The Royal PalmCast

This show is going to kick off a different kind of podcast for us.  This is a brand-new episode, AND it's the first of multi-episode series from our recent RPCRA Housing Symposium that took place on April 14, 2022! The symposium featured several local community leaders that discussed the housing situation here in SW Florida, with planning and action being taken to help our neighbors in need of affordable housing. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to ensure you can listen to the entire episode and and all the other episodes that will follow – INCLUDING all of the archived content from The Royal Podcast!Now, please enjoy part 1 of the RPCRA, HOUSING SYMPOSIUM! Part 2 – coming soon!

The following is a "Re-Cast" of the last episode of a 3-part series with attorney, Ned Hale.  Ned discusses the Florida Homestead Exemption – one the best in the United States and how you can take full advantage of it.  Enjoy this popular episode as it was originally presented! 

The following episode is a “Re-Cast” of the second, of a popular 3-part series with attorney, Ned Hale about Wire Fraud in GENERAL – it's everywhere. We're working hard on bringing you new, informative content very soon! – In the meantime, please sit back, relax and enjoy this popular episode! 

Originally broadcast on July 21, 2020, this episode of The Royal PalmCast is a Re-Cast of part 1 of a 3 part series.  Florida real estate attorney Ned Hale talks about wire fraud — what it is and how real estate professionals can avoid becoming a victim of it. Ned talks about the telltale signs that wire fraud is afoot and what Realtors must do to shut down the scam, which can cost home sellers their life savings. Plus, we really get to know Ned during our Lightning Round.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.  

Joanna Rowell, current chair of the YPN for the Royal Palm Coast Realtor® Association, provides valuable insight and information about the Young Professionals Network, mixed in with a little history and how it benefits association members.

This episode is where it all started. The very first episode of The Royal PalmCast with our guest, Realtor® Sheena Reagan.  See where it all began as Sheena helps us kick off this show which has now published more than 100 episodes, had thousands of downloads and even more  "listens" via our multiple online social media platforms. The Royal PalmCast will return with new content soon!

What happens when real estate clients are a little less than considerate of Realtors®?  Realtor® Broker members, Jennifer Derosiers and Jenny Moorhead discuss that with us and more on this episode of The Royal PalmCast.

There are a few basic common sense rules that Realtors® need to follow beyond punctuality and returning phone calls promptly.  Expectations are high for professionalism in real estate and in today's episode of The Royal PalmCast, brokers Jennifer Derosiers and Jenny Moorhead layout the expectations for etiquette for Realtors®.

Today, we've got useful tips from an insurance pro to help you make the best decisions when it comes to protecting roofs, air conditioning, plumbing, electric and more. Guest Blake Chapman also shares tips for buying flood insurance, boat insurance and renter's insurance on this episode of the Royal PalmCast.Host: Jim SanvilleProducer: Jerry Johnson

Let's talk Insurance! Insurance expert, Blake Chapman discusses how to minimize financial losses when something goes wrong. From hurricanes to damaged boats to leaky roofs and most things in between, Blake shares some of his comprehensive knowledge in the industry with us in this episode.

A looming shortage of real estate appraisers is poised to stretch out the time it takes to complete real estate transactions in the coming years, according  Scott DiGregorio.The Fort, Myers, Florida, mortgage broker and real estate educator joins us on the podcast today to discuss the currrent state of the appraisal business — how it works and the many challenges its practioners face.   Scott says home appraising is more art than science and how emotion can sometimes kill a deal if the buyer and seller disagree on whether an appraisal is fair. He also touches on what sellers can do do assure a fair appraisal, such as staging the property or even just adding a new coat of paint.   Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

Concerned that you or your client won't qualify for a traditional mortgage? Mortgage expert Scott DiGregorio says there's probably a way to get home financing done. On this episode, he discusses the many creative approaches that loan officers have available to work around common issues such as low credit scores and minimal downpayments. Among the topics covered are down payment assistance, first-time buyer programs, reverse mortgages and the importance of financial literacy for young people.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

