Rising Guru Rebecca Hameda with The Stewart Home Group

Ian Arnold: 0:01

Hey, Rick, we had Rebecca, how do you pronounce her last name? Come on, come off. I Hamina Hamina There you go good. Yeah, she was. She is a rising guru. And just talking to her is phenomenal. You can see why she is rising and rising fast. I mean, the stories one she has right now are just phenomenal. I love these stories, that

Rick Ripma: 0:28

she's done a lot of business. Yes. I mean, it's you're listening to Tony rock guy. I think she might actually be a guru. Yes. You know, she is she's still fairly new. So she's a rising guru. And just a just a wonderful person.

Ian Arnold: 0:41

Yes, she is. I mean, just the how she got into the business and then the how that business has led her to all these different situations and finding the right team for her. This is one that people should definitely listen to,

Unknown: 0:57

I think is phenomenal. Welcome to India's real estate gurus, your ultimate guide to the dynamic world of real estate in Indiana. And I'm Rick Ripma, your hardworking mortgage guy and I've been in real estate and mortgages for over 24 years. And I'm Ian Arnold, a loan officer on brakes hard working mortgage game and we're both with advisors mortgage, together will empower you with expert advice market trend is assessable stories from Guru realtors and local experts. Whether you're a homeowner, investor or pro, join us as we navigate the thriving indie real estate market.

Ian Arnold: 1:32

Now get ready to unlock the doors of success. One episode at a time. Hi,

Rick Ripma: 1:38

welcome. And thank you for joining us. Today we have Rebecca and I'm not even going to try to pronounce your name because I know I already made a I made I made I made up I was close. Very close. And Rebecca you're with Stuart HomeGroup. I am Yes. And can you just give us a little background on what you did before real estate where you grew up? Kind of what your life was like?

Rebecca Hameda: 2:01

Okay, so that's a great question because I've done just a little bit of everything. I have always lived in the Mooresville. Plainfield area, graduated from Plainfield High School. And now I currently live in Mooresville and love it. Before real estate I've done like I said just about a bit of everything I started out in the serving and bar industry, then had a little bit of a lengthy career as a massage therapist at a pretty well known Salon and Day Spa downtown. After that, I went to school for occupational therapy, and loved working in the nursing and rehabilitation homes. I also did a clinical rotation in a locked mental health unit. Oh really? Yeah. So interesting. It absolutely was prepared me for real estate. So that was that was definitely fun for me. And then after that I was the lunch lady. So I spent some time in the school cafeteria, excuse me, that was actually before occupational therapy as I was going to school. And then once I had my daughter, she's, she's now five years old, went back to work in the rehab unit after that. And I just thought, Man, this is this, it was so nice being home and having that flexibility with all the children be in there too. So my husband and I sat down, it was interesting, because he actually had a financial advisor come over. So I was you know, dabbling in the kitchen. He's like, Honey, I'd like for you to sit down because this is for you. And I thought what's the sweetest thing ever? Got me a date with a financial advisor. And we talked about the reality I guess the feasibility of me maybe starting to kind of work from home a little bit more and forego that full time job. So we did we had also recently bought our second home at that time to allow room for said new daughter. And I was fascinated with the process. I liked the social aspects, the communication, the the organization and the documentation and stuff like that. So I was encouraged by a good friend and who was a real estate agent at the time to pursue my real estate license. And I did. And I love it. I think that with the little bit of each thing that I've done, up until this point in my life, it really gave me a great opportunity to make those connections and still be able to serve other people. So it really became quite a beautiful fit for me is

Rick Ripma: 4:31

a lot different than what you thought it was going to be.

Unknown: 4:35

Gosh, that's a good question. It is and it's not so it is in the way of the flexible hours like I said are fantastic but by that's by no means a part time job. So it's very flexible, but when you are working, you're talking nights and weekends you always need to be available, but you can also choose when to be available if that makes sense. So It is quite a bit what I thought it would be. But it's not in the realm of I never realized how helpful it would be, you know, I come from an industry of serving with massage therapy and occupational rehab therapy, but being able to help people in such big, big ways. I hear so many real estate agents say like, gosh, this is just so fulfilling. And it really, really is. I mean, you are helping people make some of the biggest decisions ever. And they trust you. So you're leading them and guiding them through that and making these connections with people. And it's, that is not what I expected. But it's one of the things I love the most for sure. Yeah. It's

Rick Ripma: 5:41

amazing to me how so many people how they get into real estate, some of them it's, it's very much we just loved real estate, we, you know, and others. It's, they didn't necessarily mean to, but once they got Yeah, and they fell in love with real estate. Absolutely.

Unknown: 5:56

Yeah, absolutely. That's definitely my story, too. I, I had always been kind of interested. But I'm more of the, you know, health and biology type of lover I love, you know, the more natural homeopathic type of route, but you know, it didn't seem like real estate would be my route. But now that I'm here, I'm like, gosh, this is this is all me.

Ian Arnold: 6:20

That's awesome. Yeah. So what was your husband's reaction? You're like, I think I want to do real estate. Well,

Unknown: 6:26

honestly, he supports pretty much anything, okay? Okay, honey, whatever you want to do, you know, okay, honey, whatever you want to do. And then I started taking the tests and doing the studying and stuff like that. And he was loving the idea of me being able to stay home with the kids more, you know, because that was just such a benefit for our whole family, we now have four children. So we're a blended family of six. And he was just loving that idea. And it really works well for us. So yeah, he was definitely supportive. I'm definitely that wife. That is if I say like, Hey, bring a goat home. He'd be like, All right, let me build a pin. So definitely supportive.

