Episodes

  • From Recruiting to Real Estate: Karen Saez's Rise in Northeast Florida

    From Recruiting to Real Estate: Karen Saez's Rise in Northeast Florida
    Nov 17 2025
    What would you risk—your career, your comfort, or your security—to build the life you really want? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Karen Saez. Karen shares her incredible journey from corporate recruiting at Deutsche Bank to owning a bar and eventually finding her true passion in real estate. As a bilingual advisor and former military spouse, Karen brings heart, hustle, and unique experience to the Jacksonville market. She dives deep into what it takes to break into the industry, create a client-first business, and overcome the personal and professional challenges that come with bold life transitions. Karen opens up about building relationships through social media, the pain of losing her first real estate deal, and how grit, consistency, and empathy have shaped her career. She also breaks down the realities of starting in real estate, the importance of structure, and how being a single mom motivated her to take the leap into entrepreneurship. If you're thinking about making a career shift or want to level up in real estate, don't just dream it—do it. Follow Karen on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at real estate life, and subscribe to the Real Estate Excellence Podcast for more inspiring stories like this! Highlights: 00:00–05:12 Karen's Big Month & Buyer Challenges Standout October sales performanceClients shifting from condos to homesHome search in eTownQuick 30-day close with decisive buyerTwo closings pushed due to contingencies 05:13–10:05 Contingent Offers & Lending Solutions Challenges with out-of-state sellersBridge loan limitationsExplaining the "Purchase Edge" programBuilder delays and shifting timelinesSupporting a friend through new construction delays 10:06–15:24 Corporate Recruiting to Real Estate Agent From staffing agencies to Deutsche BankTransferable skills: interviewing and listeningVetting brokerages like candidatesUnderstanding client motivationsTransitioning service mindset into real estate 15:25–20:56 Bar Ownership & Business Shift Opening a bar after a Tulum tripManaging dual careers: banking by day, bar by nightLearning bartending to train staffSelling the bar for more meaningful workPivoting toward real estate 20:57–30:13 Getting Started in Real Estate First brokerage experience at Coldwell BankerWhy training helped but branding didn't alignMeeting Mike and joining 904 Home GuideBilingual outreach strategyEarly listing failure: townhouse vs. condo mix-up 30:14–46:15 Mindset, Marketing & Consistency Love for guiding buyers and sellersBuilding lasting post-close relationshipsConsistent routines: hot sheets, follow-upsLeveraging Instagram for business growthSharing personal stories to build connection Quotes: "You have to give yourself no option but to succeed." – Karen Saez "It wasn't just a transaction or a paycheck for me—it's more of a 'you're my family now.'" – Karen Saez "Just post the damn thing." – Karen Saez "If it's your plan A, then go all in. If not, it's going to chew you up." – Karen Saez To contact Karen Saez, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Connect with Karen Saez! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_saez_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.paz.77/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@karensaezrealestate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-saez-8552aaa0/ Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #JacksonvilleRealtor #WomenInBusiness #BilingualRealtor #EntrepreneurJourney #KarenSaez #904HomeGuide #RealEstatePodcast #RelocationExpert #MilitaryFriendlyRealtor #SocialSelling #RealtorLife #FloridaHomes #RealEstateSuccess #CareerPivot #GritAndGrace #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstateStories #ClosingDeals #InstagramMarketing
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Selling $5M Homes in Ponte Vedra Beach

    Selling $5M Homes in Ponte Vedra Beach
    Nov 3 2025
