Forward One Podcast

Ice hockey rink to Los Angeles real estate: Maxim Sidelnik joins Forward One hosts Paul Mark Morris and Josh Spitzen to share how 12 years of competitive hockey built an agent now closing about 1.5 deals a month. Maxim explains why you still need a buyer’s agent even when you found the house on Zillow yourself, plus how to win repair negotiations, price a listing the right way, and get your offer accepted in a multiple-offer battle. When mortgage rates drop, he shows what that really means for your monthly payment, and why waiting on the sidelines can cost you more than the rate does. 

Chapters:

0:00 Maxim Sidelnik, Los Angeles real estate agent

2:12 From ice hockey to real estate

4:01 Real estate license exam prep

5:06 Getting your first deal: cold calling

9:51 Tips for new real estate agents

13:57 Athlete mindset in real estate sales

15:30 How many deals an LA agent closes

18:58 Mortgage rates and your monthly payment

23:24 Buying a home in a slow market

25:41 Repair requests after a home inspection

27:52 Real estate negotiation tips

30:46 Do you need a buyer’s agent?

31:55 How to win a bidding war

37:04 Negotiating an $8 million home

41:18 Why agent reputation matters

44:57 Selling a home in a slow market

49:36 How to price your home

53:38 Home appraisal tips for sellers

56:24 Home inspection tips

59:55 Communicating with sellers

1:03:07 Mentoring new real estate agents

1:05:59 Rapid-fire questions

#RealEstateTips #HomeBuyingTips #LosAngelesRealEstate

A telecom store manager from Texas got his real estate license in 2018. In 2025, he closed just under $50M, and he has sold more than $130M in his career. On this episode of the Forward One podcast, hosts Paul Morris and Josh sit down with LA agent Derek Smith to break down how he did it. In this episode, he shares his real strategies for getting and closing millions in deals.

Timestamps

0:00 Welcome

0:15 How Derek got into real estate

1:20 Reality TV vs. the real work

2:36 $50M in 2025, $130M career

4:08 How he got business as a new agent

4:55 "Follow the money"

6:35 How to stand out with investors

8:32 The cold-call script (live role-play)

11:09 Building trust and the Brentwood deal

12:17 Forcing your way into top neighborhoods

12:58 Niche vs. jack of all trades

16:28 Why new agents should start in a niche

17:37 Branding and negotiation

18:42 Staying accountable without a boss

19:19 Weekly goals: five offers, one or two escrows

21:24 What he does when he misses the week

23:15 Finding inventory through other agents

26:07 The sticky-note accountability idea

28:03 Rapid-fire round

Lynette Marble joins the Forward One podcast to break down the real estate social media strategies she uses to turn TikTok views into new clients and sold homes. From music and editing tools to her 80/20 content formula, she shares the tested tactics that drive sales and build relationships. But her strategy doesn’t end when she puts her phone down. It ties directly into her face-to-face relationships in Ventura County.00:00 Welcome to Forward One with Lynette Marble

00:11 Her real estate journey: starting from ground zero

01:24 Life events that drive buying and selling

02:28 Why real estate is a relationship business, not "churn and burn"

03:32 Two lead-gen models: high-volume vs. relational

04:59 Ventura County roots and community trust

05:33 Turning relationships into business: authenticity and volunteering

06:53 Starting on social media as a new agent

07:44 Targeting first-time home buyers on TikTok

08:37 The 80/20 content formula

09:14 What is a TikTok duet?

