Putting the Real in Real Estate with Art Wood

Art Wood
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Putting the Real in Real Estate with Art Wood goes beyond the talking points and into the real conversations that actually happen behind the scenes. This isn’t a how-to show or a polished education series. It’s real talk about what works, what doesn’t, and what people usually leave out when they talk about real estate. Art sits down with real estate agents, industry pros, and business owners to unpack the nitty-gritty…deals that went sideways, lessons learned the hard way, market realities, client expectations, and the pressure nobody posts about online. Hosted by Art Wood, mortgage loan originator with Luminate Bank, this podcast creates space for honest conversations, unfiltered perspectives, and stories that help listeners understand how real estate really works…not just how it’s marketed. If you’re tired of surface-level advice and want the real story behind the deals, the relationships, and the decisions…this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. Jul 15

    Fix, Flip & Faith with Mike Cherwenka

    Mike Cherwenka has been through the real estate cycle more than once. In this episode, Art talks with Mike about what it actually takes to survive and succeed in real estate investing. Mike has spent decades in the business as a builder, fix-and-flip investor, mentor, and licensed agent. He has seen the big wins, the ugly deals, the contractor issues, the market shifts, and the kind of setbacks that can humble just about anybody. The conversation starts with what Mike does today… helping investors find, renovate, and sell properties the right way. From there, he walks through how he got into real estate in the 90s, how his first wholesale deal came together, how he built serious volume, and what happened when the market changed. This is not a sugarcoated conversation about flipping houses. It is a real one. Topics CoveredWhat Mike does today as a builder, investor, and mentorWhy new investors need guidance before jumping into fix-and-flipsThe danger of overpaying for a propertyWhy repair estimates matter so muchHow over-improving a house can hurt the dealMike’s first real estate dealBuilding a buyer list before email marketing tools existedWholesaling 77 properties in one yearThe transition into rentals and larger dealsWhat happened when the market turnedHow pride and pressure can get expensiveWhy money management is everything in investingWhy mentorship mattersThe importance of problem-solving and humilityWhy Mike enjoys helping other investors succeedFavorite TakeawayReal estate investing is not just about finding a deal. It is about knowing your numbers, managing your money, solving problems, staying humble, and surrounding yourself with people who have already been through the hard parts. 00:00 Welcome to Putting the Real in Real Estate 00:33 Meet Mike Cherwenka 01:01 What Mike does today 01:24 Working with fix-and-flip investors 01:48 Why new investors can get slaughtered 02:24 When sellers overestimate property value 02:57 How Mike makes money in the process 04:19 Avoiding over-improving a property 05:11 Renovation costs, walls, headers, and hidden expenses 07:53 How Mike got into real estate 08:32 Walking out in faith and finding real estate 08:46 Learning through seminars, books, and investor groups 09:30 Mike’s first deal 09:55 Everything that went wrong 10:02 Why money management matters 11:00 How early deals were structured 11:55 The first wholesale deal 12:29 Building a buyer list before modern tech 12:42 Doing 77 wholesale deals in one year 13:01 How Mike found properties 14:35 Growing into rentals and larger opportunities 15:12 Wholesaling, flipping, and rental portfolios 15:20 When the market turned 16:03 Debt, deficiencies, and dark seasons 17:41 What hard times teach you 18:10 Rebuilding after the setback 20:15 Advice for new fix-and-flip investors 21:00 Why problem-solving matters 21:24 Humility, mentorship, and learning the business 21:40 Why owning assets matters 22:28 Why this needs a part two 23:22 Mentoring the next group of investors 24:28 Leaving people better off 24:42 Closing thoughts

