Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Latest Episodes:

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #114 with Jerry Cibulski May 01, 2018

Show notes

Here's a riddle: When would a buyer question the valuation of a seller's house due to damage they did to it themselves? ...When it's a daughter buying from her parents! Jerry Cibulski, a realtor living the life on the North Fork of Long Island, will never forget when he found himself in the middle of a family sale. Tune in to hear how Jerry handled his family members while managing everything behind the scenes, and why he believes family members are best referred elsewhere.

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 – Introduction
00:40 – Jerry is a Southold real estate agent with Century 21 Albertson Realty; there are lots of vineyards, vacation properties, and beautiful homes
1:10 – Everything is interconnected to create a food, entertainment, family, and sharing experience
02:45 – His parents thought about moving back down to FL but changed their minds; they went down to Bradenton, FL to visit family and he gave them their home's value
03:25 – He called them and turns out they found a house, put money down, and needed to close in 90 days, which means a buyer would've needed to contract that day
03:37 – They said that his sister could buy it and they needed his help to figure out how
04:00 – 3 months later, his dad is saying "shit or get off the pot" and his sister is rethinking the valuation of the home due to a hole in the door she kicked as a teenager
04:50- People don't know what is going on behind the scenes; there are so many nuances to working within guidelines, especially in unique situations
06:15 – He also helped his sister sell her house and had to walk her through the appraisal process
07:12 – His sister learned from experience; to get the best interest rate she called her mortgage rep every day until she liked the rate
08:00 – When she was ready to purchase and move forward, the perfect home in FL showed up and the timing connected
08:30 – Her parents love their new house and community
09:05 – After going through everything herself, his sister understands the process much better
09:35 – Jerry's thoughts about representing family members
09:48 – You're better off referring them to someone else; you're too close to it
10:15 – Being a seasoned agent, you need more experience and explaining
11:00 – You can set up a team in other places and refer your family to them
11:32 – How to reach Jerry: By phone, (631)404-2507, email, Instagram, or Facebook

3 Key Points

There are so many nuances to working within guidelines, especially in unique situations.
Refer family out to other realtors in your network to save the headache and build your team.
People don't know what goes on behind the scenes in real estate – do what you can to educate them.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #113 with Kellie Tinnen Apr 24, 2018

Show notes

Sticks and stones may break bones...but they won't stop a good realtor from taking a call from a client! Kellie Tinnen, Training Administrator for the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors, shares the story of when her friend was –literally– beat with a stick by an unruly child. Now that Kellie does broker outreach and in-office trainings, she teaches new brokers how to treat clients, other brokers and property (hint: beatings NOT included), and ensures they're up-to-speed on association happenings and updates.

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 – Kellie's background
00:45 – She's located in Albuquerque, NM, started in real estate almost 10 years ago as a broker, and now works for the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors as a training administrator
01:15 – She does broker outreach and in-office training; there are about 3,400 brokers in the greater Albuquerque area
02:30 – Kellie's CSIRE story
03:05 – The worst things that have happened she's done to herself
03:38 – The funniest thing was "the kid with the stick"
04:05 – She got a phone call from a man who wanted to see a property in a remote area
04:15 – She went with the realtor listing the property and they met the man and his son there; the boy was misbehaving
05:04 – The boy yelled at the other woman and hit her with a stick while she was trying to take a call from another client
05:20 – The funniest part is how she didn't miss a beat; she told the client to hold, told the father to tell his son to stop, and continued her call
06:00 – Lesson: Separating yourself from flash emotions and keeping it together
07:30 – What Kellie trains to get new realtors up to speed on best practices
07:40 – Starting early with new member orientations; she teaches how to treat clients, other brokers, and other people's property
8:30 – Buyers can't take ownership of a property until the deal is complete
09:02 – Set expectations for clients
10:10 – Kellie's successes in outreach to brokers
10:15 – She had good relationships already before going into the association
10:40 – GAP (Gar Ambassador Program); ambassadors from the association funnel the trainings into their offices
11:27 – 70% of their membership is made up of smaller brokerages, so GAP is necessary to spread messages
11:45 – It spreads awareness of what goes on at the association, so it can fuel political involvement as well
12:20 – How to contact Kellie: by email at kellie@gaar.com

