Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Latest Episodes:

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #94 with Holly Mabery Nov 14, 2017

Show notes

Do you smell cookies? Leigh and Holly do in this episode of CSIRE, where they decide to lobby for snack baskets and cookies. But it isn't all chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin; Holly Mabery, leader, educator, and veteran in the real estate business, discusses the need for questions, advocacy, connection, and community protection in the real estate business. Tune in to hear where Holly believes real estate agents are falling short, how we can impact our communities, and what we can do to protect our clients from inevitable changes in a cyclical market.

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:

00:54 – Holly is outside of Sedona in a place called Cottonwood; 3rd generation realtor and 4th generation Arizonian with 19 years in the real estate business
02:50 – People think real estate is easy
03:05 – Just sold her childhood home; it was the first house her mother purchased and sold
03:40 – She had to explain agency to her mother; she could represent her parents but not the buyer
04:22 – She has coffee with her mother on Sunday mornings and tells her about her day and work

04:53 – Mother asks, "Did you sell something?" and is concerned that real estate "isn't going to work out"
05:39 – Explained to her mother that the process of meeting with a client and finding their house takes time and a process

06:23 – Reminder that she must slow down and make sure everyone is on the same page

06:34 – Grateful for her parents because they are still teaching her

06:50 – Went out on one of her first foreclosure listings as a young agent

07:02 – She was so excited and she went out and it was a single-wide trailer
07:13 – The front door was open and the inside was a mess; everything was gross, there was trash from the neighborhood and it smelled terrible
07:56 – There was no door; she used a piece of plywood and got a door

08:59 – When you do cash for keys, you see people who are just down on their luck but then others are jackasses

09:12 – You can help people and help work with them and the bank, others you just want out
09:32 – Sometimes there's evidence of human trafficking, drug abuse, child abuse, etc.

09:45 – She fell through the floor of a foreclosed mobile home property in Central Phoenix

09:51 – The holes had been cut in the floors to hide drugs
10:20 – Open carry for those kinds of properties

10:39 – Mobile homes are most affordable housing option right now

10:50 – Even in a condo, you give your life away in HOA fees

11:01 – She was VP of her HOA one year and it was a "special kind of hell"

11:20 – HOA board members were so fussy about the smallest details
11:40 – "Their light is on...that's my favorite" (talking about HOA complaints)
12:00 – They think its paid leadership
12:18 – Lobbying for snack baskets and cookies

12:54 – Did you expect to see yourself in a leadership/instructor role when you first started?

13:01 – She came in to the business at 23 straight out of college and didn't buy her first home until after 1.5 years of selling
13:47 – She started reading the papers and giving the team relevant information
13:57 – She got on the board and saw it wasn't run the way it should be
14:26 – If you are going to do something well, have a high sense of collaboration

15:00 – How do we get to where we want to be and how do you motivate people to get there?

15:05 – Sometimes it's knocking on back doors, making conversation, meeting new people, breaking bread with people

15:38 – Channel what you know to be better into people that haven't heard the message
15:45 – She was teaching LTA with Evan Fukes at a Leadership Training Academy in AZ and she asked, "Why are you here?"

16:05 – She hit a metal easel behind her because she was frustrated and it scared everyone, she knew she crossed the line
16:18 – She said, "I need to know why you are here and what you do for your members!"
16:43 – Clients deserve better – most agents suck at telling the customer why they show up
17:08 – Agents are told to "list to last" but schematics aren't taught
18:00 – People start to crowdsource to learn how to sell but they aren't told the full story

18:30 – The problem with team structure

18:39 – Green agents jump on a team and are told they'll be educated and mentored
18:45 – Team leaders just sees "who sticks," and customer is lost in obscurity
19:18 – In NC provisional brokers shouldn't be in teams because leaders aren't capable
19:26 – New brokers still get in through loopholes and they reflect poorly on other realtors
19:36 – Disconnect between broker, team leader, and whoever else comes along

19:44 – She has a heart for new agents: All they're told is to make phone calls and get leads

19:58 – It's about closing and helping people on the back end
12:10 – They say how many leads they get but what matters is what they close
20:28 – Team leaders push calls but don't teach them the real valuable information that they need to communicate with the client

21:03 – Need to explain to consumer the difference between realtors

21:15 – Consumer should use sites, but then find good realtor to guide them
21:30 – Agents aren't connecting with client at that deeper level to ask the right questions

21:40 – Agents need to ask the right questions, ask about their goals, see how their goals fit with the market, and get them to their goal
21:54 – Best realtors will get solutions from financing standpoint, find investor depending on what they want to buy, and ask questions to get clear on their long-term goals
22:19 – It's fascinating how the number of people who got upside-down during the dark time were never asked, "How are you going to support 10 rentals?"

