U Own It!

Jerry Thompson

Welcome to the U Own It! podcast with Jerry Thompson, where we dive into the world of real estate sales. With over 33 years of experience and 1,500 transactions, Jerry shares valuable insights and proven strategies to help you succeed in the competitive real estate market. Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or a real estate professional, this podcast is your ultimate resource for practical tips and game-changing content. U OWN IT will guide you through the real estate process and empower you to make confident financial decisions. New episodes drop every month. Follow Jerry: Website: https://c21jerry.sites.c21.homes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c21jerry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c21jerry YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1rQugdvoxt71-4n5nGbujw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c21jerry/ X: https://x.com/c21jerry2

  1. May 19

    E24: Deadline or No Deadline? A Buyer's Guide to Winning in a Tight Market

    In today's scarcity-driven housing market, especially in Western New York, the first thing a buyer needs to understand isn't the price, the neighborhood, or even the square footage. It's the seller's rules of engagement. In this episode, Jerry breaks down the two most common ways listings hit the market: with a deadline set in advance, or with no deadline at all. Understanding the difference is what separates buyers who win houses from buyers who keep losing them. Jerry explains why a deadline doesn't always work against buyers. It gives you time to inspect, compare, and prepare a stronger offer. He also walks through what a "no deadline" listing actually means: sellers are open to offers immediately, and you may need to move fast and aggressively to short-circuit a future deadline from being set. Through real examples from East Aurora, Marilla, and other WNY markets, Jerry shows what happens when buyers under-offer in a frenzy and what happens when they go in hard with their best offer right off the bat. He also unpacks the "spoiled house" strategy for buyers tired of losing bidding wars, the difference between highest and best vs. escalation clauses, and how to find out exactly how many offers you're really competing against. This episode is a tactical playbook for any buyer trying to navigate today's seller-leaning market without getting burned. You'll learn:  🏷️ How to Read Seller Rules of Engagement the Moment a Listing Hits  ⏰ The Pros and Cons of Deadlined vs. No-Deadline Listings  🎯 Why "List Price" Offers Almost Always Lose in Today's Market  🍃 The "Spoiled House" Strategy for Patient Buyers  ⚖️ Highest and Best vs. Escalation Clauses Explained  🗣️ The Questions Your Agent Should Be Asking the Listing Agent   Follow Jerry: Website LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Instagram X Produced by: Social Chameleon

    32 min
  2. Apr 3

    E23: "Coming Soon" Listings: Smart Move or Costly Mistake?

    The real estate industry is entering a major shift with the rise of "Coming Soon" listings and exclusive property marketing. In this episode, Jerry explains what these listings are and why they're becoming so controversial. He walks through how the market evolved from limited exposure to today's MLS-driven system, where maximum visibility typically leads to stronger offers and higher sale prices. Jerry also breaks down what's driving this change, including frustrations with platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, and how major brokerages such as Compass are pushing for more control through private listing networks. While these strategies can offer privacy and exclusivity, they may also limit competition and reduce a seller's upside. Ultimately, listeners will learn that more exposure usually means more buyers and better results. "Coming Soon" listings can work in specific cases, but they come with trade-offs. The key is understanding your options so you can make the best decision for your goals. You'll learn: 🏠 What "Coming Soon" Listings Really Are and How They Work ⚖️ The Pros and Cons of Private vs Public Market Exposure 💰 Why More Exposure Typically Leads to Higher Sale Prices 🔒 When Privacy and Exclusivity Might Make Sense for Sellers 🧠 How Industry Power Shifts Could Impact Buyers and Agents   Follow Jerry: Website LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Instagram X   Produced by: Social Chameleon

    30 min
  3. Mar 13

    E22: Winning in a Hot Housing Market: How to Think Like a Seller

    Buying a home in today's fast-moving market can feel like a losing game, but it doesn't have to. In this episode, Jerry breaks down how buyers can navigate scarcity, multiple offers, and aggressive pricing strategies by thinking like the sellers themselves. He introduces the "Gas Gauge Pricing Strategy" to understand listing decisions, market expectations, and how to approach offers strategically. Jerry also explains how sellers evaluate offers beyond just price: financing strength, contingencies, earnest money, closing dates, and even the professionalism of agents and attorneys involved. Using real-world examples from Western New York, he demonstrates how buyers can improve their odds, reduce frustration, and make smarter decisions in a competitive environment. This episode reinforces the You Own It! philosophy: success isn't about luck; it's about preparation, awareness, and strategy. By understanding the seller's mindset, buyers can approach transactions confidently, avoid emotional pitfalls, and increase their chances of winning the home they want.   You'll learn: 🏠 How to Read Seller Pricing Strategies with the Gas Gauge 💰 Why Price Alone Doesn't Always Win the Offer 📄 How Financing, Deposits, and Contingencies Impact Decisions 🧠 Why Thinking Like a Seller Gives Buyers a Competitive Edge 📅 How to Align Closing Dates and Terms to Improve Offers   Follow Jerry: Website LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Instagram X   Produced by: Social Chameleon