3 Key Points

Be professional and separate yourself from flash emotions.
It's important to train new brokers how to treat clients, other brokers, and property.
Outreach programs like GAP train and bring association awareness to new brokers.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #112 with Shakeima Chatman Apr 19, 2018

Show notes

Crime scene showing, anyone? Despite any caution tape in her way, Shakeima Chatman knows how to hustle. At the lowest point of the recession, she decided to leave her stable corporate job and take the leap into real estate. She said it best: "It hasn't always been easy, but it's always been worth it." Today, Shakeima has her own team, The Chatman Group, is brokered with Carolina Elite Real Estate, and has authored the book, "Possess the Land: The Believer's Guide to Home Buying." Tune in to hear how Shakeima sees home ownership as a legacy, educates her clients beyond just the buy and sell, and empowers single home buyers to shift their mindset about ownership.

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:

01:13 – Shakeima's background
01:15 – She's from Charleston, SC; her father was in the Navy so she grew up part-time in Virginia Beach, VA
01:26 – She's been in real estate for 7 years; she quit a corporate management job for a commission-only lifestyle: "It hasn't always been easy, but it's always been worth it"
02:08 – She's only known hustle because she got in the game during the recession; it shaped her strategy, discipline and fate
03:45 – Her CSIRE story
03:55 – She was going to show a property to a single mom and safety was a primary concern; they pulled up and it was a crime scene, the seller was trying to convince them
04:37 – The police officer in her car was telling them "Run! You don't want to live here!" so Shakeima didn't have to
05:25 – They had had a break-in; they were remodeling a house in a neighborhood that was in the process of being revitalized, and it was attractive to burglars
06:20 – She ended up buying in a different neighborhood; most of Shakeima's clients are single women who are doing it on their own
06:47 – The biggest challenge that single buyers face when entering the marketplace
07:05 – Fear and overcoming the beliefs/myths they hear from others; understanding that they don't have to have the traditional family to have the house
07:35 – She teaches the investment-opportunity aspect of real estate; she helped a woman sell her townhouse and buy a house and she walked away with $10,000
08:38 – Clients are part of the home ownership message; she encourages those conversations on social media
08:45 – Shakeima's book and its premise
08:50 – Book: "Possess the Land: The Believer's Guide to Home Buying"
08:57 – Tells stories of home ownership; her grandmother rented a home for over 30 years and lost the home and legacy when it switched owners
10:00 – One of her Facebook friends now owns that house
10:30 – How to contact Shakeima: The Chatman Group SC on Social Media
10:50 – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, website, and by phone (843)225-8830
11:20 – Possess the Land: The Believer's Guide to Home Buying" takes you through the journey of homeownership compared to the journey that the children of Israel took to the promised land
11:32 – The book can be found on Amazon or through the book's website

3 Key Points

Hustle your way to success and don't lose what you've learned in tough times.
Educate your clients on the deeper reasons behind ownership like legacy and investment.
Your clients may be fearful or doubtful – be the support they need to make the best decision.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #111 with Linda Devlieg Apr 17, 2018

Show notes

Dog? What dog? When Linda Devlieg, realtor of 25 years and ex-dog groomer, tells you to pay attention to a "Beware of Dog" sign, LISTEN! Tune in as Linda tells us about how she singlehandedly stopped two attacking dogs, how her clients ran off when they saw a bull snake sunning on a porch, and – if you haven't noticed yet – how real estate is nothing like what you see on TV. Linda also sheds some light on how patriotic the job of a realtor really is and encourages us to do our homework to learn why.