Ian Arnold: 7:04

So I know didn't start as always tough. So what did you do? Or in what are you doing to get going and stay going? Okay,

Unknown: 7:13

so that is, that's a good one, I really feel like you have to build on your communications in every single aspect, exploring every single avenue that you can, and outside of the box creative ways. So in order to get started, like I said, I had had the opportunity to have a couple different careers. So I was blessed enough to have clients from, you know, the lunch lady realm, where they might have students, children, whatever the case may be new people from the school system, teachers, educators, administrators, and then as well as some of the support staff as well. So that's helpful. But then with the occupational therapy, I worked in a couple of nursing homes. So nursing staff, as well as some of the patient's support staff, I guess you could say, friends and family members, and then CNAs, and stuff like that. Just about everybody I was able to make a connection with but really diving into your communication, there's so many people, when you get started in real estate, they say, okay, so you need to sit down and create your sphere. And that's basically just the people that surround your daily life. Who are you going to reach out to? Who are you going to make connections with, but thinking as far as that sphere can go, and also being comfortable with connecting with those people. So when I got started, I sat down. And I really reached out to every single person in my contact list. And there were some people who were like, Who the heck are you don't text me again. And there were very much some people who were like, hey, that's really great for you, you know, so and so's thinking of buying or selling a house and they want to help support you. So that was that was definitely how I started to grow for sure. I'm

Rick Ripma: 9:07

reading that book. It's been around for a long time, but they got an updated version called influence. And I just happened to be I was just reading this where they were talking about exactly what you just said that it's it's the referral. There's companies that that's how they that's how they work. The Tupperware is what they were talking about is how Tupperware sold. They got rid of their contract with target so that they could concentrate well, because it was it was very profitable, but it was affecting their, their at home. Sure. And that's how they say, you know, and they say it works. Because they're friends. And the one of the other groups they were talking to is how well it works. When you call somebody and say Hey, Jeff Smith asked me to give you a call said that my services might make Exactly. And it's amazing how well that is received by most people, it

Unknown: 10:05

really is well received. And it can be an area of discomfort. But there's one thing if anything that I've learned about real estate is you're gonna get into some pretty uncomfortable situations, but you grow so much through every single period of discomfort. So it can be kind of tricky for some people to be comfortable reaching out to every single person on their contact list and saying, Hey, can you do me a favor? You know, I mean, because then, in a sense, that is kind of what you're doing. But not really, it's okay to just say, Hey, I just got my real estate license, and I would love your support. Do you know anyone who's thinking of buying or selling soon? And people, people are going to going to want to do that, you know, as soon as you actually do it, and it's like, Oh, I'm getting some great feedback here. This is this is okay. And it absolutely works. It really does. Yeah,

Rick Ripma: 10:53

I think it's one of the things that's great about real estate, it's the same with mortgages is you think real estate's even better than mortgages, and everybody wants to talk to you about real estate, who doesn't either want to buy a house, I want to sell a home, or I want to know what's going on with my house?

Unknown: 11:08

Oh, for sure. Yeah, for sure. No, and that's a really good point, too, because one of the most important ways that you can grow yourself is to constantly talk about real estate, and not necessarily in like a braggy way, if you will, you know, but there's, there's so many people who's like, Hey, how's the housing market going? You know, and not only that, but talking to other agents, everyone, not everyone, but there are some agents who they almost want to be in competition with one another. And I found that that is not the way and that is not the way to go. But if you can really get into great conversations with other agents, with appraisers, with mortgage brokers, inspectors, anyone that you can, and you can talk about interesting deals, what they have been through before, what they've struggled with, or Oh, my gosh, you're never gonna believe what happened with this transaction, you can learn some really good tips and tricks and solutions to that can help you in your future for sure. Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 12:08

And what they don't tell you is once you already say you're a realtor, you're in real estate is you don't bring it up. They come to you. All the time. You don't have to be going, hey, just so you want to know, the market is this. They come to you, hey, what do you what do you think is going on right now? Yeah,

Unknown: 12:24

and it comes from people that you would never expect as well. You know, it's, it's, it's wonderful. My grandmother who's 100 years old, you know, sometimes will say, so what do you think about this that's going on, and it just gives you such an opportunity to talk with so many different people in in so many ways, and everyone can make some type of connection with real estate in one way or another even if you've never been a homeowner, you know, that's it's everybody's dream and goal and desire to so you really can communicate on every different level. Yeah.

Ian Arnold: 12:54

So I do have to ask, though, so when you first started getting in there and training and did you use your kids as demo art you want to come show? Let me show you an eyebrow person.

Unknown: 13:06

100% I can say that it might, it might be slightly unprofessional to in some people's opinion, but my daughter helped me sell probably, you know, 60% of some of the houses in one year that I that I sold, she would accompany me sometimes. And oh, she's cute. And I didn't do that with every single client. But yeah, I definitely have used my children to to my advantage but and I'm not ashamed because they have very much learned from it too. It's, it's really cool. My 16 year old has said, you know, I think maybe I might get my real estate license when I'm 18 and not necessarily as a career but just something to have you know, so it's it's definitely been beneficial for the little ones the middle aged children, if you will, and then my oldest to to just kind of see some of the different aspects.

Ian Arnold: 13:55

So if anybody sees a kid walk around and trash bag in an open house, it's probably your kid right? Yeah. Oh, I just need to hurry up and sell this house.

Unknown: 14:04

We get ice cream. Thanks. Right because worksheet. They do. That's right.

