Guru Praveena Rajavelu with KellerWilliams

Rick Ripma: 0:00

Welcome to Indy's Real Estate Gurus. I'm Rick Ripma, your hard working mortgage guy, and I've been in real estate and mortgages for over 34 years, I've helped over5200 folks financing their homes, my team and I believe in custom tailored loans, not the one size fits all approach. We believe there is the right mortgage for you. And we believe we are the team to deliver it.

Ian Arnold: 0:19

And I'm Ian Arnold part of Rick's hard working mortgage team. I've been in financial financial industry for15 years helping customers rebuild their credit to get the best overall credit score, and then also get the best interest rates for you. I have a passion in helping you to secure your overall dreams in real estate and also a huge passion helping you figure out how to pay off your home even faster.

Rick Ripma: 0:41

And for the most up to date information on mortgages or the Indian real estate market, please go to HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com Or you can call 317-672-1938.That's 31767 to 1938. And today,we have a very exciting guest all the way from India.

Praveena Raj: 1:02

Yes, Indianapolis.Indiana Indianapolis.

Rick Ripma: 1:05

Right. Yeah. And it's praveena. Yes, Raj. But that's not your full last name.So how do you pronounce your last name?

Praveena Raj: 1:14

Roger Valeu.

Rick Ripma: 1:16

Roger Velu. Okay,see, I got it. Right.

Ian Arnold: 1:18

Yeah, we'll ask you in five minutes.

Rick Ripma: 1:20

No, don't do. Not fair. So we really do appreciate you joining us today. Thank you so much.

Praveena Raj: 1:27

Thank you for having me here. Welcome.

Rick Ripma: 1:29

So you have a really interesting background. So we'd love to hear your background.Where did you Where were you born grow up? And then how did you end up? From there to here?

Praveena Raj: 1:38

Yeah, that's,that's a long story. But I'll try to make it as much short as possible. But I'm from India,southern part of India. It in a state called Tamil Nadu. And in India, we all speak different languages in every state. So and then growing, like, my mom, dad and my brother, like, I have just one brother. And then growing up I, you know, in schools, I was always outstanding student, you know,what is outstanding student standing out of the class. So,basically, like I was into all kinds of all kinds of sports,not inside the classroom, but I was like, pretty much doing everything else. Staying inside the classroom. And then and then did my college. I did Bachelor's in Computer Science. And then I got married to my husband at that time. He was already here.And that's how I came to America. Yes. And it's been like21 years. Wow. Two years? Yes.To be exact. Yeah. Yes.

Rick Ripma: 2:51

And, and his name is Raj. Raj. Right. And he's, he works with you. Although he has a he has a full time job. But

Praveena Raj: 2:59

yes. All right.And then he's, he joined me a year ago. In real estate, and he's been a great help.

Rick Ripma: 3:08

Does he know who the boss is when you're in real estate?

Praveena Raj: 3:11

Well, sometimes I have to remind him.

Rick Ripma: 3:17

We kind of figured out didn't wait.

Praveena Raj: 3:20

But he's a great guy. Yeah. He takes care of lot of things.

Rick Ripma: 3:24

Awesome. So what does he do at Lily?

Praveena Raj: 3:26

He's an architect.Okay. I know he works at Lilly.I don't know. Anything more than that. I know. He's a computer guy.

Rick Ripma: 3:33

Okay. So both you both you have a lot of computer knowledge.

Praveena Raj: 3:39

I cannot say I have a lot of computer knowledge. I did study computer science. Okay. But it's been like 2424 years. Okay. So I really don't know anything other than using computers for checking emails and then just regular stuff. That's

Ian Arnold: 4:00

okay. It's one of those weird things if you don't keep up to date. Yeah, exactly.If you go back 24 years. Oh,just take it. There was nobody really Haman had cell phones.Now, everybody, even I watch her walk, walk to the park and there are seven, seven and eight year olds holding a phone. You don't need that.

Praveena Raj: 4:18

Right? It's like after studying computer science,I thought computer science doesn't need me.

Rick Ripma: 4:26

Real Estate does.Yeah.

