In this episode of The Probate House Guy Podcast, Brad sits down with James Kolde, a successful real estate investor from Minnesota, to discuss his journey from being a firefighter to flipping hundreds of houses annually. James shares how he transitioned into real estate, built a thriving business, and the lessons he's learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of having no backup plan when pursuing success, why hiring the right people matters, and the value of adapting to market shifts. James also dives into the business strategies that helped him scale, including their "business in a box" model and the importance of maintaining integrity in deals. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the real estate investing space.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction [1:04] - James introduces his background as a firefighter and how he fell into real estate investing. [3:11] - The turning point: writing a business plan on a napkin and hitting 30 deals within six months. [10:45] - Transitioning from laborer to business owner and the challenges of stepping back from hands-on work. [14:03] - The power of "burning the boats"—going all in with no backup plan. [22:00] - Hiring challenges and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team. [26:13] - Navigating seasonal slowdowns in the real estate market and timing deals strategically. [36:41] - James' core values in business: "Do the right thing, and the money will follow."

Links & Resources:

• Contact James Kolde: [email protected]

Closing Remarks:

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, and share the Probate House Guy Podcast. And if you're ready to dive into probate real estate or need help with your marketing, head over to probatehouseguy.com for more info!

In this episode of the Probate House Guy Podcast, host Brad interviews real estate investor and HGTV star Ken Corsini. Ken shares his journey from the corporate world to real estate success, diving into how he transitioned from flipping cars to flipping houses in Atlanta. He talks about the evolution of his business, from wholesale lease purchases to creating one of the first turnkey real estate models. Ken also reflects on his rise to television fame, revealing how a chance opportunity led to his role on Flip or Flop Atlanta and how that exposure transformed his brand, Red Barn Homes.

Ken offers invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of flipping houses for TV, managing multiple projects at once, and the power of building a strong brand. He also discusses the growth of his Red Barn franchise, a national real estate franchise launched in conjunction with his HGTV show, and how he's leveraging his brand to expand into new markets.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction [1:15] – Ken shares how he got started in real estate and the early days of flipping cars and houses. [5:32] – Ken explains how he navigated the 2008 real estate crash and developed the turnkey model. [10:12] – The journey from real estate to TV: Ken's path to landing a show on HGTV. [17:35] – Behind-the-scenes insights on flipping houses for television and juggling multiple projects. [23:45] – The launch and growth of the Red Barn franchise and how it's shaping the future of real estate investing. [30:16] – The importance of collaboration in real estate and how partnering with competitors can lead to success. [35:05] – Ken's final thoughts on scaling his business and maintaining a 30,000-foot view as a franchise owner.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Red Barn Homes and Ken's real estate franchise opportunities: RedBarnHomes.com

Closing Remarks:

Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to rate, follow, and share the podcast. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations with real estate experts!

In this episode, I sit down with Sheri Samotin, a licensed fiduciary in California and expert in estate planning and dispute resolution. Sheri shares insights into her role as a fiduciary, which includes acting as a trustee, executor, or power of attorney when individuals are unable to manage their own estates. She also talks about her coaching business, where she helps adult children, families, and solo agers navigate the often overwhelming responsibilities that come with aging parents and estate planning. Together, we dive into the complexities of probate cases, particularly in California, and discuss practical strategies for resolving family conflicts, handling property disputes, and ensuring effective communication in estate planning.

Throughout the episode, Sheri provides actionable advice for dealing with challenging family dynamics and offers tips for those appointed as trustees or fiduciaries. She highlights the importance of communication, transparency, and over-communicating in estate matters to avoid conflicts. Whether you're dealing with a probate case, managing family estates, or simply planning ahead, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] Introduction to Sheri Samotin and her unique role as a licensed fiduciary.

[04:40] Sheri's journey into fiduciary work and how she built her career in the probate world.

[07:50] Common challenges adult children face when managing aging parents' estates and how to handle family crises.

[12:20] The complexity of California probate and the importance of selecting the right fiduciary.

[18:40] Conflict resolution tips for families and estate professionals to manage disputes peacefully.

[24:10] How to fairly determine the value of estate properties and avoid disputes over real estate.

[35:00] Sheri's advice for trustees: Overcommunicate and ensure transparency to prevent misunderstandings.

Links & Resources:

• Sheri Samotin's website: https://www.lifebridgesolutions.com/

Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast. Be sure to follow so you don't miss future episodes where we explore more probate and estate management topics. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of The Probate House Guy Podcast, I'm joined by April Jackson, a probate attorney based in Nashville, Tennessee, to dive deep into the complexities of probate and estate law in the state. We discuss the importance of having a clear estate plan, the consequences of not preparing your documents properly, and how families can avoid unnecessary legal battles. April shares her personal story about her grandfather's will contest, which ultimately inspired her to help other families avoid similar heartache. We also touch on the probate process in Tennessee, why some assets may not need to go through probate, and the critical role attorneys play in ensuring a smooth transition of assets.

