The Agent Edge

Welcome to The Agent Edge: Episode 34! In this podcast episode, we are joined by Bita Tahmasebi, an agent out of our Newport Beach Office. 

 While going through the home buying process, Bita became intrigued by real estate. The differences in how real estate operates in the United States versus how real estate operates in Iran piqued her interest and she soon dove into the world of real estate. As a former CEO and one of the few female CEOs at a large tech company in Iran, Bita’s background in tech helps her connect with her clients. In just four years, Bita has become one of the top producers at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

 In this show, you’ll learn why Bita believes hard work is not enough in this business and why even though Bita has a background in tech she still believes that this is a face to face business.

The Writing Edge

To begin the show, Sam is joined by Melissa Kandel, Founder/Chief Executive Officer at Little Word Studio, for a new segment called The Writing Edge where Melissa will share best practices for writing copy, creating content, and storytelling.

In this segment, you’ll learn best practices for creating videos for your business.

You’ll also learn why it’s key to rehearse and prepare for your videos beforehand.

Little Word Studio Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, & LinkedIn.

You'll also learn

• Why Bita does not say, “No, I can’t.”
• Why it is a Realtor's job to fit into the client’s world to help them accomplish their goals instead of having clients fit into industry-standard molds
• What Bita’s processes in transactions look like and what her 2020 goals look like
• How being knowledgeable about the industry is so important

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Bita’s Bio: https://www.bhhscalifornia.com/real-estate-agent/bita-tahmasebi/5060
• Bita’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BitaTahmasebiHomes/
• Bita’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitarealty/

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player.

Welcome to The Agent Edge: Episode 33! In this podcast episode, we are joined by Morgan King, an agent in our La Jolla office. 

Morgan grew up on her family-owned campground in a small town in Wisconsin where she helped run the family business at a young age. Working on her family’s campground taught her not only how to run a successful business, but also how to be a people-person. After getting her cosmetology license and pursuing her career as a hairstylist, Morgan decided to go back to school to pursue her degree in marketing. With her background in the beauty industry and her new degree in marketing, she established foundations at Sephora’s corporate headquarters in San Francisco and, after a few years there, moved over to Rodan + Fields. 

In this show, you’ll learn how Morgan used her background in marketing to grow her business in a mere 2 years. You’ll also learn how Morgan’s perception of real estate and real estate agents has changed since she became a real estate agent.

The Writing Edge

To begin the show, Sam is joined by Melissa Kandel, Founder/Chief Executive Officer at Little Word Studio, for a new segment called The Writing Edge. Melissa shares best practices for writing copy, creating content, and storytelling.

In this segment, you’ll learn best practices for writing your own real estate agent bio. You’ll also learn what qualities to look for in a writer when hiring them to write your bio for you.

• Little Word Studio Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, & LinkedIn.

You'll also learn

• Why Morgan thinks preconceived notions make this business so difficult.
• How her outgoing and hardworking spirit got her where she is today.
• About her love for the business and how it powers her. 
• Where her business is going in 2020 and what her goals for the upcoming year are. 
• Some of Morgan’s marketing tactics that she uses in her business today. 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Morgan’ bio: https://bhhscalifornia.com/real-estate-agent/morgan-king/6863
• Morgan’s website: https://morgankingrealestate.com/
• Morgan’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgankingrealestate/
• Morgan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgankingrealestate/
• Morgan King’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAPEFiZzSHYm3acagcYrFmA

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player.  Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the show on iTunes.

Welcome to The Agent Edge: Episode 32! In this podcast episode, we are joined by Julie Tran, an agent out of our Irvine Office. 

 With a background in property management and after working two part-time jobs at two different law firms, she figured she would get into real estate on the side. As a goal-driven individual with 3 kids to support, she has learned a lot about success, happiness, and family. Her positive, “whatever it takes” mentality and passion for service is what has helped her grow her successful business in just 5 years.

 In this show, you’ll learn about how Julie prepares for her listing presentations and why she thinks it is important to do research on everything from the client to the neighborhood beforehand.

The Writing Edge

To begin the show, Sam is joined by Melissa Kandel, Founder/Chief Executive Officer at Little Word Studio, for a new segment called The Writing Edge where Melissa will share best practices for writing copy, creating content, and storytelling.

In this segment, you’ll learn how Melissa generates ideas for blog posts and why we need to change our perceptions of blogs. You’ll also learn how to use your blog as a resource and a tool for your clients and add value to each piece.

Little Word Studio Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, & LinkedIn.

