Is poker the next required learning curriculum? Eric Siu, an investor, founder, and advisor to companies and the chairman of the digital marketing agency Single Grain, thinks it should be, since it teaches bankroll management, resilience, emotional intelligence, and how to detach from outcomes—all necessary life skills! Listen in to hear Eric share his mission to continue leveling up, and learn what he’s doing to create exponential growth in business and life. 

Want a FREE copy of Eric’s book, Leveling Up? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot, and send it to hello@leighbrown.com. Then, share your review as an IG story and tag me @leighthomasbrown! Will you be one of the four lucky winners?

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

• 01:45 - Introducing Eric, an investor, founder and advisor to companies, and the chairman of the digital marketing agency Single Grain
• 02:35 - Eric lives and grew up in LA; he “lucked” into entrepreneurship
• 04:25 - You can’t get the great reward if you don’t take the great risk; he took a calculated risk with a contingency plan to cap his downside
• 05:00 - He played a lot of poker in college; he sees poker as required learning
  
  • 05:15 - Poker teaches you bankroll management, resilience, how to deal with frustration, and how to think in bets
  • 06:20 - You will have ups and downs; what you can control are your emotions and how you become detached from outcomes
  • 07:10 - In business and investing you need to become detached from outcomes
  • 07:20 - He started with video games but business is the ultimate game 
  • 08:00 - When he was 12, he won a gaming championship
• 09:45 - What he’s doing next
  
  • 11:50 - He’s buying up software and agency style businesses; he’s in marketing and is buying and building
  • 12:30 - The inspiration behind his book Leveling Up 
• 13:40 - On looking for leverage points
  
  • 14:05 - He’s looking for businesses where 1 + 1 = 3 = 5
  • 15:30 - He future-casts for people who can buy into a bigger vision
  • 16:20 - It’s all about culture and communication if you want to build for the long term 
  • 17:50  Don’t get tunnel-visioned into short term profits
  • 18:10 - Think about impact; think bigger
• 18:40 - A tip for investors
  
  • 19:03 - Stop jumping from thing to thing
• 19:55 - Where to find Eric: Leveling Up, Instagram, Twitter

3 Key Points

1. Poker teaches you a lot!
2. We’re all just copying each other. 
3. Think bigger and long term.

What can real estate teach us about leadership? Catherine Cantey, a leadership coach and investor, shares her stories about fixing up properties, partnerships, and how things are changing in our pandemic world. Listen in to hear Catherine share how she shifted from corporate to independent work, and learn the biggest lesson she’s learned as a coach that can benefit parties on either side of the table. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

• 01:00 - Introducing Catherine, a leadership coach who’s passionate about real estate
• 03:10 - She’s done “For Sale by Owner,” likes fixer-uppers, and shares her stories
• 08:00 - They’ve built a new house in Historic Camden, South Carolina
• 09:00 - She’s on a hospital board that is renovating an old plantation home; it’s going to be an assisted living campus with events, activities, suites for guests, etc
• 11:45 - Her leadership coaching
• 12:05 - This is her way to give back to help people navigate within corporations 
• 12:55 - Real estate and Zoom environments 
• 15:45 - People are having to scramble for adequate work environments at home or in their car now
• 17:25 - Her leadership program and shift from corporate to independent work
• 17:45 - The most important thing during the transition: Networking
• 18:30 - She uses a methodology that works, created space, and supports her community with newsletters
• 19:45 - She remains authentic and true to who she is; she loves simplicity
• 21:45 - Buying and selling houses and the connection to leadership
• 22:00 - Listen to other people and actively listen
• 23:15 - You can talk yourself out of opportunities
• 23:50 - By quiet and let people think; some people just need processing time
• 25:50 - How to contact Catherine: her website and LinkedIn

3 Key Points

1. Fixer-uppers can test your marriage!
2. Show up and do what you say you’re going to do.
3. Listen!

Don’t forget to flush, people! Nick Kyte, an 8-year agent in the Ottawa, Canada area, stumbled across an unwelcomed guest when taking his clients through a walk-through. Listen in to hear why Nick now carries around a backpack of cleaning supplies — and learn why kindness, cleanliness, and emotional resilience will never go out of style. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

• 
  
  • 01:00 - Introducing Nick, an agent of 8 years in the greater Ottawa, Canada area
  • 02:00 - Before real estate, he worked for the federal government and for a hospital in the HR department/labor relations
  • 03:30 - The overlap between HR and real estate
  • 03:35 - Your day to day is never the same, the pros and cons change daily, emotions change, and situations can change quickly, too
  • 05:45 - On keeping a buyer focused on the prize
  • 05:50 - Everyone’s different but must stay motivated; if the timing isn’t right, take a break 
  • 06:30 - Everyone’s going through the same thing; we’re going through it together 
  • 08:40 - Nick’s CSIRE story
  • 09:35 - He was showing property and arrived a bit early; he wanted to ensure the sellers or another agent wasn’t inside
  • 10:00 - The door opened and he fell almost two steps; the man came to the door just in his underwear and it was freezing
  • 10:35 - He told his clients and was laughing; they waited until the man was ready and came back for the showing
  • 11:40 - The house wasn’t the right fit 
  • 12:00 - Another CSIRE story
  • 12:05 - He was showing a property late last year and was limited to 30 minutes and only the two buyers that would be on the title 
  • 12:40 - He rang the doorbell and was met by the agent at the time; they said they’d be done in a minute
  • 13:00 - He went in COVID-compliant, went into the bathroom to turn on the light, and there was a poop in the toilet
  • 13:45 - Flush, people! 
  • 14:00 - Lessons
  • 13:40 - He carries around cleaning supplies so he is prepared
  • 16:00 - Another CSIRE story
  • 16:05 - He was inside a gorgeous house, and his client said he thought someone was outside; in the back patio peeking in was a man, wife, and a mother
  • 17:00 - They kept looking around and the people kept peering in through the windows; it impacted the way the home was perceived
  • 19:20 - There’s what we control and what others do
  • 19:30 - You can have a process with clients 
  • 20:15 - Let your REALTOR® help you manage emotions, clean up after yourself, and be kind when you’re receiving help
  20:30 - How to reach Nick: his website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

3 Key Points

1.) Know when to take a break.

2.) Stay motivated. 

3.) Don’t forget to flush (and wash your hands)!

Did you know that Accessory Dwelling Units are a great investment and an affordable housing solution? There are talks about them happening around the country...if you’re listening. Tune in as Rogelio Martinez, the ADU Loan Guy and founder of Vvelcome, explains what qualifies as an ADU, why they’re an excellent option to make use of that extra space, and how financing works — and learn why Rogelio is so passionate about what he does. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

• 00:40 - Today’s topic: Accessory Dwelling Units. 
  
• 01:15 - The definition of an ADU and the square footage requirements. 
  
• 04:00 - About Rogelio, what he does, and how he started his company, VVelcome.
  
• 07:15 - People want to be real estate investors, but they’re looking in the wrong place. 
  
