Posts in category 'Uncategorized'

In a real estate market as dynamic as New York's, longevity is the ultimate credential. Debra Asher, Director of Business Development for Coldwell Banker American Homes, has seen the industry evolve since 1982. Her secret to staying relevant for over four decades? A relentless commitment to education and a focus on fiduciary responsibility.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with Debra to discuss "The Academy at American Homes," her journey from a $34,000 home purchase to a national trainer, and the strategic shifts agents must make in a post-NAR settlement world.

The Academy at American Homes: More Than Just Training

At Coldwell Banker American Homes, we believe that education is a constant, regardless of how long you've been in the business [00:01:14]. Debra leads "The Academy," a unique educational platform that provides agents with diverse speakers, including managers, attorneys, and industry vendors.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting your real estate career, the Academy offers live and pre-recorded sessions on everything from AI technology to contract law. This platform is part of our commitment to ensuring our agents aren't just "salespeople," but highly educated business owners who can guide their clients with authority [00:07:45].

Pro Tip: Don't try to "do" the technology while a session is live. Listen, take notes, and then visit the Academy library to practice step-by-step. Information is only valuable when it is applied [00:03:39].

Navigating the NAR Settlement: A New Era of Transparency

Debra views the recent industry changes—specifically the decoupling of commissions—as the biggest shift she has seen in 40 years [00:31:20]. While change can be uncomfortable, she emphasizes that the new focus on "Buyer Consultations" is a beautiful thing for consumers.

For the first time, buyers will have a clearly defined fiduciary advocate working solely for their interests [00:37:14]. Debra's "Soaring to Success" program dedicates two and a half sessions specifically to the buyer consultation, teaching agents how to articulate their value and "save clients from themselves" through better advocacy [00:38:03].

Soaring to Success: The 10-Session Playbook

One of Debra's crowning achievements is the Soaring to Success program. This 10-session commitment covers the fundamental building blocks of a successful real estate business, including:

• Mindset: Grounding yourself in excellence from the very first day.
• Consultation Mastery: Mastering the art of the interview for both buyers and sellers.
• Time Management: Building a "Stressless Lifestyle" through organization [00:30:37].

This course isn't just for newbies; many 25-year veterans retake the class to polish their "points of difference" and take their business to the next level [00:28:12].

Grit, Grace, and Giving Back

Beyond the classroom, Debra is a fierce advocate for the Heart of American Homes Foundation. As a 501(c)(3) with zero overhead, every dollar donated by our agents goes directly to local Long Island families in crisis [00:45:15]. Debra's own family has been touched by the foundation's work, reinforcing her belief that we are "in business for ourselves, but not by ourselves."

Market Insight: In a shifting market, your home's value is more than a number—it's your equity. Start your journey by getting a professional CB Estimate of what your home is worth today.

When she's not training the next generation of real estate leaders, you can find Debra fishing on the beach from her 4x4 Jeep or jumping out of airplanes for her 60th birthday [00:38:56]. Whether you're looking to buy a home or build a career, Debra Asher's "North Star" guidance is the advantage you need.

Ready to join the family? Contact us today to learn more about the Academy and our commitment to your success.

Success in real estate is a marathon, not a sprint. For Kate Conquest, National Vice President at Coldwell Banker, the journey began at age 18 when she "fell" into the business—literally tripping over a step on her way to an interview for a secretarial position. Today, she oversees services for over 600 affiliates across the national franchise network.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with Kate to discuss her transition from an independent office to a global brand, her role in founding the Long Island YPN (Young Professionals Network), and how being a mother changed her perspective on professional success.

The Franchise Advantage: Moving into a "Furnished House"

In 2004, Kate experienced the massive shift of moving from an independent real estate office to the Coldwell Banker franchise system. She describes it as being given the keys to a house that was already fully furnished [00:03:55].

Instead of spending hours manually creating PowerPoints and Word documents, Kate and her team were suddenly empowered with a global platform of tools, research, and brand recognition. This transition allowed them to thrive even during the deep market challenges of 2007 and 2008, proving that alignment with a legacy brand provides a vital "North Star" during economic storms [00:04:14].

