Real Talk with Leigh Brown

What happens when a single mom takes on the real estate industry with zero backup and zero margin for error? You get Bethany Brokaw. Dial in as we chat about how she built a thriving business from nothing, trains agents to raise the bar, and still shows up with heart. Let's just say... things get wild when frogs and lily pads show up under a house.

Key takeaways to listen for

• How a single mom with zero commission experience built a real estate empire
• The unexpected move that took Bethany from broke to boutique brokerage owner
• What Bethany does that earns her clients' loyalty
• A rule that Bethany refuses to break and how it made her more successful
• What most new agents never learn and how it's hurting their clients

About Bethany BrokawBethany has been working in real estate since 2006 and enjoying every minute of it! She is the current President of the Women's Council of Realtors Michigan and the Broker/Owner of The Brokaw Group.

She is an active REALTOR®, Best of Zillow, consistently outsells 99% of agents in the U.S., and leads a team that sells more than 175 houses annually. She is extremely skilled in technology, business, negotiations, and marketing and never stops learning.

Connect with Bethany

• Website: The Brokaw Group
• Instagram: @bethanybrokaw | @the_brokaw_group
• Facebook: Bethany A Brokaw | Brokaw Group
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 810-600-2060

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Real estate investing gets real when you're managing Airbnbs, Section 8 rentals, and navigating unexpected drama along the way. Louisville broker Stacey Duvall shares how she built a thriving portfolio by treating tenants with respect, choosing the right properties, and never skimping on granite. She also breaks down why over-improving rentals can be your smartest move. And wait until you hear about the buyer who refused to close until a dead squirrel was removed from the street.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why commercial zoning made Stacey's Louisville Airbnbs unstoppable
• How she overcame fear and bought her first investment property
• Why upgraded properties bring better tenants and fewer headaches
• Stacey's in-depth strategy that starts before a tour
• Why cash flow isn't everything and what else investors should measure

Resources mentioned in this episode

• CASHFLOW® Classic—How Fast Can You Become A Millionaire?
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

About Stacey DuvallStacey possesses unique skills as a negotiator and communicator, two essential elements needed for a successful real estate transaction. She brings the ultimate level of knowledge and tenacity, making the home buying and selling process effortless for her clients. With her vast knowledge of the marketplace, she can provide top-quality service to buyers and sellers in all price ranges. Stacey is widely respected throughout the brokerage community and takes pride in offering the highest caliber of service available.

Connect with Stacey

• Website: Stacey Duvall Real Estate
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 502-905-7653

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Most real estate agents know houses, but land? That's a whole different beast. In this episode, Cheryl Sain shares how she turned dirt into a thriving career. From scams and surprises to buried secrets, discover why land deals are risky, wild, and seriously profitable. And don't miss her crazy story about a developer, a debris pit, and a seller who "forgot" what was under the soil. You won't want to miss this one!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why understanding raw land could open doors to surprising profits
• The red flags, scams, and survey traps that can tank a deal
• How Cheryl went from curious rookie to land-selling powerhouse with the help of a mentor
• The crucial documents every buyer should demand
• Why waiting too long can kill your deal before it even starts

Resources mentioned in this episode

• REALTORS® Land Institute
• NC REALTORS®
• How to Buy, Sell, and Profit with Land by Cheryl Sain
• 10 Things You Need To Know About Land by Cheryl Sain

🚨 FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY! 🚨Want to learn the secrets of land buying and selling? Cheryl Sain's books "10 Things You Need to Know About Land" and "How to Buy, Sell and Profit with Land" could be YOURS!

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About Cheryl SainBorn and raised in Waxhaw, North Carolina, Cheryl began her real estate career in 2001 following her time in the Air Force. She began her career in residential sales and quickly developed a passion for lots and land while also continuing to engage in home sales to stay connected to the residential market. Throughout her career, she encountered many residential agents/brokers, investors, and landowners who simply did not understand the land aspects of real estate.

Connect with Cheryl

• Website: Cheryl Sain
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 704-309-5067

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Boone may look like a cozy college town, but James Milner, CCIM reveals the real pressures behind its housing crisis and stalled commercial growth. From post-disaster market insights to high-stakes development challenges, James shares the factors reshaping what is possible in Western North Carolina real estate. Plus, don't miss the things that drive James absolutely insane in today's housing market!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Anti-development policies and outdated infrastructure in Boone, and what that means for attracting new business
• How Hurricane Helene affected Boone's tourism season and local businesses
• Why existing restaurant spaces are hot commodities in a high-cost, low-inventory market
• Factors that influence James' client-first approach to real estate
• The overlooked crisis keeping new industries out of Boone

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Boone Area Chamber of Commerce
• Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

About James Milner, CCIMJames is a commercial real estate broker, appraiser, and CCIM designee based in Boone, NC. A graduate of Appalachian State University, he founded Appalachian Commercial Real Estate in 2014 and has worked in the industry since 2000. James holds licenses in brokerage and appraisal and is the only full-time CCIM in his region.