  2. Jun 27

    Golf, Grit & Referrals with Matthew Evans

    Art Wood sits down with Matthew Evans for a real conversation about golf, real estate, referrals, and what it actually takes to build a business people trust. Matthew’s path started across the pond, led him to Georgia through golf, and eventually brought him into real estate. In this episode, he shares what that transition looked like, how he leaned on relationships from his golf career, why consistency matters, and how something as simple as an ice cream cone became part of his personal brand. Art and Matthew also talk about the not-so-glamorous side of real estate… the early days, the hard lessons, the clients who test you, and the closings that remind you why you do this in the first place. If you’re an agent, business owner, lender, or just someone who believes relationships still matter, this one is worth a listen. In this episode:00:00 Preview 00:33 Welcome to Putting the Real in Real Estate 01:07 Matthew’s accent, England, Scotland, and America 02:18 From Scotland to Berry College 03:34 Becoming an American and appreciating the journey 06:31 Life in the golf business 07:40 Why real estate made sense 08:50 Year one in real estate 10:17 Treating real estate like a real job 10:57 Family support and business boundaries 12:08 What day one looked like 13:29 Why cold calling did not fit 14:51 Staying consistent with your database 16:02 Marketing, memes, and finding your style 17:43 The ice cream cone closing tradition 19:24 Why personality matters online 21:32 Reviews, internet leads, and online trust 23:34 BNI, Giver’s Gain, and referrals 26:06 Building a referral-based business 26:38 Biggest real estate lesson learned the hard way 29:50 The closing story that stuck with Matthew 31:50 Why golf and real estate both require a short memory 32:38 How to connect with Matthew Hosted by Art Wood of the Art Wood Mortgage Team. Guest: Matthew Evans Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty www.mattevansfinehomes.com IG: @mattevans.atlrealestate FB: @MEvans.AtlRealEstate YouTube: @mattevans.atlrealestate LinkedIn Zillow

  3. Jun 9

    The Long Game Works with Karen Armstrong

    How Karen Armstrong transformed her real estate career through strategic marketing, intentional business practices, and investment savvy. This episode delves into Karen's journey from early interest in real estate to a successful agent with over 1,400 transactions. She shares practical insights on building a sustainable business, leveraging marketing, and managing client relationships effectively. Listeners will learn proven strategies for growth, resilience, and entrepreneurial investing in real estate. Key Topics Covered:Karen's background and how she got started in real estateEarly investments and house hacking experienceBuilding a scalable real estate business with minimal stressImportance of consistency and authentic marketingManaging difficult clients and avoiding burnoutDiversifying income with real estate investmentsUsing traditional and modern marketing tools effectivelyInsights into foreclosure and short sale markets during the 2008 crisisTransitioning to broker ownership and team scalingPractical tips for new agents on preparing for successTimestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and Karen’s early interest in real estate(02:00) - Karen’s first property investments in Richmond at age 22(06:00) - Transition from social work to full-time real estate agent(10:00) - Building a sustainable business with savings and reducing expenses(15:00) - Listing strategies that improve control over time and workload(20:00) - Navigating the foreclosure crisis and lessons learned(26:00) - Diversifying income through property flips and investments(30:00) - Developing authentic marketing and client relationships(36:00) - The importance of consistency in marketing efforts(40:00) - Personal branding and handling difficult clients(44:00) - Final thoughts on success and mindsetGuest Bio: Karen Armstrong is a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of experience and more than 1,400 transactions. Her expertise spans traditional agency work, foreclosure markets, and property investments. She is known for her strategic marketing, authentic client relationships, and entrepreneurial mindset, making her a trusted mentor in the industry. Relevant Links:Karen's WebsiteNorthGroup Real EstateConnect with Karen:Instagram - Listed By KarenLinkedInFacebook

  4. May 19

    Commercial Real Estate, Family Legacy & Big Atlanta Deals with Graham Massell

    In this episode of Putting the Real in Real Estate, Art sits down with his friend Graham Massell of Massell Commercial Real Estate for the show’s first commercial real estate conversation. Graham comes from a fourth-generation Atlanta commercial real estate family, with roots in the business going back to 1913. He and Art talk through what makes commercial real estate different from residential, why some deals take months or even years to come together, and how assemblages can create opportunities for property owners, developers, investors, and entire communities. They also get into the human side of the business… family legacy, hard conversations, realistic pricing, client motivation, legacy wealth, and why real estate deals are rarely as “flawless” behind the scenes as they may look from the outside. Plus, Graham shares the story behind Jolene Jolene, Atlanta’s first women’s sports bar concept, and why helping people pursue their passion is one of the best parts of his work. In this episode: What commercial real estate agents actually doThe difference between residential and commercial real estateWhy assemblages are complicated but powerfulHow older condo buildings and HOA challenges can create redevelopment opportunitiesWhy commercial deals require patience, strategy, and the right teamThe role of family legacy in Atlanta real estateGraham’s work with Jolene Jolene, Atlanta’s women’s sports bar conceptWhat Graham loves most about the business… and what drives him a little crazy Chapters00:00 Meet Graham Massell 02:16 What Commercial Real Estate Looks Like in Atlanta 03:20 Commercial vs. Residential Real Estate 04:40 The Lending Side of Commercial Deals 07:02 Why the Right Finance Team Matters 09:25 What Is a Real Estate Assemblage? 11:39 Why Property Owners May Benefit from Selling Together 14:06 HOA Challenges and Older Properties 15:20 Why Commercial Deals Take Longer 17:00 Jolene Jolene and Atlanta’s First Women’s Sports Bar 18:44 Helping Clients Build the Right Team 20:00 What Graham Loves About the Business 21:01 What Frustrates Graham About Commercial Real Estate 23:22 Pricing Reality and Market Value 24:15 Family Legacy and Holding Real Estate 25:50 Generational Wealth and Long-Term Thinking 28:14 If Not Real Estate, What Would Graham Do? 30:19 How to Find Graham Massell Guest: Graham Massell Company: Massell Commercial Real Estate Website: massell.com Phone: 404-754-9800 Social: @massellcre Hosted by Art Wood, Mortgage Loan Originator with Luminate Bank. Art Wood Mortgage Loan Originator Luminate Bank NMLS# 118234 404-909-3567 art.wood@goluminate.com www.artwoodmortgage.com

