An overgrown, collapsing house sat untouched for 15 years until Mike Lovelace decided to do something about it. In this episode, you'll learn how one determined agent used old-school tools, a petition, and a builder’s mindset to restore value and dignity to a forgotten neighborhood. The payoff? A heart-wrenching story of lost memories found again. Tune in, and you might just be inspired to take action in your own community!

Key takeaways to listen for

• How one neighbor’s frustration turned into a community-led effort to restore property value and safety
• Why Mike chose an old-school petition to get attention from county officials finally
• The surprising ripple effects a neglected property in a neighborhood has on home value
• Ways Mike leveraged real estate tools, relationships, and sheer persistence to create solutions beyond a transaction
• Why advocacy might be the most important part of the job of a REALTOR®

About Mike Lovelace
Mike is a North Carolina-based REALTOR® with a deep background in tech, finance, and public service. A former trading systems administrator for major firms, Mike brings precision, integrity, and a heart for community to every real estate transaction.

Licensed originally in New Jersey and now serving Eastern North Carolina, he’s known for going above and beyond, whether it’s helping clients navigate tricky deals or spearheading neighborhood-changing efforts like abandoned property restorations.

Connect with Mike

• Facebook: Mike Lovelace, Realtor at United Real Estate East Carolina
• X: @mikesellsenc
• Email: mikesellsenc@gmail.com

Connect with Leigh
Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program
Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Student loan payments are back, and millions of borrowers have no idea they're already delinquent. In this episode, Brian Vaughan breaks down what’s happening with student loans, how it could tank your credit score without warning, and what to do before applying for a mortgage. Plus, we dive into what’s coming this summer with medical debt reform and a wild loan story involving a surprise job switch that actually saved a deal.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Student loan chaos: Why millions of Americans are unknowingly delinquent
• Steps to take if your student loans have damaged your mortgage eligibility
• Why pulling your credit report annually should be your new self-care ritual
• A game-changing credit policy shift that could open doors for buyers
• Reasons job changes mid-mortgage can derail deals and how to time them right

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Free Credit Report
• Annual Credit Report.com
• Credit Karma
• CreditWise | Free Credit Score, Credit Report & Monitoring

About Brian Vaughan
Brian is a loan officer and co-manager of Fairway Mortgage in Burlington. In addition to lending people money to buy homes, he takes his black tea with milk, quotes Shakespeare less than he would prefer, and is somewhat of a soccer fanatic. Brian lives in Georgia, VT, with his wife, four kids, and Goldendoodle, Dame Judi Dench.

Connect with Brian

• Website: Brian Vaughan, Burlington, VT - NMLS# 2046057
• Instagram: @brianvaughanmortgages
• LinkedIn: Brian Vaughan
• Email: brian.vaughan@fairwaymc.com
• Phone Number: 802-489-7186

Connect with Leigh
Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors
"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program
Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

If you’ve ever cursed your phone during a cold call, this episode might just change your tune. Nicholas Nick (yes, that’s really his name) shares how a hospitality career turned into a multimillion-dollar real estate lead-gen company. Plus, stick around to hear how one Vermont fourplex turned into a snow-covered, flood-prone, tenant-infested financial disaster with a $20K eviction twist!

Key takeaways to listen for

• How managing restaurants for 13 years trained Nick to dominate customer service in real estate
• Why cold calling is still one of the best free lead gen methods
• The one powerful script line that transformed Nick’s sales strategy
• Reasons great customer service always wins in sales conversations
• A big lesson for aspiring real estate professionals

About Nicholas Nick
Nicholas is the founder of Lead Mining Pros, one of the top real estate lead generation companies in the U.S. With over a decade in the industry and a background in hospitality and real estate education, Nicholas built his business to help investors and agents grow through cold calling, text messaging, skip tracing, and done-for-you lead services.

