472 episodes

Interviews with real estate industry leaders, hosted by 25-year industry veteran, Bill Risser. The Real Estate Sessions was selected as the 2019 Inman Innovator Award Winner for Video/Podcast Show.
Unlike many shows in the real estate space, Bill does not focus on investing, sales and marketing, or any specific topic. He focuses on his guest and does his best to get their backstory.
Bill is curious by nature and finds the backstory of our industry's leaders fascinating. He has discovered lenders who were ballerinas, Chief Creative Officers who managed bands, and CEOs who sold vacuum cleaners (and not very well) in college.
So, if you are looking for stories about industry leaders with a bit of strategy and business knowledge tossed in, give The Real Estate Sessions a shot.

The Real Estate Sessions Bill Risser

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 90 Ratings

Interviews with real estate industry leaders, hosted by 25-year industry veteran, Bill Risser. The Real Estate Sessions was selected as the 2019 Inman Innovator Award Winner for Video/Podcast Show.
Unlike many shows in the real estate space, Bill does not focus on investing, sales and marketing, or any specific topic. He focuses on his guest and does his best to get their backstory.
Bill is curious by nature and finds the backstory of our industry's leaders fascinating. He has discovered lenders who were ballerinas, Chief Creative Officers who managed bands, and CEOs who sold vacuum cleaners (and not very well) in college.
So, if you are looking for stories about industry leaders with a bit of strategy and business knowledge tossed in, give The Real Estate Sessions a shot.

    Episode 382 - Matthew Simpson, co-Founder - LoLo

    Episode 382 - Matthew Simpson, co-Founder - LoLo

    Matthew Simpson is a proficient entrepreneur with extensive experience in the technological and business development sectors. His perspective on LoLo, a relationship retention tool, is deeply influenced by his unique background. Simpson perceives LoLo as a crucial means for real estate agents to stay relevant with their network by providing local, significant gifts consistently. He contends that nurturing relationships and expanding one's network is vital for long-term success in sales, particularly in domains involving infrequent, high-value transactions. Simpson emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of rejection and failure, viewing each setback as a valuable learning opportunity paving the way for future triumphs. Furthermore, he sees Lolo as a tool that not only supports local independent businesses but also helps to maintain the unique community atmosphere that differentiates these businesses from larger corporate chains.
    00:04:07) Harmonious Diversity: Nashville's Community Tapestry
    (00:15:58) Market-Driven Solutions Fuel Business Expansion Success
    (00:19:12) Learning from Failures: Entrepreneurial Guidance and Impact
    (00:24:25) Monthly Gifts for Real Estate Agents Strategy
    (00:29:42) Building Relationships for New Real Estate Agents
    (00:29:42) Enhancing Sales Success Through Network Relationships
    (00:00:00) "And so that began the initial discussion for what is now Lolo, which is, how can we help them stay top of mind with an item of value, with something meaningful and local, with a write up, with pictures." - Matthew Simpson
    (00:04:06) "Matthew Simpson (00:04:07): "When I think about what was so special about growing up in Nashville and then comparing it to mean it was always the people. The people were just so kind, thoughtful, welcoming, just a really community centric vibe." - Bill Risser

    (00:13:14) "I was going to say, the entrepreneur runs deep in you. You want to create your own things, and that's great." - Bill Risser (00:13:14)" - Bill Risser

    (00:17:28) "If you can find someone who has a specific need and go address that need, and that need allows for enough money to be paid to solve it, that's where you really want to focus your efforts." - Matthew Simpson" - Matthew Simpson

    (00:27:11) "The psychology of receiving something that was given to you creates a very positive response and makes people feel good. And that's really what we deliver." - Matthew Simpson" - Matthew Simpson

    (00:30:41) "If I look back and think about had I prevented myself from failing at something, would it have been an improvement in my career? And I would say absolutely not. In fact, I wish I had failed faster." - Matthew Simpson

