The REAL in Real Estate

Episode Summary:

Welcome to The Real in Real Estate Podcast, where we deliver expert advice and real talk for real estate success. In this episode, we demystify the often-intimidating world of mortgages and home financing. If you're planning to buy a home, this conversation will provide the clarity and confidence you need to make smart financial decisions.

Host Jean speaks with Dan Monson, a loan originator with over 20 years of experience. With a background in political science and economics, Dan is known for his thoughtful, client-first approach and his ability to explain complex financial topics...

Episode Summary:

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast! Are you tired of the real estate hustle culture that demands endless hours for uncertain results? This episode offers a powerful alternative. We explore how to build a massively successful business—without working more than 40 hours a week by focusing on genuine relationships instead of cold leads.

Host Jean speaks with Garrett Maroon, a realtor, author, and podcast host who has closed nearly 650 homes in 11 years by prioritizing authenticity and care. He argues that in an era of AI, trust is the only real currency, an...

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast! In a unique and hilarious deviation from our usual format, this episode takes a break from expert analysis to dive into the lighter, more unpredictable side of the business. Get ready for a collection of the funniest and strangest real estate stories you've ever heard.

In this special episode, your host takes the mic to share a curated collection of wild, weird, and laugh-out-loud stories from agents in the trenches. It’s a hilarious reminder that this business is anything but boring.

In this episode, you will he...

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges for aspiring homeowners: affordability. If you've ever felt that owning a home was out of reach, this conversation will give you a clear roadmap to making your dream a reality.

We're joined by LeTisha Grant, a Texas affordable housing specialist who is an expert at helping people get into homes they never thought they could own. She shares the secrets to navigating down payment assistance programs and unlocking the door to homeownership.<...

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your essential resource for achieving success in the real estate industry. In this episode, we're giving you an exclusive inside look at H Engage, the annual big production event that agents treat as a "big pep rally" to energize their business for the year ahead.

Our guide for this deep dive is Jeremy Fain of Greenwood King Properties, the leader and head chair of H Engage. He pulls back the curtain on what makes this a can't-miss day of learning, networking, and motivation for Houston real estate professionals.

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to "The Real in Real Estate"! In this popular archived episode, we revisit a crucial discussion with lender extraordinaire Chris Kelso, focusing on the ever-changing landscape of interest rates. If you're trying to understand how we arrived at today's rates and what they mean for your home-buying power, this episode is your definitive guide.

With 23 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Chris Kelso provides invaluable insights, breaking down complex market dynamics—from government policy to inflation—into clear, understandable concepts.

In this episode, you will learn:

✔️ The Real...

🎙️ Episode Summary:

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast — your go-to show for real estate success, offering expert advice, insider tips, and real talk for agents, buyers, and sellers. In this episode, host Jean sits down with Brian Spack, widely known as the guru of customer service, for a powerful and personal conversation about what it truly means to serve clients in real estate.

With decades of experience and a reputation built on integrity, follow-through, and heart, Brian shares why real estate isn’t just about homes — it’s about people. If you’ve ever questioned...

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success! In this episode, host Jean is joined by Luke Acree, President of ReminderMedia, for a masterclass on relationship marketing. If you've ever wondered why satisfied clients don't always return or how to stand out in a crowded market, this conversation is for you. Luke provides the proven strategies you need to build unbreakable client loyalty and grow your business.

Luke Acree is a lead generation specialist and referral expert who has helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs by teaching them to build businesses based on...

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Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your essential guide to navigating the dynamic world of real estate! In this insightful episode, we're joined by Roland Atlinger from the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD), who shares expert advice and insider tips to empower every homeowner, buyer, and seller. The goal is simple: to get the facts out to the public about how property appraisals and taxes really work.

Roland Atlinger, with an incredible 40 years in real estate and 36 years at HCAD, provides a masterclass on the largest appraisal district in Texas. Learn...

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to The Real in Real Estate Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into an incredible new homeownership opportunity with guest Brian Severin of Trio Mortgage. Brian is an expert loan officer here to break down a brand-new loan program designed to make buying a home more accessible than ever.

Brian Severin dispels the myth that you need a large down payment and shares essential guidelines, including:

✔️ How to qualify for a home loan with a minimal down payment, covered in part by a special grant.

✔️ The program’...

