Episodes

This podcast episode serves as a reflective commemoration of my ten-year journey with the Real Estate Sessions, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling in the real estate industry. I share insights garnered from over 400 episodes, highlighting how the narratives of individuals, rather than mere industry jargon, have enriched our discussions. This episode also revisits poignant moments from my personal life, particularly the influence of my dear friend John Bjorlie, who has faced ter...

The central theme of this discourse is the imperative nature of inquiry over assumption in our professional interactions. I emphasize the significance of asking questions, rather than presuming to know the thoughts and feelings of clients, colleagues, or escrow officers. Such assumptions often lead us astray, as they are mere constructs of our imagination, devoid of the reality we seek to comprehend. By fostering a culture of curiosity, we cultivate understanding and trust, thereby strengthening...

A Journey Through Episodes: Revisiting Memorable Conversations I dive into a reflective examination of past episodes, wherein I comment upon twenty distinguished guests who have graced the show. With an emphasis on the significant contributions these individuals have made to the real estate industry, I present my subjective insights pulled from their respective interviews. This retrospective endeavor not only serves to highlight the diverse perspectives and expertise of each guest but also aims ...

Brian Boero articulates a pivotal truth within the realm of real estate marketing, emphasizing the lack of creative storytelling and brand development that has historically characterized the industry. He explains how this unclaimed territory has been staked by his firm, 1000watt, as they ventured to redefine conventional approaches to marketing in real estate. Over the years, the company has grown, increasingly recognized for its innovative strategies and compelling narratives. In our dialogue, ...

Michelle Berman-Mikel shares the autonomy inherent in the worlds of real estate and mortgage professions, emphasizing that aspiring solopreneurs must take the initiative to cultivate their own business and revenue streams. The conversation, hosted by Bill Risser, delves into Michelle's extensive background, including her transition from competitive swimming and her journey into entrepreneurship. She articulates the importance of personal branding and storytelling in social media, asserting that ...

The episode presents a deeply reflective examination of John Bjorlie’s 'Die Happy Tour', an initiative born from his desire to embrace life and connect with loved ones during his terminal illness. Bill Risser eloquently narrates John's journey, capturing both the joy and sorrow woven into his experiences as he travels to see family and friends, culminating in the poignant moment of attending his own wake. As John's health has notably declined, the podcast transitions to a discussion on the gravi...

Russell Marsan, a distinguished expert from IPX 1031, shares the intricacies and significant advantages of 1031 exchanges, which facilitate the deferral of capital gains taxes on real estate transactions. He emphasizes the common misconception that only properties of the same type can be exchanged, clarifying that any property utilized for investment or business purposes qualifies as like-kind. This episode serves as a critical resource for real estate professionals, particularly those engaged w...

The conversation with Sam Mehrbod shares the profound parallels between the arduous journey of pursuing a Ph.D. and the entrepreneurial path, emphasizing the necessity of self-reliance and resilience. In his insightful dialogue, Sam reflects on the absence of a universal formula for success, underscoring that individuals must navigate their own challenges with tenacity and perseverance. He shares his personal experiences, illustrating how the landscape of real estate has evolved and the importan...

AK Lalani, the founder of Rollout, joins us to share the profound challenges associated with API integrations within the real estate sector. He elucidates how Rollout endeavors to streamline the integration process, thereby enabling proptech companies to focus on their core offerings without the burden of complex API management. Drawing from his rich background, including a formative upbringing in Tanzania and extensive experience in the tech industry, AK shares insights into his entrepreneurial...

The conversation with Karla Saladino elucidates the intricate dynamics of real estate transactions in Manhattan, particularly highlighting the challenges posed by privacy concerns and the unique market structure that eschews traditional MLS systems. Saladino, a co-founder of Mirador Real Estate, articulates the necessity for brokers to maintain direct control over high-value listings, advocating against their exposure on platforms like Zillow, which may divert leads to less qualified agents.. Th...

The salient point of our discussion with Todd Carpenter revolves around the transformative nature of social media and technological advancements within the real estate industry, particularly in relation to compliance and image management. I elucidate how Todd has significantly contributed to bridging the gap between emerging technologies and real estate practices, particularly through his current role at Styldod. We delve into the intricacies of how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing ima...

The forthcoming dialogue features Joe Rand, a distinguished figure in the real estate sector, who elucidates the significant transformations currently reshaping the industry, particularly concerning the new regulations surrounding buyer broker compensation. As he articulates, these changes necessitate that buyers and their agents engage in more nuanced negotiations regarding compensation, a departure from the previously established norms where such arrangements were often implicit. Rand emphasiz...

