Putting the Real in Real Estate with Art Wood

Hey everyone, in this episode, Kimberly Yates shares her extensive journey from retail to founding her own real estate brokerage, highlighting lessons learned over 22 years in the industry. She discusses the importance of perseverance, strategic marketing, team-building, and maintaining client relationships to achieve success in real estate. Whether you're new or experienced, her insights offer practical guidance for building a sustainable real estate career.Key Topics Covered:Kimberly Yates' career evolution from retail to real estate (0:58)Building a successful brokerage and team (3:17)Strategies for early success: marketing, persistence, and responsiveness (6:33)Lessons from a first listing loss and the importance of client relationship management (7:58)Balancing work and family, maintaining motivation, and succession planning (12:16)The impact of networking, community involvement, and visibility (16:02)Overcoming industry downturns, recession, and pandemic challenges (20:51)The importance of mindset, perseverance, and continuous learning (22:19)Developing systems, relationships, and team leadership to scale success (13:45)Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Kimberly Yates and her background 00:28 - Kimberly’s transition from retail to real estate 00:58 - Building her own brokerage: Yates Estates 01:49 - Early success and learning from mistakes (30 homes in first year) 02:47 - Marketing strategies from 22 years ago 03:43 - Handling industry setbacks and shifting strategies 06:33 - The importance of persistent responsiveness 07:58 - First listing experience and lessons learned 08:28 - Dealing with rejection and client timing 09:29 - Maintaining motivation after 22 years 10:26 - Family involvement in her business 11:53 - Scaling with team members and support staff 12:16 - Managing work-life balance and succession planning 13:45 - Building relationships with clients and industry partners 16:02 - Staying resilient during recession and COVID-19 20:51 - The value of perseverance and industry experience 22:19 - Staying engaged and continuous growth 23:38 - Reflecting on success and ongoing industry changes 26:04 - Impact of mentorship and giving back 26:32 - Changing your own stars: motivational mindset 27:28 - Success stories and encouragement to stay committed 28:25 - Closing thoughts and how to find KimberlyResources & Links:Kimberly Yates - Yates EstatesYates Estates on Instagram (if available)Example: Building a Real Estate Business by Brian Buffini (recommended for mindset)National Association of Realtors (NAR)Connect with Kimberly Yates:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn (if applicable)

Struggling to stand out in a crowded real estate market?Charlie Gamble's two-year journey from construction to thriving agent proves that deep industry knowledge and authenticity can accelerate success, if you know how to leverage them.Charlie's background in residential construction gives him an edge in inspections and client trust, helping first-time buyers see potential instead of problems. He shares how building relationships through patience and strategic follow-up converts leads into loyal clients, and why a CRM like Follow Up Boss is a game changer. You'll discover practical ways to nurture your database, balance emotional intelligence with sharp qualification, and turn complex scenarios like VA Tidewater appraisals into opportunities.We also break down the emotional rollercoaster of real estate, revealing why managing expectations is as vital as managing transactions. Walking away, you'll leave with fresh insights on shortening your sales cycle, cultivating resilience, and building a sustainable career rooted in authenticity.Key Topics:Construction background as a real estate edgeInspections and first-time buyer guidanceLead generation and building a referral businessNurturing a lasting sphere of clientsHandling emotional stress for buyers and sellersBuilding and managing a real estate teamVA loans and the Tidewater appraisal processWhy full-time dedication matters in this industryTimestamps: 00:15 – Charlie's background in construction and real estate01:24 – How construction helps with inspections and buyers04:13 – Why Charlie left construction for real estate05:05 – Lead generation and Zillow Premier07:46 – The role of CRM tools like Follow Up Boss11:56 – Client expectations and financing hurdles17:06 – Unique programs for disabled homebuyers20:01 – A loan process during the government shutdown22:26 – The importance of full-time commitment26:12 – Final thoughts on community and shared experiencesResources & Links:Follow Up BossZillow Premier AgentFannie Mae HomeReady (programs for low-income and disabled buyers)VA Home Loan InformationBook: The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary KellerConnect with Charlie Gamble:DwelliZillow

Most agents will tell you success in real estate is all about leads and volume. Lisa French flips that script—her top secret? Building deep, genuine client relationships and working intentionally from day one. If you’re tired of the hustle that leaves you burnt out, this episode will challenge your assumptions and show you how to turn your personality, skills, and values into a thriving business that feels right for you. Lisa, a former corporate program manager turned top-producing agent, shares how her background in project management laid the foundation for her real estate success. She discusses why focusing on quality over quantity—like working with fewer clients but fostering stronger bonds—can create more consistent income and less stress. You'll discover her approach to open houses as a relationship-building tool, the importance of boundary-setting, and why her secret weapon is just being authentic. One powerful lesson Lisa highlights? The importance of specificity—details matter, whether in contracts or client interactions—because ambiguity can turn small issues into costly disputes. This insight is especially relevant right now, as market uncertainties heighten the need for precision and trust. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with actionable strategies for cultivating lasting client relationships, managing your time and energy smarter, and staying authentic in a competitive landscape. Follow or subscribe for more candid insights that redefine what success looks like in real estate. Lisa French: From Corporate Program Management to Real Estate Success In this episode, Lisa French shares her journey from a 25-year corporate career in program and supply chain management to thriving in real estate. She discusses her leadership style, strategies for success, and how her high-touch approach benefits her clients. Plus, insights into balancing personal life, business boundaries, and the importance of authenticity. Key Topics: Transition from corporate to real estate in 2020 during the pandemic Building a successful real estate business with high-touch client service Strategies for gaining market presence: open houses, sphere of influence, relationship-based referrals Lessons learned from real estate challenges, including specific project management insights The importance of authenticity, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance Timestamps: 0:15 - Introduction and Lisa French's background 1:01 - Personal life and family milestones, including becoming a grandma 2:33 - Transition from corporate program management to real estate 5:56 - Impact of COVID-19 on supply chain and career shift 7:31 - Success in first full year of real estate during COVID 14:16 - Key differences between successful and struggling real estate agents 16:51 - Effective prospecting strategies: open houses and networking 25:31 - A challenging real estate project and lessons learned 30:36 - Supporting clients, especially widows, and meaningful transactions 33:15 - Lisa’s self-proclaimed superpower: authenticity and dedication Resources & Links: Pat Soltys — Lisa's former team leader and mentor North Group Real Estate — Lisa's current real estate brokerage Connect with Lisa French: LinkedIn

