Crazy Sh*t In Real Estate With Leigh Brown

Today, I’d like to introduce you to the longest-surviving mortgage person I’ve ever met! Marilyn Richardson has been in the mortgage industry for 52, yes, 5-2 years! She became the first female partner of Mason-McDuffie in 1979 – and she did it despite the resistance she received from many people at the time. Marilyn was never afraid to ask for what she wanted, work hard, and seek mentorship from the best– and she recommends the same to anyone wanting to up-level their life. Listen in to learn how Marilyn lasted and what she does every day to stay sane. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:00 – Introducing Marilyn 01:20 – She’s been in the mortgage industry for 52 years 01:30 – How Marilyn has evolved with the times 01:50 – She’s flexible to change and goes with the flow; she knows what it takes to prevent stress 02:15 – Marilyn’s journey 02:30 – She started as a receptionist, when

Do you – or your clients – need credit restoration? Luisa Deason, the owner and operator of Deason Consulting Services, helps people restore their credit so they can move forward, especially when it comes to buying a home. Luisa’s team of lawyers work hard to leverage the Fair Credit Reporting Act on behalf of their clients to eliminate wrong or negative reports – and they do it affordably. Listen in to find out how and learn her top tips for building and maintaining good credit starting today. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:00 – Introducing Luisa from Houston, TX 01:20 – She’s a sponsor on the Real Estate Radio Rat-Pack show in Houston; Leigh was a guest on their show 01:35 – She owns and operates Deason Consulting Services, a company that specializes in credit restoration 01:45 – They help real estate agents and loan officer clients help their clients repair their credit an

When it comes to real estate, Dylan Dworsky made like Frank Sinatra and did it his way! Dylan is a young and ambitious REALTOR® in Newark, DE who decided against knocking on doors and paper flyers and instead chose to market online. Now, he’s getting in front of his ideal client and getting the opportunity to match them with their perfect home. Listen in to find out what Dylan’s doing, how he’s doing it, and what sets him apart from the rest. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:00 – Introducing Dylan a REALTOR® in Newark, DE 01:30 – He’s lived there his whole life; he was a pro hockey player then went into accounting and hated it 02:20 – He worked in sales for a while, was successful in it, and decided to go into real estate 03:05 – Dylan’s CSIRE story 03:14 – He lacked proper training and needed to build his sphere of influence; most of his friends and connections weren’t in the

“Isn’t my body tight and toned? Isn’t it?” Um, awkward! Matt Ivey, a REALTOR® in the triangle area of NC (Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham and the surrounding areas), has quite the story about some crazy shit. From poop-stained carpets to a nutty ex-stripper whose stage name was “Beaverly Woods” (that’s not a typo) – the fun never stopped in that big brick house. Listen in to learn what Matt went through, what he smelled – and what he managed to learn from the whole experience. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:00 – Introducing Matt, a REALTOR® in Raleigh, NC who services the triangle area 02:06 – He enjoys working with first-time homebuyers - he likes the emotion – but he also works with distressed properties and investors 04:00 – Matt’s CSIRE story 04:05 – A lady called him with 110 acres and a four-story house of brick; he goes to meet her thinking it’s going to be a big sale 04:

To pant-suit or not to pant-suit, that is the question! BethAnn from Spokane, a REALTOR® of 17 years and Spokane native, has a fishy story to tell that involves tuna, a cat in love and – you guessed it – a pant suit. She’s also got another story for the books involving a giant teddy bear and humpy dogs. Can’t stand the mystery? Listen in to hear BethAnn’s crazy stories and learn why she got rid of the pant suit for good.   Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:00 – Introducing BethAnn 01:15 – She’s a Spokane native and has sold real estate for 17 years; her father owned a brokerage in the 70s and 80s 01:30 – She has two sets of twins and five kids total; it was good training for multi-tasking 02:40 – BethAnn’s CSIRE story 02:50 – A month or so ago she went to list a house and did a walk-through; she explained what they needed to declutter for photos 03:30 – They went to the patio an

A home tour with a side of teargas, anyone? Tracy Ellis, a REALTOR® of 20 years in Chesterfield, MO, tells a crazy story of when she and her clients had to run from a property with burning eyes and lungs. Listen in to hear what happened to Tracy and learn how radio and magazines have helped her up-level her marketing game. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:00 – Introducing Tracy 01:20 – She’s a REALTOR® of 20 years in Chesterfield, MO, 30 miles from St. Louis 01:30 – Tract works with her husband and has a team; they host 6 weekly radio shows 01:35 – They now have a luxury real estate magazine that they distribute; they did $40 million this year and the average home price is $189,000 03:45 – On having the time to do the magazine and radio show 03:50 – Her husband is techy and she’s more about marketing; it’s all a team effort 04:15 – The radio is a great way to connect with commu