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:

00:50 – Linda's Background
01:00 – She's been in real estate for 25 years and serves Albuquerque, NM and the surrounding areas
01:20 – There's a city in New Mexico called Truth or Consequences
02:20 – Linda's CSIRE story
02:30 – She was going to show a home and a sign said "Beware of Dog;" she knocked, but no one answered and there was no barking
02:55 – Two dogs suddenly attacked her; she grabbed one by the muzzle and the other backed off
03:30 – She went to show a luxury property but there was a 6-foot bull snake on the front porch; the buyers ran away and never saw the home
04:05 – The day-to-day in real estate isn't what you see on TV
04:35 – Real estate is more important than what the public sees
05:10 – Linda's husband is in the moving industry
05:15 – He runs one of the top beacon's agencies in the country
05:48 – He tries to make things comfortable; people don't understand what happens in the background
06:30 – She's called him for male back-up before, but he'll never bring home boxes
07:00 – One thing that makes Linda stay in real estate despite all the changes over the past 25 years
07:15 – The feeling of accomplishment when you realize the part you play in something so patriotic as home ownership
08:15 – The Code of Ethics and history behind real estate and the association is amazing
09:05 – She once had a man propose to his wife at the open house so they could write a VA offer
09:15 – Realtors should get involved in political work; their job is so patriotic
09:43 – How to contact Linda or reach out to her husband for moving services
09:53 – Her website: realestateinabq.com, phone number: (505)440-7200

3 Key Points

Real estate isn't what you see on TV.
As a realtor, you play a part in something very patriotic: Home ownership.
Learn the history of real estate and get involved in its political future.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #110 with Kim Knapp Mar 29, 2018

Show notes

This is real estate church, and we're preaching some truth! Early on in her real estate career, Kim Knapp learned what it takes to be successful. It's very simple: Just be above average. After selling $6 million in her first year, Kim landed among the stars and now instructs other realtors on how to do the same. Powered by hustle and grit, Kim discusses the importance of doing what it takes – even if that means popping 99 red balloons. Tune in to hear what it means to be "above average" and what it takes to become a true leader.

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:

01:00 – Background

01:06 – Kim works in Jacksonville, FL in Clay County, has been in real estate for 18 years, has a background in ministry and original had planned on working in counseling
1:40 – That background has been very useful in her work now; she knows that it's not about the money in real estate
02:20 – In her first year in real estate, she didn't know anyone but sold $6 million; Kim has had a strong work ethic since she was young
03:40 – She read and followed all the instructions in Danielle Kennedy's book "How to List and Sell Real Estate"
04:30 – Kim asked her business-owner friend for the one most important piece of advice and it was, "Just be above average," and to do a little more than everyone else

05:45 – Kim's CSIRE story

06:00 – She went to a woman's house that she had listed that was closing in 4 days; she hadn't packed at all and was like a "crazy cat lady" with only one cat
06:50 – Kim and her family helped pack the lady's belongings while she and a friend sat folding and pumping up balloons
07:05 – They put the balloons inside a cabinet so the glass shelves don't break – it didn't work – and Kim was left popping balloons and cleaning up glass
08:00 – She had 4 neighbors help pack and clean up this woman's home, but in the process Kim lost a pair of Chanel sunglasses and a diamond out of a ring

08:40 – Doing what it takes but having boundaries

09:05 – When she first started she would drive across town for a $65,000 trailer; she gets agents that don't want to drive far for an $80,000 trailer
09:30 – Treat everyone the same and be above average; you must hustle and do what it takes

10:00 – Kim now works in leadership and instructs realtors

10:15 – Be deeply invested in knowing what's happening in the industry and educate yourself constantly
10:45 – Realtors are the voice for property owners; they aren't banded together like realtors are
12:05 – People will respect and value you if you put in the work to become a true leader
12:45 – How to reach Kim and Team Knapp: Office Phone Number (904)637-0285, Cell Number (904)334-7425, or by visiting her website teamknapp.com

3 Key Points

Just be above average; do more than anyone else.
Treat everyone the same and do the right thing.
Know what's going on in the industry and educate yourself constantly; the learning is never over.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #109 with Kynse Leigh Mar 27, 2018

Show notes

Kynse Leigh is a trooper. In 2014, she opened her own brokerage –just to find out two years later that she had a failing kidney and would need a transplant. That didn't stop Kynse from documenting her journey with Facebook Live videos, continuing her work, spending time with her son, and creating awareness around the transplant journey and the importance of being a donor. Tune in to hear how Kynse was supported by her community of realtors, how she connected with her donor's family, and why she's got not one, but three kidneys now!

