Real Estate Excellence Tracy Hayes

How can real estate agents break the cycle of feast or famine in their business and build lasting wealth?
 
In this insightful episode of the Real Estate Excellence podcast, host Tracy Hayes sits down with Bruce Breedlove, a millionaire real estate investor and co-founder of Align Money Mastery. Breedlove shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to financial success, highlighting the importance of financial literacy and discipline. He offers invaluable advice for real estate agents on how to manage their finances effectively, run their business like a true business, and invest wisely to secure their financial future. Breedlove also shares his thoughts on the current economic climate and its impact on both investors and the average consumer.
 
Bruce  has a passion for helping individuals clarify their goals and create a financial plan to reach them. As a financial mentor, he is committed to providing the necessary tools to become fluent in the "Money" language. There is a ton of noise out there, and it can be overwhelming. He will walk alongside his clients through this journey, and by the time they have completed the Mastery Class, they will possess all the information needed to make sound financial decisions for themselves, their families, and their friends. Gaining control of one's financial world can lead to astonishing life improvements. The freedom and peace it brings are immeasurable. He has been helping people gain clarity around their finances for 9 years. Recognizing an unmet need in society, he created Align to assist further.
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00:00:00 - 00:11:59 The Millionaire Mindset: Bruce Breedlove's Journey to Financial Success
 
Breedlove's decision at 17 to learn how money works and become successful
The importance of starting early and investing consistently, even with small amounts
The lack of financial literacy among many adults, including real estate agents
 
00:12:00 - 00:29:59 The Pitfalls of Debt and the Power of Intentional Spending
 
The dangers of using home equity to pay off high-interest debt without addressing spending habits
The impact of depreciating assets, like boats and RVs, on one's financial well-being
The importance of aligning spending with long-term financial goals
 
00:30:00 - 00:52:59 Running Your Real Estate Business Like a True Business
 
The benefits of setting up an LLC and filing as an S-corp for tax purposes
Effectively managing income and expenses using a simple spreadsheet system
The importance of having a business emergency fund and paying yourself a consistent salary
 
00:53:00 - 01:11:59 Investing for Financial Independence and Early Retirement
 
The power of dividend investing to generate passive income and build wealth
The importance of avoiding lifestyle inflation and focusing on appreciating assets
How Align Money Mastery helps clients achieve financial independence through personalized coaching
 
01:12:00 - 01:25:00 Navigating the Current Economic Climate: Inflation, Interest Rates, and the Tale of Two Investors
 
The impact of quantitative easing and tightening on inflation and asset prices
The differing effects of inflation on investors versus the average consumer
The importance of the Federal Reserve maintaining higher interest rates to control inflation, despite potential short-term pain
 
Quotes:
 
"The math is unforgiving. The math doesn't care how you feel." - Bruce Breedlove
 
"If you're finding yourself getting further and further away from financial independence, change something. And if you're more and more stressed about paying your bills or running your business, you're doing something incorrectly. It doesn't have to be that way." - Bruce Breedlove
 
Connect with Bruce:
 
Website: https://www.alignmoneymastery.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alignmoneymastery?si=9MpfW4y4X8o8NJA6
 
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How can real estate agents evolve their businesses to thrive in any market condition?
 
In this illuminating episode of the Real Estate Excellence podcast, Tracy Hayes engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Holly Reaves Griggs, a seasoned real estate professional with Ingle and Volkers First Coast. Holly shares her remarkable journey, from her early days in corporate America to becoming a top-performing agent in the Jacksonville market. Throughout the discussion, Holly reveals the key strategies and mindset shifts that have enabled her to excel in her career, adapt to changing market conditions, and provide unparalleled service to her clients. From her meticulous evaluation process and staging expertise to her deep understanding of the local market and dedication to continuous learning, Holly's insights offer invaluable lessons for agents seeking to elevate their businesses and thrive in any economic climate.
 
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Holly Reaves Griggs has lived in the beautiful beach area since 2005. With experience in relocation, building homes, and a passion for helping people, she assists clients in finding or selling properties within the diverse communities of Florida's First Coast. Holly's dedication to professionalism, expertise, and personal service sets her apart from the competition. Leveraging her interior design and staging experience, she ensures homes are showcased in their best light. Holly is committed to helping clients with their real estate needs in and around the Jacksonville and Beaches area.
 