If you're involved in a real estate transaction in the United States, you had better know about FIRPTA — the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. Today we talk with FIRPTA expert Julie Lepore of FIRPTA Solutions, who wants Realtors, homebuyers and home sellers to be aware of the risk of not considering FIRPTA when property changes hands. FIRPTA is a tax law enacted in 1980 that imposes U.S. income tax on foreign persons selling U.S. real estate. Under FIRPTA, if you buy U.S. real estate from a foreign person, you may be required to withhold 15% of the amount realized from the sale.Standard Florida real estate contracts contain explicit language about FIRPTA, which buyers and sellers ignore at their own risk. Sometimes, buyers fail to check the nationality of the person selling the property, which may result in the buyer holding the bag for estimated tax payments that should have been collected at closing. Closing is not the time to verify nationality, says Julie, who has long evangelized a "FIRPTA-first" approach to real estate deals.  She says she's actually heard "grown men sobbing" after finding out they are responsible for the payments after failing to verify a seller's place of birth. And this is one episode you'll want to hear through to the end: During our ever-popular Lightning Round, Julie reveals that she does a killer imitation of a famous singer — and even provides a sample! Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

There are lot of crooks out there and some of them want to steal your land. On this episode, we talk with real estate fraud  expert Julie Lepore, who regularly sees the red flags common with property theft in her job at FIRPTA Solutions in Cape Coral. Working with locally based Secret Service agents, she has learned the warning signs of land sale fraud, which has become far too common in Southwest Florida. Julie describes what to watch for and how Realtors can protect their clients from unscrupulous characters. The most common scenario she sees — and there were about 50 fraud attempts identified through her office in recent months — involved foreign "property owners" wishing to sell vacant lots they don't own in Lee County and beyond. In most cases, she says, phony documents — especially passports — are presented as "proof" of ownership by the scammers. Sadly, the scam isn't discovered until the real owners try to sell the lots themselves. In some cases, buyer-victims build houses on the lots only to have to remove them and lose large sums of money.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

Mortgage expert and podcaster Scott DiGregorio joins us to talk home financing. Scott describes the breakdown of loan originators into three categories — mortgage brokers (middlemen), traditional banks and mortgage bankers like himself — and explains the pros and cons of each business model.He discusses how to compete with all-cash buyers and a hybrid approach called delayed financing. He also discusses consumer protections built into today's mortgage market. and offers advice for aspiring mortgage originators who are looking for a quick and easy way to make money. Hint: "There is nothing quick and easy about this business," according to Scott.Later in the show, Scott plays our Lightning Round, where we really get to know him as a person.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

Real estate broker and educator Caroline Boland joins us again for a deeper dive into the NAR Code of Ethics. On this episode, she delves into Article 1 of the code, which states that Realtors must be honest and fair in dealing with clients and all parties involved in a transaction. She also discusses Article 4, which is related to Realtors' disclosure of any personal interest they have in a sale. And what about disclosure of so-called distressed properties, where there was a recent homicide, for example? In Florida, Caroline says, there is no legal requirement to disclose that information.  But is it ethical to withhold it? She also touches on the Code of Ethics language related to making or sharing false or misleading statements about other Realtors. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

Ethics are everything in the real estate business. So much so, that development of a Code of Ethics was one of the first orders of business tackled by the National Association of Realtors in 1913. Since then, the NAR Code of Ethics has been continually revised and updated to stay in sync with the modern world. Today Realtors must complete ethics training every three years to fulfil membership requirement at local Realtor associations. Our guest today, Caroline Boland, is a certified NAR ethics instructor who has taught thousands of Southwest Florida real estate professionals both the basics and the finer points of the code. Caroline explains the origins of the NAR code and why it is essential to the industry. She says she loves discussing the code of ethics with Realtors, particularly when she tackles questions that begin, "Is it OK if..." This is the first episode of our two-show series with Caroline on the topic of Realtor ethics.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

