

The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast|Real Estate Investing
Chris Prefontaine
Welcome to the Smart Real Estate Coach podcast. Our episodes are designed to help YOU reach the next level of real estate investing no matter where you are right now.
To make this a reality, we lean into our 32+ years of experience, our huge network of experts, and our thriving community of Associates. With the right tools, the right education, and the right mindset YOU can take control of your financial future.
At Smart Real Estate Coach, we empower individuals and families to create the life of their dreams through real estate.
If you are an aspiring or seasoned real estate investor looking for a proven investment system, robust education, and a thriving support community, you have come to the right place.
We share the best information from our own deals, our Associate's deals, and our guest experts, helping you potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.
And we know what the work actually takes. Between our Associates and our own deals, we’re still completing deals every month and control, at any given time between $60-100 million dollars worth of real estate with little to no money down. If you’re serious about making money in the world of real estate investment, then keep listening to learn more!
To make this a reality, we lean into our 32+ years of experience, our huge network of experts, and our thriving community of Associates. With the right tools, the right education, and the right mindset YOU can take control of your financial future.
At Smart Real Estate Coach, we empower individuals and families to create the life of their dreams through real estate.
If you are an aspiring or seasoned real estate investor looking for a proven investment system, robust education, and a thriving support community, you have come to the right place.
We share the best information from our own deals, our Associate's deals, and our guest experts, helping you potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.
And we know what the work actually takes. Between our Associates and our own deals, we’re still completing deals every month and control, at any given time between $60-100 million dollars worth of real estate with little to no money down. If you’re serious about making money in the world of real estate investment, then keep listening to learn more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 5, 2022 • 28min
Episode 372: Understanding Your “Why”, with Dan Rochon
Dan Rochon is a Head Coach and Visionary with the Greetings Virginia Sales Network. As a real estate sales agent, Dan and his team are consistently top producers in the marketplace and provide solutions for their clients. Through their investing company, he and his wife Traci have been investing in residential and commercial real estate ventures for almost 20 years. Dan and his team help clients acknowledge the reality of the situation – and create viable solutions — before they even begin the transaction process. Agents with Greetings Virginia can anticipate problems and get them out of the way ahead of time. By taking a long-term view and working to form long-term client relationships, Dan’s team succeeds where others may not – through knowledge and perseverance. What you will learn in this episode: How mindset plays such a huge role in the success of your real estate business Why you need to view negative talk about the market as an opportunity How competing with the best can open up the potential for partnerships and learning opportunities What becoming an authority through specialization can do to open more doors for you Why you need to understand your deepest “why” in order to get through all of the day-to-day hurdles Why you need to dig to the root of your feelings of unworthiness in order to get out of your own way Resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox

Sep 28, 2022 • 28min
Episode 371: Kickstarting Your Career in Creative Real Estate, with Rick Abbiati
Rick Abbiati is a U.S. Navy veteran and has worked in the defense industry for over 30 years, specializing in systems engineering and program and project management. He developed a passion for real estate after renovating his home in the 1990s and undertaking another major renovation a few years later. In 2016, to transition out of his W2 employment, Rick founded Colony Property Investments LLC, leveraging his business and customer service expertise toward his passion for real estate. Since upgrading to High 6, Rick has experienced great success with a $93,000 Payday 1 on his first deal, shortly followed by two more Takens and another soon-to-be on contract. Rick holds a Business Degree from Southern New Hampshire University and also served on a condominium association Board of Directors. As a Director, he oversaw a multimillion-dollar renovation and property and financial management of a 350-unit residential community consisting of high-rise and townhouse condominiums and single-family homes. What you will learn in this episode: How the Wicked Smart community has helped Rick uplevel his business Why coaching was a game changer for Rick What the Wicked Smart office strategy visit was like and how it helped him build momentum and enjoy a $93,000 payday just 30 days later How the strategy session with Zach and Chris made a difference to Rick Why Rick credits the QLS program with kick starting his career in real estate Rick’s advice for people interested in getting into creative real estate The key real estate misconception that Rick had before he joined the Wicked Smart family Resources: Website: https://www.colonybuyshouses.com/our-company/ https://twitter.com/Colony_NH https://www.facebook.com/colonypropertyinvestments https://www.linkedin.com/company/colony-property-investments-llc/about/ Additional Resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox

