The REAL in Real Estate

Let's Get Real about Reverse-Engineering Real Estate Deals with Brandon Cobb

Episode Summary:Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In Episode 86, the host interviews Brandon Cobb, an expert in land development and a key figure behind HBG Capital.Brandon shares his journey as an "accidental" entrepreneur, transitioning from a comfortable corporate career in medical device sales to becoming a highly successful real estate developer. Listeners will get practical, behind-the-scenes insights into the lucrative world of land entitlement, discovering how to identify prime properties, collaborate with city planners, and successfully sell land to massive national home builders. If you want to learn how to scale up your real estate investments, this episode is packed with value!In this episode, you will learn:✔️ The Accidental Entrepreneur Journey: You will learn how being unexpectedly fired from a stable job in medical device sales pushed Brandon to take a leap into real estate, starting with cashing out his retirement accounts to flip houses before eventually scaling up to new construction and land development.✔️ How to Work with Local Municipalities: You will discover the importance of sitting down with local planning directors or city council members to find out exactly what areas the city wants developed, allowing you to reverse-engineer projects that create a win-win for everyone.✔️ How to Reverse-Engineer Real Estate Deals: You will learn a simple strategy for finding the right land by tracking the "buy boxes" of massive national builders (like D.R. Horton). Brandon explains how to look up where these builders are currently developing and target land in those exact areas because the builders have already done the market research.✔️ The Golden Rules of Land Entitlement: You will learn crucial strategies to avoid losing money in land development, specifically the two biggest rules: never buy land before securing city approvals, and always design the development with your end buyer in mind. Brandon advises putting land under contract, getting a concept plan, and getting buy-in from both the city and the national builder before putting significant capital at risk.Connect with Brandon Cobb:Website: Visit learnlanddevelopment.com to access a free, six-hour course on how to find land, do due diligence, and raise money. You can also watch a video about his mastermind community, the Land Development Accelerator, and book a call to see if it is a good fit.Podcast: Tune into Recession Resistant Real Estate Radio, a podcast geared toward investors and seven-figure business owners that explores various real estate asset classes and features interviews with successful entrepreneurs.Company: Explore his private equity company, HBG Capital, which is an investor-facing arm that raises capital for land entitlement, land development, and new construction projects.Listen to the full episode now:https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listen

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Let's Get Real about The Outdated Stigmas of VA Loans with Eric Bernstein

3w ago00:25:39Tap to summarize

Episode Summary:Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In Episode 85, the host sits down with Eric Bernstein, president and co-founder of LendFriend Mortgage, to discuss the ins and outs of Veteran Administration (VA) loans.This episode focuses on educating real estate professionals and veterans alike about the gross underutilization of VA loans, debunking outdated stigmas, and highlighting the unmatched benefits of this mortgage product. Whether you are a realtor trying to get your veteran clients' offers accepted or a veteran looking to maximize your hard-earned benefits, this episode is a must-listen!In this episode, you will learn:✔️ VA Appraisals Are Not Deal-Killers: Despite common misconceptions from listing agents, VA appraisers are not overly strict and do not arbitrarily miss home valuations; they primarily look for major safety hazards that could impact the veteran.✔️ Unmatched Financial Benefits: VA loans are arguably the best mortgage product on the market, offering up to 100% financing (0% down), no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and interest rates that are typically half a point to 0.75 points lower than conventional loans.✔️ There Are No Loan Limits: Veterans are not capped by standard conforming loan limits, meaning they don't have to switch to a strenuous jumbo loan for expensive properties; VA loans can be used for multi-million dollar homes with zero down.✔️ Rules on Multiple Loans and Property Types: You can actually have multiple VA loans at the same time depending on your service record and bonus eligibility. However, VA loans are strictly for primary residences and cannot be used to purchase a second home or an investment property.Connect with Eric Bernstein:Company: LendFriend MortgageWebsite: lendfriendmtg.comResources: Visit his website's robust learning center, which features a blog with over 200 posts, including around 30 articles dedicated specifically to the nuances of VA loans.Listen to the full episode now:https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listen