    What if the key to succeeding in the luxury real estate market isn't flash or fame—but quiet consistency and old-school relationship-building? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with luxury real estate veteran Michael Curet, a former pro tennis writer turned top-tier coastal agent. With nearly three decades in the game, Michael shares how he transitioned from ATP rankings to real estate royalty in northeast Florida. He opens up about the early hustle, key relationships, and how his sports background uniquely positioned him to serve elite clientele, including NFL players, PGA pros, and high-net-worth individuals. Michael doesn't hold back as he breaks down what it really takes to break into, and stay in, the luxury market. From handling high-stakes negotiations to navigating land issues like gopher tortoises and coastal construction lines, he gives a masterclass on trust, tenacity, and tactical thinking. Whether you're new to real estate or gunning for the 1%, this episode is a blueprint for sustainable success in competitive markets. Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow agent chasing the luxury dream! Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and connect with us on social media for behind-the-scenes insights and upcoming guest announcements. Highlights: 00:00 - 03:12 Real Estate Lessons & Local Life in Ponte Vedra · Staying calm during high-stress deals · Halloween traditions in upscale neighborhoods · Golf cart culture and trick-or-treating · Family aging and changing community vibes · What makes Ponte Vedra's neighborhoods unique 03:13 - 10:21 From Pro Tennis to Pro Listings · Starting as a tennis writer for ATP · Transitioning from journalism to real estate · Traveling the world: Wimbledon, Paris, US Open · Moving to Ponte Vedra Beach for the ATP HQ · Building credibility through elite sports networks 10:22 - 18:11 Breaking into Real Estate with NFL and PGA Ties · Landing Fred Taylor as a client · Working with Jaguars during their early years · From networking to nurturing lasting relationships · Competing with seasoned agents early on · Leveraging sports background in real estate 18:12 - 27:44 Cracking the Luxury Oceanfront Market · Turning neglected FSBO lots into listings · Building trust with absentee landowners · Creating snowball momentum from one big break · Selling more oceanfront land than anyone else · Long-distance rapport building and remote sales 27:45 - 36:04 Coastal Real Estate Technical Mastery · What buyers must know about oceanfront lots · Coastal construction lines and elevation factors · Dealing with gopher tortoises and sea turtles · Building relationships with DEP consultants · Selling safety and certainty with due diligence 36:05 - 55:46 Elite Habits, Emotional Control & Career Longevity · Staying consistent after nearly 3 decades · Handling high-stakes, emotional transactions · Why calm negotiation wins in luxury real estate · Daily habits, relationships, and proactive lead gen · Off-market properties and building agent trust Quotes: "Cooler heads prevail. That's advice for real estate and life." – Michael Curet "I never even met the seller. It was all about building trust over the phone." – Michael Curet "Luxury real estate is like the music business; you just need one break." – Michael Curet "You don't need to know everything. But you need to know who to call." – Michael Curet To contact Michael Curet, learn more about his business, and make him a part of your network, make sure to follow him on his Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Connect with Michael Curet! Website: https://www.pontevedra.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curetmh/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.h.curet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-h-curet-3b989017/ Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #LuxuryRealEstate #FloridaRealEstate #MichaelCuret #PonteVedraBeach #RealEstatePodcast #HighEndHomes #OceanfrontLiving #RealEstateTips #LuxuryAgent #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateLife #TennisToRealEstate #RealtorLife #ExclusiveListings #MillionDollarListing #NortheastFlorida #HomeBuyers #EliteAgent #LandDeals #RealEstateStories
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • She Flipped the NYC Brokerage Model --And Agents Are Thriving

    She Flipped the NYC Brokerage Model --And Agents Are Thriving
    Oct 31 2025
    What does it really take to lead one of Manhattan's most iconic brokerages through a historic acquisition while preserving its soul and scaling its influence? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Kevelyn Guzman, a visionary leader who took a 100-year-old boutique Manhattan brokerage through a transformative acquisition by Coldwell Banker. She opens up about her journey from Wall Street to real estate, her philosophy of treating agents as clients, and her approach to maintaining culture, innovation, and collaboration in a fiercely competitive market. Kevelyn doesn't just talk about leadership—she lives it. From supporting women in real estate to demystifying CRMs and AI, she breaks down the real work behind agent retention, marketing strategy, and building a brand that lasts. Whether you're an agent, broker, or aspiring leader, this episode will challenge you to lead with authenticity and strategy. If you're a real estate leader or agent looking to elevate your business, follow Kevelyn Guzman on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for her upcoming