Tax reform is on its way...FAST. Jamie Gregory explains what’s going on in Washington D.C. and how it negatively affects homeowners by taxing away tax incentives. Tune in to learn the benefits of homeownership, who is affected (hint: YOU), and what you can do to make your voice heard before it’s too late. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:50 – Jamie is with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in Washington D.C.
• 01:45 – What is going in Washington D.C. and the world of lobbying?
• 01:55 – The passage of the tax bill out of the Ways and Means Committee
• 02:02 – The release of the senate bill with provisions that affect housing, home ownership, and real estate
• 02:20 – On the house side, chairman of the committee Kevin Brady says mortgage interest deduction has been retained, when in actuality its effectiveness is nullified
• 2:38 – Bill will double standard deduction and eliminate state and local tax deduction, meaning only 5% of tax filers will be itemizing
• 3:00 – Incentive provided by mortgage infrastructure will be taken away
• 03:13 – Homebuyers receive tax refund, see financial benefit, and put money back into the local economy
• 03:45 – Renters are great but homeowners tend to invest in and care about the improvement of their neighborhood more
• 04:20 – Sociologists have studied how home ownership creates more stable, active, voting communities
• 04:30 – We don’t want to take that away; for 100 years, there has been an incentive in the tax code for homeowners
• 04:43 – What is being proposed in Washington will take that away and make renting and owning no different
• 05:08 – Other things in the tax reform: Punishment for buying a home and watching equity values increased over time
• 05:25 – State and local deductions – house bill retains reduction for state and local property tax, but 70% of deduction is for income tax, which has been removed
• 05:46 – In senate bill they have eliminated state and local deductions
• 05:58 – Combined with mortgage interest deduction, the state and local deduction provide total incentive to buy a home
• 06:08 – In 1997 congress passed the Homeowner’s Capital Gains Exemption: If you sell your house after 2 years you can keep up to $250,000 tax free as a single filer and up to $500,000 if married
• 06:30 – The house is proposing to change the rules on that to more than double the time requirement
• 06:50 – The provision was put in place to help people unlock home’s value and functions well for military, people who move frequently
• 07:25 – The elimination of second homes; mortgage interest deduction won’t be used on second homes
• 07:34 – This affects not just executives or military; many people move regularly or have other living situations, and changing the rules negatively impacts those people
• 08:32 – National average for living in a house was 5-6 years, and has crept up to 7-9 with recession
• 09:44 – When the Homeowner’s Capital Gains Exemption was passed in 1997, it simplified the process from how it was before
• 10:14 – Resource to understand the whole picture: https://www.nar.realtor/ click “Federal Issues,” then “Tax Reform,” you can see maps, statistics
• 11:10 –Another resource: http://homeownershipmatters.realtor/
• 11:30 – Need tax reform, but the National Association of Realtors does not agree with changes proposed and they are intentionally moving quickly
• 12:30 – Obamacare is an example of something that was hastily passed
• 12:53 – Speaker Ryan has been telling Republican Conference that they must pass the tax reform or else they won’t do well in the 2018 election
• 13:11 – Jamie believes that, if bill is passed, people in high homeownership rates will learn the implications of the bill and they’ll do poorly in 2018
• 13:32 – It’ll impact realtors, but NAR and realtors are really the only voice for homeowners on capital hill
• 13:56 – Realtors invest in communities and represent their districts in a meaningful way
• 14:16 – Contact your elected officials by texting “Action” to 30644
• 14:30 – The NAR wants to hear the voice of consumers, too: go to http://homeownershipmatters.realtor/ to respond to the consumer call to action

3 Key Points

1. The tax reform bill is speedily making its way through the house and senate.
2. Use the above resources to educate yourself on the tax reform proposals and see how it impacts you.
3. Tax reform is needed – but not on the backs of homeowners.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder

