Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Latest Episodes:

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #34 with Dawn Roy Jan 13, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, Leigh interviews Dawn Roy, an experienced broker based in Virginia. Realtors sometimes compete with one another especially if a buyer is very much ready to purchase a house! At the end of the day, it just comes down to who gives better value to the client. Listen as Dawn shares her crazy experience in an almost-lost client scenario because of a sneaky listing agent.

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:

00:27 – Introducing Dawn Roy to the show
00:42 – Dawn has just began work as a broker from being a sales realtor
01:04 – The best learnings realtors get are the ones in the start of their careers
01:14 – Dawn's story happened on her first 3 months in real estate
- 01:19 – She was working as a buying agent and her buyers (a husband and wife) had fallen in love with a home near Dawn's office
- 01:38 – Being a new player, Dawn immediately made an appointment to view the house by calling the listing agent, who invited them to an open house
- 02:24 – Dawn went to the showing early and—to her surprise—her buyers were already there already too!
  - 03:19 – They were in the house with the listing agent and told her they didn't need a buyer's agent anymore
- 03:27 – The listing agent went out to Dawn and told her that her clients are already being contracted
  - 04:16 – The wife loved the house so much, she didn't want to wait for Dawn and insisted they no longer needed a buyer's agent
- 05:01 – Carefully, Dawn explained to the couple there would be multiple offers made on this property and that they would need to have all their ducks in a row if they wanted to have a hope of getting it—that's when the other shoe dropped!
  - 05:09 – The husband told Dawn about his lender who wasn't available right now
- 05:20 – Dawn saw the opportunity and hit it had, guaranteeing that if the couple used her as a buyer's agent, they would get the house no matter how many offers came in
- 06:07 – Eventually the husband and wife agreed
- 06:18 – They all went back to Dawn's office, prepared an offer, and got the lender letter
  - 06:24 – Out of 5 offers, they got the house – and below list price!
- 06:44 – Dawn knew the listing agent was just after the dollar
- 06:56 – When you're a new agent, you just have to do what you've got to do
- 07:36 – A phone call does NOT guarantee the buyers are yours
- 07:48 – Explore your clients' needs and desires and help them understand the process
- 09:24 – Leigh loves the agent in Dawn's story who gave her the heads up about her client being contracted
- 10:02 – There's just good timing in everything
- 11:09 – The questions you ask your clients are what gives them the value
- 11:30 – Reach Dawn through 804 986 9911 or send an email at dawn@dawnroyrealestate.com
- 12:48 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

Always set an appointment prior to any showings – you will have to know your clients well if you're going to help them buy the house they truly want.
Know your client's needs and desires and give value to them by helping them understand the real estate process.
Sometimes you just have to go the extra mile to get the deal DONE.

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #33 with Drew Fristoe Jan 10, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, Leigh interviews Drew Fristoe from Fredericksburg, Virginia. You can see the most unexpected things when you walk into a client's home. What do you do when what you see is a cause for concern when it comes to listing a property? Listen as Drew shares his hilarious story on the Crazy Shit in Real Estate Podcast and how he stumbled upon a very awkward scenario.

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:

00:33 – Today Leigh welcomes Drew Fristoe
00:43 – Drew is from Fredericksburg, Virginia

00:52 – Drew is with Coldwell Banker Elite

01:00 – One should visit Fredericksburg if they want to know more about the Civil War
02:12 – Drew worked with an older realtor
02:22 – They had a client who was also an older gentleman that wanted to list his house

02:30 – When Drew had the house viewing, the client was really sick
02:50 – Drew was told to just go around the house, so that's what he and his partner did
03:00 – Drew's partner asked him to go into the master's bedroom and there was a mannequin

03:47 – Drew and his partner talked about the mannequin in the car
04:15 – Drew was wondering what they were going to do with showings
04:35 – The mannequin was gone when the house was listed

05:29 – It was a bit awkward for Drew to explain the mannequin to his older partner
06:18 – The house did sell
07:00 – Leigh mentions she can have a show like "Scandal"
07:50 – Find Drew on social media as Drew Fristoe and call him at 540-847-1212
08:30 – Consumers can also tweet Leigh Brown with their own crazy story

3 Key Points:

Be prepared and be professional—you can see the most unexpected things in a house viewing.
Always be honest with your client about any concerns that come up.
Real estate can be serious and hilarious, at the same time.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #32 with Jennifer Langston Jan 06, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, Leigh interviews Jennifer Langston from Kansas City, Missouri. Jennifer shares her disheartening experience with an "incarcerated listing" and the events that unfolded that caused her to lose the listing. Listen as Jennifer discusses how this entire process changed Jennifer and her business practices to better prepare for "the worst scenario".