Rick Ripma: 14:13

It's because they're not inexpensive in any other way.

Unknown: 14:16

Right? Oh my gosh. Well, it's,

Rick Ripma: 14:18

it's interesting with your with your kids. So how do you balance that? How do you balance that piece of your life with real estate? So

Unknown: 14:27

some sometimes I don't I try to but you really, really have to be keen on time management. And that can be a struggle. In the in the beginning it was a bit of a struggle for me because things in all honesty, things grew very fast. For me when I started out, it took maybe gosh, I want to say three to six months maybe before I had my first transaction. But that first transaction was they were a buyer and then they had to sell their property and then it just kind of took off from there. So I dove into the documentation and listing and selling very, very quickly. But at that time having three children, but their different age ranges, it was, you know, sometimes I would be pulling our camper on the way to going on a vacation and pull over at the gas station and write an offer on my phone. And, you know, wait until we get to an area of cell phone service, make a couple phone calls. So I wouldn't necessarily recommend that. But I do think that you have to make, you have to make big on time management. And one key piece of advice that I feel like seems very simple, but it's not one thing at a time. And that can be such a simple level as well. So for example, you open up your email, and you have in the morning five to six different emails, just from like three different deals, okay, well, we're going to work through 123 Street first in its entirety, if anything new comes in, in regards to that, that's going to wait, then I'm going to handle four or 5/6 Avenue, then we're going to take a little bit of a lunch break, you know, and really honing in on your time management skills. You also have to be flexible, and know that there's going to be some of those days where you get thrown a curveball. And you just gotta wait until your recruits come home and give you a little bit of relief or a break and handle things then because just like you said, with reaching out to friends and asking for that help or support, for the most part, your clients are human too. And they're going to know if it's like, you know what, this is a priority to me. So let me get to that by the end of the day. Or let me get to that by first thing in the morning. Because I know that I want to do 5,000% My best that I can for every single client. So I'm sometimes guilty of as soon as I'm given an issue, if you will, I'm like, Okay, I have to find the answer to this, I need the solution right now I gotta get back to him. And that's a great attribute to have. But there's also nothing wrong with saying, You know what, I know that we can find a solution. How about let's re approach this in a couple hours, and then you can really get a better answer or something like that. And all of that. I feel like falls under time management for sure.

Ian Arnold: 17:14

And I think one of the biggest things you said there was you let them know. Yes. Just it's not Hey, problem comes in, you see it, and then you're like in your mind, you're like, hey, I'll get back with him in about four hours. Well, what's that customer doing? Yeah, they're, they're freaking out. Yeah. Or you can be like, hey, look, I saw it. Hey, I'm working on this right now. I'll get back to you by four or five o'clock tonight. And so then they're like, Okay, they got the peace of mind that, hey, look, about four or five o'clock. She'll give me a call. We're gonna figure this out. For

Unknown: 17:42

sure. And I, I do have to say that I don't I don't want to say that. I came up with that by any means. No, you did. You did? Okay. Sure. No, I've learned that from experience for sure. I have definitely learned that and not necessarily in the years length of experience, but transactional experience, if you will. So, there has been times where I've had a deal, where I'm thinking, Gosh, this appraisal has not come back yet. I've not seen a request come through for it to be ordered, what the heck is going on and you reach out, you don't hear anything. And then finally, I may have a conversation where it's like, well, I didn't want to let you know, but we switched lenders two or three times, and then we couldn't get this person to pick up the appraisal and ABCD. And I think I had to do was tell me, all you had to do was tell me because if I'm able to give my seller or my buyer, peace of mind, that goes a long way. And just carrying the peace throughout the transaction, I feel like is the key. Of course, when there's a problem. I'll also say going in hand in hand with that. Sometimes if there's a problem in the transaction, I want to make sure that I can find a solution first before bringing it to their attention. But let's put a time stamp on that. Because if it's like okay, here's problem A that's come at me in the morning, I'm gonna give it an hour too. So I can you know, do some creative solution solving or whatever the case may be, but then definitely have that conversation for sure. So it it goes both ways, because it makes you look like you're an awesome agent because you're finding solutions. But you're also communicating so you're realistic, you're relatable, and that helps build trustworthiness for sure. Yeah,

Ian Arnold: 19:22

well, since you just said you're an awesome agent. Let's get your awesome phone number out there. So what's the best way somebody can get in touch with you have definitely

Unknown: 19:30

phone I always have my phone with me. That's one thing that my my husband probably is not too keen on. But it's a fact. My phone number is 317-946-4944 quite a bit of fours. So you can call me or you can text me I'm a mother of four. So I I'm always awake. I have I have done those deals with people who work the night shift. So I've gotten phone calls or text messages, you know, at 11 where we're talking about accepting offers or listing properties. And sometimes I text people as well. And I'll say, Hey, let me know what your scheduling what your preferred availability is, because there might be a chance that I'll message you later in the evening, if that's when I have work hours available after my priorities with my family. But if that's something that you don't, that you're not too keen on, then let me know. And we can work that out too. So I would say phone or text for sure.

Rick Ripma: 20:25

Right? Four is your number for kids and four fours and yours gotta

Unknown: 20:29

be some meaning to that, right? Well look into that, for sure.

Rick Ripma: 20:34

And to get a hold of the inner I got a HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com. Or you can give us a call at 317 Did the 672 1930 You did that to me on purpose? 31767 to 1938.

Ian Arnold: 20:49

All right, so we're gonna take a sidestep and that's gonna make us this conversation. even funnier. Yeah, I'm gonna take away your phone for 24 hours. Oh, no. You cannot work. What did we catch you doing for fun?