10:15 How much business comes from social media (it took 3 years)

10:58 Tracking analytics to see what works

11:35 Social proof vs. lead generation

12:46 Why 99% of buyers use online tools

14:09 Educating viewers vs. "just listed, just sold" posts

15:29 Meeting your audience where they are

16:06 The "How Did We Do It?" series

16:54 The most affordable one-bedroom in Ventura County post

17:59 Editing tools: CapCut and Canva

19:54 Instagram vs. TikTok vs. Facebook: every platform is a language

21:36 Learning new platforms with YouTube

22:21 Running ads from TikTok content

22:50 Why social media skills win over any client

24:05 Filming listings and timing music to video

25:05 Offering to film other agents' home tours

25:52 TikTok affiliate program

26:43 Why she won't sell to her audience

27:35 The next two years: consistency and phone calls

28:04 Marketing-enhanced prospecting

28:29 Her open house system

29:32 Final thoughts

How do you price a home when there’s nothing to compare it to? Gary Gold has the answer, and he’s sharing his system. Gold is the legendary agent behind the Playboy Mansion sale, the first home in Los Angeles to sell for $100 million, as well as the $150 million Chartwell Estate and the Hearst Estate. In this episode, he joins Paul Morris and Josh Spitzen to explain how he prices the most unusual homes on the market. It starts with doing away with the term “comps” and rethinking what a premier blue chip property brings to the table.

Connect with Gary Gold

https://soldbygold.net/

https://www.instagram.com/soldbygold/

Timestamps

• 00:00 Meet Gary Gold: from Hilton & Hyland to record-setting sales

• 04:55 The challenge of pricing a home with no comparables

• 07:15 Why Gary banned the word “comps”

• 11:50 Why “How’s the market?” is a meaningless question

• 16:35 The two-part answer to pricing luxury

• 21:50 Creating urgency without faking it

• 26:00 Pricing 5% high vs. 5% low

• 31:10 Gary’s AI-assisted valuation system

• 34:10 Quantifiable value vs. the “it factor”

• 40:20 The seller who wanted $26 million

• 43:30 When listings become billboards

• 48:40 The off-market offer that raised a tough question

• 51:50 The buyer who walked away from the house they wanted

• 55:50 The real purpose of the price of luxury

• 1:00:50 The restaurant waiter analogy

• 1:02:40 Finding the buyer for a $15 million Malibu listing

Welcome to the Forward One Podcast! James Harris shares his incredible journey in real estate with Josh Spitzen and guest host Joey Sacavitch, starting from his early days in London to becoming a top agent in LA. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships in this competitive industry. With a passion for helping clients, James believes that every interaction is an opportunity to create lasting connections. He discusses the challenges he faced in the beginning, including door knocking for hours without immediate success, but how perseverance led to significant breakthroughs. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset. James also highlights the importance of treating every client like family and the value of nurturing those relationships over time. If you're looking to thrive in real estate, his insights are invaluable!

Connect with Forward One Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorris

Connect with James Harris

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondst

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbondst

https://www.breezy.com/

https://carolwoodre.com/agent/james-harris

Presented by Forward One Real Estate 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate 

https://forwardone.com/

Timestamps

00:00:01 - James’s Start in Real Estate

00:02:03 - Moving to LA and Going All In

00:04:42 - How One Lease Led to a Million-Dollar Deal

00:08:59 - Earning and Keeping Clients’ Trust

00:12:09 - Growth, Service, and a Relationship-Driven Business

00:15:08 - Thriving in a Skill-Based Market

00:15:46 - Healthy Competition and Learning from Success

00:19:52 - How the Team Stays Accountable

00:23:42 - Hiring for Hunger and Keeping Real Estate Simple

00:26:14 - Why James Built Breezy AI

00:29:13 - Breezy’s Growth and UnderBuilt in Action

00:30:27 - How UnderBuilt Helps Agents Spot Opportunities

00:32:56 - Finding Opportunity in a Difficult Market

00:35:49 - Why Positivity Matters in Real Estate

00:36:43 - Fire Round: Balance, Family, and Trust

Welcome back to a conversation so full of real estate wisdom, it had to be in two parts! JJ Wallack is not just a guest; he’s a real estate guru with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge. From understanding the market dynamics to mastering the language of real estate, JJ shares invaluable insights that can make or break a deal. We discuss the importance of knowing the absorption rate, average days on market, and how to effectively represent both buyers and sellers. JJ emphasizes the need for agents to be proactive, especially when it comes to financing and insurance, which can often be the hurdles in closing a deal. He also shares personal stories that highlight the significance of building rapport with clients and understanding their needs. If you’re in the real estate business or looking to buy or sell a property, this episode is packed with tips that can elevate your game. Tune in and learn how to navigate the complexities of real estate with confidence and expertise!

