Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Latest Episodes:

Demystifying Home Buying for Millennials with Brandon Lowkaran Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

From dreaming of NASCAR to navigating Northern Virginia's high-stakes real estate market, Brandon Lowkaran brings speed, smarts, and sincerity to every transaction. Listen in as he talks about market myths, money mindset, and how small shifts can lead to big moves in real estate. And just when you think it's all financial wisdom and buyer tips, wait until you hear about the buyer, the long-close nightmare, and the self-sabotage that nearly derailed it all!

Key takeaways to listen for

Is Northern Virginia real estate really crashing or is that just internet noise?
Why first-time buyers suddenly have more leverage than they've had in years
Down payment assistance programs most buyers don't even know exist
How Brandon's construction background gives his clients a serious advantage
What most high earners still get wrong about money and how to avoid it

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Brandon LowkaranBorn and raised in Trinidad, Brandon began his career drafting architecture, then transitioned to project management and real estate consulting. Today, he raises capital for his investment fund using the same strategies he teaches. With hands-on construction and real estate experience, Brandon specializes in finding hidden deals and helping others build wealth. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Cecelia, and their children, Bryant and Axel, and enjoys motorcycles and outdoor family time.

Connect with Brandon

LinkedIn: Brandon Lowkaran
Instagram: @thelowkarangroup
Facebook: Profile for The Lowkaran Group
TikTok: @brandonlowkaran
YouTube: Real Estate Investing with Brandon Lowkaran
Email: brandon@lowkarangroup.com
Phone Number: 571-502-0782

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

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Real Estate Career Growth Beyond the Family Brokerage with George S. Wonica Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

What happens when working with your family starts costing you sleep? In this honest and emotional return episode, we chat with Staten Island REALTOR® George S. Wonica to unpack the highs and lows of navigating a family-run real estate business. Dial in as he shares the lessons, heartbreak, and hope behind creating a new path while preserving personal relationships. If you've ever worked with family or thought about succession planning, this is one you can't miss.

Key takeaways to listen for

What happens when your loyalty to the brokerage clashes with your loyalty to your future?
How George left his family's business without losing his family
Ways George is channeling decades of experience into a new career
Why the best broker-agent relationships require mutual responsibility
The importance of putting estate plans and business expectations in writing

Resources mentioned in this episode

About George S. WonicaA 32-year veteran of the real estate industry, George is also a certified residential appraiser, as well as an associate broker. His vast knowledge and experience help his clients navigate the Staten Island/Brooklyn real estate market.

Connect with George

Website: Real Estate - Staten Island
LinkedIn: George S. Wonica
Instagram: @therealgswonica
TikTok: therealgswonica
Facebook: George S. Wonica - Search Staten Island
X: @gswonica
YouTube: Living in Staten Island, New York

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Debunking Reverse Mortgage Myths with Tim Kennedy, CRMP Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Tim Kennedy, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional, who's on a mission to re-educate the public and the real estate industry on the untapped power of reverse mortgages. From avoiding credit card debt to funding bucket list adventures (and surviving a machete-wielding tenant!), this episode proves that reverse mortgages aren't just for the desperate. They're for the smart and strategic.

Key takeaways to listen for

Reverse Mortgage 101: What it is, how it works, and why it's not a scam
Why setting up a reverse mortgage line of credit early could be your best retirement move
Common misconceptions about heirs, ownership, and taxes
Ways reverse mortgage funds can reduce your tax burden
Reasons you need a CPA, financial advisor, and mortgage pro when planning for retirement success

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Tim Kennedy, CRMPTim is a seasoned professional specializing in the financial tool of reverse mortgages since 2008. With a commitment to helping seniors maintain their security, financial independence, dignity, and control, Tim has become a trusted expert in the field. As a speaker, consultant, and senior advocate, he has utilized his expertise, knowledge, and experience to assist countless individuals and families.

Connect with Tim

Website: Tim Kennedy | Reverse Mortgage Loan Officer | Valhalla, NY
LinkedIn: Timothy M. Kennedy, CRMP
Instagram: @tkennedyfff
Facebook: Tim Kennedy
TikTok: @reversemortgageguru
Phone Number: 516-729-6040

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

The Wild Risks of Sight-Unseen Home Buying with Cheyenne McGriff Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

From working in economic development to partnering with her grandparents in real estate, Cheyenne McGriff has seen the industry from multiple angles, and she's got stories to prove it! Tune in to hear her inspiring personal experiences and some cheat codes for real estate success. Plus, hear about her wildest client experiences, including sight-unseen purchases and final walkthrough nightmares. You won't want to miss this one!