Praveena Raj: 4:29

So yeah, that's so it's always like, you know, you know the game connecting dots.Yes. So you connect you go.to dot follow the numbers and go.to.so that's how that's how I came into real estate. Like everything is connecting dots.That's what I believe like,where you are right now. It's It's like how you connected each and every.in your life and then came to where you are right now.Right? it and but in real estate, there is like, two, two main things that made me come into real real estate. And so one of that is like my older daughter. She's very ambitious.Very sharp, she always has this five years plan 10 years plan and she knows where she's going.She's very clear on her goals.And then but in when she was in middle school, there was one time she said, and, you know,before real estate, I was a stay home mom, by choice, because that's what I wanted to do. And and then when she was in middle school she wants she mentioned,Mommy, I like your life, you know, just stay home and then take care of us. It's so good. I wish I can be like that when I grew up. And I'm like, what an example I'm setting to my daughter. You know, because this is by choice that I decided to stay home not because I'm not ambitious or anything like that,right? So I want my kids to always be independent and humble human beings and not lazing around there has to be some meaning to your life. Right?Like when you are born, there has to be something whether you find it now, or never, but at least you're doing something about it. Yep. So, yeah. And then I was always thinking,Okay, now what should I do? You know, I have, I don't want to come back into computer science.But then that's what I studied.So I started looking in some courses. But that time, we're like one of the realtor and like, we were going to sell our home and move into a new home.And the realtor at that time,she said, like, oh, you can be a really good realtor. And then I'm like, wow, why didn't I think about it, because I'm always going around to all the model homes. Looking around the model was whenever the new subdivision pops up, even before real estate, right, and then eating their cookies. And now they don't give any more like most of them. So yeah, but that's what I was always doing.And then I'm like, why I never Why didn't I think about it? And that's when it just like, yeah,clicked, I should say. So you loved homes. Yes. Yes,absolutely.

Rick Ripma: 7:32

I'm guessing that real estate is a lot different than going into model homes. And just looking at the model.

Praveena Raj: 7:36

Oh, yeah. It's a lot more Yes. And, and I love people because I was brought up in a joint family back in India.So with the different personalities and we we learn to, we learn to live together and understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. And we understand personalities. So I mean, that's a great plus. And also like, I love people. That's how we can survive in real estate. I believe so. Yeah.Yeah.

Rick Ripma: 8:07

Because real estate's really about relationships. Absolutely. Much more than anything else, it seems. It seems like it's certainly one of those top things correct. Yeah,

Praveena Raj: 8:14

absolutely. I totally agree that Yeah.

Rick Ripma: 8:17

And, and so so you,you got into real estate, you came from another country, but you had been here a while. I know it's very difficult for some people to get going in real estate. Right? What did you do?Or how did you do it to get yourself going and become so successful?

Praveena Raj: 8:35

That's a great question. So one thing when I before I start, I might take a long time to analyze but once I start I never quit. So that is one of the main thing and also like and I'm also hard worker,but when we got started the market market was great. Like first year I kept second than next year I became the Rookie of the Year like first year I became the Rookie of the Year awesome in my brokerage and then so I set goals and every year from then I have been achieving my goals and definitely like never look I never looked back there is no looking back. So I and I enjoy each and every bit of it when you really enjoy something now it's it's this is my fifth year in real estate and then when you and when I you know I did not even realize it's been already five, four years.So this is amazing when you enjoy when you're passionate about something and when you're building something bigger and so yeah, when you're keep it you keep on looking for forward for your future. Yeah, that's that's what keeps me going. Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 10:05

So, I know you're with Keller Williams now. So did you actually start with Keller Williams? And if so, what made you choose that brokerage to go to?

Praveena Raj: 10:14

Okay? Yes, I did start but before that I interviewed seven other brokerages. So I always listened to my instinct. So within like three matter of three days I interviewed like, total seven brokerages, including Keller Williams. And then my instinct said, Keller Williams. And that's how I started in Keller Williams. But then, when I went,went into my office, I saw the culture and I saw how people are like, in welcoming you with great smile, they are not looking, they did not see me as NewBee or like a competition or anything like that they are. The culture was so good. So I think that's what made me stay and start in Keller Williams.

Ian Arnold: 11:07

Yeah, it's very interesting. And you would think that one realtor and another one you're like, Oh, I'm direct competition with you, but it never feels that way.