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
00:30 – Introducing Jennifer Langston from Kansas City, Missouri
00:39 – Leigh knew Jennifer from the internet, then they met in a senior citizen's center
01:20 – Jennifer shares about an incarcerated listing

01:36 – Jennifer found out along the way that the seller was in jail
01:50 – The listing was a 1900s farmhouse, in Kansas, that needed a lot of work
02:21 – In Jennifer's 20 years in the business, the farmhouse was in the worst shape she's ever seen
02:26 – Jennifer started with a conventional renovation loan
03:35 – The agent wasn't truly honest about the seller's incarceration status

04:20 – Jennifer's buyers started asking her questions about the seller because they googled the seller
04:45 – Jennifer confirmed the seller's incarceration with the seller's lawyer
05:35 – In the process, the listing agent had a higher backup offer and did everything to throw Jennifer's offer out
06:20 – Jennifer's offer got kicked out because of issues with the power of attorney
07:00 – The listing agent did something unethical
07:31 – Jennifer shares how disappointed she was with the transaction

09:12 – Leigh shares that the consumers are not aware of what realtors have to go through
09:45 – Jennifer discusses the impact of how people treat each other
10:29 – This experience changed Jennifer's perspective
12:10 – Reach Jennifer at 816-405-2439 and her website
13:27 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

Do your due diligence on the listing agent side RIGHT from the start, so that your set-up well for your contract.
Treat mistakes as a way to improve yourself and benefit your next customers.
Work at a higher standard and be mindful of the way we treat each other.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #31 with Brady Sanford Jan 03, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, Leigh interviews Brady Sanford from Rockhill, South Carolina. Brady shares how he manages to be both in the appraisal and brokerage world and how choosing his line of work catered to his strengths. Also, Brady shares a key strategy that sellers and listing agents can use to get the most value out of their property when it comes to an appraisal.

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
00:33 – Leigh introduces Brady
00:52 – Brady is an apprentice appraiser and realtor and is from Rockhill, South Carolina
01:20 – Leigh mentions that South Carolina is a great place for relocation
01:31 – It was intimidating and interesting for Brady to work as an appraiser at his age
02:13 – Brady shares his expectations in the appraisal world
02:35 – Appraising actually takes longer than what Brady expected
03:00 – Brady shares the advantages of how licensing is set up
03:25 – In appraisal, Brady had to work with a supervisor

03:50 – Brady shares a 3,400 sq. ft. house with 2 bedrooms
04:18 – The owners built it on their own land with swimming pool
04:52 – Brady shares the process of appraisal and what his supervisor does
05:40 – It was difficult for Brady to find someone who will take him as an apprentice
05:51 – Brady has been in the business for a few months now
06:25 – Appraisal appeals more to Brady, as he's good with numbers
07:05 – Brady got advice to get into a brokerage, because it is more profitable
07:21 – Brady has more advantages in his field
07:39 – Brady doesn't want to be an appraiser forever, but he wants to have patience
08:12 – Brady shares his experience with a realtor
08:45 – It was difficult for Brady to appraise a property in a neighborhood that was obviously increasing in value very quickly
09:15 – Brady shares what the consumers and realtors don't realize—listing agents can provide supporting documentation to get the value they want out of the property
09:50 – As an appraiser, Brady wants supporting documentation for houses that are fairly similar to the house in question
12:00 – Brady can be reached at 803-318-5473 and by email
12:57 – Tweet Leigh Brown with your very own crazy story in real estate

3 Key Points

Do something you really love and in an area that you are highly skilled.
Appraisal and brokerage go hand in hand – it is absolutely an advantage to be in both.
Supporting documentation that is similar to a house makes an appraiser's life easier.

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #30 with Tara Christianson Dec 16, 2016

Show notes

Summary:

Being a realtor isn't as easy as you think, especially for the newbies in the biz! Listen as Tara Christianson explains how her naivety made her spend $15,000 of her own hard-earned money for a single listing that she never even sold!