book. Don't forget to subscribe to Real Estate Excellence, leave a review, and share this episode with a real estate pro who needs to hear it! Highlights: 00:00 – 05:18 From Wall Street to Real Estate Never make emotional decisionsKevelyn's early career on Wall StreetRealizing real estate is about relationshipsMoving into real estate in 2006Surviving the 2008 crash 05:19 – 13:25 Guiding a Legacy Firm Through Acquisition Warburg Realty's 100-year legacyTransition to Coldwell BankerChoosing the right buyerInternational reach and global networkSupporting international clients 13:26 – 24:38 Building a Culture of Agent-Centric Leadership Treating agents as clientsHelping agents build business infrastructureLeadership lessons from "boots on the ground"Recruiting and retaining top talentPutting the agent brand first 24:39 – 34:18 Coaching Through Change and Custom Strategy Quarterly strategy sessions with agentsHelping agents adapt to AI toolsEmbracing individual marketing stylesSocial media resistance turned successMetrics-driven coaching and consistency 34:19 – 47:42 Tools, Tech, and the CRM Problem Matching tools to agent strengthsReal-world uses for CRMsWhite-glove support vs. tech overloadKey tools: Canva, Listing Concierge, RevitalizeBuilding processes to let agents focus on deals 47:43 – 1:03:40 Women in Real Estate and Industry Outlook Launching the NYC chapter of "What Moves Her"Gender bias in luxury real estateCultural and building-level dynamics2026 NYC market predictionsEmbracing visibility, passion, and future goals Quotes: "Never make decisions when you are highly emotional. Just give it some time." – Kevelyn Guzman "Our agents are the CEOs of their business—we're just here to support that infrastructure." – Kevelyn Guzman "It's not always about the money. Support, culture, and visibility matter more than splits." – Kevelyn Guzman "Real estate isn't just a job for me. It's a passion I live out seven days a week." – Kevelyn Guzman To contact Kevelyn Guzman, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Connect with Kaitlin Chernyshov! Website: https://cbwarburg.com/agent/kevelyn-guzman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevelynguzman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevelyn-g-055676b/ Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #KevelynGuzman #NYCRealEstate #WomenInRealEstate #RealEstateLeadership #BrokerLife #ColdwellBanker #AgentSupport #BusinessStrategy #WallStreetToRealEstate #RealEstateCoach #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateBranding #WhatMovesHer #CRMforAgents #AIinRealEstate #AuthenticLeadership #RealEstateRetention #RealEstateInnovation #SocialMediaStrategy
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • How to 2.5x Your Sales in a Down Market: $8M to $20M in 2025

    How to 2.5x Your Sales in a Down Market: $8M to $20M in 2025
    Oct 27 2025
    What if the secret to your real estate breakthrough isn't a better market... but a better mindset? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Kaitlin Chernyshov. Kaitin shares how she went from uncertainty and switching seven brokerages to becoming one of Northeast Florida's top-producing agents. Despite working in what headlines call the worst real estate market in recent years, she has already closed over 40 homes and is tracking more than 20 million in sales for 2025. Kaitlin unpacks the mindset shift that sparked her explosive growth, her transition from buyer-heavy business to dominating listings, and the creative open house tactics that actually work. She also talks about starting her team at United Real Estate, hiring the right support, and building a business fueled almost entirely by referrals. Whether you're new to real estate or stuck in a rut, Kaitlin's story will show you what's possible when purpose meets strategy. Looking to reignite your real estate momentum? Follow Kaitlin Chernyshov on Instagram and TikTok. Then hit subscribe to the podcast for more proven growth strategies from real agents winning in today's market. Highlights: 00:00 – 08:25 Finding Direction in Real Estate Kaitlin introduces her seven-year journeySwitching brokerages seven timesWhy she finally found her home at UnitedLaunching Market Makers teamHow she tripled her business in one year 08:26 – 17:03 Creating Open House Magic How she transitioned from 90 percent buyers to 70 percent listingsUsing open houses as conversion toolsThe Santa and Grinch event that led to a closingTurning a no-show open house into a double dealFrom open house guest to future team member 17:04 – 25:45 Scaling with Structure and Support Starting her own team within UnitedLeading agents while maintaining productionHiring a transaction coordinator and social media helpShifting from solo hustling to systemized growthBuilding referrals from past