Brooks On The Money

Sherman, Texas is exploding with over $10 billion in development and today I sat down with someone who actually knows what the heck is going on up there.

In this episode of Brooks on the Money, join me and Elena Marrufo, a 20-year veteran Realtor with Ebby, as we dig into the Texoma market, the massive projects coming, the real opportunities for buyers right now, and her wildest stories from two decades in real estate.

Whether you're a buyer, seller, or agent—this one’s packed with insight, humor, and the real talk you actually want.

Elena has been in this business for 20 years, negotiated everything from first-time buyer wins to hoarder-house horror stories, and still shows up every day with heart, grit, and a teacher’s mindset.

She’s bilingual, deeply rooted in her community, and honestly, just one of the most genuine people in the industry. If you want the real pulse on what’s happening in Sherman, Denison, and beyond… Elena is the one to listen to.

Connect with Brooks 
www.brookskelly.com 
Brooks Kelly is a 18 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. 
You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.

Timestamps & Key Topics

4:24 — Chicago → Texas: Elena’s backstory
5:20 — Early career, property management, and finding real estate
8:33 — How the Sherman/Denison market has changed
10:40 — MargaritaVille, Hard Rock, major developments & politics
13:20 — Why buyers shouldn’t fear interest rates
21:06 — USDA, DPA programs, and education gaps for buyers
30:39 — Common mistakes buyers & sellers make
34:19— Final thoughts + closing

In this episode of Brooks on the Money, I sit down with Lake Highlands legend and top-tier real estate agent, Renee Barfoot. With 10 years of experience and deep roots in the Dallas community, Renee brings heart, hustle, and a servant's mindset to every transaction.
We dive into:
•Current trends in the 2025 real estate market
•Why seller concessions and rate buydowns are game-changers
•How agents can better negotiate and educate in this shifting environment
•Renee’s journey from teacher to real estate mentor
•And yes… her obsession with antiques and how it oddly parallels real estate

Whether you're a buyer, seller, agent, or just love a good local success story — you’ll walk away smarter and more inspired.

Connect with Brooks 
www.brookskelly.com 
Brooks Kelly is a 18 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. 
You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Renee Barfoot + her Lake Highlands roots 
01:57 – Is this a buyer’s market? Seller concessions explained 
04:53 – Rate buydowns vs. price cuts: Which benefits buyers more? 
06:30 – The return of negotiation: Why 2011–2013 was a fun market 
12:34 – What buyers want today: Move-in ready or nothing 
14:07 – How agents can compete with builders’ incentives 
15:19 – Pricing mistakes sellers are making in 2025 
18:54 – Advice for new agents (Spoiler: It’s not a side hustle) 
21:29 – Mentorship, education, and choosing the right lender 
23:46 – Renee’s love for antiques and her fire recovery story 
28:46 – Her favorite client story (Miss Dorothy ) and what legacy means in real estate

Join Brooks Kelly on this exciting episode of Brooks on the Money, featuring Stacy Lynn Massar of True Home Real Estate! Stacey, a dynamic realtor, author, and mom, shares her expertise on the current real estate market, the challenges of listing homes, and the importance of creating systems for success. Learn how life experiences shaped Stacy's unique approach to balancing business and personal growth, plus a sneak peek into her new book, The Success Map.

The Success Map: Your Daily Destinations, Stops & Steps To Your Real Estate Success: https://a.co/d/86hzpBz

Connect with Brooks: www.brookskelly.com 

Brooks Kelly is a 17 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: Meet Stacy Massar
1:55 - Real estate trends after the election
3:39 - Insights on interest rates and buyer behavior
8:35 - Pricing strategies and navigating tough conversations
13:29 - The importance of saying no and setting boundaries in business
15:46 - Behind the scenes: Stacy’s book, The Success Map
35:26 - One habit every realtor should start early on
37:57 - Passion in giving back
53:04 - Final thoughts and future outlook

In this insightful episode of On the Money with Brooks Kelly, Brooks sits down with Jason Todd, one of the owners of TruHome Real Estate. 

With nearly 20 years in real estate, Jason shares his journey, including navigating the 2008 housing crash, launching his brokerage, and finding success in the ever-evolving world of social media. 

They dive into market trends, the impact of elections on real estate, and the art of being fearless in today’s economy. Whether you're a seasoned real estate agent or just curious about the industry, Jason's experiences and candid advice are a must-hear. Don't miss the funny stories, from viral TikTok videos to his competitive nature, that show the lighter side of the business!

Connect with Brooks: www.brookskelly.com 

Brooks Kelly is a 17 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.

Timestamps: 
0:00 – Intro to Jason Todd, Founder of True Home Real Estate
2:35 – Founding True Home Real Estate & Growing a Mid-Level Agent Team
7:05 – Real Estate Market Insight: Is it a Good Time to Buy?
10:30 – How Social Media Has Changed Real Estate Marketing
17:58 – Balancing Family, Work, and Life with New Beginnings
23:09 – Real Estate Market Predictions & The Impact of Election Outcomes

In this episode of Brooks on the Money, we sit down with Ashley McCurdy, owner of Shopping Gracefully, a successful women's clothing boutique in Rockwall, Texas. Ashley shares her inspiring journey from starting a small business in her home to building a loyal customer base, opening a storefront, and now returning to online-only sales for greater flexibility. We explore the challenges of entrepreneurship, balancing business with motherhood, and how building strong relationships with customers has been the key to her success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Ashley's insights into grit, perseverance, and trust are invaluable.