Connect with Nicholas

• Website: Lead Mining Pros
• Instagram: @nicholasnicksays
• Facebook: Nicholas Nick
• YouTube: Lead Mining
• Phone Number: 727-877-8772

Connect with Leigh
Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors
Prioritize your sleep! Transform your nights with Cozy Earth’s luxuriously soft, temperature-regulating sleep essentials. Because when you sleep well, you live well.

Visit CozyEarth.com and use my exclusive code REALESTATE for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.

What happens when a luxury custom home builder with a heart for service joins forces with Leigh Brown? An episode full of passion and purpose! Austin Lineberry opens up about faith, craftsmanship, and his ability to seamlessly transition from million-dollar kitchens to rebuilding storm-damaged homes. Plus, hear the shocking story of a 22-year-old Austin facing a mortgage fraud bribe. You won’t want to miss this.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why Austin balances high-end custom builds with boots-on-the-ground relief work
• The power of faith, honesty, and refusing to cut corners
• How modular homes are disrupting housing affordability and waste
• Why getting teens involved in trades is a game-changer
• Construction waste reduction and why it’s the key to acceptance of modular housing

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Patriot Relief
• Patriot Relief
• Casas por Cristo
• Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
• The Money Pit (1986)

About Austin Lineberry
Austin is the founder and owner of New River Building Company, a high-end custom home builder based in Alpharetta, Georgia. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Austin specializes in multimillion-dollar luxury homes while staying grounded in his values of transparency, stewardship, and faith.

He’s also a core volunteer with Patriot Relief, helping rebuild homes and lives in disaster-stricken areas of Western North Carolina. Whether building dream homes or serving those in crisis, Austin brings integrity, heart, and purpose to every project he touches.

Connect with Austin

• Website: New River Building Co.
• Instagram: @newriverbuildingco | @lineberry
• Phone Numbers: 770.373.7900 | 404.391.5437

Connect with Leigh
Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors
"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

From dreaming of NASCAR to navigating Northern Virginia’s high-stakes real estate market, Brandon Lowkaran brings speed, smarts, and sincerity to every transaction. Listen in as he talks about market myths, money mindset, and how small shifts can lead to big moves in real estate. And just when you think it’s all financial wisdom and buyer tips, wait until you hear about the buyer, the long-close nightmare, and the self-sabotage that nearly derailed it all!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Is Northern Virginia real estate really crashing or is that just internet noise?
• Why first-time buyers suddenly have more leverage than they’ve had in years
• Down payment assistance programs most buyers don’t even know exist
• How Brandon’s construction background gives his clients a serious advantage
• What most high earners still get wrong about money and how to avoid it

Resources mentioned in this episode

• CASHFLOW® Classic—How Fast Can You Become A Millionaire?
• VA Home Loans
• HOME Plus Program

Amazon books:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki | Paperback

About Brandon Lowkaran
Born and raised in Trinidad, Brandon began his career drafting architecture, then transitioned to project management and real estate consulting. Today, he raises capital for his investment fund using the same strategies he teaches. With hands-on construction and real estate experience, Brandon specializes in finding hidden deals and helping others build wealth. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Cecelia, and their children, Bryant and Axel, and enjoys motorcycles and outdoor family time.

Connect with Brandon

• LinkedIn: Brandon Lowkaran
• Instagram: @thelowkarangroup
• Facebook: Profile for The Lowkaran Group
• TikTok: @brandonlowkaran
• YouTube: Real Estate Investing with Brandon Lowkaran
• Email: brandon@lowkarangroup.com
• Phone Number: 571-502-0782

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

Prioritize your sleep! Transform your nights with Cozy Earth’s luxuriously soft, temperature-regulating sleep essentials. Because when you sleep well, you live well.

Visit CozyEarth.com and use my exclusive code REALESTATE for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. And if you get a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here.

What happens when working with your family starts costing you sleep? In this honest and emotional return episode, we chat with Staten Island REALTOR® George S. Wonica to unpack the highs and lows of navigating a family-run real estate business. Dial in as he shares the lessons, heartbreak, and hope behind creating a new path while preserving personal relationships. If you’ve ever worked with family or thought about succession planning, this is one you can’t miss.

