Be the Solution with Maria Quattrone

In this episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, host Maria Quattrone sits down with longtime partner and trusted lender Deanne Katsaros, widely known as “The Mortgage Mom.” With more than 15 years in the mortgage industry, Deanne has built a reputation for guiding buyers through complex lending scenarios with confidence, clarity, and care.

This conversation goes beyond interest rates and loan programs. Maria and Deanne unpack the mindset, planning, and discipline required to succeed in real estate and mortgage lending, especially in challenging markets. From branding and leadership to financial planning and emotional resilience, this episode is a masterclass in being the guide — not just the service provider. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why “Mortgage Mom” Is More Than a Brand
• People Don’t Need a Rate — They Need a Plan
• Mindset Is the Differentiator in Tough Markets
• Brand Power Comes From Authenticity
• Why Growth Requires Getting Uncomfortable
• Financial Discipline = Emotional Stability
• 2026 Outlook: Confident, Strategic, and Optimistic

Best Quotes 

Deanne Katsaros:

Maria Quattrone:

Guest Information

Deanne Katsaros — The Mortgage Mom
📍 Pennsylvania
🏦 Green Tree Mortgage https://mortgagemom.net/

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this special episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, host Maria Quattrone is joined by Sharra Mercer of the Gary Mercer Team at LPT Realty for an open, transparent conversation about why Maria made the move to LPT Realty and what this transition means for her team, her agents, and her long-term vision.

This is not a sales pitch. It’s a real conversation about growth, alignment, scalability, and leadership—and what happens when a top listing agent decides she’s done playing small.

Together, Maria and Sharra break down:

• Why Maria left the traditional franchise model
• What makes LPT Realty different from legacy brokerages
• How listing-centric tools change the game
• Why agent-centric models matter now more than ever
• How personal growth drives business decisions

If you’re a real estate agent, team leader, or broker questioning the future of your business, this episode will give you clarity and perspective. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why Maria Left the Traditional Franchise Model
2. What LPT Realty Stands For (and Why It Matters)
3. The Power of Listing-First Tools
4. Agent-Centric vs. Brokerage-Centric
5. Why This Move Was About Personal Growth
6. From Playing Small to MQ 2.0
7. Building a Community Without Forcing a Team Model
8. A Look Ahead: LPT, Aperture, and the Future

Quotes 

Maria Quattrone:

Sharra Mercer:

Guest Information

Sharra Mercer
Gary Mercer Team | LPT Realty
📍 Pennsylvania

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, host Maria Quattrone sits down with Matt Muscat, Marketing Director at Treadstone and a real estate marketing strategist who has worked with 3,500+ real estate agents across the country.

This conversation is a deep dive into how real estate agents can generate leads consistently, even in slower markets — by creating opportunities instead of waiting for the phone to ring. Matt breaks down why most agents struggle, how to fix your calendar first, and how simple daily actions can dramatically increase listings, referrals, and income. 

If you’re a real estate agent looking for practical lead generation ideas, better conversations, and more control over your business, this episode is required listening.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Real Estate Agents Actually Create Leads

Matt explains why “just checking in” calls rarely convert and why opportunity-based conversations produce significantly more business. Agents who call with a purpose — a property, a situation, or a reason — see much higher conversion rates. 

Why Your Calendar Determines Your Income

One of Matt’s most powerful insights:

Most agents don’t block enough time for lead-generating activities they control. Matt recommends dedicating at least 40% of your calendar to actions that directly create opportunities. 

The 3×3 Real Estate Lead Generation Strategy

A simple, repeatable daily strategy:

• Choose 3 interesting properties
• Contact 3 specific people about each property

This creates relevance, personalization, and positions you as the market expert — without cold calling or scripts. Over a month, this equals nearly 200 meaningful conversations. 

• How to Use Social Media to Generate Real Estate Leads
• Why December Is One of the BEST Months for Prospecting
• Using AI to Practice Real Estate Conversations

Best Quotes 

Matt Muscat:

Maria Quattrone:

Guest Information

Matt Muscat
Marketing Director — Treadstone
📍 Michigan
📸 Instagram: @mattmuscat88
📞 Text: 734-306-6430
💼 Services:

• Real estate websites
• Google Ads management
• Marketing strategy for agents & mortgage professionals
   🎤 Speaker & trainer for real estate events
   

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, Maria interviews longtime friend and 25-year real estate veteran Jennifer King, one of Lancaster, PA’s most respected leaders. Jennifer has built her business entirely on repeat and referral, navigating market shifts, competing with cash-heavy out-of-town buyers, and mastering the art of relationship-building.

