Real Talk with Leigh Brown

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Jennifer Gligoric - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #175 Nov 28, 2019

Show notes

Don't think you need an LLC as a real estate investor? Think again! Jennifer Gligoric, the owner and co-founder of Leafy Legal Services, has seen all the ugly that comes with not having your assets protected. She helps her clients put structures and layers of protection in place so they aren't left exposed in legal situations. Listen in to hear Jennifer's CSIRE story, and learn how the victims could've saved tens of thousands in legal fees had they had an LLC in place.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

01:30 – Introducing Jennifer and what she does
02:10 – She is the co-founder and owner of Leafy Legal services; they help real estate investors with asset protection and estate planning
02:30 – She started with a law firm and has been an entrepreneur for 20 years; she knows why businesses tank and it's always HR
03:40 – She helps entrepreneurs put structure and layers of protection in place; lawsuits are rampant and its easy for a lawyer to put a lien against a property
06:00 – Why it's important to protect your assets
06:20 – Lawyers look at the value of your assets, not what you owe
07:00 – Jennifer's CSIRE story
07:00 – This wasn't her personal story, but she dealt with in an ancillary way
07:15 – A realtor sold a home that was never disclosed to have been a meth house
07:20 – The family who moved in started to get sick, as did the neighbors, and the landlord got sued
07:40 – The lawyers attached lien after lien to every piece of property they could – none of their property was protected
08:00 – The people had to spend $62,000 of legal fees just to prove they didn't know the house was a meth house
08:30 – How the mess could have been less messy
08:40 – The family was decimated by legal fees just to prove they didn't know; they had to hire great lawyers because the suing family also had great lawyers
09:00 – Jennifer's firm could've helped avoid liens; she could've set them up from the beginning so their assets were protected
10:00 – With Leafy, there would've been nothing for the lawyers to "get" and lien
10:50 – On having an LLC
11:00 – You want anonymity; you want to transfer house deeds out of your name as soon as you buy them
12:30 – How to contact Jennifer (she can work in all 50 states!)
13:00 - Go to leafylegalservices.com to book a consult
13:30 – Type in the code crazyshit2019 for $51 off

3 Key Points

It's always HR!
You DO need to protect yourself and your assets.
Get an LLC and protect your assets!

Emily Chenevert - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #174 Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

I know, I know, you hate politics! But stay with me and don't forget that politics directly impact you and your clients! Emily Chenevert, Chief Executive Officer at the Austin Board of REALTORS®, is a passionate lobbyist who gets the importance of having the people's best interest in mind. She understands the power of negotiation and recognizes that we must learn to give and take when making big decisions. Listen in to learn what makes REALTORS® a unique group and learn some things to ask the elected public officials in your city.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

01:30 – Introducing Emily, the Chief Executive Officer at Austin Board of REALTORS® and Host of the ScratchThat podcast.
01:50 – She is a self-proclaimed "Association Junkie" and does lots of political advocacy work
03:50 – She understands that politics are important to have the people's best interest at hand; the best REALTORS® pay attention
05:00 – Emily's CSIRE story
05:15 – She is a young and female lobbyist in Texas, which is rare; her second child had medical issues so she was in the hospital for 6 weeks
05:40 – While in the hospital, she led over 8 independent expenditure campaigns in elections for city council; she took phone calls and meetings
06:00 – The questions we should be asking elected officials
07:15 – In Austin, TX the concern is for quality of life; Austin has grown so rapidly and is struggling with the infrastructure to support this new growth
08:30 – How Emily sets aside her personal beliefs in order to speak for the community and be productive rather than divisive
08:45 – Her father was an elected official and her whole family are democrats; her father thought she had sold her soul to the devil when she joined the association as a lobbyist
08:52 – He thought all REALTORS® are Republican and conservative; this is untrue
09:11 – Emily believes "we are a purple power REALTOR® party"; there are times she has to shelf her own beliefs
09:30 – There's a lot of grey area; negotiation, give and take are necessary for growth overall
11:10 – We've lost mutual respect and healthy discourse; we want purists but we are a nuanced population
13:10 – Lean into relationships and connection with the same power as you do in politics and sides; this can change the world
14:30 - REALTORS® are a 50/50 split and on both sides of the isle; that makes for good public policy positions
15:10 – Emily's experience when buying her house
05:25 – They built their first house with an 80/20 loan at 100% with a balloon note on the second part of the home; they thought home ownership was for everyone
16:10 – She learned a lot about how/why transactions are structured the way they are; they rented it out for a while and had hard times
17:35 – How to contact Emily: by phone at (512)454-7636 ext.1000, by email at echenevert@abor.com, and on Instagram