If you've ever wondered how to handle probate yourself, when an attorney is necessary, or how long the process can take, this episode provides valuable insights. Plus, we discuss tips for minimizing family disputes and reducing the costs associated with probate.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:00] - Introduction to April Jackson and her background in probate law

[3:40] - The personal experience that led April to specialize in estate law

[6:45] - Why it's crucial for your estate plan to match your legal documents

[10:50] - Can you handle probate without a lawyer in Tennessee?

[17:20] - How long probate typically takes and when you can sell property

[29:00] - Navigating creditor claims and how they impact the estate

[36:10] - Advice for families on how to avoid costly disputes

[50:30] - Contacting April and her firm for probate and estate planning services

Links & Resources:

• April Jackson's law firm: GalsNashville.com
• Phone: (615) 816-6231

If you found this episode helpful, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share The Probate House Guy Podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes with April as we continue to unlock the mysteries of probate law in Tennessee!

In this special solo episode of the Probate House Guy Podcast, I dive deep into the critical importance of understanding and analyzing your numbers to drive business success. Whether it's monitoring employee performance, tracking financial metrics, or measuring marketing effectiveness, keeping a close eye on your data is key. I share my personal experiences, including the challenges of stepping back from my business during a family crisis and the lessons learned in regaining control with the help of a fractional CFO.

I also reveal some eye-opening results from a recent marketing experiment that challenged conventional wisdom on lead generation and ad spending. We discuss the value of continuously testing, measuring, and trimming the fat in your marketing efforts to optimize return on investment. If you're ready to take a granular approach to your business data and learn how to make numbers work for you, this episode is a must-listen!

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:44] - Introduction to the solo episode and today's topic: the importance of knowing your numbers.

[2:05] - Overcoming business challenges with the help of a fractional CFO.

[3:20] - How managing team KPIs can improve performance and morale.

[10:12] - Marketing experiment: testing low-bid lead strategies and surprising outcomes.

[17:16] - The importance of segmenting your audience and focusing on high-ROI leads.

[22:14] - Applying the 80/20 rule in marketing and business operations.

[28:17] - Analyzing your cost per deal and ensuring your overhead is in check.

[30:01] - Preview of exciting upcoming guests and topics.

If you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share the podcast! Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring probate attorneys from across the country and more deep dives into real estate investment strategies!

In this deeply insightful episode, we explore the emotional landscape of grief with Kelli Nielsen, a grief coach and founder of Grace for Living After Loss. Kelli shares her unique perspective on the grieving process, offering practical tools and strategies to help navigate the pain of loss. As a real estate professional, understanding grief is crucial when working with clients dealing with probate sales and other sensitive situations. Kelli's personal journey through profound loss has equipped her with valuable insights and actionable steps for healing and moving forward. Join us as we delve into what grief really means, how it manifests, and the ways we can support those in their grieving process.

Whether you're a real estate agent or simply someone who wants to better understand grief, this conversation provides essential guidance for helping others cope with loss while balancing your professional responsibilities.

[0:00] Introduction

[1:13] Introduction to Kelli Nielsen and her background as a grief coach.

[4:05] Defining grief: What is it really?

[10:15] Common misconceptions about grief and the importance of mourning.

[16:50] Different ways grief manifests and practical steps to process it.

[26:02] Positive coping mechanisms vs. destructive habits in grief management.

[34:40] Building resilience and finding hope after loss.

[47:30] Tips for supporting someone who is grieving, especially in professional contexts.

• Grace for Living After Loss Website: graceforlivingafterloss.com

If you found this episode valuable, please rate, follow, and share it with others who might benefit. Don't forget to leave a review and let us know what you think! Stay tuned for more episodes that help you navigate the world of probate real estate with empathy and understanding.

In this episode of the Probate House Guy podcast, I sit down with Jason Seward, a seasoned real estate investor who shares his journey of leaving a stable corporate job to go full-time into real estate. We dive into the concept of "burning the ships," which Jason and I both experienced as we transitioned from the security of corporate America to the uncertainties and rewards of real estate investing. Jason recounts his early experiences, including how his grandmother's influence led him to buy his first property—a 1972 trailer—and how that initial investment sparked a passion for real estate that would eventually lead to a successful career.

Jason also discusses how he and his business partner, Bill Phillips, built a sizable rental portfolio, which eventually led them to start a real estate debt fund. He explains the evolution of this fund, from lending their own capital to structuring a fund that now attracts accredited investors. We explore the mechanics of starting a fund, the importance of having a solid legal framework, and how mentorship played a crucial role in their success. Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights on scaling a real estate business and the mindset required to make the leap into full-time investing.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Introduction and Jason Seward's transition from corporate America to real estate investing.