clients 25:46 – 34:12 What Buyers and Sellers Need to Hear in 2025 Why waiting for rates might be a mistakeHer own buying experience during high interestAdvice for buyers on timing and equityLocal market resilience in JacksonvilleSt. Johns County as a top family relocation spot 34:13 – 48:18 Mastering the Listing Side of Real Estate Overcoming seller hesitation with proof and dataTurning expired listings around in under 30 daysSmart staging on a budgetHow she communicates tough feedback to sellersUnderstanding what buyers want today 48:19 – 1:08:43 Mindset, Teams and Market Predictions When Kaitlin stopped stressing over her next dealPre-listing inspections and preventing deal falloutWhat she looks for in a brokerageThe social side of real estate successWhy 2025 may shift from buyer to seller's market Quotes: "I treat every closing like it's my own and that's what makes the difference" – Kaitlin Chernyshov "When I stopped obsessing about where the next deal was coming from it all started to flow" – Kaitlin Chernyshov "People say open houses don't work I've sold over ten from them" – Kaitlin Chernyshov "You can be successful anywhere but the right environment accelerates everything" – Kaitlin Chernyshov To contact Kaitlin Chernyshov, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Connect with Kaitlin Chernyshov! Website: https://kaitlinchernyshov.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlinchernyshovrealestate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15jC681zA3/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_me_notifications-secondary_nav Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #KaitlinChernyshov #RealEstatePodcast #ListingAgentTips #RealtorSuccess #MarketMakers #JacksonvilleRealEstate #StJohnsCountyHomes #WomenInRealEstate #RealEstateLeadership #RealtorLife #RealEstateStrategy #HomeSellingTips #ReferralBusiness #TopProducer #OpenHouseSuccess #RealEstateMarketing #NortheastFloridaHomes #RealEstateTeam #MindsetShift
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Jamie McLaughlin: From Classroom to Closing - Top St Johns Cty Realtor

    Jamie McLaughlin: From Classroom to Closing - Top St Johns Cty Realtor
    Oct 24 2025
    Are you just buying a house, or are you investing in a lifestyle that matches your future? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes former middle school math teacher turned real estate agent, Jamie McLaughlin. Jamie shares her inspiring journey from the classroom to becoming a trusted realtor in St. Johns County, Florida. With deep roots in the community and a teacher's heart, Jamie brings patience, structure, and honesty to every transaction—serving not just clients, but building long-lasting relationships. Tracy dives into the challenges and strategies of selling in today's market—from handling CDD fees, insurance hurdles, and new construction pitfalls to emphasizing education-based buyer consultations and proper pricing for sellers. Jamie also reveals how her background as a mentor and volleyball coach influences her people-first approach. Whether it's pre-inspections, dealing with builders, or navigating complex buyer expectations, Jamie's approach is a masterclass in thoughtful, integrity-driven real estate. If you're a buyer or seller in Northeast Florida, take a cue from Jamie's playbook—partner with an agent who educates, advocates, and isn't afraid to speak the hard truths. Subscribe to the Real Estate Excellence podcast and share this episode with someone ready to make smarter real estate decisions! Highlights: 00:00 - 13:50 Jamie's Journey From Teacher to Realtor How Hurricane Andrew led Jamie to St. Johns CountyTeaching math and pivoting to real estateMarketing background and first job selling Suns ticketsBringing mentorship and coaching into real estateBuilding relationships that last beyond the transaction 13:51 - 24:00 Understanding the Real Buyer's Needs Asking the hard questions early in buyer consultsCDD, HOA, and insurance costs affecting decisionsBuying with long-term goals in mindNew construction vs resale: planning aheadHelping military families make smarter buys 24:01 - 30:32 Expectation Management & Teaching the Process Using teaching experience to walk buyers through stepsContingencies, loan types, and offer strategyRepair issues and listing prep surprisesWhen deals almost fall apartImportance of communication at every stage 30:33 - 36:00 New Construction Inspectors, Superintendents & Slab Surprises Hidden issues in new builds—plumbing nightmaresAdvocating for pre-slab, pre-drywall, pre-close inspectionsValue of a Realtor during constructionBlue tape walkthroughs and designated "bad guy" roleReal stories of builder mistakes caught just in time 36:01 - 44:16 The Seller Side Marketing, Staging & Strategy 60/40 split: Jamie's seller