Real Estate Superstars Today!

Rita Santamaria interviews Ty Counts about his experience being born into a real estate family, leaving the world of accounting for the “family business”, and his invaluable insight into apartment locating today!

Rita Santamaria interviews Michelle Marek about marketing yourself, goal setting, and some unique ways to keep up with clients.

Rita Santamaria interviews Jason Vitorino, a retail investment sales star and a leader in commercial real estate. Tune it to get tips on how to grow a commercial business in real estate from the ground floor up!

In the second episode of our series Becoming an Appraiser, David Santamaria interviews the talented and knowledgeable Mike Brubaker about different types of property valuations, the market, and how being an appraiser is really about problem solving.

Rita Santamaria interviews the Vice President of Marketing for the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas, Jordan Rzad. Tune it to get tips on dynamic marketing processes from a professional!

This first episode of our series Becoming an Appraiser. David Santamaria interviews the talented and knowledgeable Mike Brubaker about the best tips for getting started as an appraiser. Mike Brubaker, SRA is currently president/CEO of Brubaker and Associates, Inc. Mike has been a designated member of The Appraisal Institute since 1988 and has been appraising properties in the greater Houston area for over forty years. He has a broad range of knowledge of many aspects of the Real Estate Industry including valuation, construction, surveying, financing and marketing. Mike's broad range of knowledge and experience has placed him in demand as an expert witness in Texas courtrooms. Tune in to find out more about Mike and his tips on becoming an appraiser!

Knox Dydalewicz embraced life with a love for adventure. During his 12 short years on earth, he brought joy and kindness to all who knew him. He was passionate about life: playing basketball, collecting basketball shoes and cards, hanging out with his friends, fishing, golf, playing video games, and playing at the ocean. He showed empathy and care for others, always making family proud. His empathetic nature and inclusive spirit made him a beloved friend and role model. This episode entitled "Kindness Carries On" Rita Santamaria, her daughter Kim Dydalewicz, her husband Kevin, and their son Kaden discuss the Champions foundation of choice, its mission, their events, scholarship opportunities, and the legacy of Knox that is still having an impact on the community at large. Kindness Carries On through the works of this foundation, and your donation to the Live Like Knox Foundation will help fund these character-based scholarships and encourage students to walk with a kind heart. Please consider doing so at www.livelikeknox.com

In this episode, Rita sits down with Tanya Ruff to find out her tips to success, and how she deals with the challenges of the profession while making a fun and stress-free experience for her clients. Her legacy of helping others has definitely earned her a lifetime of business.

In this episode, Rita sits down with Taylor to give his professional advice and tips on creating goals and balance in life and business. He is the best-selling author of “Rise of the Personal Brand”, has recorded over 200 podcasts, hosted 100+ in person networking events, and 42 masterclass events.

In this episode, Rita Santamaria, CEO/Owner of Champions School of Real Estate, sits down with Chris Cerda to discuss the expectations and investments new agents make coming into the business, how to get started, tips on creating your own brokerage, and how to stay accountable as an entrepreneur.

In this episode, Rita Santamaria, CEO/Owner of Champions School of Real Estate, sits down with Anthony Byrd, of Byrd's Eye Inspection, to discuss his path from being a structural engineer in the heavy industrial industry to finding and creating his own inspection company. He also talks about how to guide his clients as a licensed inspector properly, and ultimately help them make the best possible decisions.

In this episode, Rita Santamaria, CEO/Owner of Champions School of Real Estate, sits down with Nicole Hatter, dedicated and experienced Branch Manager at West Capital lending, to talk about networking and follow-up procedures with potential clients. They also discuss how to have the proper conversation with your client from the time of loan application all the way to the closing table.

In this episode, Rita Santamaria, CEO/Owner of Champions School of Real Estate, sits down with Martha Lynn (Texas Premiere Realty, North Central Texas Group) to get advice on how to get your business started, keep it running, safety in the field, as well as tips on pushing "value over price" when it comes to interacting with your clients.