Snow boots or cowboy boots? Pizza or salad? Director of Marketing Frankee Chapa talks about the difference between real estate in Maine and Texas, the “real estate 15” (or 30) and ways to combat it, and the importance of putting your best out there, whether it’s your personal appearance or your MLS photos.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:50 – As the Director of Marketing for an office, Frankee works in San Antonio, Texas and has been in real estate for about 6 years, starting in Maine
• 01:42 – She likes to discuss the difference between the real estate business in Maine vs. Texas
  • 01:50 – small town vs. city, rural vs. urban, only small business vs. tons of options
  • 02:30 – the “real estate 15” (or maybe more like 30!) instead of the “freshmen 15” because of the number of builders, warranty companies, etc. etc. that feed you unhealthy food all the time
  • 03:16 – Frankee schedules these meetings and tries to push for healthier food
• 04:20 – How do you keep your realtors from getting fat?
  • 04:24 – Health challenges each month like drinking a gallon of water or exercising for 30 minutes each day
  • 04:54 –In real estate you care about your image and show that with outfits and your outward appearance
• 05:15 – What else is different between Maine and Texas, besides the “real estate 15/30”?
  • 05:20 – In Maine you always keep your snow boots in your trunk, in Texas they’re replaced with cowboy boots
  • 05:52 – The outfits are very different, in Texas they’re big and beautiful and in Maine they’re more simple
• 06:13 – The importance of dress
• 06:10 – Dress like a professional that is handling your client’s important asset
• 6:30 – If you dress like you care, it changes the way you carry yourself
• 07:04 – The agents in Texas look dressy with a good pair of cowboy boots
• 07:20 – The number of agents: In Maine there were 900, ½ of which were probably part-time, and in Texas there are 10,000
• 08:00 – It seems like there is less competition in Maine, but it’s a head game because not all agents are good and hardworking, so the pool of good agents is small wherever you go
• 08:23 – Many realtors don’t focus on professional photos, marketing, and what clients want
• 08:58 – Frankee saw a realtor who took photos of a property, took a screenshot on their phone of the photo, then actually uploaded that to the MLS for buyers to see
• 09:26 – This was a bigger company and Frankee is surprised that it was allowed by the company and the client
• 10:15 – Taxidermy room on MLS...appropriate?
• Frankee works at ReMaxx North San Antonio: Website

3 Key Points

1. Maintain your personal appearance – beat the “real estate 15” with challenges at the office.
2. Every state has its style, but always keep it classy!
3. No matter how competitive your market, stand out with quality, professional work.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Snow boots or cowboy boots? Pizza or salad? Director of Marketing Frankee Chapa talks about the difference between real estate in Maine and Texas, the “real estate 15” (or 30) and ways to combat it, and the importance of putting your best out there, whether it’s your personal appearance or your MLS photos.

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:50 – As the Director of Marketing for an office, Frankee works in San Antonio, Texas and has been in real estate for about 6 years, starting in Maine
• 01:42 – She likes to discuss the difference between the real estate business in Maine vs. Texas
  • 01:50 – small town vs. city, rural vs. urban, only small business vs. tons of options
  • 02:30 – the “real estate 15” (or maybe more like 30!) instead of the “freshmen 15” because of the number of builders, warranty companies, etc. etc. that feed you unhealthy food all the time
  • 03:16 – Frankee schedules these meetings and tries to push for healthier food
• 04:20 – How do you keep your realtors from getting fat?
  • 04:24 – Health challenges each month like drinking a gallon of water or exercising for 30 minutes each day
  • 04:54 –In real estate you care about your image and show that with outfits and your outward appearance
• 05:15 – What else is different between Maine and Texas, besides the “real estate 15/30”?
  • 05:20 – In Maine you always keep your snow boots in your trunk, in Texas they’re replaced with cowboy boots
  • 05:52 – The outfits are very different, in Texas they’re big and beautiful and in Maine they’re more simple
• 06:13 – The importance of dress
• 06:10 – Dress like a professional that is handling your client’s important asset
• 6:30 – If you dress like you care, it changes the way you carry yourself
• 07:04 – The agents in Texas look dressy with a good pair of cowboy boots
• 07:20 – The number of agents: In Maine there were 900, ½ of which were probably part-time, and in Texas there are 10,000
• 08:00 – It seems like there is less competition in Maine, but it’s a head game because not all agents are good and hardworking, so the pool of good agents is small wherever you go
• 08:23 – Many realtors don’t focus on professional photos, marketing, and what clients want
• 08:58 – Frankee saw a realtor who took photos of a property, took a screenshot on their phone of the photo, then actually uploaded that to the MLS for buyers to see
• 09:26 – This was a bigger company and Frankee is surprised that it was allowed by the company and the client
• 10:15 – Taxidermy room on MLS...appropriate?
• Frankee works at ReMaxx North San Antonio: Website

