The Real Deal with Empire

What is real estate wholesaling—and why does it have such a mixed reputation?

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ayat Sleiman puts co-host and Wazlio co-founder Ali Fawaz in the interview seat for a candid conversation about wholesaling, the opportunities it creates, and the gray areas that leave investors skeptical.

Ali shares the vision behind Wazlio: connecting wholesalers, investors, and private money lenders in a more transparent marketplace. They explore why verification, accountability, and reputation matter—and how Wazlio aims to help people build stronger relationships while finding their next opportunity.

Plus, a fun rapid-fire round gives you a different side of Ali.

Explore Wazlio at https://wazlio.com.

What makes a photograph or video resonate? It starts with the person behind the lens—and the intention behind their work.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz and Ayat Sleiman sit down with photographer and videographer Dylan Richards for a candid, free-flowing conversation about creativity, passion, and pursuing a craft with purpose.

Dylan brings an artist’s perspective to capturing luxury homes and cars, pairing creative instinct with a clear strategy and a desired outcome. We explore the thought behind the shot, the connection between art and storytelling, and how purposeful content can make people feel something.

An honest conversation about creating meaningful work—and the passion that keeps you moving forward.

Artificial intelligence is changing how buyers and sellers search for homes, estimate property values and make decisions—but what happens when technology gets it wrong?

In Episode 9 of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz and Ayat Sleiman are joined by Empire Realty Group Principal Broker Ahmad Fawaz to explore how AI is reshaping real estate. They discuss why consumers are entering the homebuying journey with more information than ever, the risks of relying too heavily on automated estimates and online research, and why experienced human guidance still matters when the decision is this important.

AI may change the process, but trust, judgment and relationships remain at the heart of real estate.

What does it take to build one of Michigan's most successful communities?In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with John Buzuvis, Economic Development Director for the City of Plymouth, to explore the vision, strategy, and leadership behind one of Southeast Michigan's most vibrant downtowns.As part of our Metro Marvels Series, we highlight the communities recognized in the 2026 Metro Marvels Commerce & Business Development issue and the leaders helping shape their future.In this episode, we discuss:• What an Economic Development Director really does• The long-term vision behind Plymouth's success• Supporting local businesses and attracting investment• How economic development impacts property values• What REALTORS®, investors, and business owners should understand about thriving communities• The future of downtown development in Southeast Michigan• Our 60-Second Snapshot rapid-fire segment• Real or Ridiculous: Economic development editionWhether you're a real estate professional, investor, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply someone who loves learning how great places are built, this conversation offers valuable insight into what makes communities thrive.

Behind every successful business is a story of hard work, sacrifice, and a commitment to doing things differently.

On this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Ali Berro, founder of AquaPro, to talk about his journey building one of Metro Detroit’s recognizable exterior cleaning brands.

From getting started in the industry to growing a company built on trust, quality, and customer service, Ali shares the lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur and what it really takes to turn an idea into a successful business.

In this episode we discuss:

• How AquaPro started and the vision behind the company
• The challenges of building and scaling a service-based business
• Why reputation and customer experience matter
• The importance of consistency, discipline, and leadership
• Lessons for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and anyone trying to build something of their own

Whether you’re a business owner, real estate professional, homeowner, or someone chasing your next big goal — this conversation is a reminder that success is built one decision, one customer, and one day at a time.

🎙️ The Real Deal with Empire
Real conversations. Real stories. Real estate and beyond.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Mayor Brian Turnbull — lifelong Northville resident, historian, and city leader — to talk about how one of Michigan’s most charming towns is bridging its storied past with a bold vision for the future.

From the revitalization of Ford Field and the new riverwalk and river daylighting project, to the 7 Mile and Sheldon roundabout and Mill Race Village restoration, Mayor Turnbull shares how these projects are reshaping the city while preserving the timeless character that makes Northville special.

They’ll also dive into Northville’s bicentennial celebration, its commitment to community and family life, and how the city is preparing for the next generation of residents who want small-town warmth with big-city energy.