Praveena Raj: 11:15

Yeah, exactly.Yeah. And so I, that's what I always feel like, I am my own competition. It's you know, how good you give the service to people or your clients. That's what all it matters, and your business will always be really good, like, as long as you give the best service. So there is no competition. And you know, there is so much so many clients, you cannot have you everybody's business, right. So much. Yeah,this world is, there is abundance of opportunity, you know, like you don't have to compete with with each other.But you can get better and better every day for yourself like, so you're basically competing with yourself? Yes.

Rick Ripma: 11:59

And, you know, I think it's important that everybody in your office, they all need to do well, right?Because they need to be good at what they do. Because they can hurt you by getting a reputation for your company, as a negative rep. You know, people thinking,Oh, they aren't any good,because they've kind of put everybody in the same boat. So being there to help each other makes in my mind total sets. It should be what everybody does.

Praveena Raj: 12:28

Yeah, absolutely.And, and also, I have always seen successful people are happy people. They always like to help other people like that. It's vice versa to like when you help other people grow, and you become happy and successful too.And I completely believe that and that's what I saw in Keller Williams When I in my brokerage when I got started.

Rick Ripma: 12:52

Awesome. So you got to Keller Williams, how did you get your first client? What did you do? What kind of processes did you do to to get that first client?

Praveena Raj: 13:00

So my business started with my spears. So they are, they are the couple that I started working. So my license was coming two days after but I they were already talking to me and you know, like, and I had to tell them? Yeah, let's wait for my license. But no, I by that time, I already spoke to Keller Williams and decided that I'll be with Keller Williams like,and then. So my license, I did not receive the license in my hand yet it was coming. So I already started working and then getting help from Keller Williams. So that's what impresses me even even now if I think about it. My sponsor, he came, he came over to show the home for this couple, because I didn't have the license at that time. But then he was willing to drive down and show the home for this couple. And so that's how it started. It's you know, like our, my biggest strength is my spears, like my our friends and our network. So that's where we started to and then through referrals. The business grow.Yes, awesome.

Ian Arnold: 14:21

So if somebody is wanting to work with you, either to buy or sell a home, how would they get in touch with you?

Praveena Raj: 14:27

Yes, they can call me anytime or text me anytime at317-345-6125. Again, my number is 317-345-6125.

Rick Ripma: 14:40

And to get a hold of Ian or I go to HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com Or you can call 317-672-1938.That's 31767 to 1938. And thanks for listening to India's real estate gurus. The gurus we interview share valuable insights. They reveal their strengths, personalities and how they'll work for you. Well, we hardworking mortgage guys secure your best mortgage. Real estate gurus work hard to. They avoid problems the amateurs don't see They listen. They find unrealized opportunities. If you're buying or selling a home a real estate guru is a valuable asset. If you're even thinking of buying or selling a home,keep listening, and definitely call one of Indy's real estate gurus.

Ian Arnold: 15:24

All right, so I'm gonna put you on the spot here.So what we're gonna do is we're going to take away your phone for 24 hours cannot work whatsoever. What are we actually doing for fun?

Praveena Raj: 15:35

I love to stay in my garden. Sometimes my husband thinks I talk to plants.

Rick Ripma: 15:43

They say that's good for plants.

Praveena Raj: 15:46

But I love gardening. That that's also like, like my meditation time.That's what I feel. Always but I play pickleball Yes, I started playing with my husband and his friends. At least like three three to five days in a week we play pickleball so and then I just saw Yeah, so if it also depends on like, if it is summer I go to nurseries. You know,like if I have some time between the appointments I'll if I see any nurseries nearby. I always like to stop by and look at the plants now I don't have enough place in my garden to plant anything. That's why I go to nurseries. And so cooking is one thing and I'm I'm really working on to love it. I love eating food

Rick Ripma: 16:48

is different. Right?

Ian Arnold: 16:51

Right. So the pickleball it's so did you did you just pick it up? Just because a it's become popular here? Or what made you to decide? Let's do this because it's it blew up here in India. I grew up everywhere.

