The Real Estate Sessions

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, particularl...

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 curio...

Local Loyalty: How Lolo Transforms Agent-Client Relationships

Matthew Simpson, co-founder of Lolo, shares the pivotal role of maintaining connections within the real estate industry through thoughtful engagement strategies. He articulates how Lolo provides real estate agents with a sophisticated tool designed to facilitate ongoing communication with their sphere of influence by sending curated local gifts ...

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 o...

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 i...

Brad Filliponi, co-founder of BoxBrownie.com, joins us to discuss the transformative impact of technology on real estate photography and marketing. Emphasizing the importance of accessibility, Filliponi advocates for the utilization of smartphones, asserting that the most effective camera is the one readily available. He shares insights into the evolution of BoxBrownie, a platform designed to alleviate the burdens of editing for re...

In this episode, we delve into the compelling journey of Lauren Toppins, the founder and broker of Cherrywood Real Estate, who transitioned from a career as an attorney to a prominent figure in the real estate industry. Our discussion encompasses her formative years in Oklahoma and her profound appreciation for the state’s vibrant culture, particularly as it relates to community and family. We explore the significance of fostering ...

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 pe...

John Bjorlie, a stage four prostate cancer patient, epitomizes the notion of living life fully, even in the face of terminal illness. In this episode, we explore his remarkable initiative, the "John Bjorlie Die Happy Tour 2024," which serves as a celebration of life and an opportunity to reconnect with friends and loved ones across the country. John shares his profound insights about the importance of relationships, the liberating ...

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 notab...

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 res...

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, illustrat...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Florin Patrasciou, a prominent figure in the real estate sector, elucidates the transformative evolution of real estate transactions, emphasizing the profound impact of technological advancements on the industry. He recalls the cumbersome processes of the past, where clients were required to sign multiple original documents, contrasting sharply with contemporary practices that favor efficiency and digital solutions. Through his ext...

The salient point of this discussion centers on the imperative for real estate agents to possess a comprehensive understanding of their local market dynamics. It is imperative that agents convey pertinent data to their clientele—buyers and sellers alike—to elucidate the current state of the market, thereby facilitating informed decision-making. The conversation also underscores the necessity of maintaining an active connection with...

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...

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 Di...