Welcome to the podcast that brings you the world's most famous real estate insights! In this episode, we're joined by Darryl, a dynamic real estate agent with a fascinating journey from roofing to thriving in the competitive real estate market.

• The Power of "Why": Discover why a strong "why" is crucial to sticking with your goals, especially when facing challenges in real estate or any other career.

• Embracing Rejection: Hear a profound discussion on why rejection, though difficult, can be a roadmap to success. Learn how to reframe your mindset and use "no" as a learning opportunity.

• Darryl's Inspiring Journey: Get the full story of Darryl's transition from the fitness and roofing industries into real estate, sparked by an unexpected injury.

• The Art of the Cold Call & Door Knock: Unpack the nuances of prospecting, including tips on handling resistance and even a "hack" for dealing with a surprise dog encounter!

• Setting Goals for Success: Darryl shares his ambitious plans for 2025 and how he's leveraging proven strategies like open houses and door knocking to achieve them.

• "Rate That Listing": Join our hosts in their favorite segment as they guess the price and features of a unique Florida home, complete with red velvet couches and skeletons!

Whether you're a seasoned agent, just starting your real estate journey, or simply looking for inspiration to overcome challenges, this episode offers valuable insights and a dose of humor. Tune in to learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities and keep "Cruising with You" through your biggest goals!

Cruising Through Real Estate: From Roofing to Riches!In This Episode:

In Episode 40, join us for an engaging and insightful conversation. We delves into thought-provoking topics such as the latest trends in technology, the impact of social media on our daily lives, and tips for maintaining mental wellness. Additionally, we explore personal stories and experiences that highlight the importance of resilience and adaptability in today's fast-paced world. Whether you're a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode promises to deliver a memorable experience. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion. Subscribe now and stay updated with our latest episodes!

Welcome back to Realty Talks! In Episode 39, hosts Suzanne “Queen of the Closing Table” and Paul “Fix It All” Hansen dive deep into the wild world of real estate. This week, they tackle hot-button topics like the impact of immigration and labor shortages on the California housing market, the challenges of rebuilding after wildfires, and the ongoing struggle with red tape in new construction.

Plus, don’t miss their signature segments: “Homes Gone Wild,” featuring a truly one-of-a-kind Flintstones-inspired listing, and “Rate That Listing,” where the duo gives their honest (and hilarious) takes on some of the most unique properties on the market. Whether you’re a real estate agent, investor, or just love real estate news and tips, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and laughs.

Keywords: real estate, housing market, real estate investing, home buying, property, California real estate, real estate agent, real estate news, real estate tips, investing.

Hit subscribe and join the conversation!

This episode of the Realty Talk podcast delves into the importance of generating leads and effective marketing strategies for real estate agents in the current market. We discuss the significance of setting proper expectations with clients and being proactive alongside their guests, Suzanne, founder of Innovate Realty, and Paul. The episode also touches on recent industry news, including a lawsuit between Compass and Zillow over MLS rules. Additionally, they share a humorous real estate story and introduce a game where they guess property prices. The team finishes by discussing the fluctuating real estate market and their expansion plans, including a new office in La Jolla.

🔥 Rebuilding, Protests & Wild Listings — SoCal Real Estate Gets Real

In this episode of Realty Talks, we dive into the real-life impact of protests on the SoCal housing market—especially in Los Angeles. From navigating construction delays and rising insurance hurdles to rebuilding after wildfires, we share raw insights from the frontlines of LA and OC real estate.

💡 Get the scoop on:

• How protests are affecting buyers & sellers

• Creative solutions for displaced homeowners

• Behind-the-scenes challenges with insurance & permits

• Why our brokerage, Innovate, does things differently

PLUS:
🎭 A hilarious “Homes Gone Wild” story involving a locked-out agent
🏡 A wild “Rate That Listing” segment featuring a Florida home with themed rooms (yes, really)

We wrap with fresh market updates, tips for agents & buyers, and a call for YOUR stories. If it’s weird, wild, or wonderful—we want to hear it.