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Let's Get Real about The May 15th Property Tax Protest Deadline with Mickey Le

Apr 2900:28:38Tap to summarize

Episode Summary:Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In this episode, the host sits down with Mickey Le, a seasoned property tax expert and partner at Ad Valorem Tax Management with 30 years of experience.This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for homeowners—particularly in Harris County and across Texas—on how to successfully protest their property tax valuations. Mickey shares insider strategies on the appeals process, the importance of exemptions, and how to effectively leverage evidence to ensure you aren't overpaying on your property taxes.In this episode, you will learn:✔️ You Should Protest Your Taxes Every Year: If you aren't actively protesting your property taxes—or hiring a professional to do so—you are almost certainly overpaying and leaving money on the table.✔️ The Window to File a Protest is Small: For Harris County, appraisal notices are generally mailed out around April 17th, and the deadline to file your protest is May 15th, giving you less than a month to take action.✔️ You Have the Right to Review the County's Evidence: By law, you can request the evidence the county intends to use against you 14 days prior to your informal hearing. It is highly recommended that you comb through this data to find errors, such as the county mistakenly classifying a non-air-conditioned attic as living space, or comparing your home to newly remodeled properties.✔️ Hard Evidence and Exemptions Are Crucial: When arguing that your home's value should be lowered due to needed repairs (like foundation or roof issues), bringing actual contractor estimates makes your story much more believable to the county. Furthermore, checking that you have the correct exemptions applied—such as Homestead, Over-65, or Disabled Veteran—is the vital first step to tax savings, and you can even apply to receive credit for up to two missed prior years.Connect with Mickey Le: Mickey Le is based in Houston at Ad Valorem Tax Management. You can contact him via:Phone: 713-977-4197Email: mle@atmtax.comListen to the full episode now: https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm

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Let's Get Real about Automating Your Real Estate Business with Eric Bramlett

Apr 1500:25:14Tap to summarize

Episode Summary:Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In Episode 83, host Jean sits down with Eric Bramlett, an Austin-based real estate expert, broker at Bramlett Partners, and Inman author.They dive deep into the fascinating world of Agentic AI—what it is, how it functions as a "digital teammate," and how real estate professionals can leverage it to boost productivity, streamline operations, and save time. From automating support tickets to auditing websites, Eric shares his firsthand experience with AI and explains why the human touch in real estate is more important now than ever.In this episode, you will learn:✔️ The Difference Between Generative AI and Agentic AI: While generative AI acts as an advanced search tool to help write property descriptions or analyze data, agentic AI operates as a specialized "digital teammate" that can independently reason, write code, and execute multi-step tasks for you.✔️ Practical Ways to Use Agentic AI in Your Real Estate Business: Eric explains how his brokerage uses AI agents, like their "Brambot," to instantly route support tickets, generate weekly company health reports, and even audit and fix website SEO.✔️ Why You Must Still Verify AI's Work: AI can confidently provide incorrect information (known as "hallucinating"). You will learn why it is crucial to review high-consequence tasks, potentially using a secondary "quality control" AI agent or human assistants to double-check the work.✔️ How to Get Started Without Feeling Intimidated: Eric recommends diving in by paying for a premium tool (around $20 a month, like Claude), utilizing organizational features like "Projects," and simply talking to the AI to discover what it does well and where it struggles.Connect with Eric Bramlett:Online: Search for Eric Bramlett or his brokerage, Bramlett Partners, to connect with his team online.Inman: If you have an Inman membership, you can find and read the real estate articles he authors for the platform.Referrals: He handles real estate in the Austin, Texas market and welcomes referrals for anyone looking to move to the area.Listen to the full episode now:https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listen

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Let's Get Real about Winning Your Property Tax Protest with Mickey Le