In this episode, Rita Santamaria, CEO/Owner of Champions School of Real Estate, sits down with David and Melissa Gabriel of Texas Elite Home Inspections. This couple is the dynamic duo. With not one, but two licensed inspectors at every inspection they are able to reduce clock hours while still providing the same amount of manhours. Meet David! – David started the business in 2012, before he worked in the construction field for many years, several years' experience in plumbing, framing, drywall, and roofing. Meet Melissa! – During high school, and college, Melissa worked at a Drywall and Insulation company in Houston. After college she went on to teach 2nd grade in KIein ISD. A few years later she decided it was time to become a licensed inspector and join her husband at Texas Elite Home Inspections.

In this episode, Rita sits down with Jose Berlanga, author of "The Business of Homebuilding.” Jose shares insights into the real estate industry that many people overlook. From his experience in both the restaurant business and land development in Houston, Jose discusses the importance of taking risks and learning from mistakes. He emphasizes the need to document problems and the value of stopping to appreciate the journey. Tune in as Jose discusses sustainability and being prepared for unforeseen challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable advice and forecast potential issues in your real estate endeavors.

In this episode, Rita sits down with Kye Alexander, who shares insights on the importance of mentors, leveraging marketing expertise to kickstart your career, and mastering purposeful networking. Kye also reveals his most successful transaction, his most challenging transaction, and stresses the importance of consistency in social media marketing. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a rising star in the real estate industry.

Join Rita Santamaria in an exclusive interview with real estate powerhouse Art Garza. Art's unique approach involves covering 52 zip codes daily, providing lightning-fast video tours for clients without traditional advertising, and relying only on paid-for leads. In a testament to his prowess, Art obtained his real estate license in an astonishing 28 days and has closed deals across an impressive 21 counties. His career shift at the age of 53 underscores his unwavering self-motivation and determination to succeed. Tune in for invaluable insights from this industry titan!

In this episode, Rita sits down with the exceptional Geoffrey S. Binney, an esteemed attorney at Gauntt, Koen, Binney, & Kidd, renowned for his representation of home inspectors. A former FBI agent, Geoffrey shares his wealth of knowledge on reducing liability for home inspectors, drawing from his extensive experience working with insurance carriers. Tune in as Geoffrey delves into the crucial aspects of the inspector agreement, a powerful tool in keeping inspectors out of trouble. Discover why it's paramount to have this agreement signed before the inspection is done. Geoffrey sheds light on whether having the buyer present during the inspection is advisable and explores key areas of recurring lawsuits, including water penetration, foundation issues, and HVAC units. As an advocate for inspectors, Geoffrey addresses misconceptions about their role and offers valuable tips to avoid liability, emphasizing the advantages of taking thorough photographs. He underscores the importance of documenting even seemingly perfect conditions to safeguard against potential issues. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable advice for home inspectors and anyone passionate about real estate.

Join Rita Santamaria as she sits down with Noel Collier, the driving force behind the Noel Collier Group at Keller Williams in Houston. A “40 Under 40” honoree by the Houston Business Journal, Noel's journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, she shares her deep-rooted commitment beyond real estate, delivering beds to mothers in need, driven by her unwavering faith. Gain insights into kickstarting your real estate career, utilizing social media, and network-building through phone contacts. Noel offers practical tips on managing work-life balance, scheduling, and starting a brokerage, alongside candid stories of her sales journey, and stressing the importance of coaching. Tune in for a captivating conversation with a true real estate superstar!

Discover the secrets to success in real estate with Lisa Lewis in this insightful interview hosted by Rita Santamaria. Lisa, who's amassed multiple designations, emphasizes the value of education and the role of mentorship in her journey—from running a concierge business to excelling in the real estate world. Learn her strategies for success, including leveraging education, marketing techniques like old-school mailers, and personal touches like Thanksgiving pies for clients. Lisa shares her tips for staying connected with clients, self-employed discipline, and the importance of mentorship. Tune in as she imparts invaluable advice for newcomers, stressing the significance of finding friends, mentors, and accountability partners in building a thriving career. Join us for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, client relationships, and strategies for success in the real estate industry!