He's served in leadership roles with the CCIM Institute and on local boards, including the Boone Board of Adjustment and Western Youth Network. James lives in Boone with his wife, Catharine, and their two sons.

Connect with James

• Website: Appalachian Commercial Real Estate
• Instagram: @jamesrmilner | @appalachiancre
• LinkedIn: James Milner, CCIM | Appalachian Commercial Real Estate
• X: @AppalachianCRE
• Facebook: James Milner | Appalachian Commercial Real Estate
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: (828) 379-8750

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Kent Redding's path from retail mogul to real estate powerhouse isn't what you'd expect - especially when leadership, empathy, and branding collide. In this episode, Kent shares the surprising lessons he learned that still shape his business today. You'll walk away rethinking what it really means to build trust, show up, and lead with heart. Plus, don't miss the story of the open house that literally caused a traffic jam.

Key takeaways to listen for

• How Kent turned personal values into a business branding strategy that stuck
• What managing 400 retail employees teaches you about long-term client loyalty
• The marketing wisdom that still drives Kent's success today
• Reasons self-awareness and empathy matter more than market trends
• Is volunteering with your local REALTOR® association a great career move?

About Kent ReddingKent is a top-producing REALTOR®, 2024 President of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, and a 20-year veteran with Berkshire Hathaway. Known for his client-first approach, Kent combines entrepreneurial grit with a deep commitment to the community. He's a ten-time Platinum Top 50 award winner and holds designations including GRI, CRS, ABR, ePro, MRP, and CLHMS. Outside of real estate, Kent volunteers with groups like Community First! Village, Hungry Souls, and Red Oak Hope.

Connect with Kent

• Website: Kent Redding
• Facebook: Kent Redding | Kent Redding Team
• Instagram: @kentreddinggroup
• LinkedIn: Kent Redding
• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Number: (512) 797-5737

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

An overgrown, collapsing house sat untouched for 15 years until Mike Lovelace decided to do something about it. In this episode, you'll learn how one determined agent used old-school tools, a petition, and a builder's mindset to restore value and dignity to a forgotten neighborhood. The payoff? A heart-wrenching story of lost memories found again. Tune in, and you might just be inspired to take action in your own community!

Key takeaways to listen for

• How one neighbor's frustration turned into a community-led effort to restore property value and safety
• Why Mike chose an old-school petition to get attention from county officials finally
• The surprising ripple effects a neglected property in a neighborhood has on home value
• Ways Mike leveraged real estate tools, relationships, and sheer persistence to create solutions beyond a transaction
• Why advocacy might be the most important part of the job of a REALTOR®

About Mike LovelaceMike is a North Carolina-based REALTOR® with a deep background in tech, finance, and public service. A former trading systems administrator for major firms, Mike brings precision, integrity, and a heart for community to every real estate transaction.

Licensed originally in New Jersey and now serving Eastern North Carolina, he's known for going above and beyond, whether it's helping clients navigate tricky deals or spearheading neighborhood-changing efforts like abandoned property restorations.

Connect with Mike

• Facebook: Mike Lovelace, Realtor at United Real Estate East Carolina
• X: @mikesellsenc
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Student loan payments are back, and millions of borrowers have no idea they're already delinquent. In this episode, Brian Vaughan breaks down what's happening with student loans, how it could tank your credit score without warning, and what to do before applying for a mortgage. Plus, we dive into what's coming this summer with medical debt reform and a wild loan story involving a surprise job switch that actually saved a deal.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Student loan chaos: Why millions of Americans are unknowingly delinquent
• Steps to take if your student loans have damaged your mortgage eligibility
• Why pulling your credit report annually should be your new self-care ritual
• A game-changing credit policy shift that could open doors for buyers
• Reasons job changes mid-mortgage can derail deals and how to time them right

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Free Credit Report
• Annual Credit Report.com
• Credit Karma
• CreditWise | Free Credit Score, Credit Report & Monitoring

About Brian VaughanBrian is a loan officer and co-manager of Fairway Mortgage in Burlington. In addition to lending people money to buy homes, he takes his black tea with milk, quotes Shakespeare less than he would prefer, and is somewhat of a soccer fanatic. Brian lives in Georgia, VT, with his wife, four kids, and Goldendoodle, Dame Judi Dench.