3 Key Points

Politics affect you so pay attention!
The best REALTORS® are an inch wide and a mile deep. They have a tight niche that they serve passionately.
We need to bring back mutual respect and healthy discourse!

Marki Lemons - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #173 Nov 07, 2019

Show notes

We needed some spunk so we've invited Marki Lemons to the show! Marki Lemons, a REALTOR®, broker, educator, and speaker has got something to say about the fact that REALTORS® are entrepreneurs and need to start thinking like it! She'll discuss the importance of having a business plan and niche to really succeed as a REALTOR®. Tune in to hear how education plays a role in everyone's career, how it played a role in hers, and learn how you can network and learn at the same time.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:30 – Introducing Marki, a broker, educator, and speaker who has been in real estate since 1999
01:20 – Marki came in on the lending side then transitioned over to the selling side
04:13 – She's in high demand for speaking and teaching; she got real-world experience before teaching
06:42 – She loves real estate but is grounded in education; she is happy within her niche
09:00 – She understands the importance of educating the public as well as those within the real estate industry; she is precise and gives real answers
12:30 – On REALTORS® being entrepreneurs
12:47 - REALTORS® need a business plan and a niche to really shine; they should continue learning for the entirety of their career
13:30 – You can learn something new in every education opportunity; you can also network through those opportunities
15:15 – On how she obtained her broker's license and what she learned
15:50 – She learned that she could make more money with fewer transactions with a broker's license
16:35 – She learned about the MLS ID number and the local realtor's association when she was first starting out and learned it was going to cost $1,200
17:30 – She realized that she didn't know anything despite the fact that she studies what she needed to get the license
18:40 – On trying to get on the board of directors at the Chicago realtor's association
19:45 – She wasn't picked three times; they picked someone who wasn't in the industry
20:20 – She was told that she didn't volunteer enough and that she should become a licensed real estate educator
21:00 – She was put on the schedule to teach and got on the board of directors
22:50 – How to reach Marki: Type in her name across all channels and you'll find her!

3 Key Points

Acknowledgment that you don't know everything makes you open to learn more.
Invest in your education!
Not all REALTORS® are created equal.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Kelly Catallo - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #172 Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

What's up with the antiquated laws in Massachusetts? Kelly Catallo, a REALTOR® of 27 years in the Boston area, is shocked that there are still real estate laws that were put in place to reduce venereal disease. You heard that right! Listen in to hear all about it, plus hear some other crazy shit that you'll never forget (although you'll want to!).

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:30 – Introducing Kelly from the Boston area
00:45 – She's been in real estate for 27 years and has owned her company for 10 years; they deal with everything
01:08 – She was a hairdresser before she worked in real estate
02:30 – Kelly's CSIRE story
02:40 – They get many antiquated places in Massachusetts and have many crazy laws; if you aren't married or next-of-kin you can't own property together
03:50 – Boston is more liberal but more expensive; a Section 8 voucher for a 3-bedroom is $3,000
05:28 - The law was created to reduce the spread of venereal disease; you can't rent, even today, for this reason in that area
06:16 – She got a call from an attorney who is putting a lawsuit together that this law is a violation of our first amendment right
07:50 – Another CSIRE story
08:07 – She walked in on an owner of a property having sex with another man on the tenant's dining room table; he was married and with four kids
09:05 – The tenants were at work; he lost everything and is no longer married
10:30 – What Kelly has heard about a fundraiser
10:55 – Leigh's Realtor Relief Foundation had a big fundraiser in November; it's for people who need gap assistance until insurance payments come after disasters
12:16 – The United Way is the worst organization; most money goes back into the overhead and not the cause
14:00 – How to reach Kelly: by phone (781)844-5457, her website kellycatallo.com, or www.cosmopolitanrealestate.net