    35 min
  4. Feb 13

    E21: Pivot, Don't Panic: How to Properly Embrace AI

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and often with it comes fear. In this episode, Jerry addresses the growing anxiety around AI "replacing" jobs and industries, particularly in real estate. Rather than framing AI as a threat, he reframes it as an opportunity to pivot, evolve, and deepen the human value professionals bring to the table. Jerry explores how AI is poised to reshape lead management, contracts, communication, valuation, negotiation, and transaction speed, while also introducing new risks such as deepfakes, fraud, and identity theft. He explains why real estate remains deeply local and resistant to full automation, citing differences in laws, title standards, customs, and regulations. He grounds his message with real-world examples from Western New York and the Carolinas. Reflecting on past disruptions, from the rise of the internet to COVID-era shutdowns, Jerry reminds listeners that fear is nothing new, but resilience and adaptability consistently win. He suggests that AI may actually push consumers back toward face-to-face transactions, as trust, judgment, and verification become more valuable than pure convenience. At its core, this episode reinforces the philosophy behind You Own It: external change doesn't define you, but how you respond does. AI may automate tasks, but it will never replace accountability, experience, judgment, or human reassurance. Those who pivot will thrive. Those who don't…won't.   You'll learn: 🤖 How AI May Change the Process & Not Eliminate Real Professionals 🔄 Why Pivoting Matters More Than Fighting Technology 🧠 Human Judgment Becomes More Valuable in an Automated World 🛑 How Deep Fakes and Fraud Increase the Need for Trusted Advisors 📍 Why Real Estate Remains Local Despite Global Technology 🤝 The Enduring Power of Face-to-Face Trust in High-Stakes Transactions   Follow Jerry: Website LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Instagram X   Produced by: Social Chameleon

    25 min
  5. 11/10/2025

    E18: The Phone Call That Exposed a $100K Real Estate Scam

    In this shocking episode of U Own It, Jerry shares a true story about real estate deed fraud that hit close to home in Western New York. What began as a suspicious letter to a former client turned into the discovery of a fraudulent property sale, where a vacant lot was "sold" without the real owner's knowledge.  Jerry walks listeners through every step of the ordeal, how multiple professionals worked together to stop the fraud in time, and most importantly, how you can protect your property from being stolen through deed theft. Packed with practical advice, resources, and real-world lessons, this episode is a must-hear for every homeowner, investor, and real estate professional. Jerry also highlights the importance of community and quick action—showing how one phone call, a cooperative real estate network, and a vigilant county clerk's office prevented a devastating loss. He breaks down how modern loopholes, such as remote notarizations and digital transactions, can open the door for scams that even seasoned agents may overlook.    You'll learn: ⚖️ How One Letter and a Phone Call Exposed a $100K Fraud 🔍 The Hidden Dangers of Deed Theft—and How to Protect Yourself  💡 Why Title Insurance and Property Alerts Are No Longer Optional  🧾 Simple Steps Every Property Owner Should Take Right Now    Follow Jerry: Website LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Instagram X   Produced by: Social Chameleon

    33 min
  6. 10/13/2025

    E17: How to Be the Buyer Every Seller Wants: Winning Strategies for Today's Market

    In this episode, Jerry dives deep into the buyer's side of real estate, delivering a clear, honest, and practical roadmap for anyone preparing to purchase a home. Drawing on years of experience guiding clients through countless deals, he explains what makes buyers stand out in a competitive market and how to approach each step of the process with confidence. From selecting the right financing and agent to crafting an offer sellers trust, Jerry breaks it all down into simple, actionable steps. You'll discover how to prepare financially, communicate effectively, and avoid the common pitfalls that can derail your dream home purchase. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner planning your next move, this episode gives you the inside edge to buy smart — and win. You'll learn: 👉🏻 How to Prepare Before You Start Looking 👉🏻 Advice on Choosing the Right Agent and Lender 👉🏻 Tips on Crafting Offers That Sellers Love 👉🏻 Navigating the Closing Process Smoothly This episode is perfect for first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers, or anyone feeling anxious about purchasing in today's competitive real estate market. It's also a must-listen for anyone who's had an offer rejected, wants to better understand financing options, or simply wants to learn how to be the kind of buyer every seller — and REALTOR® — loves to work with. Follow Jerry: Website LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Instagram X   Produced by: Social Chameleon

    39 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the U Own It! podcast with Jerry Thompson, where we dive into the world of real estate sales. With over 33 years of experience and 1,500 transactions, Jerry shares valuable insights and proven strategies to help you succeed in the competitive real estate market. Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or a real estate professional, this podcast is your ultimate resource for practical tips and game-changing content. U OWN IT will guide you through the real estate process and empower you to make confident financial decisions. New episodes drop every month. Follow Jerry: Website: https://c21jerry.sites.c21.homes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c21jerry/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c21jerry YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1rQugdvoxt71-4n5nGbujw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c21jerry/ X: https://x.com/c21jerry2