Real Voices Podcast

Today we speak with Monica Moreno, REALTOR®.

“I love working with clients; I think that’s my passion in life, helping others,” says Monica Moreno, an agent for nearly 15 years. “I think for me, it is the best career I could choose.”

“It’s all about listening, learning, points of view...I wanted to be a psychologist! We, as REALTORS®...we’re kinda psychologists, you know! It’s about the service and care you give. Follow-up, staying in touch is also key.”

On facing challenges in the industry and the competitive market, Monica offers this: “When you see the happiness of your clients, when you really accomplish the homeownership and the hard work you achieved for them, I think it’s worth it.”

Listen to Monica speak on her upbringing, working with her husband at their business, staying positive, and persevering in challenging times and markets. Tune in to Real Voices on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts!

Today we talk with Juan Ramirez, real estate agent.

Listen to our latest podcast interview as agent Juan Ramirez discusses different cultures, as well as his experience in banking, lending, finance and investment. Even with all this background, he has always been passionate about real estate. Yet by the time Juan got his license, the housing market was just starting to get shaky. Even so, he used that time to educate himself online to find out what it really took to have a successful real estate business.

“You’re not really selling homes; homes sell themselves. In reality, you’re selling yourself, your services,” says Juan.

Tune in weekly to Real Voices on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts!

Today in Part 2 of our interview, we continue our talk with Ali Al-Asady, REALTOR®, Instructor, Green.

What lesson did you take away from your experience in Iraq? “That...changes your perspective completely.” Living in tents and cooking food in their cans was a challenge and change for Ali’s entire family. A big part of it prepared him for his ‘next life’ — his life in the US. “What we learned from it was how you turn a negative into a positive.”

The greatest challenge in Real Estate: “Technology...We start seeing a company versus a person...Even with the advancement of technology, we cannot take out the human element completely.”

To Sell is Human, by Daniel H. Pink. Ali recommends this simple-to-read book that has helped him a lot. “There is a science behind selling, and we need to understand selling,” Ali says. “I think (this book) will really change people’s perspectives on how to sell...especially those who didn’t come from a sales background to real estate.”

“Stay true to yourself. People still do business with people.” As a teacher, Ali says we should constantly “...educate the client about what’s really good for them. Sometimes, what’s good for them might not be good for us.”

Listen across a multitude of streaming services as Ali speaks more about selling, his journey from one country to another, his bucket list items, and how language, no matter what it is--dialect or industry--is important to overcoming adversity.

Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, to learn more about Ali’s continuing journey!

Today, we speak with Ali Al-Asady, REALTOR® with HomeSmart, Instructor, Green.

Ali Al-Asady, REALTOR®, arrived in the US in 1995 as a refugee from Iraq. With the uprising, the Gulf War, and for safety, his family had to move to a refugee camp to escape the dictatorship of the time.

During this, he saw strength in his father, the sole provider for the family. When younger, Ali recalls seeing a man with a limp, and he appeared to be dancing. Yet his father said to Ali, “You don’t have his problems; you have to appreciate what you have.”

Having first worked at a non-profit organization for four years assisting refugees settling in the US, Ali—a poet, painter, and teacher —realized he enjoyed the investment aspect of real estate and got his license in 2003.

“I serve clients that speak about 25 different languages but also serve anyone who appreciates our services,” Ali says. He freely admits he cannot speak as many languages as his clients! However, there are also so many other languages to learn, he says, such as the legal language, the real estate language, the attorney’s language. “I like to give things 100 percent before I move to the next thing.”

One of eight REALTORS® in Arizona to get a Green designation, and with his background and interest in sustainability, Ali tries to connect all facets of the real estate transaction process to his energy efficiency training. “Teaching is always something in my passion; I love to share with people my knowledge.”

“I love humanity, I hate war, I love peace.” All of the trauma and factors that Ali and his family went through affect his thinking and approach to people today. “The human element is the basis for every philosophy I have. You take the human element out of anything and everything else is justified.”

Listen across a multitude of streaming services including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, and learn more about his incredible journey!

Growing up, Myrtle Hall had thoughts of being a flight attendant and channeled her love of assisting people, along with her experience in managing teams and sales, into becoming a real estate agent.

“You make your decision that this is going to be a great fit,” she said, and with seven years of experience in the industry, Myrtle is going strong as a solo agent.

Taking real estate classes when purchasing her first home informed Myrtle of how the industry operated, what was needed to understand the processes. By taking these classes, she knew she wanted to help people understand that everybody can own a home.