Pro Tip: Engagement is the key to ROI. Research consistently shows a direct correlation between an agent's success and their engagement with the brand's tools and platforms [00:09:44].

Empowering the Next Generation: The Birth of LIYPN

Getting started in an industry where the average age of a realtor is 54 can be intimidating for young entrepreneurs [00:21:04]. After attending a national conference and seeing the "electric" energy of young agents, Kate took the initiative to launch the Long Island chapter of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) [00:22:17].

Despite early resistance, Kate found an advocate in then-President Liz English, who empowered her to navigate the board approval process [00:23:20]. Today, YPN serves as a vital space for agents who are young in age, young in mind, or young in the business to share ideas and build wealth through real estate [00:25:23].

What Moves Her: Professional Development for All

Kate is a passionate advocate for the What Moves Her movement, an initiative designed to unite women (and men) to discuss the unique struggles and opportunities in business and life [00:32:02].

The program focuses on professional development and building a supportive culture where leaders can share how they balance high-stakes careers with family life. At Coldwell Banker American Homes, we have launched our own chapter to ensure our agents have a platform for growth, led by our own local leadership [00:31:28].

Giving Back: A Heart for Service

The "Give Back" pillar is a cornerstone of Kate's leadership philosophy. She finds fulfillment in mentoring new entrepreneurs and has recently been a mentor in the **Inclusive Ownership (IO) program**, helping a new broker achieve nearly $700,000 in GCI in her first year [00:19:28].

Kate also highlights the company's powerful partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. During a recent national convention, the network raised $100,000 in just 180 seconds—a testament to the unifying power of a shared cause [00:46:22].

Market Insight: Real estate is one of the only careers where what you put in is exactly what you get out. If you are willing to do the activities, the results will follow [00:15:33].

Whether you are a veteran agent or just thinking about buying your first home, Kate Conquest's journey proves that with integrity and hard work, there is no glass ceiling. Ready to see where you stand in today's market? Get your CB Estimate today.

If you're looking for a brokerage that values mentorship and career growth, reach out to us today to learn more about joining the CBAM family.

Success in the New York real estate market requires more than just a license; it requires a willingness to stand out. For Sean Farley, Team Lead of the Novis Realty Group (pronounced "No-vis") powered by Coldwell Banker American Homes, being different is more than a strategy—it's his lifelong brand.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with Sean to discuss his eclectic background, his "All-American" marketing tactics, and why relationship-driven service is the "North Star" of his Floral Park-based team.

From "Sizzling Bacon" to Equity Sales: A Career in Evolution

Sean's career path is anything but linear. As a child actor, he was the "sizzling bacon kid" and starred in Ruffles potato chip commercials before transitioning into teaching gym at St. Francis Prep [00:25:54]. By age 31, he made the leap to Wall Street as an equity sales trader, a high-pressure environment that honed his negotiation skills and financial intuition [00:02:24].

In 2012, Sean entered the real estate world full-time, founding Novis (Latin for "new"). His goal was to move away from the "secret agent" persona and create a brand that was impossible to overlook. Today, he and his partner, Monique Bauman, lead a team that closes approximately $80 million in annual sales by combining professional grit with a "let's go" energy [00:10:56].

Pro Tip: Don't just be another agent holding a set of keys on Instagram. To win in this market, you have to be different. Make them laugh, show your personality, and then provide the expert data that proves you know your stuff [00:04:08].

Marketing by Connection: The Jockey and the Jeep

Sean's marketing is famously "zany" but strategically brilliant. From jumping through "Sold" signs into swimming pools to sponsoring top jockeys like Dylan Davis at Saratoga, his brand is at the forefront of the consumer's mind [00:06:05].

He even uses his personal vehicle—a refurbished 1991 Jeep wrapped in an American flag—as a rolling billboard. "I was at a red light in Valley Stream, and a guy saw the Jeep and asked me to sell his grandmother's house right then and there," Sean recalls [00:23:45]. This highlights the power of owning the "mind space" of your community before they even need to sell their home.