Iraq War veteran Levi Lascsak is living proof that it's never too late to begin your real estate career. After starting in 2020, he achieved a $33.5 million sales volume in 2021 and $97.2 million in 2022. With the bulk of his marketing through social media, particularly YouTube, he's got great advice for how to market yourself as a new agent. Listen as Rita and Levi discuss his fascinating story, how to choose marketing strategies based on your strengths, and making the most of your time.

Ayodeji Bamijoko's innate talent for salesmanship made the transition from car sales to real estate an easy one. In this episode, Rita and Bamijoko discuss the importance of consistent networking, the value of in-person interaction, and why, when it comes to buying a home, the only mistake is not starting.

Join us for an enlightening conversation in this episode as Rita sits down with Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgage Advisor, Michael Truitt, a seasoned real estate professional with nearly three decades of industry experience. Michael's 17 years of dedication to perfecting his craft shines through in the realm of reverse mortgages, mortgage refinances, the HECM program, and more. But here's the twist: Michael isn't just a practitioner; he's also a devoted educator, committed to sharing his vast knowledge with aspiring real estate professionals.

Get ready to be captivated as host Rita Santamaria engages in a deep conversation with Trey, delving into the intricate world of finance and real estate investment. Together, they'll navigate the complexities of property management, unveiling the true desires of tenants. Discover how Trey and his exceptional Equity Academy team empower individuals to venture into the realm of single-family and multifamily property investments. Embark on a journey through Trey Stone's incredible life, from his modest origins to his triumphant rise as a bona fide real estate icon, boasting an unparalleled track record in the industry.  This conversation is an invaluable source of insights and motivation!

Discover the secrets of cold calling and networking as Rita sits down the unstoppable Courtney Parrott. With 20 years of publishing, consulting, and event planning experience, she's transformed local luxury automotive and real estate brands. Get insight into cold-calling, learn how to build a referral network, and get tips on providing value in networking in this exciting interview.

Do you want to know how a "mega team" operates in the business? Then you won't want to miss this as Keller Williams' #1 team, The Loken Group at Keller Williams Platinum Houston, join CEO and founder of Champions School of Real Estate Rita Santamaria to teach you everything there is to know about running a mega real estate team! Originally published on Mar 15, 2021.

In this interview, Rita interviews Rhonda Williford, RE/MAX Realtor in Houston. She gives excellent tips on how to nail listing presentations, how to form a solid team, and how to get started as a new entrepreneur. Follow her advice about building professional relationships with other agents and you'll be on your way to success!

Did you get into real estate to be your own boss? This interview spotlights "How to Successfully Be Your Own Boss" in the business of real estate with special guests Cat Lodge (Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper) and Susan Brock (Brock and Foster) . This wonderful broadcast hosted by Owner and Founder of Champions School of Real Estate, Rita Santamaria, is of interest to all agents, both beginner and veteran. You don't want to miss it! Originally published June 10, 2021.

This episode features pulitzer-prize winner, futurist, & corporate strategist Hank Moore with host, Champions School of Real Estate CEO/Founder Rita Santamaria discussing how business & charity combined is the marriage to absolute success. Originally recorded on July 23, 2020.

Whether you need advice on staging homes, taking attractive photos, or having difficult conversations with homeowners, Julie Pistone Krampitz (TK Images) has you covered. With decades of real estate experience, Julie knows what it takes to get a property to sell. In this episode, she and Rita cover a wide range of topics, including how to showcase different functions of rooms, the purpose of a property video, and how a home's direction affects what time of day it should be photographed.

Get ready to hear what you need to do to reach star status - and ⁣how to handle your business when you get there! Rita Santamaria talks with guests Ziad Al Kayali (Walzel Properties, LLC, Houston) and Rene Burchell (Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Frisco) to discuss “Climbing the Stairway to Success!" Originally published on December 14, 2020.