She also discusses the different hats she must wear as a solo agent, the many varied duties that are required day-to-day. “Of the most entailed and important duties is to be your own marketer, and making sure that time is managed wisely — trying to generate business, find new business opportunities,” she said.

“Everybody thinks this is easy...that we do absolutely nothing throughout the day. There’s a lot we do when it comes to marketing, to what I call ‘hustling’, and how you have to be the best decision-maker, consultant, for the person, whether they’re buyer or seller.”

She discusses why she dislikes cold calling but does not mind door-knocking! “It is (essentially the same) but it’s body language to me — I want to be able to make that eye contact.”

Listen across a multitude of streaming services including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, and learn more about her incredible journey!

Today, we speak with D'Andrea Turner, REALTOR® at HomeSmart.

In this episode, our guest goes into the background of her career path from coordinating contracts to slowly entering the real estate field. With a total of 15 years of industry experience under her belt, Turner is well-versed in the subject and is proud to celebrate 6 years as a licensed real estate professional.

“[At first] I didn't know how important the realtor is to the whole transaction...protecting the client is our greatest job,” she explained.

She talks about her primary motivations for making the shift and touches on a few of her strongest role models and influences that guided the entire process. From friends to colleagues to her grandmother – motivation was at every turn! Turner also lets us in on the way that she works, who she serves, and the primary objective of each transaction.

“I put my clients in front of the right loan officer so that they know what is proper for investment – so that they can leverage their funds,” she stated.

Listen across a multitude of streaming services including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, and learn more about her incredible journey!

Today, we speak with Norma Millett, REALTOR® at HomeSmart.

In this episode, our guest discusses what motivated her to get into real estate, considering the dynamics experienced during her upbringing. After moving to California from Mexico, Millett recalls that her parents never owned a home and always relied on renting. Perturbed by what she considered a poor way to allocate funds and resources, she became increasingly interested in the real estate industry. And over time, during conversations, she found herself doling out advice and information about the field without even having a license. That is when she knew it was time to take action, acquire a license and assist potential buyers in the community.

“My drive in real estate is helping people get what they don’t know they can have. It’s cool to see the end result in handing over a key and saying ‘here’s your home,” Millett explained.

From there, she delves further into influences and role models that set an example in an impactful way. Millett credits her late mother for being a primary inspiration in all aspects of her life. From encouraging words to a helping hand, she recalls always being able to count on her mother.

“Everyone was blessed by her, everyone loved her. She’s always been my role model - if I ever had challenges, I'd always think ‘what would my mom do?” Millett expressed.

Listen across a multitude of streaming services including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, and learn more about her incredible journey!

Today, we speak with Bobby Lieb, licensed REALTOR® at HomeSmart.

In this episode, our guest talks about the breadth of his career background, starting in college baseball before joining a family-owned nightclub business. After 15 years in that industry, Lieb sought a different career path that was more in line with his personality and incredibly strong work ethic. At that point, he decided that real estate was promising because it offered freedom to the individual when it comes to daily operations and productivity.

“I do the selling, the meeting...my work ethic is such crazy hours, I knew it would be hard to get people to do the same thing that I do. So, I enjoy working on my own,” Lieb explained.

From there, he lends insight into the formation of the local real estate community and how he’s watched business expand from simplistic to competitive in the past few decades. Lieb talks about all the reasons that working for HomeSmart is so gratifying, and why he believes his comrades are so successful.

“I just like the whole atmosphere. I feel like they are real people and a real company. The networking that I see in our meetings is phenomenal. That’s what helps agents do more business: it’s that they know each other,” Lieb expressed.

Listen across a multitude of streaming services including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, and learn more about his incredible journey!

Today, we speak with licensed REALTOR®, Elizabeth Bortolotti.

In this episode, our guest talks about career tips, motivations, and how she juggles multiple priorities in the industry. Bortolotti touches on her beginnings as a stay-at-home mom and explains how real estate stood out to her as a potential source of income. At the time, she was interested in a field that would allow her to utilize her communications degree – without delving too far into the corporate world. Becoming a licensed realtor stood out because it was the best of both worlds.

“I thought real estate would be a great option. It helps me provide for my family and still have flexibility with my time,” Bortolotti explained.

From there, she talks about her approach to connect with referrals and people within her sphere of influence. Bortolotti covers a few strategies for overcoming challenges and how to ensure clients fully understand the process of acquiring a property. She offers insight into her methodology that guarantees that transactions are smooth!

“I do a lot of educating and I try to be very detailed and break down the process. I don’t assume that people know – they may be misinformed. I try to approach it as a coach.” Bortolotti said.

Listen across a multitude of streaming services including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, and learn more about her incredible journey!