Free Game Real Estate Podcast

168 12 Houses and a Funky Pre-Approval: What's Wrong with Real Estate

What happens when real estate professionals stop chasing social media likes and start having honest conversations about market realities - and why might showing 12 houses to unqualified buyers be doing everyone a disservice?
In this candid episode of Free Game, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette dive deep into the current state of the real estate market, cutting through the noise of social media narratives to deliver unfiltered truths. From TikTok's uncertain future to the reality of today's housing market, they explore why educating clients upfront is more crucial than ever. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they discuss everything from problematic pre-approval letters to the importance of having uncomfortable conversations with clients about their financial readiness. With their characteristic blend of humor and hard truths, Terence and Ed address the elephant in the room: many deals that look good on paper aren't actually deals at all.

167 Stop Waiting for Perfect Market Conditions : The Real Estate Reality Check

Are you waiting for the "perfect" market conditions to buy a home while missing out on building wealth right now?
In this candid episode of Free Game, the hosts dive deep into the current real estate market reality, challenging listeners who are waiting for interest rates to drop or market conditions to improve. They explore the psychological barriers preventing people from taking action in today's market, from unrealistic expectations about interest rates to lifestyle choices that limit purchasing power. The conversation covers everything from Trump's financial success in his first six months in office to the harsh realities of pricing strategies in different markets. The hosts emphasize that successful real estate transactions today require understanding your actual budget, making lifestyle adjustments, and coming to the table with competitive offers rather than hoping for market conditions that may never materialize.

166 Are We Closing Next Week? Transparency in Real Estate Transactions

What happens when a client calls asking "Are we closing next week?" while their moving truck is already packed and their housewarming party is planned?
In this episode of Free Game, hosts Terrence Guess and Ed Averette dive deep into the critical question every real estate professional dreads hearing: "Are we closing next week?" The duo explores the intricate dance between lenders and realtors in today's challenging market, emphasizing the paramount importance of over-communication and daily file management. They discuss real-world scenarios including credit score challenges, loan program switches, and the domino effect of delays on all parties involved. The hosts share practical strategies for maintaining client relationships during turbulent transactions while highlighting how their podcast continues to generate real business connections. This episode serves as both a reality check and a masterclass in professional accountability for anyone working in today's competitive real estate landscape.

165 Building a Real Estate Empire Through Partnership Culture

What if the secret to building a 32-office real estate empire wasn't just about selling houses, but about creating a culture where top performers become business partners instead of hitting career ceilings?
In this inspiring episode of Free Game Friday, hosts sit down with George Canciobello, founder of Lifestyle International Realty, and Roberto Guzman, the company's general manager and partner, to explore their remarkable 10-year journey from a single office in Miami's Brickell district to a 32-office empire spanning the East Coast and expanding internationally. George shares how his transition from car sales to real estate, combined with his military discipline and voracious reading habit of over 350 audiobooks, shaped his unique leadership philosophy of "collaboration over competition." Roberto reveals how a single social media post showing George's commission check prompted him to leave his accounting career and join the company just one month after its launch. Together, they discuss their revolutionary approach to real estate partnerships, where high-performing agents are proactively offered ownership opportunities rather than being kept at performance ceilings. The conversation delves into the challenges of building a minority-owned brokerage in the competitive South Florida market, their expansion into the Dominican Republic, and their commitment to creating generational wealth for agents.

164 Lifestyle Culture: Breaking The Brokerage Mold

What does it take to transform your real estate career and open four successful offices in just eighteen months? This episode reveals the mindset shifts and authentic relationships that built a real estate empire from the ground up.
In this powerful episode recorded live at a grand opening celebration, hosts Terence Guess and Edward Averette sit down with Shawn Gerald, North & South Carolina State President for Lifestyle International Realty, and his General Manager Dwayne Clark. The conversation dives deep into Shawn's remarkable journey from struggling with unsupportive brokerages to building a thriving real estate empire in just a year and a half. The discussion explores the power of manifestation, the importance of authentic mentorship, and how genuine relationships trump transactional business approaches. Special guest and Managing Partner of Lifestyle International Realty Claudia Inoa joins to share her experience expanding to New Jersey, highlighting the collaborative culture that makes Lifestyle International Realty unique. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, mindset transformation, and the blueprint for scaling a real estate business while maintaining family-like values.

