Episodes

Michael LaFido, a seasoned professional with nearly 25 years of experience in the real estate business, has significantly impacted the luxury real estate market. With his competitive spirit honed from a background in college football, LaFido has become a leading specialist and author in the field. His book, "Secrets of Top Luxury Agents," released in May 2024, quickly became a bestseller, with 26 top Luxury Agents sharing their secrets to success. The book also offers over 200 tips for homeowner...

Today, our guest spoke nationally about marketing for luxury properties and even created a luxury designation offered to interested realtors. Michael LaFido, a real estate consultant and top-producing realtor for the past twenty years, is joining us. Michael shares his insights into the high-end luxury market and how it has been crucial to his success. In this episode, join Michael and me as we discuss some of the secrets to getting into the luxury market and how Michael’s background shaped his...

The Real Estate Sessions podcast, hosted by Bill Risser, offers a treasure trove of almost 400 episodes that delve into the journeys and strategies of prominent figures and rising stars in the real estate industry. Celebrated for its diverse voices and valuable insights, the podcast has become a go-to resource for those looking to understand the intricacies of the real estate world. Bill Risser, who recently transitioned to an internal role at Fidelity National Financial, brings a wealth of expe...

In a recent episode of 'The Real Estate Sessions' podcast, host Bill Risser sat down with Alex Gustafson to delve into the world of AI chatbot development, focusing on Oppy, a versatile AI tool that is revolutionizing customer interactions in various industries, including real estate. During the episode, Gustafson highlighted the importance of integrating AI tools like Oppy into business operations to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction. He emphasized the role of business owners in custo...

Description: In this podcast episode, Bill Risser and Russell Shaw delve into the fascinating world of real estate and career success. They explore the evolution of Phoenix real estate, from a small town to a bustling metropolis. Shaw's unconventional career path from selling life insurance to comedy and then real estate is also discussed. The concept of "carte blanche" is explored, emphasizing the importance of freedom and authority in one's career. Effective communication skills are highlight...

Eric Sachs, the President and co-founder of Breakthrough Broker, champions the significance of maintaining consistent contact with one's sphere of influence to stay top-of-mind for real estate opportunities. Under his leadership, Breakthrough Broker utilizes innovative AI technology and high-quality content to help real estate agents engage their networks effectively. Sachs believes that automated marketing tools are essential for agents to navigate market challenges and showcase their expertise...

Dani Vanderboegh, the Service Editor at Inman, is a dynamic force in real estate journalism, deftly managing content to make industry news accessible and valuable for readers. With nearly a decade of experience at Inman and a unique personal journey marked by resilience, she brings a distinctive perspective to her work, particularly through her contributions to the "Real Tea" project. Vanderboegh finds joy in exploring the intersection of real estate and reality TV, appreciating the lighter yet ...

Annette Anthony, the vice president of technology engagement for Exit Realty, is a seasoned expert with over 15 years in the real estate industry. Known for her hands-on approach and energetic demeanor, Annette is particularly passionate about video communication as a means to connect and build relationships. She believes that videos can convey emotions and messages more effectively than traditional communication methods, and she is dedicated to helping agents overcome their fear of video by pro...

Kurt Uhlir is a man of many talents with an extensive tech and entrepreneurship background and unconventional experiences in high-angle rescue operations, scuba diving, and stunt work. As he transitioned to real estate, he brought a wealth of knowledge and skills, such as spatial data analysis, website creation, gaming, and targeted advertising, giving him a unique approach to the industry. Uhlir's perspective on transitioning to real estate revolves around the idea that agents should see themse...

Craig Grant is a distinguished speaker who has expertise in the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the real estate sector, among other things. Grant's insights, which are specialized in fact-checking and legal compliance in AI-generated content, result from his nationwide exposure and participation in high-profile events such as the High-Tech and High-Touch Summit. Grant's perspective on AI's influence on real estate encompasses a transformative shift, believing it will revolutionize ever...

Alicia Berruti is a seasoned professional in the real estate industry, having spent more than eight years at Bomb Bomb before transitioning to Fidelity National Financial as the Director of Agent Engagement. Alicia believes the real estate industry has a substantial opportunity to rebuild consumer trust, especially in light of the ongoing commission lawsuits. Her perspective is shaped by her experience in the industry and the belief that real estate agents can demonstrate their value and protect...

Transition in the real estate industry, such as incorporating advanced technologies, is a fascinating topic that highlights the industry's adaptability and future prospects. Bill Risser, a veteran in the real estate industry, sees this transition as a testament to the industry's resilience and ability to evolve. Risser has weathered numerous changes in his 25 years of experience, including market crashes and booms and the recent shift towards virtual operations spurred by the 2020 pandemic. His ...

