Free Game Real Estate Podcast
The ”Free Game Real Estate Podcast” is based in Charlotte, NC. It is hosted by Ed Averette, a top Broker/Realtor® with The Averhome Group/EXP Realty, and Terence Guess, a Certified Mortgage Advisor with TEG Mortgage/Atlantic Bay. The podcast aims to educate consumers on current trends in the real estate market and provides a platform for discussions on real estate, culture, empowerment, and the real aspects of the industry.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
Are contingency offers in real estate worth the risk, or should buyers consider alternative approaches in today's market?
In this insightful episode of Free Game, hosts Ed Averette and Terence Guess dive deep into the complex world of contingency offers in real estate. They explore the challenges, risks, and potential solutions for buyers juggling the sale of their current home while purchasing a new one. Through role-playing scenarios and personal experiences, they break down the communication requirements, financial implications, and practical alternatives that both buyers and sellers should consider in the current market landscape. Their candid conversation offers valuable guidance for navigating these complicated transactions while maintaining realistic expectations.

Friday Mar 21, 2025
153 Contracts and Consequences: Understanding Real Estate Commitments
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Why are so many homebuyers rushing into contracts without truly understanding what they're signing up for, and what's really at stake when the ink dries?
In this enlightening episode of Free Game Friday, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette dig deep into the critical question: "Why are we under contract?" The duo examines the serious implications of real estate contracts, highlighting that they are legally binding documents with significant financial consequences—not casual agreements that can be easily broken. Throughout the conversation, they share personal experiences from both the buyer and seller perspectives, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding affordability, and working with professionals who prioritize education over rushing into decisions. Their candid discussion reveals that successful homeownership begins with proper preparation, realistic financial assessments, and a clear understanding of why you want to own a home in the first place.

Friday Mar 14, 2025
152 Quality vs. Quantity: The Sustainable Path to Real Estate Success
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
What does it really take to handle 35 closings in a single month? Is pursuing quantity compromising the quality of your life and business?
In this eye-opening episode of Free Game, Ed Averette and Terence Guess dive deep into the delicate balance between quantity and quality in the real estate and mortgage industry. They share their personal experiences handling an extraordinary volume of transactions (35 closings for Terence, 18 for Ed in a single month) and the crucial lessons they learned about processes, sustainability, and maintaining quality of service. The conversation reveals the hidden reality behind impressive numbers—the strain on family life, the importance of setting clear client expectations, and knowing when to refer business elsewhere. This candid discussion offers invaluable insights for any professional looking to scale

Friday Mar 07, 2025
151 What's the REAL Cost of Homeownership Beyond Your Mortgage Payment?
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
In this eye-opening episode of Free Game, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette break down the hidden costs of homeownership that many first-time buyers overlook. Going beyond the basic mortgage payment, they explore the full financial picture of owning a home including utilities, HOA fees, and rising property taxes. Drawing from personal experiences and industry knowledge, they provide valuable insights into creating realistic budgets that account for all homeownership expenses. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding your complete financial picture before making such a significant investment, offering practical advice that could save listeners from financial strain.

Friday Feb 28, 2025
150 Are you mastering your time in, or is it mastering you?
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
In this insightful episode of Free Game, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette sit down to discuss the delicate balance between putting in the work hours ("time in") and taking necessary breaks ("time out") in the real estate industry. The conversation explores how real estate professionals struggle with setting boundaries, managing burnout, and finding rhythm in a business that often demands constant availability. Through personal anecdotes and candid revelations, Terence and Ed offer valuable perspectives on structuring your day, scaling your business, and understanding that growth isn't always linear.

Friday Feb 21, 2025
149 Building Success Through Support: An Entrepreneur's Journey
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
What drives an entrepreneur to persist through their darkest moments, and how can the right support system transform business survival into success?
In this compelling episode, successful insurance agency owner Anthony Gallant joins hosts Ed Averette and Terence Guess to share his journey of entrepreneurial perseverance and business wisdom. The conversation delves deep into the crucial role of support systems in business success, the importance of proper insurance coverage, and practical advice for protecting personal and business assets. Gallant's candid discussion about his early struggles, including taking payday loans, and how his wife's unwavering support helped him build a thriving insurance agency over 17 years, offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike.
Special Guest for this episode:
Anthony Gallant
Anthony Gallant State Farm Agency
Gastonia, NC

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
"How does a successful business owner transform from corporate burnout to creating a thriving enterprise that gives back to the community while mastering work-life balance?"
In this compelling episode of Free Game, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette welcome Anthony Gallant, a State Farm agency owner who transformed his business from struggling beginnings to a thriving community cornerstone in Gastonia. With remarkable candor, Gallant shares his 17-year journey, from sacrificing his savings and taking payday loans to building a successful insurance agency that prioritizes community involvement and work-life balance. His story exemplifies the power of persistence, relationship building, and giving back to the community.
Special Guest for this episode:
Anthony Gallant
Anthony Gallant State Farm Agency
Gastonia, NC

Friday Feb 07, 2025
147 Beyond The Sale: Why Education Is Your Best Marketing Tool
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
What if the secret to closing more deals isn't selling harder, but teaching better? In an industry obsessed with quick closes, could slowing down to educate actually be the fastest path to success?
In this compelling episode of Free Game, Ed Averette and Terence Guess dive deep into the art of business enhancement for 2025. They kick things off with an innovative book-sharing initiative using "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by O.G. Mandino, creating a chain of knowledge-sharing among professionals. The conversation evolves into a profound discussion about slowing down to serve clients better, understanding the current real estate market dynamics, and the importance of setting proper expectations in both lending and real estate transactions. Their candid exchange reveals valuable insights about credit tightening, market changes, and the delicate balance between maintaining professional standards and meeting client needs.

