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Realtor Conversations is a show about two Minnesota base power mortgage lenders who interview successful real estate agents. Each week, hosts Brad Goulet and Stig Sandell will discuss how to successfully navigate the real estate market and mortgage market. Let Brad, Stig and their guests be your guide in helping to EMPOWER you with valuable insider information and tools that you need to buy, sell, refinance, and move through the loan process seamlessly.
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
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
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
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
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
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
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
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
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
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
Contact Jamie:
Cell: 651-270-4002
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
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
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Monday Oct 30, 2023
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
Monday Oct 23, 2023
Monday Oct 23, 2023
In this episode we speak with Matt Brown, a veteran real estate agent from Keller Williams Integrity out of Hudson, Wisconsin. Matt brings 22 years of experience to the table, sharing insights and strategies on the real estate industry. He reveals the intricacies of the low real estate inventory and reasons behind the current national average interest rate. We also hear about the KW model and its role in agent business growth.
In this episode:
- How Matt uses his 22 years of experience to mentor new agents.
- Why the Keller Williams model is instrumental in business growth for agents.
- How Matt's role evolved during his 11-year stint at Keller Williams in Roseville.
- Insights into the current real estate market from Matt's experience.
- How the economic model Matt learned after joining Keller Williams impacts his work.
- Why office culture and a good lender are game changers in real estate.
- What the drastic alterations in the market mean for agents.
- Understanding effects that low real estate inventory is causing.
- Why the national average interest rate is currently high compared to the last few years.
- How setting career goals, creating plans, and taking consistent action lead to success.
- Why the communication and responsiveness of a lender is critical in transactions.
- How the current real estate market shift is impacting agents and buyers.
- Further understanding the significance of the current national average interest rate.
- Why waiting for prices or rates to drop might not be the best strategy for buyers.
- How Matt's role as a consultant involves telling clients things they might not want to hear.
Contact Matt:
Cell: 651-343-3304
Email: mattbrown@kw.com
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Today we sit down with real estate power couple Mark and Lisa Duffy of Keller Williams Select. With decades of industry experience, they share their journey from daycare to real estate, emphasizing the importance of working with the right professionals no matter what the industry is. We hear about their unique strategies for staying ahead in the ever-fluctuating market, the importance of understanding customer personalities, and their family's active engagement in the real estate sphere.
In this episode:
- How Mark and Lisa transitioned into the real estate industry.
- Why partnering with the right professionals, like lenders and title companies, is crucial.
- How cultivating personal relationships with industry professionals can be a game-changer.
- The couple's strategies for staying ahead in the fluctuating real estate market.
- Why purchasing homes in the quieter fall and winter months can be beneficial.
- How using buydowns can be a powerful negotiating tool in real estate.
- The importance of understanding different customer personalities to provide tailor-made service.
- Why hiring a seasoned real estate agent can help navigate market uncertainties.
- How the Duffy family actively engages in the real estate sphere.
- Their participation in Keller Williams RED Day.
- Why understanding different personality types matters so much in real estate transactions.
- How the Duffy family's involvement in real estate extends to their children.
- Why Lisa believes dealing with adults in real estate is harder than dealing with kids in daycare.
- How Mark and Lisa use their coaching and daycare backgrounds to excel in real estate.
Contact Mark:
Cell: 612-986-2246
Email: mduffy@kw.com
Contact Lisa:
Cell: 651-300-9569
Email: l.duffy@kw.com
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
For today’s episode, we are joined by Becky Padelford and Joni Szybatka of Keller Williams Premier. Becky has been in real estate for 22 years and bought her first house from Jason, whose team she is currently on. She first started as an admin assistant, and eventually transitioned into being an agent. Joni graduated in 2005 with a degree in interior design and worked for a builder/realtor. Like Becky, Joni became an admin assistant who also transitioned to agent.
In this episode:
- How Joni and Becky first met in the office.
- The song that was playing that brought them together.
- How Joni’s admin experience has contributed to her being a great agent.
- How technology has changed the real estate landscape.
- Why their team works with both buyers and sellers.
- What makes Becky and Joni stand out from the crowd.
- Where Becky and Joni think the market is headed.
- How interest rates are affecting the market.
- Why renters are currently looking to buy.
- Why you shouldn’t wait on the sidelines to buy.
- Why you shouldn’t let interest rates scare you away from buying.
- The busy stage of life Joni’s in right now.
- Why Becky’s household is equally as busy.
- How important it is to have a primary bedroom.
- What Becky and Joni value most in a lender.
- Why it’s better for the process when the lender works in a team.
- The best advice for current buyers.
- Why sellers should have an initial consultation and make a plan.
Contact Becky:
Cell: 651-331-0251
Email: becky@jasongorman.com
Contact Joni
Cell: 651-331-1883
Email: joni@jasongorman.com