22:23 – We should keep asking questions knowing another recession is going to happen
22:35 – In a low inventory market, people stop asking questions
22:41 – This cycle goes back to foreclosures; the realtor didn't ask enough questions to protect the end user

22:55 – Ask temporary and long term goals; this is a long-term investment
23:20 – Great opportunity for skilled realtors that understand that the market is cyclical

23:32 – Pay attention to changes in legislation and be proactive
24:00 – We tend to be reactionary in business and associations, but regarding advocacy, "climb the mountain today rather than fight the fire tomorrow"

25:15 – The bill is going after much more than housing; it's going after institutions and people and how they live
25:33 – People think of themselves, but realtors should watch out for everyone in the community and say something if it could negatively impact others
26:10 – Provisions will affect everyone now or later but people are so self-centered

26:39 – Comparison with other markets (rentals/ownership) aren't relevant
27:08 – Housing is a main driver in the U.S., 20-30 are involved in home sales
27:36 – Holly knew a flower shop owner who went from working with 40 realtors a month to two during the recession, for example

28:00 – New bill throws a boulder in a puddle
28:30 – Look at what people do for homeownership; she is remodeling bathroom and tradespeople have gone in and out

28:48 – Tells you how budget/business must change for the long game

29:02 - Agents miss opportunity playing the "one and done today" game; stop being pissed at NAR for standing up for people on national level

29:19 – Look at the impact on your community; on people like the flower guy

29:27 – If we educate new realtors we'll have better advocates in the future

29:44 – Leaders don't want to talk about advocacy to new realtors due to money and that's an opportunity lost

30:07 - At a listing appointment, don't just spotlight MLS and a sign in their yard, but also negotiations, repairs, lender management, appraiser work, services, etc.

30:34 – You miss an opportunity to show them what you do
31:10 – Reach Holly at azheartland.com or hollymabery.com, Facebook, or Twitter

3 Key Points

To do something well, you must have a high level of collaboration.
Ask questions; your questions could save your client in the future.
Understand that the market is cyclical and advocate to help protect your community.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #93 with Jamie Gregory Nov 13, 2017

Show notes

Tax reform is on its way...FAST. Jamie Gregory explains what's going on in Washington D.C. and how it negatively affects homeowners by taxing away tax incentives. Tune in to learn the benefits of homeownership, who is affected (hint: YOU), and what you can do to make your voice heard before it's too late.

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 – Jamie is with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in Washington D.C.
01:45 – What is going in Washington D.C. and the world of lobbying?
01:55 – The passage of the tax bill out of the Ways and Means Committee
02:02 – The release of the senate bill with provisions that affect housing, home ownership, and real estate
02:20 – On the house side, chairman of the committee Kevin Brady says mortgage interest deduction has been retained, when in actuality its effectiveness is nullified
2:38 – Bill will double standard deduction and eliminate state and local tax deduction, meaning only 5% of tax filers will be itemizing
3:00 – Incentive provided by mortgage infrastructure will be taken away
03:13 – Homebuyers receive tax refund, see financial benefit, and put money back into the local economy
03:45 – Renters are great but homeowners tend to invest in and care about the improvement of their neighborhood more
04:20 – Sociologists have studied how home ownership creates more stable, active, voting communities
04:30 – We don't want to take that away; for 100 years, there has been an incentive in the tax code for homeowners
04:43 – What is being proposed in Washington will take that away and make renting and owning no different
05:08 – Other things in the tax reform: Punishment for buying a home and watching equity values increased over time
05:25 – State and local deductions – house bill retains reduction for state and local property tax, but 70% of deduction is for income tax, which has been removed
05:46 – In senate bill they have eliminated state and local deductions
05:58 – Combined with mortgage interest deduction, the state and local deduction provide total incentive to buy a home
06:08 – In 1997 congress passed the Homeowner's Capital Gains Exemption: If you sell your house after 2 years you can keep up to $250,000 tax free as a single filer and up to $500,000 if married
06:30 – The house is proposing to change the rules on that to more than double the time requirement
06:50 – The provision was put in place to help people unlock home's value and functions well for military, people who move frequently
07:25 – The elimination of second homes; mortgage interest deduction won't be used on second homes
07:34 – This affects not just executives or military; many people move regularly or have other living situations, and changing the rules negatively impacts those people
08:32 – National average for living in a house was 5-6 years, and has crept up to 7-9 with recession
09:44 – When the Homeowner's Capital Gains Exemption was passed in 1997, it simplified the process from how it was before
10:14 – Resource to understand the whole picture: https://www.nar.realtor/ click "Federal Issues," then "Tax Reform," you can see maps, statistics
11:10 –Another resource: http://homeownershipmatters.realtor/
11:30 – Need tax reform, but the National Association of Realtors does not agree with changes proposed and they are intentionally moving quickly
12:30 – Obamacare is an example of something that was hastily passed
12:53 – Speaker Ryan has been telling Republican Conference that they must pass the tax reform or else they won't do well in the 2018 election
13:11 – Jamie believes that, if bill is passed, people in high homeownership rates will learn the implications of the bill and they'll do poorly in 2018
13:32 – It'll impact realtors, but NAR and realtors are really the only voice for homeowners on capital hill
13:56 – Realtors invest in communities and represent their districts in a meaningful way
14:16 – Contact your elected officials by texting "Action" to 30644
14:30 – The NAR wants to hear the voice of consumers, too: go to http://homeownershipmatters.realtor/ to respond to the consumer call to action

