Icons of Real Estate Podcast

Only 16% of eligible veterans use their VA loan benefits — and most of it comes down to misinformation. In this episode, West Point graduate, Army veteran, and broker-owner Sunny Alexander sets the record straight.If you're a real estate agent, broker, team lead, or investor, this conversation is essential. Sunny breaks down the myths, the updates, and the steps every professional needs to know to properly serve military buyers and their families.🎖️ IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:🔹 Why so few veterans use VA loans 🔹 The biggest misconceptions sellers & agents still believe 🔹 How VA appraisals really work 🔹 Why VA loans do NOT take longer to close 🔹 The 2019 rule change that removed VA loan limits 🔹 How veterans can buy $1M+ homes with 0% down 🔹 How agents can help veterans build long-term wealth 🔹 Sunny’s #1 advice for real estate professionals🎙️ ABOUT SUNNY ALEXANDERSunny is a West Point graduate, Army veteran, Army spouse, and broker-owner of a veteran-owned boutique brokerage in Tampa, Florida. She’s closed countless VA loan transactions and has made it her mission to educate agents and empower veterans to use the benefits they earned.🔗 LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE + CONNECT WITH SUNNY📌 Instagram: @SunnyLAlexander 📌 Website: redsashrealty.com 📌 Email: Sunny@SunnysellsTampa.com🏡 MORE FROM ICONS OF REAL ESTATE PODCASTSubscribe for more interviews with top agents, brokers, investors, and industry leaders.We bring you the stories, strategies, and insights you need to grow your real estate business.

Are you a broker owner, team leader, or real estate operator trying to stay profitable in a low-transaction market? Wayne Einhorn has been through three major real estate downturns — and after almost going bankrupt himself, he built the coaching company he wishes existed when he needed help the most.In this episode of the Icons of Real Estate Podcast, Wayne breaks down:🔥 What’s Really Happening in Today’s Real Estate Market• Why we’re in a low-transaction market • What history reveals about the next 3–5 years • Why most brokers misunderstand profitability during a downturn🔥 The 7 Core Competencies Every Brokerage Must MasterWayne explains the framework that separates scalable, profitable brokerages from struggling ones — including leadership, business model, retention, recruiting, and value proposition.🔥 The 5 Profit Levers Inside Every BrokerageThere are only FIVE levers that determine whether a brokerage is profitable. If you don’t know them, you’re guessing.🔥 Agent Retention & LoyaltyWayne shares why agents stay, why they leave, and how cloud brokerages have mastered value proposition clarity. 🔥Why NOW is the Best Time to Own a BrokerageDespite the market slowdown, margins are stronger than many owners realize — if they follow the right model.🎙️ Guest: Wayne EinhornFounder of Inner Circle Broker Coaching 41 years in real estate Coached hundreds of brokerages across North America Helped owners scale from 5 agents to 165+ and beyondFree resources, playbooks & tools: 👉 realestatebrokercoaching.com🔗 Listen to the Full Episode + More InterviewsIcons of Real Estate Podcast — the #1 Real Estate Podcast Network600+ episodes | Agents, brokers, investors & industry leaders#SmartHomes #RealEstatePodcast #HomeAutomation #RealtorTips #TechForAgents #IconsOfRealEstate

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, Robert Kennedy III sits down with New Jersey real estate pro and self-proclaimed smart home nerd Ryan Bruen, who breaks down what actually makes a home smart — and why most people are only scratching the surface.You’ll learn: ✨ Why smart home tech is no longer just “bells and whistles” ✨ The most UNDERRATED smart upgrades buyers love ✨ Why smart switches beat smart bulbs every time ✨ The truth about “smart home hacking” (and how to stay safe) ✨ What agents must understand to future-proof listings ✨ How smart tech helps seniors stay independent longer ✨ The one feature that instantly makes a home feel luxuryWhether you're a real estate agent, investor, homeowner, or tech lover, this episode will open your eyes to how smart technology is changing the way we live — and what buyers secretly crave.Connect with Ryan Bruen:Instagram: @bruenrealestateWebsite: www.bruenrealestate.com🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with top agents, coaches, and innovators shaping the future of real estate.#SmartHomes #RealEstatePodcast #HomeAutomation #RealtorTips #TechForAgents #IconsOfRealEstate