• 08:50 - They’re a great option for aging parents or older children in a post-COVID era. 
  
• 09:55 - Public policy with ADUs and updates on statewide ordinances. 
  
• 12:45 - Two things will sunset after 5 years on Dec. 31,
• 2020 - owner occupancy and the 5-year amnesty for unpermitted dwellings.
  
• 14:25 - You need to know your local elected officials in order to stay abreast of these issues. 
  
• 16:05 - Your state or city may be talking about this, even if you’re not in CA or OR.
  
• 17:35 - Shipping containers are allowed as an ADU as long as they meet the requirements. 
  
• 20:05 - How financing works for an ADU and the options Rogelio’s company offers. 
  
• 20:50 - Using an FHA 203K loan to convert an attached or detached garage. 
  
• 22:25 - The four Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan options and others. 
  
• 23:55 - Assisted living and aging in place with ADUs. 
  
• 24:50 - What Rogelio is against and why. 
  
• 26:35 - Talk to your Government Affairs Director.
  
• 27:05 - How to reach Rogelio: DM him on Instagram.
  
• 29:00 - What he does and why it’s important.

3 Key Points

1.) ADUs are a great way to build an investment and save money. 

2.) ADUs are an affordable and attractive solution for housing. 

3.) Don’t forget our seniors, veterans, and single parents. 

References

• Vvelcome Instagram
• Vvelcome Facebook

There’s nothing like an undisclosed boundary dispute to spice up a showing! Dustin Brohm, an agent in Salt Lake City and the host of the Massive Agent Podcast, got a nice surprise when he showed up to a home with a buyer and their entire extended family. Listen in to hear Dustin share how the experience could’ve been way more pleasant — and learn a unique question to ask your REALTOR® to find out if they’re the best for the job. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

• 02:00 - Introducing Dustin, an agent of 10 years in Salt Lake City and host of the Massive Agent Podcast
  • 02:50 - The first 5 years of his career was a mess; he hated what he was doing
  • 03:10 - He came across content marketing and that changed everything; the concept was brand new to him and helped him attract business
  • 05:05 - His jobs before real estate were dead-end jobs
• 05:50 - The content he put out: buying your first house and moving to SLC
  • 06:00 - He found out what people are looking for online and focuses on things that people are looking for locally
• 08:30 - Dustin’s CSIRE story
  • 09:00 - It was a concept of boundary disputes; there was a house across the street from the Utah state capital
  • 09:35 - The inside was nice but they hadn’t seen the outside yet; the buyers brought three carloads of family to the showing
  • 09:50 - There were signs all over the yard saying “Crook,” “Liar,” “Boundary Dispute” and profanities
  • 10:55 - The neighbor was trying to derail the sale; the buyer’s agent should’ve at least been aware of the dispute to come in prepared
• 11:50 - Lessons
  • 12:15 - Let the buyer’s agent know if there are any issues so they can be prepared before they walk into the craziness
  • 12:45 - Communicate and avoid drama; there are plenty of opportunities to give the information buyer’s need
• 15:20 - What surprises him the most about the reactions he gets
  • 15:45 - He’s surprised by how many people will never actually take action or do the work long-term
  • 17:00 - Discipline creates motivation, but some people just aren’t disciplined or motivated
  • 18:10 - The best agents have great routines and are motivated and disciplined
• 18:45 - How to reach Dustin: Massive Agent Podcast, on Facebook or on Instagram

3 Key Points

1.) Put content out there that people want to see. 

2.) Communicate! 

3.) Ask your REALTOR® about their daily routine.

Your Instagram is your business card. Is it working for you? Giselle Ugarte, a Marketing Director, online educator, motivational speaker, podcaster, and influencer, drops some truth bombs on us REALTORS® when it comes to social media. Listen in to hear Giselle share what REALTORS® get wrong, how we should approach social media, and what we should (and shouldn’t share) — and learn her thoughts on boundaries and communication from a consumer standpoint. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

• 00:45 - What REALTORS® are doing wrong on social media and can improve 
  
  • 01:05 - They don’t consider who their audience; know who you’re talking to
  • 02:00 - Your Instagram is your business card; don’t use it to vent
  • 03:30 - Make your profile and bio work for you; show your personality
  • 05:25 - Leverage video and show yourself; choose what’s personal and private
  • 06:40 - Get personal, but keep what’s private private
• 07:20 - What Giselle looked for in a REALTOR®
  
  • 07:45 - As a consumer, she was a Millennial, single female
  • 08:25 - She thought she would buy her first place with a partner
  • 09:00 - She had a lot of questions; REALTORS® can answer these questions on social media
• 12:00 - Boundaries and communication
  
  • 12:05 - She wasn’t sure of her REALTORS® boundaries around texting, calling, and questions 
  • 12:20 - Part of the frustration REALTORS® experience with clients is because they haven’t set clear boundaries for the relationship
• 14:45 - Her REALTOR® experience
  
  • 15:20 - She had a great experience and ended up buying a friend’s condo; the REALTOR® still supported them through the sale
  • 17:00 - Communication is key; remember the down-the-road referrals, too
• 18:30 - The best and worst
  
  • 19:30 - The worst: Client-trashing memes, profiles where the person behind it is unclear, profiles that look like a flyer, screenshot overload
  • 22:00 - It’s better to post one quality post a week than daily regurgitated, low-quality posts; make sure you’re compliant
  • 23:15 - Don’t worry about being perfect; done is better than perfect
  • 26:00 - Get on Clubhouse! 

3 Key Points

1. Know your audience.
2. People buy from people. 
3. Set boundaries.

Humor is just way more fun! Steve Kyles, a veteran mortgage professional for Movement Mortgage, knows things can get intense sometimes, which is why he loves getting in a good laugh. Listen in to hear Steve share how he went from dead broke and drowning in debt to successful and thriving — and learn a quick tip for handling student debt in a creative way that you probably don’t know about! 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

• 01:00 - Introducing Leigh, why she started the CSIRE podcast, and how she got started in real estate
  
• 03:30 - The inside scoop on Leigh, why she isn’t “brand safe,” and how her podcast has evolved over time
  
• 05:50 - The more perfect someone is, the less trustworthy they are; the podcast is Leigh’s imperfect passion project
  
• 06:55 - On filling the gap in an authentic and attractive way; the person you are is your best key to a successful business
  
• 08:35 - Everything worth doing is worth doing imperfectly
  
• 09:05 - Steve lives in Rosenberg, Texas and he loves the quiet space to raise his family
  
• 11:00 - He’s been in real estate for 18 years since he was 25; he was dead broke at first and is now successful and still growing
  
• 12:45 - Make outbound calls and answer your phone
  
• 13:00 - Steve’s CSIRE story
  • 13:30 - He’s an identical twin; he introduced his twin brother to his wife and he met his wife at their wedding, he was the best man and she was the maid of honor
    
  • 14:00 - He and his brother’s wives are best friends, and their kids are best friends
    
  • 15:15 - They first found a house for $6,000, they racked up a lot of debt, but stayed planted and built a successful mortgage business
    
  • 17:35 - They went back and have since paid everyone off
• 18:10 - Another CSIRE story
  
  • 18:25 - He sees nonsense regularly but tact and humor are used to offset the craziness; someone on his team was accused of being racist
• 22:25 - On student loans and income-deferred payment plans 
  
• 24:25 - Why he dropped out of school and got into the mortgage business; many successful people in real estate came from the restaurant industry
  
• 27:00 - How to reach Steve: Shoor him a text at (713)929-2998 and find him on Instagram and Facebook 

3 Key Points

1.) Don’t fear perfection. 