3 Key Points

The tax reform bill is speedily making its way through the house and senate.
Use the above resources to educate yourself on the tax reform proposals and see how it impacts you.
Tax reform is needed – but not on the backs of homeowners.

Credits

Audio Production by Chris Mottram
Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #92 with Frankee Chapa Oct 20, 2017

Show notes

Snow boots or cowboy boots? Pizza or salad? Director of Marketing Frankee Chapa talks about the difference between real estate in Maine and Texas, the "real estate 15" (or 30) and ways to combat it, and the importance of putting your best out there, whether it's your personal appearance or your MLS photos.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:50 – As the Director of Marketing for an office, Frankee works in San Antonio, Texas and has been in real estate for about 6 years, starting in Maine
01:42 – She likes to discuss the difference between the real estate business in Maine vs. Texas
- 01:50 – small town vs. city, rural vs. urban, only small business vs. tons of options
- 02:30 – the "real estate 15" (or maybe more like 30!) instead of the "freshmen 15" because of the number of builders, warranty companies, etc. etc. that feed you unhealthy food all the time
- 03:16 – Frankee schedules these meetings and tries to push for healthier food
04:20 – How do you keep your realtors from getting fat?
- 04:24 – Health challenges each month like drinking a gallon of water or exercising for 30 minutes each day
- 04:54 –In real estate you care about your image and show that with outfits and your outward appearance
05:15 – What else is different between Maine and Texas, besides the "real estate 15/30"?
- 05:20 – In Maine you always keep your snow boots in your trunk, in Texas they're replaced with cowboy boots
- 05:52 – The outfits are very different, in Texas they're big and beautiful and in Maine they're more simple
06:13 – The importance of dress
06:10 – Dress like a professional that is handling your client's important asset
6:30 – If you dress like you care, it changes the way you carry yourself
07:04 – The agents in Texas look dressy with a good pair of cowboy boots
07:20 – The number of agents: In Maine there were 900, ½ of which were probably part-time, and in Texas there are 10,000
08:00 – It seems like there is less competition in Maine, but it's a head game because not all agents are good and hardworking, so the pool of good agents is small wherever you go
08:23 – Many realtors don't focus on professional photos, marketing, and what clients want
08:58 – Frankee saw a realtor who took photos of a property, took a screenshot on their phone of the photo, then actually uploaded that to the MLS for buyers to see
09:26 – This was a bigger company and Frankee is surprised that it was allowed by the company and the client
10:15 – Taxidermy room on MLS...appropriate?
Frankee works at ReMaxx North San Antonio: Website

3 Key Points

Maintain your personal appearance – beat the "real estate 15" with challenges at the office.
Every state has its style, but always keep it classy!
No matter how competitive your market, stand out with quality, professional work.

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #91 with Pinky Benson Oct 17, 2017

Show notes

Not feeling the love?—Pinky sure wasn't when a client decided to critique everything from her dress to "the old lady in the bathroom." While the haters were busy hating, Pinky decided to keep on taking control of the real estate game with creative videos, unique property stories, and...septic tanks?