Apr 100:25:25Tap to summarize

Episode Summary:Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In Episode 82, the host sits down with Mickey Le of Ad Valorem Tax Management to discuss the highly anticipated spring property appraisal season.Mickey shares his industry expertise on how homeowners and real estate professionals can successfully contest their county's assessed market values to significantly reduce their property tax burdens. If you are tired of overpaying on your property taxes and want to learn the insider secrets to fighting back, this episode is a must-listen!In this episode, you will learn:✔️ The Importance of Highlighting Hidden Property Flaws: The county appraisal district often relies on surface-level data like satellite images and permits. You will learn why it is crucial to tell the "story" of your home by pointing out specific, hidden issues—such as foundation problems, a bad roof, lack of remodeling, or mold—to lower your home's market value.✔️ The Critical January 1st Valuation Date: In Texas, property tax law dictates that your home is appraised based strictly on its condition as of January 1st. You will learn how this rule impacts your taxes, even in extreme cases where a home is destroyed shortly after the new year begins.✔️ The Protest Timeline and the Advantage of Filing Early: The episode outlines the tax protest process, from the informal meeting to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). You will learn that the Texas filing deadline is May 15th, and why submitting your protest early in the season can result in a better hearing experience before the county gets stressed and overwhelmed.✔️ How Tax Consultants Charge for Their Services: You will learn the difference between market value and taxable value (which includes exemptions like homestead or over-65). If you hire a professional like Mickey Le, they typically take care of the entire process and charge a percentage fee based only on the actual tax dollars they save you.Connect with Mickey Le: You can reach Mickey Le at his Houston-based company, Ad Valorem Tax Management, through the following channels:Phone: 713-977-4197Email: mle@atmtax.comListen to the full episode now:https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listen

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Let's Get Real about Avoiding Real Estate Lawsuits and Legal Traps with Grant Harpold

Mar 1800:28:41Tap to summarize

Episode Summary:Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In Episode 81, we sit down with Grant Harpold, distinguished attorney, legal counsel for the Houston Association of Realtors, and Partner at Buck Keenan LLP, to dive into crucial legal and practical updates every real estate agent, buyer, and seller needs to know.We discuss the newly proposed FEMA flood maps for Harris County, the intricacies of flood insurance, and best practices for completing Seller's Disclosure Notices. Grant also breaks down the nuances of navigating showing agreements with unrepresented buyers, strict contract deadlines, and recent national litigation surrounding RESPA rules and referral fees. Tune in to get the facts, stay informed, and keep moving toward real estate success!In this episode, you will learn:✔️ How to Navigate the New Harris County FEMA Flood Maps: Learn about the newly proposed, post-Harvey flood maps for Harris County and why it is critical for buyers to consult them before purchasing or remodeling a property.✔️ The Critical Rules for Flood Insurance and Seller's Disclosure Notices: Discover why buyers should line up flood insurance well in advance due to a 30-day waiting period, how to check if a seller's current policy is transferable, and why listing agents must ensure every box and explanation on a Seller's Disclosure Notice is thoroughly completed by the seller to avoid lawsuits.✔️ When to Use a Showing Agreement (Form 1508): Understand the specific scenarios where an agent needs a showing agreement for unrepresented buyers, its 14-day non-exclusive limit, its lack of a fee compensation field, and when it is necessary to transition to a full Buyer Representation Agreement.✔️ Why "Time is of the Essence" is a Hard Deadline: Get a clear reminder that contract deadlines regarding earnest money and option periods are strictly enforced as hard dates and are non-negotiable.Connect with Grant Harpold: Grant Harpold is a Partner at Buck Keenan LLP, where he frequently represents corporations, businesses, and individuals in real estate and complex litigation matters. You can reach him through the following contact methods:Email: gharpold@buckkeenan.comDirect Phone: 713.546.2431Firm Phone: 713.225.4500Office Address: 2229 San Felipe, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77019Listen to the full episode now:https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listen

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Let's Get Real about Why AI Won't Replace You with Dr. Noah St. John