Rick Ripma: 21:02

Oh, her husband just called he's happy. Yeah.

Unknown: 21:06

Please take it. Okay. I love this question. Because first of all, I hope it would be dependent on the season because if it were kind of warm outside, I would be outside with my kids. I love gardening. I love being barefoot in the dirt outside, dig in and getting dirty with the kids. And just kind of playing in the yard. I've gotten into gardening, I have lots of indoor plants and stuff like that. So anything that can just be relaxing and outdoors is definitely my jam. Now if it's a warm beach, and no kids, that's okay, too. But I'm sure as soon as I would get there, I'd be like, Ah, I wonder what everyone else is doing. So I'd still give it a shot.

Rick Ripma: 21:50

What's your favorite beach? Or do you have one? Indian

Unknown: 21:53

rocks Beach in Florida for sure. I don't want to say that out loud, because then everyone else will find out about it. So we used to vacation to Anna Maria Island when I was growing up. So I wanted to take my family and children there. And we did but it's it's very, it's very much a destination. Now it's beautiful, of course, but it was it was very crowded. So my husband said let me let me take you to my favorite beach. And we went to Indian rocks Beach in Florida. And it's just so laid back and it's not overrun with tourist. It's just the perfect place to go and relax. So don't check it out.

Ian Arnold: 22:32

So if you heard a little earlier, while she was saying the name, I'm sorry, if

Rick Ripma: 22:39

you didn't grew up in Florida. Yeah, you

Ian Arnold: 22:41

know what that is? I do not know where that part is like,

Unknown: 22:44

I've been there, but I couldn't tell you directionally. I just knew I think

Rick Ripma: 22:47

she's not. I think she's not letting everybody that's what I that's what I'm

Unknown: 22:51

most like I'm most definitely the person that's like, okay, so you're going to turn left by the big tree. And then it'll be next to the brown house. So I couldn't honestly tell you which side of Florida it's on. But if it's definitely a place to

Ian Arnold: 23:03

visit your husband drives, that's what it sounds like. Yeah.

Unknown: 23:07

No, we're gonna get there. You're retailing my wife.

Ian Arnold: 23:09

She just sleeps. I arrived when I arrived. Right? That's right. That's

Rick Ripma: 23:13

a second person though. We've

Ian Arnold: 23:14

had. Yeah. Last well,

Rick Ripma: 23:16

they don't love the beach. They go to Florida. And it's like what you were talking about? Not a lot of people. Yes. And yeah, yeah. Except

Ian Arnold: 23:24

for his. I live like 2030 minutes away from it. So I knew exactly where Okay, yeah. And it's one of my favorite beaches, too. So what meets with Navarre Beach and Pensacola, that, okay, yeah, it's actually rated one of the 10 vessels. I've heard that I asked for

Unknown: 23:39

some people's recommendations on beaches to visit and things like that are just like family friendly places to take the kids. And that was one of them. For sure. I also know a real estate agent whom, interestingly, I worked with in the school cafeteria, and she went to a church that I visited as well, too. And she now lives in Florida selling real estate and a couple properties that she has facilitated transactions for have been on. Is it Nevada, Nevada, Nevada, and Nevada. So yeah, that's awesome.

Ian Arnold: 24:07

So you're, you're here soon, you'll probably be doing real estate here in Florida. It's just the way it works.

Unknown: 24:13

I might. sounded kind of nice.

Ian Arnold: 24:17

Especially this time of year. Yeah, for sure. Oh, yes,

Unknown: 24:19

definitely. Yeah. So

Rick Ripma: 24:22

I'm gonna get back to real estate. Sure. And maybe not total real estate. But what would you say your superpower superpowers are?

Unknown: 24:30

Okay. Well, first of all, tell me what you want not and I got it. And if not, I'll find a way to get there for sure. That's one thing that my dad always told me growing up is he was like, if you don't know the answer to the question, just figure out who to ask. But no, no, it is it is for sure. That's some great advice. He's Uh, he's definitely a good one. So honestly, I would say tenacious grit. So I am not going to stop. I'm not going to back down. I'm not going to quit, I will just keep on, keep on keep on going and find any type of creative solution that we can to get the job done. There have been endless transactions where once it's over, you know, we're at that closing table documents are signed, like I'm running out of here, you know, because it just seems like we have been through one thing after another, but hanging in there, and trying to find any and all, again, outside of the box creative solution that you can, and a lot of that comes from exhausting your your resources. And when I say exhausting them, my resources are like, Oh, it's Rebecca. The phone's ringing, and she's calling again. But that's just that, you know, tenacity, and that grit is you just have to keep going. Because there's so many agents, and you touched on this earlier, that's like, you know, they just kind of don't have the communication or there's a problem that's like, Well, I think we might just need to mutually release. I'm like, No, hang on just a second, we still have option, you know, element op left to to explore here for sure.