Friday Jan 31, 2025
146 Beyond the Wow Factor: Real Estate Reality Check
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
"In a world obsessed with 'wow factors', why is the truth about real estate success deliberately unsexy?"
In this engaging episode of Free Game, Ed Averette and Terence Guess dive deep into what it truly means to enhance the real estate experience, both for professionals and clients. They challenge the popular notion of "wow factors" in real estate, emphasizing the importance of practical, honest approaches over flashy promises. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they explore why working backwards in real estate transactions often leads to disappointment, and why understanding fundamentals like budgets and loan qualifications should always come first.
EPISODE 146: Beyond the Wow Factor: Real Estate Reality Check

Friday Jan 24, 2025
145 Walking on Eggshells: Are Real Estate Pros Afraid of Being Fired?
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Join Ed Averette, Broker/Realtor® with The Averhome Group/EXP Realty and Terence Guess, Loan Officer with TEG Mortgage/Atlantic Bay for weekly in depth candid discussions, advice and consumer education on current trends in the real estate market and related topics.
Episode 145: Walking on Eggshells: Are Real Estate Pros Afraid of Being Fired?

HOST ED AVERETTE
Meet Ed Averette, the dynamic force behind "Ed the Rapping Real Estate Agent." Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Ed's journey from foster care to the US Army shaped his resilience and determination. Following his military service, he briefly explored the world of music before purchasing his first home, a pivotal moment that ignited his passion for real estate.
Ed's entry into the real estate realm was sparked by a challenging personal experience while house hunting. Turning adversity into opportunity, he fused his musical background and military discipline to redefine real estate marketing. As a licensed Broker and Top Realtor with EXP Realty, Ed boasts 17 years of industry expertise and heads The Averhome Group, a thriving team spanning Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Renowned for his innovative approach, Ed leverages raps and social media to captivate audiences, particularly the younger generation. His commitment to education shines through as he empowers both buyers and sellers, using music to demystify the real estate process and champion the concept of generational wealth.
Ed's influence extends beyond the traditional real estate landscape. His album, "The Real Estate Trilla," and a viral video on home buying have propelled impressive growth for his business. Through his platform, Ed aspires to inspire and guide individuals toward realizing their homeownership dreams.
Ed’s collaborative efforts with his professional partner, certified mortgage specialist Terence Guess of Atlantic Bay Mortgage, includes co-hosting the highly acclaimed Free Game Real Estate Podcast. Recognized as the number one real estate podcast in Charlotte, NC, the show has garnered widespread attention and is accessible on various podcast platforms. Additionally, the podcast is featured on EXP Radio, further amplifying its reach and impact in the real estate community.
In addition to the podcast, Ed is further expanding his media presence as an AD Host for American Dream TV’s “Selling The Carolinas,” and a producer of his own reality series “The Flip Side” and “The Process Talk Show.”
As Ed envisions a future where everyone can own a piece of the American dream, he continues to break barriers, connecting with clients on a personal level and leaving an indelible mark on the real estate industry. Join Ed on his journey as he encourages and assists others in achieving the dream of homeownership.

HOST TERENCE GUESS
Terence Guess is just like you in many ways. Like you, he has purchased a house, is honest and upfront, and gets the job done. A long-time resident of Charlotte, he makes the process of buying a house seamless for families from all walks of life.
Terence is a deeply compassionate man who genuinely cares about people. Combining professionalism, 20 years of finance/mortgage experience and a desire to serve, he has the innate ability to connect with each individual. He says, “I get to know my customers by reviewing their credit application face to face and understanding what they are trying to accomplish via this transaction. I enjoy talking with them and communicating. I want to understand what they want to accomplish and their comfortability level.” He sets clear expectations early in the process and educates his clients.
Terence says, “I send clients articles about the housing market and current news affairs. Often when you read headlines, that’s exactly what it is a headline. Get into the meat of the article and read specifically what they are talking about. I tell my clients what the articles mean and why the market is trending the way it is. I never want anyone feel like they’re in the dark when they to get to a closing table because they didn’t understand something that was transpiring. More importantly, I want them to feel that they did understand the process, felt like they were part of it, and that they made the decisions.”
Clients describe Terence as a member of the family, someone who genuinely cares, is always available, easy to talk to and a person who makes the process seamless. He says, “My job is to serve and to bring you all the facts and allow you to make the decision based on your comfortability level.
Terence's accolades further underscore his dedication to excellence in lending. He has earned prestigious designations, including the 2020 Chairman’s Club, 2021 President’s Club, 2022 President’s Club, 2023 Chairman's Club, as well as being named among the NAAMBA Top 100 in both 2022 and 2023. He has also been recognized by his peers with an Atlantic Bay to the Core Award for his positivity, morale and values he brings to the workplace every day.
Terence recently coordinated a lunch for the Charlotte Men’s Shelter and organized Atlantic Bay volunteers to serve the lunch. He regularly volunteers at the shelter to serve lunch and help with resume writing. He says, “I care about my community. I care about our youth. It’s important to me that we show our community through our positive contributions.”