Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown

Now displaying: September, 2017

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #89 with Alex Milshteyn 0

Sep 26, 2017

Prepare to be entertained in this extremely hilarious episode with Alex Milshteyn. Alex starts off by sharing a story of being booted out of the house because of his age and he delves into a time when he was the subject of some unsavoury, unwanted publicity. While signing off, Alex imparts some great advice for all the young realtors who are still getting their feet wet in the business. Tune-in and learn the benefits of working your butt off, building loyalty and finding a mentor.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:30 – Leigh welcomes Alex
01:14 – Alex lives from Ann Arbor, Michigan has been in real estate for 18 years
03:30 – Alex shares his first story: “Sometimes you don’t get what you expect”
- 03:37 – While doing floor time at his office, Alex got a phone call from a woman who wished to sell her house
- 04:15 – He set up a meeting and arrived at the woman’s house at the appointed time
- 04:22 – Alex was young and inexperienced at the time—he’d been in the business for just 6 months
- 04:46 – Before letting Alex in, the woman looked over his shoulder to see if there was anyone else with him
- 04:58 – When Alex expressed interest in starting the tour of the house, the woman said, “I want to wait till Alex gets here to start the tour”
- 05:20 – On being informed that the 18-year-old in front of her was in fact Alex, the woman kept looking at him incredulously
- 05:44 – Saying that Alex was not old enough, the woman walked Alex out of the house
- 06:13 – The woman refused to return any of Alex’s numerous calls, and her house never went on the market
- 06:37 – On reflecting back, Alex felt that the woman was expecting a hot date, and Alex did not fit her bill
08:05 – Alex shares his second story: “Not all publicity is good publicity”
- 08:22 – Alex was having an extremely hard time selling a house with an extremely unconventional design
- 08:37 – After having the house on the market for six months, Alex was desperate to sell this house
- 08:50 – In his desperation, Alex contacted a staging company to get a tenant with really nice furniture to come and stay in the house
- 09:20 – Alex thought it was a good proposition since the tenants agreed to move out of the house in case of a sale and with no notice
- 10:19 – Was hopeful of striking a deal as the price was also reduced
- 11:19 – Was shocked to see this house with his “For Sale” sign and his name being covered in daily news
- 11:35 – The tenant, a masseuse decided to get frisky with a client, and was accused of rape
- 12:05 – Rushed to the house to remove his “For Sale” sign
- 12:27 – This entire incident left Alex embarrassed and his seller fuming
- 12:35 – Alex managed to placate the seller, keep his job and sell 20 more houses for the seller
14:00 – Avoided using his photo in advertising for five years after joining the realty business
- 14:07 – Clients are hesitant in dealing with someone who looks young and inexperienced (which he is not)
15:35 – Consciously decides not to hard sell a property by providing a full disclosure of positives and negatives to the client; let’s go off short-term gains to build long-term client loyalty
16:41 – Realtors should have savings or a backup plan so that they do not feel pressured to compromise interests of their clients
17:26 – Alex does not sell, but he just talks and gives people his honest opinion
18:15 – When you are young and inexperienced, the only value you can show is by “working your butt off”
18:47 – Realize that a “No” right now might not be a “No” forever; keep on calling till a “No” converts to a “Yes”, or the client asks you to stop calling
19:04 – Call them back, keep following up and work your butt off because, if you do that, you will be successful
19:15 – Unfortunately no one was interested in mentoring Alex when he started off; however, today, you can join one of the various support groups on Facebooks to get help
19:39 – Watch and learn from your competitors; Alex has surpassed many of his competitors that he learnt from in the initial years
20:12 – Get in touch with Alex through his website or email
21:44 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

Getting a mentor is a great idea, especially in the initial stages of your career.
Realize that a “No” right now might not be a “No” forever; keep on calling till a “No” converts to a “Yes”, or the client asks you to stop calling.
When you are young and inexperienced, the only value you can show is by “working your butt off”.

Credits

Download this Episode

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #88 with George S Wonica 0

Sep 22, 2017

Tune-in and listen to an enthusiastic George Wonica share the best and most entertaining stories from his 26 years as a realtor. Being the son of a realtor, George started off in this business at a young age, and has a wide arsenal of interesting stories to tell. George offers his advice for those wanting to buy or sell a house and he urges everyone to get better at what they do, but at the same time, to NEVER forget to have FUN along the way.