    • 32 min
    Matthew Rathbun, Broker - Coldwell Banker Elite

    Matthew Rathbun, Broker - Coldwell Banker Elite

    OVERVIEW
    Matthew Rathbun, a seasoned real estate professional with a background in law enforcement, has dedicated over two decades to the industry, advocating for consumer protection and ethical practices. Rathbun's perspective on consumer preferences in real estate is rooted in the belief that the industry needs to be more attentive to what consumers want, whether it's a preferred realtor, platform, or service. He argues that ignoring these preferences can result in missed opportunities, as demonstrated by the rise of new industry players who have successfully catered to unmet consumer needs. Rathbun also underscores the importance of effective communication and storytelling to highlight the value that agents and organizations bring to consumers. Drawing from his extensive experience, he emphasizes the need for the industry to adapt to evolving consumer behavior and technological advancements, urging industry leaders to lead by example in embracing these changes.
    TIME STAMPS
    (00:15:53) From Law Enforcement to Real Estate Success
    (00:21:08) Inclusive Real Estate Experience for Families
    (00:22:59) Balancing Family and Professional Commitments in Real Estate
    (00:25:13) Embracing Technological Advancements in Real Estate Market
    (00:28:06) Putting Consumers First in Real Estate Industry
    (00:39:10) Role of Knowledge Workers in Real Estate
    (00:48:56) Smartphone Tools for Real Estate Efficiency
    (00:50:13) Consumer-Centric Homes Reshaping Real Estate Market
    (00:52:38) National MLS Impact on Property Valuation
    (00:59:10) Centralized Real Estate Data for Consumer Reach
    (01:00:43) Human-Centered Approach for Real Estate Success
    (01:07:12) Transforming Real Estate Marketing with AI Technology
    KEY TAKEAWAYS
    - Matthew Rathbun transitioned to a career in real estate after finding a new purpose in life, bringing him growth and fulfillment over the past 21 years.
    - Rathbun emphasizes the importance of putting clients first, building trust, and involving children in real estate discussions to create a unique and inclusive experience.
    - Maintaining work-life balance in the real estate industry is crucial, prioritizing family over professional commitments and setting boundaries with clients.
    - Adapting to changes in the real estate industry, particularly with the integration of AI, is essential for remaining competitive and enhancing efficiency.
    - A consumer-centric approach in real estate is crucial, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing consumers and effectively communicating the value provided by real estate professionals.
    - Knowledge workers play a crucial role in industries like real estate, mortgage, and settlement, providing valuable information to clients and shaping the industry.
    - Real estate agents can boost productivity and mental well-being by using mobile-friendly tools and apps, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology for better organization and efficiency.

    • 1 hr 14 min
    Jorge Guerra - Broker/Owner Real Estate Sales Force

    Jorge Guerra - Broker/Owner Real Estate Sales Force

    Jorge Guerra is a seasoned veteran in the real estate industry, having founded Real Estate Salesforce, a brokerage based in Coral Gables, South Florida, at the young age of 26. With nearly 25 years of experience under his belt, Guerra's perspective on real estate salesforce is shaped by his belief in simplicity, consistency, and relationship-building. He views technology as a tool that should be carefully evaluated and implemented by brokers, only if it significantly contributes to the industry. Despite acknowledging the importance of technology and embracing innovations like AI, Guerra emphasizes that the core of the real estate business lies in human interaction and providing value to clients. His experiences, including the collapse of the real estate market and the rise of the internet, have led him to see opportunities for young, tech-savvy individuals to enter the industry and leverage new technologies for greater exposure and success.
    TIME STAMPED OUTLINE
    (00:01:36) Tech-Savvy Real Estate Brokerage Revolutionizing Industry
    (00:03:49) Immigrant Journey: Sacrifices, Opportunities, and Resilience
    (00:06:13) The Determination Fueled by Parental Sacrifice
    (00:14:37) Embracing Innovation: Revolutionizing the Real Estate Industry
    (00:17:46) Embracing Technology to Revolutionize Real Estate
    (00:22:41) Industry Influence through Volunteering and Advocacy
    (00:27:13) Embracing Technology and Building Client Relationships