2.) Be yourself. 

3.) Take responsibility for yourself.

Leave it to a young buck to set a fast pace! Garrett Gillespie, a brand-new REALTOR® in Mount Airy, Maryland, has hustled his way into the real estate industry and just earned his license. Listen in to hear Garrett share his crazy story and how he balances work, school, and fun - and hear about his bright future ahead in real estate and politics.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:00 - Introducing Garrett, a brand-new REALTOR®
  
  • 01:15 - He’s based out of Mount Airy, Maryland, and became licensed at 18; he’s been in real estate for 4 years working with his mom
    
  • 03:00 - He loved the fast-paced environment and enjoyed getting to know the business under his mom’s mentorship
    
• 05:30 - How Garrett strikes a balance at work
  
  • 05:55 - He puts work first right now but is also going to school full-time and paying for it with his real estate commissions
    
  • 06:15 - He puts his work first and is always there for his clients 
    
• 07:45 - HIs biggest challenge 
  
  • 08:05 - It was hard to gain respect and trust at first; he makes sure he makes a great first impression
    
  • 09:10 - People just want the best person for the job and Garrett’s determined to show that he is that person
    
• 09:50 - Garrett’s CSIRE story
  
  • 09:55 - A couple of months ago, they were a few months into a short-sale transaction
    
  • 10:20 - The agent called Garrett and told him that a car had run into the house; a woman had been texting and driving and ran into it but the story didn’t make sense
    
  • 12:40 - His client decided to leave and got under contract for another property
    
• 14:15 - Garrett’s dream; he sees himself always doing real estate but he wants to become a lobbyist and get into politics
  
  • 15:55 - The lobbyists and advocacy team at NAR are top-notch
    
• 16:35 - How to reach Garrett: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

3 Key Points

1. Find a healthy balance between work and everything else. 
2. Make a good first impression.
3. You need a REALTOR® — not just the internet.

Real estate is sexy, after all! Nancy and Bill Jamison, podcast hosts, coaches, and REALTORS® in and around Atlanta, GA, explain how they use sexual energy to power their real estate business. Listen in to hear Nancy and Bill share the surprising way sexual energy fuels their client relationships and strengthens their professional partnership, and learn why they practice orgasmic meditation once a week (for the business, of course!). 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:00 - Introducing Nancy and Bill, REALTORS® in and around Atlanta, GA who have been in the business for almost 20 years
  
  • 03:30 - They both have a background in the restaurant industry; Bill is the go-getter and Nancy is more about systems, processes, and management 
    
• 05:35 - Business powered by sexual energy
  
  • 05:55 - They use sexual energy to power their business; it’s a cornerstone of Jamison & Co. 
    
  • 06:30 - They practice sex and sexual energy for the purpose of manifestation; it’s unconventional but allows for energy not to be flatlined
    
  • 08:05 - If you aren’t synchronized in the bedroom, you won’t be synchronized anywhere else
    
• 09:30 - The Bill and Nancy connection
  
  • 10:15 - They didn’t always have the connection they do now; they used to only talk about deals in bed
    
  • 11:30 - 2009 was their “shit year” and they decided to go on vacation to rekindle their relationship and reconnect with their driving energy
    
  • 15:00 - They found a master coach, attracted a great group of people, and realized how co-dependent they had become
    
• 17:15 - How they market their business; everything is energy and everything is already there
  
  • 17:50 - People pick up on the energy; the marketing is not necessarily sexual
    
  • 18:10 - They host an Orgasmic Meditation Class every week; it’s an intentional business practice that powers and fuels the business intentions 
    
• 19:45 - Their CSIRE story
  
  • 20:40 - They’ve walked in on porn sets and crack smokers, sex rooms and dildos
    
  • 21:55 - They haven’t had any clients try to sleep with them; their clients are attracted to the uplifting and charged energy 
    
  • 23:35 - Their referral rate is 87%; their clients are lifelong and they know that it’s all about the relationship 
    
• 25:30 - How to find Nancy and Bill: Jamison & Co., on Instagram, or by email at sexmoneyrealestate@gmail.com; also check out their podcast Sex Money & Real Estate

3 Key Points

1. If things aren’t going well at home, they won’t go well anywhere else. 
2. Find a like-minded community. 
3. Take care of yourself and your mindset first.

There’s a different way to look at financing for real estate that you may not have considered. Zachary Beach, a real estate coach and the COO of Smart Real Estate Coach, breaks down all things lease purchase agreements and when they might be a good fit for a buyer and seller. Listen in to hear Zach share how they make sure lease purchase agreements are successful, how they saved a buyer when traditional financing fell through, and how he used one for his own very first property.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:00 - Introducing Zachary, a real estate coach and the COO of Smart Real Estate Coach who lives in Rhode Island
  
  • 03:15 - He was a bartender and personal trainer out of college; his father-in-law was an investor and helped him after he got burnt out from what he was doing
  • 04:10 - He’s been in real estate for over six years and now has a coaching business, too
  • 04:40 - He’s only been involved in creative financing; he doesn’t know why the traditional route of financing can be so complicated
• 05:45 - How he breaks down lease purchases
  
  • 06:05 - They ensure buyers and sellers are successful in the transaction, which isn’t always the case; they have a high conversion rate
  • 06:50 - They have systems and processes to make sure people are successful; the options they offer usually work unless you need your property’s equity immediately
• 08:55 - On owners getting “locked-in” to a lower price through a lease purchase agreement
  
  • 09:10 - No one knows what the market is going to do; he offers a solution and recognizes that it’s not a good option for everyone
  • 11:00 - ⅓ of properties in the US are free and clear; so that is a great market for a lease purchase agreement
  • 12:15 - These types of agreements can work with buyers who don’t have perfect credit, need seasoning, or have other factors impacting their ability to buy today
  • 12:40 - Zach bought his first house on a lease purchase agreement
• 13:25 - On changing bank regulations
  
  • 14:00 - The bank changed regulations to qualify for a property at the last minute and a guy that had 20% down, 750 credit score, and 6 months of reserves lost a traditional deal
  • 14:15 - They fixed the situation with a lease purchase agreement and all he needed was 6-12 months to build up his reserves so he could get a loan
• 15:55 - How to find Zachary: go to www.smartrealestatecoach.com/webinar and get their free book

3 Key Points

1. Make sure you’re working with someone who cares to see your success.
2. Lease purchase agreements can be a creative way to own a home down the road.
3. Lease agreements aren’t always the solution.