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:

00:32 – Leigh welcomes George
01:23 – From Staten Island, New York, George is a broker associate, certified residential appraiser and mortgage broker
- 01:33 – George has held a broker license for 25-26 years now
02:13 – Being the son of a realtor and in this business for so long, George has a wide repertoire of stories
02:37 – Story #1: “Sorting out marital issues”
- 02:43 – Happened 15-16 years ago while doing an appraisal
- 03:04 – Had to inspect the house with only the wife present
- 03:25 – When George entered the house to inspect, the woman sent her kid outside to play with her friends
- 03:43 – Dressed provocatively in a robe, the lady started talking about her marital issues
- 04:22 – The woman asked George to come up with a really low price so that she could buy out her husband
- 04:28 – George firmly stated that he was appointed by the court to appraise a fair value
- 04:37 – Expressing that she was ready to do anything, the lady opened up her robe
- 05:20 – Based on what happened, George’s father could not wait to go to the property himself!
- 05:40 – When George’s father finally got the chance to inspect the house, the kid stayed in the house the whole time and nothing out of the ordinary happened
06:27 – Story #2: “Love knows no boundaries”
- 06:43 – While working on a foreclosed property, George came across a property that had a lockbox on it
- 06:56 – When he tried to do walk-in, he found out that somebody was actually living in that foreclosed, vacant house
- 07:21 – Often squatters break into a foreclosed house; however, squatters do not tend to respond, and simply run away when confronted
- 07:51 – He was surprised to find out that the intruders were not squatters, but a couple of real estate agents
- 08:06 – He found out that the agents decided to make the house their “love shack”
- 08:43 – Even today when he runs into these agents, he can’t help but smile
09:58 – “Always have a lot of fun in this business. You never know who you are going to find, whom you are going to meet, or what you are going to walk into!”
11:25 – Getting mentored by his father has contributed to George’s success
- 12:44 – He’s learned a lot about owning property and purchasing property from his father; he bought his first property before he even started drinking
- 13:05 – Got an early start since he could build upon what he learnt from his dad
13:30 – In spite of his old age, George’s father does not shy away from using the latest technologies and gadgets
15:43 – “You have to smile and you have to have fun. Don’t take anything too seriously”; outlook has changed after having 3 kids
16:38 – Try to have fun every single day, try to get better at what you do every single day, and try to be a better person every single day
17:03 – Buyers and sellers do not want you to be serious all the time; they want you to give real opinions, have real falls and live life with them
- 17:36 – George believes in wearing his heart on his sleeve and calling a spade, a spade
18:54 – Contact George through his website; though George works primarily in Staten Island and Brooklyn, he can connect you with realtors anywhere in the New York State
19:34 – Alternatively, you can connect with George via Instagram or Facebook; gswonicasells is George’s Snapchat id
19:44 – Call George on 718-442-2880 (Ext. 105)
21:24 – Takes time off to play with and coach his kids
22:28 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate
22:43 – Visit Crazyshitinrealestate to access shownotes for this episode

3 Key Points

Wear your heart on your sleeve and call a spade a spade; buyers and sellers want your real, honest opinion.
Try to have fun every single day, try to get better at what you do every single day, and try to be a better person every single day.
Find a good mentor who can help you find success early on in your career.