Connect with Brian

• Website: Brian Vaughan, Burlington, VT - NMLS# 2046057
• Instagram: @brianvaughanmortgages
• LinkedIn: Brian Vaughan
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 802-489-7186

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

If you've ever cursed your phone during a cold call, this episode might just change your tune. Nicholas Nick (yes, that's really his name) shares how a hospitality career turned into a multimillion-dollar real estate lead-gen company. Plus, stick around to hear how one Vermont fourplex turned into a snow-covered, flood-prone, tenant-infested financial disaster with a $20K eviction twist!

Key takeaways to listen for

• How managing restaurants for 13 years trained Nick to dominate customer service in real estate
• Why cold calling is still one of the best free lead gen methods
• The one powerful script line that transformed Nick's sales strategy
• Reasons great customer service always wins in sales conversations
• A big lesson for aspiring real estate professionals

About Nicholas NickNicholas is the founder of Lead Mining Pros, one of the top real estate lead generation companies in the U.S. With over a decade in the industry and a background in hospitality and real estate education, Nicholas built his business to help investors and agents grow through cold calling, text messaging, skip tracing, and done-for-you lead services.

Connect with Nicholas

• Website: Lead Mining Pros
• Instagram: @nicholasnicksays
• Facebook: Nicholas Nick
• YouTube: Lead Mining
• Phone Number: 727-877-8772

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

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What happens when a luxury custom home builder with a heart for service joins forces with Leigh Brown? An episode full of passion and purpose! Austin Lineberry opens up about faith, craftsmanship, and his ability to seamlessly transition from million-dollar kitchens to rebuilding storm-damaged homes. Plus, hear the shocking story of a 22-year-old Austin facing a mortgage fraud bribe. You won't want to miss this.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why Austin balances high-end custom builds with boots-on-the-ground relief work
• The power of faith, honesty, and refusing to cut corners
• How modular homes are disrupting housing affordability and waste
• Why getting teens involved in trades is a game-changer
• Construction waste reduction and why it's the key to acceptance of modular housing

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Patriot Relief
• Patriot Relief
• Casas por Cristo
• Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
• The Money Pit (1986)

About Austin LineberryAustin is the founder and owner of New River Building Company, a high-end custom home builder based in Alpharetta, Georgia. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Austin specializes in multimillion-dollar luxury homes while staying grounded in his values of transparency, stewardship, and faith.

He's also a core volunteer with Patriot Relief, helping rebuild homes and lives in disaster-stricken areas of Western North Carolina. Whether building dream homes or serving those in crisis, Austin brings integrity, heart, and purpose to every project he touches.

Connect with Austin

• Website: New River Building Co.
• Instagram: @newriverbuildingco | @lineberry
• Phone Numbers: 770.373.7900 | 404.391.5437

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

From dreaming of NASCAR to navigating Northern Virginia's high-stakes real estate market, Brandon Lowkaran brings speed, smarts, and sincerity to every transaction. Listen in as he talks about market myths, money mindset, and how small shifts can lead to big moves in real estate. And just when you think it's all financial wisdom and buyer tips, wait until you hear about the buyer, the long-close nightmare, and the self-sabotage that nearly derailed it all!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Is Northern Virginia real estate really crashing or is that just internet noise?
• Why first-time buyers suddenly have more leverage than they've had in years
• Down payment assistance programs most buyers don't even know exist
• How Brandon's construction background gives his clients a serious advantage
• What most high earners still get wrong about money and how to avoid it

Resources mentioned in this episode

• CASHFLOW® Classic—How Fast Can You Become A Millionaire?
• VA Home Loans
• HOME Plus Program
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

About Brandon LowkaranBorn and raised in Trinidad, Brandon began his career drafting architecture, then transitioned to project management and real estate consulting. Today, he raises capital for his investment fund using the same strategies he teaches. With hands-on construction and real estate experience, Brandon specializes in finding hidden deals and helping others build wealth. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Cecelia, and their children, Bryant and Axel, and enjoys motorcycles and outdoor family time.

Connect with Brandon

• LinkedIn: Brandon Lowkaran
• Instagram: @thelowkarangroup
• Facebook: Profile for The Lowkaran Group
• TikTok: @brandonlowkaran
• YouTube: Real Estate Investing with Brandon Lowkaran
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone Number: 571-502-0782

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

Prioritize your sleep! Transform your nights with Cozy Earth's luxuriously soft, temperature-regulating sleep essentials. Because when you sleep well, you live well.

Visit CozyEarth.com and use my exclusive code REALESTATE for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.