3 Key Points

Know your real estate laws!
Research the organizations where you choose to donate your money.
Check out the Realtor Relief Foundation.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Reed Goossens - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #171 Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

Are you interesting in real estate investing? Reed Goossens, a serial entrepreneur, real estate advisor, speaker, and author, gives us some straight talk about what to consider when investing in real estate. Listen in to learn the strategies he implemented to improve cash flow, protect investments, and build his American Dream.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:50 – Introducing Reed, a serial entrepreneur, real estate investment advisor, author, and public speaker
01:05 – Controls $150 million-worth of multi-family commercial real estate; he left Australia to chase his American dream seven years ago
02:40 – The barrier to entry is lower in the U.S. than in Australia; he realized he needed to buy more low-income properties to make more of a profit
04:05 – His strategy
04:30 – If he was going to be on the lower end of the market, he needed a larger portfolio; his property manager was able to manage the portfolio, not just one property
05:22 – Cash flow vs. equity advancement
06:45 – You can improve cash flow by upgrading units to get more money and better tenants; always look for value-adds
07:45 – On how value-adds have changed
08:15 – They've changed across the country and are sustainable; it's important to lean into amenities as square footage average lessens
09:00 – On deals, investors, and partners
09:30 – He works with partners and 3,200 different investors
09:55 – He finds investors through his podcast, connections, and referrals; they have a partnership or share in particular LLCs
11:30 – It's important to ask better questions about investment real estate; it's got many legal implications and complexities
12:45 – How to contact Reed: You can find his podcast, books, and contact information on his website

3 Key Points

Know your attorney and tax advisor when getting into real estate investing.
Consider cash flow and equity advancement.
Working with the right team will make you successful.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Toria Brown - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #170 Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

It's not often that someone has to kick down the door of their own home! Toria Brown, a REALTOR® of three and a half years in Shenandoah Valley, VA, had to do just that when her property was incorrectly listed as foreclosed. Luckily, she had a great network and support system and was able to clear things up with a lawyer – and still flip the property quickly! Tune in to hear Toria's advice on what to look for when searching for your agent, lender, and inspector dream team.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:30 –Introducing Toria, her journey, and why she loves the show
01:00 – The show reminds her that she's not alone in REALTOR® crazy town; it's an amazing industry with variety and adventure
02:30 – She has learned to pre-game people on the home inspection
03:15 – She lives in the Shenandoah Valley in VA with an office in Augusta County; she's been in real estate for three and a half years
04:20 – She is a farm wife and her mother bought and sold shithole houses when she was a kid; her cousin told her to get into real estate
06:00 – Toria's biggest piece of advice for new REALTORS®: Find an office with a strong support system and helpful mentors
08:15 – Toria's CSIRE story
08:30 – She's encountered trashed homes with beer bottles, a marijuana odor, and guns; she's also walked into a home with an unexpected naked person
09:05 – She and her mother bought a house to flip; she got to the house and there was a foreclosure sticker on the front, she couldn't get ahold of anyone
10:10 – She kicked her own door in and the place was trashed; she wondered what would've happened if someone planned to live in that home
10:45 – She called the cops and a lawyer to clear that the house was hers and they were foreclosing the wrong house
15:35 – It ended well and sold quickly, 4 days above list
13:15 – On choosing who to work with
13:30 – Find people who will answer when you call, including your agent, lender, and inspector
14:40 – How to reach Toria: by cell phone at (540)460-3246 or at her office (540)943-0085 ; her email is tbrown.odrva.com