A Culture of Integrity: The Novis Team Dynamic

Despite the highly competitive nature of real estate, Sean is proud of the "no-backstabbing" culture he has fostered within his 23-agent team [00:11:24]. He views his agents as family and emphasizes that they never "buy listings" by giving false valuations. Instead, they lead with the truth, even if it means walking away from a client who isn't ready to hear it [00:17:35].

By joining forces with Coldwell Banker American Homes, Sean has offloaded the "drains" of payroll and compliance to focus entirely on his gift: marketing and client connection [00:20:30]. This synergy allows the team to be "ahead of the game" on industry changes while maintaining their local, boutique feel.

Giving Back: The Hance Family Foundation

For the Novis Realty Group, giving back isn't a marketing tactic—it's a responsibility. Sean and his team are deeply connected to the Hance Family Foundation in Floral Park [00:24:12]. They provide their courtesy van for foundation events and stay involved in local charities that support families in crisis.

"When you can, you do," Sean says. Whether it's sponsoring a local lacrosse tournament or helping a neighbor in need, the goal is to be a positive influence in the neighborhoods where they live and work [00:37:31].

Market Insight: Honesty is the best policy for your equity. If an agent tells you your home is worth a billion dollars, be careful. Start with a realistic CB Estimate to ground your expectations in real-time data.

If you're looking for a team that brings Wall Street negotiation skills and a "let's go" attitude to your next move, connect with the Novis Realty Group today. Whether you are buying a home or selling a legacy, Sean Farley and his team will make sure the experience is one you won't forget.

Success in real estate is often about the transition from "salesperson" to "educator." For Nancianne Genduso, a 20-year veteran at Coldwell Banker American Homes, that transition was natural. With a Master's degree in Special Education and a background as a Division 1 athlete, Nancianne brings a unique blend of competitive drive and instructional patience to every transaction.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with Nancianne to discuss her "project manager" approach to real estate, the power of referral-based growth, and her new streaming series, Extraordinary New York.

The Teacher Advantage: Navigating the 15-Step Process

Nancianne views every real estate transaction as a 15-step educational journey [00:06:04]. She believes that an agent's primary job is to take the "unknown" and make it "knowledgeable" for the consumer. This includes everything from the initial buyer consultation to managing attorneys and title searches behind the scenes.

By treating the process like project management, she ensures that even when hurdles arise, the experience remains seamless for the client [00:07:44]. For Nancianne, a great agent makes the impossible look easy, acting as the "A-type" force that keeps all parties on track [00:07:39].

Pro Tip: Referrals happen by design, not by accident [00:13:17]. 95% of Nancianne's business comes from repeat clients and referrals because she focuses on the relationship over the commission.

Negotiation as an Art Form: Winning Bidding Wars

In a market defined by low inventory and high competition, Nancianne's negotiation skills are her "secret sauce." She looks beyond the final number to optimize the terms of the deal [00:17:21].

Her strategies for making buyers stand out include having her mortgage partners call the listing agent to verify funds, offering flexible closing dates for the seller, and even thinking outside the box with credits toward moving expenses [00:18:03]. For home buyers, this level of strategic advocacy is the difference between a rejected offer and an accepted one.

Extraordinary New York: Finding the Ordinary Extraordinary

Nancianne's success has recently led her to the world of television. After appearing on Negotiators Lux, she was offered her own show: Extraordinary New York on r.net [00:21:01].

The show focuses on people, places, and passions, highlighting the "extraordinary in our ordinary lives." It's an uplifting, drama-free look at local communities, inspired by Nancianne's own collaborative spirit and love for the New York area.

The Heart of the Home: Adoption and Community

Nancianne's "Play Hard" side is deeply connected to her family. She and her wife, Denise, shared a moving story about the private adoption of their son, Isaiah [00:25:33]. From receiving the call that their baby was born to navigating the 10-day wait period, Nancianne views parenthood as her greatest adventure [00:27:17].