Praveena Raj: 17:06

Yeah, it's it's so funny. Because when, you know,when we bought our home current home, we were like one of the first few that moved into the neighborhood. So they had pickleball court. And then for almost one year, nobody was using it. And no one I probably at that time it was just developing subdivision was developing to and then we would and it's right in front of our home. And then every day we look and we are like, first of all,we didn't know what is pickleball like, four or five years ago, we didn't know what is pickleball when they said like in amenities we have pickleball in this neighborhood.I'm like, What is pickleball? I never heard of that. And there is we see this court and then we know tennis and you know, not that we know to play but we know tennis what is tennis, but we saw this pickleball and then we started browsing. Okay, what is pickleball at least we should start using it. And then me and my husband we started like just,you know, playing with the ball,and then that's how we started.And then later, like a few other people joined and now like we are like pretty big group and that's right. Like it's everywhere. Now. We have new pickleball courts everywhere that it's popping up like yes,for six quartzite courts everywhere. It's popping up and it's a very popular.

Ian Arnold: 18:38

Alright, so who's more competitive you or your husband?

Praveena Raj: 18:41

He thinks he's competitive. I let him Let him think that

Rick Ripma: 18:52

yeah, I Pickleball is amazing how it just came on the scene. And and but it's so what a great thing for you though, that you play pickleball now your whole community is playing pickleball you get to meet all those people. Yes. And they know what you do now I'm button.

Praveena Raj: 19:08

Yeah, right. And we have so much fun. We have so much fun. We have like different groups and then we put in like,who is available to come play now. And then if I'm not in appointments, I'm like, I'm always there. You know, I just change and then take take my racket pickleball goes, so it's like, it's amazing.

Rick Ripma: 19:29

Yeah, that's awesome. Yeah,

Ian Arnold: 19:31

but one thing she didn't tell you is her paddle has by Ripper Vina and she wears a shirt with our logos. It's like see I'm sponsored you guys see this works.

Praveena Raj: 19:47

I wear my real estate hat you know like when I'm playing out.

Rick Ripma: 19:53

That's that works.So what would you say your superpower or superpowers are

Praveena Raj: 20:02

superpowers. I don't think I have any but but one thing is, whatever I do,I'm, I'm pretty consistent. So once I get a clear picture of what I want to accomplish, I do the plants like because then I start doing the plants and then I just start executing it, I don't think too much, I just start jumping right away. And that's one thing. Because I don't procrastinate things, I would say like, I, if I know like, I have to do this, I just start doing it right away. And I think that is one of the biggest one I know, like some of the newer agents, they want to learn first, like, they want to take their time to learn and then they want to. So they they think like they are confident after taking the time to learn. But I always feel like you're confident when you're in the field working. And you along the way you also learn like, so I would say just start right away,whatever you do. If you know you're, you have the right plan.Don't procrastinate anything,

Rick Ripma: 21:18

I could not agree more. And I, it's what I noticed, I'm the same way as you. When I do something, I just do it. And I've seen many people come into mortgages, and they come in, and they need to know this. And they need to know that and they need to know this. And they never get going. Because they always there's always something else you need to know.Right, right. And for me, and this may be why do it this way.For me. I learned the best by doing it. Absolutely right. And as long as you have a good mentor, who you can bounce things off of what you went to Keller Williams, and it sounds like you had great mentors that you could jump in. But they were there for you. You went to show a house, you didn't have a license, they were there for you. Right. And they probably were there to answer questions,which also helps you learn.

Praveena Raj: 22:04

Right, right.Yeah. When you're ready,everything lines up, doesn't it?Yeah, absolutely. So just jump in. Yeah, just jump in. And it's like they say like, everything starts with that first step. But if you're not taking that first step, you know, like, yes, then where are you starting? Right?

Rick Ripma: 22:21

Well, I think that's a big superpower. I'm just get I think one of your other superpowers is your, your ability to talk to people. And to get common ground, you seem like you're that's something that you're really, really good at.

Praveena Raj: 22:38

Is that right? So the conversation, it was not always my biggest, biggest strength, I would say. But, you know, when when, especially when you're like working with many people, I am a very good listener. And, you know, from there, I will know exactly what they want. I listen, and, and even my clients, they they say like, I completely Listen, what they want, and then I start suggesting the things for them.So not straight away, when they just call, you know, it's not that someone calls me and then I'm like, Hey, let's meet up in this home before even I know what they really want. Right?Like, yeah, so. So yeah, it's it. And also, it's the process,how to make it easier for my clients. And that all starts with listening, and then understanding what their needs are. So yeah, absolutely. Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 23:38

So do you specialize in working with just the India of people with the same ethnicity? Because we've had a couple of people we have one guy on recently was Arabic and everything. And so he spoke their language and he's like this, that's my niche. I know,but I'm just saying but he spoke, so it was easy. He was easy to communicate. So do you specialize in working with people from India or do you is it everybody?