Key takeaways to listen for

Why every new real estate agent needs a mentor
How market unpredictability impacts buyers, sellers, and REALTORS®
The truth about economic development and real estate growth
Lessons from working in a small town with a big real estate team
How Cheyenne balances family life, business, and hosting a podcast for moms in real estate

About Cheyenne McGriffCheyenne was born and raised on a ranch near Wall, South Dakota. After graduating from Chadron State College, she worked in community and economic development for three years. In this experience, Cheyenne found her passion for connecting individuals to a place they can call home and helping create great communities. Cheyenne joined RE/MAX® Results as part of the Karen Soderquist team in August 2018 to pursue this dream.

Connect with Cheyenne

Website: Cheyenne McGriff, Rapid City, SD Real Estate Broker Associate - RE/MAX Results
Podcast: Real Estate Mama Collective
Instagram: @cheyennesummer605
Maps: 1240 Jackson Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57702
Email: Cheyenne@cheyennesummer605.com
Phone Number: (605) 209-1988

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Dogs on the Loose and Deals on the Line: Real Estate Gone Wild with Janet Johnson Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you mix relocation clients, a final walkthrough on Zoom, and two unexpected dogs? You get one wildly unforgettable moment in real estate. In this episode, we chat with Janet Johnson, who shares what it's really like to move your career across state lines and keep your cool when chaos breaks out mid-transaction. You're going to love this conversation!

Key takeaways to listen for

The surprising differences between real estate rules in Wisconsin and Tennessee
Why relocation clients are flocking to Tennessee
How Janet balances real estate, grandparenting, and leading a Girl Scout troop
What makes Chattanooga a hidden gem for outdoor lovers and history buffs

Resources mentioned in this episode

Beech Mountain Resort

About Janet JohnsonJanet is a seasoned real estate agent with a background in Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, and Project Management. She brings those skills to enhance the home buying and selling experience.

Focused on doing the right thing in providing fiduciary duty to her clients, she takes advantage of educational opportunities to hone her negotiation and contract skills. Her goal is that you will be so amazed with your Real Estate experience that you will tell all your friends and family!

Connect with Janet

Website: Janet Johnson Homes
LinkedIn: Janet Johnson Homes
Facebook: Janet King Johnson
Instagram: @janetjohnson0517
YouTube: Janet Johnson Homes
Phone Number: 423-774-2965 | 423-664-160
Email: janetjohnson@kw.com

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

What Happens When Real Estate Shortcuts Backfire - Part 2 with Rashmi Airan Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Get ready for part two of our conversation with Rashmi Airan, where we dive deeper into resilience, personal growth, and the unexpected lessons life throws our way. From navigating health challenges and marathon dreams to unpacking the complex world of ethical decision-making, Rashmi shares her transformative story of rising through adversity. Buckle up for an honest, raw, and ultimately hopeful conversation that might just change the way you think about second chances!

Key takeaways to listen for

How Rashmi turned her prison sentence into a masterclass on accountability and self-forgiveness
Why Rashmi became a prison weight loss coach and how it changed her view on service
The dangerous combo of overconfidence bias and lack of moral humility
Why cooperating with the FBI gave Rashmi a different outcome
An inside look at FEMA's struggles and how local knowledge could transform disaster response

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Rashmi AiranRashmi is an Ivy League-educated attorney, former Wall Street investment banker, and globally recognized transformation expert. After building a successful law practice, she faced federal prison for her role in a real estate fraud case, an experience that sparked her mission to help leaders make better decisions and foster cultures rooted in authenticity and integrity. Today, Rashmi is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, blending her personal journey with extensive research in behavioral psychology to inspire audiences worldwide.

Connect with Rashmi

Website: Rashmi Airan
LInkedIn: Rashmi Airan
Instagram: @rashmiairan
X: Rashmi Airan

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What Happens When Real Estate Shortcuts Backfire - Part 1 with Rashmi Airan Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a high-achieving real estate attorney finds herself on the wrong side of the law? In this episode, we welcome Rashmi Airan, whose unbelievable story blends ambition, hard lessons, and a twist you won't see coming. From bold fashion choices to shocking courtroom moments, this conversation has it all. Tune in for an unforgettable ride through the wild side of real estate, and stick around for the crazy story at the end that ties it all together.

