Keeping It Real Podcast Chicago Realtors ® Interviews With Real Estate Brokers And Agents

Skye Michiels the National Head of Agent Development at Compass and DJ discuss how photos give you a better chance to connect with people and how to use this tool. Skye goes back to the beginning of his career in real estate how he got into Compass and became the head of agent development there. Skye describes how he started the 6amers and built a community around it. Next, Skye discusses how to nurture and deepen your relationships with your past clients. Skye also talks about what he expects 2023 will look like and how agents can talk to their clients about the rates at the moment. Please check out and subscribe to Skye's the6amers Podcast here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Skye Michiels can be reached at info@skyemichiels.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:002023 is the year that you should deepen relationships with your sphere. But how do you do that? We're going to talk about i

Paul Salazar with Hilton & Hyland Beverly Hills goes back to the beginning of his journey in real estate. Paul describes how he transitioned from working with his mom to selling luxury real estate. Next, Paul discusses how he built his business by cold calling expired listings and how he perfected his skills to get properties sold in record time. Paul also talks about cold calling, door knocking and sending handwritten letter to clients and how these activities helped him build relationships with developers. Last, Paul discusses the the major differences between working with a smaller property size compared to ultra-high-net-worth side. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Paul Salazar can be reached at 310.492.0737 and paul@paulsalazargroup.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00Have you ever wondered how Realtors transition into luxury sales? Well, we're going to talk about that today. Stay tuned

Lindsay Barton Barrett goes back to the beginning of her career as a real estate agent and describes her transition from a real estate attorney. Lindsay explains how how she built her business from scratch and how does she get to referrals. Next, Lindsay talks about how to build relationships with developers and describes how she gained the trust of real estate developers. Lindsay also discusses how is she educating her clients to keep her business going today when the rates ae going up and the market is shifting. Last, Lindsay provides advise for realtors on how to build and maintain relationships and how she keeps in touch with her clients. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Lindsay Barton Barrett can be reached at lindsay.bartonbarrett@elliman.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00Have you ever wondered how developers choose realtors to work on their projects? Well, we're going to talk about

Welcome to the November episode of Learn With A Lender with Joel Schaub of Guaranteed Rate! In this episode Joel discusses how to guide buyer agents in helping their clients. Joel also talks about how to convince first-time home buyers to buy in this market. Next, Joel Joel explains the 2-1 buydown. D.J. emphasizes the importance of partnering up with a lender to offer first-time home buyers webinars/seminars to help them in their journey. Last, Joel describes how to talk to sellers about rate buydown. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Joel can be reached at joel@rate.com and 773.654.2049. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00We all know that rates and inventory are challenging right now. But how do you still speak to first time homebuyers? We're going to talk about that today. Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you going to sell this

Welcome to our monthly feature, Close-ing Time – in partnership with TheClose.com. Chris Linsell from TheClose.com discusses the topic he talked about in the NAR Conference in Orlando. Chris talks about marketing strategies that are still taught and used but don't work on today's market. Next, Chris and D.J discuss the importance of developing niches that bring you opportunities for success. Chris emphasizes the value of the time aspect of the transaction for your client especially in an unpredictable market. Last, Chris and D.J. discuss how to create a specific niche for yourself to work on and how to create a marketing strategy specific to that niche. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Chris Linsell can be reached at chris@theclose.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00What are some marketing strategies that you should absolutely avoid in 2023? We're going to talk about that today. Stay tun

In our November episode of Monday Market Minute, Carrie McCormick from @properties talks about the slowdown as we near the end of the year. Carrie also talks about the decreases in the market regarding listings and under contract single family and attached homes in Chicago. Next, Carrie emphasizes why now is a great time to start drafting your business plan for next year and shares tips on how to draft your business plan. Carrie also shares 7 tips for marketing strategy for 2023. D.J. shares his marketing tip of the month. Last, Carrie and D.J the importance of building relationships with realtors in other markets. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Carrie can be reached at carrie@atproperties.com or by phone at 312.961.4612. Please follow Carrie on Instagram by clicking here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00Are you worried about 2023? Well, let's talk to a top producer and see what she's th

