As real estate investors growing a portfolio, our perspective on the world is that we BUY properties. But really, it would be more accurate to say that Sellers SELL properties. Why? Because there’s no transaction unless the Seller would prefer to trade what they currently have (a property and situation) for something different that they would consider “better.” In this episode, Jeff explains that when we reorient our perspective to appreciate that properties aren’t actually bought, but rather sold, it helps us see that the game we are really playing in our acquisition efforts is the game of Seller Relations—the process of gaining empathy to facilitate a conversation in which the Seller can clarify exactly what they would be willing to trade their current property and situation for. When we successfully navigate Seller Relations, we get Sellers to say “yes” to our proposals.

You’ve heard the expression before: “everything is for sale at the right price!” But is it that actually true? No, it’s not. It’s close, but not quite accurate—and the distinction is an important one for Thoughtful Real Estate Entrepreneurs to understand, if they are to get the ‘yes’ they need from their Sellers. In this episode, Jeff explains why it’s not true that “everything is for sale at the right price,” and explains the more accurate statement: “everything is for sale when you can give the Seller something they’d prefer to have more.”

How do you add more units to your existing portfolio, without buying more properties? You master the art of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)! ADUs are additional units that many cities and towns allow you to add to your existing single family homes. In this episode, Jeff interviews Derek Sherrell, known as “That ADU Guy.” Derek is a passionate advocate for ADUs, and an extremely knowledgeable resource about all aspects of them. In this conversation, Jeff and Derek discuss a wide range of ADU topics, from how to find the right properties, to important construction considerations, to financing strategies and more!

In a word full of Extroverts who get their energy from meeting with and talking to as many people as possible, where do Introverts fit in? If you’re a fan of the Thoughtful approach to real estate investing, there’s a good chance you feel at least a little like an Introvert yourself. In this episode, Jeff interviews Ashley Harwood of Move Over Extroverts, who specializes in coaching real estate professionals who are Introverts. Jeff and Ashley discuss what it’s like to wonder, “what’s wrong with me?” and feel frustrated and lost when extrovert-oriented business strategies don’t work for us, and also discuss the incredible super-powers that introverts are gifted with, and how they can be extremely valuable traits in the real estate business.

Real estate investing starts with actually being able to buy a property, right? But is that “Acquisition and Finance,” or is it more accurately, “Finance and Acquisition”? Many real estate investors make one big mistake: they think of their “deal-finding” and “deal-financing” strategies as being two separate and unrelated efforts. In this episode, Jeff explains that in order to build a scalable portfolio, you need a repeatable process for Acquisition and Finance: FIRST, choose your financing strategy, THEN design your acquisition strategy accordingly.

When is the right time to consider transitioning your acquisition and finance strategy to buying properties off-market, directly from Sellers? A lot of people think that you should only make this transition after you’ve exhausted all the “low hanging fruit” ways of buying and financing properties. Others think you should only make this transition after you’re more experienced. In this episode, Jeff explores the notion of what “low hanging fruit” really is in real estate acquisition, and explains why buying properties off-market directly from Sellers is actually lower-hanging fruit than conventional ways like shopping on the MLS or working with wholesalers.