The Real Estate Sessions Bill Risser

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 themselves as representatives of brokerage and independent business entities. He underscores the importance of agents owning their website, a central hub for their marketing efforts. Furthermore, he highlights the significance of maintaining a clean database of contacts and the value of past clients and referrals. His experiences have shaped his belief that agents should take control of their marketing strategies and prioritize building their personal brand in the real estate industry.
(00:01:47) Early Exposure to Tech through Family Involvement
(00:06:00) Alligator Handling and Stunt Experience Mirrored
(00:14:30) Revolutionizing Real Estate with Spatial Data Technology
(00:15:51) Standardizing Data for Real Estate Success
(00:20:30) "Real Estate Transition: Unique Marketing Insights"
(00:25:46) Modern Search Tools on Agent Websites
(00:35:14) Maximizing Agent Success Through Personal Websites
Transcript
00:00:00 - Bill Risser
Hi, everybody. Welcome to another Real Estate Sessions Rewind. This week we're going back to March of 2023 with marketing expert Kurt Uhlir, as well as some expertise in some other areas, which I'll save for the introduction. So enjoy.

00:00:15 - Kurt Uhlir
But if it's your business, do you have a site with technology that you control that that is the focal point for anything else that you do marketing wise, whether you're great with email and KVcore or follow up boss or you're wonderful on TikTok or social like, when those algorithms change, when Google spam filters change, have you trained your audience to come find you on kurtulur.com? And that's that second big thing, because then it doesn't matter where you choose to invest in marketing, you have a central hub that everything focuses back to.

00:00:47 - Bill Risser
You're listening to the real estate sessions, and I'm your host, Bill Risser. With nearly 25 years in the real estate business, I love to interview industry leaders, up and comers, and really anyone with a story to tell. It's the stories that led my guests to a career in the real estate world that drives me into my 9th year and nearly 400 episodes of the podcast. And now, I hope you enjoy the next journey. Hi, everybody. Welcome to episode 348 of the Real Estate Sessions podcast. As always, thank you so much for tuning in. Thank you so much for telling a friend. Today. We're going to have a lot of fun. Today we are talking to Kurt Uhlir. This guy did a lot of things prior to the world of real estate, including stuntman scuba rescue and high angle rescue. And he's a certified alligator handler. Yes. That's the first time I've ever mentioned that phrase on the real estate sessions podcast. So you want to listen in? Let's get this thing started. Kurt, welcome to the podcast.

00:01:45 - Kurt Uhlir
Hey, thanks for having me, Bill.

00:01:47 - Bill Risser
Well, look, most of my listeners know that I like to start at the beginning. I really, I am fascinated where people come from, how they got to be where they're at. And so the easiest way to start with that is, is your childhood. And I'm going to go, I'm going to ask you, looking at some of the things I could. In my research, I found out that it seems like you were preordained to have a life in tech and entrepreneurship. Let's talk about that. Your parents, I think your father was early on in this game,...

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 every facet of the industry, including communication, marketing, property search, and transaction processes. His unique viewpoint is shaped by his conviction that AI will give birth to a new era of super realtors leveraging AI tools for enhanced customer service and communication. He perceives AI as a game-changer that will streamline transaction processes, bolster security, and minimize human intervention in contracts and underwriting, making the entire real estate transaction more efficient and secure.
TIME STAMPS
(00:03:07) Risk Mitigation in Evolving Artificial Intelligence
(00:06:46) Tailored AI Platforms Enhancing Specific Tasks Functionality
(00:13:09) Ensuring Compliance in AI-Generated Realtor Content
(00:17:23) AI-Driven Video Creation and Editing Innovations
(00:22:27) Enhancing Real Estate Transactions with AI
ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
- Implement safeguards to mitigate potential risks of AI technology
- Choose AI platforms tailored for specific tasks to enhance productivity
- Verify information pulled by AI databases before using it for marketing materials
- Utilize AI tools like Descript for video content creation and editing
- Leverage AI tools in real estate to streamline transactions and improve customer service

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 consumers throughout the real estate process. This viewpoint suggests a proactive approach, with agents showing up stronger and emphasizing their professional value to regain trust rather than focusing on the negative aspects of the lawsuits. Alicia's experiences and her current role in fostering trust and transparency in real estate through innovative product design greatly contribute to her perspective.
In a recent episode of 'The Real Estate Sessions' podcast hosted by Bill Risser, Alicia Berruti shared insightful tips on rebuilding consumer trust in the real estate industry. Drawing from her experiences at Bomb Bomb, Alicia highlighted the significance of providing value and excellent service to clients to enhance industry relationships and trust. Here are three key takeaways from the episode:
1. **Show Your Value**: Alicia emphasized the importance of demonstrating value as a means to regain consumer trust amidst commission lawsuits. By showcasing the unique services and expertise agents bring to the table, they can establish credibility and rebuild confidence in the industry.
2. **Prioritize Relationships**: Alicia spoke about the lasting relationships she built within the real estate community, underscoring the value of connections in fostering trust and mutual respect. By nurturing professional relationships, agents can create a supportive network that benefits both clients and industry peers.

3. **Provide Tools and Resources**: Offering tools for home management and maintenance can be a valuable resource for potential buyers and sellers. By equipping clients with practical resources, agents not only add value to their services but also demonstrate a commitment to supporting clients beyond transactions.

Alicia encapsulated her perspective with a powerful quote, "Provide value and abundance will follow." This mantra underscores the principle that by prioritizing client needs and delivering exceptional service, agents can cultivate meaningful relationships, establish trust, and ultimately achieve success in the real estate industry.