[05:03] - Jason's first real estate deal and how his grandmother's influence sparked his interest in real estate.

[10:25] - Building a rental portfolio and the decision to go full-time into real estate.

[18:14] - The evolution of Jason's real estate debt fund and how it was structured.

[25:09] - The importance of mentorship and legal advice in creating a successful fund.

[32:23] - Jason's experience with his first probate deal and the potential in this niche market.

Closing Remark: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to help you on your real estate journey. And if you're interested in the probate niche, visit probatehouseguy.com for more information on our done-for-you marketing package.

In this episode of The Probate House Guy Podcast, I sit down with Eleanor Washburn, an experienced probate and estate planning attorney from Charleston, South Carolina. We dive into the complexities of probate law, the critical importance of having a well-drafted will, and the common mistakes people make when planning their estates. Eleanor shares invaluable insights into the probate process in South Carolina, including timelines, costs, and how to handle real estate within an estate. We also discuss practical tips for anyone serving as a personal representative or executor of an estate, and what to do if you find yourself dealing with a multi-generational property that hasn't been properly probated. Whether you're in the real estate business, planning your estate, or navigating the probate process, this episode is packed with useful information you won't want to miss.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00:00] - Introduction

[00:00:35] - The role of a probate attorney in guiding you through the probate process.

[00:01:24] - Eleanor shares her journey into probate and estate planning law.

[00:03:08] - The biggest mistakes people make with their estate plans.

[00:07:00] - Understanding the probate timeline in South Carolina.

[00:15:15] - Handling Medicaid liens and planning strategies to protect your estate.

[00:20:52] - How to manage probate costs and the availability of pro bono services.

[00:34:57] - The importance of having a will that authorizes the sale of real estate.

[00:41:08] - Dealing with missing or unknown heirs during the probate process.

Links & Resources:

• Eleanor Washburn's Law Firm: Charleston Estate Planning
• Phone: (843) 972-3391

If you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving a review, following the podcast, and sharing it with others who might benefit. Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode of the "Probate House Guy" podcast, I sit down with Greg Dickerson, a seasoned real estate investor and developer with a remarkable journey from running a small handyman business to leading multi-million dollar beachfront development projects. Greg shares his inspiring story, highlighting the key moments and decisions that propelled him to success in the real estate industry. We delve into his experiences with joint ventures, the importance of self-education, and the critical lessons learned from both successful and challenging deals. Whether you're an aspiring real estate investor or a seasoned pro, Greg's insights on scaling businesses, navigating real estate cycles, and leveraging partnerships are invaluable.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] Introduction

[1:13] - Greg Dickerson's introduction and entrepreneurial journey starting in 1997.

[2:14] - From handyman to $30 million in annual revenue: scaling a business in seven years.

[4:35] - The importance of partnerships and joint ventures in large-scale deals.

[10:12] - Lessons learned from early partnerships and the value of written agreements.

[19:10] - Navigating the complexities of real estate deals during natural disasters.

[31:00] - The impact of low-interest rates on the housing market and the importance of financing.

[40:09] - Future market predictions and the potential for interest rate reductions to unlock inventory.

Links & Resources:

• Greg Dickerson's Website: www.gregdickerson.com
• Probate House Guy: www.probatehouseguy.com

Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and sharing it with your network. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing valuable content. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on real estate investing!

In this episode, I chat with Luke Winter, a corporate refugee turned real estate investor from Minnesota. Luke shares his journey from the oil and gas industry to scaling a business that closes 200 real estate deals annually using TV advertising. We delve into the challenges and rewards of leaving a secure corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship, the importance of doing what's right for you and your business, and how TV ads can be a game-changer for real estate investors. Luke also provides insights into scaling operations, the value of clear communication in partnerships, and his current passion for helping others succeed in real estate through effective advertising strategies.

[00:00] - Introduction to the episode and today's guest, Luke Winter.

[00:41] - Luke shares his background in mechanical engineering and his transition from corporate America to real estate.

[03:38] - Discussing the itch for entrepreneurship and the initial steps into real estate investing.

[09:02] - The leap from a stable corporate job to full-time real estate investment.

[14:08] - Scaling a real estate business to 200 deals a year and the importance of treating it like a business.

[22:03] - Key advice for partnerships and the importance of clear roles and responsibilities.

[32:03] - The role of TV advertising in scaling a real estate business and who it is best suited for.

[39:11] - How Luke assists real estate investors with TV ads and what to expect in terms of investment and returns.

• Luke Winter's Website: http://thehellopro.com
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellopro.tv
• Bigger Pockets Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Probate House Guy podcast. If you enjoyed today's conversation with Luke Winter and found it helpful, please rate, follow, and review our podcast. Share it with friends who might find it valuable, and don't forget to check out our done-for-you marketing package in the probate niche. For more information on how Luke can help with TV ads, visit his website at http://thehellopro.com. See you next time!