Rick Ripma: 26:08

Most times, if everybody wants to make it work, that's true. Most times. That's true. You can make it work, not every time but most times, no matter what happens if everybody wants it. Most, most times you can get taken care of absolutely

Unknown: 26:23

agree with that. And most times everybody does want to make it work. I think that the difference is knowing that you probably still can because of course there's that want to make it work, right? Like why would you be doing this, if you just wanted everything to foil, I'd be kind of silly. But knowing that not only that you want to make it work, but that you have to have that will to make it work? What are you willing to do? Of course, everybody has to have personal and professional boundaries. But at the same time, what are you willing to? How much? Are you willing to exert yourself to get the job done? Right? What can you do? What can you you know, how far can you go to help out your client there was, for example, one transaction, we went through everything with this one, they had a failed septic system, it was in a very rural, Amish County, and it was what some people would call an illegal septic. So of course, as soon as you hear that any agent would be like, Oh, my gosh, I'm running this is this is too much, we're going to have to, you know, what are you going to do? Have the seller dig a hole, new septic system? Or, like, that's a big, big deal. So I thought, Okay, I'm gonna put my kids who are super adorable in the stroller, and we're going to drive an hour away to the rush county courthouse, and we're going to meet with the environmental engineer, and we're going to ask him, What can we do? Because again, like Ian said, it's that communication, that can be a deal ending thing. But if you talk with the right people, and kind of put yourself out there to make that relationship, hey, this is what we're dealing with. What What can we do to make this right? They're human too. And you, you can really make, you know, you can really be a trailblazer, if you will, that way, for sure, is just doing what it takes to maybe put yourself out there and find solutions for your client, for sure. Okay, so

Rick Ripma: 28:16

I got no, what was the solution? They dug in new septic. So I figured it'd be

Unknown: 28:21

good, but the Amish are a resilient, resourceful group of people. And there is a family member that does just about every trade in the book. So it was like you just mentioned, you know, of course, I'm like sweating thinking, Gosh, this is what we're gonna have to do. They're not gonna like this. He bring the issue up to your seller. And he's like, okay, and then an hour or two later, here comes somebody with a backhoe. And then, you know, the engineer is out there supervising to make sure that if this is what's happening, this is the way it needs to be done. And it was, it was a fascinating thing to be a part of, for sure.

Ian Arnold: 28:58

Yeah. That is one of those things, especially for new people or new agents. Yeah, the business. You don't want to deliver bad news? Well, you don't realize that the people might already in their mind know that this might come up. Yeah. And you also don't know what they know exists. So like you said, you mentioned that you you're doing all this research, hey, what do we do? Well, you do this? You mentioned one little thing he made two phone calls or whatever it was like being there I showed up and it's been done. Yes,

Unknown: 29:23

exactly. I mean, it was it was fascinating, but but you're right now on the flip side of that another piece of advice that I got from from the guy that actually helped me get into real estate he sold me my my first house and the second one too. One piece of advice that he told me as a new agent is, you know, more than they do you know, there's so many new agents who think, Gosh, this is this is so intimidating. I have a couple of deals with someone who's a mega agent, you know, are selling millions of dollars of real estate and how am I supposed to go toe to toe with this person on a on a negative inspection report or something like that? It's like or how I supposed to deliver bad news to my seller or even good news to a buyer or seller, you want to make sure that you're really coddling that relationship, if you will. And you just have to keep in mind, for the most part in most situations, you know more than they do not necessarily the other agent. That's not what I mean. But as far as like clients and people who are asking you questions, you went to school, you went through the classes, hopefully, you're doing your continuing education, and you are interested in real estate. So you're listening to podcasts, you're, you're reading the articles, you're doing things like that, and filling yourself with education, so that you know, more than the average Joe about real estate. And if you have that confidence in yourself, that's really going to show through to your clients as well and help with that for sure. Plus, if

Rick Ripma: 30:50

you have a good group surrounding you, yes. Which you have the mentors? Oh, yeah, you have the ability to get the information that you need, pretty quickly.

Unknown: 31:03

That's right. Right, right. And I feel like to go along with that you have to be willing to reach out and have those conversations, there are some real estate agents that kind of keep to themselves and, and they, they grow their own brand. And that's great. That's one thing that I love about real estate is you really truly can do what you want with it, you know, you can grow whichever direction you want, you can get into which other realm you want, whether that's investments, or first time homebuyers or VA loans, or whatever the VA buyers, excuse me, whatever the case may be. But one thing that I love about the brokerage that I'm with is everybody has something to offer, there could be a new agent who's only been in real estate for two years, but she's selling 10 to $15 million in real estate a year. She's finance, like, she's just fascinating. There's agents who have done several flip properties themselves, so they can advise you on, you know, the investment side, there's agents in our brokerage who are property managers as well, who? Well, there's one group who her husband is a contractor, we have an appraiser who works with our brokerage. So there are endless resources. And as long as you're willing to just reach out, it doesn't matter how long you've been doing real estate, or how many millions you have sold, just asking somebody else a question. And really kind of bumping ideas off one another has been not only one of my favorite things about it, but a fantastic way to grow, is just getting so many different opinions and then thinking, I'm going to take a little of this little of that. And then here we go. Here's my thought. And it's really a neat thing.

Rick Ripma: 32:45

So if somebody wants to get a hold of you, because they want to work with you, as a real estate agent, what is the best way for them to get a hold of you? Phone

Unknown: 32:54

number or text? For sure? Yeah, you can email me and I will definitely check. Check my email for sure. I'm always I'm always checking my phone for sure. But I would say phone number or text would

Rick Ripma: 33:06

be the easiest way to get a hold. What's the best phone number? 317-946-4944.

Unknown: 33:13

Okay,

Rick Ripma: 33:13

along with all the fours. That's right. So 317-946-4944 I'm

Unknown: 33:18

here for you. Say, there you go.

Ian Arnold: 33:23

Be a little cautious. You're weak people we call Indy star here in a second.