Sep 21, 2022 • 31min
Episode 370: Tackling the Affordability Crisis, with Eddie Speed
Since 1980, Eddie Speed has dedicated his professional life to the Note buying industry, seller financing, and non-performing notes. He's introduced innovative ideas and strategies that have positively impacted the way the industry operates today. Eddie founded NoteSchool, which is a highly recognized training company, specialized in the teaching of buying performing and non-performing discounted mortgage notes. He is also the owner and president Colonial Funding Group LLC, which acquires and brokers discounted real estate secured notes. He has been a leader and innovator in the Note Business for over 30 years. What you will learn in this episode: Why Eddie sees affordability in today’s market as more impactful than supply and demand Why you shouldn’t leave it up to your CPA to construct creative tax solutions How social media is impacting buyers’ and sellers’ views of the market What the current affordability crisis means for those looking to make money in creative financing How Eddie’s book can help you take advantage of the current market and start making money Resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox

Sep 14, 2022 • 14min
Episode 369: Fight Back Against Inflation, with Mark Willis
Mark Willis, CFP® is a man on a mission to help you think differently about your money, your economy, and your future. Mark is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a three-time #1 Best Selling Author, and the owner of Lake Growth Financial Services, a financial firm in Chicago, Illinois. As co-host of the Not Your Average Financial Podcast™, he shares some of his strategies for investing in real estate, paying for college without going broke, and creating an income in retirement you will not outlive. Mark works with people who want to grow their wealth in safe and predictable ways, become their own source of financing, and create tax-free income in retirement. What you will learn in this episode: How Mark’s contribution to the QLS Live Event will help you learn crucial strategies to fight back against the effects of inflation How the history of inflation can teach us what to do in today’s current market Mark’s one free tip on the quickest way to fight back against inflation Where you can go to get access to the QLS Live Event for 90% off How you can stay connected with Mark to continue gaining knowledge about financial planning Resources: Attend the live QLS Live Event for 90% off: www.smartrealestate.com/podcast20 Listen to Mark’s other episodes: 255, 353 Additional resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox SmartRealestateCoach.com/tools SmartRealestateCoach.com/eaze

Sep 7, 2022 • 19min
Episode 368: Helping Real Estate Investors Keep Control of Their Lists, with Rob Swanson
Rob Swanson has trained thousands of real estate investors to find and profit from real estate deals all across the country. An expert at lead generation, cash-flow, and investing remotely, Rob has bought, fixed, flipped, and held real estate in over 20+ states and 33+ cities. He is the owner of FreedomSoft, a lead generation, and phone-based sales CRM for real estate investors with built-in workflow and follow-up automation. An active real estate investor, Rob focuses on buying properties for cash-flow and has designed the Success and Support Teams at FreedomSoft to help people start, grow, and scale their real estate investing businesses. You can learn more and access a free video training series on 17 Simple, Fast, and Proven Ways to Find More Motivated Seller Leads at RobSwanson.com What you will learn in this episode: How Rob’s contribution to the QLS Live Event will help you generate leads for your real estate business Who the FreedomSoft software will help The importance of refining and developing your processes as the market evolves Where to find Rob and his team at the QLS Live Event What Rob is going to share at the QLS Live Event about FreedomSoft’s upcoming tech developments, and how they can help you build lists quickly and easily Why Rob aims to help real estate business owners organize and keep control of their leads Rob’s tips for how newer real estate investors can smooth their path ahead Resources: www.smartrealestatecoach.com/freedomsoft www.smartrealestatecoach.com/funding www.smartrealestatecoach.com/podcast997 www.smartrealestatecoach.com/fundpodcast www.smartrealestatecoach.com/jump Additional resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox SmartRealestateCoach.com/tools SmartRealestateCoach.com/eaze smartrealestatecoach.com/podcast20

Aug 31, 2022 • 18min
Episode 367: Escaping your W-2 Through Creative Financing, with Chris Prefontaine
Chris is the best-selling author of Real Estate on Your Terms: Create Continuous Cash Flow Now, Without Using Your Cash or Credit. He’s also the founder of SmartRealEstateCoach.com and the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast. Chris has been in real estate for over 25 years. His experience includes the construction of over 100 single-family and duplex homes (mostly in the 1990s and selectively to date), has owned a Realty Executives Franchise (Massachusetts 1994-2000) as broker/owner, which maintained high per-agent standards and eventually sold to Coldwell Banker in 2000. The 2000s included coaching ½ million and higher REALTORs® to scale & automate their business throughout the US and Canada. He also participated (and still does selectively) in doing condo conversions (multi-family homes to condos) and “raise the roof” projects (converting single-family ranches to colonials in growth neighborhoods). Chris has been a big advocate of constant education and regularly participates in high-end mastermind groups and consults with private mentors. He runs his own buying and selling businesses with his family team, which buys 2-5 properties monthly, so they’re in the trenches every single week. They also help clients do the same thing around the country. Chris and his family team have done over 80 million in real estate transactions. They mentor, coach, consult, and actually partner with students around the country (by application only) to do exactly what they do. What you will learn in this episode: Why the major affordability issue happening in the real estate market right now is a perfect opportunity for creative financing How the current market has created an increased demand for rent to own real estate Why both buyers and sellers need creative real estate more than ever in this market How a lot of hard work over the next year can provide the opportunity to make a decade's worth of income Why now is the perfect time for anyone looking to escape their W-2 to learn how to make money through creative real estate How our upcoming event can help you get into the massive movement of creative financing Resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox SmartRealestateCoach.com/tools SmartRealestateCoach.com/eaze smartrealestatecoach.com/podcast20

