Greeted by a man in his boxers, a woman in bed, and the smell of marijuana in the air is not a great way to make an impression at a house viewing. It’s actually a great reason for prospective clients to pass on a house. Aurora Guiragossian discusses two unsettling real estate stories that express just how little control realtors can have on their day-to-day job. In this episode, Leigh welcomes Aurora Guiragossian, a realtor for Heller Coley Reed of Long & Foster Real Estate in the DC, Metro Area.

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 – Leigh introduces Aurora
• 01:28 – Aurora is from downtown, Maryland
• 03:05 – Aurora has 2 crazy stories
• 03:08 – Years ago, Aurora showed a house to a couple
  • 03:22 – A deal is not always a deal because there can always be a catch
  • 03:31 – The property was only walking distance from the metro station
  • 03:40 – When Aurora got there, the listing agent told them it’s okay to have the showing
  • 03:45 – A man in his boxers opened the door and let them in
  • 04:00 – The place looked like a college, fraternity house
  • 04:40 – The property was occupied by a renter
  • 05:00 – Aurora opened a bedroom door and there was a woman on the bed, staring at them
  • 05:20 – Aurora went to another room and there was a bong with a smell of marijuana
  • 06:15 – Aurora’s client passed on the house and chose another house, instead
• 06:54 – Aurora’s next story was a bit scary for her
  • 07:00 – Aurora was listing a friend’s house for rent
  • 07:39 – Aurora had 2 separate clients that wanted to see the house
  • 07:50 – Aurora brings a weapon for self-defense when she needs to go alone
  • 08:29 – One couple comes through to meet Aurora and see the place
  • 08:39 – Another group comes through the house, but a person who was a neighbor was hanging around
  • 08:46 – This neighbor said he sent the couple to Aurora because they were lost
  • 08:50 – This neighbor started following Aurora as she was closing up the house—he was on her heels and talking fast and Aurora began to feel alarmed
  • 09:10 – The neighbor asked for a commission for sending Aurora the couple
  • 09:36 – Aurora now is holding her keys in one hand and mace in the other hand as the person kept on following her
  • 10:10 – The person tried to knock on Aurora’s car window and was pushing her to pay $10, but she drove off
  • 10:46 – Aurora didn’t pay the person any fees
  • 10:58 – Aurora contacted her friend and told her about the neighbor who asked for a commission
• 11:35 – Unfortunately, realtors can’t control the neighbors
• 12:20 – Leigh shares an important note from Aurora’s experiences
  • 12:33 – For homeowners, it’s not the realtor’s fault if your house won’t sell because of the current tenants
  • 12:51 – All realtors should carry something to defend themselves
  • 13:27 – “Any realtors who are defending themselves is a wonderful thing”
• 13:40 – Aurora is taking shooting lessons soon
• 14:20 – Aurora’s goal
• 14:30 – Leigh shares about the realtors who carry their CRs
• 15:20 – Reach Aurora by phone at 301-379-6645, Twitter and Instagram
• 15:43 – Find Aurora on their team’s website and by email
• 17:02 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. It’s not a realtor’s fault that a house won’t sell because of its current tenants.
2. Realtors should always carry something or know how to defend themselves.
3. Having a strange neighbor is an uncontrollable event for a realtor, but homeowners should always provide a warning.

Credits

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

Taking the leap from a part-time to full-time realtor isn’t an easy decision. However, for Patti, a decision had to be made and she hasn’t looked back since. In this episode, Leigh welcomes Patti Sherwood, a realtor from Charlestown, West Virginia who just started in the industry 4 years ago.