Don’t think you need an LLC as a real estate investor? Think again! Jennifer Gligoric, the owner and co-founder of Leafy Legal Services, has seen all the ugly that comes with not having your assets protected. She helps her clients put structures and layers of protection in place so they aren’t left exposed in legal situations. Listen in to hear Jennifer’s CSIRE story, and learn how the victims could’ve saved tens of thousands in legal fees had they had an LLC in place. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:30 – Introducing Jennifer and what she does 02:10 – She is the co-founder and owner of Leafy Legal services; they help real estate investors with asset protection and estate planning 02:30 – She started with a law firm and has been an entrepreneur for 20 years; she knows why businesses tank and it’s always HR 03:40 – She helps entrepreneurs put structure and layers of protection i

I know, I know, you hate politics! But stay with me and don’t forget that politics directly impact you and your clients! Emily Chenevert, Chief Executive Officer at the Austin Board of REALTORS®, is a passionate lobbyist who gets the importance of having the people’s best interest in mind. She understands the power of negotiation and recognizes that we must learn to give and take when making big decisions. Listen in to learn what makes REALTORS® a unique group and learn some things to ask the elected public officials in your city.  Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com.  Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:30 – Introducing Emily, the Chief Executive Officer at Austin Board of REALTORS® and Host of the ScratchThat podcast. 01:50 – She is a self-proclaimed “Association Junkie” and does lots of political advocacy work 03:50 – She understands that politics are important to have the people’s best interest at hand; the best

We needed some spunk so we’ve invited Marki Lemons to the show! Marki Lemons, a REALTOR®, broker, educator, and speaker has got something to say about the fact that REALTORS® are entrepreneurs and need to start thinking like it! She’ll discuss the importance of having a business plan and niche to really succeed as a REALTOR®. Tune in to hear how education plays a role in everyone’s career, how it played a role in hers, and learn how you can network and learn at the same time. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com.  Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:30 – Introducing Marki, a broker, educator, and speaker who has been in real estate since 1999 01:20 – Marki came in on the lending side then transitioned over to the selling side  04:13 – She’s in high demand for speaking and teaching; she got real-world experience before teaching  06:42 – She loves real estate but is grounded in education; she is happy within her niche 0

What’s up with the antiquated laws in Massachusetts? Kelly Catallo, a REALTOR® of 27 years in the Boston area, is shocked that there are still real estate laws that were put in place to reduce venereal disease. You heard that right! Listen in to hear all about it, plus hear some other crazy shit that you’ll never forget (although you’ll want to!). Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:30 – Introducing Kelly from the Boston area 00:45 – She’s been in real estate for 27 years and has owned her company for 10 years; they deal with everything 01:08 – She was a hairdresser before she worked in real estate 02:30 – Kelly’s CSIRE story 02:40 – They get many antiquated places in Massachusetts and have many crazy laws; if you aren’t married or next-of-kin you can’t own property together 03:50 – Boston is more liberal but more expensive; a Section 8 voucher for a 3-bedroom is $3,000 05:28 - Th

Are you interesting in real estate investing? Reed Goossens, a serial entrepreneur, real estate advisor, speaker, and author, gives us some straight talk about what to consider when investing in real estate. Listen in to learn the strategies he implemented to improve cash flow, protect investments, and build his American Dream. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:50 – Introducing Reed, a serial entrepreneur, real estate investment advisor, author, and public speaker 01:05 – Controls $150 million-worth of multi-family commercial real estate; he left Australia to chase his American dream seven years ago 02:40 – The barrier to entry is lower in the U.S. than in Australia; he realized he needed to buy more low-income properties to make more of a profit 04:05 – His strategy 04:30 – If he was going to be on the lower end of the market, he needed a larger portfolio; his property manager

It’s not often that someone has to kick down the door of their own home! Toria Brown, a REALTOR® of three and a half years in Shenandoah Valley, VA, had to do just that when her property was incorrectly listed as foreclosed. Luckily, she had a great network and support system and was able to clear things up with a lawyer – and still flip the property quickly! Tune in to hear Toria’s advice on what to look for when searching for your agent, lender, and inspector dream team. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:30 –Introducing Toria, her journey, and why she loves the show 01:00 – The show reminds her that she’s not alone in REALTOR® crazy town; it’s an amazing industry with variety and adventure 02:30 – She has learned to pre-game people on the home inspection 03:15 – She lives in the Shenandoah Valley in VA with an office in Augusta County; she’s been in real estate for three and a

If it’s not icicles inside a flooded house it’s a tricky sale with a prejudiced client! Bill Hamburg, a REALTOR® in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is back on the show and ready to share another story and some more crazy shit. This time around, he’ll share how he talked someone with a “For Sale By Owner” sign to let him list their property – not without some hiccups, of course! Tune in to hear how Bill marketed a house on a highway, handled a prejudiced client, and overcame a failed septic inspection. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:30 –Bill’s last CSIRE story: “The Icicle House” 01:30 – He went to a property and heard a “waterfall” 01:50 – Water was gushing from the second floor onto the first from a broken pipe; it was February, the owner had left the water on and there were icicles everywhere 02:20 – Introducing Bill; a REALTOR® out of Horsham, PA who is associated with b