Praveena Raj: 24:07

So, majority of my clienteles are like I said like from my spears and that might be has started with you know my our friends mostly and then but I do work with all walks of all different diversities and different people. But majority is your right from India

Ian Arnold: 24:30

or and then What languages do you speak if somebody is listening to us right now there

Rick Ripma: 24:35

get a list because I know

Praveena Raj: 24:40

you know what, I just speak English.

Rick Ripma: 24:44

I wish I could.

Praveena Raj: 24:46

Yeah, but then you know, sometimes it is comfortable like when you see people who speak your own language. And then somehow we just start speaking language but But most of the people that are here, like they are comfortable talking in English at least they understand English. So yeah,

Rick Ripma: 25:08

my brother in law is from one of them is from India.And he was telling me that, like you were saying that every little area, there's a there's a local language that anytime then there's a I don't know if it's called a state, I may be wrong.Yeah, date language. And then there's a national language.

Praveena Raj: 25:27

Yes, there are 24national languages believe it's not so.

Rick Ripma: 25:32

So you have to learn a large variety of languages,which I mean, I don't know, I barely speak English, right. But I think it really helps your mind if you're, if you're able to speak

Praveena Raj: 25:46

multiple languages language. So I actually know, I can understand I can at least fluently talk just to languages,but then I can understand at least like four languages, and then communicate as much as like other people can understand me,not fluently, but as much as other people can understand.

Rick Ripma: 26:08

Well, I think that's big. Yeah. And I think it helps people if you if you're able to do that, if, if that's the case,of course, we, you know, we've had people say, Well, yeah, but they lived all over the world.And they said, Most places you go, they speak English. Right?Yeah. And then India wasn't that, like the, the British had.Right. And there's some reason that there's so many languages there. They didn't want everybody speak the same. Same language, right?

Praveena Raj: 26:36

No, it's It's not that like we are, you know, in India, you can see so much of diversities, and we still stay united. Like, as, as a nation,right? Like, if you see every state speaks, like the culture is different, the language is different. So many so much of differences. But with among all the differences, we still stay united. The it's not even before Britishers came to India, there was like so many languages.Okay, so it's, I, if you look back into the history, even like, well, before, like, there was always like, multiple languages, and still people lived. together united. And so sometimes even I wonder what,how did they communicate them?You know, they go state to state like, is it like sign language?I don't know how that worked.But yeah. It's amazing, because now we have many common languages. But then at least like, Hindi is the most. You know, most speaking language in India, and also English, English is the common language that we all speak now. Yeah. Yeah.English is

Rick Ripma: 27:57

everywhere, right?

Ian Arnold: 27:59

Yes. All right. So if somebody is looking to buy or sell with you, or just even have real estate questions, how would they reach you?

Praveena Raj: 28:07

They can always reach Ravena Raj at317-345-6125. Again, my number is 317-345-6125.

Rick Ripma: 28:19

And to get a hold of Ian or I, it's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com Or you can call 317-672-1938.That's 317-672-1938.

Ian Arnold: 28:32

And now we'll get into the question of the week and the question of the week is sponsored by Hey, Rick and I the hard working mortgage guys,where we believe in helping and supporting you and your realtor by sending constant updates to the loan process. We don't like living in a black hole, so we do not allow you to live in a black hole. All right, so here's your question. And this one might really stumped. Yeah. What was your first card?

Praveena Raj: 28:54

So, first car. My husband's first car is civic Honda Civic. Mine was like, I should say honda odyssey that he bought. I didn't buy it. So I cannot say my car. The one he gifted is Honda Odyssey. So but now I the first car that I bought myself is like, ionic wondai. Okay. Conde Ionic? Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 29:27

So are the Honda's still around? Because I know they just last forever so

Praveena Raj: 29:32

yeah, my the Honda Odyssey I still have one at home. You know, like I still use it sometimes. Yeah,

Rick Ripma: 29:40

now your car's electric. Yeah, that's how do you like that?