focusPricing strategies based on timeline and compsProfessional photos, video, and staging impactA real-world staging success storyHelping sellers invest to gain more return 44:17 – 01:20:06 Navigating a Changing Market Trending real estate questions and hot takesDealing with slow markets and higher inventoryBuyer concessions, mortgage payment focusWhy every buyer should interview their agentEmotional intelligence in negotiation and transaction Quotes: "If you don't like my style or beliefs, there's someone else out there—but I bring value in my time and what I offer." – Jamie McLaughlin  "I want to be your friend forever—not just your Realtor." – Jamie McLaughlin "You sometimes have to spend money to make money. That's how I built my real estate career." – Jamie McLaughlin "I can't stress enough how important inspections are—even for new construction." – Jamie McLaughlin To contact Jamie McLaughlin, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Connect with Jamie McLaughlin! Website: https://www.jamiemclaughlin.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiemclaughlinrealtor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiemclaughlinrealtor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamiemclaughlinrealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-mclaughlin-4a7a731a2/ Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #StJohnsCounty #NortheastFloridaRealEstate #JamieMcLaughlin #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstatePodcast #NewConstructionHomes #RealtorLife #RealEstateStrategy #CDDFees #HOA #MortgageTips #BuyersAgent #SellersAgent #FloridaRealtor #RealEstateEducation #HomeSelling #StagingHomes #RealEstateInspection #RealEstateMentorship
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Tiffany High: How Wholesalers / Flippers Build Predictable Scalable Businesses

    Tiffany High: How Wholesalers / Flippers Build Predictable Scalable Businesses
    Oct 10 2025
    What would change if you stopped chasing one off flips and rebuilt a real business that runs without you? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Tiffany High. Tiffany lays out how she left a demanding corporate path to be present for family, stumbled into flipping, then scaled from 40 flips in year one to a virtual operation closing 20 plus deals a month. The turning point was tearing everything down in 90 days and rebuilding with systems, training, and leadership so the company could run without constant firefighting. She explains why newbies should start with wholesaling, how to use licensed inspections plus a GC to scope work, and why leverage and team building beat solo grind. The theme is simple. Real estate is copy and paste when you install infrastructure and remove limiting beliefs. If you are ready to replace hustle with a system, check out the four week Real Estate Business Accelerator and grab a seat at the Columbus workshop. Start implementing one channel, one closer, one scorecard today. Highlights: 00:00 - 09:59 Origin story and first flips · Leaving corporate to support family · Discovering flipping and investing in education · First 40 flips as a one person show · Early mistakes without CRM or lists · Why wholesaling should have come first 10:00 - 19:59 From grind to systems · Hiring a GC before subs · Virtual acquisitions and scope of work flow · Inspector plus GC on site together · Cosmetic rehabs over gut jobs · Median price focus for multiple exits 20:00 - 29:59 Rebuilding the business · Year two crash and 90 days reset · Installing onboarding training tracking · Each closer worth eight deals a month · Leadership and removing limiting beliefs · Option freedom through leverage 30:00 - 39:59 Marketing and deal flow · Diversified channels inbound and outbound · Partnering with a realtor team for listings · San Diego success case million-dollar month · Define success then reverse engineer 40:00 - 49:59 Money and risk management · Private lenders and double-digit returns · Deals versus business capital · Why real estate beats stocks for control · Lender package inspections comps photos · Only funding deals you would take over 50:00 - 01:00:53 Wholesaling first and next steps · What wholesaling is and why to begin there · Contract timelines 30 day close 21-day inspection · Dispo in under three weeks with buyers list · Workshops plus four-week accelerator outline · Tactical podcast for ongoing execution Quotes: "Flipping a house is not a unique thing. It is a copy and paste system." – Tiffany High "We rebuilt every aspect in less than 90 days and did 300 deals after that." – Tiffany High "We lock everything up virtually over the phone through an acquisitions process." – Tiffany High "Success is you define it. Our job is to get you to where you want to go." – Tiffany High To contact Tiffany High, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Podcast. Connect with Tiffany High! Website: https://resultsdrivenrei.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyhighofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialtiffanyhigh YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@resultsdriven-rei Podcast: https://www.theresultsdrivenpodcast.com/ Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #TiffanyHigh #RealEstateInvesting #WholesalingHouses #HouseFlipping #VirtualFlipping #Acquisitions #Dispositions #PrivateLending #RealEstateSystems #KPI #CRM #DealFlow #MarketingChannels #GC #HomeInspection #MindsetShift #Leadership #OptionFreedom #ResultsDriven #ColumbusRealEstate #SanDiegoRealEstate