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:

01:00 – Kynse's background
01:10 – Kynse started as an assistant with ReMax in 2000, was licensed in 2003, and opened her brokerage Remax Dream in downtown Fort Myers, FL in 2014
01:50 – She had two agents and was the short-sale queen for a while
02:00 – Her health journey
02:45 – In October of 2016, she was told she had a failing kidney and would need a transplant
03:25 – She would need a kidney and pancreas transplant so she would avoid kidney failure and no longer be a Type I Diabetic; she's 37 years old and has a 9-year-old son
04:55 – She grew up as a Type I Diabetic and went through everything that comes with that
05:20 – She feels blessed because she still has her eyesight, limbs, and has no other diabetic issues; she actually has 3 kidneys now, including the new one
06:50 – She refused to start dialysis; she wanted to be there for her son and realtors and be doing things
07:49 – She documented the whole transplant process to share the journey, starting with the first call from the transplant team
09:53 – Her documentation shows people what the process is like; Leigh Brown and her son have watched the videos because he has kidney issues as well
11:05 – Her son has been very supportive of her; Kynse is happy her journey has helped Leigh's son in his own
13:30 – Being real, authentic, and yourself goes a long way; Kynse has connected with incredible realtors going through their own health challenges
14:40 – The community of realtors has been amazing and supportive
15:22 – The transplant family and the connection
16:20 - Most people write letters that go through LifeLink to connect to the donor family; her donor was named Elijah and was 15 when he passed
16:53 – She didn't receive much information about the donor, and the donor didn't receive much information about her
17:30 – She comes up if you Google "Florida kidney and pancreas transplant" because of her work in raising awareness around it
18:08 – They found his GoFundMe page and the donor's family found her
19:00 – Become a donor: Only 45% of Americans are registered organ donors; 115,000 people in America are waiting for an organ and an average of 21 people pass away each day waiting
20:20 – Her organ donor saved 6 lives, he has a page and hashtag #sixisgreaterthantwentyone
21:50 – On the iPhone Health App, you can sign up to become an organ donor in minutes; or go to org if you don't have an iPhone
22:58 – Let your family know your wishes; they could say no
24:50 – You could be a living donor; you only need one kidney to live and you can donate a portion of your liver (it grows back)
26:15 – Being a broker through all this change
26:45 – Her office management and agents are amazing; she lost a few agents and realized who she chooses to spend her time with
28:00 – Use hashtag #dontburygoodorgans when you sign up to be a donor and support
28:47 – Stay in touch
28:54 - Remax Dream contacts: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, email, website
29:15 – Kynse's contact information: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

3 Key Points

Remain optimistic.
You have the chance to touch lives; become an organ donor.
Support those that inspire you and connect with others that have a relatable journey.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #108 with Stephanie White Mar 22, 2018

Show notes

Stephanie White has worn many hats in the real estate world. She's gone from realtor, to broker, to managing and regional broker, to working in the association world – and not necessarily in that order. Stephanie gets into the problem of new shiny things on the market when realtors should just focus on what's tried and true. Tune in to hear how you can't buy likeability, why authenticity always wins, and what it means to be proactive.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes

01:15 – Stephanie's background
01:20 – Stephanie is in Mobile, Alabama, has been there for 2 years, and was in Florida for 25 years
01:35 – She worked and volunteered at 5 different associations, started as a realtor, became a broker, then became a managing and regional broker
02:10 – She worked with a company that sold leads and measured ratios from call to close; the results were enlightening because she had no idea how it worked
03:28 – Understanding conversion rates was something she didn't know for the first 10 years of being in real estate, and that was after getting out of the selling side
03:50 – It's critical for realtors now to drill into their own markets
04:30 –Every realtor should have to go through the process of listing their own home and purchasing a home before leading a client through the process
04:50 – Before you've lived it, it's hard to council and advise someone going thorough it
05:00 – Her cross-sale with her purchase was with a successful woman; Stephanie learned that it was about tenacity and staying with it
06:00 – Her association members are inundated with new things that want their money and time, but door-knocking, cold-calling, marketing, and authenticity still win
06:45 – Likeable realtors do well because they're authentic
07:35 – There will always be someone who doesn't like you; don't take it personally
08:55 – Facebook groups: No one is who they are online
09:40 – Social Media
09:53 – Stephanie sticks to work and cat videos; there's so much noise out there
10:18 – As an associate executive, you must be where your members are
10:45 – Mobile association: Big events, participation, and culture, but there were certain gaps
11:30 – Policy manual creation for Mobile
12:23 – Sending members and staff to national events so they are educated themselves
12:53 – They have credibility with members so they'll listen
13:15 – New perspectives and people add value and engage members
14:36 – The importance of knowing the "why" behind what's going on
14:48 – People fear change but need to be adaptable and proactive; you should anticipate change that is coming and make thoughtful decisions
15:48 – Talk to your association executive, get them to listen to this episode, and have a conversation about your involvement; consumers, too
16:15 – Associations give realtors comradery, education, and current happenings
16:37 – How to reach Stephanie White
16:42 – Stephanie Sharp White on Facebook or email Stephanie@gcmls.com

3 Key Points

Experience what it is you are advising and counseling on.
Be outrageously authentic; people will see if you are trying to be someone else.
You won't be liked by everyone – its ok – don't take it personally.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #107 with Laura Fangman Mar 20, 2018

Show notes

Laura Fangman, realtor of 10 years and micro-farmer, gives us the dirt on some drama that ensued when she showed a home to a buyer who had recently gotten into a fight with the seller, unbeknownst to her. Laura reflects on her experience as a new realtor and how she learned to select her clients carefully from that point on. Tune in to hear how Laura insists on asking better questions, receiving better answers, and what she does if she can't get them.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

01:20 – Laura is in Virginia with a micro-farm outside of D.C., has been licensed in Georgia and Tennessee, and has been licensed for 10 years
02:25 – Laura's CSIRE story

02:30 – 10 years ago, she got a call on her cell; it was an agent from a close market, from the same brokerage, calling to refer a client
03:10- She spoke to the people and was excited; they were working on selling a house before buying one they liked and said they were already working with a lender
03:48 – She took them out to see homes, the last home was the original one they were looking at; the sellers and their agent were there
04:40 –The agent's male client starts losing his mind; he was shouting obscenities, trying to move past his agent to where her clients were standing, his wife started crying
05:30 – She leaves the house with her clients, apologizes, and walks back in to talk to their agent; something was going on
06:02 – She learned that the sellers and her clients had had an altercation and fight that involved police not long before the showing
07:00 – The clients and the realtor who referred them to her were friends and had set her up to show it, knowing that guy from the altercation was the seller
07:30 – The seller had just gotten his stitches taken out from the last altercation
07:40 – Laura learned that it is important to prequalify clients before taking them out to make sure they are serious about the purchase
08:18 – If that had happened now, 10 years later, Laura would've been better equipped to handle the escalation with the broker who referred the clients to her
08:35 – Real estate is a self-policing profession; oftentimes new realtors aren't prepared for this
09:10 – Laura doesn't know if that realtor is still in the business
09:28 – What Laura would say to a potential buyer/seller who doesn't want to answer questions
09:43 – "I'd be more than happy to refer you somebody who might be more interested in dealing with this? Can recommend another agent?"
10:00 – She has lost clients over this, but she refuses to invest valuable time in people who aren't serious about doing something and don't understand the importance of it
10:30 – She insists on a lender letter (proof of funds letter if paying cash)
11:00 – How to reach Laura: her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