Leads come and go… but relationships?Those are what actually build a lasting real estate business.In this episode, Art sits down with Blake Glover, founder of Communities Real Estate, to talk about what it really takes to create long-term success in this industry.Blake shares his journey from retail into real estate and why he chose to focus on relationships, community involvement, and referrals instead of chasing leads.They dive into:• Why referral-based business creates stability• How community involvement turns into real opportunities• The importance of maintaining a strong database• Scaling your business with the right team and support• The role of financial discipline in long-term success• Common mistakes new agents makeIf you’re in real estate… or thinking about getting in… this episode is a reminder that the long game still wins.Guest BioBlake Glover is the founder of Communities Real Estate and a relationship-driven real estate professional focused on building sustainable, referral-based business.With a background in retail, Blake brings a people-first approach to real estate, emphasizing community involvement, consistent service, and long-term client relationships. His approach has allowed him to scale his business while maintaining a strong local presence and trusted network.Keywordsreal estate relationshipsreferral based businessreal estate marketingcommunity involvement real estatereal estate success tipshow to grow real estate businessreal estate podcastrealtor advicebuilding a real estate teamdatabase marketing real estateChapters00:00 Introduction to Blake Glover01:15 From Retail to Real Estate03:40 Why Relationships Matter More Than Leads07:10 Community Involvement as a Business Strategy10:45 Rebranding and Growing Communities Real Estate14:20 Mistakes New Agents Make18:05 Building a Productive Calendar21:30 Scaling with Team and Support25:10 Maintaining Referral Relationships28:40 Financial Resilience and Growth32:00 Personal Life and Closing Thoughts

He left corporate life for real estate…Built through multiple economic cycles…Appeared on television…And still says relationships are everything.If you're in real estate… thinking about getting in… or just curious what the shows don’t tell you… this one’s for you.In this engaging conversation, Art sits down with real estate veteran Heyward Young to unpack what it really takes to build a lasting career in real estate.From transitioning out of corporate America to navigating new home sales, running a brokerage, and even appearing on television, Heyward shares the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way.They dive into:• The reality behind home flipping shows• How economic cycles shape opportunity• Why social media is a “necessary evil”• The power of mentorship and relationships• Nightmarish transaction stories• What today’s market actually feels like• Advice for agents trying to break inWhether you're an aspiring agent, seasoned realtor, or homeowner trying to understand the market… this episode delivers real talk, practical insight, and stories you won’t hear on HGTV.

In this episode of Putting the Real in Real Estate, Art Wood sits down with Jackson Stout for a candid conversation about what actually drives long-term success in this industry … and it’s not just transactions.They dive into the realities of building a strong real estate team, navigating emotional client conversations, setting expectations early, and why time is the most valuable resource we have as professionals.From real estate horror stories to lessons learned in follow-up, saying no, and asking for help, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to build trust and longevity in this business.If you’re a real estate agent looking to grow … or someone who wants to better understand what happens behind the scenes of a transaction … this conversation delivers practical insight and honest reflection.You’ll hear about:Why time management can make or break your businessThe power of teamwork in high-stress transactionsHow emotional intelligence impacts every dealWhy follow-up separates top producers from everyone elseThe importance of long-term client engagementThe value of saying noHow networking and community service fuel professional growthAs Art says in the episode … “It costs nothing to make someone smile.”Real estate isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about serving people well.Chapters00:00 Why Time Is Everything02:44 How Jackson Got Started in Real Estate05:33 Building a Real Team08:33 Why Real Estate Professionals Matter10:55 Managing Client Expectations14:01 Teamwork Under Pressure16:56 Staying Connected Long-Term19:44 Advice for New Agents21:34 The Power of Follow-Up22:26 Navigating Emotional Transactions24:15 The Value of Saying No25:18 Giving Back to the Community26:40 Positivity and Gratitude30:08 Growing Through Strong Partnerships32:16 Leveraging Your Network35:05 Real Estate Horror Stories38:30 Finding Joy Outside the Business📍 Based in Tucker, Georgia🎧 New episodes bi-weekly🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with real estate professionals and industry leaders

Before the deals…before the titles…meet the person behind it all.This first episode is simple…meet Art Wood.Sitting down with Jackson Stout, Art shares the story behind his career, how he ended up in real estate, and why he wanted to start a podcast that talks about the things people usually leave out.It’s not a résumé run-through and it’s not a pitch. It’s a back-and-forth conversation about the realities of the business, the lessons learned along the way, and what listeners can expect from future episodes.This episode sets the tone for the show…honest conversations, real experiences, and real estate without the polish.