Forward One Podcast

Ice hockey rink to Los Angeles real estate: Maxim Sidelnik joins Forward One hosts Paul Mark Morris and Josh Spitzen to share how 12 years of competitive hockey built an agent now closing about 1.5 deals a month. Maxim explains why you still need a buyer’s agent even when you found the house on Zillow yourself, plus how to win repair negotiations, price a listing the right way, and get your offer accepted in a multiple-offer battle. When mortgage rates drop, he shows what that really means for your monthly payment, and why waiting on the sidelines can cost you more than the rate does. Chapters:0:00 Maxim Sidelnik, Los Angeles real estate agent2:12 From ice hockey to real estate4:01 Real estate license exam prep5:06 Getting your first deal: cold calling9:51 Tips for new real estate agents13:57 Athlete mindset in real estate sales15:30 How many deals an LA agent closes18:58 Mortgage rates and your monthly payment23:24 Buying a home in a slow market25:41 Repair requests after a home inspection27:52 Real estate negotiation tips30:46 Do you need a buyer’s agent?31:55 How to win a bidding war37:04 Negotiating an $8 million home41:18 Why agent reputation matters44:57 Selling a home in a slow market49:36 How to price your home53:38 Home appraisal tips for sellers56:24 Home inspection tips59:55 Communicating with sellers1:03:07 Mentoring new real estate agents1:05:59 Rapid-fire questions#RealEstateTips #HomeBuyingTips #LosAngelesRealEstate

A telecom store manager from Texas got his real estate license in 2018. In 2025, he closed just under $50M, and he has sold more than $130M in his career. On this episode of the Forward One podcast, hosts Paul Morris and Josh sit down with LA agent Derek Smith to break down how he did it. In this episode, he shares his real strategies for getting and closing millions in deals. Timestamps0:00 Welcome0:15 How Derek got into real estate1:20 Reality TV vs. the real work2:36 $50M in 2025, $130M career4:08 How he got business as a new agent4:55 "Follow the money"6:35 How to stand out with investors8:32 The cold-call script (live role-play)11:09 Building trust and the Brentwood deal12:17 Forcing your way into top neighborhoods12:58 Niche vs. jack of all trades16:28 Why new agents should start in a niche17:37 Branding and negotiation18:42 Staying accountable without a boss19:19 Weekly goals: five offers, one or two escrows21:24 What he does when he misses the week23:15 Finding inventory through other agents26:07 The sticky-note accountability idea28:03 Rapid-fire round

Lynette Marble joins the Forward One podcast to break down the real estate social media strategies she uses to turn TikTok views into new clients and sold homes. From music and editing tools to her 80/20 content formula, she shares the tested tactics that drive sales and build relationships. But her strategy doesn’t end when she puts her phone down. It ties directly into her face-to-face relationships in Ventura County.00:00 Welcome to Forward One with Lynette Marble00:11 Her real estate journey: starting from ground zero01:24 Life events that drive buying and selling02:28 Why real estate is a relationship business, not "churn and burn"03:32 Two lead-gen models: high-volume vs. relational04:59 Ventura County roots and community trust05:33 Turning relationships into business: authenticity and volunteering06:53 Starting on social media as a new agent07:44 Targeting first-time home buyers on TikTok08:37 The 80/20 content formula09:14 What is a TikTok duet?10:15 How much business comes from social media (it took 3 years)10:58 Tracking analytics to see what works11:35 Social proof vs. lead generation12:46 Why 99% of buyers use online tools14:09 Educating viewers vs. "just listed, just sold" posts15:29 Meeting your audience where they are16:06 The "How Did We Do It?" series16:54 The most affordable one-bedroom in Ventura County post17:59 Editing tools: CapCut and Canva19:54 Instagram vs. TikTok vs. Facebook: every platform is a language21:36 Learning new platforms with YouTube22:21 Running ads from TikTok content22:50 Why social media skills win over any client24:05 Filming listings and timing music to video25:05 Offering to film other agents' home tours25:52 TikTok affiliate program26:43 Why she won't sell to her audience27:35 The next two years: consistency and phone calls28:04 Marketing-enhanced prospecting28:29 Her open house system29:32 Final thoughts

How do you price a home when there’s nothing to compare it to? Gary Gold has the answer, and he’s sharing his system. Gold is the legendary agent behind the Playboy Mansion sale, the first home in Los Angeles to sell for $100 million, as well as the $150 million Chartwell Estate and the Hearst Estate. In this episode, he joins Paul Morris and Josh Spitzen to explain how he prices the most unusual homes on the market. It starts with doing away with the term “comps” and rethinking what a premier blue chip property brings to the table.Connect with Gary Goldhttps://soldbygold.net/https://www.instagram.com/soldbygold/Timestamps00:00 Meet Gary Gold: from Hilton & Hyland to record-setting sales04:55 The challenge of pricing a home with no comparables07:15 Why Gary banned the word “comps”11:50 Why “How’s the market?” is a meaningless question16:35 The two-part answer to pricing luxury21:50 Creating urgency without faking it26:00 Pricing 5% high vs. 5% low31:10 Gary’s AI-assisted valuation system34:10 Quantifiable value vs. the “it factor”40:20 The seller who wanted $26 million43:30 When listings become billboards48:40 The off-market offer that raised a tough question51:50 The buyer who walked away from the house they wanted55:50 The real purpose of the price of luxury1:00:50 The restaurant waiter analogy1:02:40 Finding the buyer for a $15 million Malibu listing