With Lancaster now attracting homeowners from NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C. due to affordability and Amtrak access, Jennifer shares how she’s adapted, elevated her skills, and protected her clients in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

This episode is a masterclass in adaptability, client psychology, professionalism, and long-game strategy.

1. Lancaster’s Surprising Migration Surge

2. Referral-Based Success — No Paid Leads

3. Adaptability Is Everything

4. The Art of Personality Profiling in Real Estate

5. Peer Relationships Matter MORE Than Ever

6. Don’t Burn Bridges — With Clients or Peers

7. Emotional Intelligence Is Required

8. Financial Discipline = Mental Peace

9. Structure + Routine = Sanity

10. 2026 Outlook: Confident & Intentional

BEST QUOTES

Jennifer King:

Maria Quattrone:

GUEST CONTACT

Jennifer King
Lancaster, PA
📍 Website: soldinmadison.com
📞 Phone: 608-445-6204

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this Be The Solution episode, Maria sits down with Jo Ferraro, a powerhouse real estate leader who has served South Central Wisconsin since 1999 and ranks in the top 1% nationally for real estate professionals. With over two decades of leadership, grit, and mastery, Jo shares what it really takes to succeed in a shifting, skill-based marketplace — and why the market does not dictate your success. What you do, consistently, does. 

Maria and Jo dig into grit, consistency, skill-building, connecting with people, and the mindset required to win when others check out — especially during the holiday season when most agents mentally disappear.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Spring Market Starts NOW — Not in the Spring

2. Consistency Is a Non-Negotiable

3. Lead With Value — Not Your Voice

4. Skill-Based Market = Repetition Market

5. Make Business a Game — Gamify Your Discipline

6. Reflection Season = Improvement Season

7. Discipline > Perfection

8. A Thousand Dials a Day — Yes, Really

9. The Magic Number: 20–25 Connections/Day

10. Leadership Is Responsibility, Not Rank

11. Be The Solution — Not the Victim

12. 2026 Outlook: A Breakout Year Through Skills & Conversions

BEST QUOTES

Maria’s Best Quote:

Jo’s Best Quote:

GUEST CONTACT INFO

Jo Ferraro
Website: soldinmadison.com
Phone: 608-445-6204

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, Maria interviews Britt McLaughlin, founder of She Moves Philly, who went from tech operations to building a thriving real estate business known for systems, excellence, and grit. Britt shares how she started from zero, built her brand through rentals, and eventually managed the lease-up of a 250-unit portfolio generating millions of dollars in revenue 

Her journey is one of discipline, personal growth, systems thinking, and the truth about what it really takes to succeed in real estate today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. From Tech to Real Estate—Systems Were the Bridge

Before real estate, Britt was Director of Ops for a SaaS company, where she mastered systems, automation, and customer experience—skills that transferred directly into building a scalable real estate business. 

2. “Trial by Fire” Lease-Up That Changed Everything

Britt’s early break came from handling 350 leads per week and leasing 250 units—forcing her to build automation, follow-up systems, and showing processes at lightning speed. “Tenants will call 20–30 places… whoever answers the phone gets the showing.” 

3. Real Estate Success Takes Actual WORK

She says the industry’s real problem is simple:

4. Her Business Cadence Today

Britt follows a structure built on human connection:

• 30 touch points/week to past clients & database
• 3 listing appointments/week
• 1–2 buyer consults/week
• Daily meetings with her admin
• 1–2 networking events/week
  This cadence keeps her pipeline healthy—even in tough markets. 

5. The Market Reality (and What’s Coming)

• Affordability challenges
• Liquidity issues
• Fewer first-time buyers (down from 32% to 21%)
• Sellers out of touch with today’s pricing
• Inventory with heavy deferred maintenance
   Britt expects 2026 to require adaptability, realism, and strong financial discipline. 
  
  

6. Work-Life “Balance” Is a Myth—It’s Time Allocation

Britt says it plainly:

7. Success Comes From Growth & Discomfort

If you're not uncomfortable, you're not growing. The industry rewards the agents willing to push through the discomfort, stay consistent, and build systems. 