Episode Summary:

Join Jean on "The Real in Real Estate" as she welcomes Jennifer Williams, founder of Saint Louis Closet Co. and a leader in custom home organization for over 34 years. In this insightful episode, Jennifer shares her expert expertise on how smart storage and organizational systems can transform your entire home, reduce daily stress, and add significant value to your property.

Jennifer Williams shares essential insights on the power of organization, including:

✔️ The dual benefits of decluttering, which not only helps sell your home faster but also reduces the stress and anxiety caus...

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to The Real in Real Estate Podcast! In this special episode, host Jean takes center stage to introduce her two essential books for real estate professionals. She shares the story behind "Top Producers Steps to Success in Real Estate," which features insights from over 20 top producers, and unveils her brand new "Steps to Success in Real Estate Workbook," designed to help you actively apply those winning strategies and plan your year.

Jean shares some of the crucial strategies from her books, including:

✔️ Prioritizing Your Clients: Learn why always acting in t...

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to The Real in Real Estate Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the critical topic of community property versus separate property in Texas with guest Carey Worrell of Simple Law Texas. Carey is an expert in this area and is passionate about helping agents, buyers, and sellers understand these often-misunderstood legal concepts, especially when dealing with divorce, inheritance, or estate planning.

Carey Worrell dispels common myths and shares essential guidelines, including:

✔️ The fundamental definitions of community and separate property in Texas, and how the timing and method of a...

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the Real in Real Estate Podcast! In this episode, host Jean interviews Katie Lance, a renowned social media and AI guru and the author of "Get Social Smart." Katie shares her secret sauce for empowering real estate professionals to get incredible results using social media and AI without sacrificing loads of time. The conversation focuses on making tools like ChatGPT, Canva AI, and Descript accessible, practical, and a significant time-saver for any agent.

Katie Lance shares essential insights on smart social media and AI, including:

✔️ How to easily get star...

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to The Real in Real Estate Podcast! In this insightful episode, we talk to the amazing Marki Lemons Ryhal, a true real estate, marketing, and artificial intelligence powerhouse. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), 6X International Best-Selling Author, and host of two influential podcasts, Marki is a globally recognized voice in the industry. She has been selected to present at the REALTOR® Conference & Expo an extraordinary twelve times and is a 2025 Chicago Association of Realtors Hall of Fame inductee. Marki dives deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact o...

This episode of The Real in Real Estate welcomes John Bramblett from Stewart Insurance, an expert specializing in business insurance tailored for real estate brokers, independent title agents, and attorneys. John dives into the critical need for robust insurance coverage whether you're just starting out, running an established business, or serving on a board of directors, explaining how it safeguards your operations and assets.

John Bramblett shares essential insights on business insurance for real estate professionals, including:

✔️ Key insurance types decoded: Understand the crucial differences and coverages of Errors & Omissions (E&O or professional liability), Gene...

Welcome back to Real in Real Estate! In this episode, we sit down with Erica Wolfe, leader of the Wolfe Team in Jupiter, Florida, and famously known as the "Wolfe of Real Estate." With 17 years in the business, specializing in farming and digital marketing, Erica shares her journey from starting in the challenging 2008 market to leading a successful team of eight. She champions education and collaboration to elevate the entire real estate industry.

Erica shares essential insights on building a thriving real estate career, including:

✔️ Strategic team scaling: Learn Erica’s blueprint for growing from a solo...

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to The Real in Real Estate! In this episode, host Jean sits down with Jacob Dow from Marathon Creative to explore the critical role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems in the real estate industry. While many CRMs exist, Jacob explains why Marathon Creative developed its own custom solution after seeing agents struggle with standard systems, focusing on tailoring the CRM to each client's unique workflow and pain points.

Jacob shares essential insights on custom CRM solutions, including:

✔️ Why a CRM is the "lifeblood" for managing clients and prospects, ensu...

In this episode: Build Your Brand, Build Your Business! Jean sits down with real estate pro, educator, and author Kimberly Offord to unpack the essential, yet often misunderstood, world of personal branding for agents. Think of this episode as your roadmap to creating a magnetic brand that attracts clients and fuels your referral pipeline. Kimberly draws on her extensive experience, shifting from a referral-driven career to empowering agents, offering practical advice to help you define your unique value and stand out from the crowd.

What You'll Learn:

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Salazar, a designer from California Closets in Houston. While known for closets, Amy explains how California Closets tackles organization challenges throughout the home, offering custom storage solutions designed to maximize functionality and enhance home value—starting with a free in-home consultation.