Want to tour a home that hasn’t even been built yet? The future is here, so it’s possible! Jeff Cohn, a speaker, host of The Team Building Podcast, and founder of Omaha’s Elite Real Estate Group—now kwELITE—uses the Oculus Quest to support clients in touring and customizing their dream home. Listen in to hear Jeff share the most valuable piece of advice he has received, how he grew his business while maintaining his freedom, and how he best serves his clients.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:30 - Introducing Jeff
  • 04:15 - Jeff stopped selling real estate in 2014; he now teaches people how to teach people to sell real estate
  • 05:10 - He grew up in the suburbs of Omaha, NE; he’s been around real estate his whole life because of his mom
  • 06:35 - He is the founder of Omaha’s Elite Real Estate Group, now kwELITE with Keller Williams
  • 06:45 - They grew 300% amidst the pandemic; he has sold a lot of properties
• 08:40 - Jeff’s CSIRE story
  • 09:50 - In 2006 in November, he decided that he needed to interview the people he wanted to be like; he found the top 20 agents in Omaha to interview them
  • 10:35 - Now, he does this with every business, and he has over 15 companies; this strategy works every time so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel
  • 10:55 - Everyone he asked when he was 23 gave him investment advice; they wished they would have invested in more real estate
• 12:00 - Why the common thread was to invest
  • 12:15 - Most people in real estate have a job and just think of it as work, but businesspeople think about investments and creating freedom
  • 13:05 - Agents can protect their time and make moves not to work 7 days a week; create freedom and take time off to care for yourself 
  • 14:15 - Treat your business like a business; if you are necessary, you’re working a job
• 15:40 - How he started
  • 15:45 - He primarily invests in single-family homes and has stuck with the Omaha metro area; he and a friend started Dynamic Investments, LLC
  • 17:15 - His expansion strategy involves investment coaching, mortgage, insurance, and digital marketing
• 17:50 - Jeff’s CSIRE story
  • 18:15 - At one of his first walk-throughs, he asked the seller if anyone else was in the house; she said no, but was older and didn’t follow him through the house
  • 18:50 - He went into the finished basement and accidentally walked in on her nude 19-year-old daughter; he told the seller and she said it was no big deal
  • 19:20 - The awkward part of the story is the mother’s reaction; she didn’t have one! 
• 19:45 - Another CSIRE story
  • 19:50 - His wife was breastfeeding his son so when he went to a listing presentation where a woman had a newborn, he could tell she was “full of milk”
  • 20:40 - He blurted, “Are you breastfeeding?” and immediately regretted it; she was a complete stranger... he didn’t get the listing
  • 21:05 - He tried to backpedal, but it was too late
• 22:15 - On brokerages and teams
  • 22:25 - Brokerages can accept and support teams instead of viewing them as a threat; sometimes they just don’t know how to support 
  • 23:05 - The best teams scale knowledge; it’s all about finding the best person for your case and community
  • 24:00 - Jeff uses an Oculus Quest VR headset to help clients tour homes that haven’t even been built yet; he invested in VRLY
  • 30:00 - Follow Jeff on Instagram and get some freebies at www.growwithers.com 
  • 31:30 - Listen to The Team Building Podcast and this episode where Leigh was the guest!

3 Key Points

1. Ask questions and learn from those who are where you want to be.
2. Invest! 
3. Treat your business like a business!

Whorehouses and cocaine smuggling? What’s going on behind these closed doors? Rod Khleif, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, mentor, and community philanthropist has had some crazy tenants in the past, to say the least. Listen in to hear Rod share how he built—then re-built—his real estate empire, how mindset plays a role in success, and how he teaches others everything he has learned. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:50 - Introducing Rod, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, multiple business owner, author, mentor, and community philanthropist who lives in Sarasota, FL
  • 01:20 - He is the host of the Lifetime CashFlow through Real Estate Investing podcast
  • 02:05 - He immigrated to the U.S. from the Netherlands when he was 6 and got into real estate in college; he was a broker at 18 and did very well 
  • 03:00 - He thought he was a “Real Estate God”...then he lost everything in 2008; he learned that it was all about mindset and rebuilt to where he is today
• 05:00 - On mindset and psychology
  • 05:10 - He hosted a goalsetting workshop to help people get out of their comfort zone to get what they want 
  • 06:30 - The risks are almost always worth the reward
• 07:00 - Rod’s mom
  • 07:10 - She was an investor and used her babysitting money; they struggled but she held it together
• 08:00 - On teaching
  • 08:10 - He’s been teaching for 3 years and his students are doing very well; he loves what he does
• 09:05 - Rod’s CSIRE story
  • 09:07 - He had a house in Denver and there was a picture of it in the newspaper; the headline was “Making Money the Old-Fashioned Way”
  • 09:40 - The guy living there had turned it into a whorehouse
  • 10:15 - In Florida, he had a house on a canal; he got a call and found out the DEA had discovered tons of cocaine that had been transported to the house
  • 11:10 - The tenant of the house had a 800+ credit score; the furniture was brand new and the maintenance people who took it out probably still have it in their homes
• 14:40 - He started a podcast about 3 years ago; he hit a million downloads, wrote a book, and now sells out educational events
  • 15:50 - He can reach many more people with his coaching and podcast than anything he could’ve done one-on-one
  • 16:20 - He doesn’t have many haters and hasn’t had any complaints; he did get hate for this YouTube video where he predicts a 2021 crash
• 18:15 - 2021 predictions in the multi-family space
  • 18:20 - Eviction moratoriums aren’t doing anything for landlords
  • 19:15 - He is astounded by fake news; he finds that what is happening is very sad
  • 21:10 - People need a place to live so it’ll do better than other kinds of real estate
  • 21:30 - He expects that they’ll still take a hit; real estate goes in cycles
• 22:20 - Tip for agents or brokers: Capitalize on investment opportunities and build cash flow 
• 22:35 - How to connect with Rod: Text “Multifamily” or “Rod” to 41411 and join his two-day $97 boot camp