Whether you’re a history buff, a future homeowner, or just someone who loves seeing a city honor its roots while looking ahead — this conversation is full of insight, humor, and heart.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• How Northville is transforming its downtown through smart development.

• Why preserving history is central to the city’s identity.

• What makes Northville one of Southeast Michigan’s most desirable places to live, work, and play.

In an industry where agents are constantly moving from one brokerage to the next, stability has become rare.

The average real estate brokerage sees around 15% of its agents leave every year.

At Empire Realty Group, that number is just 3%.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, we sit down with the person who represents that stability better than anyone — Ahmad Hojeij, the very first agent to ever join Empire Realty Group nearly 19 years ago.

Ahmad has seen it all — the early struggles, the growth years, the market crashes, the market booms, and everything in between. But while others left the industry or moved between brokerages, Ahmad stayed.

In this conversation, Ahmad shares:

• What Empire was really like in the early days

• Why most agents leave brokerages — and why he didn’t

• What makes Empire’s culture different

• How low turnover benefits clients in ways most people don’t realize

• And what it takes to build a real estate career that lasts decades

This episode isn’t just about real estate.

It’s about loyalty.
It’s about culture.
It’s about building something that lasts.

If you’re a client, this episode will help you understand why stability matters.

If you’re an agent, it will show you what’s possible when you find the right home.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali sits down with AOM Property Inspection Solutions owner and retired engineer John Micheli to break down one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of the home buying process: the home inspection.

They discuss what a home inspection really covers, common misconceptions buyers have, when a specialist may be needed, and why waiving an inspection can put buyers at serious risk. John also shares his perspective on the relationship between real estate agents and inspectors, the most common issues he sees in Metro Detroit homes, and the legislation he is working on to make inspections more standardized in Michigan.

Whether you are buying, selling, or working in real estate, this episode is packed with practical insight that can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Mayor Lori Stone joins The Real Deal with Empire to talk about what’s really happening in Warren, Michigan — from revitalizing neighborhoods and attracting new businesses to building a city where families want to live and grow.

As Warren’s first female mayor, Lori Stone is breaking barriers and driving serious change — and this episode covers it all: economic development, community pride, leadership lessons, and a few unexpected moments that prove she’s the real deal.

🔥 What we cover:
– Why Warren was named a Metro Marvel
– What the city needs from small business owners
– Where investment is happening right now
– Why more families are choosing to live in Warren
– The power of public service & real leadership
– Fun lightning round: playlists, food spots & favorite neighborhoods

👀 Whether you're a city-builder, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to know how real leadership looks in action — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it.

#WarrenMichigan #MayorLoriStone #SmallBusiness #CityLeadership #Podcast #MetroMarvels #TheRealDealWithEmpire

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz sits down with Jeff Berry of Milestone Mortgage, a trusted lending partner of Empire Realty Group, to break down what’s really happening in today’s mortgage market — and how smart financing can make homeownership more achievable than ever.

From zero-down and first-time buyer programs to myth-busting common misconceptions (like whether you really need 20% down), Jeff brings clarity, humor, and expert insight into the lending world.

They also discuss how Milestone and Empire work together to deliver a seamless, one-roof experience for buyers — powered by technology, trust, and local expertise.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• What sets UWM and Milestone apart in today’s market

• Why now might be the right time to get off the sidelines

• The biggest myths about mortgages (and the truth behind them)

• How agents and lenders can work better together

• What’s next for homeownership in 2025 and beyond

👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation full of real-world tips, stories, and laughs — only on The Real Deal with Empire.
📺 Subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to never miss an episode!

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🚨

Buying a home doesn’t have to be complicated — or out of reach. 💡
On this week’s Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz sits down with Jeff Berry from Milestone Mortgage to uncover the truth behind the mortgage process — from zero-down programs to smart financing strategies that help more buyers win in today’s market. 🏡

They’ll break down myths, share insider tips, and reveal how Empire and Milestone are making the home-buying journey seamless under one roof.

🎧 Watch or listen now — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others get The Real Deal on real estate!

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