What happens when you trade a big rig for open houses? In this high-energy episode of Realty Talk, we sit down with Justin Mercer — a tattooed, trailblazing realtor who's redefining success in real estate. From building a brand that turns heads to turning challenges into closings, Justin shares how authenticity, hustle, and heart built his booming business. We dive into market trends, lead generation, personal branding, and the mindset shift that turns agents into entrepreneurs. Whether you're new to the game or scaling your empire, this episode is packed with raw insights, real stories, and the blueprint to level up.

🎙 Welcome back to Real(ty) Talk Podcast! This week, Paul “Fix It All” and Suzanne, the queen of the closing table, sit down with special guest Evan Tando, a real estate and lending expert.

We dive into:

• The current state of the real estate market, from interest rates to inventory.

• How a background in psychology and social work influences Evan's approach to real estate.

• Why retirement isn't in Evan's vocabulary and his passion for helping clients achieve their dreams.

• The importance of homeownership and the creative ways to get a loan.

• How the real estate industry is more about service than transactions.

Plus, our fun segment Homes Gone Wild returns with a jaw-dropping story about a chaotic home showing that ends with a broken glass door.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or an agent looking for a fresh perspective, this episode is packed with insights and an uplifting message about the power of community and service.

🎙 Welcome back to Real(ty) Talk Podcast! This week, Paul “Fix It All” and Suzanne, the queen of the closing table, sit down with special guest Stephen Couig — the King of Lending and CEO of Center Street Lending.

We dive into:

• The origin story behind Center Street Lending (and how it got its name).

• How the fix-and-flip industry has evolved since the 2008 crash.

• What a typical private loan looks like for investors.

• Common pitfalls new flippers face (and how to avoid them).

• The surprising trends shaping real estate in 2025.

Plus, our fun segment Homes Gone Wild returns with a jaw-dropping attic discovery you won’t want to miss. 🐍

Whether you’re an agent, investor, or just curious about the world of lending and flipping, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and stories from the frontlines of real estate.