Are you sure your brokerage is really worth what you think it is? In this episode, Norma Rawlings, President of BrokerVMA Inc., reveals how most real estate brokers overvalue their businesses—and lose millions when it’s time to sell.With 21 years of experience in brokerage M&A, Norma explains: 🏗️ What makes a brokerage sellable 💰 How to calculate true business value (beyond revenue) 🧭 The right time to plan your exit strategy 🧩 How to protect your legacy and your teamIf you’re a real estate broker or owner building long-term wealth, this episode will change how you think about value and succession.👉 Join the Icons Hub: https://hub.iconsofrealestate.com/ 🎧 Listen to Icons of Real Estate Podcast on Spotify / Apple Podcasts 📩 Contact us to share your story or be a guest#RealEstatePodcast #BrokerageValue #SellYourBusiness #BusinessValuation #RealEstateBrokers #EntrepreneurMindset #IconsOfRealEstate #BrokerLife #Legacy

AI is rewriting the rules of how clients find and trust real estate professionals. If you’re not being mentioned, cited, or featured online — you’re invisible to the next generation of search.In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, host Tomas Fonseca sits down with Rudi Davis, founder of KeyCrew Media, to explore how AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is replacing SEO, and how agents can use AI-driven visibility to attract leads before their competitors even know what’s happening.🚀 Here’s what you’ll learn:How to get AI to notice your name — even without a PR agencyWhy citations and mentions are the new backlinksThe secret of “AI trust signals” and how to build them fastWhy social media alone won’t make you visible to AIHow local agents can outperform national brands with smart positioning🎯 Bonus tip from Rudi:“The agents who start doing this now will have a first-mover advantage that’s impossible to catch up to.”📢 Don’t be a secret agent — be visible. Learn more about how to get featured, cited, and mentioned across the web: 👉 https://keycrew.co🎧 Want to launch your own podcast or feature your story? Join the #1 Real Estate Podcast Network: 👉 https://hub.iconsofrealestate.com#RealEstate #AI #AEO #SEO #RealEstateMarketing #ChatGPT #RealEstatePodcast #IconsOfRealEstate #RudiDavis #KeyCrew #Visibility #RealEstateAgents

🎤 Want to be our next guest on the #1 Real Estate Podcast Network? 👉 https://hub.iconsofrealestate.com/What does it really take to stay at the top of real estate for nearly three decades?Michael Bull, founder of Bull Realty and host of America’s Commercial Real Estate Show, joins Icons of Real Estate to reveal the mindset, leadership, and values that built his 27-year empire — without ever chasing commissions.From firing top producers who put money before integrity to learning how stand-up comedy made him a better communicator, Michael shares the truth about what it really means to build trust, culture, and longevity in a business built on relationships.If you’re ready to stop chasing transactions and start building transformation, this one’s for you.#RealEstatePodcast #CommercialRealEstate #MichaelBull🎙️ Thinking about launching your own podcast? 🚀 Start your podcast here: https://iconsofrealestate.com/podcastproduction At Icons of Real Estate, we help agents, brokers, and entrepreneurs turn conversations into influence.Pinned Comment:👇 Drop a comment if you’d love to have your own podcast featured next!

Join host Tomás Fonseca as he talks with Karina Chavez, a New Mexico realtor on a mission to make homeownership accessible and dignified. Karina shares how she transformed multiple Route 66 motels into affordable housing for veterans, teachers, and seniors—while creating a new food hall and cultural hub for her community. Through resilience, faith, and dedication, she’s redefining what it means to serve through real estate.🎧 Hosted by: Tomás Fonseca 🎤 Featuring: Karina Chavez — Realtor, Developer & Community Advocate💡 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Real estate as a tool for social good ✔️ How Karina turned passion into community transformation ✔️ Breaking barriers for Hispanic homeowners ✔️ Lessons learned from renovating old motels ✔️ Honoring her father’s legacy through service ✔️ Building the Route 66 Food Hall as a space for culture and connection📇 Connect with Karina Chavez: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/chavezteamrealtors/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/chavezteamabq🎙 Follow the Icons of Real Estate Podcast:🌎 Podcast Booking Platform → https://hub.iconsofrealestate.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/IconsOfRealEstate📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/iconsofrealestate/🔗 Spotify → https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconsofrealestate/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → iconsofrealestate.com

