Realtor Conversations

Rebekah Chamberlain

Rebekah Chamberlain of Compass Realty Group takes us through her fascinating transition from dairy farming to real estate in today’s episode. Rebekah shares insights into global real estate trends, the nuances of navigating property markets into 2024, and the innovative support she offers individuals facing divorce. Join us for a journey through her unique experiences and market predictions.

In this episode:

• How Rebekah's agricultural background influences her real estate approach.
• How Rebekah's global perspective enhances her real estate expertise.
• What Compass Realty Group’s expansion means for community engagement.
• How Rebekah foresees the real estate market changing as we continue through 2024.
• Why this being an election year might impact real estate market dynamics.
• How the trend of remote work affected people's choice of living location.
• Regrets that buyers have from the pandemic buying frenzy.
• Why skilled negotiation is becoming crucial in the current real estate market.
• How Rebekah's mastery of market trends benefits her clients.
• Why understanding the product and process is vital for real estate success.
• How a year in insurance prepares Rebekah for a career in real estate.
• Events and workshops that Rebekah hosts for community engagement.
• What personal experiences led to Rebekah's focus on divorcees.
• Combining personal growth routines with professional life.
• Why Rebekah believes morning routines are crucial for daily success.
• Cultural shocks that Rebekah experienced living in Moscow as a child.
• Why Rebekah does not miss dairy farming despite its beautiful setting.
• How Rebekah's past as a dairy farmer influences her work ethic in real estate.

 

Contact Rebekah:

Cell: 612-391-0171

Email: thechamberlaindifference@gmail.com

Jake Bents

Jake Bents from Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty is alongside us in today’s episode. Getting into the ever-evolving world of sustainable living, Jake enlightens us with his expertise on green real estate, market shifts, and the importance of eco-consciousness in modern housing. We also hear about the shifts in home pricing strategies over the past decade.

In this episode:

• How Jake’s career evolved from new construction sales to sustainable living.
• Why Jake chose to rejoin the industry with Lakes Sotheby's International Realty.
• The role that social media plays in today's real estate market.
• How are the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, economic, and social—integrated into home building?
• Why financial viability is a crucial factor in sustainable practices for homeownership.
• How the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has impacted housing affordability and quality.
• What major shifts have been seen in home pricing strategies over the last decade.
• How higher interest rates are influencing buyer negotiations in the current market.
• Why Jake prefers text messaging for professional communication, and why he’s so good at it.
• What it has been like engaging with clients via text.
• How the average home price in the Twin Cities has changed from 2013 to 2023.
• Why the housing market might be stabilizing, and what implications there are for buyers.
• Advantages for investors in the current real estate market.
• How first-time homebuyers can benefit from programs like the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's.
• Why now is considered a good time to enter the real estate market.

 

Contact Jake:

Cell: 612-518-8598

Email: jake.bents@lakesmn.com

Jay Fletch

In this episode, we're welcoming real estate guru Jay Fletch from Edina Realty. We hear about Jay's 26-year real estate journey, including unpacking the intricacies of commissions, crafting stellar teams, and the art of leadership. We’ll also dissect the implications of zero-commission listings and the evolving role of negotiation and marketing strategies.

In this episode:

• Why understanding real estate commissions is crucial for navigating industry changes.
• How team dynamics evolve with commission-based and salary-based compensation models.
• Why building a family-oriented real estate team can foster loyalty and reduce turnover.
• How consistent customer experiences contribute to referral-based business growth.
• Why specialized roles within a team are essential for consistent service.
• How a stable core team with clear roles can facilitate exponential business growth.
• Why making ten calls a day can be part of a daily success plan for real estate agents.
• How databases and referral pyramids are vital tools for real estate business scaling.
• Why relationship building and maintaining company values are key in real estate transactions.
• How AI is predicted to give a competitive edge to real estate agents who adopt it.
• Why employee loyalty matters in the face of aggressive recruitment in the real estate industry.
• How Jay's story highlights the importance of decision making aligned with long-term relationship building.
• Why leadership and accountability are paramount in guiding successful real estate teams.
• How Jay's experience with Edina Realty and starting his own company shaped his understanding of team structure.
• Why negotiating fees and demonstrating value are becoming more critical for real estate agents.

 

Contact Jay:

Cell: 715-760-1189

Email: jayfletch@edinarealty.com

Websites: www.jayfletchrealty.com

www.gobegreat.com

Ben Dreher

Join us as we sit down with the ever-dynamic Ben Dreher, a man of many talents who has seamlessly transitioned from the world of construction to the fast-paced realm of real estate. Ben shares the invaluable insights he brings from his construction background, offering a unique perspective on spotting potential issues in homes that others might miss.