Aug 24, 2022 • 19min
Episode 366: How a Growth Mindset Will Help Your Business Thrive, with David Nurse
David Nurse is an NBA life optimization coach, future bestselling author, and worldwide motivational speaker. As a former professional basketball player (both international and domestic) and coach for the Brooklyn Nets, David has helped more than 150 NBA players with their personal and professional development both on and off the court. He has been invited to speak in more than 50 different countries on the topics of overall personal development, confidence building, leadership, and motivational growth. David resides in Marina del Rey, California, and is married to the love of his life, the stunning actress Taylor Kalupa. What you will learn in this episode: Why it’s critical to pivot your mindset and your perspective from scarcity to abundance so you can thrive during tough times The importance of understanding that if you take one small step a day, you're going to achieve your goals Why the affordability crisis means opportunity for motivated real estate professionals What David considers the most important thing you can do for your growing business Steps David took to become an NBA coach and why creative thinking is a key skill in real estate How networking moves you forward toward your goals and how attending a gathering of the top real estate minds can shift the needle for your business Resources: www.davidnurse.com Additional resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox SmartRealestateCoach.com/tools SmartRealestateCoach.com/eaze smartrealestatecoach.com/podcast20

Aug 17, 2022 • 19min
Episode 365: Invest in Yourself, with Nick Prefontaine
In 2003, Nick Prefontaine was in a snowboarding accident that left him in a coma for over 3 weeks. The doctors told his parents that he probably wouldn’t walk, talk, or eat on his own again. Less than 3 months later, he was running out of Franciscan Children’s hospital. Now Nick speaks to groups that benefit from his message of overcoming adversity. Nick grew up in the real estate industry and got started at an early age. Most notably, he was knocking on Pre-Foreclosure doors at 16, doing up to 50 doors a day. This experience helped shape Nick’s real estate career. When someone opens the door you better have something compelling to say. Now, Nick specializes in working with lease purchase buyers to get them into a home and on the path to home ownership. That includes working with them throughout the entire deal which ends in them being able to get their own loan. Getting buyers to the finish line is something Nick and the entire team at Original Real Estate take pride in. That is something that separates them from their competition. Regardless of a buyer’s credit situation, he looks at their complete financial picture and comes up with a plan to get them into a home. What you will learn in this episode: When and where you can hear Nick’s sessions at the Quantum Leap Systems Live Event Some of the topics Nick will share at the QLS Live event Why Nick’s mentor has been invaluable in helping him deconstruct his internal process What book Nick is currently reading to help himself continue to learn and develop How you can get 90% off event ticket price for QLS Live event Resources: Listen to Nick Prefontaine’s first appearance in the Smart Real Estate Coach podcast episode 44: https://smartrealestatecoachpodcast.com/podcasts/family-cast-1/ Free “What’s Your Excuse” ebook: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/gifts Check out the Not Just A Transaction podcast, hosted by Nick Prefontaine and Zach Beach: www.prepropertysolutions.com/podcast/ Additional resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox SmartRealestateCoach.com/tools SmartRealestateCoach.com/eaze smartrealestatecoach.com/podcast20