3 Key Points

1. Maintain your personal appearance – beat the “real estate 15” with challenges at the office.
2. Every state has its style, but always keep it classy!
3. No matter how competitive your market, stand out with quality, professional work.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Not feeling the love?—Pinky sure wasn’t when a client decided to critique everything from her dress to “the old lady in the bathroom.” While the haters were busy hating, Pinky decided to keep on taking control of the real estate game with creative videos, unique property stories, and...septic tanks? 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:56 – Today’s guest is an amazing force in real estate with incredible social media and marketing skills
• 01:06 – “Pinky Knows Naples” is the name of her show
• 02:20 – Client story: Pinky loves using video for properties, her community, and everything in her life and appreciates constructing criticism
• 03:25 – During a walkthrough she told her artist-type client to be aware of her art and paint and how it may be perceived by potential buyers
• 05:36 – She and videographer still filmed the property and the client didn’t like it but didn’t provide constructive criticism
• 06:30 – She had held a viewing party of the 3-minute video and finally told Pinky that she thinks she “slouches too much”
• 07:45 – She doesn’t normally share that she had a chronic lung disease as a child that affects her posture, but she shared this with the client, apologizing if it affected the video
• 08:24 – Client then states that she looked like she was going to “fall out of her dress,” and there was some “old lady in the bathroom,” revealing that the “viewing party” was of multiple of her real estate videos
• 09:40 – That “old lady in the bathroom” was helping share the story of her home because she loved her bathroom and the vanity
• 10:30 – Pinky felt like the client was so critical and didn’t understand the concept, and they couldn’t work together because the client couldn’t be made happy and even wanted Pinky’s commission reduced if an offer was less than the asking price
• 11:50 – “How do I get comfortable in front of the camera?”
• 12:00 – Know that there will always be critical people and learn to laugh it off and move on
• 12:25 – There will always be more people who will appreciate what you do rather than critique it
• 12:40 – Suck it up and recognize their nastiness as a reflection of themselves, and just do you
• 13:09 – Ask the homeowner why they bought the house and what they love and make that a focal point
• 13:45 – Even if it’s the fact that there are two septic tanks, find a creative way to showcase it as a selling point: Are you “full of shit?” for example
• 15:33 – Contact Information: If you are looking for a creative marketer in Naples
• 15:42 – Website and on Facebook search “Pinky knows Naples”

3 Key Points

1. Video is an excellent and creative way to tell a property’s story.
2. There will always be critics – just do you.
3. Always ask the owner what THEIR favorite part of the house is – then showcase it (unless it’s horrendous “art!”).  