3 Key Points

As a new realtor, be aware that you may need to self-police; if caught in a scary or serious situation, make your safety top priority.
Make sure someone is prequalified before taking them out; not just to make sure that they're at the right price point, but to make sure they're legit and serious.
Select clients that understand and respect your service and time investment; if they don't, it is okay to acknowledge that it isn't a good fit.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #106 with Clint Skutchan Jan 26, 2018

Show notes

Clint Skutchan, recovering association CEO, consultant, and podcast show host, digs deep into the struggles of association life, including having to deal with people who seem to just be "riding it out." Whether it be unmotivated volunteer leaders or members that fear change and use their power for the not-so-good, Clint seems to have dealt with it all. Tune in to hear what it takes to create real change and shift the minds of the people who have the power to make it.

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:

01:15 – Clint's background

01:20 – He was an association CEO for 10 years, spent 10 years in talk radio, and he now consults
01:45 – He combines his association and media skills to nationally consult and speak

02:11 – Why should people be interested in association life?

02:19 – If you aren't paying attention, others can take advantage of leadership roles and relationships
02:52 – Local, state, and national associations leadership tips; a woman called Leigh to ask for advice on her incoming local presidential role

03:50 – Leadership is all about what you can do for the association and its members; it is about serving and understanding your role and process

04:45 – Leigh asked the woman how the CEO/association executive is, because that'll give insight into what advice to give
05:22 – Leigh asked why the woman labeled the person as "bad to medium;" they don't communicate, value the members, or have a clear and positive view of the future

05:58 – What would Clint tell an incoming leader who's dealing with a staff person who isn't energetic or shoulder-to-shoulder with their volunteer leaders?

06:07 – Asking the question: "Why are you here?"
06:20 – What is their motivation? Are they just riding it out?
06:45 – Figure out how to manage that or how to move away from that kind of executive

07:00 – If you are an executive that has lost your motivation, you should change personnel or change your perspective

07:21 – "My Year:" One person's legacy that may not encompass the whole
07:52 – Ask the staff what they need; sometimes it's the volunteer's problem

08:09 – Some volunteers are used to running their own business; an association is very different because it is a collective experience

08:43 – There isn't any real formal training in most cases for association leadership
09:02 – When you rise to leadership you are no longer just focusing on one thing; you must oversee it all and the whole team

09:20 – Are volunteer leaders provided the correct education to succeed and understand what they've said "yes" to, since the role is entirely different than their day-to-day life? Does Clint think that realtors are responding to threats in a personal way because they must move fast in their business life and associations typically move slowly? Have associations failed to respond because they don't educate their volunteer leaders correctly?

10:18 – The good organizations are doing it right; there is a big difference between those and the ones just finding their way through
10:33 – The ones geared towards flexibility and change work in a change-based world; the ones stuck on status quo get stuck

11:02 – How can volunteer leaders push their associations to have a mindset that embraces change rather than resists it?

11:28 – It comes down to the association's culture which consists of strategic focus, repeatable processes, consistent outcomes, and mutual passion
12:15 – With those things, you'll identify the self as an entity; it starts with a good staff and good leadership

12:47 – If you have a forward-thinking leader in an association but the volunteer leaders fear change, resist listening, and eliminate staff, how do you get past that?

14:00 – When you are an executive you hire and fire volunteers that make decisions based on whims, are too comfortable, don't want to follow processes
14:53 – Ultimately it's a matter of how much attention the general membership pays to those who are their leaders and their decisions
15:00 – Their actions show if the leadership is ready to lead and represent

15:35 – What Clint thinks will happen in real estate life within the next 3-5 years

15:55 – He looks through the lens of the association
16:08 – 5 trends he sees in the association world: leadership shift impacts will find their way to the local organizations
16:50 – Consolidation shifts will continue (regionalization) and will impact day-to-day agents
17:28 – Advocacy must start to adapt; the way advocacy is approached and delivered needs to shift; if you aren't going to adapt you are going to struggle
18:00 – As markets settle in, we are going to see agents have extra time on their hands; there will be more volunteers coming back to the association

18:50 – Even new realtors can have the knowledge and expertise to make good positive changes in the association world
20:00 – When does Clint think we will see a National Multiple Listing service that is backed by realtors?