Unknown: 33:28

Oh, my gosh, I feel like my phone numbers on everything. You know, it's like, it's on your business card. It's on your online advertisements. And that's great, though, because I, you know, I, I don't have the spam blocker turned off. Because there might be a phone number. I don't know. And I'm like, I don't know if I should answer that or not. And every time I do, and every time I do, it's it's typically somebody asking for help or asking for an opinion or a question or, Hey, you want to sell my house? Yes, I do. No.

Ian Arnold: 33:57

Call somebody else.

Rick Ripma: 34:00

type of business. Yeah, you just have to answer the phone. You do. You do. And you just have to get good at saying I'm not interested if it's something that you're not interested in. Right? Yes.

Unknown: 34:09

But also doing that professionally, wisely. There's so many times where you know how it is if you get like a spam call, and then your significant other or teenager or something is like hang on my frigerators running or whatever funny thing they think to say. However, real estate is a huge industry, but a small world as well. So if there's somebody who just happens to be, you know, selling insurance for John Smith, real estate services or something like that, if you handle that phone call personally, and or excuse me personally and professionally, you never know they might, they might have a good thing to say about you the next time or you might see them in a transaction like oh, yeah, I think I talked to you one time when I was trying to, you know, sell insurance or something like that. So you really do have to make sure that you're staying on top of They

Rick Ripma: 35:00

might need to buy a house or sell a house, right? That's, you know,

Unknown: 35:03

they might want to get their real estate license.

Rick Ripma: 35:05

Just never know, I know. It's amazing how that that works.

Ian Arnold: 35:09

You just got to, you got to reverse that call, they don't sell you, you turn around and sell them.

Unknown: 35:14

I had somebody call me as a, I think it was a recruiting call or something like that, because I think it's around either the beginning of the year or the end of the year. Typically, some other agencies and brokerages, some of the big corporate ones will look at sales and things like that, and then just kind of start making cold calls, Hey, have you ever considered joining this team or that team or this brokerage? And one time somebody called me and I'm like, you know, I think I worked a transaction with you this past year. Do you remember that one? Oh, yeah, that went really well. And I'm like, so I'm thinking of joining a team. Or I think I'm thinking about creating a team, excuse me, and then, you know, they're like, wait a minute, this isn't how they're supposed to go. We were trying to recruit you. I'm like, Well, if you're looking for a great brokerage, mine is the place to be at.

Rick Ripma: 36:00

They're gonna recruit. Yes. So there might as well at least listen, right? It's right. Yeah, that's right.

Unknown: 36:05

I'm staying where I'm at. That's right. All right.

Ian Arnold: 36:07

So let's get into the question of the week. Okay. What was your first car?

Unknown: 36:12

Oh, it was a 1986 Chevy Celebrity. With the bench seats.

Ian Arnold: 36:17

You are the second person within the last couple of weeks have had the same way our car really? Yeah, maybe different year but still the same is

Rick Ripma: 36:25

a popular car. The Chevy Celebrity was it probably like, I don't know, I drove it. I mean, they were one of the first front wheel drives if I remember, right. They

Ian Arnold: 36:35

were I'm not for sure. On that one.

Unknown: 36:37

I'm not sure either it my sister and I, we shared it. Were about 18 months apart in age. So when we got our license, you know around the same time we we shared that car.

Rick Ripma: 36:47

You have good memories of that car. Yes. Yeah, definitely. Now, what's the favorite your favorite car that you've ever had? Oh, gosh, the

Ian Arnold: 36:55

mom van.

Unknown: 36:56

The one that I have right now. I actually just recently sold my or traded in my brand new Kia Telluride for my mom van. And just because we needed slidy doors and more space after I had my fourth child, I was like, You know what, I'm buying myself a gift for myself. I'm gonna get myself a Kia Telluride is what I've always wanted. And I loved it. I really did. But you know, there I got four kids, and when they have their friends over their gears and all their sports gear and whatnot. So we traded in in and now I have the classic mom van with the with the screens, and sometimes I'm driving this thing and I'm like, Man, this is nice. I never in my, in my teens and 20s would think I would ever say that. But here I am. And I love it.

Ian Arnold: 37:43

Because Rick and I were both in car industry. It's interesting. All right, cool. Hate the hate the minivan. But as soon as they had one. Oh, yeah, they found out how practical and how much use it because it

Unknown: 37:53

is so true. And I've had so many people tell me that even people now who maybe their children are gone, grown, and not in the home anymore. And they're still driving their van. They're like, well, I just love it. It's just such a great you know, such a great vehicle, you can lay the seats down and have the the bed space of like a pickup or an SUV and it's just works for my life. And that's where I'm at right now is just embracing anything and everything that is going to make my life easier. It's

Rick Ripma: 38:23

funny because my wife had a Benz forever. Yeah. And she couldn't wait. She's got a pickup truck. Now she's that's what I mean. She's had probably one for 10 years. She She just was done with Vance. Right? Because the kids were older she that she

Unknown: 38:40

was ready to upgrade

Ian Arnold: 38:42

a sports car. Just wait until she gets more grandkids and then she's like, I need a ride with all these kids. Rick, we need a we need a minivan.

Rick Ripma: 38:50

I don't think we'll ever have that many dreams. We have one. And if we have a few more, there'll be a miracle. One set of our kids is never good. They say Derek and have kids. We have three boys but you never know. You know,

Unknown: 39:04

I have three boys. Yeah. You never know. You know, it's just like when you're when when you're a young parent, you think my kids will never drink anything but milk juice and water. Then you're like, here take this and

Rick Ripma: 39:17

you know that first one is funny when people Yes. How they Yeah, you want to be the perfect parent. everything perfectly. And

Unknown: 39:25

then then you have four and you realize being the perfect parent is survival.