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music    

Not feeling the love?—Pinky sure wasn’t when a client decided to critique everything from her dress to “the old lady in the bathroom.” While the haters were busy hating, Pinky decided to keep on taking control of the real estate game with creative videos, unique property stories, and...septic tanks? 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:56 – Today’s guest is an amazing force in real estate with incredible social media and marketing skills
• 01:06 – “Pinky Knows Naples” is the name of her show
• 02:20 – Client story: Pinky loves using video for properties, her community, and everything in her life and appreciates constructing criticism
• 03:25 – During a walkthrough she told her artist-type client to be aware of her art and paint and how it may be perceived by potential buyers
• 05:36 – She and videographer still filmed the property and the client didn’t like it but didn’t provide constructive criticism
• 06:30 – She had held a viewing party of the 3-minute video and finally told Pinky that she thinks she “slouches too much”
• 07:45 – She doesn’t normally share that she had a chronic lung disease as a child that affects her posture, but she shared this with the client, apologizing if it affected the video
• 08:24 – Client then states that she looked like she was going to “fall out of her dress,” and there was some “old lady in the bathroom,” revealing that the “viewing party” was of multiple of her real estate videos
• 09:40 – That “old lady in the bathroom” was helping share the story of her home because she loved her bathroom and the vanity
• 10:30 – Pinky felt like the client was so critical and didn’t understand the concept, and they couldn’t work together because the client couldn’t be made happy and even wanted Pinky’s commission reduced if an offer was less than the asking price
• 11:50 – “How do I get comfortable in front of the camera?”
• 12:00 – Know that there will always be critical people and learn to laugh it off and move on
• 12:25 – There will always be more people who will appreciate what you do rather than critique it
• 12:40 – Suck it up and recognize their nastiness as a reflection of themselves, and just do you
• 13:09 – Ask the homeowner why they bought the house and what they love and make that a focal point
• 13:45 – Even if it’s the fact that there are two septic tanks, find a creative way to showcase it as a selling point: Are you “full of shit?” for example
• 15:33 – Contact Information: If you are looking for a creative marketer in Naples
• 15:42 – Website and on Facebook search “Pinky knows Naples”

3 Key Points

1. Video is an excellent and creative way to tell a property’s story.
2. There will always be critics – just do you.
3. Always ask the owner what THEIR favorite part of the house is – then showcase it (unless it’s horrendous “art!”).  

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music    

The last thing you’d expect during a house visit is to be greeted by a house owner in his birthday suit. But, since this is the case for today’s guest, Jason Peé, tune-in to find out just how he handled this unsavory predicament. In this episode, Leigh welcomes Jason Peé, a realtor in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.  

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode 
• 00:35 – Leigh introduces Jason 
• 00:57 – Jason is from Charleston  
• 01:12 – Leigh shares the first time she met Jason 
• 03:05 – Tax sales can be risky, but if you’re a long-termer, it shouldn’t be that bad 

• 03:20 – Most people are after the interest  

• 04:02 – Jason and Leigh both love the article about the couple who bought a street in San Francisco  
• 04:24 – There was a property in Charleston that Jason was looking up for his client, but he had a hard time finding the owner  

• 05:00 – Jason met the owner  

• 06:30 – The 85-year old owner greeted Jason at his front door naked 
• 09:00 – Jason felt uncomfortable and told his client what was happening over the phone 
• 09:20 – Jason told the owner that he’d just leave the offer, so he can think about it 
• 10:01 – Jason got a call from the owner two days later 
• 10:20 – The owner told Jason that he appreciated the fact that Jason did not tell him to put on clothes because he hates clothes 
• 10:30 – The owner told Jason that he’s open to the deal 

• 11:00 – Jason shares some other weird experiences during a house visit 
• 12:10 – Assumptions made about realtors 
• 12:36 – Jason always tries to educate his neighborhood 

• 13:12 – Jason lost everything he had during the market crash 
• 13:31 – Jason now tries to give back to people by helping them 

• 14:14 – Get opinions before offering your place to people who buy property 
• 14:37 – The flip sales explained 
• 15:42 – Ask your community who you should talk to if you need help with your property 
• 16:20 – Realtors want to protect affordable housing too 
• 16:39 – Jason knows just who to work with  
• 17:06 – Jason shares about a deal that one of his colleagues had 
• 18:53 – Jason wants investors to have fair play in the market  
• 20:50 – Reach Jason at www.charlestonglobalpropertyshop.com or at 68 Line Street, Charleston, SC 
• 21:18 – Jason is getting his new office on King St.  