Key takeaways to listen for

• What happens when your loyalty to the brokerage clashes with your loyalty to your future?
• How George left his family’s business without losing his family
• Ways George is channeling decades of experience into a new career
• Why the best broker-agent relationships require mutual responsibility
• The importance of putting estate plans and business expectations in writing

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Dustin Brohm - Massive Agent
• The 'Gripe Session' Podcast

About George S. Wonica
A 32-year veteran of the real estate industry, George is also a certified residential appraiser, as well as an associate broker. His vast knowledge and experience help his clients navigate the Staten Island/Brooklyn real estate market.

Connect with George

• Website: Real Estate - Staten Island
• LinkedIn: George S. Wonica
• Instagram: @therealgswonica
• TikTok: therealgswonica
• Facebook: George S. Wonica - Search Staten Island
• X: @gswonica
• YouTube: Living in Staten Island, New York

Connect with Leigh
Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Tim Kennedy, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional, who’s on a mission to re-educate the public and the real estate industry on the untapped power of reverse mortgages. From avoiding credit card debt to funding bucket list adventures (and surviving a machete-wielding tenant!), this episode proves that reverse mortgages aren’t just for the desperate. They’re for the smart and strategic.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Reverse Mortgage 101: What it is, how it works, and why it’s not a scam
• Why setting up a reverse mortgage line of credit early could be your best retirement move
• Common misconceptions about heirs, ownership, and taxes
• Ways reverse mortgage funds can reduce your tax burden
• Reasons you need a CPA, financial advisor, and mortgage pro when planning for retirement success
  
  
  

Resources mentioned in this episode

• NRMLA
• Movement Mortgage
• It's Just A Mortgage - LI News Radio
  
  
  

About Tim Kennedy, CRMP
Tim is a seasoned professional specializing in the financial tool of reverse mortgages since 2008. With a commitment to helping seniors maintain their security, financial independence, dignity, and control, Tim has become a trusted expert in the field. As a speaker, consultant, and senior advocate, he has utilized his expertise, knowledge, and experience to assist countless individuals and families.

Connect with Tim

• Website: Tim Kennedy | Reverse Mortgage Loan Officer | Valhalla, NY
• LinkedIn: Timothy M. Kennedy, CRMP
• Instagram: @tkennedyfff
• Facebook: Tim Kennedy
• TikTok: @reversemortgageguru
• Phone Number: 516-729-6040

Connect with Leigh
Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors
"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program
Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

From working in economic development to partnering with her grandparents in real estate, Cheyenne McGriff has seen the industry from multiple angles, and she’s got stories to prove it! Tune in to hear her inspiring personal experiences and some cheat codes for real estate success. Plus, hear about her wildest client experiences, including sight-unseen purchases and final walkthrough nightmares. You won’t want to miss this one!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why every new real estate agent needs a mentor
• How market unpredictability impacts buyers, sellers, and REALTORS®
• The truth about economic development and real estate growth
• Lessons from working in a small town with a big real estate team
• How Cheyenne balances family life, business, and hosting a podcast for moms in real estate
  
  

About Cheyenne McGriff
Cheyenne was born and raised on a ranch near Wall, South Dakota. After graduating from Chadron State College, she worked in community and economic development for three years. In this experience, Cheyenne found her passion for connecting individuals to a place they can call home and helping create great communities. Cheyenne joined RE/MAX® Results as part of the Karen Soderquist team in August 2018 to pursue this dream.

Connect with Cheyenne

• Website: Cheyenne McGriff, Rapid City, SD Real Estate Broker Associate - RE/MAX Results
• Podcast: Real Estate Mama Collective
• Instagram: @cheyennesummer605
• Maps: 1240 Jackson Boulevard Rapid City, SD 57702
• Email: Cheyenne@cheyennesummer605.com
• Phone Number: (605) 209-1988

Connect with Leigh
Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program
Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/