Amy shares essential insights on custom storage solutions, including:

✔️ The surprising range of spaces California Closets organizes, from offices and pantries to garages and media centers.

✔️ Their detailed design process, featuring free in-home consultations, 3D renderings, and complete customization down to the eig...

In the episode: Jean speaks directly to those considering putting their homes on the market. She aims to provide a realistic perspective on the current real estate landscape, highlighting the importance of aligning seller expectations with market realities. Think of this episode as your straightforward guide to navigating the selling process effectively and setting yourself up for success. Jean shares her insights and offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions.

Here are some takeaways from the episode:

In this episode buyers beware. Jean speaks directly to those stepping into the exciting (and sometimes a little nerve-wracking) world of home buying. Think of this episode as your friendly guide, helping you navigate the process with your eyes wide open. Jean shares her experience and offers straightforward advice to help you avoid common pitfalls and make smart decisions.

What You'll Learn:

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we welcome back Natalie Hartman of Morphe Staging and Design to discuss home staging and interior design trends for 2025! 🏡✨

Natalie shares her expert insights on what's in and what's out in the world of home design, offering valuable advice for real estate professionals and homeowners alike. We dive into:

✅Emerging design trends for 2025, including the shift towards warm, textured spaces with earthy tones, natural wood kitchens, spa-like baths, curved vintage modern furniture, and European influences.

✅Strategies for incorporating new trends without a complete overhaul, such as using int...

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In this episode, we sit down with Bronson Hill of Bronson Equity, who shares his journey from a career in sales to building wealth through real estate investing. 🚀🏡

Bronson breaks down how he transitioned from renting single-family homes to investing in multi-family housing—and how you can make the leap, too! We dive into:

✅ The mindset shift needed to grow your investments

✅ How to set financial goals and avoid self-sabotage

✅ First steps to getting started in real estate investing

✅ The power of learning to increase your earning pot...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Schmidt, co-owner of Jackson Henry Mortgage in The Woodlands, TX, to dive into everything you need to know about down payment assistance. With over 20 years in the mortgage industry, Tom shares valuable insights on who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect when seeking assistance. We break down the different assistance programs available, the trade-offs—like slightly higher interest rates—and the common challenges applicants face. Plus, we discuss credit scores, grants, and key limitations that could impact eligibility. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or simply expl...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with TK Images, a premier real estate photography company founded by Julie Pistone Krampitz's late husband and now a thriving team of 40 professionals. Join us as we explore the vital role of professional photography in real estate, discussing why first impressions through high-quality photos can make or break a sale. Learn the importance of prepping a home for showings and photos, and discover how homes with professional photos sell faster and for more money. TK Images also extends its expertise to other businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and Airbnb...

Episode Summary:

Are you ready to embark on the journey of homeownership but unsure where to start? In this episode, we sit down with Karen Wood from Next Mortgage, who sheds light on securing funds for your dream home. Karen guides us through a variety of loan programs, offering invaluable insights into understanding the mortgage process. If you're a first-time homebuyer this episode equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of mortgage financing. Tune in now and take the first step towards making your homeownership dreams a reality!

Guest...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Russell, who has

spent his entire life in the real estate industry. Seeing the challenges

homeowners face and facing challenges of his own, Mike founded Hope for

Hardship, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people keep their existing mortgages

and avoid foreclosure—completely free of charge.

Mike shares essential insights on what to do if you're at

risk of foreclosure, including:

✔️ The first steps to take when facing financial hardship

✔️ The importance of communi...

Episode Summary:

She’s back! Amanda Coolidge, founder of Broderick Dean Construction, joins us again (previously on Episode 10) to share her expert insights on home remodeling trends. With over two decades in construction, Amanda created Broderick Dean in 2018—named after her two sons—with a mission to blend design and build into one seamless experience for homeowners.

In this episode, we dive into:

🏡 The latest home remodeling trends – What’s in, what’s out, and what’s here to stay.

🚿 Bathroom upgrades – The newest innovations and must-have features.

🍽 Kitchen remodeling trends – From...

She’s back! Rainey Durand from Bee Organized Houston North joins us again to talk about the power of organization and how it can transform not just your space but your mindset. Bee Organized is a franchise with locations across the U.S., and Rainey’s team specializes in helping people tackle clutter, organize their homes, and create systems that actually stick. In this episode, we dive into:

✨ The "Power Purge" – How they help clients sort through belongings and decide what stays and what goes.