MEMORABLE QUOTES

Maria’s Best Quote:

Britt’s Best Quote:

GUEST CONTACT

Britt McLaughlin
Founder – She Moves Philly
Instagram: @shemovesphilly
Website: SheMovesPhilly.com

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this powerful new episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, host Maria Quattrone sits down with Caleb Christopher, founder of Creative TC, a national consulting company specializing in creative financing and complex non-traditional real estate deals. Caleb handles the “weird stuff” in real estate — creative structures like Subject-To, Hybrid Financing, and Seller Finance Combinations — closing 30–50 creative deals monthly nationwide

Maria and Caleb unpack how these deals really work, why most agents don’t understand them, what risks sellers and buyers must know, and how agents can identify when creative financing is actually the best (and sometimes only) solution for their clients.

💡 Key Takeaways

1. What Creative Financing Really Is

2. Why Sellers Choose Creative Financing 

3. Why Investors Love Creative Financing

4. How to Structure Sub2 Deals Safely

5. Why Agents Say No — And When They Should Say Yes

6. When Agents Should Call Caleb

🗣️ Memorable Quotes

Maria’s Best Quote:

Caleb’s Best Quote:

📞 Guest Contact Information

Caleb Christopher
Founder, Creative TC
📌 Nationwide creative finance consultant
🌐 Website: CreativeTC.io
📩 Free Consult: Book directly on the site
 

Creative financing isn’t mainstream — but it’s a critical solution for sellers in distress, investors seeking opportunity, and agents wanting to deliver options beyond the conventional.

As Maria says, “This is what it’s all about — Being the Solution.”

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

In this episode of the Be The Solution Podcast, Maria Quattrone welcomes Simon Westfall-Kwong, CEO and Team Leader of the LuxeLife Group in North Jersey. Simon shares how he built one of the most admired real estate relationship systems in the region — his SOI Playbook — focused on authentic connection, consistent communication, and community-driven events.

From hosting 11 years of pumpkin patch gatherings to creating detailed systems of follow-up, Simon reveals how to build a thriving referral-based business that grows year after year. Maria and Simon also discuss consistency, intentional follow-ups, and how to serve your clients in meaningful ways that extend far beyond the transaction.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Your database is your goldmine. Stay top of mind by consistently engaging your sphere of influence (SOI).
• Community events create connection. Host authentic, value-based events like pumpkin patches, pie giveaways, or Mother’s Day flower stations to strengthen your relationships.
• Consistency beats intensity. Execute a few well-chosen activities regularly, instead of chasing every new idea.
• The FORD Model Works: Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams — a simple framework for meaningful conversations.
• Give Back Often. Align your business with local causes to build community goodwill and deeper purpose.
• Plan Ahead. Use Q4 to gear up for the next year — every conversation you have today plants a seed for future growth.
• Start Small, Then Scale. Pick one initiative and go all in. Excellence compounds.

🗣️ Quotes

Maria Quattrone:

Simon Westfall-Kwong:

🌟 Episode Highlights

• How COVID inspired a deeper focus on relationship-driven business
• The LuxeLife SOI Playbook — a 12-month calendar of client events
• Why Simon’s team measures connection calls instead of cold calls
• Turning small gestures (like whipped cream with a pie) into memorable brand touchpoints
• How to use philanthropy and community sponsorships to expand reach
• Why going “vertical” — focusing deeply on one system — outperforms multitasking across ten ideas
• How to build a business that feeds itself through relationships, not lead lists

💬 Guest Contact

Simon Westfall-Kwong
CEO / Team Leader — The LuxeLife Group
📍 North Jersey | Serving NJ & NY Metro Areas
🌐 www.luxelifegroup.com

📧 [email protected]

📱 Instagram: @luxelifegroup

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

This morning, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my longtime friend and industry legend, Jeff Quintin, CEO of The Quintin Group. Jeff and I go way back—over two decades of friendship, competition, and growth in this wild business of real estate.

In this episode, we dive into what’s really working in today’s market, what’s always worked, and how to combine proven old-school fundamentals with the modern tools that can skyrocket your business. We talk about the P-word that every agent avoids—prospecting—and why it’s still the heartbeat of success 30 years later.

