Episodes

THE REAL ESTATE SESSIONS PODCAST Episode 291: Host: BILL RISSER Guest: Dr. BRAD O'CONNOR Episode Summary Meet our guest in this episode, Dr. Brad O'Connor, Chief Economist at the Florida Association of Realtors, currently based in Orlando, Florida. Live at the Florida Realtors Convention 2021 at the REBarCamp in Orlando, I sit with Brad, who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and he expounds deeply on the real estate and housing markets. He shares his perspective on the economics surrounding the marke...

Our guest for Episode 250 is one of the most influential real estate experts in the industry today. Joining us is Stefan Swanepoel, an American business executive, author, and C.E.O. and chairman of T3 Sixty. Stefan is a strong player in the real estate industry with skills surrounding the industry's analytical side, business planning, and trend analysis. In this episode, join Stefan and me as we discuss how Stefan's eclectic background led him to the success he has today. We discuss how Stefan...

Episode Summary: Meet our guest for this episode, Jim Walberg, born in southern California and is currently based in San Francisco. In this episode, I sit with Jim, and he shares his journey into Real Estate, up to date working with the Bay Area Team with Pacific Union - Christie's International Real Estate. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in Real Estate today and the transition of these relationships into the online space using social media. Top Takeaways: "When you've done it so ...

THE REAL ESTATE SESSIONS PODCAST Episode 89: Host: BILL RISSER Guest: KENDYL YOUNG Episode Summary: Meet today's guest, Kendyl Young, the owner/broker of Diggs, based out of Glendale, California. In this episode, I sit with Kendyl, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, as she shares insights from the history behind her Real Estate brand and discusses major flaws with current general practices in Real Estate. Top Takeaways: "A brand is not a logo; it's not a name, a brand is a promis...

In the last episode before a quick summer break, Joe handles Ryan Bokros' question regarding the ability to be successful as a part-time agent. Of course, Joe has something to say about Ryan's favorite team, the Cheatin' Astros Enjoy!

Episode Summary: Introducing today's guest, Matt Beall, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A, currently residing in Kauai Island, Hawaii. I sit with Matt, the CEO and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokerage, in this episode. Matt discusses Real Estate in Hawaii generally and life before he moved into the Real Estate business. Top Takeaways: "Work-life balance is a zero-sum game; you are only ever dealing with a finite amount of time." - [Matt Beall] "You can't just touch peop...

This week, the question for Joe is industry-related and it's from an industry professional north of the border! Listen in for our first Canadian call!!

Episode Summary: Meet today's guest, Lauren Walker, Senior Director of Account Strategy at Inman, currently based in Durham, North Carolina. In this episode, I sit with Lauren, raised in the western suburbs of Chicago, already with a passion for writing while growing up. She talks about her work as a copywriter and content creator. Top Takeaways: "Even though an individual agent will join a big organization… they're still a solo operator, and at the end of the day, they're responsible for their ...

Joe tackles the question of all questions - Would you rather fight a horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses? Which way will he go? Listen in to find out. Thanks, Kristi Kinnelly for the great question!

The irrepressible, Massachusetts-born Jeff Chalmers joins the Real Estate Sessions for Episode 24. Jeff has been in lending for 25 years, yet is not the typical lender. With a closing background, he brings a uniques perspective to the consumer experience. Enjoy Jeff's enthusiasm and passion!

Joe Rand takes on another Jay Thompson question. This time, it is all about the DOJ and NAR suit.

On Episode 290, I chat with Sherry Chris, one of my favorite executives in real estate. I have seen her present numerous times at many different events, including every Inman Connect event since she discovered Inman News at a NAR Conference back in 1999. Sherry was born in Quebec and moved with her family to London, Ontario at a young age. Real estate became a career right out of university and Sherry spent a number of years with Royal LePage, a large Canadian franchise. Realogy came calling r...

Joe gets question number 2 from ZillowBro, Jay Thompson – Enjoy! As promised, here is the link to Jay’s first call! https://player.captivate.fm/episode/54312441-a392-4163-b08c-371bfc2d6842

For Episode 289, I venture into the world of virtual assistants with Amy Ransdell, CMO of REVA Global. More and more Realtors are harnessing the power of virtual assistants. As Amy points out, 90% of agent work involves the phone or the computer. A large portion of these tasks can be handled by a VA. Amy has worn many hats through her career - Agent, short sales, investing, coaching, training, broker, the list goes on. As a single Mom, Amy points out she does not believe balance is possible, ra...

This week, when are you furthering the conversation and when are you a one-upper? Joe shares his thoughts on this dilemma.

Episode Summary: Introducing today's guest, Erinn Nobel, the Chief Cultural Officer at Real, a national brokerage founded in 2014. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, she now makes Bellingham, Washington, her home. In this episode, I sit with Erinn as she discusses how she got into real estate and the changing trends in brokerage models that will redefine real estate in the future. Top Takeaways: "Culture is non-negotiable." - [Bill Risser] "We really needed to define our purpose statement and our ...

This week, we get a special call from outside the United States. What country could it be? You will have to listen to find out.

Episode Summary: Meet our guest, Kristina Cusick, Broker/Owner at Town & Parish Realty. Her company is located in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area, where she lives, although born and raised partially in Daytona Beach, Florida. In this episode, I sit with Kristina as she talks about life in Baton Rouge and the great features there to know about. She has also supported RateMyAgent in the area as she works to help real estate agents get client reviews. Top Takeaways: "I know that I've always felt ...

This week, Joe tackles the question of agents calling sellers that have withdrawn their listing. Not expired, but withdrawn.

THE REAL ESTATE SESSIONS PODCAST Episode 286: Host: BILL RISSER Guest: WENDY THACHER Episode Summary: Meet today's Guest, "Wendy Thacher," a business development manager with Chicago Title in Portland, Oregon. She is also one of Bill's top referral partners providing great guests on this podcast. In this episode, I sit with Wendy, born and raised in Iowa, as she talks about Portland, where she is presently based, and its appealing features, career path, and Real Estate tips. Top Takeaways...

This week, Joe responds to a question about "agent worth" from none other than Jeff Lobb, Founder of SpartTank Media. As always, Joe gets a bit fired up. Enjoy

As I occasionally do, this episode done monologue style, meaning no guest, just me. Good news is, it's short. Bad news is, it's just me. No cool guest sharing an amazing journey to the world of real estate. I hope you listen anyways. Show Transcript - Every now and then, I produce a monologue episode of the Real Estate Sessions. Monologue meaning there is no guest, just me, usually sharing a thought or two. This week is one of those episodes. At RateMyAgent, we have core company values. We rew...

Today's guest, Joe Schutt, is a broker and the owner of Unit Realty Group in Boston. Although he spent his childhood growing up in West Springfield, Massachusetts, he moved to Boston 23 years ago. In this episode, I sit with Joe, discussing his journey in Real Estate so far, with lessons learned, particularly the importance of being authentic and how it factors into success and growth in business. Top Takeaways: "Just bringing a community together is a great thing... It's just a fun way to do th...

This week, Joe is presented with an ethical dilemma. You notice something in your groceries that you didn't pay for. What do you do? There are a couple more twists you will hear on the episode. Enjoy!