Credits

Download this Episode

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #87 with Tim Morgan 0

Sep 19, 2017

In this episode, Leigh’s guest, Tim Morgan whose story is enough to scare off any new realtor away from the profession. Tune in as Tim explains his “hairy” situation. He delves into what he would’ve done differently given this crazy event were to happen again and opens the discussion with Leigh about KEY safety precautions EVERY realtor should take at showings.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:38 – Leigh welcomes Tim Morgan
01:08 – Tim has been in real estate for 3 years and he works in the area of Nashwood, New Hampshire; he is 21 years old but looks like he’s 12
02:49 – Tim was looking at houses with a client
- 02:52 – Every time he showed a house, it always ended with an awkward goodbye
- 03:23 – The looked at a vacant property, and as they finished the downstairs, they made their way to the top
- 03:48 – As Tim stepped into the master bath, his client had dropped his plants
- 03:59 – Tim was stuck in a “hairy situation”
- 04:08 – As a new agent, it was scary
- 04:23 – Tim was trapped, there were no exits
- 04:40 – Tim was standing there not knowing what to say or do
- 04:53 – Tim said to the client, “Real estate services are the only things I provide”
- 04:58 – THe client zipped up his pants and parted ways with Tim
- 05:03 – Tim followed up, and the client ended up buying the condo they had the incident in
- 05:48 – This has never happened since with any other client
- 06:03 – Tim sent him the typical gifts he’d send his previous clients to maintain contact, but didn’t receive any further business for him
06:44 – Leigh wants to highlight the need for safety for realtors
- 07:02 – “You put yourself into a dangerous situation”
- 07:08 – What would you do differently?
- 07:15 – Tim says that he’d advise another agent or someone from the office where he was going to be
- 07:38 – Tell your client to venture the property by themselves first
07:46 – Sometimes new realtors put themselves at unnecessary risk to make that first sale
08:03 – Make sure you have access to your phone
08:12 – Ensure you have an exit strategy
08:53 – Make sure you have an unlocked back door
09:00 – Don’t put yourself in the driveway first, so that you can be blocked in
09:38 – Tim showed the utmost professionalism by focusing on the real estate
10:00 – He followed up on the sale and followed through on his real estate services—Leigh commends Tim
11:22 – Tim meets clients at a Starbucks first; then moves on to the actual listings as a safety measure
11:37 – Tim has an agent-partner that has full access to his schedule for accountability and safety reasons
11:55 – There are great agents out there that aren’t always competing with you and can partner with you in this way
12:30 – Email Tim at tim@morganmoves.com or call him 603-769-1571
13:03 – Leigh is glad that Tim persevered past that unsavoury early real estate experience
13:15 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

Realtors should build each other up and watch out for each other—not solely just compete with one another.
As a realtor, do what you need to ensure your safety at viewings.
Whatever situation you run into, it pays to maintain your professionalism.

Credits

Download this Episode

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #86 with Stanley Babinski 0

Sep 15, 2017

Listeners will instantly establish an instant connection with Stanley Babinski who lost his only son to cancer. In this extremely emotional episode, Stanley talks about how he carry on the legacy of his son. Losing his son made him realize the futility of chasing materialistic pleasures. He urges everyone to treasure every moment with your near and dear ones. Tune-in and learn more about how Stanley is fighting hard to cope the best way he can from his tragic loss.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes

00:35 – Leigh welcomes Stanley
00:54 – Stanley lives in Washington, Michigan, a suburb twenty miles north of Detroit
- 01:00 – Stanley has been a broker for 17 years, and runs his own brokerage company, Homes and Land Real Estate LLC
01:52 – Goal Number 7: “Enjoy Life”
- 02:00 – Story is about Stanley’s son who tragically passed away from cancer 7 years back just after his 20th birthday
- 02:16 – Started a foundation in the memory of his son which provides benefits for football players
- 02:40 – Criteria for picking beneficiaries is perseverance, responsibility, integrity, dignity and educational excellence
- 03:00 – Reached out to Boys and Girls Club in Royal Oak, Michigan to see if he could start something in this area; Stanley was able to establish a club in 18 months
- 03:25 – Stanley’s son had written down Goal #7: “Enjoy life” while bravely putting up a fight against cancer
- 03:33 – Stanley’s son wanted to beat the disease, be responsible, move out of the house, get a good paying job and lastly, to enjoy life to the fullest
- 03:46 – Developed strength to start working on his mission 7 years after his son passed away; started fundraising for the local Boys and Girls Club and his foundation 7-7-17
04:23 – Stanley’s son was a football player as well; A 6’2” gentle giant who could destroy you if he wanted to, but he chose to play instead
05:15 – Chose to push forward, remember him and let other people know that we are here only for a short time, and we have to enjoy what’s happening
05:47 – Stanley says that community support has helped him move forward – Stanley is grateful that the community has been receptive to his ideas
06:01 – There is more to life than chasing materialistic pleasures
06:31 – Treasure every moment and understand that it can be taken away tomorrow
07:01 – Serves as unit director of the Stanley Ian Babinski Unit
- 07:13 – Is available M-F during the school year from 3:00 to 6:00 pm
- 07:18 – Facilitates programs on academic success, character, leadership, citizenship and healthy lifestyle, recreational activities as well as cooking classes
- 08:00 – Personally conducts the cooking classes; the small mishaps make the classes all the more heartwarming for Ian
08:41 – Stanley helps other families cope with the loss of their children; you might feel guilty about experiencing pleasure, but you need to remember that your child wants you to be happy
09:09 – To mourn forever would not make them happy in their afterlife
09:36 – Places no importance on the materialistic aspect of business; gets pleasure out of the fact that he is in a business where he can bring joy to people
10:48 – At the Boys and Girls Club, kids learn how to be practical and serve others
10:57 – Business associates are sliding back to their old ways as the economy grows stronger
11:28 – If you can mentor kids to give, they will see the joy that others get out of it and you will get just as much out of life (or more) than from material things
12:34 – Listen to people, let them talk, let them vent, don’t judge and be a gentleman
13:35 – Call Stanley at 586-362-3310
13:45 – If you wish to donate, be a sponsor or purchase an “Enjoy Life” T-shirt please log on to The Boys and Girls Clubs Alternatively you can also contact Ian via Facebook
14:28 – Let us show Stanley our love by having #EnjoyLife trending on Twitter
15:16 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