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Maria Raymer: Top 1% Realtor JAX/St Augustine/Ponte Vedra

    Maria Raymer: Top 1% Realtor JAX/St Augustine/Ponte Vedra
    Oct 6 2025
    What do buyers and sellers really need an agent for, beyond opening doors and filling forms In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down Maria Raymer. Maria's journey from a young agent who questioned her value to a market leader known for straight talk and service. She explains how treating people with honesty and investing real time in them creates momentum that money follows. She shares how early office mentorship and daily reps built skill and confidence, plus how to communicate value even when you are new and your clients are older than you are. Maria then lays out practical, battle tested playbooks. Prep sellers so inspections do not derail deals. Favor quality over quantity in lead gen. Build durable referral flywheels through useful quarterly touch points not holiday spam. And when growth hits, hire a transaction coordinator first so you can stay in your zone on listing appointments while files move flawlessly to close. If this episode helped you sharpen your playbook, follow the show, drop a five star review, and share it with one agent who needs to hear it today. Then screenshot your favorite takeaway and tag the show on your platform of choice. Highlights: 00:00–00:12 From college path to first closings The question that changed everything what do clients need me forFamily nudges toward real estate and early doubtsFirst brokerage start and love for unlimited upsideBalancing life and a career without ceilingsRookie momentum and early wins in a different price era 00:12–00:24 Winning trust young and learning in the office The mediator role bringing buyers and sellers to the middleEmotion vs price how owners see their homes Nine to five in the office to absorb scripts and standards Riding the company's track record while you build your ownHonesty plus care as the secret trust accelerant 00:24–00:36 Brokerage math and the power of staying put • Seventy percent repeat and referral as the business base • Thirty percent fueled by brand network reach • Longevity compounds reputation and opportunity • Mentorship over splits when you feel stuck • Every move costs momentum choose wisely 00:36–00:47 Follow up that clients actually like Stop holiday blast emails send a real card or a useful updateQuarterly newsletters with hyper local stats win attentionCommunity first support local to build real relationshipsNetwork through schools charities and church with intentCRM as non-negotiable foundation from day one 00:47–00:59 Negotiation calm and pre listing inspections Foreshadow inspection findings so sellers do not take offense Pre listing inspections as deal insurance reduce item count Guide reactions when curveballs land replace do not rage Buyers sometimes use inspection to exit recognize the signal Professional agent relationships protect your clients outcomes 00:59–01:11 Teams roles and scaling the right way The 2020 inflection point add help or cap growthHire the transaction coordinator first pay per file and free your timeAdmin spine media contracts office and closing supportKeep client communication in email with everyone in the loopStay the listing table is your superpower and joy Quotes: "The investment of time and helping people and giving your honest opinion that is what they are looking for. Treat people right and the money and success will follow." – Maria Raymer "Sales come together better when you have someone in the middle bringing both sides to the middle." – Maria Raymer "You date the rate you marry the house." – Maria Raymer "Listings are the name of the game. I love sitting at the table with owners and winning that deal." – Maria Raymer To contact Corey Hasting, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, X, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and LinkedIn. Connect with Maria Raymer! Website: https://stjohnsareahomefinder.com/ X: https://x.com/mariaraymer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaraymerteam Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariaRaymerRealtor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariaraymer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaraymer/ Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #MariaRaymer #REMAX #NortheastFlorida #JacksonvilleRealEstate #SellerTips #BuyerTips #PreListingInspection #Negotiation #TransactionCoordinator #RealEstateTeam #CRM #FollowUp #ReferralBusiness #TopProducer #ListingAgent #HomeSelling #HomeBuying #CommunityFirst #Podcast