If you are a newly licensed agent licensed and want to go from zero to GREAT sales production, you'll want to listen to this! Real Estate Superstars, Nicole Piccola (Compass Realty, Dallas) and Will Wright (Indwell Real Estate Brokerage, Fort Worth), joining us to talk about their experience in the industry! Originally recorded on October 27, 2020.

Appraisal expert Jasmine Quinerly, Certified General Appraiser and Champions School of Real Estate® Senior Instructor. discusses: • The effect on property taxes after a natural disaster • How property value is impacted by proximity to water feature • Selling stigmatized properties • How to approach the appraiser with comps on your sales • Why are there appraisal discrepancies • What to do when your seller's property doesn't appraise • Days on market by region • Selling and prospecting trends that work • What are some of the factors in today's marketplace affecting value? Originally recorded on: May 15, 2018

Rita Santamaria interviews Jeff Everett (Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Don Johnson, REALTOR), and Ryan and Royale Jockers (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene - Champions Office) on what it takes to be a Top Producer in the state of Texas. Originally recorded on April 3, 2018.

Elizabeth Wallace of 1st Choice Realty in San Antonio doesn't think like most brokers when it comes to agent retention. For her, the end goal is for her agents to become independent and go off on their own. She teaches every agent who works for her to learn both the listing side and buyer side of the business so they develop a well-rounded skill set. By the end of the year, Elizabeth hopes her agents will be ready to spread their wings and leave the nest. In this episode, Rita and Elizabeth cover a wide range of topics, including how to save on marketing costs, tips for new realtors, the key to staying in touch with clients, and much more!

In this episode ⁣⁣we are joined by a successful mother and daughter dynamic duo. Stefanie Cobb and Tai Cobb Klam, joined by Rita Santamaria, discuss mom and daughters working together, the basics for selling farm and ranch real estate, and getting started in a specialty.

Champions own statewide Instructor Becky Hill sits down with two very successful top producers in the business of real estate in the state of Texas, David Forbes (Amazing Realty) and J. Carter Breed (Broker/owner J. Carter Breed Properties). Topic for the day: How Designations Helped Propel Both a Veteran and a Rookie Real Estate Agent to Success. Originally recorded on February 7, 2019.

In her 37 years of real estate experience, Leslie Rouda Smith has seen and heard it all. In this episode, Rita and Leslie discuss the most significant issues facing REALTORS today, touching on inventory, lawsuits, and more. Leslie gives some critical guidance for new agents, advice about holding open houses, and real estate investment tips. You're not going to want to miss it!

Rita Santamaria, owner and founder of Champions School of Real Estate, gives her 10 challenge tasks to help you increase more everyday presence in your profession, ultimately equating to more business.

CEO of CSRE Rita Santamaria sits down with two very superstars in the business of real estate in the state of Texas, Robert Meche (Small World Realty) and Larry Brooks (Brooks and Davis Real Estate Firm). Here in this conversation you will learn all about the secrets of behind building successful brokerages. Originally recorded on April 29, 2019.

Get expert advice from two top agents at the pinnacle of their careers. It doesn't matter if you're new to the real estate business or a seasoned professional; everyone listening will learn something new and get a fresh insight into the Texas luxury home market! This program features Monica Fabbio of Austin, TX and Diane Kink of The Woodlands, TX. Originally recorded on September 24, 2019.

This Super Star Interview goes over the legal issues that agents and investors typically face. About David Willis: Texas Attorney, Broker & Author of Real Estate Law & Asset Protection for Real Estate Investors David J. Willis is a double board-certified Texas lawyer on the cutting edge of the intersection of real estate law and asset protection. The innovative concepts and methods described in his book Real Estate Law & Asset Protection for Texas Real Estate Investors are changing the ways investors structure their Texas real estate investments. • Member of the Texas Bar since 1980 • Board Certified - Residential Real Estate Law • Board Certified - Commercial Real Estate Law • Texas Real Estate Broker's License Law degree (J.D.) from the University of Southern California and a Masters of Law degree (LL.M.) from the University of Houston • Author of numerous legal articles as well as the book Real Estate Law & Asset Protection for Texas Real Estate Investors (2020 Edition coming soon) • AV®-Rated for Ethical Standards and Professional Ability Originally recorded on November 21, 2019.