3 Key Points

1. Get out of your comfort zone to get what you want.
2. Love what you do!
3. Real estate goes in cycles. 

What the real deal with commercial real estate in this COVID era? Michael Brown, the founder of Red Fox Capital and Red Fox Wealth, is a commercial real estate investor and developer who’s on the show to give us the inside scoop. Listen in to hear Michael’s predictions about the future of commercial real estate, how he learned the secrets about investing (then published them!), and how Amazon and data centers are impacting industrial space. Michael has a free gift for all you listeners, so be sure to tune in and hear how to claim it! 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:50 - Introducing Michael, the founder of Red Fox Capital and Red Fox Wealth
  • 01:05 - They are a commercial real estate investment and development company as well as a full-service wealth management company
  • 02:15 - He learned the inside by working at Merrill Lynch for a couple of years; he couldn’t talk about real estate because it wasn’t a product
  • 03:35 - REITs (Real Estate Investment Trust) operate like stocks, they fluctuate with the stock market
  • 04:15 - He wrote a book called The Real Perspective: Secret Investments Your Financial Advisor Won’t Tell You About and published it 
  • 04:30 - They now talk to clients about private investments and created integrated portfolio management to control private investments that they can offer clients
• 05:45 - Commercial real estate
  • 06:55 - The things that Amazon can’t control are going to be good for commercial real estate investing; dry cleaners, nail salons, etc. 
  • 07:20 - He’s also looking at Dollar General stores; they keep cost and prices in line with cheap building costs and prefabricated solutions
  • 09:00 - Predictions for business districts: D.C. is protected because of government money but NYC is losing tenants every day
  • 10:10 - There might need to be tax incentives to get people back into cities; there are also mixed-use solutions that are possible
• 11:30 - Opportunity zones: Tax incentives in areas that have been challenged
  • 12:15 - They have not fully engaged in opportunity zones 
• 14:05 - Michael’s CSIRE story
  • 14:20 - He got into heavy industrial real estate; he drove into an ugly area, got a new listing, and never thought he’d sell it
  • 15:15 - They sold it to an investment group and that group made another $2 Million; he never knew the opportunity was there
  • 16:30 - He started working the industrial market and had a blast; Amazon has taken over and is pushing industrial users out of their areas
  • 16:55 - Ecommerce is really making an impact on industrial space; they need space and will go anywhere
  • 17:35 - Data centers are also taking over
• 18:15 - Michael’s take on the 1031 Tax-Free Exchange
  • 18:30 - We are in the lowest tax bracket this country will see in a long time
  • 18:50 - There are two options for the country: Stop spending or raise taxes
  • 19:05 - There’s a short time frame to find another property and many clients get hasty and make more than a 15% capital gains tax mistake on the property
  • 19:30 - He wants people to take a step back to make sure the 1031 is their best option
• 20:10 - The best way to reach Michael (and get your free copy of his book!): email him at mikebrown1757@gmail.com
• 20:45 - Visit his company websites at www.redfoxcapital.co and www.redfoxwealth.com  

What do you do when an angry 300-pound muscle-man screams at you to get out of your car? If you want to live to see tomorrow, you don’t. Micah Harr, a REALTOR® in Columbus, Ohio, is big on continuing education. Listen in to hear how Micah’s conflict resolution class skills came in handy and what he does to ensure his clients get the best and safest real estate experience.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:00 - Introducing Micah, a REALTOR® since 2005 in Columbus, OH
• 01:25 - On education
  • 01:30 - In Columbus, 30 hours of ongoing education for 3 years are required; education is what separates agents
  • 02:30 - He takes classes on negotiation, conflict resolution, and branding, to name a few
  • 02:50 - Micah’s education allows him to serve his clients at the best level and he is happy to support others who want to learn more, too
• 04:25 - Micah’s CSIRE story
  • 05:25 - He was walking down the street with another agent; he went between two cars and the guy driving screamed and cussed at him
  • 06:00 - He and the other agent pulled into a cul-de-sac and the guy reversed and blocked them in
  • 06:10 - The guy was about 300 pounds of muscle and asked him to get out of the car; he didn’t get out and the guy continued ranting and screaming
  • 06:50 - He didn’t get out of the car and just waited until the guy eventually left
• 07:25 - Micah’s thought process
  • 07:30 - It was a no-win situation; he tried to use the de-escalation strategies he learned in class and didn’t engage
  • 09:15 - He went back to work and kept going
• 10:30 - REALTORS® need to be safe and ask questions so they know who they are dealing with
• 11:00 - He pays attention to the situations he is in; he’s always careful
• 11:30 - How to get in touch with Micah: go to www.micahharr.com  

3 Key Points

1. Stay calm.
2. Knowledge is power. 
3. Ask your REALTOR® what they do to maintain safety.

There’s nothing like making a flippin’ hedgehog friend in Flippin, Arkansas! Lauri Rottmayer, a new REALTOR® on the scene in Flippin, Arkansas, has been all over the world and is now bringing that experience to her real estate career in rural America. From buzzards to hedgehogs, land deals to saferooms, listen in to hear how Lauri’s learning everything she needs to know to succeed in Flippin real estate. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:00 - Introducing Lauri, a real estate agent since August 4th, 2020; before that she worked at the board office as an Association Executive and in marketing
• 01:45 - She wanted to do big things so she became a REALTOR®
• 03:20 - She chose her brokerage because it’s the one she used herself
  • 04:00 - They’ve been around the world and are happy to be in rural America; the people in her office know the local area inside and out
• 05:15 - On getting to be a REALTOR®
  • 05:20 - Her dad was a REALTOR® and she wanted to be one as a kid
  • 06:00 - She’s able to use all the skills and knowledge that she has in real estate; she also loves people and loves “making the match”
• 06:55 - Lauri’s CSIRE story
  • 07:10 - She was previewing office properties and looking for a bigger home; they looked at a home structure with a lake
  • 08:00 - There was a baby buzzard in the home structure that hissed at her when she came up the stairs
• 09:15 - A mistake new REALTORS® make; they don’t preview product
• 10:35 - Her most fulfilling moment in real estate so far
  • 10:40 - She’s getting comfortable with contracts and sold a house to someone who has never seen it in person
  • 12:50 - The property is magical and she’s confident the buyer will love it
• 14:20 - House previews and spiders
  • 14:45 - Saferooms may be increasing over time
• 15:40 - Lauri’s future plans
  • 15:45 - She shows a lot of property and has learned about land; she thinks she’s going to get a production award and is close to the bronze level
  • 16:30 - Her goal is to be the top seller in her area
  • 17:15 - She’s still actively learning and growing
• 17:20 - How to reach Lauri: email lauri@davenportrealtyar.com find her on social media under her name, Lauri Rottmayer, and check out her YouTube channel

3 Key Points

1. Being a REALTOR® is a gift. 
2. REALTORS® are matchmakers. 
3. Keep learning!

It’s very important to take down your open house signs at the end of the day. Why? Just ask Kevin Hultgren, an agent for Real Estate One in Southgate, Michigan. Listen in to hear Kevin share what happened, what he learned, and what consumers can do to get the best agent for the job in this crazy market. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:30 - Introducing Kevin, an agent for Real Estate One in Southgate, Michigan; they are the largest broker in the state of Michigan
• 02:45 - The real estate supply and demand; it’s crazy and exciting right now, but you need a professional to get an offer accepted
• 04:10 - Kevin’s CSIRE story
  • 04:20 - They had an open house; he left the sign out afterward and it was up all week
  • 04:35 - The following Saturday, someone walked in through the seller’s front door as he was getting out of the shower; Kevin was mortified and embarrassed
• 06:50 - The lessons
  • 07:15 - The listing agent smoothed things over for him before he even knew about it
  • 07:40 - Now he has a checklist and makes sure he has all the materials he needs 
  • 09:25 - Respect the seller’s space if you’re touring their home
• 10:05 - Tips for consumers
  • 10:10 - Ask your agent what they use for a checklist and to manage details
  • 11:00 - Don’t expect perfect, expect real
  • 11:35 - Know that you are working with a human; choose a professional who knows what they are doing
• 12:45 - State programs for first time home buyers
  • 13:05 - Private and public support for first-time buyers is a great thing; he recently helped a 22-year-old client buy his first home
• 15:05 - How to reach Kevin: email kevingetsresults247@gmail.com or call (734)642-8635

3 Key Points

1. Don’t forget to take the “Open House” signs down! 
2. Respect that someone still lives there if you’re touring a house. 
3. Keep track of the details.