• 21:35 – Call or text Jason at 843-532-0128 If you have questions—even if it’s just about Charleston 
• 23:10 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate  

3 Key Points 

1. Stay professional regardless of the circumstance—don’t tell people what they should or should not do.  
2. When selling your property, seek opinions from those who are well-versed in the industry, don’t fall prey to flip sales. 
3. Invest in a manner that’s fair.   

Credits 

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram 
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives 
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design 
• Original Music by Rimsky Music 

The last thing you’d expect during a house visit is to be greeted by a house owner in his birthday suit. But, since this is the case for today’s guest, Jason Peé, tune-in to find out just how he handled this unsavory predicament. In this episode, Leigh welcomes Jason Peé, a realtor in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.  

Time Stamped Show Notes: 

• 00:21 – Introduction for today’s episode 
• 00:35 – Leigh introduces Jason 
• 00:57 – Jason is from Charleston  
• 01:12 – Leigh shares the first time she met Jason 
• 03:05 – Tax sales can be risky, but if you’re a long-termer, it shouldn’t be that bad 

• 03:20 – Most people are after the interest  

• 04:02 – Jason and Leigh both love the article about the couple who bought a street in San Francisco  
• 04:24 – There was a property in Charleston that Jason was looking up for his client, but he had a hard time finding the owner  

• 05:00 – Jason met the owner  

• 06:30 – The 85-year old owner greeted Jason at his front door naked 
• 09:00 – Jason felt uncomfortable and told his client what was happening over the phone 
• 09:20 – Jason told the owner that he’d just leave the offer, so he can think about it 
• 10:01 – Jason got a call from the owner two days later 
• 10:20 – The owner told Jason that he appreciated the fact that Jason did not tell him to put on clothes because he hates clothes 
• 10:30 – The owner told Jason that he’s open to the deal 

• 11:00 – Jason shares some other weird experiences during a house visit 
• 12:10 – Assumptions made about realtors 
• 12:36 – Jason always tries to educate his neighborhood 

• 13:12 – Jason lost everything he had during the market crash 
• 13:31 – Jason now tries to give back to people by helping them 

• 14:14 – Get opinions before offering your place to people who buy property 
• 14:37 – The flip sales explained 
• 15:42 – Ask your community who you should talk to if you need help with your property 
• 16:20 – Realtors want to protect affordable housing too 
• 16:39 – Jason knows just who to work with  
• 17:06 – Jason shares about a deal that one of his colleagues had 
• 18:53 – Jason wants investors to have fair play in the market  
• 20:50 – Reach Jason at www.charlestonglobalpropertyshop.com or at 68 Line Street, Charleston, SC 
• 21:18 – Jason is getting his new office on King St.  

• 21:35 – Call or text Jason at 843-532-0128 If you have questions—even if it’s just about Charleston 
• 23:10 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate  

3 Key Points 

1. Stay professional regardless of the circumstance—don’t tell people what they should or should not do.  
2. When selling your property, seek opinions from those who are well-versed in the industry, don’t fall prey to flip sales. 
3. Invest in a manner that’s fair.   