Tap play and join the conversation. Real estate’s never been this real.

🎧 From Photographer to $40M Realtor: CJ’s Secrets to Real Estate Success | Real Estate Mindset, Market Insights & Client Strategy

What does it really take to go from side hustles to nearly $40 million in real estate deals a year? In this powerful episode, we sit down with CJ, one of San Diego’s top-performing real estate agents, to uncover the mindset, systems, and strategies behind his explosive growth.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How CJ went from photography and hospital jobs to crushing it in real estate
• Why saying “no” to the wrong listings can lead to more deals
• The power of under-promising and over-delivering in a competitive market
• What’s really happening in today’s housing market: from San Diego’s 30-day inventory to Orlando’s 12-month glut
• CJ’s unique “team within a team” model and why he didn’t go solo
• Why taking quarterly vacations actually grew his business
• How narrowing his focus doubled his sales from $21M to $38M in one year

💡 Whether you’re a real estate agent, investor, or curious homeowner, this episode offers real-world tactics, mindset shifts, and market knowledge that can elevate your game.

📲 Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone looking to win in real estate today. Subscribe for more insider tips from real estate leaders who are rewriting the rules of the game

For more content, follow our socials below:Instagram.com/real_tytalkSuzanne Seini:Facebook.com/suzanneseiniInstagram.com/suzanneseiniPaul Hanson:Instagram.com/paulrhansonStephen Couig:Instagram.com/stephencouig

🎧 From Photographer to $40M Realtor: CJ’s Secrets to Real Estate Success | Real Estate Mindset, Market Insights & Client Strategy

What does it really take to go from side hustles to nearly $40 million in real estate deals a year? In this powerful episode, we sit down with CJ, one of San Diego’s top-performing real estate agents, to uncover the mindset, systems, and strategies behind his explosive growth.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How CJ went from photography and hospital jobs to crushing it in real estate
• Why saying “no” to the wrong listings can lead to more deals
• The power of under-promising and over-delivering in a competitive market
• What’s really happening in today’s housing market: from San Diego’s 30-day inventory to Orlando’s 12-month glut
• CJ’s unique “team within a team” model and why he didn’t go solo
• Why taking quarterly vacations actually grew his business
• How narrowing his focus doubled his sales from $21M to $38M in one year

💡 Whether you’re a real estate agent, investor, or curious homeowner, this episode offers real-world tactics, mindset shifts, and market knowledge that can elevate your game.

📲 Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone looking to win in real estate today. Subscribe for more insider tips from real estate leaders who are rewriting the rules of the game

For more content, follow our socials below:
Instagram.com/real_tytalk
Suzanne Seini:
Facebook.com/suzanneseini
Instagram.com/suzanneseini
Paul Hanson:
Instagram.com/paulrhanson
Stephen Couig:
Instagram.com/stephencouig

Suzanne and Paul dive into the controversial battle between major brokerages like Compass and Multiple Listing Services over exclusive listings and who controls property marketing.

• The MLS system establishes rules about when listings can be marketed and shared with other agents
• Compass is challenging these rules, arguing sellers should have more control over marketing their properties
• Pocket listings can benefit sellers who value privacy but may create unfair advantages for agents seeking to double-end deals
• Innovate Realty has grown its market share despite a 40% nationwide decrease in real estate transactions
• Potential tariffs on Chinese goods threaten to dramatically increase prices for appliances and fixtures in renovations
• Manufacturing may shift from China to India, where labor rates are significantly lower
• Successful brokerages focus on creating value for clients rather than primarily recruiting agents
• Market trends show luxury properties attracting multiple cash offers in Southern California

Subscribe to our podcast for more insights on market trends, industry controversies, and strategies for navigating today's complex real estate landscape.