    • 34 min
    Richard McDonough - Sothebys International Realty

    Richard McDonough - Sothebys International Realty

    OVERVIEW
    Richard McDonough is a renowned real estate agent in Stillwater, Minnesota, who has built a strong reputation in the industry through his dedication to continuous learning and effective use of social media and technology. His perspective on the real estate market in Stillwater is overwhelmingly positive, shaped by his experiences and deep appreciation for the town. He views Stillwater as a beautiful small town with a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a variety of activities, making it an attractive place for many people to move to. His admiration for the town is further reinforced by its consistent recognition as one of the best small towns in America. This appreciation, combined with his commitment to building relationships within the industry, has significantly contributed to his success, as evidenced by his remarkable growth in 2012 GCI from $79,000 to $485,000 in just one year.
    TIMESTAMPS
    (00:05:17) Desirable Real Estate in Scenic Stillwater
    (00:16:29) Luxury yacht crew life and career transition
    (00:24:11) From Yachting to Real Estate: Embracing Change
    (00:28:03) Collaboration and Communication in Real Estate
    (00:31:18) Maximizing Lead Generation with Google Business
    (00:36:42) Stillwater: A Small Town with High Home Prices
    (00:41:22) Enhancing credibility and effectiveness through accurate real estate data
    OVERVIEW
    Real estate in Stillwater, Minnesota offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to major corporations, making it an attractive place to live. In a recent episode of "The Real Estate Sessions" podcast, host Bill Risser interviewed Richard McDonough, a successful real estate agent in the area, who shared insights into the local market and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
    Located in the St. Croix Valley, Stillwater is not just a suburb but a beautiful small town with a strong sense of community. It is home to Anderson Windows, one of the world's leading window manufacturers, and is in close proximity to other major corporations like 3M, Target, and Medtronic. This combination of small-town atmosphere and employment opportunities makes Stillwater an appealing place for both residents and businesses.
    One of the interesting aspects of the Stillwater real estate market, as McDonough pointed out, is that many residents have deep roots in the area. Generational homes are common, with houses being passed down within families. This means that a significant portion of McDonough's business comes from people moving into the area, attracted by the sense of community, excellent schools, and the variety of activities available.

    The St. Croix River, which flows through Stillwater, adds to the town's appeal. It is one of the narrowest national parks in the country and was one of the first two rivers designated as a national scenic waterway. The river offers protection and scenic beauty, making Stillwater consistently recognized as one of the best small towns in America.

    However, the real estate market in Stillwater is not without its challenges. McDonough highlighted the competitiveness of the industry, which can lead to inventory problems. To address this, he emphasized the importance of collaboration, information sharing, and effective communication among real estate agents and companies within the marketplace. By working together and helping each other, the real estate community can make the process smoother for everyone involved.

    McDonough also stressed the need for real estate agents to treat their profession as a business from day one. Many agents focus solely on transactions and wait for the phone to ring, rather than planning for their future. He compared being a real estate agent to owning a franchise, where keeping the doors open and actively seeking opportunities are...

    • 44 min
    Megan Farrell-Nelson, The Megan Farrell Team with REAL Brokerage, LLC

    Megan Farrell-Nelson, The Megan Farrell Team with REAL Brokerage, LLC

    SUMMARY
    Megan Farrell-Nelson, a former kindergarten teacher, made a bold career transition into real estate at the age of 26 and has been in the industry for approximately twelve years. Megan's perspective on transitioning to a real estate career is that it was a challenging and unexpected journey, met with skepticism and lack of support from her peers. However, she persevered and learned to embrace the grit and perseverance required in the industry. Her background as a kindergarten teacher played a significant role in her ability to break down complex real estate concepts for clients and provide them with the necessary education. Megan, along with her husband, who is also a former educator, now relishes the opportunity to educate and train new agents in their office. Her experiences underscore the importance of resilience, learning from failures, and providing support to others in the real estate industry.
    QUOTES

    (00:00:03) "I walked in as from kindergarten world, right, where you're like, be kind and treat each other with the golden rule. And then I walked into a real estate office and I was like, hi, I'm Megan and super bubly and super, you know, just basically who I am now again. But I was greeted with not as much excitement as I had, let's, let's, let's call it that. And just a lot of like, I remember the first day I did floor time and the agent telling me that I was going to flounder just like the rest of them." - Megan Farrell-Nelson

    (00:09:41) "I need something. I know this is going to sound kind of weird, like, you can only go to the beach so many times when you're by yourself, right? And I was 26 and I was excited about life, and that just wasn't it." - Megan Farrell-Nelson

    (00:10:52) "I went from taking care of their most valuable possession, which is their baby, right, to the largest transaction. They're going to have experience. And so it's kind of like kid gloves both ways. And like you said, over explaining things is really big in real estate and education. And I went from teaching people who knew nothing about standing in line and reading and writing to breaking it down on a very low level for them. And so it really did transition naturally into helping with real estate because I was able to break it down." - Megan Farrell-Nelson

    (00:20:51) "I think the number one thing that agents don't do, I really think it's the number one thing they don't do, which makes me crazy, is they don't learn the contract. They just know what blank spots they need to fill in. Right. They don't understand a contract." - Megan Farrell-Nelson

    (00:25:14) "I think that horrible situation I went through, I think that being able to turn away from substances and being able to take care of myself when I needed to are really what helped me heal and continue to heal." - Megan Farrell-Nelson

    (00:33:22) "Don't quit before the magic happens." - Megan Farrell-Nelson

    SOCIAL LINKS
    https://www.instagram.com/meganfarrellnelson/
    https://www.facebook.com/TheMeganFarrellTeam/

    TRANSCRIPT
    00:00:00 - Megan Farrell-Nelson
    Yeah. So I was 26, like I said. And it, it was, I walked in as from kindergarten world, right, where you're like, be kind and treat each other with the golden rule. And then I walked into a real estate office and I was like, hi, I'm Megan and super bubbly and super, you know, just basically who I am now again. But I was greeted with not as much excitement as I had, let's, let's, let's call it that. And just a lot of like, I remember the first day I did floor time and the agent telling me that I was...

