The Real Deal with Empire

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Mayor Brian Turnbull — lifelong Northville resident, historian, and city leader — to talk about how one of Michigan’s most charming towns is bridging its storied past with a bold vision for the future.From the revitalization of Ford Field and the new riverwalk and river daylighting project, to the 7 Mile and Sheldon roundabout and Mill Race Village restoration, Mayor Turnbull shares how these projects are reshaping the city while preserving the timeless character that makes Northville special.They’ll also dive into Northville’s bicentennial celebration, its commitment to community and family life, and how the city is preparing for the next generation of residents who want small-town warmth with big-city energy.Whether you’re a history buff, a future homeowner, or just someone who loves seeing a city honor its roots while looking ahead — this conversation is full of insight, humor, and heart.🎧 Tune in to hear:How Northville is transforming its downtown through smart development.Why preserving history is central to the city’s identity.What makes Northville one of Southeast Michigan’s most desirable places to live, work, and play.

In an industry where agents are constantly moving from one brokerage to the next, stability has become rare.The average real estate brokerage sees around 15% of its agents leave every year.At Empire Realty Group, that number is just 3%.In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, we sit down with the person who represents that stability better than anyone — Ahmad Hojeij, the very first agent to ever join Empire Realty Group nearly 19 years ago.Ahmad has seen it all — the early struggles, the growth years, the market crashes, the market booms, and everything in between. But while others left the industry or moved between brokerages, Ahmad stayed.In this conversation, Ahmad shares:What Empire was really like in the early daysWhy most agents leave brokerages — and why he didn’tWhat makes Empire’s culture differentHow low turnover benefits clients in ways most people don’t realizeAnd what it takes to build a real estate career that lasts decadesThis episode isn’t just about real estate.It’s about loyalty.It’s about culture.It’s about building something that lasts.If you’re a client, this episode will help you understand why stability matters.If you’re an agent, it will show you what’s possible when you find the right home.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali sits down with AOM Property Inspection Solutions owner and retired engineer John Micheli to break down one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of the home buying process: the home inspection.They discuss what a home inspection really covers, common misconceptions buyers have, when a specialist may be needed, and why waiving an inspection can put buyers at serious risk. John also shares his perspective on the relationship between real estate agents and inspectors, the most common issues he sees in Metro Detroit homes, and the legislation he is working on to make inspections more standardized in Michigan.Whether you are buying, selling, or working in real estate, this episode is packed with practical insight that can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Mayor Lori Stone joins The Real Deal with Empire to talk about what’s really happening in Warren, Michigan — from revitalizing neighborhoods and attracting new businesses to building a city where families want to live and grow.As Warren’s first female mayor, Lori Stone is breaking barriers and driving serious change — and this episode covers it all: economic development, community pride, leadership lessons, and a few unexpected moments that prove she’s the real deal.🔥 What we cover:– Why Warren was named a Metro Marvel– What the city needs from small business owners– Where investment is happening right now– Why more families are choosing to live in Warren– The power of public service & real leadership– Fun lightning round: playlists, food spots & favorite neighborhoods👀 Whether you're a city-builder, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to know how real leadership looks in action — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it.#WarrenMichigan #MayorLoriStone #SmallBusiness #CityLeadership #Podcast #MetroMarvels #TheRealDealWithEmpire

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz sits down with Jeff Berry of Milestone Mortgage, a trusted lending partner of Empire Realty Group, to break down what’s really happening in today’s mortgage market — and how smart financing can make homeownership more achievable than ever.From zero-down and first-time buyer programs to myth-busting common misconceptions (like whether you really need 20% down), Jeff brings clarity, humor, and expert insight into the lending world.They also discuss how Milestone and Empire work together to deliver a seamless, one-roof experience for buyers — powered by technology, trust, and local expertise.🎧 Tune in to learn:What sets UWM and Milestone apart in today’s marketWhy now might be the right time to get off the sidelinesThe biggest myths about mortgages (and the truth behind them)How agents and lenders can work better togetherWhat’s next for homeownership in 2025 and beyond👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation full of real-world tips, stories, and laughs — only on The Real Deal with Empire.📺 Subscribe on YouTube and follow us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to never miss an episode!🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🚨Buying a home doesn’t have to be complicated — or out of reach. 💡On this week’s Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz sits down with Jeff Berry from Milestone Mortgage to uncover the truth behind the mortgage process — from zero-down programs to smart financing strategies that help more buyers win in today’s market. 🏡They’ll break down myths, share insider tips, and reveal how Empire and Milestone are making the home-buying journey seamless under one roof.🎧 Watch or listen now — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others get The Real Deal on real estate!💬 Social Media Caption (for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn):