3 Key Points

There's still everything to learn after you get your real estate license.
Find a brokerage that is supportive and happy to mentor you.
Nothing's ever perfect.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Bill Hamburg - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #169 Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

If it's not icicles inside a flooded house it's a tricky sale with a prejudiced client! Bill Hamburg, a REALTOR® in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is back on the show and ready to share another story and some more crazy shit. This time around, he'll share how he talked someone with a "For Sale By Owner" sign to let him list their property – not without some hiccups, of course! Tune in to hear how Bill marketed a house on a highway, handled a prejudiced client, and overcame a failed septic inspection.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:30 –Bill's last CSIRE story: "The Icicle House"
01:30 – He went to a property and heard a "waterfall"
01:50 – Water was gushing from the second floor onto the first from a broken pipe; it was February, the owner had left the water on and there were icicles everywhere
02:20 – Introducing Bill; a REALTOR® out of Horsham, PA who is associated with both RE/MAX and Keller Williams
03:15 – They started with Keller Williams but a few years ago it made sense to switch over to RE/MAX; in New Jersey they're new, so they're still with Keller Williams
04:50 – Bill's CSIRE story
05:00 – In 2007 when he was in the business for a little over a year, he saw a "For Sale By Owner" sign
05:55 – Realtors know contracts and keep their clients out of court; FSBO sales are tricky and can be difficult
07:00 – Bill called the number on the sign and the man said he didn't need a realtor; Bill convinced him to let him see the house to diagnose why it wouldn't sell
07:35 – He was trying to sell during the downturn; the house was in a good address and was a rehabbed home
08:12 – The guy was asking $300,000 but it was too high and on a highway; Bill offered some marketing ideas to improve his chances of finding a buyer
09:10 – He talked the guy into letting him list the property and he listed it for $315,000; he got showings and an offer
10:40 – The man said he couldn't sell the property to that person; the septic system failed inspection and the buyer was coming back for repairs
12:00 – The agents were the ones who should manage expectations and get the transaction to close
13:05 – In the end it worked out; he didn't really care who moved in
13:35 – If the house had been sold FSBO, it would've been sold with a failing septic system; this raises concerns of the law
13:45 – The lesson
14:00 – It shouldn't matter who buys your house; all that matters is if the money's green
15:00 – A REALTOR® is there to mediate the transaction and ensure everything is done properly and fairly
15:20 – How to contact Bill: by phone (215)206-1980 and email bhamburg@pahouselink.com

3 Key Points

For Sale By Owner is not a good idea!
It shouldn't matter who's buying the house.
The job of a REALTOR® is to facilitate a smooth transaction and keep the clients out of court.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Scott Smith - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #168 Oct 03, 2019

Show notes

Are your assets, LLCs, and investment processes a "Royal" mess? Scott Smith of Royal Legal Solutions, a firm that provides asset protection for real estate investors, shares why his inspiration for building his business stemmed from his own need. Listen in to learn why he uses a series LLC, how he scaled quickly, and what he created so he could work smarter – not harder.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:50 – Introducing Scott, an asset protection attorney and long-time real estate investor; he bought his first property in law school and flipped it to pay for school
02:00 – He had problems getting through his first ten properties, so he created a system and team that works; now he helps others do the same
02:30 – He worked in litigation for two years before turning towards real estate; he learned a lot about asset protection, insurance, and loopholes
04:45 – Scott's business
05:00 – He went in on an auto body repair shop with a friend and there began his journey to entrepreneurship
06:45 – He ran into real estate investing problems when he got into single family home investing; he started focusing on pivotal leverage points in investing for simplicity
07:20 – He started using a series LLC and that helped him scale quickly and without more work; he holds his assets anonymously and has no extra paperwork
10:00 – How he realized this was the best way to invest in real estate
10:25 – He has a background in legal and tax, so he knew he needed to protect himself
10:52 – It's not hard to do; people don't know the risks they take and how easy it can be to streamline operations and keep everything safe
11:35 – Time freedom is created when you streamline processes, so you invest time now to have time freedom moving forward
13:00 – He works in all 50 states but can't appear in court for you; his price point ranges by client, but all get a roadmap during the consultation
15:00 – He has a free LLC program available for a limited time at RoyalLegalSolutions.com; you can contact him and download his e-book there, too