Flood insurance for the house on the hill? You got that right! Jeffrey Brogger, a real estate investor and marketer, shares the story of when flood insurance really saved the day. Listen in to hear Jeffrey’s top investing tips, why he believes strongly in coaching, and what he did to expand his network—and learn what book changed the game.  

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:30 - Introducing Jeffrey, a real estate investor in Huntington Beach, CA
• 01:45 - Jeffrey’s CSIRE story
  • 01:50 - He read Rich Dad Poor Dad in high school
  • 02:15 - He inherited property in high school; it was a ranch home with avocado groves around it
  • 03:00 - A pipe burst under the floorboards; there were 3 feet of water under the home and they had to empty the house 
  • 03:40 - Luckily, they had flood insurance; his sisters helped him redo the home from the bottom to the top
• 04:45 - The lessons
  • 04:50 - Sometimes investors forget about the maintenance and emergency costs that come with a property
  • 05:05 - The crawlspace under the house is what got flooded; it’s all developed around that house now
  • 06:22 - Any house can get flooded, it’s not just for homes near a river; insurance matters on investment properties
• 07:10 - Why they kept the property instead of selling it
  • 07:30 - He was an advocate for keeping it; they made it work and had good tenants
• 08:40 - Investment tips: Have a clear vision and never overleverage yourself
  • 09:15 - Jeff maxes out at an 80% loan-to-value for a single-family home; everyone’s numbers are different and based on a variety of factors
  • 11:25 - He’s gun shy and considers himself conservative when it comes to real estate investing
  • 11:50 - Jeff predicts that some correction is bound to happen
• 12:25 - Investing in things you understand and always pay for coaching
• 15:05 - Read and keep learning; education doesn’t stop after school
• 15:35 - The best education he has received
  • 16:05 - Local investment club meetings
  • 16:50 - Everyone is looking for the deal; the money and everything else is actually easier to find
  • 17:15 - He learned to provide value and build valuable relationships; he wasn’t looking just to take
• 18:15 - QR code technology pre-COVID
  • 19:15 - A photo with a small QR code would send people your contact card automatically or subscribe them to your FB business page for follow-ups
  • 19:40 - People loved the technology and are still using it today
• 20:20 - What’s next for Jeff
  • 20:25 - He’s getting his real estate license
• 22:00 - How to reach Jeff: LinkedIn

3 Key Points

1. Read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and make your kids read it!
2. A correction is coming, so get ready.
3. Invest in things you understand and get coached by an expert!

What do you do when a tornado’s on the horizon? You crack open a cold one and watch it, of course! Jefferson Lilly, the founder and managing partner of Park Avenue Partners and host of the Mobile Home Park Investor’s podcast, shares his mobile home park manager’s surprising tornado response. Listen in to hear how Jefferson got into mobile home park investing, why he runs all his purchases by his advisory board first, and a lesson he learned about government operations - and learn why he believes he’s in the best niche in real estate. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:30 - Introducing Jefferson
• 03:50 - Jefferson’s story: He got into the business 13 years ago and looked into mobile home parks
  • 04:50 - He believes it is the best niche; every city and county outlawed new construction of mobile home parks, which affects the supply curve
  • 05:15 - The supply curve is shrinking 1% a year and demand is increasing 1%; almost all tenants own their own homes, so it’s only the land that they have to worry about
  • 06:15 - The economics make sense; he bought 33 mobile home parks and has 5 others under contract
• 06:35 - The biggest challenge and his evaluation model
  • 07:10 - He is independent thinker; once he was at a cocktail party fundraiser and a woman scoffed and walked away when he told her what he does
  • 09:25 - He put together an advisory board of people who own trailer parks; he runs deals past them before he buys
• 10:20 - How he got his group of advisors
  • 10:30 - He put himself out there and told people what he did; he started getting linked up with other people
  • 10:54 - He found people online, too
• 11:05 - His most impactful lesson 
  • 11:15 - You can’t trust the government; his first park had a sewage lagoon, the local government said it was built to code but it wasn’t 
  • 12:45 - He paid about $500,000 to bring lagoons back up to code; now he doesn’t buy properties on private utilities
• 14:00 - They focus on buying mobile home parks; they rent-to-own some trailers; they don’t want to have a boneyard of parts and don’t have the bandwidth
• 15:20 - He’s a principle, not an agent; his podcast is called the Mobile Home Park Investor’s podcast
• 15:35 - Jefferson’s CSIRE story
  • 15:40 - He has a park in Tornado Alley in Oaklahoma; he asked his manager there what they do when a tornado comes
  • 16:17 - He said, “We watch them” and explained when they aren’t a concern
  • 17:00 - A couple of weeks later, he got an email with the subject line “Park Destruction” and he thought they had gotten hit
  • 17:20 - It was to fix a broken lock to a well house that kids had broken for $30
• 18:30 - On tech and the mobile home industry
  • 18:40 - They don’t take cash and applications are done online; they’re trying to be automated
  • 19:00 - They use Rent Manager software, work with on-site managers for on-the-ground work, use box.com, and have regional managers, too
  • 20:40 - His role is to raise capital and find deals
• 21:00 - A tidbit for the audience
  • 21:05 - Get an unofficial advisory board; learn from the experience of others who have been there, done that
• 22:05 - Get in touch with Jefferson at Park Avenue Partners 

3 Key Points

1. Be wary of judgy people. 
2. Get an advisory board.
3. Focus on what you are best at and outsource/automate the rest.

Landlords have hearts, too. Dave Holman, an investor and author, tells the story of when he checked in on an elderly tenant who was set on never moving to make sure he was alright. Listen in to hear what happened, why he got into real estate in the first place, and why real estate is really a service profession - and hear about Dave’s books on coffee, cyberwar, and climate change. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

• 00:20 - Introducing Dave Homan, an entrepreneur and investor
  
• 05:30 - Building management is just as, if not more important than the price you bought it for
  • 05:43 - Learn about tax abatement; great management is about being surrounded by professionals who know what they’re doing
• 06:40 - What he invests in
  • 07:05 - He has helped his family in Bolivia buy property there; Dave’s investments are in Maine and he can see the improvements in real life
• 08:50 - Dave’s CSIRE story
  • 09:15 - They have an older tenant in a building they own; he didn’t want to move and didn’t have family
    
  • 10:00 - A neighbor called and said he had fallen; they called the sheriff to get them out for a health check
    
  • 10:55 - He arrived as the sheriff was leaving; the sheriff said the man wasn’t there and it turns out he was in the hospital but still didn’t want to move
    
  • 11:45 - Landlords aren’t evil people; they care about people and want to make money, too
• 14:10 - Why he got into real estate
  • 14:25 - He realized he could help other people and teach others how to invest, too; real estate is a service profession
• 13:55 - Dave’s books Coffee Smuggler and Cyber Fire
  
• 20:05 - How to get in touch with Dave: (207) 517-5700 or go to his website at www.holmanhomes.com or email dave@holmanhomes.com

3 Key Points

1. You make money when you manage. 
2. Look at the property for cash flow and humanity.
3. Real estate is a service profession.