We're away for Christmas, but wanted to leave you with one of our favorite episodes from 2021. If you missed the first time, we think you'll enjoy this interview with a professional critter wrangler from Cape Coral!-True story: Wildlife removal expert Patrick Gibson once removed an unwanted gator using a chainsaw. His workdays include confrontations with venomous snakes, killer bees and potentially rabid racoons. The Cape Coral resident often draws a crowd of onlookers when he works and it's no wonder. He routinely crosses paths with rats, woodpeckers, iguanas and all manner of insects.  The professional pest remover has served more than 4,000 clients in Southwest Florida, including homeowners, property managers and businesses such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot and the Southwest Florida International Airport.  On this episode he shares a few of the best stories he's compiled over the past decade working in Southwest Florida. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

Bill Steinke, RPCRA's 2022 president, joins us in the studio to talk about his real estate career journey and a look ahead at the Southwest Florida real estate market in 2022. Before becoming a Realtor, Bill was in the financial services business, and was later a restaurateur in Fort Myers. As the association's president, he says much of the focus will be on RPCRA's community involvement opportunities. He believes that by spreading the word about how much real estate professionals are active in their communities, the public will gain a better understanding of the value they offer to consumers. He also plays the Lightning Round and tells us, among other things, which celebrities he's been told he resembles!Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.   

Cape Coral Realtor and stand-up comic Sheena Reagan has a message for the business world: lighten up! On today's show, she talks about how the appropriate use of well-timed humor can reduce tension in real estate deals.  But that's not to say selling houses isn't serious business — and not everyone appreciates humor.Sheena was named Florida's Funniest Female in a statewide competition in 2018. But her heart also lies in the world of real estate, which provides most of her income. In our conversation, she describes the impact of Covid on both comedy and real estate and how the latter has exploded in Southwest Florida since 2020. She also recounts her funniest moment in real estate, which occurred spontaneously during her live virtual showing of a fixer-upper in Matlacha.  Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

If you've ever thought about becoming a property manager, this show is for you. In studio with us is Tommy Senatore, an experienced investor, Realtor and property manager, having concurrently managed more than 800 units in Lee County, Florida. Tommy touches on some of the pitfalls of the occupation, including squatters, evictions and government rent subsidy programs. Still, it can be a rewarding business once you get a feel for tenant relationships and how to work your way around governmental regulation and laws affecting tenant rights. He says a license is not required to manage your own property, and anyone can do it if they're willing to put in some hard work. Tommy recommends a creative approach to resolving any issues that come up and describes how he navigated the recent Covid epidemic and the temporary rules that were put in place as an emergency measure.  Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

While we're away for Thanksgiving, we think you'll enjoy this classic episode of TRP, which was originally released on 1/27/21.Can you really negotiate anything? Yes, you can, and you can WIN, says real estate educator Josh Cadillac. In this episode, Josh details proven techniques for Realtors® who want to achieve the best results for their clients. When negotiating price (of anything) for example, he recommends alerting the other party that you are working under the constraints of a budget. Another technique involves pointing out that you are restricted by policy in your negotiations — and you won't believe his example for how you can do just that! Part 1 of 3 shows with Josh. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

If you thought there were no bargains left in real estate, this episode may change your mind. In studio with us is Tommy Senatore, a Cape Coral, Fla., Realtor and author who's snagged LOTS of deals over the years. And, he says, you can too!Tommy is a tax lien sales expert who literally wrote the book on the subject. On this episode, he describes the tax lien sales process in detail. Once on a dare, he says he bought a small canal home at auction in Port Charlotte, Fla. — sight-unseen — and flipped it within a week, making a profit of $11,000!  He says you've got to know what you're doing, but you can learn how to avoid the pitfalls. One important rule, he says, is don't invest money in a tax lien sale that you can't afford to lose in case something goes wrong.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