Credits 

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram 
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives 
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design 
• Original Music by Rimsky Music 

Prepare to be entertained in this extremely hilarious episode with Alex Milshteyn. Alex starts off by sharing a story of being booted out of the house because of his age and he delves into a time when he was the subject of some unsavoury, unwanted publicity. While signing off, Alex imparts some great advice for all the young realtors who are still getting their feet wet in the business. Tune-in and learn the benefits of working your butt off, building loyalty and finding a mentor. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:30 – Leigh welcomes Alex
• 01:14 – Alex lives from Ann Arbor, Michigan has been in real estate for 18 years
• 03:30 – Alex shares his first story: “Sometimes you don’t get what you expect”
  • 03:37 – While doing floor time at his office, Alex got a phone call from a woman who wished to sell her house
  • 04:15 – He set up a meeting and arrived at the woman’s house at the appointed time
  • 04:22 – Alex was young and inexperienced at the time—he’d been in the business for just 6 months
  • 04:46 – Before letting Alex in, the woman looked over his shoulder to see if there was anyone else with him
  • 04:58 – When Alex expressed interest in starting the tour of the house, the woman said, “I want to wait till Alex gets here to start the tour”
  • 05:20 – On being informed that the 18-year-old in front of her was in fact Alex, the woman kept looking at him incredulously
  • 05:44 – Saying that Alex was not old enough, the woman walked Alex out of the house
  • 06:13 – The woman refused to return any of Alex’s numerous calls, and her house never went on the market
  • 06:37 – On reflecting back, Alex felt that the woman was expecting a hot date, and Alex did not fit her bill
• 08:05 – Alex shares his second story: “Not all publicity is good publicity”
  • 08:22 – Alex was having an extremely hard time selling a house with an extremely unconventional design
  • 08:37 – After having the house on the market for six months, Alex was desperate to sell this house
  • 08:50 – In his desperation, Alex contacted a staging company to get a tenant with really nice furniture to come and stay in the house
  • 09:20 – Alex thought it was a good proposition since the tenants agreed to move out of the house in case of a sale and with no notice
  • 10:19 – Was hopeful of striking a deal as the price was also reduced
  • 11:19 – Was shocked to see this house with his “For Sale” sign and his name being covered in daily news
  • 11:35 – The tenant, a masseuse decided to get frisky with a client, and was accused of rape
  • 12:05 – Rushed to the house to remove his “For Sale” sign
  • 12:27 – This entire incident left Alex embarrassed and his seller fuming
  • 12:35 – Alex managed to placate the seller, keep his job and sell 20 more houses for the seller
• 14:00 – Avoided using his photo in advertising for five years after joining the realty business
  • 14:07 – Clients are hesitant in dealing with someone who looks young and inexperienced (which he is not)
• 15:35 – Consciously decides not to hard sell a property by providing a full disclosure of positives and negatives to the client; let’s go off short-term gains to build long-term client loyalty
• 16:41 – Realtors should have savings or a backup plan so that they do not feel pressured to compromise interests of their clients
• 17:26 – Alex does not sell, but he just talks and gives people his honest opinion
• 18:15 – When you are young and inexperienced, the only value you can show is by “working your butt off”
• 18:47 – Realize that a “No” right now might not be a “No” forever; keep on calling till a “No” converts to a “Yes”, or the client asks you to stop calling
• 19:04 – Call them back, keep following up and work your butt off because, if you do that, you will be successful
• 19:15 – Unfortunately no one was interested in mentoring Alex when he started off; however, today, you can join one of the various support groups on Facebooks to get help
• 19:39 – Watch and learn from your competitors; Alex has surpassed many of his competitors that he learnt from in the initial years
• 20:12 – Get in touch with Alex through his website or email
• 21:44 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate 

3 Key Points

1. Getting a mentor is a great idea, especially in the initial stages of your career.
2. Realize that a “No” right now might not be a “No” forever; keep on calling till a “No” converts to a “Yes”, or the client asks you to stop calling.
3. When you are young and inexperienced, the only value you can show is by “working your butt off”.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music

Prepare to be entertained in this extremely hilarious episode with Alex Milshteyn. Alex starts off by sharing a story of being booted out of the house because of his age and he delves into a time when he was the subject of some unsavoury, unwanted publicity. While signing off, Alex imparts some great advice for all the young realtors who are still getting their feet wet in the business.