Jen McConnell talks about how she got into real estate business. Jen emphasizes the importance systems and people and how these were the key to her success. Next, Jen talks about The McConnell Foundation and what's that activity all about. Jen also talks about how they brought their services to the next level and the complimentary moving truck they offer to their clients and community. Last, Jen gives advise for new agents and describes what kind of content would she share in her social media if she was a new agent today. Please check out The McConnell Foundation here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Jen McConnell can be reached at (843) 300-7585. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00When Top realtors say that systems and processes are the most important part of their business, what exactly do they mean? Well, we're going to talk about that today. Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is

David Neagle the founder of the global consulting company Life Is Now, Inc. talks about his journey in the business world and how he ended up in consulting. David describes three things he changed in his attitude that brought tremendous change and success into his life. Next, David discusses how one can identify mindset challenges they are experiencing and what to do about that. David also discusses how to identify parts of your business you should delegate and how to achieve that. Last David talks about his The Successful Minds Podcast and what information they share there. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00Today we're going to be talking about three key mindset shifts for your real estate business that will double your revenue without doubling your workload in 2023. Stay tuned this episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you

Leah Canfield a 30 under 30 laureate for 2022 from Breckenridge Colorado talks about how she transitioned from her skiing career into in real estate. Leah discusses her approach to the real estate market and how she got her name to be quoted in local newspapers. Next, Leah describes how she started working in the new development world early in her career. Leah also discusses gut instinct and how she manifests it in her business. Last, Leah describes why she believes the grind culture kills your creativity. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Leah Canfield can be reached at leah@mountainhomesgroup.com and 970.485.1571. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00How does one of the top skiers in the country transition to real estate and become one of the top Realtors in the country all before the age of 30? Will stay tuned we're going to find out this episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real gee

Courtney Hatfield the owner & top producing agent of Your HomeCourt Team talks about how she got into the real estate business. Courtney discusses how she started her career by joining a team and how shortly after that she decided to start her own team. Next, Courtney and D.J. discuss the importance of making big decisions and seeing mistakes as only tools to learn. Courtney describes the role of social media in her success and shares strategies for posting for agents. Please check out Courtney's Social Media Guide here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Courtney Hatfield can be reached at 330-704-2621 and courtneyhatfield@mcdhomes.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00How does a small real estate team that closes one home every three days? How do they generate almost all of their business from social media? We're going to find out today. Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is broug

Welcome to our monthly feature, Close-ing Time – in partnership with TheClose.com. Chris Linsell from TheClose.com and D.J discuss lay-offs by a lot of technology companies and how it's affecting the market. Chris and D.J. also talk about the value of personal brand vs the brokerage and discuss extensively the importance of building your own brand. Next, they talk about what should agents expect from brokerages they join. Last, they discuss what can agents do to improve their services to their clients. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Chris Linsell can be reached at chris@theclose.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks, Reblie and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00As a realtor, what should you be expecting from your brokerage in 2022 and 2023? Well, the answers may surprise you. Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you going to sell this next year? And do you have the ri

Welcome to the October episode of Learn With A Lender with Joel Schaub of Guaranteed Rate! In this episode Joel explains what the FED raise of the rates means for the real estate market in general. Joel discusses the importance of educating your clients and never give up. Joel also emphasizes the importance of building relationships between realtors and lending professionals. Last, D.J. and Joel explain Joel's Weekly Market Update and Lender Introduction Template is, how agents can subscribe for them. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Joel can be reached at joel@rate.com and 773.654.2049. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00Now that rates are above 7%. How are you talking about them with buyers and sellers? We're going to discuss that today. Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you going to sell this year? Do you have the right tools? Is yo

Oliver Graf the Co-Founder & President of Big Block Realty goes back to the beginning and describes how he got into real estate. Oliver discusses how he and his partner built Big Block Realty, how they're different and how they make it work. Next, Oliver talks about what are the best practices of top real estate agents that bring them success. Oliver and D.J discuss what tools their agents use in order to leverage them to greater success. Last, Oliver Graf talks about his own podcast Founders Club and what's it about. Please check Oliver's podcast Founders Club here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Oliver Graf can be reached at (800) 550-3209. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00What are 100%? Commission brokerages and why are they so popular these days? We're going to talk about that. Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you going to se