In this episode, I, Bill Risser, take the opportunity to discuss several personal reflections and significant events occurring in my life. I emphasize the importance of colorectal cancer awareness, particularly the necessity of scheduling colonoscopies for those eligible, as I participated in a local awareness walk. Additionally, I share my enthusiasm for the impending baseball season and my plans to celebrate opening day in San Diego, where I will also engage in social activities with friends. ...

Christian Dwiggins, co-founder and co-CEO of Rayse, articulates a transformative vision for the real estate industry, focusing on the imperative of enhancing agent-client relationships through innovative technology. The primary salient point of our discussion centers on Rayse's pioneering buyer presentation tool, which seeks to empower agents by providing them with a rich, interactive platform that showcases their value and expertise. Dwiggins emphasizes the necessity for agents to convey their ...

Diana Zaya, the esteemed founder and CEO of Maverick Systems, engages in a profound discourse with host Bill Risser regarding the critical importance of agent retention in the real estate industry. At the forefront of this episode is the salient observation that retaining agents is significantly more feasible than recruiting new ones, a point that underscores the necessity for robust retention strategies. Zaya elucidates how her company employs data-driven methodologies to enhance coaching pract...

A Survivor's Call to Action: Understanding Colorectal Cancer The discussion centers on the critical importance of colorectal cancer awareness, particularly during the month dedicated to its recognition. I emphasize the significance of early detection, underscoring that the survival rate markedly improves when the disease is identified at its localized stage. With colorectal cancer being the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, it is paramount for individuals to ...

The conversation presented in this podcast episode with Vanessa LeVesque unveils the profound transformation of her artistic journey and the pivotal moments that shaped her into the artist she is today. Central to our discussion is the notion that the pursuit of art can be both an organic and liberating process, as Vanessa reflects on her initial hesitations about a career in the arts, stemming from societal expectations and a desire for stability. As she recounts her transition from traditional...

Clients desire to feel valued and understood, a sentiment that underscores the essential nature of effective communication in the realm of real estate. In this discourse, I delve into the pivotal role that nurturing relationships plays in fostering a successful career within the industry. By listening attentively to client needs, responding promptly to inquiries, and offering personalized guidance, we can cultivate a rapport that not only enhances client satisfaction but also generates referrals...

Curiosity: The Secret Ingredient for Successful Real Estate Relationships Curiosity is a powerful tool in building professional relationships, especially in real estate. By prioritizing asking questions over delivering sales pitches, agents can foster deeper connections with potential clients. Bill Risser emphasizes the importance of genuinely understanding clients' goals and challenges, which not only builds trust but also positions agents as partners in their journey. Active listening and open...

Unlocking Home Equity: How HouseAmp is Revolutionizing Real Estate  Rick Hennessey, the CEO of HouseAmp, joins Bill Risser to discuss innovative solutions in the real estate market that empower homeowners to maximize their home sale potential. House Amp provides a unique platform that enables sellers to access equity for home improvements without any upfront costs, making it easier to sell homes faster and for more money. Rick shares his personal journey from growing up in Alaska to becoming a...

Reflecting on 2024: Lessons from the Real Estate Trenches Sean Carpenter joins Bill Risser for the final episode of the Real Estate Sessions podcast in 2024, focusing on effective business planning for the upcoming year. They discuss the importance of reflecting on the past year to set meaningful goals and avoid the pitfalls of simply pursuing success without a clear direction. Carpenter emphasizes the need to be honest with oneself during the planning process, encouraging agents to evaluate the...

Breaking the Cycle: Bill Risser's Journey through Health Challenges Bill Risser shares a personal and reflective monologue in episode 405 of the Real Estate Sessions podcast, highlighting the importance of staying connected with clients in the real estate industry. Drawing on his own experiences with health challenges over the years, he discusses the six-year cycle of significant health events in his life and how these experiences have shaped his perspective. Bill emphasizes the critical nature ...

Jack Miller, CEO and president of T3 Sixty, shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of the real estate industry, emphasizing the crucial need for real estate professionals to redefine their roles as trusted advisors rather than mere salespeople. He discusses the importance of building relationships within communities and highlights how a strong personal network can significantly enhance business success. Throughout the conversation, Jack stresses the necessity for agents to clearly ar...

Weathering Change: Julie Lawrence's Transition from News to Real Estate Julie Lawrence, a former meteorologist turned real estate agent, shares her unique journey in the real estate world on the Real Estate Sessions podcast. With nearly four years of experience at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Tampa Bay, Julie emphasizes the rewarding nature of helping clients transition to their new homes, particularly those escaping colder climates. She discusses her background growing up in the suburbs ...