You'll also learn

• Why Julie’s first client and first transaction were unique but ultimately helped her to learn so much about the business
• How Julie approaches her business today and where she thinks the industry is headed
• Why this industry is all about relationships and how she continues to get repeat business
• How, as an introvert, her sense of responsibility overcomes her fear when she is developing her business or networking
• How Julie shows her value by adding personal touches, committing to attention to detail, and going above and beyond by knowing her specific client’s needs

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Julie’s Bio: https://bhhscalifornia.com/real-estate-agent/julie-tran/3976
• Julie’s Website: https://bhhscalifornia.com/real-estate-team/tran-group-oc/817
• Julie’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TranGroupOC/
• Julie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesstran/

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player. Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the show on iTunes.

Gregg Neuman of Neuman & Neuman is one of the top producing real estate agents in San Diego and has been in real estate since 1981. Although he entered real estate at a less than desirable time in the market, Gregg has continued to grow and improve his business year over year.

In this episode, you’ll learn how Gregg made his way to the top, what it takes to become a top real estate agent, and what life is like when you’re there. Hint: people skills, drive, dedication, and a passion to succeed are all part of the equation. He’ll walk you through his formula for success and give insight into how the San Diego real estate market has changed over the years

Welcome to The Agent Edge: Episode 31! In this podcast episode, we are joined by Valerie Punwar, an agent out of our Calabasas Office. 

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Valerie’s career began in the advertising world as a media buyer. Her career took her from Chicago to New York, to San Francisco, and ultimately to Los Angeles. Her sales career shifted from being the VP of sales for an ice cream company to now being a top-producing real estate agent here at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

 In this show, you’ll learn how Valerie maintains her top 1% in the company status without setting goals and why it works for her. 

A New Segment

To begin the show, Sam is joined by Melissa Kandel, Founder/Chief Executive Officer at Little Word Studio, for a new segment called The Writing Edge where Melissa will share best practices for writing copy, creating content, and storytelling. 

This first segment is an introduction to the segment and a brief overview of what Melissa will talk about on The Writing Edge.  

• Little Word Studio Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, & LinkedIn.

You'll also learn

• How to show houses so that they will be attractive to all buyers, not just a few. 
• Why it’s sometimes necessary that listings get a break from the MLS and why this break time should be utilized for home updates. 
• The importance of networking with other real estate agents in your area and why it helps you keep your edge. 
• How to have a difficult conversation with your seller about what their house needs before it is listed. 
• Why open houses are the best resource for market research and learning the current state of the market. 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Valerie’s Bio: https://bhhscalifornia.com/real-estate-agent/valerie-punwar/3022
• Valerie’s Website: http://www.valeriepunwar.com/
• Valerie’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriepunwarrealestate/
• Valerie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriepunwar/

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player.  Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the show on iTunes.

Welcome to The Agent Edge: Episode 30! In this podcast episode, we are joined by Kyle Kemp, our branch manager in the Santa Barbara/Montecito region.

Kyle, who was born and raised in Pasadena, California, attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he majored in Finance Real Estate and Law. Prior to becoming a branch manager, Kyle was a special effect project manager, working on some of the biggest events in entertainment such as the Academy Awards, the Emmy’s, the Grammy’s, and many others. Kyle then found himself immersed in the real estate industry after flipping homes with a close friend of his, then decided that he wanted to help people buy and sell homes, ultimately becoming a branch manager for some of our most successful offices.

In this show, you’ll learn how Kyle keeps his offices ranking among the top 10 of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties offices over the past 11 years and, more recently, among the top 10 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offices nationwide, and what he is doing to keep that reputation in the years to come.

You'll also learn

• About the uniqueness of Santa Barbara, why it’s not just a “luxury haven,” and why its diversity makes it an attractive escape for many.
• How Kyle’s past real estate experience and exceptional people skills help him to recognize talent and ultimately be a great manager. 
• Some advice to get better as a real estate agent, whether new or seasoned.
• How Kyle has doubled and even tripled his agents’ productivity by creating a unique environment that is different from many other real estate offices.
• 4 things that always lead you to more money in the real estate business. 

 Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Kyle’s Bio: https://bhhscalifornia.com/office-manager/kyle-kemp/1732

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player.  Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the show on iTunes.

Chase Cromwell – San Diego Central

Welcome to The Agent Edge: Episode 29! In this podcast episode, we are joined by Chase Cromwell, an agent working out of our San Diego Central office.

From being involved in sports at a young age, to holding four jobs at once, to growing up watching his father work hard for his family, Chase has learned the value of hard work and heart from a young age. He strives to be the best at everything and show integrity in every job he is tasked with. Even when working 4 jobs to support his family, he never did any job halfway – even if that meant taking a little bit longer to finish the job.