20:19 – He doesn't see a national one happening, he thinks regional ones that revolve around true markets are more likely
21:54 – You can read Clint's columns on Inman or listen to his podcast called The Association

3 Key Points

Leadership is about serving and understanding your role and processes; know what you can do for your team and members.
Get involved in association life but be adaptable and accepting of positive change and future-driven leaders.
Both in association life and in your own business, the keys to a solid culture are strategic focus, repeatable processes, consistent outcomes, mutual passion, and identifying the self as the entity.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #105 with AJ Frye Jan 23, 2018

Show notes

AJ is a star, and not just on the dance floor or roller rink! Tune in to learn how AJ took over a roller rink, hosted a skating party, got made fun of by strange association tenants, and still managed to become an "accidental volunteer leader." Learn why volunteer leaders matter in real estate – and not just for realtors, but for homeowners and homeowners-to-be, too.

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:

00:55 – AJ's background: She is in Dayton, Ohio and focuses on property management, commercial, residential and receivership, and has been in the business for 25 years
01:27 – What is receivership?

01: 30 – She goes in and takes over things on behalf of courts and law firms; businesses to run and real property
01:41 – This can be an inn, a roller skating rink, an industrial warehouse operation, office buildings, hotels, multi-family units; all could be at a moment's notice

02:06 – They also do residential and property management
02:20 – How did taking over a roller skating rink happen? What's the story?

02:34 – She used to skate and was good; when she took it over she shut it down, invited a ton of friends, and had a skating party
03:17 – She didn't buy the rink, but her friend bought it to showcase his luxury cars

03:50 – AJ's crazy story

04:00 – She never expected to be made fun of by people in the Condominium and Home Owner's Associations
04:15 – Strange people can live in the associations and have strange ideas despite state law that dictates otherwise
04:41 – She tried to encourage to clients to buy into the associations so they participate in what is going on because they've already made the investment

05:20 – You can't complain about the decisions if you aren't apart of the association's decision-making process
06:20 – She is going to be the president of the state of Ohio in 2019; she is an "accidental volunteer leader"

06:42 – She is from a small brokerage that she started with her father; at her local board, you must be president before you can be president or officer in Ohio
07:00 – She couldn't get on the board of directors and had tried for years; she kept missing because she was from such a small brokerage
07:20 – They appointed her on two different years and asked her to run for Treasurer and she won

08:03 – One reason why this role has been worth her time/energy and why it matters that she, as a volunteer leader, is involved in a real estate deal?

08:28 – The friendship and contacts that you gain make it easy to close a deal because you have personal connection with other agents
09:20 – Hire a volunteer because they are up-to-date, involved, and lobbying on the homeowner's behalf
10:10 – In volunteer leadership you get someone who knows all changes that affect your home and sale

10:35 – When interviewing realtors, always ask how invested they are in political advocacy work to affect policy in ways that help you as the consumer
11:15 – Why AJ is a star

11:20 – She is a competitive ballroom dancer and loves dancing
11:35 – She's done "Dancing with the Stars" and have competed with many pros head-to-head
12:20 – How to reach AJ: Her company's website or call her at (937)609-4281
12:50 – Contact Leigh if you want to learn how to get involved

3 Key Points

As a homeowner, it is important to get involved with your association so you can impact its decisions and policies.
Active volunteer leadership as a realtor guarantees friendships and contacts that prove useful when needing to close a deal or work with another agent.
As a client, always hire a volunteer because they'll be up-to-date, involved, and lobbying on your behalf.

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