Florida has one of the most generous Homestead Exemption programs in the United States. But how do you take full advantage of it? On this episode, we post that question to Homestead exemption expert Ned Hale, a real estate lawyer in Southwest Florida. Ned says the Homestead exemption has three main characteristics: a tax benefit, asset protection and protection for your heirs after your death. He says you must apply for the exemption — it's not automatic. But as long as you meet the requirements and submit the proper documentation, you can get it without the need to re-apply annually. The law has its nooks and crannies, however, and Ned explains how to navigate the common ones. For example, if your homestead is within city limits of any Florida municipality, Homestead protections differ somewhat compared to those who live in most rural settings. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

In 2010, Jennifer Desrosiers answered an ad on Craigslist and got her first job in real estate — as assistant to a local broker. A decade later, she was running her own agency with five agents working under her. For those interested in a similar career path, she says the goal is reachable by almost anyone willing to put in the work.As owner-broker of Rose Tree Realty in Bokeelia, Jennifer brought discipline, structure — and enthusiasm — to the role. On this episode, she shares her story and offers advice on how to avoid common mistakes and missteps on the way to success in the real estate business.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

Got the blizzard belt blues? You're not alone! Southwest Florida continues to see strong population growth and most of the new folks are from cold-weather states. That's perfectly understandable, as tropical beaches are a wonderful remedy for the cold of a northern winter. Today we talk with real estate broker Jennifer Desrosiers — herself a transplant from New England — about what to consider before moving the family down south. The Bokeelia Realtor says that Covid accelerated the pace of growth in Southwest Florida for a variety of reasons. And when the new transplants arrive at their new home, they may be in for a few surprises — mostly good ones! Florida has no state income tax, motor vehicle inspection requirement and all the sunny weather you can stand! But, Jennifer says, you have to be ready for a few changes, particularly when it comes to code enforcement and local regulations affecting real estate. If you have school-aged children, she recommends choosing a school first, then looking for a home within that school district. Her No. 1 tip for any new resident is one we agree with — get a friend with a boat!Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

Many Realtors in Florida will begin using a new sales contract beginning Nov. 1, 2021. It's called the FR/BAR contract — shorthand for Florida Realtors/Florida Bar Association — but what's new and different from the current contract? On this episode, attorney Ned Hale breaks down the new language and explains what's good, what's not-so-good and why Realtors, homebuyers and home sellers should care. As Ned explains, the 2021 revisions affect the sections on financing, calendar-driven deadlines, pandemics and appraisals and more.Ned also advises Realtors that if they find the contract confusing, it's not their fault! Any confusion, he says, was caused by those who drafted the document.  Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

Do Realtors really need to be on social media? Yes!  Door knocks and promotional postcards still have their place, but much less so in the age of Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, according to Jennifer Desrosiers, this week's guest. Jennifer, who owns Rose Tree Realty in Bokelia, Fla., has been actively marketing on social media for most of the past decade. Today, she shares her secrets about social media for Realtors. She says not all platforms are suitable for social selling, but her list of the best ones may surprise you!Jennifer touches on social media strategies that can really move the needle for Realtors, including video, Instagram stories, TikTok silliness and why authenticity is key to achieving results. She also covers the pitfalls of social media marketing and how to avoid them. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

NOTE: We're taking a week off, but wanted to leave you with one of our favorite episodes — Tips for New Realtors from Samantha Marker, a member of NAR's "30 Under 30" class.  Enjoy the show and we'll see you again next week!SHOW DESCRIPTION: She's just 26 years old, but Samantha Marker has already achieved national recognition in her real estate career. Earlier this year, she was named one of "30 Under 30" Realtors in the U.S. as a top producer in her market. On this episode, she offers her advice for those just starting out in real estate. Her Top 5 list includes a few items you may not have expected.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson

Andrea Goodhart of Realtors Property Resource joins us once again to share tips for using RPR resources to build your real estate business. She covers:Listings presentationsProspectingRelocation packetsBuyers Tour ReportsOpen housesAndrea notes that RPR tools are available exclusively to Realtors only through their affiliate with the National Association of Realtors. Don't miss these tips if you're planning to take your business to the next level! Even those who are already familiar with RPR are sure to pick up some pointers.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

On this episode, we pull back the curtain on the murky world of probate.  Florida real estate Attorney Al Nicoletti is with us to explain in layman's terms what probate is, how it works and why it's a good idea to be up to speed on it before you die. In simple terms, real estate probate is the legal process of moving the title from the deceased to the heirs, which enables them to sell the property or make other arrangements. Al says that contrary to popular perception, probate needn't be a long-drawn process. He also talks about Lady Bird deeds, spousal inheritance, durable power of attorney and other aspects of probate in Florida.  And we learn a little more about Al when he plays the Lightning Round!Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.   

Sleep well tonight, citizens: All of Florida's Most Unwanted have been rounded up by our guest on today's show. And he's got stories to tell! In the studio with us is biologist Patrick Gibson, owner of a wildlife removal business based in Cape Coral, Fla. Patrick shares his list of the state's Most Unwanted critters and how to keep them off your property for good.  He says there's no hierarchy to the pests on his list, just a roundup of the ones you REALLY don't want to invade your living space.  Included on Patrick's Most Unwanted list of nine common Florida pests are killer bees, pileated woodpeckers, Muscovy ducks, racoons, rats, various snakes... and worse!Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

Today's show is about things many Realtors would agree they wish they'd known at the beginning of their careers. To list a few of them, real estate educator Caroline Boland offers 10 important tidbits that will help YOU get off on the right foot. She covers post-licensing requirements, personal goals, contract knowledge, ethics, broker relationships and much more. She also looks at how to squeeze every bit of benefit out of your membership in your local Realtor association. Should you join a Realtor team? Caroline covers the pros and cons of that too!  Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

On Part 2 of our series on how to become a Realtor, real estate instructor Caroline Boland shares her tips for post-licensing education, how to choose a broker, business planning, goal setting, commission structure and much more. She also touches on  rookie mistakes such as failure to set aside tax money from commissions, constant pitches from lead generation "experts," and the misleading trappings of success. Caroline shares the story of earning her first commission check and how that feeling has inspired her throughout her 11-year career in the business. Be sure to check out Episode 1 of "How to Become a Realtor" as well.  Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

Thinking of becoming a Realtor? With the housing market on fire throughout the U.S., many are considering a career pivot to the real estate business. But is it for you? And what are the requirements, anyway?On today's episode, we talk with Caroline Boland, a real estate instructor in Fort Myers, Fla. Besides teaching classes at RPCRA, Caroline is on the teaching staff at Larson Educational Services, where she is also director of instructor training and development. And yes, she's a Realtor and broker as well. Caroline shares a few classroom stories, walks us through the requirements to become a Realtor and provides insights into what it takes to become a successful Realtor.We also get to know Caroline  a little better in the Lightning Round, where she reveals a few of her favorite things. And here's a fun fact about today's guest: For the past several years, Caroline has been a play-by-play PA announcer for high school basketball and baseball games, and even auditioned to be stadium announcer for the Boston Red Sox spring training games at Jet Blue Park. This is Part 1 of a 3-part series on becoming a Realtor. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

When it comes to data, real estate professionals can't get enough. That's why the National Association of Realtors®' Realtor® Property Resource is such a highly valued tool. RPR provides Realtors® with the largest property-centric database available today, with information gleaned from public records, local MLS organizations and more. RPR is completely web-based and available to all NAR members at no additional cost. (About $10 of a Realtor's' NAR dues are earmarked for the RPR benefit.) On today's show, we talk with RPR Industry Relations Director Andrea Goodhart, who explains how to get the most from this robust toolset. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