Rick Ripma: 39:31

And it isn't about that. No. Yeah. It's just about taking care of your kids. Exactly. There and and carrying

Unknown: 39:38

that support and your present. Yes, that's Yeah, yep.

Rick Ripma: 39:41

You know, it's not that much different now I think, than real estate. Yeah. That's kind of what you have to do with with your clients right have

Unknown: 39:47

to be present. You have to be realistic. You got to be there for them answer their questions and provide for their needs. You know, that's that's basically it. Give them

Ian Arnold: 39:55

milk juice and water. Thanks. Right. Here's a soda ash. Just

Rick Ripma: 40:01

what are you really excited about your business right now?

Unknown: 40:04

Oh, I love this. I'm super excited about the prospect of potentially creating a team, I started on a team now I am an independent agent still for the same brokerage. But I have considered growing a team for myself, I definitely don't envision a large, you know, group of individuals that I don't think that would, you know, I would do it if I were asked, but that wouldn't be something that I would envision for myself. But I think having it sounds like a cliche, but having a couple of like minded people to kind of be a close knit, not necessarily, of course, it would be a team, but not branded is that just a group of professionals, you know, I want to be able to help and educate and advise there's been so many things that I've been through in my real estate transactional history that I think, hate to say it, but you could learn from my mistakes. You could also learn from a lot of the positives, you know, that I've been through, but just like I had mentioned earlier, that we spoke about being able to bounce those ideas off one another, whether it's a brand new agent, or someone who's been in the business for a while, but maybe considering putting their license and referral status, like no, let's just get together and see what we can do to help one another out, because I really think that's what it would be about, you know, I'm at a place in my career where I'm helping with a lot of listings, you know, and that's something that I really love to do. And if there's a couple buyers, or somebody that comes my way, I would love to be able to kind of work that hand in hand with someone whose personality that I just really click with, they don't have to be identical to me, because I think that would be a nightmare. You know, but I think that having a group of professionals that really kind of clicked together, you know that that would that would really be a cool thing for me. So I'm getting kind of excited about that for sure. All right, and I my yearly goals.

Ian Arnold: 42:03

So you hit it at one of my favorite questions, especially for newer agents. We've all been at jobs and the first few transaction we all make mistakes, let's be honest, yes, I want to hear a mistake you made? Well,

Unknown: 42:15

this would be in reference to the very first and I'm not ashamed because I learned from it in the in the very first house that I sold, I didn't ask. They wanted to, they wanted their closing costs paid for. And I didn't write that in the offer. So then once they got their offer accepted, I'm like, Oh my gosh, congratulations. And we're going over everything. And they're like, Wait a minute. So they're paying our closing costs, right? And I'm like, what? Sure. But luckily, you know, I mentioned I did start on a team. And it was it was really beneficial to to have a person that could kind of help navigate those waters, the list agent on that transaction, I still try and communicate with her every now and then. And she's just a phenomenal person. She is not that kind of agent. That is, you know, this is a competition or a shark, if you will, too bad. So sad. You should have asked, he's like, Well, I don't think anyone has ever asked this of me before. But let me see if that's something that my seller would be willing to do is, you know, accept that after the fact. And luckily, they were so I I've definitely never done that since then, you know, that's something that I always try and make sure is clear. Yes, for sure. Post possession, I think would be another one. And that was that was an interesting thing that we dealt with a lot in 2021 and 22, as well, when everything was crazy. And people were doing absolutely anything possible to make a house their own, people would give what's called post possession. So if you're unfamiliar with that, that's where you buy the house, and you're willing to let the seller who sold it to use stay there for X amount of time and maybe move their belongings out into their new home before you're able to get keys. So I wrote something in the purchase agreement, you know, buyer is willing to give seller 10 days of post possession. And then it was a day or so before closing where that agent came to me. And she said, So when should we expect that check for $500? at closing? I'm like what are you talking about the post possession check and I thought, Wait, what, and then I looked closer at the purchase agreement and that was the first time she was a great agent. She had her stuff together. But this is why you have to know your documentation. There is a line in there that says for like X amount per day that the buyer would need to pay the seller for that post possession. And I'm like, Ah she got me. No, it was nothing personal. Of course I just I didn't realize that that was a thing. So now that's something that if it's if I am representing a buyer and we're offering that I will put buyers offering seller are five additional days post possession at no additional cost on the buyer. And you have to put that in there. Because one thing with documentation is anything that you don't negate, if you will, or you don't talk about you're accepting by default, right. So I've also seen that on the sell side, if we're accepting an offer, and, you know, they submit an offer, and it says something about post possession. And the reason why I do this is because that lady at my very first transaction was nice enough to ask her seller, if they would, in fact, pay for the closing costs. And I remember that, you know, I'm like, gosh, she really went out on a limb for me. So if I am accepting an offer on behalf of my seller, and they've put post possession in there, I'll always mention to that agent. Now make sure that if if your person is not willing to pay this, that you put in the further conditions, you're offering post possession at no additional cost to seller, because otherwise, you know, according to line, whatever it is on the purchase agreement, your people are going to have to pay about $100 a day. And I've had several agents who are like, Oh, I didn't realize that. Thank you, Mike. Yep, I didn't either. I'm telling you because I got burnt, and I hope you don't so yeah.