(00:00:00 - 00:12:44) From Corporate America to Real Estate Superstar
- Holly's journey from AT&T to interior design and eventually real estate
- The importance of wearing your name tag and engaging with people
- How Holly's first client came from a chance encounter at Trader Joe's
 
(00:12:45 - 00:28:13) Mastering the Art of Client Evaluation and Service
- The crucial role of a thorough client evaluation in building credibility and trust
- Adapting to different client personalities and learning styles
- Going the extra mile: staging, design, and anticipating client needs
 
(00:28:14 - 00:40:25) Navigating Multiple Brokerages and Finding the Right Fit
- Holly's experience with five different brokerages over her career
- The unique benefits and support offered by Ingle and Volkers First Coast
- The importance of surrounding yourself with experienced, high-level agents
 
(00:40:26 - 00:52:37) Maximizing Portability and Tackling Inspections
- Educating clients on portability and its impact on their next property purchase
- Strategies for handling inspection reports and negotiating repairs
- The benefits of pre-listing inspections and addressing issues proactively
 
(00:52:38 - 01:29:00) Thriving in a Changing Market
- Adapting to the current market conditions and the impact of interest rates
- The importance of staying informed and utilizing market analytics
- Advice for agents looking to evolve their businesses and succeed in any market
 
Quotes:
"Luxury is a Service" - Holly Reaves Griggs
 
"If you're not building relationships in this business, then you're not going to have a business for a while." - Holly Reaves Griggs



Connect with Holly:
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyreavesrealtor/
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-reaves-realtor/
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyreavesgriggs
 
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How can real estate agents embrace authenticity and find their unique groove to succeed in today's competitive market?
 
In this thought-provoking episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, host Tracy Hayes sits down with GiGi Urbanski, a rising star in the Jacksonville real estate scene. GiGi shares her inspiring journey from professional class skipper to successful listing agent, emphasizing the importance of being authentic, educating clients, and finding one's unique groove in the industry. Through her engaging stories and valuable insights, GiGi highlights the power of focusing on the process, not just the outcome, and the significance of setting boundaries to achieve success. She also delves into the challenges of today's market, offering practical advice on how to navigate expired listings, probate, and new construction communities. This episode is a must-listen for any real estate agent looking to embrace their authentic self and thrive in the ever-changing world of real estate.
 
GiGi Urbanski, the dynamic team lead for JAX Home Squad at eXp Realty, is a Jacksonville native with a passion for helping clients navigate expired listings and probate properties. With an impressive track record of closing over 50 transactions and exceeding $20 million in volume since 2022, GiGi has earned recognition as a 2023 Rising Star by Jax Real Producers. Beyond real estate, she is a passionate giver, an avid traveler, and a dedicated family woman who cherishes time with her grandsons and maintains an active lifestyle.
 
(00:00:00 - 00:09:59) GiGi's Wild Adventure
- GiGi shares her unconventional journey from professional class skipper to real estate agent
- The importance of being authentic and not losing your personality in the industry
- How GiGi's entrepreneurial spirit and life experiences shaped her approach to real estate
 
(00:10:00 - 00:22:59) Navigating the Real Estate Journey
- The value of surrounding yourself with like-minded people and learning from mentors
- How GiGi's first year in real estate taught her the importance of having systems in place
- The significance of knowing your finances and making informed decisions for yourself and your clients
 
(00:23:00 - 00:36:59) Embracing Authenticity and Boundaries
- GiGi's advice on overcoming imposter syndrome and being true to yourself
- The power of focusing on the process and detaching from the outcome
- Setting boundaries and learning to say no to align with your goals
 
(00:37:00 - 00:50:59) Navigating Today's Real Estate Market
- How to approach expired listings and probate with empathy and value
- The importance of educating clients on the realities of the current market
- Strategies for competing with new construction communities and the role of pricing
 
(00:51:00 - 01:39:00) Finding Your Groove and Thriving
- GiGi's go-to marketing strategies for expired listings and probate
- The significance of focusing on the action, not just the outcome
- Advice for new agents on embracing their authentic selves and finding their unique groove in the industry
 
Quotes:
 
"Be yourself and everything else has a way of working out. That's just how I've always been." - GiGi Urbanski
 
"The secret sauce is good work ethic, integrity, be who you are, and just do the damn thing. Just go work!" - GiGi Urbanski
 
Connect with GiGi:
 
Website: https://angelaurbanski.exprealty.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigiofjax/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiGiofJAXHomeSquad/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigiyourhomegirl/



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How can real estate agents harness the power of A.I to revolutionize their business and provide unparalleled value to their clients?
 