  5. May 5

    Success Isn’t Fast… It’s Built Daily

    Hey everyone, in this episode, Kimberly Yates shares her extensive journey from retail to founding her own real estate brokerage, highlighting lessons learned over 22 years in the industry. She discusses the importance of perseverance, strategic marketing, team-building, and maintaining client relationships to achieve success in real estate. Whether you're new or experienced, her insights offer practical guidance for building a sustainable real estate career. Key Topics Covered: Kimberly Yates' career evolution from retail to real estate (0:58)Building a successful brokerage and team (3:17)Strategies for early success: marketing, persistence, and responsiveness (6:33)Lessons from a first listing loss and the importance of client relationship management (7:58)Balancing work and family, maintaining motivation, and succession planning (12:16)The impact of networking, community involvement, and visibility (16:02)Overcoming industry downturns, recession, and pandemic challenges (20:51)The importance of mindset, perseverance, and continuous learning (22:19)Developing systems, relationships, and team leadership to scale success (13:45) Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction to Kimberly Yates and her background  00:28 - Kimberly’s transition from retail to real estate  00:58 - Building her own brokerage: Yates Estates  01:49 - Early success and learning from mistakes (30 homes in first year)  02:47 - Marketing strategies from 22 years ago  03:43 - Handling industry setbacks and shifting strategies  06:33 - The importance of persistent responsiveness  07:58 - First listing experience and lessons learned  08:28 - Dealing with rejection and client timing  09:29 - Maintaining motivation after 22 years  10:26 - Family involvement in her business  11:53 - Scaling with team members and support staff  12:16 - Managing work-life balance and succession planning  13:45 - Building relationships with clients and industry partners  16:02 - Staying resilient during recession and COVID-19  20:51 - The value of perseverance and industry experience  22:19 - Staying engaged and continuous growth  23:38 - Reflecting on success and ongoing industry changes  26:04 - Impact of mentorship and giving back  26:32 - Changing your own stars: motivational mindset  27:28 - Success stories and encouragement to stay committed  28:25 - Closing thoughts and how to find Kimberly Resources & Links: Kimberly Yates - Yates EstatesYates Estates on Instagram (if available)Example: Building a Real Estate Business by Brian Buffini (recommended for mindset)National Association of Realtors (NAR) Connect with Kimberly Yates: WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn (if applicable)

  6. Apr 20

    From Hard Hat to Home Sales: How Charlie Gamble Built a Real Estate Career in Two Years

    Struggling to stand out in a crowded real estate market? Charlie Gamble's two-year journey from construction to thriving agent proves that deep industry knowledge and authenticity can accelerate success, if you know how to leverage them. Charlie's background in residential construction gives him an edge in inspections and client trust, helping first-time buyers see potential instead of problems. He shares how building relationships through patience and strategic follow-up converts leads into loyal clients, and why a CRM like Follow Up Boss is a game changer. You'll discover practical ways to nurture your database, balance emotional intelligence with sharp qualification, and turn complex scenarios like VA Tidewater appraisals into opportunities. We also break down the emotional rollercoaster of real estate, revealing why managing expectations is as vital as managing transactions. Walking away, you'll leave with fresh insights on shortening your sales cycle, cultivating resilience, and building a sustainable career rooted in authenticity. Key Topics: Construction background as a real estate edgeInspections and first-time buyer guidanceLead generation and building a referral businessNurturing a lasting sphere of clientsHandling emotional stress for buyers and sellersBuilding and managing a real estate teamVA loans and the Tidewater appraisal processWhy full-time dedication matters in this industry Timestamps: 00:15 – Charlie's background in construction and real estate 01:24 – How construction helps with inspections and buyers 04:13 – Why Charlie left construction for real estate 05:05 – Lead generation and Zillow Premier 07:46 – The role of CRM tools like Follow Up Boss 11:56 – Client expectations and financing hurdles 17:06 – Unique programs for disabled homebuyers 20:01 – A loan process during the government shutdown 22:26 – The importance of full-time commitment 26:12 – Final thoughts on community and shared experiences Resources & Links: Follow Up BossZillow Premier AgentFannie Mae HomeReady (programs for low-income and disabled buyers)VA Home Loan InformationBook: The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller Connect with Charlie Gamble: DwelliZillow