Connect with Brooks - www.brookskelly.com 
Brooks Kelly is a 17 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.

Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome & Introduction of Ashley McCurdy
2:16 Starting a boutique in her home and growing her business
3:05 The power of community and building relationships
9:17 Balancing motherhood and business ownership
10:47 The importance of delegation and scaling
14:46 Going back to online sales and the future of Shopping Gracefully
21:05 Key tips for starting and growing a business
30:33 Closing thoughts and Ashley’s next steps

In this episode of "Brooks on the Money," we're joined by top Collin County real estate agent, Hannah from Luxe Global Group. We dive deep into her two-decade journey through the ever-evolving real estate industry, from foreclosures in 2008 to breaking into the luxury market. Hannah shares valuable insights on navigating today's volatile market, handling high-demand clients, and staying competitive in the luxury space. Whether you're an agent looking to break into high-end real estate or a buyer/seller interested in the latest market trends, this episode is packed with wisdom and advice.

Connect with Brooks: www.brookskelly.com 

Brooks Kelly is a 17 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to Hannah and Luxe Global Group 
1:12 - Impact of interest rate changes on the market 
2:14 - The evolution of Hannah’s business into luxury real estate 
3:30 - How to break into the luxury market 
6:38 - The importance of marketing and brand building for agents 
16:14 - NAR lawsuit and how it affects agents
16:58 - Explaining commissions to buyers and sellers 
21:53 - Navigating new build properties and challenges with builders 
34:53 - How AI and technology are impacting real estate and lending 
38:27 - Industry predictions for the next 3-10 years 
50:28 - Final thoughts and advice for new agents

In this episode of Brooks on The Money, Brooks sits down with JP Piccinini. JP has been every position from Engineer, to Real Estate Agent to Broker and Owner of JP & Associates, to Restaurant Owner.

They discuss hot button items, the future of real estate, and give advise for those looking to build their businesses.

Connect with Brooks www.brookskelly.com

Brooks Kelly is a 17 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.


TIME STAMPS
0:00 - 2:00: Introduction of the episode and controversial take on buyers' agents becoming obsolete.
2:30 - 5:00: JP Piccinini’s background, move back to Dallas, and updates on his personal life.
10:00 - 12:00: JP’s success with JP & Associates Realtors and his exit from the company.
15:00 - 17:00: JP’s ventures into the restaurant business and the challenges faced. 
25:00 - 27:00: Discussion on the current state of the real estate market, building on St. John, and JP’s construction business in Dallas.
35:00 - 37:00: Views on the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement and its impact on the industry.
 50:00 - 52:00: Debate on dual agency and whether buyers’ agents are still necessary.
1:10:00 - 1:12:00: Future predictions for real estate: merging roles of brokers, agents, and lenders.
  1:20:00 - 1:22:00: Advice to real estate agents on prioritizing client relationships over chasing deals.

In this episode of Brooks on the Money, Dallas real estate expert Gianna Martinez joins us to discuss her journey from Seattle to Dallas and her experience in the competitive real estate market. 

Focusing on East Dallas, Gianna talks about current market trends, buyer behavior, and how rising interest rates are influencing real estate decisions. She also shares insights on her house-flipping projects and the creative process behind them. 

She shares her thoughts on leveraging debt in real estate, contrasting strategies like Dave Ramsey’s debt-free approach with using loans for investment growth. We also discuss our predictions for the housing market and interest rate changes in the coming months.

Connect with Brooks www.brookskelly.com

Brooks Kelly is a 17 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction Gianna Martinez's story of coming to Dallas and into Real Estate
6:15 - Real estate market trends and buyer behavior
7:40 - Is Dallas in a Buyer or Seller's Market?
12:01 - Frisco’s rapid development 
13:04 - The commercial real estate market
18:11 - Flipping houses
24:22 - Hard money loans for real estate investing
27:05 - Invest or pay off your mortgage?
30:49 - Simplifying the mortgage process
36:34 - Predictions on interest rate changes


#realestate #mortgagerates #mortgage #dallas #dallastx #lender #finance #investing #flippinghouses #realestatefinance #marketupdate

In this inaugural episode of the Brooks on the Money Podcast, Brooks Kelly interviews Doug Smith, a veteran real estate broker based out of Dallas Fort Worth with over 30 years of experience. 

They discuss the current state of the real estate market, recent changes in buyer representations and compensation agreements due to the new NAR settlement, and how agents and brokers need to adapt.

Connect with Brooks www.brookskelly.com

Brooks Kelly is a 17 year veteran of the mortgage business serving over 2000 satisfied homebuyers with custom solutions for their mortgage needs. He has found even more enjoyment out of educating the public about the benefits of homeownership and the wealth that can be obtained by owning real estate. You can book your meeting with Brooks by clicking on the url above to discuss the many benefits of owning a home and how you can get there.

#mortgage #realestate #mortgagerates #NAR #investmentportfolio #finance