Aug 10, 2022 • 28min
Episode 364: Don’t Miss an Opportunity To Be All In, with Steve Mernick, Brian O'Neill, Russell Ham, Mike Makredes
Steve Mernick: Steve Mernick and his wife, Lauren, are the founders of Home On Your Terms and are based in eastern Connecticut. Steve serves as the company’s Acquisitions Director and loves crafting up creative solutions for sellers, while Lauren works as Sales Director and enjoys helping deserving buyers achieve their goal of home ownership. When not working on their own business, they are mentoring other investors who wish to learn the terms of the niche of real estate. In their free time, they are with their two young children and two dogs. Steve can also be considered a Cornhole connoisseur, so you may find him outside perfecting his form. Brian O’Neill: Brian O’Neill is a real estate investor and business owner. He and his wife, Katie, have been happily married for ten years and enjoy spending time with their son, Will. BKW Property Solutions was started to provide flexible real estate solutions for both buyers and sellers. They serve the Greater Chicagoland area and help buyers realize their dream of owning a home. When Brian and Katie experienced many of the common challenges of selling their own home many years ago, they knew there had to be a better way. That is the foundation of BKW Property Solutions, and they look forward to serving your needs. There is a better way! Mike Makredes: Mike Makredes is from Fresno, California. He has been in sales all his professional life, and currently working in the Ag industry for the largest melon, broccoli, and corn grower in the US. He handles sales for over 12 million cases ($150 million) of produce per year. What brought him to Chris and the Smart Real Estate Coach team was the thought of getting out of the rat race and into a business that he can control on his terms. Russell Ham: Russell Ham was born in Southern California about 10 minutes from Disneyland. He is the youngest of four boys all born in the 60’s. After graduating high school, he began coaching high school boy’s basketball. He continued to coach for 30 years until last year. Russell is a high school PE teacher and is married to his beautiful wife, Emily, and they have two children. Lacie, who’s 17 years old, and Jesse, who’s 14 years old. They also have two dogs, Ella and Willow. Russell started with SREC in April of 2019. Russell was looking for a real estate niche (i.e. fix & flip, buy & hold, BRRRR) and came across Chris’ Youtube channel. Instantly Russell got hooked for two reasons: One, how open Chris, Zach, and Nick were with showing you how to do real estate on terms through the YouTube channel, and two, the Wicked Smart community is second to none. They show you the way to be successful and are with you coaching/mentoring you side by side. What you will learn in this episode: Why investing in yourself is what it takes to be successful How being fully immersed leads to a pattern of success Why it is imperative that you do not allow yourself to miss opportunities for not only content, but also for developing relationships within the community How people outside the community can get themselves into the right room Things you should know about going to the QLS Live event Ways you will hit the ground running with propelled confidence after being at the live event Steve’s Resources: Website: http://homeonyourterms.com/ Facebook: Facebook.com/homeonyourterms Instagram: instagram.com/homeonyourterms Brian’s Resources: Brian's Podcast: https://bkwpropertysolutions.com/podcast/ Website: http://bkwpropertysolutions.com/ http://bkwpropertysolutions.com/ebook/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/bkwpropertysolutions/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/bkwpropertysolutions/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brian-o-neill-5069216/ Mike’s Resources: Mike's Website: http://mtmpropertysolutions.com/ Mike's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-makredes-8359211aa/ Additional resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox SmartRealestateCoach.com/tools SmartRealestateCoach.com/eaze smartrealestatecoach.com/podcast20

Aug 3, 2022 • 24min
Episode 363: Why Having a Mentor Boosts Your Chance of Real Estate Investing Success, with Morris Sutton
Morris Sutton is happily married with 4 children. He has always been interested in real estate but decided to make it his full-time business 3 years ago. As a flourishing entrepreneur, Morris previously had several of his own businesses, but he discovered a passion for real estate that outshined his other pursuits. He realized that real estate was a great vehicle for his dedication to helping people, and for Morris, there is no better feeling than helping the seller with their situation and helping a buyer realize the dream of home ownership. Morris also contributes to a number of different charities, including Flatbush Hatzaloh, Jersey Shore Hatzaloh, and Chai Lifeline. He holds a Business Degree from Brooklyn College, and in his spare time, he loves to play sports, run, and hang out with family and friends. What you will learn in this episode: How Morris went from zero success in real estate to achieving those three paydays per deal Morris’ experience of the QLS course Why your success in real estate comes down to mindset The notion that getting on the phone and speaking to investors is absolutely critical How to make real estate investing work for you as a busy person How the QLS home study program works and the value of having access to an experienced mentor Morris’ experience of the QLS Live events and how they have helped him level up in his business Resources: www.wonkaproperties.com SmartRealEstateCoach.com/podcast20 SmartRealEstateCoach.com/podcast997 Additional resources: Follow Chris and Zach on Club House to learn even more about deal structures and how to get 3 paydays from your real estate investments. If you’re looking to secure some lines of credit for your business, check out Fund and Grow – Visit the Resource page at https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Schedule a FREE Strategy Call: SmartRealEstateCoach.com/action Register for our free masterclass: www.SmartRealEstateCoach.com/mastersclass Real Estate on Your Terms by Chris Prefontaine SmartRealEstateCoach.com/webinar SmartRealRstateCoach.com/ebook SmartRealEstateCoach.com/QLS SmartRealestateCoach.com/botfox SmartRealestateCoach.com/tools SmartRealestateCoach.com/eaze smartrealestatecoach.com/podcast20