  7. Apr 3

    Stop Hustling… Start Building Something Sustainable

    Most agents will tell you success in real estate is all about leads and volume. Lisa French flips that script—her top secret? Building deep, genuine client relationships and working intentionally from day one. If you’re tired of the hustle that leaves you burnt out, this episode will challenge your assumptions and show you how to turn your personality, skills, and values into a thriving business that feels right for you. Lisa, a former corporate program manager turned top-producing agent, shares how her background in project management laid the foundation for her real estate success. She discusses why focusing on quality over quantity—like working with fewer clients but fostering stronger bonds—can create more consistent income and less stress. You'll discover her approach to open houses as a relationship-building tool, the importance of boundary-setting, and why her secret weapon is just being authentic. One powerful lesson Lisa highlights? The importance of specificity—details matter, whether in contracts or client interactions—because ambiguity can turn small issues into costly disputes. This insight is especially relevant right now, as market uncertainties heighten the need for precision and trust. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with actionable strategies for cultivating lasting client relationships, managing your time and energy smarter, and staying authentic in a competitive landscape. Follow or subscribe for more candid insights that redefine what success looks like in real estate. Lisa French: From Corporate Program Management to Real Estate Success In this episode, Lisa French shares her journey from a 25-year corporate career in program and supply chain management to thriving in real estate. She discusses her leadership style, strategies for success, and how her high-touch approach benefits her clients. Plus, insights into balancing personal life, business boundaries, and the importance of authenticity. Key Topics: Transition from corporate to real estate in 2020 during the pandemic Building a successful real estate business with high-touch client service Strategies for gaining market presence: open houses, sphere of influence, relationship-based referrals Lessons learned from real estate challenges, including specific project management insights The importance of authenticity, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance Timestamps: 0:15 - Introduction and Lisa French's background 1:01 - Personal life and family milestones, including becoming a grandma 2:33 - Transition from corporate program management to real estate 5:56 - Impact of COVID-19 on supply chain and career shift 7:31 - Success in first full year of real estate during COVID 14:16 - Key differences between successful and struggling real estate agents 16:51 - Effective prospecting strategies: open houses and networking 25:31 - A challenging real estate project and lessons learned 30:36 - Supporting clients, especially widows, and meaningful transactions 33:15 - Lisa’s self-proclaimed superpower: authenticity and dedication Resources & Links: Pat Soltys — Lisa's former team leader and mentor North Group Real Estate — Lisa's current real estate brokerage Connect with Lisa French: LinkedIn

  8. Mar 18

    Why Relationships Beat Leads in Real Estate with Blake Glover

    Leads come and go… but relationships? Those are what actually build a lasting real estate business. In this episode, Art sits down with Blake Glover, founder of Communities Real Estate, to talk about what it really takes to create long-term success in this industry. Blake shares his journey from retail into real estate and why he chose to focus on relationships, community involvement, and referrals instead of chasing leads. They dive into: • Why referral-based business creates stability • How community involvement turns into real opportunities • The importance of maintaining a strong database • Scaling your business with the right team and support • The role of financial discipline in long-term success • Common mistakes new agents make If you’re in real estate… or thinking about getting in… this episode is a reminder that the long game still wins. Guest Bio Blake Glover is the founder of Communities Real Estate and a relationship-driven real estate professional focused on building sustainable, referral-based business. With a background in retail, Blake brings a people-first approach to real estate, emphasizing community involvement, consistent service, and long-term client relationships. His approach has allowed him to scale his business while maintaining a strong local presence and trusted network. Keywords real estate relationships referral based business real estate marketing community involvement real estate real estate success tips how to grow real estate business real estate podcast realtor advice building a real estate team database marketing real estate Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blake Glover 01:15 From Retail to Real Estate 03:40 Why Relationships Matter More Than Leads 07:10 Community Involvement as a Business Strategy 10:45 Rebranding and Growing Communities Real Estate 14:20 Mistakes New Agents Make 18:05 Building a Productive Calendar 21:30 Scaling with Team and Support 25:10 Maintaining Referral Relationships 28:40 Financial Resilience and Growth 32:00 Personal Life and Closing Thoughts