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:

00:27 – Introducing Tara
00:47 – Tara started as an agent before transitioning to life as a technology and training director
- 02:25 – Tara's first listing was a $1.7M house
- 02:55 – Her clients lied to her about the price
- 03:08 – The market started to drop
- 03:25 – Tara finally secured an offer for $1.4M
- - 03:33 – By that time, Tara has invested already $15,000 in marketing
  - 04:48 – The listing has been up for 6 months
- 05:02 – The owners declined the offer
- - 05:19 – Why?—because they were just using their home as an ATM
- 05:45 – The owners didn't want to get the 'embarrassment' of a short sale situation, so they pulled off the market
- 06:00 – Tara lost the $15,000 she sank into marketing and an additional $12,,000 in her first year of real estate
07:37 – Timing is everything in real estate business
08:25 – Homeowners don't understand that there isn't any expense account in real estate
09:36 – Sometimes, a short-sale may be the smart economic decision
09:56 – Reach Tara on her website or Tara@techwithTLC.com
10:43 – Are you a listener with a crazy story to share? Ping Leigh at www.crazyshitinrealestate.com

3 Key Points

Think for yourself. Don't do things just because people tell you to.
Always know the numbers.
Spend time developing the right marketing strategy—don't just start marketing blindly.

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #29 with Joslyn Soloman Dec 13, 2016

Show notes

Summary:

Real estate sabotage?—Yeah, it's a REAL thing, just ask today's guest, Joslyn Solomon. She'll tells us about the time she was trying to get a property sold, but kept encountering hostile neighbors, neighbors who used bees, Rottweilers, and live animal traps to make the sale an impossibility.

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:

00:33 – Introducing Joslyn Soloman
- 00:41 – Joslyn does residential real estate in Minnesota
- 01:06 – Minnesota septic tanks freeze
02:06 – Joslyn has been doing real estate for 10 years
- 02:26 – Started with foreclosure properties
- 02:29 – Joslyn's first foreclosed property was a run-down manufacture home
02:58 – She went up to the house and a neighbor comes along
- 03:11 – The neighbor was instantly interested in the property
- 03:38 – The neighbor comes up to Joslyn and says the house was a meth house
- 03:55 – Neighbor reported the property to the county
- 04:39 – Joslyn had to do an elevation survey for the house
- 04:52 – Joslyn went up to the neighbor to tell him the price and he left
05:08 – The house's first showing schedule
05:13 – Agent called Joslyn to say they can't show the house
05:20 – The neighbor put beehives all over the driveway claiming it was his line
- 05:50 – There were a lot of obstacles in selling the house
06:07 – Joslyn gets a call from an agent saying there are Rottweilers tied outside
- 06:21 – Neighbor blocked the driveway by putting the dogs in long chains
06:49 – The neighbor submits an offer and Joslyn tells the bank not to accept
- 07:04 – Joslyn found live animal traps all over in the house
07:24 – The guy got the house for 40% of what Joslyn listed for
08:59 – Don't try to sabotage things for your own benefit
09:17 – What redemption means in Minnesota
09:48 – When redemption period ends, you're expected to get out of the property
10:00 – Every state can be different with their laws
10:57 – Not every house is available at all times
11:37 – There are different and varying rules in every property
12:04 – Foreclosures are their own beast
12:36 –Are you a listener with a crazy story to share? Ping Leigh at crazyshitinrealestate.com
13:04 – Reach Joslyn here or call at 612 850 3153

3 Key Points

People will try to devalue any property to get it at a lower price so be aware.
It's not always the owner or the buyer that has the problem. Sometimes, it's the neighbor!
Some can suck—as a real estate agent, you have to get over it.

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #28 with Lani Rosales Dec 09, 2016

Show notes

Summary:

Realty is about more than making the sale—it's about making the clients feel comfortable and, if need be, normal. And sometimes that means listening to the walls, or pretending to see "wonderful kittens" in a closet that doesn't exist! Listen as today's guest, Lani Rosales talks about her experience with a schizophrenic client.

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:

00:33 – Introducing Lani
- 00:44 – Lani represents The Real Daily
- 00:52 – She is the COO at the American Genius for Entrepreneurs
01:24 – It's challenging to have a client who is schizophrenic
01:51 – Lani started as an on-site property manager for a luxury property
02:10 – One elderly woman won't deal with anybody except Lani
- 02:37 – Old woman wants Lani to see her closet
- 02:52 – She said Lani would love the "kittens" – but there weren't any!
- 03:14 – The lady comes everyday to tell Lani about the "kittens"
- 03:51 – Old woman starts calling Lani
- 04:05 – The lady believed the soap used to clean the carpet "burns" her feet
- 04:18 – Lani experimented with different covers on the lady's feet
06:33 – It's easy to forget how personal a transaction is
07:13 – Realtors should be honored to be part of the process
07:40 – Reach Lani here
08:00– Are you a listener with a crazy story to share? Ping Leigh at www.crazyshitinrealestate.com

3 Key Points

Empathy is an important asset for any realtor.
Real estate transactions are personal transactions.
It's not always about the pay check; it's also about helping your clients out.