On past episodes, commercial real estate experts Justin Thibaut and Nelson Taylor talked about the current state of the business in Southwest Florida. Today, they're in the studio to share their outlook for the future of the commercial business in the area. Justin says there are four keys areas that are emerging in different ways after a year of the pandemic: industrial, office, hospitality, and retail. Players in each segment learned lessons from COVID and some are positioned to thrive in the years ahead. In fact, the worst seems to be over in the commercial real estate industry, which has quickly regained strength. But what will the commercial real estate scene look like in 10 or 20 years? Is the area positioned for growth driven by companies like Hertz and Gartner? And what about infrastructure? Our experts give their take on these topics and more. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.   

Florida Gulf Coast MLS Director Jeff Bratton is in the studio with us to share tips and best practices for using the Multiple Listing Service interface. He says correctly filling out form fields is an essential piece of a smooth transaction. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

Ever wonder what happens to blood after you donate it? We've got the answers. On this episode, we talk with Jeremy Puckett, Blood Center supervisor for Lee Health in Fort Myers, Fla., who walks us through the processing and distributions steps. He says that among the pieces of equipment used in the process are machines that look like giant washing machines, and even a device that resembles an alligator jaw. We also learn that red blood cells — once they're separated from whole blood — will last 42 days at optimal storage conditions. Plasma lasts for up to a year. Skittish about donating? Relax! Jeremy also has tips to put your mind at ease so you can join the millions of Americans who regularly donate blood for their communities. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

True story: Wildlife removal expert Patrick Gibson once removed an unwanted gator using a chainsaw. His workdays include confrontations with venomous snakes, killer bees and potentially rabid racoons. The Cape Coral resident often draws a crowd of onlookers when he works and it's no wonder. He routinely crosses paths with rats, woodpeckers, iguanas and all manner of insects.  The professional pest remover has served more than 4,000 clients in Southwest Florida, including homeowners, property managers and businesses such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot and the Southwest Florida International Airport.  On this episode he shares a few of the best stories he's compiled over the past decade working in Southwest Florida. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.  

She's just 26 years old, but Samantha Marker has already achieved national recognition in her real estate career. Earlier this year, she was named one of "30 Under 30" Realtors in the U.S. as a top producer in her market. On this episode, she offers her advice for those just starting out in real estate. Her Top 5 list includes a few items you may not have expected.Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson

RPCRA Director of Membership Laura Ramos is back in the studio with important reminders for our Realtor members. Laura says it's critical for members to notify the association's Membership Department whenever they change their email address or phone number, and to update license information and any Code of Ethics training received. She says an email to Membership@RPCRA.org is the best and easiest way to keep information current. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

There's a new guy in the office at our Realtor association and you're invited to meet him! He's Jeff Bratton, a Multiple Listing Service pro from Albuquerque, N.M. Jeff has been involved with the MLS for several years and is now learning about the unique real estate market here in Southwest Florida. He's already become well acquainted with this land of waterways, golf courses and vacation homes, and how it differs from the American Southwest. He quickly noticed that in SWFL, there is an MLS field for Gulf access comments. As a result, Jeff is now researching the impact of open water access on home prices and how proximity to the Gulf impacts the entire local market. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

Did you hear about the homeowner whose attic was housing a family of racoons? He plugged the hole in the soffit with expansion foam, then set a trap using an open can of tuna as bait. Rookie mistakes! On today's show, we talk with Patrick Gibson, a wildlife removal expert who explains the best way to evict squatting critters. Armed with an advanced degree in biology, Patrick has learned the ways of the animals and he knows how to evict them so they won't return. As owner of a pest removal business for the past decade, Patrick has served more than 4,000 clients in Southwest Florida, including homeowners, Realtors, property managers and businesses such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot and the Southwest Florida International Airport. Want to know his trade secrets? Listen and learn and you may never hear strange attic noises again. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.      