In this captivating episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, host Tracy Hayes welcomes Carrie Soave, a trA.Ilblazing real estate agent and subject matter expert on artificial intelligence (A.I). Carrie shares her invaluable insights on how real estate professionals can leverage A.I to streamline their processes, enhance their marketing efforts, and provide exceptional service to their clients. From creating custom GPTs to automating lead generation and nurturing, Carrie unveils the secrets to staying ahead of the A.I wave and becoming a market leader in the industry. Listeners will discover practical strategies for implementing A.I into their business, improving their digital presence, and ultimately scaling their success.
 
Over the past 12 years, Carrie Soave has been working with Realtors to implement proper systems to generate consistent lead flow and close more deals. Despite it being 2024, she has observed that most Realtors® still fA.Il to leverage Social Media or A.I effectively. Many lack proper systems and their content fA.Ils to generate leads. They possess several A.I tools but have no workflows or systems in place to maximize their time and financial savings.
 
Carrie has identified one core problem: a lack of understanding on how to use A.I effectively. She coaches a specific system and blueprint that utilizes Social Media, A.I, and Automation to elevate lead generation to a new level. Her blueprint promises to exponentially increase income and free up time, allowing her clients to live their best lives. If followed consistently, Realtors will not only tap into an incredible lead source but will also master content creation and posting.
 
For those interested in learning more, she offers a consultation through her Calendly link: 
 
00:00:00 - 00:10:59 | Harnessing A.I for Real Estate Success
- Carrie Soave, a subject matter expert on A.I, shares her insights on how real estate agents can leverage A.I to enhance their business.
- A.I can be used to improve the customer experience, streamline processes, and generate more business.
- Agents should focus on learning how to use A.I properly to scale their business and provide better service to their clients.
 
00:11:00 - 00:20:59 | Building Custom GPTs for Real Estate
- Carrie explA.Ins how real estate agents can create custom GPTs to clone themselves and provide valuable information to their clients.
- Custom GPTs can be built for various purposes, such as analyzing investment properties, generating listing descriptions, and answering client questions.
- Building custom GPTs is not as difficult as it may seem, and A.I can assist in the process.
 
00:21:00 - 00:30:59 | Authenticity and A.I in Real Estate
- Authenticity is crucial for building trust with clients, and A.I can be used to enhance authenticity when used correctly.
- Agents should be cautious about using A.I in certA.In instances, such as deep fakes or A.I dialers, as they may hinder trust-building.
- A.I can be leveraged to improve digital footprint, build brand awareness, and replace various marketing and lead generation tasks.
 
00:31:00 - 00:40:59 | Maximizing Content Creation with A.I
- Carrie shares strategies for repurposing long-form content, such as podcasts, into short-form videos for multiple platforms using A.I tools.
- Consistency and providing valuable content are key to generating business through social media.
- A.I can help agents create engaging content that resonates with their target audience and answers their questions.
 
00:41:00 - 01:03:00 | Becoming a Market Leader with A.I
- Carrie discusses her four-part coaching program that teaches agents how to build systems and funnels with A.I.
- Being discoverable by A.I is crucial for future success, and having a strong brand presence with valuable content i

How can understanding the intricacies of Florida's insurance landscape help real estate agents better serve their clients and navigate the challenges of the current market?
 
In this insightful episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, host Tracy Hayes welcomes back Cindy Hayden, a successful real estate agent and the chair of the National Association of Realtors Insurance Committee. Cindy shares her extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the complex world of Florida's insurance market. Throughout the conversation, they delve into the factors contributing to rising insurance costs, the impact of recent legislation, and the crucial role that real estate agents play in educating their clients about insurance-related issues. Cindy also highlights the importance of the look-back period in flood zones and how it can significantly affect homeowners' ability to maintain and improve their properties. With her passion for advocacy and consumer protection, Cindy provides valuable insights and practical advice for real estate professionals and homeowners alike.
 
Cyndee is a highly successful Realtor, International Speaker, and Trainer in the Tampa Bay area. She specializes in helping clients buy and sell profitable short-term rental homes, condos, and navigate probate or trust sales. As the Chair of the National Association of Realtors Insurance Committee, Cyndee is a recognized champion for insurance issues. An accomplished author of seven books, Cyndee's expertise and qualifications make her uniquely qualified to help clients achieve their goals.
 
00:00:00 - 00:16:32 The Insurance Landscape in Florida
 
 Insurance costs have become a significant factor in the home-buying process in Florida.
 Cindy Hayden's personal experiences have driven her passion for educating people about insurance.
 The role of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation as the insurer of last resort in Florida.
 