    • 41 min
    Episode 377 - Jacki Semerau Tait, Coach, Author, REALTOR - Realty One Group Mountain Desert

    Episode 377 - Jacki Semerau Tait, Coach, Author, REALTOR - Realty One Group Mountain Desert

    Jacki Semerau Tait is a seasoned real estate agent with Realty One Group, boasting over 20 years of experience in the industry. Her perspective on the real estate career and work-life balance in Flagstaff, Arizona is shaped by her love for the area and her emphasis on building relationships. She cherishes the beauty and diversity of northern Arizona and finds fulfillment in helping clients achieve their dreams, whether it's finding a second home or assisting with the sale of a forever home due to a job opportunity. Her journey, including challenges such as having to short sell her own house in 2008, has led her to value work-life balance and build a supportive team around her. Join Bill Risser and Jacki Semerau Tait as they delve deeper into these topics on this episode of The Real Estate Sessions podcast.
    QUOTES
    (00:00:00) "I think everything is relationships. I think if you're a small business owner, which as a real estate agent, you are a small business owner. And that's the first thing that any new agent needs to understand. This is not a job, this is a career. This is where you own your business. And if you're a small business owner, relationships are everything." - Jacki Semerau Tait
    (00:04:57) "I think the thing that people need to know is in northern Arizona, you do get four seasons, especially in the Flagstaff area. In Flagstaff, where it's 7000ft, so we have the same type of climate as what people typically associate with Denver, Colorado. And I think a lot of people forget that when they think Arizona, they think dry heat, 120 degrees, saguaro cactus. That's what they think. But no, we've got the Ponderosa Pines, the four seasons. Last year we had a brutal winter and had record breaking snow, 180 plus inches. So, yeah, that's what you need to know. And here's the thing. It's beautiful in northern Arizona. Once you get up north to about the 3000 foot level, there's so much to do, there's so much diversity. You've got the red rocks of Sedona, you have the old mining town in Jerome, you've got the pines and the snow up in Flagstaff. So there's a lot to see and do and it's beautiful." - Jacki Semerau Tait
    (00:11:03) "I fell in love with the process of real estate. I just fell in love, which is very odd because I'm a creative. And so for me to really grab onto the legalities and the intricacies, but to me, all these pieces that you have to put together, it's kind of like putting together a puzzle. And when you do it well, you get a great outcome. And it intrigued me." - Jacki Semerau Tait
    (00:18:00) "I became far more successful in my business by cutting down the amount of time that I made myself available to my business." - Jacki Semerau Tait

    (00:22:38) "Well, Bill, I'll tell you, the one thing that we all have in common as human beings is that we will face adversity. And I know that right now our society is trying to tell us like, hey, if you set up everything right, you can be safe and you can be secure and don't risk anything. Just stay safe. Stay safe. And that seems to be the messaging from our society at large. But honestly, you got to put some risk out there. No risk, no reward. The bigger the risk, potentially, the bigger the reward, but the bigger you can fall." - Jacki Semerau Tait

    (00:32:52) "Get a mentor. Get a mentor. It is that simple. Honestly, I think it's a disservice to new agents that it's not a requirement." - Jacki Semerau Tait

    LINKS
    Jacki's Facebook group
    Jacki's Facebook page
    @jacki.semerau.tait on Instagram
    @homewithjacki on Twitter
    a target="_blank"...

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
90 Ratings

90 Ratings

BeaverBeliever2011 ,

Loved the Phil Greely episode

So insightful and great advice from Phil.

josephrand ,

Smart and Funny

Bill is a smart and funny host and does a great job bringing in engaging, interesting real estate industry leaders. Lots of compelling conversations without sales pitches or hucksterism. Highly recommended to all real estate professionals.

Michele Bee ,

💗 This Podcast

Concise and consistent takeaways from Bill Risser and his guests! Make sure you subscribe for the latest “buzz” in the real estate industry! Michele Bee 🐝

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