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #27 with Marsha Stowell Dec 06, 2016

Show notes

Summary:

Imagine a client shooting off his finger because of anger –that results to non closing because he can't sign! How out of this world is that?! Listen as Marsha Stowell shares about her experience on her very first client 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:

00:30 – Introducing Marsha
01:21 – Marsha's crazy story
- 01:31 – Marsha's first client purchased a house 2 doors from theirs
- 02:09 – Clients and Marsha quickly formed a contract, a contract that would be closing in a week
- 02:14 – Client said he didn't have enough money
- 02:29 – The wife calls Marsha
- 02:33 – Marsha hurriedly drove up to the house
- 02:37 – Wife brings Marsha on the yard and there was blood every where
- 02:43 – The husband got angry and shot his finger
02:53 – Long story short, they didn't get to close
04:12 – Reach Marsha on her website or at 423 534 0336
04:26 – Are you a listener with a crazy story to share? Ping Leigh at www.crazyshitinrealestate.com

3 Key Points

Don't shoot your finger off…how's that for life advice?

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #26 with Clark & Elizabeth Dec 02, 2016

Show notes

Summary:

Moving into a new house might sound easy, but as today's guests Clark and Elizabeth will tell you—it's not…especially when you break your leg and forget to have the gas and water utilities turned on!

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:

00:41 – Introducing Clark and Elizabeth
01:10 – They started by purchasing one house
01:38 – Working with an attorney to ensure the deal goes smoothly
01:57 – Elizabeth catches some bad luck—breaks her leg
- 02:43 – At the emergency room, Clark offers to cancel his trip to Australia
- 03:20 – They decide Clark shouldn't cancel, friends help Elizabeth with their move
04:22 – Clark and Elizabeth benefited from a very nice, helpful agent
04:35 – During the move, Elizabeth got the electricity, phone, and cable all set up
- 05:05 – But she completely forgot about the furnaces, gas, and water!
- 05:53 – Clark also forgot about everything
- 06:35 – As did the real estate agent
07:07 – The gas and water offices were closed Monday for holiday, so Elizabeth had to shower at a friend's house
07:45 – Eventually, Elizabeth got everything in the house settled—including furniture—in spite of her leg
- 08:01 – When Clark got back from AU, he suggested moving the furniture—Elizabeth shut him down, HARD
08:26 – It was a first time learner's experience
09:38 – Elizabeth formed a community to help her during the move
10:40 – "Realtors, remember to help your clients out"
10:53 – Are you a listener with a crazy story to share? Ping Leigh at www.crazyshitinrealestate.com

3 Key Points

Always create a checklist when you're moving.
Always keep your friends and family close—you'll need them when it's time to move.
The first time you move will be a big time learning experience—there will be problems. Keep a smile on your face.

Credits

Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate with Leigh Brown - Episode #25 with Bunni Longwell Nov 29, 2016

Show notes

Summary:

If a property goes into the 40+ showing mark and it hasn't sold, well, there's probably something that isn't right. Listen to this episode's guest, Bunni Longwell, as she talks about her experience with a 40s showing, and how she had to get it right FAST.

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:

00:31 – Introducing Bunni
- 00:43 – Agent for 15 years, located in Florida
01:26 – Bunni's crazy story
- 01:39 – The house Bunni was trying to sell had gone through 42 showing—showings she had never been present for
- 01:55 – Finally, she decides go to a showing
- 02:20 – On the 2nd floor and looking out the window, Bunni can see the neighbor wearing nothing but clothes pins on his body
- 03:03 – Bunni had to do double take to make sure it was real, then she closed all the drapes
- 03:27 – Bunni called the seller and asked about the neighbor
- 03:56 – The seller went over and talked to the neighbor
04:02 – Eventually, Bunni was able to put on a contract for the property
05:05 – It's not always the agent's fault.
06:23 – Reach Bunni on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or call at 727 460 8636

3 Key Points

It's important for realtors to be present at some of the showings, if not all.
If a house isn't selling, it isn't always the agent's fault.
Remember to consider the neighboring properties, and the behavior of their occupants.

Credits

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