Tune-in and listen to an enthusiastic George Wonica share the best and most entertaining stories from his 26 years as a realtor. Being the son of a realtor, George started off in this business at a young age, and has a wide arsenal of interesting stories to tell. George offers his advice for those wanting to buy or sell a house and he urges everyone to get better at what they do, but at the same time, to NEVER forget to have FUN along the way. 

Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience.                                                               

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 00:32 – Leigh welcomes George
• 01:23 – From Staten Island, New York, George is a broker associate, certified residential appraiser and mortgage broker
  • 01:33 – George has held a broker license for 25-26 years now
• 02:13 – Being the son of a realtor and in this business for so long, George has a wide repertoire of stories
• 02:37 – Story #1: “Sorting out marital issues”
  • 02:43 – Happened 15-16 years ago while doing an appraisal
  • 03:04 – Had to inspect the house with only the wife present
  • 03:25 – When George entered the house to inspect, the woman sent her kid outside to play with her friends
  • 03:43 – Dressed provocatively in a robe, the lady started talking about her marital issues
  • 04:22 – The woman asked George to come up with a really low price so that she could buy out her husband
  • 04:28 – George firmly stated that he was appointed by the court to appraise a fair value
  • 04:37 – Expressing that she was ready to do anything, the lady opened up her robe
  • 05:20 – Based on what happened, George’s father could not wait to go to the property himself!
  • 05:40 – When George’s father finally got the chance to inspect the house, the kid stayed in the house the whole time and nothing out of the ordinary happened
• 06:27 – Story #2: “Love knows no boundaries”
  • 06:43 – While working on a foreclosed property, George came across a property that had a lockbox on it
  • 06:56 – When he tried to do walk-in, he found out that somebody was actually living in that foreclosed, vacant house
  • 07:21 – Often squatters break into a foreclosed house; however, squatters do not tend to respond, and simply run away when confronted
  • 07:51 – He was surprised to find out that the intruders were not squatters, but a couple of real estate agents
  • 08:06 – He found out that the agents decided to make the house their “love shack”
  • 08:43 – Even today when he runs into these agents, he can’t help but smile
• 09:58 – “Always have a lot of fun in this business. You never know who you are going to find, whom you are going to meet, or what you are going to walk into!”
• 11:25 – Getting mentored by his father has contributed to George’s success
  • 12:44 – He’s learned a lot about owning property and purchasing property from his father; he bought his first property before he even started drinking
  • 13:05 – Got an early start since he could build upon what he learnt from his dad
• 13:30 – In spite of his old age, George’s father does not shy away from using the latest technologies and gadgets
• 15:43 – “You have to smile and you have to have fun. Don’t take anything too seriously”; outlook has changed after having 3 kids
• 16:38 – Try to have fun every single day, try to get better at what you do every single day, and try to be a better person every single day
• 17:03 – Buyers and sellers do not want you to be serious all the time; they want you to give real opinions, have real falls and live life with them
  • 17:36 – George believes in wearing his heart on his sleeve and calling a spade, a spade
• 18:54 – Contact George through his website; though George works primarily in Staten Island and Brooklyn, he can connect you with realtors anywhere in the New York State
• 19:34 – Alternatively, you can connect with George via Instagram or Facebook; gswonicasells is George’s Snapchat id
• 19:44 – Call George on 718-442-2880 (Ext. 105)
• 21:24 – Takes time off to play with and coach his kids
• 22:28 – Tweet Leigh Brown for your very own crazy story in real estate
• 22:43 – Visit Crazyshitinrealestate to access shownotes for this episode

3 Key Points

1. Wear your heart on your sleeve and call a spade a spade; buyers and sellers want your real, honest opinion.
2. Try to have fun every single day, try to get better at what you do every single day, and try to be a better person every single day.
3. Find a good mentor who can help you find success early on in your career.

Credits

• Audio Production by Chris Mottram
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives
• Cover Design by Two Minds Design
• Original Music by Rimsky Music