3 Key Points

It's important to keep your assets safe.
By streamlining processes you create time freedom for yourself.
Work with people who know what they're doing – especially when it involves the law.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Katie Townsend - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #167 Sep 26, 2019

Show notes

Public Service Announcement: Please keep your junk in your pants or in your trunk. Seem obvious? Not to Katie Townsend's client! Katie's a long-time REALTORÒ in Parsons, Tennessee who learned a valuable lesson about safety early in her career. Tune in to hear what she saw, what she learned, and why she's a better professional because of it.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:45 – Introducing Katie, a REALTORÒ of 15 years in Parsons, Tennessee who owns her own firm
01:45 – She will be president of her association next year
04:20 – On buying and selling real estate
04:40 – It's a very professional business; the consumer is getting wiser and people in the industry who are professional thrive
05:20 – People don't know what goes on at the back-end
07:30 – Katies CSIRE story
07:45 – It has to do with safety; a gentleman was paying cash and wanted to see remote properties
08:08 – On the drive, he pulled out his "junk"; she didn't have cell service and she made an excuse to leave him ASAP
11:00 – What Katie has learned
11:15 – She could've been in a dangerous situation; now she leaves a list at her office and lets people know where she's going to be
12:00 – She also keeps two guns with her at all times; her husband gave her a gun for Valentine's Day, too
12:56 – Ask better questions before you spend alone time with clients; it makes you a better professional
14:48 – Be responsible for yourself
15:05 – How to contact Katie: her website

3 Key Points

Buying and selling real estate is an adult job.
Be safe – crazy things can happen!
Ask better questions to elevate yourself as a professional.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Aaron Fragnito - Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #166 Sep 19, 2019

Show notes

I'm sorry, did you say Sunset Avenue or Gun-set Avenue? Aaron Fragnito, founder of Peoples Capital Group and successful real estate investor, gives us the nitty-gritty truth about being a landlord. Tune in as he shares about his greatest challenges, biggest shocks, and most valuable lessons that have shaped the way he runs his business today.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:45 – Introducing Aaron, a real estate investor
01:30 – On being a landlord
01:45 – It's not as easy as you'd think; Section 8 annual inspections, the neighborhood, and difficult tenants can make it hard to get an income from the property
03:15 – You need to pick and choose your tenants to fit what you want
03:45 – What he looks for in a tenant and why
04:00 – Credit checks and checks on evictions are a good place to start; interview them, see how they speak, and notice how they take care of their car
05:22 – He had a bad experience with a tenant who didn't take care of the property; he visited and it looked like a third-world country, they were living so poorly
06:50 – His property manager walks through each unit every 6-8 months now
07:47 – They ended up selling the building; they were unable to evict the tenants
12:20 – On vetting your tenants and using property managers
12:42 – If you interview your tenants well, you'll profit more and have a better experience as a landlord
13:25 – His partner does a 30-second walk-through of their current home as part of the interview process
14:00 – Aaron's piece of advice: Diversify
14:38 – They buy an apartment building every quarter and have tons of syndications; they've cracked the code to profit in their area
15:20 – Get out there, meet people, ask questions, and connect
16:45 – How to contact Aaron: peoplescapitalgroup.com

3 Key Points

Being a landlord isn't always as easy as it seems.
Vet your tenants!
Connect with others to learn, partner, and connect.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

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