Free Game Real Estate Podcast

What happens when real estate professionals stop doing their jobs properly, and how does the "figure it out" mentality in home buying actually hurt everyone involved? In this no-nonsense episode of Free Game Friday, Ed and Terence tackle the growing frustration with "figure it out loans" and the breakdown of professional standards in real estate transactions. After opening with reflections on their recent community giveback event with Block Love Charlotte, the hosts dive into the harsh realities facing today's home buyers and the professionals meant to serve them. Ed expresses his exhaustion with loan officers, realtors, and closing attorneys who seem unwilling to do the fundamental work required for successful transactions, while Terence breaks down why buyers need to get pre-approved before engaging real estate agents. The conversation reveals how rushed processes, incomplete MLS listings, and entitled attitudes across the industry create a domino effect that ultimately costs buyers time, money, and opportunities. Through their characteristic blend of straight talk and industry expertise, both hosts emphasize that real estate success requires all parties to perform their roles with precision and accountability.

In an era where Americans are increasingly buying real estate in other countries, what does it really take to build wealth through homeownership in your own backyard - and why are prepared buyers still winning big in today's market? Terence and Ed tackle the burning question of whether buying a house in America is still worthwhile in today's challenging market. Through a compelling real-world case study of a client who gained $48,000 in equity at closing after a builder reduced prices by $71,000, they demonstrate why preparation and vision still pay off. The hosts explore Charlotte's evolving neighborhoods, from North Tryon's transformation to the new River District's 10-year development plan, while addressing the psychological barriers that prevent people from making sound investment decisions. They emphasize that success comes from understanding price points, focusing on your own market rather than chasing opportunities elsewhere, and recognizing that all real estate purchases are investments - whether you live in them or rent them out.

In a world where social media makes everything look effortless, how can real estate professionals and homebuyers distinguish between authentic expertise and performative content that could cost them thousands of dollars and months of wasted time? Terence and Ed dive deep into the critical distinction between authentic real estate practices and the performative content flooding social media platforms. Through personal client stories and industry observations, they explore how misleading information is creating unrealistic expectations for homebuyers and damaging professional relationships. The hosts discuss the importance of genuine client service, the reality of complex mortgage transactions, and why some deals require extensive behind-the-scenes work that never makes it to social media. They also examine how animated content and AI tools can complement but never replace authentic human expertise, while calling for greater accountability in how real estate professionals present themselves online.

When is the right time to ask for sponsorship from lender partners in real estate, and what separates successful agents who build authentic partnerships from those who become mere "mascots" in the industry? In this dynamic third installment of the Stereo Mix podcast, hosts Ed Averette and Terence Guess welcome successful real estate agent Danny Mullen for an unfiltered conversation about partnerships, preparation, and persistence in the real estate industry. The trio dives deep into the psychology of asking for sponsorship, the importance of earning business relationships rather than expecting handouts, and why preparation separates top performers from the rest. Danny shares his unique perspective on competition, emphasizing collaboration over rivalry, while Ed reveals his "get it out the mud" mentality shaped by childhood experiences. The conversation explores everything from effective open house strategies to the reality that social media glamour doesn't close deals—authentic service and preparation do. This episode offers invaluable insights for both new and experienced real estate professionals looking to build lasting partnerships and sustainable success. SPECIAL GUEST: Danny Mullen, Realtor - Lifestyle International Realty NC/SC

How does a real estate agent go from closing just 2 deals in their first year to consistently closing 2-3 deals per month while maintaining a full-time job as a VP? In this powerful second installment of Free Game Real Estate, hosts Ed and Terence sit down with Danny Mullen, who shares his remarkable transformation from struggling first-year agent to closing multiple deals monthly while serving as Vice President of a post-repossession company. The conversation dives deep into the realities of dual-career real estate, the critical importance of mentorship, and the systems needed to thrive in today's market. Danny reveals how he leveraged Sir Ashley's mentorship to build processes that enabled him to close 10 deals in six months, while the hosts explore the shifting dynamics from transactional to relationship-based real estate in the post-2020 era. Special Guest: Danny Mullen, Realtor - Lifestyle International Realty

What if everything you thought you knew about "partnerships" in real estate was actually just transactional relationships in disguise? In an industry where money talks louder than loyalty, can genuine partnerships truly exist? In this revealing episode of Free Game Real Estate Podcast, hosts Ed Averette and Terence Guess sit down with Danny Mullen, a three-year real estate veteran with nearly two decades of investing experience, to dissect the myth of true partnership in the real estate industry. The trio explores the harsh reality that most so-called partnerships are merely financial arrangements that dissolve when the money stops flowing. They dive deep into what constitutes authentic partnership versus transactional relationships, sharing personal experiences and industry insights that challenge conventional wisdom. From the hidden costs of mortgage processing ($2,700+ per file) to the importance of transparent communication, this conversation exposes the raw truth about relationships in real estate while offering practical advice for building lasting professional bonds that transcend individual deals. SPECIAL GUEST: Danny Mullen, Realtor - Lifestyle International Realty SC/NC

What's the real difference between someone who gets approved for a mortgage and someone who actually keeps their home for 30 years? In this enlightening episode of Free Game Friday, hosts Ed Averette and Terence Guess dive deep into the critical differences between mortgage prequalification, preapproval, and upfront underwriting. The duo breaks down why so many homebuyers are setting themselves up for failure by house hunting with insufficient financial preparation. Terence shares real-world examples of foreclosures in his own neighborhood, emphasizing that financial hardship can strike anyone regardless of profession or income level. The conversation explores the harsh realities of mortgage lending, the importance of having substantial savings beyond just the down payment and why taking a chance on yourself is the first step before asking a lender to take a chance on you. Ed and Terence challenge listeners to move beyond social media's portrayal of easy homeownership and embrace the discipline required for true financial preparation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Are you prepared for the "new normal" in real estate where buyers are no longer waiting for interest rates to drop, but instead adapting to current market conditions? In this episode of Free Game, hosts Terence and Ed dive into the current state of the real estate market, discussing how consumer confidence has improved despite higher interest rates. They explore how appraisals are resetting market values, sometimes coming in $30,000-$35,000 lower than purchase prices. The hosts share insights about FHA policy changes affecting non-resident aliens and emphasize the importance of property presentation when selling a home. Throughout the episode, they highlight practical advice for both buyers and sellers navigating today's evolving real estate landscape.

What if the greatest barrier to success in your industry isn't competition, but a collective resistance to true collaboration? In this thought-provoking episode of Free Game Friday, hosts Ed and Terence dive into a candid conversation about the real estate industry in Charlotte compared to other major cities. They explore why many professionals struggle with genuine collaboration, discussing everything from the transplant culture of Charlotte to the importance of intentional networking. The hosts share personal insights on building authentic relationships, providing value without expecting immediate returns, and the benefits of taking a long-term approach to business development. This episode offers valuable perspective for real estate professionals seeking to create more meaningful connections and sustainable success in an increasingly competitive market.

"Is homeownership about securing your future or just flexing for social media?" In this insightful episode of Free Game Real Estate, host Terence Guess and partner Ed Averette welcome special guest Joy Bailey, known as "The Mortgage Bawse." They dive into hard truths about homeownership in the African American community, discussing different expectations between clients, the façade of wealth through credit cards, and the importance of long-term financial planning. Joy shares her expertise as a mortgage broker while touching on her own financial mistakes, creating an authentic conversation about the realities of homeownership and what true financial stability looks like. The trio candidly explores how cultural pressures affect housing decisions and why understanding the complete home buying process matters, regardless of your current position.