The Real Build

By Bill Reiman | @ImBillReimanEducation How To

The Real Build episodes

December 15, 2021 122. What It Takes To Have Instant Success As A New Contractor - With Jay Opus Of Opus Homes
In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Jay Opus of Opus Homes. I wanted to have Jay on the show to discuss his journey as a new home builder and Multi-family developer and what he is doing to stand out from the competition. Jay is new to construction, and he has already successfully built six homes and is working on a multi-family project. He also works full-time as an engineer, which he plans on transitioning full-time into construction.

Jay graduated with a BS in Computer engineering and a Masters in Computer Science. He works as a Software Engineer and is also a real estate investor. He mainly focuses on new residential development, single and multi-family units.

Guest Info
Jay Opus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayopus_bldr/
Host Info
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
1 hr 2 min
December 08, 2021 121. Selling Luxury Cars And Luxury Homes Go Hand In Hand - With Jesse Piccolo, Owner of Vetted Ventures
In this episode of The Real Build, I sit down with Jesse Piccolo, the owner of Vetted Ventures. Vetted Ventures is a brokerage firm that represents the world's most exclusive assets by integrating its clients to revolutionize private asset sales and acquisition management. They broker some of the most prominent car and real estate deals in the U.S.

Jesse sources secures and manages the sale of rare limited production exotic vehicles for his clients across the country. He creates, builds, and fosters relationships with UHNWI and HNWI through the services he provides, along with the opportunities he brings to the table. Jesse's vision of the company is to take it to a level where his company provides all luxury items a client wants and needs to where the client gets a good deal but doesn't have any stress along the way.

He is also a licensed Florida and Montana real estate agent, which allows him to continue building his relationships with his current clients and service them in the real estate industry.

Guest Info
Jesse Piccolo Website: https://vetted-ventures.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piccolo_place/
Host Info
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
1 hr 3 min
November 24, 2021 120. I'm Thankful For Construction, And The Opportunities It Brings Me.
In this episode of The Real Build, I wanted to reflect on what I'm thankful for. With Thanksgiving around the corner, we all need to look at what we are truly grateful for. I am thankful to be a contractor. It has brought me so many fantastic opportunities, from real estate sales to a home watch business. I have met and helped so many great people along the way.

I grew up working on job sites. My dad always brought us to work. It instilled the hard work ethic I have today. Today our company has sold over 25 million in custom home projects this year. As a broker, I have done over 20 million in sales. I am so thankful for construction, and I cant wait to see what opportunities God continues to bless me with.

Host Info
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com

24 min
November 17, 2021 119. Why Email Marketing Works For Contractors - With Laura Reale Of AquaReale and Landscape Marketing Secrets
In this episode of The Real Build, I got the privilege to sit down with Laura Reale, part-owner of AquaReale pond builders and Landscape Marketing Secrets. Laura is an email marketing expert. She knows exactly what to write to make emails stand out to potential clients.

Laura and her husband, Matt, started Reale Landscape Design in 2000 and then in 2010 changed the company name to AquaReale, to reflect their emphasis on water features and stormwater management. AquaReale had sales of $915,000 in 2020 and continues to grow.
When she switched from her marketing company to running AquaReale, she used her marketing skills to grow the company from $200,000 to $780,000 in less than four years.

Over time, many people in the pond world have asked Laura for help with their marketing needs, which has led her to her decision to form Pondtent, a company dedicated to helping other contractors like herself and her husband. As her word of mouth grew, she expanded her services to include and help all landscapers.

Laura uses various marketing techniques to attract and keep clients and is now offering to help other companies with the top marketing items that have helped AquaReale flourish.