In this episode:

• How Ben's military and engineering backgrounds provide a unique perspective in real estate.
• Why market conditions are creating new opportunities for buyers.
• How rising interest rates have affected buyer behavior and negotiation dynamics.
• Why inspections and seller concessions are becoming more prevalent in the current market.
• How Ben's construction knowledge aids in identifying potential issues in homes.
• Why potential buyers might benefit from starting their search now for summer opportunities.
• How the possibility of lower interest rates could heat up the market by the summer.
• How Ben's direct approach and availability enhance client service in real estate.
• Why the infusion of CSI intrigue could be an exciting addition to future podcast content.
• How Ben's multifaceted career path led to his passion for real estate.
• Why market volatility is challenging, yet opens the door for savvy negotiations.
• How Ben shares personal anecdotes to illustrate current real estate trends.
• Why a tactical approach to market uncertainties can benefit clients.
• How Ben's Marine Corps experience instilled discipline beneficial to real estate success.
• Why a diverse professional background can be an asset in real estate transactions.

 

Contact Ben:

Cell: 651-808-3644

Email: bendreher@edinarealty.com

Wendy Heras

Join us this time as we talk with Wendy Heras about her remarkable shift from the pawn shop industry to becoming a real estate powerhouse with Keller Williams in Minnesota. We explore Wendy's vibrant past, her bold move with her children to Minnesota, and her profound impact on first-time and first-generation homebuyers.

In this episode:

• How Wendy transitioned from the pawn shop industry to real estate in Minnesota.
• The move from Arizona to Minnesota with her children.
• What challenges Wendy faced adapting to the Minnesotan climate after an October relocation.
• Why Wendy believes real estate is alluring to new buyers in the Midwest.
• What homeownership opportunities are being unlocked in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
• How a homeownership incentive program offers up to $30,000 in forgivable loans.
• Why personal stories can be related to strategic thinking in real estate.
• What the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals' event on December 7th aims to achieve.
• What will be taking place at the NAHREP event.
• How Wendy's expertise in jewelry authentication and pawn shop management influenced her career shift.
• What unique items Wendy encountered in the pawn industry.
• Why Wendy's move to Minnesota was a courageous step and how it impacted her life.
• How the upcoming homeownership incentive program could affect first-time and first-generation home buyers.
• Why managing client expectations and education is crucial in the housing market for real estate agents.

 

Contact Wendy:

Cell: 651-890-7838

Email: heraswendy@gmail.com

Ayden Mains and Ben Mains

In this episode we're joined by siblings Ayden and Ben Mains from The Heritage Group with KW Select. We discuss their journey into real estate, shaped largely by their family environment and their mother's influence. They share their insights on the current real estate market, the impact of COVID-19, and the role of personality assessments in their team's success. We also hear about generational differences in the industry.

In this episode:

• How the Mains grew up with real estate as a regular topic of conversation at family dinners.
• Why their mother played a significant role in shaping their understanding of the real estate industry.
• How the Mains navigate the current real estate market, including dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
• Why they attribute their team's success to personality assessments.
• Why contradicting inventory statistics and fluctuating interest rates make the market intriguing.
• Why now might be a prime time to purchase a home.
• Approaching generational differences in the real estate industry.
• Being inclined towards this industry from an early age.
• How their partnership with lender friends has made pre-qualifying offers smoother.
• How Ayden uses her interior design background to help buyers visualize the potential in homes.
• Softening prices and less competition being an opportunity for buyers.
• How the Mains adapted their roles in The Heritage Group, focusing on their strengths.
• How their approach of continuous learning and contribution helps them adapt to the ever-changing real estate market.
• Why they feel excited when they see a Bell approval letter, indicating a smooth lending process.

 

Contact Ayden:

Cell: 651-271-1973

Email: aydenmains@kw.com

 

Contact Ben:

Cell: 651-271-7472

Email: bmains76@kw.com

Artemisa Boston

Today we’re chatting with Artemisa Boston, a successful real estate agent from Realty Group, who has redefined success in the field. Starting her career in Mexico City, Artemisa overcame language and cultural barriers to establish herself in the US, primarily serving the Latino community. She explains the complexities of real estate and immigration, highlighting the value of homeownership.

In this episode:

• How Artemisa's journey from Mexico City to Austin led to her success in real estate.
• Serving primarily Latino clients and how her story inspires new real estate agents.
• Understanding the complex relationship between real estate and immigration.
• How Artemisa and her colleagues assist clients through immigration, home purchases, and lender selection.
• Why bilingual representation in the real estate industry is important.
• The value of homeownership in a high-interest, low-price market.
• Why Artemisa's determination led to her success in the real estate industry.
• The challenges faced by immigrants in navigating the home buying process and choosing a lender.
• The benefits of stability and security for families through homeownership.
• Why Artemisa values a hard-working, honest lender who has the clients' best interest at heart.
• The importance of seizing opportunities when interest rates are high and prices are low.
• How Artemisa's passion for real estate and helping her community sets her apart from other agents.
• Why Artemisa believes it's always a good time to buy a house, despite varying interest rates.
• Why Artemisa encourages people to buy homes now, rather than waiting for spring when prices might increase.
• How educating clients about current market trends is a key part of Artemisa's approach.

