From gourmet kitchens to real estate deals, Jim Whatley's career journey is a flavorful mix of unexpected twists. Join Leigh Brown as they delve into this Florida-based broker's unique past as a chef for the Motion Picture Association. Discover the importance of trust, collaboration, and a good dose of luck in the real estate world. And yes, you'll hear about a mind-boggling plumbing disaster that affected an entire row of townhomes, plus the time his five-year-old son sold a house—without a license!

Key takeaways to listen for

• How building trust with clients and agents is crucial for long-term success in real estate
• Surprising similarities between orchestrating a fine dining experience and coordinating a successful home sale
• Reasons Jim values collaboration in real estate and how it fosters lasting relationships
• Challenges of dealing with unexpected property issues as a REALTOR®
• Why hiring the right professionals can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems

About Jim Whatley

Jim is the owner of Uber Realty. He is a real estate agent with 18 years of experience in the industry. Prior to real estate, he worked as a chef, including a role at the Motion Picture Association in Washington, D.C., where he coordinated events and meals for high-profile clients.

In his real estate business, Jim focuses on working directly with buyers and sellers rather than managing a team of agents. Jim is known for his creative approach, using YouTube videos and hands-on tactics to connect with clients. Based in Florida, Jim prides himself on building long-term relationships and providing honest, trustworthy service.

Connect with Jim

• Website: Uber Realty
• YouTube: Uber Realty
• Facebook: Uber Realty
• Instagram: @uberrealty
• Threads: @uberrealty
• TikTok: @uberrealty
• LinkedIn: James Whatley
• Email: Jim@UberRealty.com
• Phone Number: (850) 499-2940

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

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"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

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Dive deep into the whirlwind world of homeowners insurance in the second part of our conversation with Florida’s #1 real estate insurance expert, Cyndee Haydon, CRS, CIPS, PMN. Discover the hidden factors driving up your premiums, the secrets behind getting the best coverage, and the real impact of new regulations on your home's value. Plus, don't miss an unexpected twist at the end that will leave you rethinking everything you know about insurance.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Factors that lead to rising home insurance costs
• The significance of having adequate replacement value coverage for your property
• How insurance companies' strategies impact the availability and cost of policies
• Impact of regulatory changes on homeowners' ability to secure mortgages and insurance.
• Practical tips for homeowners and REALTORS® on reviewing and updating home insurance policies

Resources mentioned in this episode

• My Safe Florida Home
• National Association of REALTORS®
• Insurance Information Institute

About Cyndee Haydon, CRS, CIPS, PMN

Cyndee is a Broker Associate Future Home Realty ©. She is a top REALTOR® in Tampa Bay, specializing in short-term rentals, relocations, and probate sales. Known for her tech-savvy and concierge approach, she simplifies complex tech tools for clients. As Chair of the National Association of REALTOR® Insurance Committee, she's a national advocate and trainer on insurance issues. An accomplished author, she offers invaluable guidance for probate sellers.

Connect with Cyndee

• LinkedIn: Cyndee Haydon, CRS PMN, CIPS
• Instagram: @cyndeehaydon
• Facebook: Cyndee Haydon | Cyndee for FR
• Email: cyndeehaydon@gmail.com
• Number: (727) 710-8035

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

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"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Join Rep. Brian Biggs as he dives into the complexities of squatters' rights and the legislative efforts to protect homeowners. Drawing from his extensive real estate experience, he shares firsthand encounters with squatters, including a shocking story where a family moved into a house he managed, falsely claiming it as their late grandmother's. Discover how these real-life challenges shape policy and what it means for property owners in today's market.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why a written contract in real estate transactions is better than a handshake
• Reasons why protecting property rights is crucial for the economy
• Stories of dealing with squatters and the legal challenges involved
• The impact of high housing demand in regions with major corporate investments
• How the public can support legislation that protects property rights in their state

Resources mentioned in this episode

• National Association of REALTORS®
• NC REALTORS®
• Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina
• Airbnb
• North Carolina General Assembly
• Craigslist
• Do Politics Better Podcast | Apple Podcasts

About Rep. Brian Biggs

Brian is a seasoned REALTOR®/Broker and a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, with a 23-year career in real estate and significant community involvement. He has served on the High Point Regional Board of REALTORS® and was honored with the High Point Regional Association of REALTORS® Community Service Award in 2015. Brian has also held leadership roles as President of the REALTORS® Commercial Alliance in 2015 and the High Point REALTORS® Commercial Alliance in 2021.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brian served on the Randolph County Board of Education from 2014 to 2022 and was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2022. His dedication to public service extends to his current role on the YMCA Board of Directors and past service on the Archdale-Trinity Tax Council. Brian Biggs exemplifies dedicated leadership across real estate, education, and public service.