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Corey Hasting: Christie's International Real Estate First Coast

    Corey Hasting: Christie's International Real Estate First Coast
    Oct 3 2025
    What bold move would you make if you knew your entire team's future was on the line? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Corey Hasting for his third appearance — this time unveiling the biggest pivot of his career. At just 27, Corey launched a boutique Engel & Völkers franchise in Jacksonville Beach and scaled it into five thriving offices with 138 agents. But instead of resting on awards and billion-dollar sales, he shocked the market by transitioning his entire brokerage to Christie's International Real Estate First Coast. Corey opens up about the 18-month journey, the risks, the sleepless nights, and the why behind the move. He shares how he retained almost every agent through the shift, why brand power and growth potential drove his decision, and how Christie's global reach and tech innovation will elevate luxury real estate in Northeast Florida. If you've ever wondered how great leaders navigate risk, transition, and growth — this conversation will inspire you to think bigger. Don't forget to subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and leave us a 5-star review to keep these powerful stories coming! Highlights: 00:00 – 06:30 Corey's Bold Leap Launching Engel & Völkers at 27Scaling to 5 offices and 138 agentsWinning America's Cup "Shop of the Year"Early frustrations with tech & innovationBeginning the search for what's next 06:31 – 14:45 The Christie's Connection Why brand identity matters more than everRetaining 137 of 138 agents through transitionExclusive territory expansion rightsBreaking past Engel & Völkers growth limitsBuilding the foundation for expansion 14:46 – 21:59 Elevating Luxury in Northeast Florida Dominating high-end listingsChristie's auction house credibilityPositioning in global feeder marketsNetworking with billion-dollar brokeragesRecruiting luxury-focused agents 22:00 – 30:15 Innovation & Technology Shift Partnering with Luxury Presence websitesLaunching First Coast Luxury mobile appRevitalizing marketing with flexibility & varietySEO, pay-per-click, and seller visibilityWhy print marketing still matters 30:16 – 38:40 Growth, Expansion & Recruiting New HQ in Atlantic BeachTargeting St. Augustine & St. Simon's IslandRecruiting with value vs. splitsWhy retention is the ultimate measureWhite-glove brokerage service model 38:41 – 57:48 Leadership, Culture & The Future Bringing Christie's CEO & leadership to FloridaBuilding a one-vision, one-culture regionSystems that create more time for agentsSupporting top producers to break ceilingsTaking First Coast "to the moon" Quotes: "There's no such thing as a perfect brokerage — it's about finding what you're missing and who solves that problem." – Corey Hasting "If you're not growing, you're dying — in business and in life." – Corey Hasting "Our job is to make agents two places at once by creating more time for them to do what they do best." – Corey Hasting "We're not making this move to stay the same. We're doing it to grow, to dominate luxury, and to take it to the moon." – Corey Hasting To contact Corey Hasting, learn more about his business, and make him a part of your network, make sure to follow him on his Website, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and LinkedIn. Connect with Corey Hasting! Website: https://cirefc.com/agents/corey-hasting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corey_hasting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corey.hasting.3 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoreyHasting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasting/ Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #CoreyHasting #ChristiesInternational #LuxuryRealEstate #BrokerageGrowth #JacksonvilleBeach #StAugustineRealEstate #NortheastFlorida #BrokerageLeadership #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateInnovation #RealEstateTechnology #AgentRecruiting #LuxuryHomes #BrokerageTransition #ChristiesFirstCoast #RealEstateExpansion #GlobalRealEstate #AgentSuccess #BillionDollarBrokerage
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    58 mins