Rick Ripma: 46:14

Great. Great. We're running out of time, but I want to hear this last. I want to hear this story. On this this farm that you sold. Okay,

Unknown: 46:24

that had to do with the illegal septic Are you speaking about it was it was the same? The same one? Yes, we went through every single issue that you could have with a transaction during that transaction. It was also my favorite. It was with an Amish owned farm in a town called Milroy and rush County, Indiana. So interestingly, the seller was the son of a person named Solomon wicky, who is known to be a faith healer. You know, when I first heard this, I thought, Okay, sure. And then I looked it up online, and it's it's legit, the Indiana Attorney General actually came after him in the 80s. For, you know, these healing practices. And it's, it's a fascinating story. So anyway, we, I was the list agent on that house, it was for sale for for a while before it found its new owner. But it was so interesting, because the Amish, of course, don't utilize electricity, there's little to no electronic communication. It's very much you are going out and getting a wet signature on something which is, you know, don't click here on dot loop or Docusign. So, there was one instance where we had been under contract, and then they mutually released. And part of the reason why was because they it was set up for electricity. But there was no line like running to the main power. So that was something that the seller was willing to pay for, of course, but it gave some potential buyers cold feet. So anyhow, we finally had a great offer. And I myself and Mrs. Seller definitely wanted to accept this offer. But Mr. Seller had an idea in his mind of what he wanted to profit from that. So anyway, it was it was very cold. And it was supposed to snow everyone was, you know, stocking up on their French toast supplies and toilet paper at the grocery store. And I had X amount of time, I think it was about 24 hours to accept this offer. So I drove an hour away to this Amish farm and it was about eight o'clock at night. I told my husband, I don't know how long I'm going to be gone. I hope you got the kids but I'm going to sell this house. So I went out to this farm and I sat down with him and I talked to Mr. And Mrs. Seller. And then they decided to just discuss and they started speaking in this Amish people have a language. It's a Germanic language. I think it's either Pennsylvania Dutch or High German, but I'm not sure which one it is. But it's a very distinct and different Germanic language. So then they start discussing amongst themselves and I'm just kind of sitting there, you know, and I not watching TV, I'm not doing not doing much of anything. So I walk over and I sit at their kitchen table and one of their daughters came over and she's like, you want some deer jerky? Like Sure. So I'm just sitting there kind of munching on their snacks while they're discussing. And they did end up and accept the offer. But we went through just about everything with that. And when it came to the listing contract. The Amish are they very much keep to themselves and it takes a specific amount of time to kind of get into their culture, if you will, their community. So when it came to the listing contract, I went over to the house I brought my whole family and we sat down and we had dinner Gather and we talked and we got to know them and it was a three or four hour ordeal. And then I got assigned listing contract. And anytime there was a counter offer and you know, inspection, you go out, you sit down, you take a visit, one of the daughters would take my daughter on pony rides. And it was, it was my by far my most difficult but favorite transaction. I helped shovel manure out of the barn one time because that was something on an inspection is, you know, there was some biologic waste, and I thought, well, let's get rid of it. So we definitely went through about always

Rick Ripma: 50:38

hated that job. We had horses and I hated that job. Everybody

Unknown: 50:41

hates should hate that job. It's

Rick Ripma: 50:42

a terrible job. Yeah.

Unknown: 50:43

But then stole there. What else? He was gonna do it. And I thought, well, let's let's get in there.

Ian Arnold: 50:50

I'm just surprised somebody complained being a barn. Yeah, I mean, if you said the house, I'm like, Okay, I got you so far. And

Unknown: 50:59

one of the Amish guys that was so funny. He was one of the sons that was helping us. There. There was a whole lot that went into that transaction, I there was an instance where I believe that one of the purchasers wanted to get a little bit of a discount on price and stuff like that. So that was something that was brought up. Well, one of the sons of the seller was like, Well, I don't know why they're complaining about this. I just put it on top of my garden, and I'm excited. You know, he's like, that's some good stuff there. So

Ian Arnold: 51:28

now, all right. So that's the last time I asked you, and you've done much bad Rick has with your phone number. So that's normal. If you're if somebody's listening to the same one. They're looking to buy sell, or if they're a part of the Amish communities, and she says, you're in there now. And they're listening to this. How would they get in touch with you?

Unknown: 51:48

Definitely phone call or text? My phone number is 317-946-4944. And you can get a hold of me just about any time. And

Ian Arnold: 51:57

if you're Amish send smoke signals. Yeah.

Rick Ripma: 52:00

I don't think they do that. No. So

Ian Arnold: 52:04

they can't use phones are not supposed to.

Unknown: 52:07

Not suppose. Yeah. Yeah. But

Ian Arnold: 52:11

I see him in Cracker Barrel and everything. And somehow they got there. So I know it was it's such an

Unknown: 52:15

interesting dynamic, once you draw, once you really dive into the community is, you know, it's just like any faith based group. There's things that you're not technically supposed to do, but some do, some don't. And it's Gosh, it's fascinating, for sure. And

Rick Ripma: 52:29

to get a hold of inner I got a HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com That's HardWorkingMortgageGuys.com Or you give us a call at 317-672-1938 31767 to 1938. And please follow us for more in these real estate gurus

Ian Arnold: 52:44

and reminder, if you have any friends, family and coworkers looking to buy sell, refinance, let us know we're more than happy to help you. Hey, Rebecca, thank you for joining us on our show. Thank

Unknown: 52:51

you. It's been a lot of fun. Thank you.

Rick Ripma: 52:53

I love your stores.

Mindy Riley: 52:56

Went number one in MLS NUMBER SIX, it's an MLS NMLS number, Homeland 95469 equal housing opportunity some restrictions apply.