She also carries this heart into her community service. For over 20 years, she has sponsored children in Ecuador through Children International [00:32:11]. Locally, she is a staunch supporter of the Heart of American Homes Foundation, which provides emergency financial relief to Long Island families—including a recent $5,000 grant to help a neighbor cover life-saving medication during a disability gap [00:34:43].

Market Insight: A "ghost agent" is an agent who sends an offer without a phone call or follow-up [00:19:25]. In a competitive market, you need an agent who is proactive, vocal, and relentless. Start your search by getting a professional CB Estimate of your current property's value.

Whether you're looking to sell your home or find a new chapter in New York, Nancianne Genduso's mix of athletic grit and teacher's patience is the winning combination. Connect with Nancianne today.

In the New York real estate market, some people sell houses, and others build empires. Bryan Karp, leader of the top-ranked Bryan Karp Team at Coldwell Banker American Homes, is firmly in the latter category. Known as the "Sales Giant," Bryan has leveraged his competitive athletic drive to become one of the most productive agents in New York State.

In this episode of the Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back podcast, Mike Litzner dives into Bryan's "mailbox money" philosophy, his path from union construction worker to real estate mogul, and how he uses his diagnosis of dyslexia as a superpower for business growth.

From Sales to Piles of Money: The Investment Strategy

Bryan view real estate sales as a vehicle to create "small piles of money" that he then reinvests into the asset class he knows best: property [00:03:27]. This strategy has led to his "mailbox money" lifestyle—passive income generated from a portfolio of 40+ rental units [00:06:03].

He argues that real estate is the strongest, most consistent asset class available, emphasizing that over a long period, it always appreciates as long as you hold and manage it correctly [00:05:36]. For Bryan, real estate isn't just a job; it's the most reliable path to generational wealth.

Pro Tip: Don't try to time the market like a stock. Real estate is a long-haul game. As long as you own it, manage it, and love it, time guarantees a good deal [00:03:56].

The Illiterate Millionaire: Turning Adversity into Action

One of Bryan's most inspiring nicknames is the "Illiterate Millionaire," a title he wears with pride to shed light on his struggle with dyslexia [00:07:08]. Diagnosed in the fourth grade, Bryan reads on a third-grade level and relies on "hieroglyphics"—drawing pictures for notes—to stay organized [00:08:43].

Rather than seeing it as a limitation, Bryan believes this adversity shaped his relentless work ethic. "I don't care about many things, but when I'm interested in something, I want to go deep," he says [00:08:02]. His story is a powerful reminder that professional success is driven by grit and adaptation, not just academic credentials.

Building a Championship Culture

Bryan leads a team of 15+ agents who consistently rank as the #1 team on Long Island [00:11:01]. His leadership style is modeled after his experience in high-level athletics, emphasizing that there are "no excuses" for tardiness or lack of effort [00:18:07].

He looks for two core traits when inviting agents to join his team: **honesty** and **trustworthiness** [00:14:04]. Because Bryan's face is on every sign and the "Karp Mobile," he requires his agents to uphold the highest standards of integrity for every client interaction.

Giving Back: The Carp Family Scholarship

For the Karp family, the "Give Back" pillar is a family affair. Every year, Bryan awards two scholarships to local high school seniors, with his 12-year-old son Brody taking the lead on presenting the awards to encourage public speaking and community connection [00:20:31].

Beyond scholarships, Bryan coordinates the delivery of 10,000 oversized American flags to local neighborhoods every July 4th [00:25:36]. This initiative also supports Paws of War, a veterans organization that trains service dogs, with a donation made for every resident who shares a photo of their flag [00:25:54].

Market Insight: Success isn't accidental; it's about momentum. Whether it's doing 45 minutes of cardio every day or calling your sphere of influence, consistent action creates positive momentum that is hard to stop [00:39:55].

If you're looking for a team that brings "Sales Giant" energy and a commitment to building your wealth, connect with the Bryan Karp Team today. Ready to see the value of your own "mailbox money" potential? Start with an accurate CB Estimate.

Whether you're a home buyer or looking to sell your property, Bryan's obsessed approach ensures your move is handled with championship-level care.