This is a masterclass on consistency, adaptability, and leadership in an unpredictable market. If you’re serious about surviving the shifts and dominating 2026, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways (from me, Maria)

• 💡 Conversations create commissions. Every deal starts with a conversation. No conversation = no closing.
• 🔑 Adaptability matters more than ever. What worked in 2020 won’t work today. Learn, pivot, and master new skills.
• 💪 It’s not the market — it’s the mindset. Focus on what you can control: your effort, your consistency, and your communication.
• 📈 Be the professional. When markets tighten, the skilled agents rise. Sellers seek out results, not excuses.
• 🔁 Repetition is freedom. Consistency builds confidence and predictable income—prospect daily, even when it’s boring.
• 🧠 Skill beats shortcuts. Role-playing, objection handling, and listening are the non-negotiables of top producers.
• 📞 The Expired Goldmine. Expired listings are the fastest way to generate business—if you’re skilled enough to earn the call.

Quotes

• Maria: “If you think you need 10 closings, plan for 13 or 14. Control the controllables—because the market won’t control itself.”
• Jeff: “Small things done consistently over time lead to big results.”

Connect with the Guest

Jeff Quintin
CEO, The Quintin Group
📍 Ocean City, NJ & Surrounding Markets
🔗 jeffquintin.com
📱 Instagram: @jeffquintinteam

A bad month—or even a bad year—doesn’t make you a bad agent. What matters is what you do next. Build your pipeline daily, have real conversations, and remember: we aren’t our production—we’re people serving people.

If you want to dominate 2026, your work starts today.
 Keep showing up. Keep growing.
 And always—Be The Solution.

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535

On this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and industry peer, Tim Garrity—a Philly real estate leader known for relentless consistency, content-driven marketing, and building a business that serves both his clients and his life. We dig into the habits that actually move the needle (hello, 5 AM start times and “eat the frog”), why consistency beats intensity, how to win in a tough market, and the mindset shift every agent needs to make before Q1.

Key Takeaways

• Consistency is the advantage. 15 years of a monthly email—missed maybe two. The pros don’t stop just because results are delayed.
• Do the hard thing first. “Eat the frog” mornings: knock out the highest-impact work before lunch or it probably won’t happen.
• Content compounds. Newsletters, podcasts, YouTube, blogs—value out = opportunities in. Tim runs mornings like a content studio.
• Efficiency creates freedom. Home gym, home office, tight routines—minutes saved become hours invested in family and focused work.
• Tough market? Double down. Talk to more people. Follow up more. Use downtime to analyze, cut waste, and plan your next moves.
• Mindset > everything. It’s personal development in disguise. Who do you need to become to have what you want?
• Integrity never goes out of style. Do the right thing when nobody’s watching—clients feel it, results reflect it.
• End-of-year push matters. While others coast from Halloween to holidays, add gas. Fill the pipeline and jump-start Q1.

Memorable Quotes

• Maria: “It takes what it takes.”
• Tim: “Use your downtime to your advantage.”

Episode Highlights

• Daily rhythm: 5 AM start, home workout, school drop-off, content blocks 8AM–noon
• Why 20 real conversations a day still wins—and how long it actually takes
• “Tiny hinges swing big doors”: coffee, commute, and micro-saves that add up
• How to plan now if next year is slower: cut dead spend, play to your strengths, get accountability
• Content as a magnet: show up with real value, not noise—then let the flywheel spin
• Market reality check: prices high, costs high, buyers stretched—be the adult in the room with data and strategy
• Year-end directive: blinders on—content, calls, texts, emails—stack the deck for Q4 closings and a strong Q1

Guest — Contact & Links

Tim Garrity — Founder, The Tim Garrity Team (Licensed in PA & NJ); Associate Broker at Real.

 Areas served: Philadelphia & Suburbs, Southern NJ Shore & Suburbs.

• Licenses: PA Associate Broker; NJ Broker Salesperson.

Consistency isn’t sexy—it’s decisive. Do the work, day in and day out. If you’re serious about finishing the year strong, now’s the time to tighten your routine, increase your conversations, and make your follow-up unmissable. Be the Solution—to your clients, your team, and your future self.

Connect with Maria Quattrone:
Facebook: Maria Quattrone
LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone
YouTube: Maria Quattrone
Instagram: @maria_quattrone
TikTok: mariaquattronerealestate
Website: MQrealesate.com
Office number: 215- 607-3535