  9. Mar 2

    From Corporate to Real Estate: Heyward Young on Market Cycles & TV

    He left corporate life for real estate… Built through multiple economic cycles… Appeared on television… And still says relationships are everything. If you're in real estate… thinking about getting in… or just curious what the shows don’t tell you… this one’s for you. In this engaging conversation, Art sits down with real estate veteran Heyward Young to unpack what it really takes to build a lasting career in real estate. From transitioning out of corporate America to navigating new home sales, running a brokerage, and even appearing on television, Heyward shares the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. They dive into: • The reality behind home flipping shows • How economic cycles shape opportunity • Why social media is a “necessary evil” • The power of mentorship and relationships • Nightmarish transaction stories • What today’s market actually feels like • Advice for agents trying to break in Whether you're an aspiring agent, seasoned realtor, or homeowner trying to understand the market… this episode delivers real talk, practical insight, and stories you won’t hear on HGTV.

  10. Feb 16

    What Separates Average Agents from Great Ones

    In this episode of Putting the Real in Real Estate, Art Wood sits down with Jackson Stout for a candid conversation about what actually drives long-term success in this industry … and it’s not just transactions. They dive into the realities of building a strong real estate team, navigating emotional client conversations, setting expectations early, and why time is the most valuable resource we have as professionals. From real estate horror stories to lessons learned in follow-up, saying no, and asking for help, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to build trust and longevity in this business. If you’re a real estate agent looking to grow … or someone who wants to better understand what happens behind the scenes of a transaction … this conversation delivers practical insight and honest reflection. You’ll hear about: Why time management can make or break your businessThe power of teamwork in high-stress transactionsHow emotional intelligence impacts every dealWhy follow-up separates top producers from everyone elseThe importance of long-term client engagementThe value of saying noHow networking and community service fuel professional growth As Art says in the episode … “It costs nothing to make someone smile.” Real estate isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about serving people well. Chapters 00:00 Why Time Is Everything 02:44 How Jackson Got Started in Real Estate 05:33 Building a Real Team 08:33 Why Real Estate Professionals Matter 10:55 Managing Client Expectations 14:01 Teamwork Under Pressure 16:56 Staying Connected Long-Term 19:44 Advice for New Agents 21:34 The Power of Follow-Up 22:26 Navigating Emotional Transactions 24:15 The Value of Saying No 25:18 Giving Back to the Community 26:40 Positivity and Gratitude 30:08 Growing Through Strong Partnerships 32:16 Leveraging Your Network 35:05 Real Estate Horror Stories 38:30 Finding Joy Outside the Business 📍 Based in Tucker, Georgia 🎧 New episodes bi-weekly 🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with real estate professionals and industry leaders

  11. Feb 3

    Meet Art Wood

    Before the deals…before the titles…meet the person behind it all. This first episode is simple…meet Art Wood. Sitting down with Jackson Stout, Art shares the story behind his career, how he ended up in real estate, and why he wanted to start a podcast that talks about the things people usually leave out. It’s not a résumé run-through and it’s not a pitch. It’s a back-and-forth conversation about the realities of the business, the lessons learned along the way, and what listeners can expect from future episodes. This episode sets the tone for the show…honest conversations, real experiences, and real estate without the polish.

  • 11 Episodes

About

Putting the Real in Real Estate with Art Wood goes beyond the talking points and into the real conversations that actually happen behind the scenes. This isn’t a how-to show or a polished education series. It’s real talk about what works, what doesn’t, and what people usually leave out when they talk about real estate. Art sits down with real estate agents, industry pros, and business owners to unpack the nitty-gritty…deals that went sideways, lessons learned the hard way, market realities, client expectations, and the pressure nobody posts about online. Hosted by Art Wood, mortgage loan originator with Luminate Bank, this podcast creates space for honest conversations, unfiltered perspectives, and stories that help listeners understand how real estate really works…not just how it’s marketed. If you’re tired of surface-level advice and want the real story behind the deals, the relationships, and the decisions…this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Art Wood
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Art Wood