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with the Mayor of Farmington Hills to talk about the city’s growth, community development, and the people shaping its bright future. From local real estate trends to new civic projects, this conversation dives into what makes Farmington Hills one of Southeast Michigan’s most desirable places to live and work.#FarmingtonHills #MichiganRealEstate #TheRealDealWithEmpire #CommunityGrowth #MayorInterview #MetroDetroit #EmpireRealtyGroup

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, we sit down with Amin—an accomplished real estate agent and GM engineer—to unpack what it really takes to succeed as a new agent in today’s market. From the lack of brokerage support to the critical need for digital tools and mentorship, Amin shares honest insights, personal stories, and practical advice for navigating the challenges of the industry.We also dive into a candid conversation about ethics in real estate—where lines can blur in dual agency, pricing strategy, and fair housing—and how agents can uphold integrity while still growing their business.Plus, don’t miss the rapid-fire round where Amin reveals his favorite real estate app, funniest showing moment, and the one superpower he wishes he had as an agent!Whether you're a new agent, a seasoned pro, or just curious about the modern real estate hustle, this episode is packed with value.👉 Tune in, subscribe, and keep it real—with Empire.

What’s really driving growth in Farmington Hills — and how do you plan for the future while staying rooted in what makes a city feel like home?In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Cristia Brockway, Economic Development Director for the City of Farmington Hills, to talk about what’s working, what’s next, and how the city is thinking long-term.From big business wins and community energy to walkable design and the impact of events like the Farmers & Artisan Market, Cristia shares the strategy and heartbeat behind one of Metro Detroit’s standout communities.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, we sit down with Walt Gajewski, the passionate Market Manager behind the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market — one of Southeast Michigan’s most cherished community gathering spaces.Walt shares the inspiring story of how the market evolved from a humble idea into a vibrant cultural hub that supports local businesses, brings people together, and breathes life into Downtown Farmington every weekend. From behind-the-scenes challenges to unforgettable market moments, this episode explores the deeper impact of placemaking and how something as simple as a farmers market can transform an entire city.🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoy the show!📍 Brought to you by Empire Realty Group — real estate, title, lending, and design under one roof.#FarmingtonMI #CommunityFirst #FarmersMarket #TheRealDealPodcast #EmpireRealtyGroup

What does it really mean to build a city where people feel seen, valued, and supported?In this powerful episode, Ali Fawaz sits down with Paschal Eze, Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Westland, MI—an author, community builder, and relentless advocate for connection, belonging, and purpose.With 18 books under his belt and decades spent mentoring others, Paschal shares the values that drive him: lifting people up, bridging divides, and creating cities that don’t just function—but feel like home.💡 You'll hear:The difference between living in a city and belonging to oneWhy diversity isn’t a checkbox—it’s a blueprint for real progressWhat new residents should really look for when choosing a place to liveHow city planning intersects with human connectionOne letter of recommendation that changed someone’s lifeWhether you're in real estate, city government, or just care about stronger communities, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what it means to serve your neighbor—and why it matters now more than ever.🎙️ Listen now to get inspired, challenged, and reminded of the power of people.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, we sit down with Real Estate Attorney Ali Dagher for a wide-ranging, high-energy conversation that pulls no punches. We cover the shifting tides of the housing market, the evolving meaning of home ownership, the rise of AI in real estate, and how hedge funds are reshaping the landscape behind the scenes.It’s all connected—and we break it down in a way that’s insightful, unexpected, and actually fun to listen to. Whether you're in the game or just trying to make sense of where it's all headed, this episode delivers the real talk you won’t hear anywhere else.Watch or listen—just don’t miss it.