00:16:33 - 00:33:57 Tackling the Insurance Crisis: Legislation and Depopulation
 
 Recent legislative changes aimed at stabilizing the insurance market in Florida.
 The depopulation of Citizens and the importance of consumer awareness when receiving offers from private insurers.
 The potential impact of insurance costs on the affordability and availability of housing in Florida.
 
00:33:58 - 00:46:59 The Litigation Problem and its Consequences
 
 The one-way attorney fee legislation and its role in driving up insurance costs through excessive litigation.
 The assignment of benefits issue and its impact on the insurance market.
 The importance of working with experienced real estate agents who can guide clients through the complexities of insurance.
 
00:47:00 - 00:55:59 Condos and Commercial Properties: Unique Insurance Challenges
 
 The growing concerns over insurance costs for condos and commercial properties in Florida.
 The impact of the milestone study and increased scrutiny on older condos.
 The potential consequences of high deductibles on the availability of mortgages for condos.
 
00:56:00 - 01:14:25 The Look-Back Period: A Looming Threat for Homeowners
 
 The look-back period and its impact on homeowners' ability to maintain and improve their properties in flood zones.
 The unintended consequences of longer look-back periods and the need for transparency and education.
 The importance of real estate agents staying informed and advocating for their clients in matters related to insurance and the look-back period.
 
Key Quotes:
"Insurance is the housing affordability third leg of the stool that people often overlook." - Cindy Hayden
"We're equally damaged if our neighbor's not insured. So really it is something where we want everyone to understand how to be resilient, how to get back on their feet." - Cindy Hayden
 
Connect with Cindy:
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndeehaydon/
 
If you want to build your

How can real estate agents navigate the challenges posed by the recent NAR settlement while continuing to provide exceptional service to their clients?
 
In this insightful episode, top-producing real estate agent Carrie Heustis shares her experiences and strategies for thriving in the ever-changing real estate industry. With a decade of experience and an impressive 57 transactions in the last 12 months, Carrie discusses the importance of building genuine relationships with clients, setting realistic expectations, and adapting to market conditions. She also delves into the potential impact of the recent NAR settlement on the industry and how agents can prepare themselves to navigate the upcoming challenges while maintaining their professionalism and value to clients.
 
Carrie Heustis is a top-producing real estate agent with Keller Williams, boasting 57 transactions in the last 12 months. With a decade of experience, a PR degree from UNF, and a background in commercial real estate, Carrie focuses on building genuine relationships with her clients. As a wife, mother, and director of events for Women for Women of Jacksonville, Carrie successfully balances her personal and professional life while delivering exceptional service.



[00:01:00] - [00:06:00] Blending Personal and Professional Life in Real Estate
- Carrie discusses the importance of showing clients who you are as a person, not just as an agent
- Building trust and connecting with clients beyond transactions is key to long-term success
- Carrie's journey from PR and commercial real estate to finding her home in residential real estate
 
[00:13:00] - [00:22:00] Navigating the NAR Settlement and Its Impact on Agents
- The NAR settlement is expected to cause chaos in the industry, but it may also weed out less proficient agents
- Agents must be prepared to explain the settlement to clients and set the right expectations
- The settlement may open doors for builders and institutions to offer more incentives and co-ops
 
[00:22:00] - [00:34:00] Consulting and Advising Clients in a Changing Market
- Carrie emphasizes the importance of being a consultant and advisor to clients, not just a transaction facilitator
- Agents should be proactive in discussing potential scenarios and worst-case situations with clients
- Collaborating with builders and institutions requires a different level of trust and expertise
 
[00:34:00] - [00:44:00] Adapting Marketing Strategies and Staying Top of Mind
- Carrie's marketing approach has evolved from a large team with drip campaigns to a more organic, relationship-focused strategy
- Staying top of mind with clients through newsletters, YouTube videos, and being a resource for various needs
- The importance of setting expectations and having conviction in conversations with clients
 
[00:44:00] - [00:57:00] Investing in Personal Growth and Collaboration
- Carrie discusses the value of investing in vacation rentals and the factors to consider when purchasing one
- The significance of joining masterminds and surrounding yourself with like-minded, goal-oriented individuals
- The need for agents to be purposeful with their time and ensure they are collaborating with the right people



Quotes:
 
"Real estate is not just pretty pictures and,, reels on, Instagram or TikTok  videos. It's connecting with your customers, but being a consultant for them." - Carrie Heustis
 
"I think that this (NAR) settlement is going to cause a lot of chaos. But I think with chaos, there's,three parts to it. There's: This is happening, now we're in it. What are we gonna do? And then coming to terms with it." - Carrie Heustis
 
Connect with Carrie:
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-heustis-28398456/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.webb.353
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.heustis/
 
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