Connect with Forward One Podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorris

Connect with J.J. Wallack

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jjwallack

https://jjwallack.com

Presented by Forward One Real Estate 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate 

https://forwardone.com/

00:00:01 - Introduction and Meet JJ
00:00:48 - Know the Market and How Buyers Qualify
00:03:52 - Anticipate Financing and Insurance Hurdles
00:08:46 - What Makes a Successful Agent
00:10:40 - A Mindset Lesson That Changed an Agent’s Life
00:15:33 - Follow the Playbook, Then Find Your Strengths
00:19:06 - Prepare for a Listing Presentation
00:21:18 - Market a Listing and Create Buyer Urgency
00:26:09 - Present the Home at Its Best
00:28:43 - Working With Non-Exclusive Buyers
00:31:18 - Compete for Listings Through Agent Relationships
00:34:44 - Tell the Seller’s Story in Their Own Words
00:37:44 - Make Negotiation Part of the Listing Presentation
00:41:34 - Personal Reflections and Closing Questions

Welcome to the Forward One Podcast! For Part 1 of this masterclass conversation, Paul and Josh had the pleasure of chatting with J.J. Wallack, whom they consider the smartest man in real estate. With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, J.J. shares his journey from tech to real estate and the lessons he's learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in this business and how they can lead to success. J.J. also discusses the common pitfalls new agents face and why consistency is key too thriving in real estate. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, J.J.’s expertise will inspire you to take your career to the next level. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry!

Connect with Forward One Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorris

Connect with J.J. Wallack

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jjwallack

https://jjwallack.com

Presented by Forward One Real Estate 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate 

https://forwardone.com/

Timestamps

00:00:13 - J.J’s Background and Shift to Real Estate

00:03:55 - Entering Beverly Hills Real Estate Market

00:05:14 - Importance of Relationships in Real Estate

00:07:23 - Knowledge and Application in Real Estate

00:11:04 - Lead Generation Strategies

00:15:55 - Overcoming Objections and Building Confidence

00:22:31 - Team Dynamics and Asking for Business

00:23:11 - Market Knowledge and Listing Presentations

00:31:14 - Market Variability and Micro Markets

00:35:18 - Importance of Mentoring and Coaching in Real Estate

00:40:24 - Consistency and Success in Real Estate

00:43:05 - Educator's Heart in Coaching and Teaching

Welcome to the Forward One Podcast! 

This week, Paul Morris and Josh Spitzen welcome the incredible story and real estate know-how of Kevin DaSilva. Kevin shares his unique journey into real estate, which began over 12 years ago when a friend's encouragement led him away from a career in accounting. From door knocking to mastering cold calling, Kevin reveals the strategies that helped him become a local expert in his market. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on a smaller area to build credibility and gain traction, a lesson he learned the hard way. If you're looking to elevate your real estate game or simply want to learn from someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Tune in to discover how you can unlock your potential in real estate and avoid common pitfalls. Don't miss out on Kevin's wealth of knowledge and experience!