Praveena Raj: 29:44

It's really good.From January I never went into gas station. So that's a good feeling because you know where I, I know like most of Realtors can relate to me because until it shows end I don't realize that I need to go to gas station. So there is some times like I'm just praying, like, God helped me reach my destination or help me reach my destination or a gas station. But now like,I just plug it in. So that's like, that is the Yeah, not I'm not excited about technologies.I'm like, I don't have to, you know, play like, full guard into like, helping me. charger at home at night. So yeah, yeah, I just always charge Yeah, and I probably charge us like, two days. Or sometimes three days,like I put it in otherwise,like, it's all fine. Like, yes.covers the whole week. Yeah, no,I,

Rick Ripma: 30:43

I would I don't have an electric car. I think they can be phenomenal. They have a lot of positives. And I love the way and I don't really understand why an electric car they can put in, you know, 55inch TV screens. I'm exaggerating. But in the car,you know, your your your nav system is this little comparative, just this little tiny. I don't understand why electric car can have all that maybe more electric? I don't know,

Ian Arnold: 31:10

I don't know, drive a hybrid. So all right.

Rick Ripma: 31:13

I don't.

Ian Arnold: 31:15

All right. So let me ask you this. What do you think consider one of your most memorable deals?

Praveena Raj: 31:21

Memorable deals?So it's always like, well, there is one particular scenario like,because the husband passed away,and then wife doesn't have much experience in the country. Just being here, like probably less than two years, like one and a half years. And then we had to go through the whole process of like, probates, and then whatnot, so and then at the end of the day, like, at the end of the deal, like she's like, I was able to help her. She was like,very happy. I mean, that is the satisfaction that I get by helping other people. So that's the most satisfied deal like I had. And every every transaction is very important. But then this one I was like, able to help from from the scratch. Yes. So that was one of the most memorable. Yes,

Ian Arnold: 32:28

yeah, the ones that hit your emotions, usually, I think, yeah. They make it feel different. And one thing I think that story tell, especially for newer people out there is you catch people in many different different circumstances when they're buying a home, or they're having to sell their home, whether they're, oh, now I got a new baby, or hey, husband just passed, or there's a lot of situations. So, as a realtor,we've joked that you guys are all going to have your counselor hats on to so right.

Praveena Raj: 32:58

Yeah. And then,yeah, just take all the emotions and then just stay costal stay calm and then make them feel alright.

Rick Ripma: 33:09

Yeah, it's so important. And it's not always a happy time. Right, right. I think that's absolutely a lot of people miss it. Kind of with that, what would you say? Are some of the misconceptions people have about what a real estate agent actually does?

Praveena Raj: 33:26

Well, they think like, all the realtors have their own time, like they their own, because just because they are their own boss, it doesn't mean like we have enough time.Some sometimes the misconception is like they we work in our time, but it's actually like having so many bosses instead of just one boss. So that is one thing. So and then now like because I'm I, I'm okay. Because I enjoy what I'm doing. But still, because when you enjoy something and when you're passionate, you don't know you can work all day long. And that's how I have been doing but then now I want to bring that give that time to the family. So still some people think like we can we work like 24 by seven,but we still realtors have family and we have to fix that.So yeah, that that is the couple of things that I think and and also and another another thing is like sometimes I see like new buyers first time homebuyers.They think like they can go into any builder and then builder builder represents them, but all they have to understand is like they are the sellers they they represent themselves, you know,so they They still need an expert advice or whole process,you know, through all the process until they close because buying an existing home, you can close it in like, you know, a few weeks. But then when you build it's like a very long process. Yes. So you still need guidance. Yeah. So that is another thing.

Rick Ripma: 35:24

Yep. Yeah, I would say to that point, I spent 11years with a new homebuilder.No. Unnecessary evil just like the I think they I think a person actually needs a homebuyer actually needs a real estate agent, maybe more when they're building a house.Because there's so much that goes on in the process. And you kind of forget that the builder is also the seller, like you just said, and you want that third party, that real estate agent who's there to work help you. And quite honestly, as as a new home salesperson, it's that was actually better in our minds to have the real estate agent there. Because the real estate agent, many times can help explain something that is just normal. Right? Right. That a first time homebuyer or even even a 15th. time homebuyer may not realize that the markets changed. And this has changed.It does it this way. But somebody the build the seller telling you that doesn't have as much impact as the real estate agent who's done this a million times and can say, Yes, this is what happens. This is how it works. And so I think it makes it and the reason I think it's valuable is because I think it makes it a lot less stressful on the home buyer. Right? And that's what really what it's about.