 Chase has built his business on ambition, persistence, and hard work – values he holds near his heart because they are what got him to where he is today. By staying alert, being on top of his tasks, and being available 24/7, Chase continues to build a business and a life on solid relationships with his clients and friends. He believes that relationships are key not only in the real estate business but also in life.

 You'll also learn

• Why Chase refuses to slow down even after all the struggles he faced at the beginning of his career and why that helped him believe in the power of momentum. 
• How Chase used his sphere to his advantage while he worked many different jobs at the beginning of his career. 
• What Chase’s social media strategies were in the beginning stages of his business to what he currently does on social media to help his business. 
• The importance of persistence and building good relationships throughout your real estate transactions. 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Chase’s Bio
• Cromwell Home Group’s Facebook
• Cromwell Home Group’s Instagram
• Chase’s Instagram
• Chase’s Website

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player. 

In this podcast episode, we are joined by Matt Epstein, Jill Krutchik, and Arman Grigoryan, three of seven partners on Powerhouse Partners working out of our Studio City Office.

With varying backgrounds in law, technology, and systems, Matt, Arman, and Jill all bring their prior experience and innovative skill sets to create a team that upends the traditional concepts and expectations of a Real Estate team. By creating a collaborative team environment, Powerhouse Partners is able to encourage and empower the agents who are involved on the team to reach partner status. The particular structure of Powerhouse Partners allows the team to synergistically build together to create just that, a powerhouse.  In this show, you’ll learn how the dynamic structure of the Powerhouse Partners enables them to continue to evolve and limit stagnancy.  You'll also learn

• How each partner, associate, and staff member play a key role in the partnership
• Why evolving continuously in an industry that is ever-changing is important to growth
• How Matt, Arman, and Jill found themselves in the real estate industry and how they utilize their unique career backgrounds to empower each of their fellow partners and agents on Powerhouse Partners
• The goals of Powerhouse Partners and what they want their agents to ultimately achieve

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Matt Epstein Bio 
• Jill Krutchik Bio
• Arman Grigoryan Bio
• Powerhouse Partners Website
• Powerhouse Partners Facebook Page
• Arman Grigoryan Instagram
• Jill Krutchik Instagram
• Matt Epstein Instagram

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player. 

Welcome to The Agent Edge Podcast: Episode 27 with Jeff Goodall Jr. In this podcast episode, we are joined by Jeff Goodall Jr. of The Goodall Group, an agent and team lead working out of our La Jolla office.

Born and raised in San Diego, with a competitive spirit thanks to sports, Jeff did not originally foresee a career in real estate for himself. As a fourth generation San Diegan and an Alumni of San Diego State University (SDSU), Jeff lives and breathes all things, San Diego, making him a great match for a career in real estate. Although he left for a bit to pursue his dream of baseball at Pepperdine University, Jeff found his way back to San Diego his junior year of college.

In this show, you’ll learn how Jeff became the official real estate partner of San Diego State University and why going back to the basics helped him grow his business and The Goodall Group.  

You'll also learn

• How Jeff went from “old school DJ” to a real estate professional and how the two very different career paths taught him how to go above and beyond. 
• Why Jeff knows real estate is all about the basics.
• The importance of defining your strengths and weaknesses and how to use them to your advantage in this business. 
• How he uses unique opportunities through SDSU and their alumni to grow his business. 
• Some of Jeff’s strategies for 2019, including how he uses Pokémon Go to help him find clients and sell real estate. 
• Why change and constant refinement is both good and necessary.  

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Jeff’s Bio
• The Goodall Group’s Facebook
• The Goodall Group's Instagram
• The Goodall Group’s Website

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player. 

Welcome to The Agent Edge: Episode #26!

In this podcast episode, we are joined by Lauren Ravitz from our Brentwood office. Lauren is a San Diego native who found her way to Los Angeles after graduating from the University of Michigan. After taking a few jobs in the entertainment industry and realizing it was not for her, Lauren decided to get her real estate license. She learned the importance of networking while she worked in the entertainment industry, so it was no coincidence that she joined one of the best teams in Los Angeles after getting her license.

 In this show, you will learn how Lauren does it all; from spending time with her family, to being a top producer, to finding the time to give back to her community.  You'll also learn

• How to organically keep in touch with friends and past coworkers and eventually turn them into clients. 
• What it’s like to grow up in an entrepreneurial household and how to bring that spirit into your business. 
• Why it is important to be a resource to people and how that helps Lauren’s business.
• What’s next for Lauren in 2019. 

Links and resources mentioned in this episode

• Lauren's bio
• Lauren's website 
• Lauren's Instagram
• Lauren's Facebook

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Agent Edge! We'd love to hear your feedback about this podcast. Leave us a note in the comment section below or leave a review on your favorite podcast player.  Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the show on iTunes.