Connect with Forward One Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorris

Connect with Kevin DaSilva

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevindasilvagroup

https://www.kevindasilvagroup.com/

Presented by Forward One Real Estate 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate 

https://forwardone.com/

Timestamps

00:00:01 - Meet Kevin DaSilva and His Path into Real Estate

00:02:28 - Starting Small and Dominating a Local Farm

00:05:37 - Modern Prospecting and the Door-Knocking Script

00:10:11 - Ice Cream Open Houses That Generate Clients

00:11:21 - Intentional Language, NLP, and Sales Psychology

00:12:58 - The Body Language Behind Effective Door Knocking

00:15:28 - Equity Reports as a Lead-Generation Pillar

00:18:46 - The Equity Report Texting Script

00:24:20 - Turning Equity Reports into Listings

00:28:03 - The CRM and Technology Stack

00:30:27 - HomeBot, Fellow, and Home Valuation Landing Pages

00:39:17 - Preparing Accurate, Hyperlocal Equity Reports

00:42:08 - Golden Questions That Reveal Seller Motivation

00:44:41 - Why Automated Valuations Miss Critical Nuances

00:48:07 - Micro Market Reports as a Low-Friction Touchpoint

00:51:53 - Kevin's Accomplishments, Values, and Inspirations

Paul and Josh welcome a dear friend and dynamite realtor, Leslie Romenesko. Leslie shares her inspiring journey from a childhood spent in her father's appraisal office to becoming a top-producing real estate agent in Los Angeles. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with clients and fellow agents, and how treating others with kindness can lead to success in the industry. Leslie also discusses her unique approach to client interactions, focusing on understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions. With a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in real estate.

#realestate #podcast #success #networking #inspiration #realestatepodcast

Connect with Forward One Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorris

Connect with Leslie Romenesko

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslielahomes/

Presented by Forward One Real Estate 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate 

https://forwardone.com/

Timestamps

00:00:05 - Meet Leslie Romenesko

00:00:54 - Why Realtor Relationships Matter

00:05:00 - From Film School to Los Angeles Real Estate

00:07:50 - The First Deal and Building a Business

00:11:11 - Preparation, Persistence, and Believing in Yourself

00:20:51 - Measuring Success and Setting Goals

00:25:02 - A Quality-Over-Quantity Business Model

00:26:04 - Building the Right Support Team

00:31:43 - Building a Client Base From Zero

00:42:01 - Turning Open Houses Into Opportunities

00:42:55 - The Best CRM Is the One You Use

00:46:36 - Authentic Follow-Up Without Rigid Scripts

00:51:56 - Taking Action, Getting Feedback, and Adapting

00:55:15 - A Client-Centered Listing Presentation

00:58:19 - Listen More and Keep Meetings Short

01:02:14 - Personal Values, Happiness, and Family

01:03:32 - Courage, Community, and Let's Go

An enlightening conversation with Neyshia Go, a remarkable real estate leader who has built an impressive career from the ground up. Neyshia  shares her story of how she landed her first job in real estate, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to close over 200 real estate deals. Neyshia shares valuable insights on working with developers, understanding market trends, and creating a bespoke marketing strategy for each property.

Connect with Forward One Podcast

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorris 

Connect with Neyshia Go

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neyshiago

https://neyshiago.com/

Presented by Forward One Real Estate 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate 

https://forwardone.com/ 

Timestamps

00:00:01 - Introduction and Neyshia’s Path into Real Estate

00:03:41 - Building a Business from Scratch

00:06:56 - Why Development Became the Goal

00:10:04 - Creating Lasting Value for Developers

00:11:37 - How to Define and Underwrite a Developer's Buy Box

00:15:07 - Back-of-the-Napkin Deal Analysis

00:20:58 - Why Environment and Proximity Matter

00:23:45 - Turning Proximity into Early Listings

00:25:50 - Pairing New-Agent Hustle with Experience

00:29:34 - Leaving a Long-Term Partnership

00:30:30 - Choosing Sotheby's and Building a Boutique Team

00:32:34 - Maintaining Standards Through Compensation and Training

00:36:14 - Small-Team Production and Quality Over Quantity

00:38:36 - Investing in Leverage and Valuing Your Time

00:39:53 - Bespoke Marketing for Every Luxury Listing

00:44:11 - Personal Reflections and Rapid-Fire Questions