 

Contact Artemisa:

Cell: 651-503-2625

Email: arte54@yahoo.com

http://www.artemisaboston.com/

Jennifer Giovinazzo and Jamie Rooney

In this episode we’ve got Jennifer Giovinazzo and Jamie Rooney from EXP and the Pinnacle Team. We discuss their transformative growth, building a team across three states, and their vision for the future. They’ll get into the importance of preserving real estate legacies, along with the potential of real estate investments for agents.

In this episode:

• How the two grew their team to 55 agents.
• Why EXP's business model offers agents freedom and autonomy, which contributes to the team's growth.
• How team support is vital in taking over a real estate legacy and maintaining brand continuity.
• Why the book The Golden Handoff is essential for agents transitioning their legacy.
• How Jennifer and Jamie are extending real estate investment opportunities to their clients.
• Why the current market downturn is not a deterrent for their investment plans.
• How staying connected and accessible to your team and clients is vital for success.
• Why a culture of support within their team contributes to their success.
• How the Elite Advantage Investment Group allows agents to invest with the Pinnacle Team.
• Why the current market and the wealth potential it presents is so exciting.
• How the Pinnacle Team is planning for large investments in the future.
• Viewing real estate as a service industry rather than a sales industry.
• Why they believe there are more millionaires created in a down market than in an up market.
• How they are learning a new side of the business by investing in real estate themselves.

 

Contact Jennifer:

Cell: 651-249-4789

www.pinnacleteamus.com

 

Contact Jamie:

Cell: 651-270-4002

www.pinnacleteamus.com

Jessica Lowe

Jessica Lowe from Coldwell Banker Realty is our guest in today’s episode. With her background in graphic design, Jessica provides a unique perspective on how communication, creativity, and marketing intersect in the real estate industry. She shares her positive outlook on the current market trends and her innovative business philosophy that encourages optimism despite market fluctuations. We also hear her thoughts on why it’s a good time to sell, but why doing so needs a different approach compared to last year.

In this episode:

• How Jessica Lowe started in real estate a week after receiving her license.
• Why Jessica believes the real estate market is good right now despite fluctuations.
• The philosophy behind the business tagline “Sell High, Buy Lowe.”
• How Jessica's background in graphic design plays a role in her real estate business.
• Why communication, creativity, and marketing are all essential.
• Maintaining honesty when dealing with clients.
• Some of Jessica's experiences from her time at Coldwell Banker Realty.
• The role of social media in Jessica's real estate strategy.
• Navigating the current market trends, plus some tips for property transactions.
• Why Jessica believes well-cared-for properties are receiving multiple offers in the current market.
• The importance of being upfront about market expectations with clients.
• Encouraging buyers to look for a "diamond in the rough" in the current market.
• How Jessica utilizes her graphic design skills in her real estate marketing.
• The reasons behind why Jessica chose to work at Coldwell Banker Realty.
• Jessica’s approach to real estate that sets her apart.

 

Contact Jessica:

Cell: 612-296-4576

Email: jmlowe@cbburnet.com

Marc DePonty

Today we’re speaking with Marc DePonty, who is the Team Lead CEO at Keller Williams Premier North Suburban. From his beginnings in the printing industry to his strategy for adapting to market shifts, Marc shares his unique perspective and success story. We’ll also explore his inspiring philanthropic efforts, plus his vision of fostering 20 millionaires in the next decade.

In this episode:

• How Marc transitioned from the printing industry to real estate.
• Why Marc's goal is to create 20 millionaires in the next decade through real estate.
• How Marc's “win-win commitment” approach is effective in navigating market shifts.
• Why mentors and coaches are crucial for agents who are feeling stuck in their careers.
• The tragic loss of Marc's brother, but also the positives that were created in tribute to him.
• What Marc's vision of an ideal real estate agent is.
• How Marc's journey in real estate was influenced by his Mexican heritage and experience in the printing industry.
• How Marc adjusted his real estate strategies to cope with the changing market.
• Marc’s thoughts on wearing branded clothes.
• More on how Marc's story of family tragedy led to significant community impact.
• Why Marc believes in fostering a culture of service and community involvement in real estate.
• How Marc encourages agents to break their financial thermostats and reach for higher goals.
• The reasons why Marc has been seeing his best year ever despite market downturns.

 

Contact Marc:

Cell: 651-428-8246

Email: marc@mnathome.com