Key takeaways to listen for

How chasing one big client turned into a career-ending mistake
Importance of gut instincts and why ignoring them can cost you everything
How real estate incentives and shortcuts can land professionals in serious legal trouble
The power of asking for help and the risks of going it alone
Why your biggest failures can become your greatest teachers

Connect with Rashmi

Website: Rashmi Airan
LinkedIn: Rashmi Airan
Instagram: @rashmiairan
X: Rashmi Airan

Sponsors:

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Why Real Estate is Still the Best Investment (Even in a Tough Market) with Clark Lunt Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Real estate investing is about making smart, ethical moves that lead to real financial freedom. Hear it directly from Clark Lunt as he shares hard-earned lessons from building his rental portfolio and navigating the world of wholesaling. And if you think real estate knowledge only comes from books, wait until you hear how Clark's conversation with his landlord sparked his interest in real estate investing.

Key takeaways to listen for

The easiest way to get started in real estate investing
Why house hacking is still one of the smartest strategies
The 3-question test to determine if wholesaling is ethical or just another scam
Biggest mistakes new investors make when choosing their first rental property
How to ask better questions and make smarter investing decisions

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Clark LuntClark graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Communications/Journalism. He began his real estate journey in college, then from 2006 to 2012, purchased multiple homes—house hacking with 25 total roommates—all while holding a W-2 sales job. In 2015, he went full-time into wholesaling and flipping, completing 250+ transactions (90% direct-to-seller) over six years.

Outside of real estate, Clark is passionate about international travel and prioritizes health and fitness. He maintains a positive outlook and enjoys sharing what he's learned about leveraging capital, marketing, and teamwork to grow lasting wealth.

Connect with Clark

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/clarklunt_rei
Podcast: Burn Your Boats Wealth
Instagram: @useriousclark23
Facebook: Clark Lunt

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Overcoming the Stereotypes of Real Estate Sales with Jan Kimbrough Miller Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a homebuyer starts remodeling a house before closing without permission? Jan Kimbrough Miller joins us in this episode to talk about the absolute chaos that unfolded in one of her most shocking real estate transactions. But it's not all drama, she also shares how her background in physical therapy shaped her approach to real estate and why not having a traditional sales personality can actually be a superpower. Stick around to hear how she handled one of the wildest real estate nightmares you'll ever hear!

Key takeaways to listen for

Why setting clear expectations with clients makes real estate much easier
How a background in healthcare helped Jan navigate the emotional side of real estate
The surprising reason many great agents don't see themselves as "salespeople"
How different personality types approach buying and selling homes
Why real estate success is about understanding people

Resources mentioned in this episode

Grand Junction, CO - RE/MAX 4000 Inc

If you want to learn a revolutionary way to achieve success, go to www.expectationselling.com/discount for a 30% discount on 3 Elite Skills to Take Control of Your Schedule and Create Real Work-Life Balance.

About Jan Kimbrough MillerJan transitioned to real estate after a 20-year medical career. She initially lacked confidence in sales, but her medical background in communication and systems development proved invaluable. She focused on understanding client needs, building trust, and creating efficient, repeatable systems. Her real estate career thrived, and she now shares her expertise to help others succeed without compromising their personality.

Connect with Jan

Website: Expectation Selling
Email: Jan@ExpectationSelling.com
Number: (970) 250-6781

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

The Pumpkin Patch Wake-Up Call: Balancing Business & Life with Rachel Adams Lee Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Can you run a thriving real estate business and have a life? Rachel Adams Lee thinks so, but it took a pumpkin patch intervention from her husband to get there. She opens up about the challenges of setting social media boundaries, staying present with her family, and making business decisions as a team. If you're feeling stretched thin between work and life, you'll want to hear this episode!

Key takeaways to listen for

The common social media mistake REALTORS® make and how to avoid it
Why posting about more than real estate helps your business
A simple trick to boost engagement before you even hit "post"
How to create content people actually connect with
Ways to balance work, family, and showing up online

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Rachel Adams Lee

Rachel is the founder of The Rachel Adams Lee Group at Keller Williams Realty. She is currently ranked in the top 1% of all REALTORS® in Placer and Sacramento counties. Since 2015, she has been named "Wall Street Journal's Top 1000 Agents" in the United States. Her team is anticipated to close $70 million in sales for the year 2024.

Rachel is a 3rd generation REALTOR® and loves what she does. She is passionate about helping people achieve their real estate goals. Whether you are looking to sell and net top dollar for your home, buy your dream home, or build your investment portfolio - Rachel is the one to make it happen.

Connect with Rachel