Mar 400:25:54Tap to summarize

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In this episode, host Jean sits down with returning guest Dr. Noah St. John to discuss how real estate professionals can break through their revenue ceilings.Dr. Noah St. John is recognized as the world's leading authority on Neural Performance and the Human-AI Gap. A TEDx speaker and 27-time published author—the only author in history published by HarperCollins, Hay House, Simon & Schuster, Mindvalley, and Nightingale-Conant—Noah's clients have added more than $3.2 billion in documented revenue growth. He has appeared on over 1,000 media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CNN.In this powerful conversation, Dr. Noah introduces the concept of "Zero Friction," explaining how unrecognized problems in your business act like a foot on the brake, slowing down your drive toward success. The conversation tackles the massive elephant in the room: the AI revolution. Addressing the widespread fear that artificial intelligence will replace jobs, Dr. Noah explains why professionals must learn to manage AI rather than fear it. Finally, listeners will learn about the dangers of "head trash"—the self-doubt and internal fears that keep you stuck—and how claiming your power is the first step to massive revenue growth.In this episode, you will learn:✔️ The "Zero Friction" Principle: You will learn how to identify the hidden friction in your business that is slowing your progress, which Dr. Noah likens to driving down the road of life with one foot on the brake.✔️ The Reality of AI Job Security: You will discover that you are not going to be replaced by AI itself; you will be replaced by someone who masters and manages AI.✔️ How to Conquer LLM Invisibility: You will learn why Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are essentially "smart seven-year-olds" that synthesize data rather than generate true intelligence, and how using tools like Click Pulse AI can ensure you actually show up when prospective clients search for realtors.✔️ How to Eliminate "Head Trash": You will understand how internal self-doubt (like thinking you are too busy, too old, or lack funds) is the root cause of your business struggles, and how eliminating this "head trash" helped one of Dr. Noah's clients secure $300,000 in commissions in just 12 weeks.Connect with Dr. Noah St. John:Website: Visit noahstjohn.com to explore his one-on-one coaching, group coaching, and online courses like the Power Habits Academy.Free Resources: Download a free executive briefing called The Human AI Gap and book a free "revenue ceiling diagnostic" to audit your business at his website.AI Platform: Access his team's visibility platform at clickpulse.ai.Listen to the full episode now:https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listen

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Let's Get Real about Navigating Stress-Free Moves with Gregory Gray

Feb 1800:29:28Tap to summarize

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Gray, President of Graceful Moves, to discuss what it takes to provide Grade-A customer service in the moving industry.From his humble beginnings starting a business from an apartment complex to launching a fleet of trucks, Gregory shares expert advice on how to navigate the stressful process of moving. Whether you are a realtor looking to support your clients or a homeowner preparing for a transition, this episode offers vital tips on avoiding scams and ensuring a smooth move.In this episode, you will learn:✔️ How to Spot "Rogue Movers": Gregory outlines critical red flags to watch for, such as movers who refuse to put the basics in writing, fail to share required license information, or demand significant payments upfront.✔️ The Importance of On-Site Estimates: Learn why relying on phone estimates for homes larger than three bedrooms is a mistake and how an in-person walkthrough prevents costly surprises on moving day.✔️ How to Verify a Mover's Legitimacy: Discover a pro tip for checking a company’s license and insurance status using the FMCSA website to ensure you are protected if damage occurs.✔️ New Services and Capabilities: Hear about Graceful Moves' ability to handle heavy specialty items like pianos and 800 lb gun safes, as well as their upcoming launch of a dedicated junk removal service.Connect with Gregory and Graceful Moves:Website: gracefulmovestx.comPhone: 713-280-7990 (Select Option 2)Social Media: Search for "Graceful Moves Texas" on all platforms.Listen to the full episode now:https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listenThanks for Listening!Big thanks for tuning into our podcast! If this episode brought a smile to your face, consider sharing it through the social media buttons on this page. Got thoughts or questions about today's topic? Drop a comment below or reach out via our website. Your engagement keeps the conversation alive!