On this episode of Icons of Real Estate, we interview John Scalia, one of the top agents at eXp Realty, who has achieved Icon Status for multiple years in a row. With over $300 million in closed transactions, John shares how he built his business, leveraging his years of experience in real estate, and why he believes in the eXp model. He also discusses how he navigates high-volume transactions, works with investors, and utilizes AI tools to improve business efficiency. Whether you're an experienced agent or just starting, John’s insights are valuable for anyone looking to scale their real estate business. 🎤 Featuring: John Scalia, Icon Agent at eXp Realty💡 Key Takeaways: ✔️ How John transitioned from foreclosures to high-volume transactions ✔️ Leveraging eXp Realty’s model for success ✔️ Building strong investor relationships to scale your business ✔️ Utilizing AI tools to streamline your operations ✔️ The importance of personal branding and staying top-of-mind ✔️ Tips for new agents on breaking into real estate and finding success ✔️ John’s approach to staying consistent and focused in a competitive market🎙 Follow John Scalia:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/johnscaliarealtor/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/johnscalia_exp/?hl=en🎙 Follow the Icons of Real Estate Podcast:🌎 Podcast Booking Platform → https://hub.iconsofrealestate.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/IconsOfRealEstate📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/iconsofrealestate/🔗 Spotify → https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconsofrealestate/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → iconsofrealestate.com

Host Tomas Fonseca talks with Laura Rapaport about C-PACE financing, a private credit solution for sustainable and energy-efficient commercial real estate projects. Laura shares her insights on the financing process, why traditional investors are hesitant, and the impact of the new Carlyle partnership in expanding access to C-PACE.🎧 Hosts: Tomas Fonseca 🎤 Featuring: Laura Rapaport – C-PACE Expert💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How C-PACE supports energy efficiency and building improvements ✔️ Financing can cover up to 40% of project costs ✔️ Availability across 40+ states ✔️ The difference between private credit and government funding ✔️ Common investor hesitations and how to overcome them ✔️ The significance of the Carlyle partnership ✔️ How developers can manage rising interest rates with C-PACE🎙 Follow Laura Rapaport:🌎 Website → https://www.northbridgeops.com/leadership🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-rapaport-b769244/🎙 Follow the Icons of Real Estate Podcast: 🌎 Podcast Booking Platform → https://hub.iconsofrealestate.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/IconsOfRealEstate 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/iconsofrealestate/ 🔗 Spotify → https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconsofrealestate/

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, Tomas Fonseca sits down with Sam Khorramian, the founder of Big Block Realty, as he shares his journey from numerous business failures to achieving success in the real estate industry. Sam dives deep into the importance of perseverance, determination, and creating a supportive culture for agents. He talks about the evolution of Big Block Realty and his transition to LPT Realty. With a focus on the significance of mentorship and balancing visionary leadership with operational management, Sam offers key insights on growing a thriving business and creating a strong foundation for real estate success.🎧 Hosted by: Tomas Fonseca, Cofounder of Icons of Real Estate 🎤 Featuring: Sam Khorramian, Founder of Big Block Realty💡 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success ✔️ The rise and impact of Big Block Realty ✔️ How creating a supportive culture boosts agent retention ✔️ Why delivering exceptional customer experiences matters ✔️ The value of mentorship and hiring a coach ✔️ Transitioning to LPT Realty and its growth potential ✔️ Balancing visionary and operational roles in leadership ✔️ Building lasting relationships with agents and clients🎙 Follow Sam Khorramian:📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/the9thzero/?hl=en🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samsandiego/🌐 Website → https://bigblockrealty.com/🎙 Follow the Icons of Real Estate Podcast: 🌎 Podcast Booking Platform → https://hub.iconsofrealestate.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/IconsOfRealEstate 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/iconsofrealestate/ 🔗 Spotify → https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconsofrealestate/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → iconsofrealestate.com