Praveena Raj: 36:48

Yeah, absolutely.And you You need someone who really knows the whole process,and then can guide you. So because as a realtor I was able to save. It's not just like at the time of signing, right?Like, you still have your inspections, your walkthroughs,and the whole thing your design,center selections, options and everything. So you can still save a lot of money in this whole process. So you know,absolutely, you're right, right,like, yeah, whether it is first time homebuyer or like, doesn't matter. Yeah, it doesn't matter.You need someone to represent you.

Rick Ripma: 37:28

I agree. I think the same thing about somebody who thinks they're going to sell their house on their own. Yeah,I think you know, I understand the thought, the, because if you don't understand the entire process, you don't realize that they're for sale by if you sell your house on your own, the vast majority of people end up netting less money than they would if they had a top top agent. Now I'm not saying that they go, they go get a bad agent, I'm talking about a guru,right? Absolutely get a top agent, you interview a top agent, and you have somebody there. I mean, I know from family experience, not my own personal but I had a brother or sister in law who made more money. And they know they did because they tried to do it on their own, they had it sold, it fell out because the person didn't like the inspection. They ended up netting 40,000 More once I hired a real estate agent, which I told him from the start to hire. But, but that was the that it makes it makes your life less stressful. So even if you even if you make the same money, your life is less stressful, but I believe you're going to make more money, I believe you're going to be it's going to be much less stressful.And you're going to be a lot happier for it.

Praveena Raj: 38:40

Yes, absolutely.It's, it's, you know, like everyone has their you know,strengths, right? Like, like, if I'm going to a chef like he's really good in cooking and then I listen to him and then I get benefit out of it because so that's how it is like you need an expert who can guide you through the whole process. It's an if you are not in real estate then then most likely there is not we have people have to accept that they don't know everything right? Right. It's not that all all the people in real real estate knows everything but you know, we we still do our due diligence, you know, to make sure they get the right home and at right price and they are not paying more or if they are selling you know, we make sure they are not under selling you know things like that.

Rick Ripma: 39:40

Well, I I I love cars. But if I can go and get a video that YouTube on how to change my motor, pull my motor out and put a new motor in.Okay, but I guarantee you if I do it it's going to cost me a lot more money. I think the problem is they don't give a real estate agent. They don't understand what an agent does for them. I think there's so much, and there's so much that knowledge matters. It'd be kind of like going to a doctor. Well,you want to go if you go to a great doctor, they're gonna do much better. I just think it's important. Yeah. Go ahead.

Praveena Raj: 40:19

Absolutely. Yes.

Ian Arnold: 40:20

So are you saying WebMD does not tell me exactly what's wrong with me? When I look it up?

Rick Ripma: 40:27

It does. If it tells you what's wrong, it may be right or wrong. But even if it tells you what it is, you still want a doctor who make sure that you're getting you know, that's Yeah, yeah, I know. That's your point. Yeah, it just man, it makes so much, it's so important to have an expert, walk you through the process. Be there by your side. You know, it's just so much easier. And it's so much I think you end up with at the minimum breaking even, but I always say you make money by by hiring a real estate.

Praveena Raj: 40:57

Yes. And another thing is in, in my experience,every transaction is different.So what you hear out there in the websites, it's like, it's all generic, but every drug transaction is different. You know, so you do need someone,you know, to guide through through that transaction?

Ian Arnold: 41:19

Absolutely. So you mentioned a little bit earlier about first time homebuyers and stuff. So if somebody is looking to possibly they're thinking about to stop renting or to buy a home, what do you see as the benefits between for a first time homebuyer, whether it's their mental state or even financial state?