163 Behind The Reel: Why Real Estate Isn’t As Glossy As Social Media Makes It Look

What if the biggest misconception about real estate isn't about market trends or property values, but about the daily reality of what it actually takes to survive and thrive as a real estate professional?
In this raw and unfiltered episode of Free Game Friday, Ed and Terence pull back the curtain on the real estate industry, challenging the glossy social media portrayal that makes the profession look effortless. Ed shares his personal journey from failing his first real estate exam in 2007 to building a successful career, including the harsh reality of moving to Charlotte where potential clients would literally drive away after seeing him. The conversation dives deep into the unglamorous side of being a buyer's agent—the daily cold calling, the months of nurturing relationships before seeing any return, and the mental toughness required to survive rejection and setbacks. They break down the entire buyer's journey from lead generation to closing day, revealing the extensive paperwork, due diligence processes, and negotiations that happen behind the scenes. This episode serves as both a reality check for aspiring real estate professionals and valuable insight for anyone considering buying or selling property, showing that success in real estate isn't just about market knowledge—it's about persistence, relationship building, and the ability to weather the storms that social media never shows.

162 Who Are You Listening To? The Real Estate Misinformation Crisis

What if the advice you're following about real estate is actually setting you up for failure – and how do you know if you're listening to the right voices in today's confusing market?
In this candid episode of Free Game Friday, hosts Ed and Terence dive deep into one of the most critical questions facing today's real estate market participants: "Who are you listening to?" The conversation explores the dangerous spread of misinformation in real estate, from false claims about current interest rates to misconceptions about down payment assistance programs. The hosts challenge listeners to move beyond social media advice and armchair expertise, emphasizing the importance of consulting actual practicing professionals. They discuss the reality of today's market conditions, including the current "sweet spot" for buyers who can secure seller concessions while rates remain elevated. The episode also tackles the complex world of down payment assistance, explaining who these programs actually serve and the long-term implications buyers should consider. Throughout their discussion, Ed and Terence stress the importance of financial preparedness, encouraging listeners to build their own nest egg rather than relying solely on assistance programs. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to seek professional guidance and make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances rather than following the highlight reels they see on social media.

161 The Freedom Blueprint: The Real Estate Development Boom in Ghana

What does true freedom look like when you're building a life beyond borders?
In this eye-opening episode of Free Game, host Ed welcomes real estate developer Dre Taylor and The Beyond Investments team along with the dynamic duo behind Sisters Selling Real Estate, Louv Ford and Dez Gerald. The conversation takes listeners on a journey exploring opportunities in Ghana, the creation of Africa's first MLS system, and what it means to find peace and prosperity abroad. As the diaspora seeks new possibilities, this episode provides valuable insights into property development, investment opportunities, and the cultural connections being built between African Americans and Ghanaians.
Special Guests for this episode:
Dre Taylor
Real Estate Developer
The Beyond Investments - Ghana
 
Lisa Kunney
Brand Development Manager
The Beyond Investments - Ghana
 
Dez Gerald
Broker
Lifestyle International Realty - Greensboro, NC
 
Louv Ford
Realtor
Lifestyle International Realty - Greensboro, NC 

160 The Beyond Investments: Building Sustainable Communities for the African Diaspora

What if the peace we've been seeking isn't found in a place, but in a return to our ancestral home where we're truly seen as human beings?
In this thought-provoking episode of Free Game, hosts Terence Guess and Ed Averette join Louv Ford and Dez Gerald in welcoming developer Dre Taylor who shares his transformative journey from Kansas City, Missouri to Ghana, where he's now building a 105-property development in the Aburi mountains. With remarkable candor, Dre explores why he left America behind, the freedom and peace he's discovered in Ghana, and his mission to create sustainable living opportunities for African Americans seeking to reconnect with their ancestral homeland. The conversation touches on spiritual awakenings, economic advantages, and the profound psychological relief that comes from escaping systemic oppression. Listeners will be challenged to consider what truly creates peace in life and whether returning to Africa might be a viable option for those seeking peace.

159 Sisters in Real Estate: Building a Legacy Across Continents

Sisters in Real Estate: Building a Legacy Across Continents
What could real estate opportunities in Ghana teach American agents about the future of global property investment?
In this illuminating episode of Free Game, hosts Terence and Ed welcome the dynamic sister duo behind Lifestyle Realty Greensboro, NC - Dez Gerald and Louv Ford. The conversation takes listeners from the current challenges of the American real estate market to exciting international opportunities emerging in Ghana. The sisters share their successful expansion into Greensboro's Triad area while revealing how their cryptocurrency project is opening doors to African real estate investments. Throughout the episode, they offer valuable insights on business planning, execution, and the importance of family partnerships in creating sustainable success. Their journey demonstrates how forward-thinking real estate professionals can transcend traditional market boundaries while building meaningful connections across continents.