Curious about what it takes to have an ACU - Accessory Dwelling Unit - right in your own backyard? Paul Dashevsky, partner and co-founder of GreatBuildz.com, works with clients who want to build an ACU for all kinds of reasons, from office space to rental unit. Listen in to hear how people are increasing their income (and their property value!) with ACUs and learn why it’s so important to make sure you work with the best, pre-screened, and pre-vetted contractors to reduce unexpected costs and unnecessary headaches. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:20 - Introducing Paul Dashevsky and today’s topic: ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
  • 00:55 - We have an inventory crisis and a lack of affordable housing; ADUs are a solution
• 01:10 - Paul is partner and co-founder of GreatBuildz.com; where they match homeowners with the best, pre-screened, pre-vetted contractors
  • 02:15 - 50%+ of the calls they get are for ADUs
  • 02:55 - Even Kanye West has trouble getting a contractor to get things done 
• 03:30 - On ADUs
  • 03:45 - They work primarily in California where the laws on ADUs have really changed
  • 03:53 - ADUs are a small home/unit in your backyard; in CA it can be up to 1,200 square feet
  • 04:50 - It can be used as a living space for aging parents, a home for older children, detached office space, for rental income, or to live in to rent out the main house
• 06:45 - Zoning and regulation
  • 07:05 - It’s specific to town, county, city, state; go the the city planning department or talk to a local architect and find out the rules
• 08:45 - The biggest benefit of having ADU; income, increased property value
• 09:50 - The biggest issue; people not wanting to be in a dense environment, privacy
• 11:05 - ADU costs: It’s more expensive in CA and costs more to build small than big
  • 12:10 - You still need all the appliances
• 12:35 - People’s biggest fear: the expense, the 6-month process, the “nightmare remodel”; you have to make sure you have a good contractor
• 13:30 - Why clients go to GreatBuildz.com; they want factory-built ADUs down to custom built ones but it’s important to consider all the costs both ways
  • 14:35 - Sometimes the pre-fabricated quoted price doesn’t include craning, site work, running utilities, etc; make sure to double check
• 15:20 - On neighborhood issues
  • 15:35 - Laws passed in CA in 2020 that HOAs and CCNRs couldn’t restrict building ADUs
• 17:35 - Paul’s CSIRE story
  • 18:05 - When he was flipping homes, they bought REOs and short-sales; a couple times they’d walk into a house and the family pet would be left behind
  • 19:15 - One October, a contractor tore off the roof of a house and canceled the next day when he was supposed to put the new one back on
  • 19:40 - That weekend, it rains on his house that doesn’t have a roof; thousands of dollars and headaches later, they’re 99% done
  • 20:19 - Then the water heater leaks and they have to do it all over again; that’s his “house with two floods” story
• 20:50 - How to reach Paul: email paul@greatbuildz.com, visit www.GreatBuildz.com, and check out the blog there for resources and education

3 Key Points

1. ADUs bring new inventory to the market. 
2. ADUs can increase income and property value.
3. Professionals are responsible and transparent.

Christy Gessler, the Broker/Owner of the Freedom 512 Real Estate Group, an independent brokerage in Central Texas, knows how agents can sometimes internalize their client’s emotions. Listen in to hear how to navigate tough times in a healthy way, why it’s so important to have good friends in your corner, and why true connection is key to success in all areas of life.  

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:55 - Introducing Christy, a REALTOR® in central Texas for 15 years
  • 01:20 - She was a cop before working in real estate; she started as a real estate assistant and was a local franchise owner of The Big Red company
    
  • 02:30 - She opened her own real estate brokerage and has been doing it for 2 years and has 14 agents
• 04:00 - Christy’s CSIRE story
  • 04:20 - After being out of rehab for 2 weeks, she ran into a friend who suggested she get into real estate
    
  • 05:25 - She has more fun now and has grown into a leadership role; she believes awareness of the stress and struggle in the industry is important
    
  • 06:30 - People have a lot of emotional burdens, especially right now
• 07:17 - Her experience with rehab
  • 07:35 - At a NAR conference in Chicago, she fell down the steps outside a bar; a day later, a friend took her to the hospital 
    
  • 08:40 - After the conference, she realized that she didn’t want the life she was leading; at the time of recording, she’s 1,000 days sober
    
  • 09:45 - Her eating, body, and emotions have changed a lot since she’s been sober
• 10:30 - The reactions she gets when she’s open about her past and challenges
  • 10:32 - People wonder if she wants to be social or go to Happy Hours; she can be around booze and still be happy and social
    
  • 11:10 - People have reached out to her asking for guidance on how to get on the journey, too
• 13:00 - On The Dependent Agent podcast; the goal is to spur conversation and connection
  • 14:40 - People can seek dependencies in times of stress and uncertainty; alcohol sales are skyrocketing through the pandemic
• 16:20 - How to contact Christy: https://www.512freedom.com/ or email her at christygessler@gmail.com 

3 Key Points

1. Agents sometimes internalize their client’s stresses and struggles. 
2. Watch out for each other. 
3. Self-care is #1.

Learn more about Real Estate from the Rooftops here: https://www.leighbrown.com/podcast/real-estate-from-the-rooftops

You can find this episode on Apple Podcasts here: Real Estate from the Rooftops

“Problems are what we get to work on,” says Jim Maffuccio, the co-founder and CIO of Aspen Funds. He’s been in real estate since 1986, and if there’s something he’s learned, it’s how to fail forward. Listen in to hear what Jim has learned from his decades of experience, how he stays optimistic, and the number one thing he recommends for inspired growth in life and business.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:45 - Introducing Jim; who has been in real estate since 1986 and was an engineer beforehand
• 03:00 - Jim’s CSIRE story: How to Fail Forward
  • 03:12 - He’s had successful failures; in his 30s he could have retired but he wanted to keep building
  • 03:50 - Everything imploded for him in the 90s; he built back up and lost significant net worth twice
  • 04:40 - He saw opportunity everywhere that was created from the mortgage crisis; he started a company with a partner that has grown substantially
• 05:00 - Jim’s Company Aspen Funds
  • 06:54 - They buy junior liens, non-performing, second mortgages; they buy them on a discount and can work with borrowers to create win-win solutions
  • 07:35 - They can triple investor money; he was focused on the affordable housing space for a while so he’s optimistic
  • 09:50 - They work deals out to eliminate ⅔ of people debt while making money for investors
• 11:00 - On forbearance and preparing for the other side of COVID
  • 11:45 - Less than 20 people have called to ask for relief; most people are choosing to pay their mortgage
  • 13:00 - People want to work and be productive; they’ve had their biggest quarter ever last quarter
• 13:45 - Jim’s CSIRE story
  • 14:05 - They bought a non-performing second mortgage on a property in CA; the property was worth $750K, the borrower owned $250K and they paid $30K
  • 14:50 - They got a call from the woman’s father and he was upset; they told her she hadn’t paid in 7 years and he was shocked
  • 15:53 - She was supposed to be paying the second mortgage; the father ended up paying the $275K
• 16:35 - Another CSIRE story
  • 16:40 - They’ve bought notes on pretty properties online with houses that didn’t exist
• 17:20 - Some lessons
  • 17:35 - His faith informs everything he does; oftentimes the problem is inside
  • 18:25 - Apply yourself, develop yourself, and find something that makes your heart come alive
  • 19:20 - Vet your ideas and talk to people that care about you; find mentors that are doing what you want to do and learn from your mistakes
• 21:20 - How to contact Jim: Aspen Funds