Guest Info
Laura Reale Website: https://landscapemarketingsecrets.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landscapemarketingsecrets/
Host Info
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
58 min
November 10, 2021 118. Construction Material/Labor Shortages And Meeting Deadlines
His question was: I am a GC like you, but I focus on remodels. I am having a hard time communicating to clients that material/labor shortage is a significant factor on not meeting deadlines. Have you run into this issue? How have you communicated to clients this in a way they understand?
Ive been dealing with a lot of the same issues that Antonio has, and I wanted to record an episode about this as many contractors are facing the same problem. Here are my notes from the show.
The main thing ive focused on - is setting the expectation from the start.
Suppose there is something that is going up; you need to make it known from the beginning. The problem a lot of contractors have is they are afraid to lose a job. This causes them not to tell the full extent of what is going on. They are overthinking losing a client so much that they are willing to tell someone what is going on, which will kick them in the ass later.
How can we communicate this better to them -
1. Start with making sure your subcontractors are communicating any price changes to you.
2. Communicate that price change or expected change right away to the client. Don't hesitate.
Stop being afraid of the unknown!
3. Explain in full detail the situation of why that price increase is happening
4. Most people are understanding, but in communicating it to them, be more understanding - don't just say it is what it explains why.
5. If you have a difficult customer see if you can compromise - maybe you have wiggle room somewhere else?
Being honest with every client I meet with from the beginning—telling them what I'm facing and what can happen with cost and delays during the build. I continue to do this through the contract and even permit.
I also check in weekly with them so that there isn't a long gap of no communication while they are waiting.
Communication is critical, and the more you communicate with them, the better. Honesty is a must. So many contractors are not telling people what to expect because they want to get the job. This will lead to a lot of problems later. Be upfront and set expectations.
Host Info
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
23 min
November 03, 2021 117. Being A Concierge Of Every Real Estate Transaction - With Tyler Smith Of Realty Wise
In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Tyler Smith, owner of Reality Wise. It has been a while since I had a real estate professional on the show, and I wanted to have Tyler on because his social media content caught my eye. One video in particular that stood out most Tyler did was about helping clients in all aspects of the transaction, even if it was booking a reservation to something. Talk about going above and beyond. Tyler and I have very similar outlooks on how we do business and how important it is to build long-term relationships with clients.
Tyler is a licensed agent in Idaho and has done Real Estate and development now for four years. He values Faith, Family, Friends, and FREEDOM above all things. He has a wife, a one-year-old son, and a daughter on the way in January!
Many people have financial advisors, but how many can say they have someone managing your real estate wealth? His goal is to bring data and knowledge of the market to you so that you can work on long-term goals and plan for your family's future! His services are geared toward buyers, sellers, investors, builders, relocation, and first-time home buyers.

Guest Info
Tyler Smith Website: https://tylersmith.boiserealestatesearch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylersmithsr/
Host Info
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
58 min
October 20, 2021 116. Custom Homes Versus Production Homes / Tract Homes
So you are thinking about building a home but are not sure where to start. You go to a community with select floorplans ready to build. But you want more. You don’t like what they have to offer. You don’t like the floorplans and want to add to them of customize them but they say you are not allowed. Well sounds like you need to build a custom home?
Tract homes / Production homes
Off the shelf type home – what you see is what you get most of the time
Builder constructs these homes in quantity and offers specific models – buyer doesn’t have much say
Cookie-cutter but not always – price point is a major consideration in every build. So quality can be compromised
Cheaper cabinets, hardware, appliances, paint, roof, flooring
Benefits are lower price, faster build time
Resale value is a disadvantage
Land provided by builder
Custom Homes
Just like a tailor – custom fit for you – unique – more flexibility
More collaboration between client, builder, architect, other designers
No cookie cutter
Land provided by owner
Hand pick everything – custom selections – room layouts
Can take more time
Price reflects selections, material cost, and labor
If you have a question reach out and get it answered on a future episode!
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
17 min
October 13, 2021 115. Q4 Update: Supply Issues, Moratorium Lifted, Inflation Increasing, Where Do We Go From Here? - With Liza Florida The Myriad Group
In this episode of The Real Build, I brought back Liza Florida to give a market update and touch on where she thinks the market is heading. Liza specializes in residential real estate, specialized assets, distressed properties (Short Sale, Pre-Foreclosure, and Foreclosure), and mortgage lending. Liza is a Real Estate Professional, Entrepreneur, Investor, and Podcast Host offering outstanding qualifications from extensive work experience.
The real estate market seems to be shifting a little. We see low inventory in many areas, but demand appears to be leveling out for now. We are also seeing many supply chain issues causing minor delays and price increases in building materials. Mortgage relief was lifted as of September 31st, and now the banks are ready to collect. Let's face it, we are seeing that things are changing in the market. But Is there a significant slowdown coming? Liza gives an update on where she thinks we could be heading.
Guest Info
Liza Florida Website: https://www.eightbillionproject.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-florida-07597119/
Host Info
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
References From Show:
BlackKnight:
https://www.blackknightinc.com
RealtyTrac:
https://www.realtytrac.com/
How Covid has impact mortgages State by State:
How COVID-19 has impacted mortgage payments in every state - Chicago Tribune
Eviction Protection Laws State By State:
https://www.nolo.com/evictions-ban
1 hr 4 min
October 06, 2021 114. Key Things You Should Look For When Interviewing Contractors
In this episode of The Real Build, I answer a very important question that was messaged by a listener of the show. What should you look for when interviewing builders? This one came from Meredith who listens to the show. Meredith and her husband are in the process of renovating a home. I wanted to share my thoughts on this topic because not a lot of people know how to go about selecting a contractor.
It’s a big investment and people worry about being screwed. So here are some key things to focus on while selecting a contractor:

1. Experience - how many years have they been in business.

2. How many projects have they done?
3. TRUST – do you feel you can trust that person. You get to know your contractor in the beginning stages. We as humans learn whether we can trust people usually after a couple of meetings

4. Can you see some completed projects and also projects they are currently working on?

5. Ask for referrals. Not a small list of 1. Try and see how many they will give. I usually give 10.

6. Look at Google reviews.

7. Do you click with the builder and his team? It's not just the builder you will be dealing with.

8. How do they handle payments? Is it month to month? How will they confirm the work is done before payment is requested?
9. Cost plus or fixed price – What are the markups on overages for fixed costs?

10. How many walkthroughs will there be with the builder so you can stay updated? We currently do one every couple of months or sooner depending on the client.
It's important to do the walkthroughs to stay on the same page when things are so custom. Keeps our team in line.

11. Does he give you a list of featured items included in their estimated cost?

12. Warranty? How long? What's covered and what's not? What if something happens that shouldn't after warranty?

13. A clean job site is a must.

14. Project time frame? We are in a tough time with material issues. –
15. What's their expectation for completion time?

16. What does there Selections and schedule of selections to be made. The more you have picked out upfront always helps with the process. But use the builder's suppliers.
17. Do they offer in-house design help with selections?

If you have a question reach out and get it answered on a future episode!
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com

29 min
September 22, 2021 113. The Real Build Of Your Life Outside Of Construction - With Mark Reist Owner Of Tactical Construction
In this episode of The Real Build, I got the opportunity to sit down with Mark Reist, owner of Tactical Construction and Tribe of Tradesmen. Mark and I dive deeper into what “The Real Build” means to him and his own personal journey in life. Our life is the “realest build.” Yes, construction is part of that because so many lessons and experiences come from physically building things, but who we are and how we build a life was where we took the episode.
Mark is the Owner of Tactical Construction where their mission is to deliver an enjoyable construction experience by tactically providing top-grade results in quality and service for our customers.
He also is the Founder of Tribe of Tradesman. A group training Tradesmen and Contractors to live a PURPOSE-FULL life outside the 9-5 using a daily FULL life program to improve your health in body, mind, spirit, and wealth.
He is also the Admin of Construction Pro’s Club. This is A Peer Group Community of Contractors working together to elevate their businesses and industries through accountability and interactive coaching.
Guest Social:
Mark Reist https://tacticalconstruction.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.reist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacticalcon
Tribe of Trademan: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3258299780876900/about
Construction Pros: https://www.clubhouse.com/club/construction-pros

Host Info:
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
▶︎ YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA
▶︎ INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman
▶︎FACEBOOK| https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman
▶︎ LINKEDIN | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...
▶︎ TWITTER | https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman
▶︎ WEBSITE | https://www.rkreiman.com
1 hr 11 min