Real(ty) Talk

Welcome back to Realty Talks! In Episode 39, hosts Suzanne “Queen of the Closing Table” and Paul “Fix It All” Hansen dive deep into the wild world of real estate. This week, they tackle hot-button topics like the impact of immigration and labor shortages on the California housing market, the challenges of rebuilding after wildfires, and the ongoing struggle with red tape in new construction.

Plus, don’t miss their signature segments...

This episode of the Realty Talk podcast delves into the importance of generating leads and effective marketing strategies for real estate agents in the current market. We discuss the significance of setting proper expectations with clients and being proactive alongside their guests, Suzanne, founder of Innovate Realty, and Paul. The episode also touches on recent industry news, including a lawsuit between Compass and Zillow over ML...

🔥 Rebuilding, Protests & Wild Listings — SoCal Real Estate Gets Real

In this episode of Realty Talks, we dive into the real-life impact of protests on the SoCal housing market—especially in Los Angeles. From navigating construction delays and rising insurance hurdles to rebuilding after wildfires, we share raw insights from the frontlines of LA and OC real estate.

💡 Get the scoop on:

• How protests are affecting buyers & s...

🎧 From Photographer to $40M Realtor: CJ’s Secrets to Real Estate Success | Real Estate Mindset, Market Insights & Client Strategy

What does it really take to go from side hustles to nearly $40 million in real estate deals a year? In this powerful episode, we sit down with CJ, one of San Diego’s top-performing real estate agents, to uncover the mindset, systems, and strategies behind his explosive growth.

🔥 In this episode, you’...

Suzanne and Paul dive into the controversial battle between major brokerages like Compass and Multiple Listing Services over exclusive listings and who controls property marketing.

• The MLS system establishes rules about when listings can be marketed and shared with other agents
• Compass is challenging these rules, arguing sellers should have more control over marketing their properties
• Pocket listings can bene...

Buying your first home at 19 and turning it into a $100,000 profit might sound like fiction, but for Shirley Slee, it was just the beginning. In this riveting conversation, Shirley reveals how growing up on an Indian reservation fueled her determination to truly own property without government oversight, leading to a remarkable career flipping over 70 homes along the California coast.

"That was one of my biggest life ...

Derek DeVille shares his powerful journey from financial hardship to becoming the #1 real estate agent in Southern California, revealing how treating real estate as a business with consistent systems transformed his career and life.

• Lost his father young, experienced home foreclosure, and accumulated massive debt before finding success in real estate
• Faced rejection when his broker tried to fire him, but refused to...

A lively discussion about the current state of the real estate market, emphasizing the emotional aspects of home buying, the importance of perseverance, and practical tips for buyers in today’s market. We also share entertaining anecdotes that illustrate the unique nature of real estate transactions.

• Overview of the real estate market and its challenges 
• Importance of embracing a positive growth mindset 
• Emot...

This episode delves deep into the remarkable journey of Armin Monferrad, who transitioned from an engineering background to a successful career in real estate amidst personal and social challenges. He shares valuable insights on resilience, fitness, and ethical practices in real estate, coupled with a riveting story about a hidden bunker encountered during one of his deals. 

• Armin discusses his dual citizenship and upbri...

As 2025 unfolds, we dive into the theme of setting intentions and developing commitments rather than mere resolutions. With insights on goal-setting from personal and professional angles, we share stories and strategies designed to inspire growth and success in the new year. 
• Importance of setting meaningful commitments over simple resolutions 
• Understanding the ‘why’ behind goals to foster genuine motivation 
• Str...

This episode dives into the challenges and opportunities that arise when real estate investors face natural disasters like wildfires. A focus on resilience, strategic partnerships, and learning from adversity highlights how investors can turn crises into growth opportunities.

• Discussing the impact of fires on property values and investor mindset 
• Insights from Anthony Glenn on leveraging VA loans for veterans 
...

We're diving into the tantalizing world of real estate predictions for 2025. Do rising home prices and steady mortgage rates mean boom or bust? Join us as we dissect Redfin's forecast with our unique blend of analysis, skepticism, and humor, drawing from Southern California's real estate scene and beyond. Our episode kicks off with a spirited debate over the expected 4% rise in home prices and the potential for mortg...

What compels a retired Secret Service agent to turn his focus from protecting world leaders to safeguarding the real estate industry? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Corey, whose post-9/11 priorities led him from banking to a fascinating 20-year career in the Secret Service. Together with his wife Tracy, Corey shares their eHarmony love story and mutual passion for Japanese culture—elements that uniquely influence t...

Wondering how a citrus-infused espresso martini and the "OG Bug Thug" could possibly relate to real estate trends? Join us for a lively conversation as Suzanne and Paul share an unexpected journey through a unique team-building event at our brokerage, where creativity was the key ingredient. We recount the spirited competition among our agents to craft the ultimate espresso martini, with the winning citrus twist ready to ...

While many take a break, we discuss strategic approaches to staying active and seizing opportunities from motivated sellers. We highlight the importance of timing, pricing, and making a strong market debut, even when others might be less active.
We delve into the challenges and opportunities in the real estate industry during the holiday season.
We take a  journey into the world of hunting and its deep-rooted family traditi...

Anthony Andre, the king of title, join us to unravel the tapestry of today's real estate landscape. This episode promises to enlighten you on the aftermath of Proposition 33 and how its failure is a sigh of relief for real estate investors and developers in California, paving the way for new inventory development. We also touch upon the shifting political winds with a new Republican leader and California’s hefty $20 billion fi...

Prominent entrepreneur Dan Kassel takes us through his remarkable career journey, from his roots in tech to becoming a successful real estate developer and the creative mind behind his Car Wash company. You'll hear about his transition from detached single-family homes to high-density infill projects, focusing on unique community needs like multigenerational living spaces in urban contexts. This episode promises an engaging na...

Raquel Ramirez joins us to share her extraordinary journey from the world of property management in San Diego to leading a dynamic real estate company. Her story, rich with experiences from military life to balancing career and family, offers a treasure trove of insights for aspiring realtors and industry veterans alike. 

After witnessing the events of 9/11, Daniel Colvin spent a decade serving his country before pivoting ...

Ever wondered how a real estate powerhouse is built from the ground up? Cierra DeVille Sloan joins us to share her journey from selling shots at USC games to closing multimillion-dollar deals in the highly competitive world of real estate. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination needed to navigate a commission-only career, offering insights into the mindset and discipline required for success. Sierra shares the...