3 Key Points

1. Parents, don’t assume your kids are paying the second mortgage. 
2. Work on your core, your interior, first. 
3. Take what you learned and move forward.

What’s more fun than having to pump $12K into an investment property? Getting everything stolen and having to do it all over again! Antoine Martel, a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and owner of MartelTurnkey.com, learned a lesson the hard way when brand new major systems were stolen—twice. Listen in to hear why Antoine chose to invest in Memphis and Cleveland, and learn the key factors this 25-year-old investing powerhouse considers so he can make smart decisions for himself and his clients. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in  Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:45 - Introducing Antoine, a 25-year-old real estate investor and entrepreneur who lives in Los Angeles
  • 00:50 - He learned how to flip houses and wholesale apartment buildings and decided that investing out-of-state was best
    
  • 01:25 - He bought his first house in his last semester at university in Memphis, TN for $35K, renovated it for $5K, and rented it out
    
  • 02:05 - They now help others do the same through MartellTurnkey
• 02:50 - Antoine’s CSIRE story
  • 02:50 - They bought a duplex in Cleavland, OH that came with $12K worth of major systems; the day after closing, all of it was gone
    
  • 04:08 - He called his insurance to tell them what happened; they couldn’t prove it was after closing so they gave up
    
  • 05:40 - They replace everything and a week later, everything was stolen again; it was $24-25K total 
    
  • 06:40 - They installed security cameras and waited until they got tenants to put everything back in
• 06:50 - Lessons
  • 06:55 - They don’t install major systems until they have a tenant move-in date; they tell the tenants that it’ll be installed before move-in
• 08:25 - Why Cleveland and Memphis
  • 08:50 - Population growth, job growth, diversity of workforce, population number, and the median home and rent price
    
  • 09:20 - He also looked into economic development committees and data mined different communities
    
  • 10:30 - He looked at past data and saw that those places hadn’t spiked yet
• 11:20 - Why he lives in L.A.
  • 11:25 - His family lives in L.A. and he wants to leave the emotion out of his investment decisions
• 13:30 - He’s making a website, www.Investor-List.com that lists the top 500 MSA’s in the U.S. so people can decide where to invest out-of-state
  
• 14:40 - MartelTurnkey: They renovate and resell properties to investors
  
• 15:15 - Check out Antoine’s book: A Millennial's Guide to Investing in Cash Flowing Rental Properties and podcast A Millenial’s Guide to Real Estate Investing
  
• 15:28 - Connect with Antoine on Instagram

3 Key Points

1. Research your investments!
2. Consider investing out-of-state.
3. Keep emotion out of your investments.

Repeat after me: Always get a signed contract. Why? ‘Cause if it ain’t in writing, it didn’t happen! Trevor Mauch, the CEO of Carrot, learned this the hard way after seeing his father lose big money on a handshake deal. Listen in to hear what Trevor learned about contracts and insurance, and learn the tools he uses to stay inspired, energized, and pushing forward with gratitude every day. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. If you’re tired of doing real estate alone, enroll in Leigh Brown University and be sure to use your special “CSIRE” discount code at checkout for $10 off your subscription.

Time Stamped Show Notes

• 00:45 - Introducing Trevor, the CEO of Carrot and an online marketing expert for real estate investors and agents who lives in Roseburg, Oregon
  • 01:30 - He started investing as a college student; he’s a buy and hold investor and usually invests in rural places and places he has lived
• 03:40 - The hardest thing about the first property investment
  • 04:00 - He was worried about not being taken seriously and couldn’t get a loan because he was young and didn’t have credit
  • 04:50 - He realized that other people had done it before, so he figured out that there must be a way; he had to get over limiting beliefs 
  • 5:50 - He’s good at building businesses and has picked up properties every 2-3 years or so
• 06:30 - The vacation rental market and COVID
  • 6:33 - Mid-April cancellations were happening at a fast pace, but now his vacation rentals are getting booked up faster than ever; it may be the best year yet
  • 06:45 - He has commercial buildings, too, and wants to be a part of changing their downtown from the inside out
• 08:00 - Trevor’s CSIRE story
  • 08:12 - His dad’s deal in Klamath Falls, OR was for a historical building, an old Ford auto dealership from the 1930s; it was Egyptian themed
  • 8:40 - His dad tried to make it an event center; it was a handshake deal with no contract
  • 09:05 - Within 6 months, the business partner filed that he had no claim of ownership for the property, and a snowstorm hit and destroyed ⅔ of the property
  • 09:36 - HIs dad had put in a few hundred thousand dollars at that point and ended up losing the property
• 09:50 - The lesson
  • 09:55 - No matter how smart you are, or how much you trust your business partner, always get a contract signed
  • 10:55 - Get insurance and make sure the appropriate names are on the policy
• 11:40 - Roseburg, OR; an amazing gem with two rivers running through the town
  • 12:20 - They have lots of outdoor activities like fly fishing and cycling, and have about 35 wineries
• 12:50 - The Vision Story
  • 13:05 - Trevor does a Vision Story where he envisions everything he wants to experience in the future
  • 13:35 - He gets excited about his own story; ten years ago he imagined the exact home and view he enjoys now
  • 15:10 - He reads his vision story on a quarterly basis so he can get to where he wants to go
• 17:00 - On gratefulness
  • 17:25 - His previous companies didn’t energize him and he didn’t feel grateful for what he had
  • 17:45 - He created the Energy Audit to determine what’s giving and taking energy in his life
  • 19:00 - He can then determine what to delegate and what to spend more time doing; this is inspired by Dan Sullivan’s Strategic Coach tools
• 21:03 - How to reach Trevor; go to Carrot, check out his podcast CarrotCast, and find him on Facebook
• Free Live Training: How to Attract Your Best Clients by Flipping Your Marketing to "Evergreen"

3 Key Points

1. Don’t let limiting beliefs stop you from having a big vision.
2. Set a timeline for your goals. 
3. Get contracts!