In our September episode of Monday Market Minute, Carrie McCormick from @properties discusses how she uses the data from the weekly market activity report issued by the Chicago Realtors Association to pivot the current shifts in the market. Carrie also discusses what to do as real estate professionals during this time to make the properties you represent attractive. D.J. emphasizes the importance understanding where you are as a realtor at the moment and the importance of a realtor's cooperation with loan officers. Last, D.J. explains what a holding company is and how real estate agents that are thinking of exiting the market can use them. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Carrie can be reached at carrie@atproperties.com or by phone at 312.961.4612. Please follow Carrie on Instagram by clicking here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks, Reblie and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00How does one of the top Realtors in the country use mar

Brandon Zellers with Spears Group talks about his path into real estate. Brandon describes the strategy he uses for the cold calls he makes everyday. Brandon also talks about his other businesses in luxury car rentals space and his streetwear line. Next, Brandon describes how he prioritizes his day and how he's been able to get a market share in this young age. Last, Brandon discusses the role of social media on the success of his business. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Brandon Zellers can be reached at (850) 736-1168 and brandon.zellers@compass.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks, Reblie and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00How did a 28 year old close $33 million of real estate in his first year in the business? We're going to find out today? Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you going to sell this next year? And do you have the right tools? Is your website turning s

Welcome to our quarterly feature, Social Bootcamp With Gogo Bethke! In this episode, Gogo goes through the process of starting and building a team based on her own experience. Gogo also discusses what positions you need to hire first when deciding to start the team. Next, Gogo describes how she runs her own team from distance and what her expectations are from her team-members. Last, Gogo and D.J. discuss Gogo's bootcamp and what it offers. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Gogo Bethke can be reached at gogosrealestate@gmail.com and at her Instagram account. Purchase Gogo’s Bootcamp by clicking here – Keeping It Real Podcast listeners get a discount! This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00Thinking of building your own real estate team. Where do you start? We're going to talk about that today. Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you going t

Welcome to another episode of Coaching Moments With Ryan D’Aprile from D’Aprile Properties! In this episode Ryan and D.J. discuss Ryan's technology company and what it offers. Ryan talks about how to prepare for the fall season and whether an agent's ready for the spring market. Next, Ryan analyzes an agent's sales funnel to get a clearer idea of what's next. Ryan and D.J. also discuss how to maintain and nurture relationships with your network. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Ryan D’Aprile can be reached at 312.590.6416 and ryan@daprileproperties.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks, Reblie and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00Are you prepped for the winter and then spring market coming up? Well, we're going to talk about exactly what you should do to get ready today. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you going to sell this year? Do you have the right tools? Is your website

Welcome to our monthly feature, Close-ing Time – in partnership with TheClose.com. Chris Linsell from TheClose.com and D.J discuss Chris' article with "111 shocking real estate statistics" and go through some of these statistics together. Chris discusses hype shifts in the market seen in the last couple of years. Chris also focuses on the importance of agent's activity on social media for their business. Last, Chris discusses 3 categories that bring success to agent's marketing efforts. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Chris Linsell can be reached at chris@theclose.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00Today we have some statistics that you need to know as an agent that will actually help transform your business. Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by real geeks. How many homes are you going to sell this year? Do you have the right tools? Is your website turning soft l

Heidi Bolyard an Architect passionate about teaching realtors and other RE Professionals how to think as an architect describes how did she get interested in architecture and why she made it her career. Heidi discusses how she got into working with realtors in helping them and their clients make better decisions. Next, Heidi talks about the frameworks of SOLD, the main walkaways of her courses and how they help realtors. Heidi shares her tips to help agents think like an architect. Last, Heidi talks about the trends regarding renovation or home construction is she seeing right now. Download Heidi's guide on 3 things in 5 minutes to make more money as a realtor here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! You can schedule a call with Heidi Bolyard here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00What do architects see that Realtors often miss? Stay tuned. This episode of Keeping it real is brought to you by re

Ben Lalez with The Ben Lalez Team discusses how he went from an individual producer to leading one of the largest teams in Chicago. Ben describes how he and his team nurture a lead and the processes they use. Ben also discusses what changes are being seen by him and his team in the market with the changes in interest rates. Ben goes back to the beginning and describes how he got into real estate business and also describes where he sees his team headed in the future. Ben and D.J. discuss what comes next for the real estate market. Last, Ben discusses the interpersonal side of his team. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! If you'd like to listen to Ben's first interview with us, click here. Ben Lalez can be reached at 847-452-9675 and ben.lalez@compass.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and FollowUpBoss. Transcript D.J. Paris 0:00How does a top 1% Producer nurture their leads? We're going to talk about that today. Stay tuned. This episo