
  • 31:14 – He supports paying lower taxes because ½ of what you send to D.C. will get wasted
  • 31:44 – If you give a tax break, you take away a tax break from someone else
  • 32:24 – Don’t make changes on the backs of home-owning Americans
  • 33:25 – Realtors that talk to officials can make sure they know what is written in the reform and understand it
  • 35:25 – Bill was sitting in a congressman office and his aid came in and said he had a vote in 10 minutes; he didn’t know what the vote was for, his aid told him
  • 36:19 - Jerry Giovaniello won lobbyist of the year, and seeing realtor faces in their office makes an impact on congressmen’s decisions
  • 37:13 – What happened to Bill this year
  • 37:35 – Never thought anything would happen to him medically
  • 37:48 – He has a finger operation 2-3 years ago and it got infected, they gave him vancomycin to take 2 times/day
  • 38:16 – After 3-4 days he felt horrible and it triggered lung problems
  • 38:52 – He had to go on supplemental oxygen and in and out of the emergency room
  • 39:15 – In August everything looked different and was turning white; he thought he was dying and his wife was overseas
  • 39:53 – UCSF got an ambulance to take him to their hospital
  • 40:20 – They found a lung transplant donor very quickly and he underwent surgery
  • 41:03 – He had a successful surgery but the lung donor had a MRSA infection in the lung and pneumonia, so they transplanted it then treated the MRSA and pneumonia
  • 41:41 – Had to be fed through feeding tubes, they were removed, then fluid was leaking into stomach, had to go into emergency surgery again
  • 44:05 – A typical lung transplant is in the hospital for 2-3 weeks, then they go to a hotel to be close by while healing; he was in the hospital for 7 weeks and then was in a hotel for another 6 weeks
  • 45:25 – It was a very trying time; it was exhausting and horrible, but got him well
  • 46:30 – He met a transplant patient who gave up after a week and wanted to go home with pain medication; she ultimately decided to finish the treatment
  • 47:35 – Nurses want you to get out “as fast as you can” and inspire patients to get better faster
  • 47:55 – Wants to write the donor family a thank you letter; hasn’t been able to take a deep breath in 1-2 years
  • 48:40 – Re/Max broker Kynse Leigh Lee has kidney and pancreas transplant and uses hashtag #dontburygoodorgans and got to meet donor family
  • 49:56 – Discussing organ-donating outreach for realtors
  • 50:24 – UCSF is #1 in the nation for lung transplants, but they don’t have enough organs; he was very lucky...(blessed!)
  • 52:50 – This is the first Thanksgiving where he has the ultimate gift to be grateful for
  • 53:55 – He put his health first; his wife Heather and his brother Kevin and his wife (RN) were his caregivers for the entire time he was at the hotel and he is grateful
  • 55:20 – Become an organ donor and take care of yourself and your loved ones
  • 56:16 – To learn how to get involved, send Leigh Brown a message on Twitter or any social network

3 Key Points

  1. One person can make an impact – Get involved and make your voice heard by politicians...their votes impact your life.
  2. You matter: Think about your future, your retirement plan, your family, and your health.
  3. Become an organ donor!

Credits

Dec 1, 2017

Are you INSPIRED? Jessica is, and she believes the #1 key to being better and achieving more is finding your inspiration. As the head of the Oklahoma Realtors Association, Jessica breaks down the Code of Ethics, what it means, and how it is used to uphold the name of realtors nation-wide. Tune in to learn why you must be familiar with the Code of Ethics, whether you are a realtor or a client, and how you can do your part to raise the bar in the industry.

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:

  • 00:38 – Jessica is the head of the Oklahoma Realtors Association
  • 00:56 – She runs the association and has been in management for 5 years, she was a real estate broker before that
  • 01:30 – She manages over 11,000 realtors in the state
  • 01:44 – Complaints filed and professionalism in the industry; what has she seen?
  • 02:32 – All associations offer Professional Standards Administration and all realtors agree to abide by a code of ethics
  • 02:52 – Code of Ethics is administered by state or local association; in OK the Association manages it state-wide
  • 03:10 – Ethics complaints and arbitration requests can be filed through Association
  • 03:19 – Ethics complaints are reviewed by peer panel
  • 03:52 – Read a copy of the Code of Ethics at http://www.nar.realtor/
  • 04:02 – Good realtors know the Code of Ethics
  • 04:45 – Local association: new members start here, MLS, education benefits, advocacy work, professionalism piece
  • 05:05 – Conglomeration of local associations with oversight and the voice of the state realtors and National Realtors Association (NAR)
  • 05:45 – Code of Ethics is broken into 3 parts: duties to public, duties to customers and clients, and duties realtor-to-realtor
  • 05:55 – The public or a realtor can (and should!) file a complaint when a breach has been made
  • 06:10 – Not all realtors are created equal, and filing complaints allows the bad seeds to be weeded out so they don’t continue to hurt others
  • 06:28 – What kinds of complaints come in?
  • 06:35 – Article 12: Whether a realtor has displayed a true and accurate picture in advertising
  • 06:48 – Instagram or over-Photoshopped photos that look nothing like the true home
  • 07:05 – Some Photoshop is okay (lifting shadows, blurring dead grass spot in yard)
  • 07:14 – Example of inaccurate photos: removing power lines from back yard
  • 07:45 – Why is it bad to over-Photoshop?
  • 07:54 – Being caught off-guard and surprised; many people nowadays are purchasing their home online
  • 08:10 – They may not even see the house until they’ve already closed and are moving in
  • 08:30 – Realtors and the public want realtors to raise the bar of professionalism
  • 08:39 – Turn in the people violating the Code of Ethics to help raise the bar
  • 08:47 – Code of Ethics also warns against slander, how does this affect turning people in?
  • 09:02 – You are doing worse if you slander online via social media
  • 09:20 – Do something about it but don’t slander, turn them in if they are in violation
  • 09:40 – What kind of realtor-to-realtor misconduct do you see?
  • 09:44 – Article 2: Exaggeration, misrepresentation, and concealment of pertinent facts
  • 09:59 – Revealing facts or confidential information; Agents give away the client’s negotiation position via text message trying to get a deal and the other agent turns them in
  • 10:40 – How would you ever know if your realtor is doing this? There is no way to know
  • 10:51 – Keep educating members to remain upright and forthright in everything they do; you never know who you are dealing with
  • 11:20 – Jessica was a consumer recently: What questions did she ask to select a realtor?
  • 11:49 – She chose someone in leadership in the city where she was buying
  • 12:09 – Ask questions before agreeing to work with someone
  • 12:19 – How many houses have you sold? How experienced are you? How many deals do you have going on right now?
  • 12:45 – She went for someone in a volunteer leadership role, she thinks the public should, too
  • 13:38 – Leader will have a vested interest in the realtor organization in general, are committed to Code of Ethics, giving back to association, and a higher level of professionalism
  • 13:56 – People that are not volunteers can be professional, too, volunteers are just more likely to uphold standards
  • 14:14 – Great realtors should consider volunteering to be heard; 1 in 287 Americans is a realtor, stand out as one less likely to cause trouble
  • 15:18 – Realtors can be on top of their game with a desire to serve, get educated, and do a better job
  • 15:53 – If a midline realtor want to get better, more active, and more educated about entire picture
  • 16:20 – Find inspiration (mentor, group, giving back)
  • 16:59 – She finds her inspiration through her support system at home
  • 17:24 – If you aren’t at the top of your game, there are resources to get better and stop selling consumers short
  • 18:13 – Oklahoma realtors can email Jessica directly at: jmh@okrealtors.com
  • 18:29 – Follow Jessica on social media: Twitter & Facebook
  • 18:30 – Reach out to your state association leadership to get involved and heard

3 Key Points

  1. Become familiar with the Code of Ethics whether you are a realtor or client.
  2. File a complaint if you see a breach of the code; this is how the bar of professionalism in the industry can be raised.
  3. As a client, ask questions to ensure your realtor is a good fit and as a realtor, step up your game, get involved, and strive to be better.
Nov 28, 2017

Margaret Martin does a little bit of everything from event planning to running an adult day care. After having worked in dentistry, Margaret dove headfirst into association life and inherited her executive position when her boss passed away. Tune in to learn how Margaret adapts, writes a “prenup” with incoming presidents, and talks her members off the “crazy ledge.”

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Time Stamped Show Notes:

  • 01:08 – Margaret is in Dothan, Alabama and has a small board of 260 realtors, 400 in her MLS
  • 01:30 – Didn’t start out as an association executive, she was in the dental field, got injured, and started working at the association office for an interesting woman
  • 02:50 – Her boss passed away in the office, she was always smoking and made it a difficult working environment, but this is how Margaret’s career began
  • 03:20 – She is pinned the “black widow” by associates because of how she inherited her job
  • 04:08 – She’s been there for 14 years and enjoys her job – she’s an event planner, travel broker, story listener, and is all over the place
  • 04:45 – She believes in her members and has a great assistant, Emma
  • 05:07 – The biggest surprise moving from dentistry to association life
  • 05:30 – You never want to mess with someone’s children or money, but in dentistry you do both
  • 06:15 – She said she was running an “adult daycare center” and her 6-year-old repeated it so she had to backtrack
  • 06:41 – Being a realtor has difficult times, a boss may have never been a manager, you must be able to adapt
  • 07:43 – You go to training and come back feeling refreshed and with new ideas, but people don’t want change because it’s hard
  • 08:27 – Kiss babies, shake hands
  • 09:11 – AE and incoming president program at Leadership Summit that clearly defines the lines and purpose of each branch of the association
  • 10:11 – She writes up a “prenup” with incoming president to clarify needs/wants/preferences and establish a relationship
  • 10:35 – The AE must be very adaptable
  • 10:53 – What’s the craziest thing an incoming leader has done?
  • 11:04 – For the first time, they made a profit off CE and a committee chair wanted to use extra money to rent a condo for a committee party
  • 12:00 – She had to talk them off that “crazy ledge”
  • 12:17 – Fundraising: Sometimes members must be reminded that they are not a civic organization
  • 13:36 – Strategic plan must align with fundraising efforts
  • 14:13 – Benevolent fund for realtors in need
  • 14:55 – Find Margaret Martin on her personal Facebook, the Dothan Association of Realtors Facebook, or by email at Margaret@dothanrealtors.com

3 Key Points

  1. You must be adaptable – change is hard if you aren’t open to new ideas.
  2. Establish a relationship with leadership to clarify expectations and management style.
  3. Fundraising efforts and spending must align with the association’s overall strategic plan.

Credits

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