🧐 The Organizing Profile Quiz – Discover what your attachment to "stuff" really means...

Episode Summary:

This week, we sit down with Carey Worrell, Founder & Owner of Simple Law Texas, to break down the legal side of real estate, business, estate planning, probate, and immigration law. Based in Houston but serving clients all over Texas, Carey and her team specialize in helping realtors, brokers, and individuals navigate complex legal matters with confidence.

🔹 Breach of contract – What it means and how deadlines impact your deal

🔹 Why you need an agent when buying a home—don’t go it alone!

🔹 Exclusive broker portal – A game-changer for real estate profession...

In this episode, we welcome back our expert guest Leash Yu for an in-depth discussion on flood insurance. Leash Yu, a seasoned professional in the field, breaks down the essentials of flood insurance and its importance.

Tune in to learn:

Episode Summary:

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Carey Worrell, owner of Simple Law Texas and an attorney with over 20 years of experience in real estate, business, estate planning, probate, and immigration law. Carey shares invaluable insights to help realtors and everyday individuals navigate some of the most common legal challenges in real estate transactions and beyond.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Helen Perry, a Houston native, LSU alum, and etiquette expert who has been empowering individuals of all ages since 1983. Helen shares her insights on personal growth, self-reflection, and the importance of starting the year with kindness toward yourself.

💡 Highlights include:

✨ Writing a New Year’s letter to yourself as a tool for reflection and goal setting.

✨ Tackling what’s keeping you up at night and removing obstacles to productivity.

✨ The psychology of goal accomplishment and how taking ownership leads to success. Helen also gi...

Episode Summary:

Join Jean on this insightful podcast episode perfect for aspiring and experienced agents alike! Dive into the world of real estate sales with Jean, a seasoned expert who began her career in 2008 and made it her mission to learn from the best. She shares highlights from her new book, Top Producer’s Steps to Success in Real Estate, which features insights from 20 top producers, including stories like Tim Surratt’s inspiring journey.

Jean emphasizes the importance of finding what works for you, getting involved in activities you enjoy, and building authentic connections through thou...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of real estate lending and explore the myriad questions surrounding it, especially in light of current interest rate trends. To help us understand this current topic is Chad Helcamp, President and Sr. Loan Officer with BWC Lending. From understanding the nuances of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages to deciphering how credit scores impact loan interest rates, we leave no stone unturned. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, this episode is your go-to guide for demystifying real estate lending. Tune in and gain the knowledge...

Episode Summary:

Let's dive back into this wonderful conversation with Amanda Coolidge. Torn between selling your home or renovating your forever space? Join us as we talk with Amanda with Broderick Dean Construction about this crucial decision in our latest podcast episode. We'll explore the ins and outs of working with contractors, the significance of selecting quality materials, and the thought process behind such a significant investment. Whether you're looking to revamp your current abode or embark on a new homeownership journey, tune in for expert insights and valuable tips to guide your decision-making process.

...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Bowles from First American Title to explore her journey into the title business and her passion for education and connection in sales. With only six months in the title industry, Melanie’s enthusiasm and expertise shine through as she shares insights into First American Ignite—a powerful program designed to elevate real estate professionals.

We dive deep into the Ignite RE system, covering its tools for transactions, property management, farming, marketing, and more. Melanie breaks down how the platform’s marketing and farming features can revolu...

Episode Summary:

Join us as we welcome Antonio Salinas, the incoming president of HIREBA (Houston Independent Real Estate Brokers Association), to the podcast! Antonio shares his inspiring journey, from his roots in Colombia to his success as a REMAX franchise owner and leader in Houston’s real estate community.

In this episode, Antonio highlights the benefits of joining HIREBA, a thriving organization for independent real estate brokers in Houston. Discover how HIREBA’s twice-monthly meetings, guest speakers, and networking opportunities can elevate your business. Plus, don’t miss details on their upcoming Christmas Party on Decemb...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we welcome back mortgage broker Chris Kelso to dive into building wealth through real estate. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, Chris offers invaluable insights, including:

🏡 Why starting young gives you an edge—but why it's never too late to invest.

📈 Key strategies: equity growth vs. cash flow investments.

💡 How to identify the right investment approach for your comfort level.

💸 The importance of rotating money to generate returns.

🔍 Understanding how today’s financing decisions impact your future.

Chris Kelso shares...