Whatâs the real value of a home and who gets to decide? Joining us this episode are Bill Whitaker and Hamp Thomas for a deep dive into the surprisingly complex world of square footage, floor plans, and property valuation. From legal liabilities to LiDAR tech, this episode pulls back the curtain on how real estate professionals can either protect or endanger their clients. Key takeaways to listen for Why agents (not tax records) are responsible for square footage accuracy How LiDAR technology is ...
Aug 14, 2025â˘54 min
Small towns donât just recover slower after disasterâtheyâre often forgotten altogether. In this episode, Leigh Brown exposes the deep inequalities sheâs witnessed firsthand in Western North Carolinaâs long road to recovery. From government red tape to rising property taxes, this is a raw look at what happens when working-class communities are pushed to the margins. Key takeaways to listen for Why disaster relief often favors urban areas over rural ones The hidden financial toll of rebuilding fo...
Aug 07, 2025â˘12 min
VA loans are faster, smarter, and more competitive than ever, so why are real estate pros still missing the mark? John Bell III, head of the VA Home Loan Program, joins us to drop major updates, debunk industry myths, and explain why VA buyers are winning in todayâs market. If you serve Veterans or want to dominate the real estate game in 2025, this episode is for you! Key takeaways to listen for Why 2025 is the strongest year yet for VA Home Loan volume How the VAâs digital platform is enabling...
Jul 31, 2025â˘41 min
Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate just got a glow-up - welcome to Real Talk with Leigh Brown! From deals that go off the rails to lessons you didnât see coming, Leigh brings you unfiltered conversations with pros whoâve been deep in the trenches. Same wild stories. Same hard-earned wisdom. Same bold personality. Just with a name thatâs a little easier to say out loud. Subscribe now to keep hearing the stories real estate pros talk about behind closed doors. Connect with Leigh Please subscribe to this po...
Jul 24, 2025â˘5 min
He left without telling anyone and still came out on top. In this episode, Bob Percesepe shares the wild story behind his unexpected real estate reset and the systems that helped him rebuild from scratch. From tough calls to smart CRM plays, itâs equal parts strategy and survival. Press play if you're ready to restart, scale, or shake things up. Key takeaways to listen for How Bob rebuilt his real estate business from scratch in a new state The system behind listing 76 properties in one year Why...
Jul 17, 2025â˘50 minâ˘Ep. 529
Most real estate agents donât make it past their first five years, and Chris Giannos is on a mission to change that. In this episode, he reveals how his new platform is helping brokerages rethink recruiting, onboarding, and training to keep agents in the game. Plus, stay tuned for the wild story of how one careless comment during a showing torpedoed a $2 million deal. If you're tired of the old-school grind or looking to build a stronger team, this conversation is for you. Key takeaways to liste...
Jul 10, 2025â˘33 minâ˘Ep. 528
Buckle up for a wild ride through real estate innovation! Join Brad Lewis, a tech-savvy REALTORÂŽ who traded Lake Tahoe's peaks for Tennessee's farmland, as he reveals how a single frustrating property tour sparked the creation of LivePad - a game-changing technology that's about to revolutionize how real estate agents and clients navigate home searches. Get ready for a conversation that's part technology breakthrough, part lifestyle revolution, and 100% pure real estate excitement! Key takeaways...
Jul 03, 2025â˘43 minâ˘Ep. 527
What happens when a former NHL hockey player trades his skates for real estate deals? Meet Bob Lachance, a pro-athlete turned real estate investor and entrepreneur. Hear his secrets on thriving in any market, plus the story of Bob's first-ever flip that kicked off his real estate career, complete with lessons learned the hard (and hilarious) way. Tune in for insights you wonât want to miss! Key takeaways to listen for How a former pro hockey playerâs discipline turned into real estate success A ...
Jun 26, 2025â˘30 minâ˘Ep. 526
Get ready to unpack some wild real estate stories and political showdowns with former McDowell County Commissioner and longtime real estate professional Andy Webb. From dealing with aggressive Treasury agents to local water wars and property tax debates, this conversation dives deep into the gritty realities faced by property owners in Western North Carolina. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about community trust, government overreach, and why local knowledge trumps federal oversight every ...
Jun 19, 2025â˘37 min
Tina Jan didnât just survive 20 years in California real estate, she built a business around solving the problems most agents ignore. From schlepping signs in heels to launching a company that handles open house logistics for you, she shares what itâs like to break into a tight-knit market as a total outsider and how she turns community knowledge into profit. Plus, stick around for the wild tale of squatters, no toilets, and one very gutsy house sitter! Key takeaways to listen for How Tina turne...