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:

00:56 – Today's guest is an amazing force in real estate with incredible social media and marketing skills
01:06 – "Pinky Knows Naples" is the name of her show
02:20 – Client story: Pinky loves using video for properties, her community, and everything in her life and appreciates constructing criticism
03:25 – During a walkthrough she told her artist-type client to be aware of her art and paint and how it may be perceived by potential buyers
05:36 – She and videographer still filmed the property and the client didn't like it but didn't provide constructive criticism
06:30 – She had held a viewing party of the 3-minute video and finally told Pinky that she thinks she "slouches too much"
07:45 – She doesn't normally share that she had a chronic lung disease as a child that affects her posture, but she shared this with the client, apologizing if it affected the video
08:24 – Client then states that she looked like she was going to "fall out of her dress," and there was some "old lady in the bathroom," revealing that the "viewing party" was of multiple of her real estate videos
09:40 – That "old lady in the bathroom" was helping share the story of her home because she loved her bathroom and the vanity
10:30 – Pinky felt like the client was so critical and didn't understand the concept, and they couldn't work together because the client couldn't be made happy and even wanted Pinky's commission reduced if an offer was less than the asking price
11:50 – "How do I get comfortable in front of the camera?"
12:00 – Know that there will always be critical people and learn to laugh it off and move on
12:25 – There will always be more people who will appreciate what you do rather than critique it
12:40 – Suck it up and recognize their nastiness as a reflection of themselves, and just do you
13:09 – Ask the homeowner why they bought the house and what they love and make that a focal point
13:45 – Even if it's the fact that there are two septic tanks, find a creative way to showcase it as a selling point: Are you "full of shit?" for example
15:33 – Contact Information: If you are looking for a creative marketer in Naples
15:42 – Website and on Facebook search "Pinky knows Naples"

3 Key Points

Video is an excellent and creative way to tell a property's story.
There will always be critics – just do you.
Always ask the owner what THEIR favorite part of the house is – then showcase it (unless it's horrendous "art!").

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #90 with Jason Pee Oct 03, 2017

Show notes

The last thing you'd expect during a house visit is to be greeted by a house owner in his birthday suit. But, since this is the case for today's guest, Jason Peé, tune-in to find out just how he handled this unsavory predicament. In this episode, Leigh welcomes Jason Peé, a realtor in Charleston, South Carolina.

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

Time Stamped Show Notes:

00:21 – Introduction for today's episode
00:35 – Leigh introduces Jason
00:57 – Jason is from Charleston
01:12 – Leigh shares the first time she met Jason
03:05 – Tax sales can be risky, but if you're a long-termer, it shouldn't be that bad

03:20 – Most people are after the interest

04:02 – Jason and Leigh both love the article about the couple who bought a street in San Francisco
04:24 – There was a property in Charleston that Jason was looking up for his client, but he had a hard time finding the owner

05:00 – Jason met the owner

06:30 – The 85-year old owner greeted Jason at his front door naked
09:00 – Jason felt uncomfortable and told his client what was happening over the phone
09:20 – Jason told the owner that he'd just leave the offer, so he can think about it
10:01 – Jason got a call from the owner two days later
10:20 – The owner told Jason that he appreciated the fact that Jason did not tell him to put on clothes because he hates clothes
10:30 – The owner told Jason that he's open to the deal

11:00 – Jason shares some other weird experiences during a house visit
12:10 – Assumptions made about realtors
12:36 – Jason always tries to educate his neighborhood

13:12 – Jason lost everything he had during the market crash
13:31 – Jason now tries to give back to people by helping them

14:14 – Get opinions before offering your place to people who buy property
14:37 – The flip sales explained
15:42 – Ask your community who you should talk to if you need help with your property
16:20 – Realtors want to protect affordable housing too
16:39 – Jason knows just who to work with
17:06 – Jason shares about a deal that one of his colleagues had
18:53 – Jason wants investors to have fair play in the market
20:50 – Reach Jason at www.charlestonglobalpropertyshop.com or at 68 Line Street, Charleston, SC
21:18 – Jason is getting his new office on King St.

21:35 – Call or text Jason at 843-532-0128 If you have questions—even if it's just about Charleston
23:10 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

Stay professional regardless of the circumstance—don't tell people what they should or should not do.
When selling your property, seek opinions from those who are well-versed in the industry, don't fall prey to flip sales.
Invest in a manner that's fair.

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #89 with Alex Milshteyn Sep 26, 2017

Show notes

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

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #88 with George S Wonica Sep 22, 2017

Show notes

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

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #87 with Tim Morgan Sep 19, 2017

Show notes

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

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #86 with Stanley Babinski Sep 15, 2017

Show notes

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

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #85 with Sid and Rhonda Pugh Sep 08, 2017

Show notes

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

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