If you're a residential Realtor, you probably know about Realtors Property Resource as a rich source of marketing materials, reports and research. All Realtors have free access to RPR tools as a benefit of membership in a local Realtor association. You may not know that RPR also provides marketing and other materials to commercial Realtors. On this episode, we talk with RPR Director of Commercial Services Nathan Graham, who outlines the many services available for those who deal with land sales and commercial properties. For example, RPR offers — at no charge to Realtors — ESRI Tapestry Segments that really drill down on demographic data and provide insights into local trends. For Realtors who primarily deal in residential properties, RPR is a valuable tool when dealing with the occasional commercial property or land. And we really get to know Nathan during our Lightning Round, where he reveals some of his favorite things. Listen to future episodes of The Royal PalmCast for our upcoming interview with Nathan's counterpart on the residential side of RPR. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.  

At just 27 years old, Samantha Marker has already been recognized as one of the top Realtors in the U.S. Earlier this year, she was named one of the National's Association of Realtors "30 Under 30," honoring standout real estate professionals under age 30.  In this episode, the Cape Coral resident talks about how she achieved such a distinction — mainly through hard work.  Samantha says she makes herself available to clients whenever they need something — days, nights, weekends, holidays and even vacations. She's also taken full advantage of available technology and even created an innovative interactive map of Southwest Florida that homebuyers can use to check out the area. Samantha also plays The Lightning Round, where we really get to know her. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

Did you know that 1 in 10 members of the Women's Council of Realtors are men? We didn't either! That's just one of the eye-opening facts we learned about the organization from Sandra Aguilar, president of the group's Cape Coral-Fort Myers chapter. She also discusses some of the most valuable benefits from joining, including tuition reimbursement, networking opportunities and the development of leadership skills. For more information, visit WCR.org. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.     

In a perfect world, an ideal client would call a Realtor and say something like, "I saw this house online and it's next door to my best friend and I want to buy it" — a done deal!  But that's not always how it goes, according to longtime Fort Myers Broker Jenny Moorhead. On this information-packed episode, we ask Jenny what she wishes her clients knew even before establishing a relationship with an agent. She lists some standard items such as the importance be getting pre-qualified by a lender before looking at homes, but there are a few more that may not be so obvious. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.  

Hop onto the bloodmobile and meet Jeremy Puckett, blood center supervisor for Lee Health in Fort Myers. In this episode, he opens our eyes to his world with facts and details about the process you may not know. In demystifying the blood donation experience, Jeremy dispels some of the common myths and fallacies that surround it. He also walks us step-by-step through the process of donating and explains the benefits it provides both to recipients and donors. And here's a fun fact from Jeremy: The Guinness Book of World Records record holder for most blood donated is held by a man who has lived his whole life right here in Lee County, Florida. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.

Our commercial real estate experts are back in studio to talk about the current state of commercial business in Southwest Florida. Justin Thibaut and Nelson Taylor of LSI Companies discuss current development in the area, emerging trends and the forces that are driving it all. They also touch on office and industrial development in the Alico Road area of Fort Myers, Lofton Island, Cape Coral and the natural advantages of Southwest Florida that makes this one of the top markets for commercial estate in the U.S. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson. 

If you're a residential Realtor thinking about moving over to the commercial side of the business, this episode is for you! Even if you're just curious about commercial real estate and land sales, you'll want to hear our interview with two of the top experts in that field in Southwest Florida. In studio for our discussion is Justin Thibaut, president of LSI Companies of Fort Myers, and Nelson Taylor, the firm's market research director. Justin says he's seen commercial agents become residential agents and vice versa, and success depends strictly on their personality and ability to work passionately on either side of things. And, we really get to know these business pros as they play along in a fun-filled session of our Lightning Round. Host: Jim Sanville. Producer: Jerry Johnson.