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Let’s Get Real About the Service-First Hustle with Paul Silverman

Feb 400:23:45Tap to summarize

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In this insightful episode, we are joined by Paul Silverman, a seasoned manager at Martha Turner Sotheby's who transitioned from home building to real estate in 2010.Paul dives deep into the realities of building a sustainable career, debunking the "HGTV myth" that the job is easy or quick money. He and the host explore why treating real estate as a genuine small business and prioritizing long-term service over immediate commissions is the only true path to longevity in the industry. If you are ready to move past the surface-level hype and build a business based on substance and relationships, this episode is for you.In this episode, you will learn:✔️ The "Service First" Philosophy: Silverman emphasizes that clients can sense when they are being "sold" rather than served. He shares a powerful anecdote of how treating a $130,000 client with elite-level respect eventually led to over $3 million in referral sales, proving the late Ebby Halliday’s advice: "Do it for the service... and the dollar will follow."✔️ The Missing Piece of "Know, Like, and Trust": While the industry loves the "Know, Like, and Trust" adage, Paul argues it is incomplete. It doesn’t matter if a client trusts you if they don't remember you. Learn why post-closing follow-up systems are non-negotiable for staying in your sphere of influence.✔️ Strategies for Organic Business Growth: Discover how to build a client base from scratch, even in a new city. Paul discusses "organic interactions"—from frequenting the same coffee shop to spark familiarity, to walking dogs in affluent neighborhoods and mastering the art of the consistent open house.✔️ The Critical Role of Deep Education: Licensing classes are just the beginning. Paul explains why pursuing advanced designations like the GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) and adopting systems like Ninja Selling are vital for confidence. He also stresses the need to memorize local market statistics to hold intelligent conversations at any social event.Connect with Paul:If you have questions about Paul’s strategies or want to learn more about his work in the Houston market, you can find him through his firm:Firm: Martha Turner Sotheby’s International RealtyLocation: Houston, TXAffiliations: Houston Association of Realtors (HAR)Listen to the full episode now: https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listen

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Let's Get Real about The 20% Down Payment Myth with Jean Mitchell

Jan 2100:10:15Tap to summarize

Welcome to The REAL in Real Estate Podcast, your go-to show for real estate success. In this solo episode, host Jean Mitchell tackles the paralyzing fear many millennials and first-time buyers face in today’s housing market.With interest rates hovering around 6%, many buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for a return to 3%—a wait that Jean argues is costing them thousands in lost equity. Jean dispels the myths about needing a massive down payment or a perfect "forever home" right out of the gate. Instead, she offers a reality check on the cost of renting versus owning. If you are ready to stop building your landlord's wealth and start building your own legacy, this guide is for you.In this episode, you will learn:✔️ The "Perfect Rate" Fallacy: Why waiting for 3% interest rates to return is a trap, and why 6% is actually a strong entry point historically.✔️ Rent vs. Equity: A breakdown of how paying $2,000–$3,000 a month in rent builds zero wealth for you, compared to building equity in a home you own.✔️ Down Payment Reality Check: You don't need 20% down. Learn about grants and loan programs that allow you to buy with as little as 3.5% down.✔️ Managing Repair Anxiety: How to protect yourself from unexpected costs using home inspections and home warranties, so you aren't afraid of future repairs.Connect with Jean: Jean Mitchell is the creator and host of The REAL in Real Estate podcast. You can connect with her and listen to more episodes through the following channels:Apple Podcasts: The REAL in Real Estate on Apple PodcastsListen to the full episode now:https://the-real-in-real-estate.captivate.fm/listen

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All episodes

Let's Get Real about Reverse-Engineering Real Estate Deals with Brandon Cobb

Let's Get Real about The Outdated Stigmas of VA Loans with Eric Bernstein

Let's Get Real about The May 15th Property Tax Protest Deadline with Mickey Le

Let's Get Real about Automating Your Real Estate Business with Eric Bramlett

Let's Get Real about Winning Your Property Tax Protest with Mickey Le

Let's Get Real about Avoiding Real Estate Lawsuits and Legal Traps with Grant Harpold

Let's Get Real about Why AI Won't Replace You with Dr. Noah St. John

Let's Get Real about Navigating Stress-Free Moves with Gregory Gray

Let’s Get Real About the Service-First Hustle with Paul Silverman

Let's Get Real about The 20% Down Payment Myth with Jean Mitchell