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 – Leigh introduces Patti
• 01:04 – Patti is from Charlestown, West Virginia
  • 01:22 – Patti has been licensed in West Virginia for 4 years now
  • 01:40 – Patti thought she would’ve gone full-time earlier, but it was a leap of faith to do so
• 03:06 – Patti shares the first positive, but crazy thing that happened to her
  • 03:20 – Patti had a call from a buyer relocating to West Virginia
  • 03:35 – The woman learned about Patti from a local real estate magazine and she thought Patti looked friendly and easy to deal with
  • 03:54 – Patti was taken aback and considered this a positive thing
  • 04:11 – They had a smooth transaction
• 04:31 – Many realtors underestimate the power of their photographs
• 05:05 – Patti was shocked by the amount of realtors that did NOT look like their photographs
• 05:48 – Patti thinks that most crazy things in real estate come from the realtors
• 07:10 – Patti finds technology challenging
• 07:24 – Patti discusses her views on how realtors treat their clients
  • 08:13 – Some realtors are active online, but don’t always answer inquiries or calls
  • 08:20 – Realtors should have a common etiquette and basic, customer service practices
• 08:58 – Patti shares some advice to realtors:
  • 09:04 – “If you’re called to this business, then you will be successful—unless you get in your own way”
  • 09:26 – Make sure you have your support network in place when taking that leap into real estate
  • 09:38 – Whatever you do, it impacts your reputation
• 10:06 – “Don’t despise the small things”
• 10:29 – Leigh shares advice to the consumers
• 11:02 – Find Patti on her website and by email
• 12:00 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

1. Taking that leap into real estate is easier when you have your support network behind you.
2. Consumers are expecting to meet the realtors that they see in the photographs.
3. Be mindful of what you do because you only have one name, brand, and reputation.

Credits

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

In this episode, Leigh interviews Tracey Hicks, a realtor and co-owner of All Things Real Estate Store. Realtors are indeed entrepreneurs, but Tracey’s story and career shows you that there are a lot more opportunities out there than just listing and selling homes in real estate. Tune in to see how Tracey turned drab real estate signage into a business opportunity. 

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode
• 00:44 – Leigh introduces Tracey Hicks
• 01:03 – Tracey is located in Portland, Oregon and she’s co-owner of All Things Real Estate Store
• 01:19 – Tracey’s store sells marketing products, signs, and etc
• 01:48 – Tracey founded this store because she was tired of the ugly and boring real-estate supplies available
• 03:01 – Tracey has been in real estate for 12 years before she founded her business and she still owns 50% of a brokerage, to this point
• 03:12 - She’s still licensed, but is non-practicing since last year
• 03:24 – Realtors are now her clients
• 05:56 – Tracey transitioned from a realtor to a business owner
  • 06:39 – Tracey always says realtors are different breeds
  • 07:34 – Yard signs are the 2nd most important thing that gets noticed by consumers
  • 08:49 – Tracey’s customers are a mix of both baby boomers and millennials
  • 09:12 – The older clientele are as excited as the younger realtors
  • 10:32 – Tracey’s stories are now about realtors
• 11:11 – Tracey’s latest crazy story was from a woman on the East Coast
  • 11:14 – The woman ordered a flyer box and was upset that the posts didn’t come with it
  • 11:56 – Tracey deals with realtors all across the US
  • 13:49 – Realtor is a trade name that can’t be used for free
  • 14:13 – The use of Realtor would cost Tracey $15K upfront and 15% of everything she sells
  • 15:27 – Tracey is also trademarking something now
  • 16:16 – Tracey wants people to be inspired – not to copy ideas
  • 16:50 – They got in trouble for a domain they bought on GoDaddy which was “realtorcarkits”
• 17:37 – Another story comes from the doggy t-shirts they were selling
  • 17:48 – A woman bought a size small t-shirt for her labrador
  • 18:07 – The woman called and was upset because she got the wrong size
  • 18:35 – Tracey’s stories are not as fun as they used to be, but she’s totally okay with that
• 18:56 – Start branding yourself
• 19:16 – When a client chooses you to work for them, they’re working with YOU, not just because of the company or what you sell
• 20:57 – Being a brand makes you stand out
• 22:45 – Regular consumers also buy from Tracey’s store
• 23:12 – Connect with Trace on All Things Real Estate Store or on Facebook and Instagram
• 24:20 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate 

3 Key Points

1. Being a realtor can open up a whole new world of opportunity for you.
2. Finding the need and niching down can be the gateway to a new market.
3. Work on your brand and remember that people are choosing YOU, not just your company or product.

Credits

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

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

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

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

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

3 Key Points

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

Credits

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

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

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

Joe Battisto
President
Haven Environmental
www.havenenvironmental.com

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

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

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

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

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

3 Key Points

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

Credits

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

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

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

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

3 Key Points

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

Credits

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

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

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

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

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

3 Key Points

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

Credits

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