Learn how to work with real estate investors and find your niche as a new agent! In this episode of Real Estate Superstars Today, Rita sits down with Amalia Bravo of The Parodi Group of Real Estate Associates. Hear how “Amazing Amalia” persevered through initial failures and achieved success, eventually creating the “12x12 Method” of real estate investing and starting Stamp, a new-home construction development company. Amalia also gives some great insight into creating a healthy work life balance, overcoming fear, and getting the most out of your networking efforts.

It doesn't matter if you're new to the real estate business or a seasoned professional; you'll want to tune into this broadcast to learn something new! Deep Parikh (NetWorth Realty of Austin, LLC) and Colleen Frost (Colleen Frost Realtors) join host CEO of Champions School of Real Estate Rita Santamaria to discuss their success to becoming superstar producers in the state of Texas. Originally recorded on August 1, 2019.

Broker/Owners Mark Dimas (Mark Dimas Team)and Jenny Wang (JWang Properties) of Houston join host Rita Santamaria to discuss the journey from the start of their careers as agents to the top producing broker/owners they are now. They discuss topic covering what to expect when transitioning from Agent to Broker, why finding and leveraging a sales niche will help your career flourish, and how success can be found in selling commercial and/or residential properties. Originally recorded on June 5, 2019

Rita, our CEO/Founder interviewed Barrett Raven (Realty Austin) and Denton Aguam (Keller Williams) to discuss how to help YOU find your niche and grow your real estate brand! Episode originally recorded on April 12, 2021.

Do you want to learn Everything there is to know about luxury ranches and homes? You won't want to miss this Superstar Interview with two of Texas' real estate experts on this niche market! Carmen Bean (EXP Realty) and Jeff Soele (Texas Best Ranches) are going to teach you the secrets to their success!

Meet Rita's Real Estate Family! This is a special episode as these special Real Estate Superstars came to share how much it took for them to be where they are today. Rita's daughter Kelly Shearer (Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty), and son-in-law Kevin Dydalewicz (Edward Thad Realty & Associates) join Rita for an episode that is all about family and the real estate business! Originally recorded on Jan 28, 2021.

In this episode, Champions School of Real Estate's statewide instructor liaison, Becky Hill, talks to luxury REALTOR® Tamara Strait. Owner of Strait Luxury, Tamara discusses her philosophy of providing a luxury experience no matter the price point. She opens up about mistakes she made early in her career, gives tips for how to hack a hot market, and explains how to maintain a balance of business and family. Tamara also provides guidance on how to help sellers adjust to a changing market, details the importance of high-quality photography, and comments on some raving client testimonials. Whether or not you work in luxury real estate, Tamara provides invaluable info that will help you take your career to the next level.

Learn critical advice on how to set yourself apart as a real estate professional! Pulitzer Prize nominee Hank Moore and CSRE founder CEO Rita Santamaria discuss the necessity of being a lifelong learner and keeping an open mind to growth. Mr. Moore's incredible stories include an impromptu meeting with Walt Disney and inspiring one-on-one talks with Lady Bird Johnson. You'll come away from this episode with key knowledge about how to keep track of your ideas, the importance of humility, and the role pop culture plays in one's professional growth. Enjoy!

Learn key tips on how to launch your business as a new real estate agent! In this episode, CSRE founder Rita Santamaria speaks with 2021 Teacher of the Year Wauketa Jones about how to generate leads when you're getting started. Wauketa gives advice on how to host impactful open houses as a new agent and offers guidance on efficient activity tracking. They'll also discuss low-cost marketing strategies, how to adapt to industry disruptors, and why Fort Worth is one of the hottest markets in Texas.