Jun 12, 2025â˘26 minâ˘Ep. 524
Lisa Scott ditched evictions for open houses, and sheâs never looked back. In this episode, she dishes on her bold leap from property management to real estate sales, building a business in a brand-new state with nothing but church ties and Facebook wit. But just when you think itâs all contracts and confidence, buckle up for the $2M lead that turned into a surprise road trip, a wire transfer meltdown, and one accidental hostage situation. Hit play for laughs, lessons, and the kind of crazy stor...
Jun 05, 2025â˘30 minâ˘Ep. 523
When Bill Whitaker moved from Charlotte to coastal South Carolina, he brought decades of experience and a blunt message for agents who cut corners. In this episode, he highlights the dangers of skipping professional measurements, neglecting photo quality, and disregarding disclosure rules. And yes, the crazy story involves a neighbor, a flooded yard, and one very upset buyer. So tune in! Key takeaways to listen for What Bill learned after pivoting markets and rebooting his real estate career The...
Jun 03, 2025â˘47 minâ˘Ep. 522
Shannon Watkins doesnât just run a brokerage, with 23 years in the game, she runs an empire. James Clark joined her team after a full career in insurance, and together, they dish on time management, real trust, and why real estate is definitely not part-time work. And if you think your last project was a mess, wait until you hear about the lake house with a hex, a missing contractor, and a seller whose legal spouse was âout of stateâ for very suspicious reasons. This is an episode you wonât want...
May 29, 2025â˘50 minâ˘Ep. 521
Real estate wasnât Mindy DeLanoâs first rodeo but itâs where she found her stride. With a background in healthcare and a heart for first-time buyers, she brings empathy, grit, and just enough grammar police energy to keep things entertaining. From porch-sittinâ veterans to social media shade, this oneâs got all the feels. And just wait until you hear what went down with the chicken-loving buyers on the worst possible day! Key takeaways to listen for Where real learning actually happens in real e...
May 27, 2025â˘35 minâ˘Ep. 520
Ever wondered what 40 years of real estate wisdom sounds like? Leigh sits down with her real estate âmama,â Connie M. Corey, for a masterclass on how to build trust, keep clients for generations and survive everything from busted floor joists to government boards. Just when you think itâs all business, wait for the story that ends with matching pajamas, water slides, and one unforgettable Christmas tradition! Key takeaways to listen for How a law enforcement career and a casual open house launch...
May 22, 2025â˘49 minâ˘Ep. 519
Eric J. Barth used to crank out 300+ appraisals a year, then realized the real money (and the real fun) was in doing the deals himself. In this episode, he shares what most agents overlook, how to really use data to price homes, and why your comps might not be cutting it. This is a masterclass in blending numbers with neighborhood know-how you wonât want to miss! Key takeaways to listen for Why the âyes/noâ drive-by system before 2008 was bound to collapse Certified vs. Licensed Appraisers: What...
May 20, 2025â˘38 minâ˘Ep. 518
Brett Henry doesnât just sell real estate, heâs redefining how the world does it. In this eye-opening conversation, Brett shares how his journey from a Canadian cop to a Dominican entrepreneur led him to build a global MLS system. If youâve ever wondered what it would take to sell a home halfway across the world, this episode will change the way you see the business, so tune in! Key takeaways to listen for Why thinking globally opens new revenue streams for agents How anyone can monetize propert...
May 15, 2025â˘42 minâ˘Ep. 517
What happens when a single mom takes on the real estate industry with zero backup and zero margin for error? You get Bethany Brokaw. Dial in as we chat about how she built a thriving business from nothing, trains agents to raise the bar, and still shows up with heart. Letâs just say... things get wild when frogs and lily pads show up under a house. Key takeaways to listen for How a single mom with zero commission experience built a real estate empire The unexpected move that took Bethany from br...
May 13, 2025â˘39 minâ˘Ep. 516
Real estate investing gets real when you're managing Airbnbs, Section 8 rentals, and navigating unexpected drama along the way. Louisville broker Stacey Duvall shares how she built a thriving portfolio by treating tenants with respect, choosing the right properties, and never skimping on granite. She also breaks down why over-improving rentals can be your smartest move. And wait until you hear about the buyer who refused to close until a dead squirrel was removed from the street. Key takeaways t...
May 08, 2025â˘40 minâ˘Ep. 515
Most real estate agents know houses, but land? Thatâs a whole different beast. In this episode, Cheryl Sain shares how she turned dirt into a thriving career. From scams and surprises to buried secrets, discover why land deals are risky, wild, and seriously profitable. And donât miss her crazy story about a developer, a debris pit, and a seller who âforgotâ what was under the soil. You wonât want to miss this one! Key takeaways to listen for Why understanding raw land could open doors to surpris...