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 career trajectory, from embracing new technologies like Zoom back in the day for training sessions to joining innovative startups like RateMyAgent, showcases his adaptable, forward-thinking approach to the industry. Now, as the VP/Regional Sales Enablement Manager at Fidelity National Financial, Risser continues to champion growth and success in real estate, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the industry's evolution.

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 agents, rather than solely focusing on sales, to foster a deeper bond between the company and its partners. This approach, he believes, can lead to long-term success and loyalty. His experiences and the influence of his extraordinary parents have shaped this perspective, making him a strong advocate for a coachable mindset and personal growth. Join Bill Risser and Sharran Srivaatsa on this episode of The Real Estate Sessions podcast to delve deeper into these insightful perspectives.
Guest Bio
Sharran Srivatsaa is a real estate entrepreneur and advocate for employee ownership, with a strong focus on mindset and personal growth. Born in India, Sharran's journey to success was not without its challenges. He faced ridicule and bullying, but he persevered and developed a coachable mindset. Sharran's willingness to learn and seek guidance has been instrumental in his achievements. He credits his extraordinary parents for shaping his exceptional outlook on life. With a deep appreciation for the effort and commitment required to succeed, Sharran is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experiences with others, creating a positive impact in the world of real estate entrepreneurship.
Connect with Sharran
www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharran/
Business School Podcast
Time Stamped Outline
(00:00:00) Inside the Minds of Real Estate Leaders
(00:06:03) Sharran's journey from India to Wall Street
(00:13:52) The Power of Minimalism and Efficiency
(00:19:08) Business School: A Catalyst for Career Transformation
(00:23:57) The Power of Continuous Skill Development
(00:27:58) Transforming a Small Operation into a Thriving Empire
(00:34:00) ESOP Model: Sharing Rewards for Team Success
(00:38:06) Prioritizing and Achieving Greatness in Life
(00:42:52) The Transformative Power of Mindset
(00:47:50) REAL's Innovation in the Real Estate Industry
Detailed Outline
00:00:00 - Real Estate Sessions podcast
The Real Estate Sessions podcast, hosted by Bill, offers listeners an inside look into the world of real estate through interviews with industry leaders. In episode 370, Bill sits down with Sharran, the president of Real Brokerage LLC, to discuss his experiences and insights in the field. Sharran emphasizes the importance of mindset, stating that "the problem is not the problem, the problem is how you think about the problem." He also highlights the mission of REAL Brokerage LLC, which is to serve and work for their agents. The podcast provides a platform for industry professionals to share their stories and journeys, offering valuable insights and inspiration to listeners. With a focus on real estate leaders and their perspectives, the Real Estate Sessions podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the industry.
00:06:03 - Tennis career
Sharran's tennis career began at a young age when his parents saw his potential for a brighter future. Encouraged to pursue an individual sport, tennis became his path to...

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 to ethical business practices, such as trust, integrity, and longevity, and his belief in engaging in community roles. His guiding principle revolves around having respect and maintaining grounded values, ensuring that his team supports the company's core principles. Consequently, his approach highlights the importance of continuous learning, ethical conduct, and community involvement in building a long-lasting and successful career.

Transcript
00:00:00 - Bill Risser
Hi, everybody. Welcome to another real estate sessions rewind episode as I continue my spring break. This break is nearly finished, and we will soon be back.

00:00:08 - Ron Shuffield
I don't know if I ever asked for business. It just comes to us because our associates are very active in whatever they're doing in the community, too. When people come to work for us, I say, you know, get involved in something you like doing, something that benefits the community.

00:00:26 - Bill Risser
You're listening to the real estate sessions, and I'm your host, Bill Risser. With nearly 25 years in the real estate business, I love interview industry leaders, up and comers, and really anyone with a story to tell. It's the stories that led my guests to a career in the real estate world that drives me into my 9th year and nearly 400 episodes of the podcast. And now, I hope you enjoy the next journey. Hi, everybody. Welcome to episode 354 of the Real Estate Sessions podcast. Thank you so much for tuning in. Thank you so much for telling a friend, as I always say. And today we're going to have a lot of fun. I am talking to Ron Sheffield. Ron is the CEO and president of the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services EWM Realty operation in Miami. We'll say South Florida. I met Ron with our CEO when Michael Davey was out here traveling through Florida, just kind of getting a sense of the Florida market for an australian. It was unique to be able to experience that. Ron was kind enough to have lunch with us, and, boy, I could tell just how during that conversation, he was somebody I had to talk to. It's somebody's story I had to get. So I'm really excited to get this thing started. Ron, welcome to the podcast.

00:01:36 - Ron Shuffield
Yeah, thank you, Bill. It's good to be here. Yeah.

00:01:38 - Bill Risser
You know, you and I met about a month ago or so, maybe a little longer down in your neck of the woods, Coral Gables area. We had a really nice lunch with Nina Fabri from the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services company. Right?

00:01:50 - Ron Shuffield
Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. Fun day with you guys.

00:01:52 - Bill Risser
It was really fun to talk to you and learn about, really, the unique space that the Miami real estate market is. And we're going to talk more about that. But first, I always start the podcast with where everything started for Ron. Now, I'm pretty sure, uh, and most people probably could tell that that accent's probably not a south Florida native, right? So far, so good. Yeah.

00:02:16 - Ron Shuffield
I grew up in New York City.

00:02:19 - Bill Risser
So let's go with where you grew up and and how long. How long before you made the move down here?

00:02:25 - Ron Shuffield
Sure. Well, I grew up in Tennessee and still the fifth largest