Connect with Rep. Brian

• Website: North Carolina General Assembly
• Facebook: Brian Biggs for NC House
• X: @BrianBiggs7

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

In this special edition of "Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate," Leigh Brown pulls back the curtain on the legal chaos shaking up the real estate industry. From billion-dollar lawsuits to new business models emerging from the ashes, Leigh doesn't hold back in her analysis of who's really to blame—and who might just be making things worse. Want to know where you should really focus your energy? Tune in to find out, and be ready to question everything you thought you knew about the future of real estate.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Major legal battles currently reshaping the real estate industry
• How new business models could impact the industry and what it means for traditional agents
• The importance of staying focused on serving clients and maintaining professionalism as a REALTOR®
• Who REALTORS® should actually be mad at and why it matters
• Leigh’s advice on how REALTORS® should channel their frustrations productively in these challenging times

Resources mentioned in this episode

• National Association of REALTORS®
• Consumer Federation of America
• Department of Justice

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Your home is your greatest investment. But is it truly protected? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Florida's top real estate insurance expert, Cyndee Haydon, CRS, CIPS, PMN. Learn how to safeguard your home from unexpected disasters, avoid costly insurance pitfalls, and ensure you have the best coverage possible through Cyndee's battle-tested wisdom, captivating stories, and practical tips. Don't miss this episode packed with invaluable insights and actionable advice just for you!

Key takeaways to listen for

• How does a risk rating of 2.0 impact flood insurance policies and homeowner responsibilities
• What is the 50% rule, and how does it affect home repairs and maintenance decisions?
• The implications of climate financial risk on mortgage affordability and homeownership
• Real-life insurance challenges and the tough realities of rebuilding in the 2024 real estate market
• A REALTORS® role in community integration and how they impact newcomers' sense of community and belonging

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Risk Factor
• Risk Rating 2.0 Methodology and Data Sources
• Understanding FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 System for Flood Insurance | Bankrate
• Community Rating System | FEMA.gov
• Insurance

About Cyndee Haydon, CRS, CIPS, PMN

Cyndee is a Broker Associate Future Home Realty ©. She is a top REALTOR® in Tampa Bay, specializing in short-term rentals, relocations, and probate sales. Known for her tech-savvy and concierge approach, she simplifies complex tech tools for clients. As Chair of the National Association of REALTOR® Insurance Committee, she's a national advocate and trainer on insurance issues. An accomplished author, she offers invaluable guidance for probate sellers.

Connect with Cyndee

• LinkedIn: Cyndee Haydon, CRS PMN, CIPS
• Instagram: @cyndeehaydon
• Facebook: Cyndee Haydon | Cyndee for FR
• Email: cyndeehaydon@gmail.com
• Number: (727) 710-8035

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Is turning your house into an ATM a smart move, or a financial trap? In this episode, Leigh Brown and Aaron Chapman explore the risks and rewards of tapping into your home equity. They discuss essential updates in the mortgage industry that could reshape your financial strategy. Plus, don't miss the jaw-dropping story of a seller who used a home equity line to make house payments, highlighting the dangers of financial mismanagement. Tune in to find out how this risky move unfolded!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why you need to exercise caution when dealing with home equity for investments or expenses
• How does Freddie Mac’s latest policies might impact your ability to leverage second mortgages?
• The importance of updating your homeowners' insurance
• Tips for staying ahead of inflation and market shifts in unpredictable markets
• Reasons resilience and long-term strategies can be your secret weapons in navigating financial challenges

Resources mentioned in this episode

• DuckDuckGo
• Fannie Mae
• Freddie Mac

About Aaron Chapman

Aaron has been a veteran in the finance industry since 1997, helping clients better understand, source, and finance cash-flow positive investment properties. He advises over 100 clients a month in the acquisition and financing of their investment properties and primary residences. Aaron is ranked in the top 1% of mortgage loan processors in the country in an industry of over 300,000 licensed loan originators, closing in excess of 100 transactions per month.