Are your assets, LLCs, and investment processes a “Royal” mess? Scott Smith of Royal Legal Solutions, a firm that provides asset protection for real estate investors, shares why his inspiration for building his business stemmed from his own need. Listen in to learn why he uses a series LLC, how he scaled quickly, and what he created so he could work smarter – not harder. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com.  Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:50 – Introducing Scott, an asset protection attorney and long-time real estate investor; he bought his first property in law school and flipped it to pay for school 02:00 – He had problems getting through his first ten properties, so he created a system and team that works; now he helps others do the same 02:30 – He worked in litigation for two years before turning towards real estate; he learned a lot about asset protection, insurance, and loopholes 04:45 – Scott’s business 05

Public Service Announcement: Please keep your junk in your pants or in your trunk. Seem obvious? Not to Katie Townsend’s client! Katie’s a long-time REALTORÒ in Parsons, Tennessee who learned a valuable lesson about safety early in her career. Tune in to hear what she saw, what she learned, and why she’s a better professional because of it. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:45 – Introducing Katie, a REALTORÒ of 15 years in Parsons, Tennessee who owns her own firm 01:45 – She will be president of her association next year 04:20 – On buying and selling real estate 04:40 – It’s a very professional business; the consumer is getting wiser and people in the industry who are professional thrive 05:20 – People don’t know what goes on at the back-end 07:30 – Katies CSIRE story 07:45 – It has to do with safety; a gentleman was paying cash and wanted to see remote properties 08:08 – On the

I’m sorry, did you say Sunset Avenue or Gun-set Avenue? Aaron Fragnito, founder of Peoples Capital Group and successful real estate investor, gives us the nitty-gritty truth about being a landlord. Tune in as he shares about his greatest challenges, biggest shocks, and most valuable lessons that have shaped the way he runs his business today.  Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:45 – Introducing Aaron, a real estate investor 01:30 – On being a landlord 01:45 – It’s not as easy as you’d think; Section 8 annual inspections, the neighborhood, and difficult tenants can make it hard to get an income from the property 03:15 – You need to pick and choose your tenants to fit what you want 03:45 – What he looks for in a tenant and why 04:00 – Credit checks and checks on evictions are a good place to start; interview them, see how they speak, and notice how they take care of their car 05:22

What makes commercial real estate interesting? Jef Conn, an industrial, office and investment specialist, reveals how a company like Chick-fil-a chooses a location and why he’s always got some cash on-hand. Listen in to hear why he calls his competitors friends, why he wants a unified platform, and why he’s a con-man. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:30 – Introducing Jef, a West Texas commercial real estate expert 01:45 – He is good with numbers and has a personality that fits industrial and commercial real estate; it’s very cut and dry 04:10 – If he comes across a homeless person or squatter, he gives them cash, respect, and asks them to leave 05:20 – On how Chick-fil-a chooses a location 05:42 – They find the best location based on demographics, neighbors, location, and average household income 06:50 – Using RPR to determine demographics 07:12 – He has access to some addition

Do you want to be your client’s real-life Wizard of Oz and give them what they never even thought possible? Steve Sims, a speaker, coach, author and master of making things happen, has some invaluable advice for REALTORS® who really want to WOW their clients in today’s solution-based economy. Listen in to learn how you can give people more than what they want – even before they know it’s possible. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:50 – Introducing Steve, a speaker, coach and author of Bluefishing 02:50 – He believes people overthink marketing; he helps people market effectively, especially those in real estate 04:40 – Communication fixes things that otherwise look complicated 04:50 – People don’t clearly ask for what they want; they ask for what they think is possible 06:06 – On giving people more than what they want 06:20 – Think, dream and vision for your clients to go beyond

Question: When do you know a listing appointment has taken a turn? Answer: When the conversation topic changes from the home to penises and circumcisions! You heard it here first, folks! Paula Brahan, a REALTOR® in Hattiesburg, MS, has been on the show before, but we had to bring her on again to share her most recent crazy shit. Listen in to find out what the heck happened – and learn what crazy things her client had been collecting. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com.  Time Stamped Show Notes: 01:20 – Introducing Paula Brahan; a REALTOR® in Hattiesburg, MS who has been in real estate for 5 years 02:20 – She was a nurse for 23 years and worked in psychiatry; she knows how to deal with crazy 02:50 – Paula’s CSIRE story 03:08 – She went to a listing appointment 30 minutes away; it was a rural community 03:30 – The cigarette odor was very strong inside; the home was neat but the woman “collected” a lot of thing

Want to imagine what a flooded home filled with 60 cats smells like? Well, no need to guess because Rod Meyer can tell you! Rod Meyer is a REALTOR® from Grand Forks, North Dakota whose whole family is in real estate. Tune in hear about the destroyed “cat house” (that sold!) and the silly things he’s had to do to get approval from FHA appraisers. Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting leighbrown.com. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:50 – Introducing Rod, a REALTOR® of 10 years in Grand Forks, ND; he and his wife have a brokerage and he feels he’s a magnet for strange real estate happenings 01:35 – All four of his kids are in real estate in one way or another; his wife thinks everyone should sell real estate 02:40 – They all talk about real estate around the dinner table 03:00 – CSIRE stories 03:10 – His wife walked into a home when the owner said, “Come on in, it’s open” and the man was sitting on the couch in his underwear smoking