Praveena Raj: 41:41

Yes, that's a great question. So. So, I know I'm pretty sure like, we all know that rent is increasing on every day, right? You know, it's like last since like, I got started in real estate, okay.Whoever bought the home at whatever point it is, whoever bought the home in that same rental, so I have helped a lot of first time homebuyers to whatever their rent rent,they're paying to their Warner's like, around the same amount like I have helped them to get home, because you're in mortgage Right? Like, wouldn't you agree,what they are paying with with a rent? And then what they pay on their own home? Like, it's there is not too much of a difference?Most the time? There's most of them? Yeah, most of the time, as long as they stay within their limit? Yes. So I think it's many people, they hesitate a lot.It's the thing that really stops them is like the commitment, I believe, because they are scared. Like if it isn't rental I should say like when as long as they are qualified, if they are still in rental, there are people like who are like the,from the clients that I work,right? People are in the country like for like 15 years, 20years, still they live in a rental home, and even hear people who are born in America,right? Like still they live in a rental home, and we can buy a home at any price point. You know, it's not that they we can only find homes that you know.So it's not that you have to live in a rental home, you can always buy a home. And then make sure to talk to a lender to see if you can really what is your price point to stay within your price limit to write, and then at least you are building an equity on your home and saving somewhere. So yeah, just talk to some lender. And I mean, there is so many lenders, right like you, wouldn't you guys like advise them? What is their price point? And then what is the best thing for them for now? Even if they cannot buy right now?Wouldn't you advise? Like, how they can improve their credit?Or you know, things like that so that they can buy pretty soon?Yeah, well, yeah.

Rick Ripma: 44:19

So that it's important.

Praveena Raj: 44:20

I believe I answered your question, or I don't. Yeah, you're right. Yeah.So

Ian Arnold: 44:26

but yeah, I mean,you hit some of the things is,let's think about it is you were talking about the appreciation on a house or versus right.Okay. So let's say you want to you just stay renting for five years, and you're let's say you pay $1,000. Well, after five years, you spent $60,000. All right, well, now let's say you bought a home and the same price, you're going to spend$1,000 Well, guess what? One your house you're going to appreciate. Then also you're going to pay a lot to the principal. So let's say you break even let's just Say everything, you got to put an roof whatever you break even. So after five years you sell your home and your guess what? You just lived for free? For five years? Yes,

Rick Ripma: 45:10

yeah. Which is a$60,000 savings. In that example.

Ian Arnold: 45:14

I'm sorry for saving your money.

Rick Ripma: 45:17

It's important.

Ian Arnold: 45:20

But no, Rick and I talked about it quite a bit. And it's always nice to hear Realtors talk about what first time homebuyers that not only mental state, but are in financial, but what people get out of it. I mean, the freedom of being able to do whatever you want, you have to worry about,hey, there's gonna be a rent increase here this next year or whatnot. So it is nice to have.

Praveena Raj: 45:42

And I do understand some people like,they don't know how long they will be in one certain places.And, you know, that is always there are scenarios, but majority of the people when they plan it, and then talk to the experts, you know, they don't have to, you know, pay rent forever, you know, they can always

Rick Ripma: 46:02

difference in wealth from a homeowner from to a renter, last time I looked is like $500,000, a homeowner as$500,000 More in investments now that could be an equity of the house, things like that.$500,000 more money than a than a renter has on average. That's huge. Yes. It's the way to do it. And it's and yes, I agree with you. 100%. There are situations that doesn't make any sense. So if somebody, if somebody is going to be moving in three months, then yeah, you don't want to go by house,right? You're gonna be moving out, or you're getting transferred. But I find so many people just, they just never get around to it. They always have something that might happen.There's a point where you just gotta go, You know what, I need to do this? Because if nothing else, you can take that house,and you can rent it and make money on it. Absolutely. Yeah.It's not the end of the world.If that's what you have to do.Now, you you may have to get some equity out first and buy another house. But you know,that's the case. Anyway, I think it's I agree with you. 100% is really important. But if somebody wanted to get a hold of you to buy a home, or maybe sell a home, what would be the best way to do that?

Praveena Raj: 47:12

Call me at317-345-6125. Again, my number is 317-345-6125. And to

Rick Ripma: 47:23

get a hold of Ian or I, it's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com Or you can call 317-672-1938.That's 317-672-1938. And follow us for more indies real estate gurus.

Ian Arnold: 47:39

We'd like to thank you for your time. It's been a pleasure having you on our show today.

Praveena Raj: 47:42

And it's my pleasure. Thank you so much for having me here.

Ian Arnold: 47:46

And reminder, if you have any friends, family or coworkers looking to buy, sell or refinance, let us know we'll be more than happy to help them

Announcer: 47:53

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