This week on The Real Deal with Empire, we're joined again by Cindy Immonen, VP State Agency Representative at Fidelity, for a no-nonsense breakdown of FinCEN’s latest regulatory push in real estate.FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) is proposing a sweeping new rule that would require real estate professionals to report up to 111 data points for each non-financed, cash real estate transaction involving entities or trusts. The goal? Cut off the flow of dirty money through U.S. property deals.Cindy unpacks what’s in this proposal, what it means for the industry, and how professionals can prepare for the compliance challenges ahead. We talk red flags, reporting timelines, potential legal exposure, and how this fits into the broader anti-money laundering (AML) crackdown.If you're in real estate or connected to the transaction process, this episode is your early warning and action plan.

In the Season 2 premiere of The Real Deal with Empire, we sit down with James Mallette, the former principal of Robichaud High School, whose bold career pivot into real estate is nothing short of inspiring.James shares his powerful journey from leading in education to leading in real estate — now thriving as a licensed agent, investor, and contractor. But he didn’t stop there. Today, James is part of a groundbreaking initiative helping develop over 2,000 affordable homes in Cleveland, proving that real estate can be both a business and a force for community transformation.We explore what inspired his transition, how he leverages his leadership background in his new ventures, and what it takes to truly build impact — both personally and for the communities we serve.This is more than a career change. It’s a mission. And it’s The Real Deal.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali Fawaz sits down with Ramy from Olympian Mortgage to dive deep into the world of real estate financing for investors, self-employed borrowers, and high-performance professionals.Ramy shares what he's learned from working with top real estate investors, how Olympian Mortgage is growing in a competitive market, and why mindset and leadership are just as important as rates and loan products.We break down:✅ Creative financing strategies investors are using right now✅ The biggest mistakes self-employed borrowers make✅ What makes a mortgage lender stand out in today’s market✅ How Olympian recruits and scales their team✅ The mental game behind sales, success, and sustained growthPlus, Ramy joins Ali for a rapid-fire “Real or Ridiculous?” segment that tackles some of the industry’s biggest myths.Whether you're a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or loan officer looking to level up—this one is packed with real-world value.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and more.

In this episode of Welcome to The Real Deal with Empire, we dive into the rapidly growing world of professional coaching—and take a critical look at what separates real expertise from empty titles.Our guest, John Gottchalk, brings decades of executive leadership experience and now works as a coach and consultant guiding professionals across industries. As the coaching space becomes increasingly crowded, especially on social media, it’s more important than ever to understand what truly qualifies someone to lead, mentor, and advise others.We explore:What makes a great coach—and what red flags to watch out forWhy real-world experience matters more than just having a polished online presenceThe parallels between the current state of real estate marketing and the evolution of Tier III automotive marketing a decade ago.

Ever thought about flipping houses but don’t know where to start? In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with real estate investor and construction expert Frank Mastroianni to break down the fix-and-flip game. With deep roots in the construction industry—his family runs the well-known Italy America Construction—Frank shares insider tips on how to spot the right properties, avoid costly renovation mistakes, and decide whether to flip or rent.We’ll also tackle the biggest myths about house flipping, financing options for new investors, and what REALLY makes a renovation profitable. Plus, in our fan-favorite segment Real or Ridiculous?, Frank reacts to some of the wildest real estate advice floating around.If you’re looking to get into real estate investing, this episode is packed with valuable insights, expert knowledge, and, of course, plenty of laughs. Tune in now!