He moved his team to SNMC in 2015 to continue focusing on a national business working with real estate investors. His team has grown over the years containing all operations with Aaron as the sole loan originator driving volume. His team's expertise is in the complicated and closes the highest priced loans in the industry.

Connect with Aaron

• Website: Aaron Chapman | SecurityNational Mortgage Company
• LinkedIn: Aaron Chapman
• Facebook: Aaron Chapman - SecurityNational Mortgage Company
• Instagram: @sgoc_aaron
• Email: aaron.chapman@snmc.com

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Dive into a powerful conversation with Leigh Brown and Jon Ritten as they recount the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and its seismic impact on Gulf Coast real estate. Jon shares his firsthand account of the devastation, the skyrocketing property values, and the resilience of the community. Learn how updated building standards and storm hardening are shaping the future of coastal living. Plus, hear the story of how houses in the Gulf Coast soared to insane prices overnight!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Ways Hurricane Katrina transformed Gulf Coast real estate and property values
• The remarkable resilience of the Gulf Coast community and REALTORS® after Hurricane Katrina
• Challenges and impact of rising insurance costs on rebuilding and property development
• How do updated building standards help new constructions withstand natural disasters?
• Insight into the vital support provided by the Realtor Relief Foundation in the aftermath of disasters

Resources mentioned in this episode

• REALTORS® Relief Foundation
• My Safe Florida Home
• Beauvoir
• Closed For Storm

About Jon Ritten

Jon, a Miami University graduate, has over 32 years of experience in real estate sales and management. As the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Coast Delta Realty, he has been a key industry leader. He has served as the Immediate Past President of the state association and the 2023 President of the MS Association of REALTORS®. In 2017, Jon was named the RE/MAX Broker/Owner of the Year for Mississippi. He has also held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Gulf Coast Association of Realtors and the Hancock County Community Foundation Board. Additionally, he served as a commissioner on the Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission. Jon lives in Diamondhead with his wife, Julie, and their two daughters, Kendall and Laura Grace.

Connect with Jon

• Website: JON RITTEN
• Instagram: @jonritten
• Email: jon@ritten.realtor
• Phone Number: 228-363-0648

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Learn how to thrive in the ever-changing real estate market with insights from Robert Kozlowski on building strong relationships and creating effective business systems. Plus, he shares how he met his wife at a committee meeting, the challenges of managing a house full of snakes, and the hilarious story of a closet swing that left everyone in stitches!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Robert's journey from owning a cell phone company to becoming a real estate broker and instructor
• Upcoming structural changes in real estate and how agents can prepare
• The importance of education and professionalism in the real estate industry
• Challenges and rewards of Robert’s transition from sales to brokerage
• Advantages of community involvement and professional development

Resources mentioned in this episode

• National Association of REALTORS®

About Robert Kozlowski

Robert is a seasoned real estate professional and educator based in Glynn, Georgia. A member of the National Association of Realtors and the Georgia Real Estate Educators Association (GREEA.org), he is a Licensed Georgia Real Estate Instructor and teaches at The Academy for Real Estate (AREEC.com). Robert serves as Vice President of Administration and Finance on both the Golden Isles MLS Board of Directors and the Golden Isles Association of REALTORS® and is an Ambassador for the Glynn County Chamber of Commerce.

Robert transitioned to real estate in 2004 after owning a successful retail company with 10 locations. He finds immense joy in mentoring and teaching other agents, helping them achieve their dreams.

Connect with Robert

• Website: Coldwell Banker Access Realty
• X: @rkozlowski69
• LinkedIn: Robert Kozlowski
• Instagram: @professorofrealestatersk
• Facebook - Robert Kozlowski - Professor of Real Estate
• Email: robert@mycbhomes.com | askrobert@mail.com
• Phone Number: 912-441-2835

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/