May 06, 2025â˘52 minâ˘Ep. 514
Boone may look like a cozy college town, but James Milner, CCIM reveals the real pressures behind its housing crisis and stalled commercial growth. From post-disaster market insights to high-stakes development challenges, James shares the factors reshaping what is possible in Western North Carolina real estate. Plus, donât miss the things that drive James absolutely insane in todayâs housing market! Key takeaways to listen for Anti-development policies and outdated infrastructure in Boone, and w...
May 01, 2025â˘46 minâ˘Ep. 513
Kent Reddingâs path from retail mogul to real estate powerhouse isnât what youâd expect - especially when leadership, empathy, and branding collide. In this episode, Kent shares the surprising lessons he learned that still shape his business today. Youâll walk away rethinking what it really means to build trust, show up, and lead with heart. Plus, donât miss the story of the open house that literally caused a traffic jam. Key takeaways to listen for How Kent turned personal values into a busines...
Apr 29, 2025â˘34 minâ˘Ep. 512
An overgrown, collapsing house sat untouched for 15 years until Mike Lovelace decided to do something about it. In this episode, you'll learn how one determined agent used old-school tools, a petition, and a builderâs mindset to restore value and dignity to a forgotten neighborhood. The payoff? A heart-wrenching story of lost memories found again. Tune in, and you might just be inspired to take action in your own community! Key takeaways to listen for How one neighborâs frustration turned into a...
Apr 24, 2025â˘42 minâ˘Ep. 511
Student loan payments are back, and millions of borrowers have no idea they're already delinquent. In this episode, Brian Vaughan breaks down whatâs happening with student loans, how it could tank your credit score without warning, and what to do before applying for a mortgage. Plus, we dive into whatâs coming this summer with medical debt reform and a wild loan story involving a surprise job switch that actually saved a deal. Key takeaways to listen for Student loan chaos: Why millions of Ameri...
Apr 22, 2025â˘26 minâ˘Ep. 510
If youâve ever cursed your phone during a cold call, this episode might just change your tune. Nicholas Nick (yes, thatâs really his name) shares how a hospitality career turned into a multimillion-dollar real estate lead-gen company. Plus, stick around to hear how one Vermont fourplex turned into a snow-covered, flood-prone, tenant-infested financial disaster with a $20K eviction twist! Key takeaways to listen for How managing restaurants for 13 years trained Nick to dominate customer service i...
Apr 17, 2025â˘40 minâ˘Ep. 509
What happens when a luxury custom home builder with a heart for service joins forces with Leigh Brown? An episode full of passion and purpose! Austin Lineberry opens up about faith, craftsmanship, and his ability to seamlessly transition from million-dollar kitchens to rebuilding storm-damaged homes. Plus, hear the shocking story of a 22-year-old Austin facing a mortgage fraud bribe. You wonât want to miss this. Key takeaways to listen for Why Austin balances high-end custom builds with boots-on...
Apr 15, 2025â˘44 minâ˘Ep. 508
From dreaming of NASCAR to navigating Northern Virginiaâs high-stakes real estate market, Brandon Lowkaran brings speed, smarts, and sincerity to every transaction. Listen in as he talks about market myths, money mindset, and how small shifts can lead to big moves in real estate. And just when you think itâs all financial wisdom and buyer tips, wait until you hear about the buyer, the long-close nightmare, and the self-sabotage that nearly derailed it all! Key takeaways to listen for Is Northern...
Apr 10, 2025â˘36 minâ˘Ep. 507
What happens when working with your family starts costing you sleep? In this honest and emotional return episode, we chat with Staten Island REALTORÂŽ George S. Wonica to unpack the highs and lows of navigating a family-run real estate business. Dial in as he shares the lessons, heartbreak, and hope behind creating a new path while preserving personal relationships. If youâve ever worked with family or thought about succession planning, this is one you canât miss. Key takeaways to listen for What...
Apr 08, 2025â˘49 minâ˘Ep. 506
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Tim Kennedy, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional, whoâs on a mission to re-educate the public and the real estate industry on the untapped power of reverse mortgages. From avoiding credit card debt to funding bucket list adventures (and surviving a machete-wielding tenant!), this episode proves that reverse mortgages arenât just for the desperate. Theyâre for the smart and strategic. Key takeaways to listen for Reverse Mortgage 101: What it is,...
Apr 03, 2025â˘28 minâ˘Ep. 505
From working in economic development to partnering with her grandparents in real estate, Cheyenne McGriff has seen the industry from multiple angles, and sheâs got stories to prove it! Tune in to hear her inspiring personal experiences and some cheat codes for real estate success. Plus, hear about her wildest client experiences, including sight-unseen purchases and final walkthrough nightmares. You wonât want to miss this one! Key takeaways to listen for Why every new real estate agent needs a m...
Mar 27, 2025â˘31 minâ˘Ep. 504