In this episode, we sit down with property tax expert Sam Miller to uncover a shocking truth—many homeowners are paying more in property taxes than they should! Sam brings a wealth of knowledge and education to the table, breaking down how property taxes are calculated, common mistakes that lead to overpayments, and what homebuyers (and their real estate agents) need to know to avoid costly surprises. Whether you're a homeowner or a real estate professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate property taxes with confidence. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation!4o

Is now the right time to buy, or should you wait? In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Jeff Berry from Milestone Mortgage to discuss creative solutions for buying a home in today’s challenging market. Interest rates may be high, but Jeff is here to reveal smart strategies that could help buyers and investors make bold, informed decisions.🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:✅ The real deal on today’s interest rates – should you buy now or wait?✅ Creative financing options most buyers don’t know about✅ How to negotiate the best mortgage terms (even in a tough market)✅ The biggest homebuying mistakes – and how to avoid them✅ A hilarious “Real or Ridiculous” mortgage myth that might just shock you! 🤯🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share! Because real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about transformation. See you in the next episode! 🎤🚀 #MortgageTips #RealEstate #HomeBuying #TheRealDeal

👮‍♂️🏡 What happens when a police officer becomes a real estate agent? In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Khalil Hojeij, a Dearborn Heights police officer and Empire Realty Group agent, to discuss his unique dual career path.🚔 Here’s what you’ll learn:✅ How Khalil balances protecting the community and helping families find their dream homes✅ His experience as the first-ever School Resource Officer for the Westwood District✅ Wild and unexpected stories from both the streets and the real estate market✅ The biggest misconceptions about cops in real estate✅ A hilarious edition of “Real or Ridiculous” you won’t want to miss!

Title insurance might not be the first thing on your mind when buying a home, but it’s one of the most important protections you can have. In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Cindy Immonen, VP & Senior Agency Representative at Fidelity National Financial, to break down everything you need to know about title insurance—what it is, why it matters, and how it protects your biggest investment.We’ll debunk common myths, explore real-life title nightmares, and even dive into some of the biggest industry changes, including Fannie Mae’s title waiver program and the rise of real estate fraud. Plus, we’re wrapping things up with a fun game of Real or Ridiculous?—you won’t want to miss Cindy’s wildest title insurance stories!Tune in for expert insights, surprising facts, and practical advice that every homebuyer, seller, and investor needs. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and be sure to leave a review!

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Gus, a Miami real estate pro now making waves in Metro Detroit. Gus is on a mission to serve Hispanic homebuyers, breaking down language barriers and building trust in an underserved market.🔥 What You’ll Learn:✅ The challenges Hispanic buyers face in real estate✅ Why bilingual agents make a huge difference✅ The future of Hispanic homeownership in MichiganListen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube! #TheRealDealWithEmpire #RealEstate

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, we’re sitting down with Mustafa Zubaidi, the driving force behind the launch of the Empire Institute of Real Estate. We’re talking about what this new institute means for aspiring agents, how it’s shaking up the industry, and why real estate education needs a serious glow-up.But don’t worry—we’re keeping it fun. We’ll hit Mustafa with some unexpected questions, dive into his journey, and maybe even get some wild real estate stories along the way. Whether you’re in the industry or just love a good conversation, this episode’s got something for you.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube—don’t forget to subscribe! #TheRealDeal #RealEstate #EmpireInstitute #RealEstateEducation

Ever wondered what it takes to build a dream home—especially when those dreams include a walk-in cooler for fur coats? In this episode, we sit down with Nidal Arzouni, a seasoned builder and designer (and partner in Empire Realty Group’s Garden City location), to dive into the wild world of custom home requests. From over-the-top features to the challenge of setting realistic expectations, Nidal shares his journey in the industry and the balancing act between vision and practicality. Some clients want the impossible—but when the customer is always right, where do you draw the line? Tune in for a mix of real estate insights, design talk, and a few head-scratching home requests you won’t believe!

In this first episode of the Empire Realty Group podcast, we sit down with founder Ahmad Fawaz to dive into the story of how Empire Realty got its start. From the early struggles of navigating a competitive industry to the unique strategy that set Empire apart, Ahmad shares valuable insights on what it takes to build a successful real estate business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on growth, perseverance, and the vision behind Empire's continued success.