Sharran Srivatsaa, President of REAL Brokerage, LLC, is a distinguished real estate entrepreneur and advocate for employee ownership, who has a unique perspective shaped by his personal journey from India. His perspective on real estate entrepreneurship, mindset, and employee ownership is deeply rooted in the power of partnership and collaboration, as evidenced by his strong alignment with Tamir, the founder of REAL. Sharran believes in creating a career-based financial incentive system for agen...

Ron Shuffield is a respected figure in the business industry, recognized for his contributions as the founder of the Beacon Council and his leadership roles at the Chamber of Commerce and the Coral Gables Community Foundation. He views his career journey as a continuous learning experience, underlining the importance of mentorship, aligning with individuals of integrity, and the transformative power of personal growth within the industry. Shuffield's perspective has been shaped by his commitment...

In the latest Real Estate Sessions Rewind episode of 'The Real Estate Sessions,' Episode 365 is this week as host Bill Risser sat down with Luke Carl, a former rock and roll bar owner who transitioned into real estate investing. Luke's journey into real estate was influenced by his family background in construction and his desire to be closer to his wife's family, leading him to invest in various markets and adapt to changing conditions in the industry. During the episode, Luke shared some valu...

Introduced amidst the struggle of a terminal illness, John's Die Happy Tour is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and creativity. This remarkable endeavor, spearheaded by John, focuses on spreading happiness through surprising loved ones with creative gestures and meaningful interactions, even while facing personal adversity. Bill Risser, observing John's journey, commends his unique approach to celebrating life. Risser, moved by John's determination and positivity, emphasizes the prof...

OVERVIEW Sam DeBianchi is a native of Fort Lauderdale and the proud owner and founder of Debianchi Real Estate. Her extensive background in real estate, along with her successful brokerage, has led her to be featured on the television show "Million Dollar Listing" and open her own real estate shop after gaining valuable experience in the field for around three years. When it comes to the NAR settlement, DeBianchi harbors a critical perspective, expressing skepticism about its potential impact on...

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, recognized each March since its official inception by President Clinton in 2000, emphasizes the critical need for early colon cancer screenings to mitigate disease progression. Survivor Bill Risser offers a deeply personal viewpoint on this topic. His perspective, shaped by his own journey battling colon cancer, highlights the importance of regular screenings, particularly colonoscopies, for early detection and high survival rates. Risser's experiences also und...

Matthew Simpson is a proficient entrepreneur with extensive experience in the technological and business development sectors. His perspective on LoLo, a relationship retention tool, is deeply influenced by his unique background. Simpson perceives LoLo as a crucial means for real estate agents to stay relevant with their network by providing local, significant gifts consistently. He contends that nurturing relationships and expanding one's network is vital for long-term success in sales, particul...

OVERVIEW Matthew Rathbun, a seasoned real estate professional with a background in law enforcement, has dedicated over two decades to the industry, advocating for consumer protection and ethical practices. Rathbun's perspective on consumer preferences in real estate is rooted in the belief that the industry needs to be more attentive to what consumers want, whether it's a preferred realtor, platform, or service. He argues that ignoring these preferences can result in missed opportunities, as dem...

Jorge Guerra is a seasoned veteran in the real estate industry, having founded Real Estate Salesforce, a brokerage based in Coral Gables, South Florida, at the young age of 26. With nearly 25 years of experience under his belt, Guerra's perspective on real estate salesforce is shaped by his belief in simplicity, consistency, and relationship-building. He views technology as a tool that should be carefully evaluated and implemented by brokers, only if it significantly contributes to the industry....

OVERVIEW Richard McDonough is a renowned real estate agent in Stillwater, Minnesota, who has built a strong reputation in the industry through his dedication to continuous learning and effective use of social media and technology. His perspective on the real estate market in Stillwater is overwhelmingly positive, shaped by his experiences and deep appreciation for the town. He views Stillwater as a beautiful small town with a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a variety of activit...

SUMMARY Megan Farrell-Nelson, a former kindergarten teacher, made a bold career transition into real estate at the age of 26 and has been in the industry for approximately twelve years. Megan's perspective on transitioning to a real estate career is that it was a challenging and unexpected journey, met with skepticism and lack of support from her peers. However, she persevered and learned to embrace the grit and perseverance required in the industry. Her background as a kindergarten teacher play...

Jacki Semerau Tait is a seasoned real estate agent with Realty One Group, boasting over 20 years of experience in the industry. Her perspective on the real estate career and work-life balance in Flagstaff, Arizona is shaped by her love for the area and her emphasis on building relationships. She cherishes the beauty and diversity of northern Arizona and finds fulfillment in helping clients achieve their dreams, whether it's finding a second home or assisting with the sale of a forever home due t...