The Real Deal with Empire

Ali
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business
  • Weekly

Welcome to The Real Deal w/ Empire Podcast – where real estate meets real talk. Whether you're an agent, investor, homebuyer, or just curious about the market, we bring you insider knowledge, expert strategies, and powerful stories from industry leaders. From market trends to building a real estate empire, we cover it all with candid conversations and practical insights. If real estate impacts your life, this is the podcast for you!

  1. 7h ago

    Is Google About to Change Real Estate Forever?

    You already Google everything. Could your next home be next? In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz and Ayat Sleiman explore Google’s move into home search—and what it could mean for buyers, sellers, and the agents competing for their attention. From Google’s relationship with HouseCanary to the difference between a listing agent and the agent advertised beside a home, we unpack the details consumers could easily overlook—and why they matter. We discuss:• How Google’s home search experience compares with Zillow and Realtor.com• What buyers in Michigan should understand about listing availability• How advertising could influence which agent gets the call When the home search starts on Google, who earns the relationship? Subscribe for more conversations about real estate, technology, and the people behind the business.• What agents can do to strengthen their visibility through Google Business Profiles, reviews, and online presence

  2. Oct 13

    Wholesaling, Trust & the Wazlio Vision | The Real Deal with Empire

    What is real estate wholesaling—and why does it have such a mixed reputation? In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ayat Sleiman puts co-host and Wazlio co-founder Ali Fawaz in the interview seat for a candid conversation about wholesaling, the opportunities it creates, and the gray areas that leave investors skeptical. Ali shares the vision behind Wazlio: connecting wholesalers, investors, and private money lenders in a more transparent marketplace. They explore why verification, accountability, and reputation matter—and how Wazlio aims to help people build stronger relationships while finding their next opportunity. Plus, a fun rapid-fire round gives you a different side of Ali. Explore Wazlio at https://wazlio.com.

  3. Oct 5

    Episode 10: Behind the Lens: Passion, Purpose & the Art of Storytelling with Dylan Richards

    What makes a photograph or video resonate? It starts with the person behind the lens—and the intention behind their work. In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz and Ayat Sleiman sit down with photographer and videographer Dylan Richards for a candid, free-flowing conversation about creativity, passion, and pursuing a craft with purpose. Dylan brings an artist’s perspective to capturing luxury homes and cars, pairing creative instinct with a clear strategy and a desired outcome. We explore the thought behind the shot, the connection between art and storytelling, and how purposeful content can make people feel something. An honest conversation about creating meaningful work—and the passion that keeps you moving forward.

  4. Sep 29

    AI in Real Estate: What Changes, What Still Matters

    Artificial intelligence is changing how buyers and sellers search for homes, estimate property values and make decisions—but what happens when technology gets it wrong? In Episode 9 of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz and Ayat Sleiman are joined by Empire Realty Group Principal Broker Ahmad Fawaz to explore how AI is reshaping real estate. They discuss why consumers are entering the homebuying journey with more information than ever, the risks of relying too heavily on automated estimates and online research, and why experienced human guidance still matters when the decision is this important. AI may change the process, but trust, judgment and relationships remain at the heart of real estate.

  5. Aug 4

    Ep4 How Great Cities Are Built | John Buzuvis, Economic Development Director

    What does it take to build one of Michigan's most successful communities?In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with John Buzuvis, Economic Development Director for the City of Plymouth, to explore the vision, strategy, and leadership behind one of Southeast Michigan's most vibrant downtowns.As part of our Metro Marvels Series, we highlight the communities recognized in the 2026 Metro Marvels Commerce & Business Development issue and the leaders helping shape their future.In this episode, we discuss:• What an Economic Development Director really does• The long-term vision behind Plymouth's success• Supporting local businesses and attracting investment• How economic development impacts property values• What REALTORS®, investors, and business owners should understand about thriving communities• The future of downtown development in Southeast Michigan• Our 60-Second Snapshot rapid-fire segment• Real or Ridiculous: Economic development editionWhether you're a real estate professional, investor, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply someone who loves learning how great places are built, this conversation offers valuable insight into what makes communities thrive.

  6. Jun 2

    From a Pressure Washer to a Powerful Brand: How Ali Berro Built AquaPro

    Behind every successful business is a story of hard work, sacrifice, and a commitment to doing things differently. On this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Ali Berro, founder of AquaPro, to talk about his journey building one of Metro Detroit’s recognizable exterior cleaning brands. From getting started in the industry to growing a company built on trust, quality, and customer service, Ali shares the lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur and what it really takes to turn an idea into a successful business. In this episode we discuss: • How AquaPro started and the vision behind the company• The challenges of building and scaling a service-based business• Why reputation and customer experience matter• The importance of consistency, discipline, and leadership• Lessons for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and anyone trying to build something of their own Whether you’re a business owner, real estate professional, homeowner, or someone chasing your next big goal — this conversation is a reminder that success is built one decision, one customer, and one day at a time. 🎙️ The Real Deal with EmpireReal conversations. Real stories. Real estate and beyond.

  7. Mar 30

    Northville at 200: Where History Meets the Future

    In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Mayor Brian Turnbull — lifelong Northville resident, historian, and city leader — to talk about how one of Michigan’s most charming towns is bridging its storied past with a bold vision for the future. From the revitalization of Ford Field and the new riverwalk and river daylighting project, to the 7 Mile and Sheldon roundabout and Mill Race Village restoration, Mayor Turnbull shares how these projects are reshaping the city while preserving the timeless character that makes Northville special. They’ll also dive into Northville’s bicentennial celebration, its commitment to community and family life, and how the city is preparing for the next generation of residents who want small-town warmth with big-city energy. Whether you’re a history buff, a future homeowner, or just someone who loves seeing a city honor its roots while looking ahead — this conversation is full of insight, humor, and heart. 🎧 Tune in to hear: How Northville is transforming its downtown through smart development. Why preserving history is central to the city’s identity. What makes Northville one of Southeast Michigan’s most desirable places to live, work, and play.

    Northville at 200: Where History Meets the Future

  8. Mar 30

    19 Years, One Brokerage: The Story Behind Empire’s 3% Turnover

    In an industry where agents are constantly moving from one brokerage to the next, stability has become rare. The average real estate brokerage sees around 15% of its agents leave every year. At Empire Realty Group, that number is just 3%. In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, we sit down with the person who represents that stability better than anyone — Ahmad Hojeij, the very first agent to ever join Empire Realty Group nearly 19 years ago. Ahmad has seen it all — the early struggles, the growth years, the market crashes, the market booms, and everything in between. But while others left the industry or moved between brokerages, Ahmad stayed. In this conversation, Ahmad shares: What Empire was really like in the early days Why most agents leave brokerages — and why he didn’t What makes Empire’s culture different How low turnover benefits clients in ways most people don’t realize And what it takes to build a real estate career that lasts decades This episode isn’t just about real estate. It’s about loyalty.It’s about culture.It’s about building something that lasts. If you’re a client, this episode will help you understand why stability matters. If you’re an agent, it will show you what’s possible when you find the right home.

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5
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About

Welcome to The Real Deal w/ Empire Podcast – where real estate meets real talk. Whether you're an agent, investor, homebuyer, or just curious about the market, we bring you insider knowledge, expert strategies, and powerful stories from industry leaders. From market trends to building a real estate empire, we cover it all with candid conversations and practical insights. If real estate impacts your life, this is the podcast for you!

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