For more content, follow our socials below:
Instagram.com/real_tytalk

Suzanne Seini:
Facebook.com/suzanneseini
Instagram.com/suzanneseini

Paul Hanson:
Instagram.com/paulrhanson

Stephen Couig:
Instagram.com/stephencouig

Buying your first home at 19 and turning it into a $100,000 profit might sound like fiction, but for Shirley Slee, it was just the beginning. In this riveting conversation, Shirley reveals how growing up on an Indian reservation fueled her determination to truly own property without government oversight, leading to a remarkable career flipping over 70 homes along the California coast.

"That was one of my biggest life regrets, I think, just being such a workaholic," Shirley candidly shares, reflecting on the journey that transformed her from a determined teenager into a powerhouse real estate investor and designer. With refreshing honesty, she discusses the all-consuming drive that propelled her forward while acknowledging the personal cost of such ambition.

What truly sets this episode apart is the practical wisdom Shirley offers aspiring investors and agents. From her preference for all-cash deals to minimize holding costs, to her signature "modern Mediterranean" design aesthetic inspired by Croatia, Shirley breaks down the strategies that have made her properties instantly recognizable in the competitive Southern California market. Her sweet spot? Properties in the $2-6 million range where renovation costs don't scale proportionally with purchase price, creating better margins.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as we explore today's market challenges, including how economic uncertainty and tariff discussions are causing buyers to pause—while simultaneously pushing cash investors from volatile stocks into real estate. Shirley's family business model, where her son manages construction and her daughter handles sales, provides a compelling template for creating multigenerational wealth.

Whether you're a seasoned investor looking to refine your strategy or a new agent seeking to build connections, Shirley's journey from writing goals on a napkin at 15 to creating a real estate empire offers both inspiration and actionable insights. Listen now to discover how determination, design vision, and calculated risk-taking can transform property potential into lasting prosperity.

For more content, follow our socials below:
Instagram.com/real_tytalk

Suzanne Seini:
Facebook.com/suzanneseini
Instagram.com/suzanneseini

Paul Hanson:
Instagram.com/paulrhanson

Stephen Couig:
Instagram.com/stephencouig

Imagine sitting in an unfinished $6 million waterfront property, surrounded by plastic-covered furniture, contemplating the fine line between investment risk and potential reward. This candid episode takes you inside a luxury flip on Balboa Island, where unexpected challenges and strategic design decisions have pushed the renovation over budget and beyond schedule.

From the moment you join us at 214 Abalone in Newport Beach, you're privy to the real-world complexities of high-end property development. We break down exactly how moving a single wall added $100,000 to the budget and why installing floor-to-ceiling windows cost another $60,000. These weren't frivolous changes—they were calculated decisions to maximize return in one of Southern California's most coveted coastal neighborhoods.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is our transparent discussion of luxury buyer psychology. As we explain, "Somebody buying a $6 million house as a second home does not cook. They do not need a massive walk-in pantry." Understanding your target audience drives every renovation choice, especially when half the 300 homes on Little Balboa Island serve as vacation properties for wealthy buyers.

The episode features special guest "Queen Z," a powerhouse broker who has facilitated over $3 billion in transactions during her 12-year career. She shares not just a wild story of agents getting into a physical altercation during a showing, but also her vision for a new coaching initiative to develop future industry leaders. Her approach—accountability with intention, consistency, and supportive leadership—offers a blueprint for anyone seeking to advance their real estate career.

Whether you're a seasoned investor, an aspiring flipper, or simply fascinated by the inner workings of luxury real estate, this episode delivers valuable insights wrapped in unfiltered, engaging conversation. Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to succeed in high-stakes property development.

For more content, follow our socials below:
Instagram.com/real_tytalk

Suzanne Seini:
Facebook.com/suzanneseini
Instagram.com/suzanneseini

Paul Hanson:
Instagram.com/paulrhanson

Stephen Couig:
Instagram.com/stephencouig