Treasure every moment and remember that it can be taken away.
While moving on with life is hard for parents who lose a child, it is important to remember that mourning forever would not make our children happy in their afterlives.
Listen to people, let them talk, let them vent, don’t judge and be polite.

Credits

Download this Episode

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #85 with Sid and Rhonda Pugh 0

Sep 8, 2017

Listeners get a heartfelt invitation into the love story of Sid and Rhonda Pugh. This lovely, real estate couple share how they found each other in a GRI course and discuss why persistence is KEY when it comes to pursuing that “YES” that can change the entire course of your life. Tune-in to find out why anything is possible in real estate.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:39 – Today’s episode is not just about real estate, but relationships
00:45 – Leigh welcomes Sid and Rhonda
01:08 – Sid and Rhonda are in Huntsville and they work in North Alabama and lower Tennessee areas

01:37 – Sid started real estate in Colorado Springs back in 1979, before he moved to Huntsville
02:07 – Rhonda got her real estate license in 1975
02:51 – Sid moved to Alabama in 1981 because the real estate market in Colorado Springs was going downhill
03:09 – Sid was recently divorced then and he went to a week-long GRI class, where he met Rhonda
03:56 – They went to lunch and Rhonda asked him a hundred questions while Sid asked only one (if they could go out) which she declined

04:16 – Being a realtor, Sid knew that “sales” are made after the 5th or 6th “NO”
04:22 – After 3 months of Sid’s persistence, Rhonda finally said “yes”

06:51 – They’re celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary this November
07:01 – Their real estate businesses stayed separate for a while
07:11 – Rhonda was working with her mom when her dad passed away
07:59 – Training today in real estate is so good compared to what realtors had back then
09:03 – Sid and Rhonda are living proof of the training you can receive from GRI courses

09:34 – Rhonda didn’t really have any desire to date back then as she already had 2 sons and had been by herself for 5 years
09:56 – Sid kept asking her why she kept resisting – Rhonda really didn’t want to get involved
10:30 – Sid proposed
11:23 – “It was a long 2-day discussion”
11:37 – Rhonda’s friends helped them talk and think it over
11:57 – They both knew they were right for each other, but they were both scared to get hurt as well
12:10 – Within the first 3 weeks of marriage, they were already talking about annulment—they sat down, talked, and realized both of them were feeling vulnerable

13:17 – The key to Sid and Rhonda’s relationship is keeping Christ the center of it
14:41 – Sid and Rhonda work together every day
14:51 – They had 2 girls after they got married; now they have 8 grandchildren
15:24 – RE/MAX ALLIANCE is Sid and Rhonda’s company
15:29 – Call their team at 256-533-7653 or call RE/MAX ALLIANCE 256-799-2999
15:51 – They have 3 divisions within their team – residential resale, new home, and property management

16:37 – Call Sid directly at 256-337-7653 or email him at sid@pughgroup.com
17:36 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

Real estate can open up a whole host of opportunities you’ve never thought of—professional and personal.
Persistence is KEY when it comes to making that “sale”.
Keep your values at the center of your relationship to sustain all things.

Credits

Download this Episode