Welcome to the Forward One Podcast! James Harris shares his incredible journey in real estate with Josh Spitzen and guest host Joey Sacavitch, starting from his early days in London to becoming a top agent in LA. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships in this competitive industry. With a passion for helping clients, James believes that every interaction is an opportunity to create lasting connections. He discusses the challenges he faced in the beginning, including door knocking for hours without immediate success, but how perseverance led to significant breakthroughs. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset. James also highlights the importance of treating every client like family and the value of nurturing those relationships over time. If you're looking to thrive in real estate, his insights are invaluable!Connect with Forward One PodcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorrisConnect with James HarrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbondstLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbondsthttps://www.breezy.com/https://carolwoodre.com/agent/james-harrisPresented by Forward One Real Estate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate https://forwardone.com/Timestamps00:00:01 - James’s Start in Real Estate00:02:03 - Moving to LA and Going All In00:04:42 - How One Lease Led to a Million-Dollar Deal00:08:59 - Earning and Keeping Clients’ Trust00:12:09 - Growth, Service, and a Relationship-Driven Business00:15:08 - Thriving in a Skill-Based Market00:15:46 - Healthy Competition and Learning from Success00:19:52 - How the Team Stays Accountable00:23:42 - Hiring for Hunger and Keeping Real Estate Simple00:26:14 - Why James Built Breezy AI00:29:13 - Breezy’s Growth and UnderBuilt in Action00:30:27 - How UnderBuilt Helps Agents Spot Opportunities00:32:56 - Finding Opportunity in a Difficult Market00:35:49 - Why Positivity Matters in Real Estate00:36:43 - Fire Round: Balance, Family, and Trust

Welcome back to a conversation so full of real estate wisdom, it had to be in two parts! JJ Wallack is not just a guest; he’s a real estate guru with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge. From understanding the market dynamics to mastering the language of real estate, JJ shares invaluable insights that can make or break a deal. We discuss the importance of knowing the absorption rate, average days on market, and how to effectively represent both buyers and sellers. JJ emphasizes the need for agents to be proactive, especially when it comes to financing and insurance, which can often be the hurdles in closing a deal. He also shares personal stories that highlight the significance of building rapport with clients and understanding their needs. If you’re in the real estate business or looking to buy or sell a property, this episode is packed with tips that can elevate your game. Tune in and learn how to navigate the complexities of real estate with confidence and expertise!Connect with Forward One PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorrisConnect with J.J. WallackInstagram: https://instagram.com/jjwallackhttps://jjwallack.comPresented by Forward One Real Estate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate https://forwardone.com/00:00:01 - Introduction and Meet JJ00:00:48 - Know the Market and How Buyers Qualify00:03:52 - Anticipate Financing and Insurance Hurdles00:08:46 - What Makes a Successful Agent00:10:40 - A Mindset Lesson That Changed an Agent’s Life00:15:33 - Follow the Playbook, Then Find Your Strengths00:19:06 - Prepare for a Listing Presentation00:21:18 - Market a Listing and Create Buyer Urgency00:26:09 - Present the Home at Its Best00:28:43 - Working With Non-Exclusive Buyers00:31:18 - Compete for Listings Through Agent Relationships00:34:44 - Tell the Seller’s Story in Their Own Words00:37:44 - Make Negotiation Part of the Listing Presentation00:41:34 - Personal Reflections and Closing Questions

Welcome to the Forward One Podcast! For Part 1 of this masterclass conversation, Paul and Josh had the pleasure of chatting with J.J. Wallack, whom they consider the smartest man in real estate. With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, J.J. shares his journey from tech to real estate and the lessons he's learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in this business and how they can lead to success. J.J. also discusses the common pitfalls new agents face and why consistency is key too thriving in real estate. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, J.J.’s expertise will inspire you to take your career to the next level. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry!Connect with Forward One PodcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorrisConnect with J.J. WallackInstagram: https://instagram.com/jjwallackhttps://jjwallack.comPresented by Forward One Real Estate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate https://forwardone.com/Timestamps00:00:13 - J.J’s Background and Shift to Real Estate00:03:55 - Entering Beverly Hills Real Estate Market00:05:14 - Importance of Relationships in Real Estate00:07:23 - Knowledge and Application in Real Estate00:11:04 - Lead Generation Strategies00:15:55 - Overcoming Objections and Building Confidence00:22:31 - Team Dynamics and Asking for Business00:23:11 - Market Knowledge and Listing Presentations00:31:14 - Market Variability and Micro Markets00:35:18 - Importance of Mentoring and Coaching in Real Estate00:40:24 - Consistency and Success in Real Estate00:43:05 - Educator's Heart in Coaching and Teaching

Welcome to the Forward One Podcast! This week, Paul Morris and Josh Spitzen welcome the incredible story and real estate know-how of Kevin DaSilva. Kevin shares his unique journey into real estate, which began over 12 years ago when a friend's encouragement led him away from a career in accounting. From door knocking to mastering cold calling, Kevin reveals the strategies that helped him become a local expert in his market. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on a smaller area to build credibility and gain traction, a lesson he learned the hard way. If you're looking to elevate your real estate game or simply want to learn from someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Tune in to discover how you can unlock your potential in real estate and avoid common pitfalls. Don't miss out on Kevin's wealth of knowledge and experience!Connect with Forward One PodcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorrisConnect with Kevin DaSilvaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevindasilvagrouphttps://www.kevindasilvagroup.com/Presented by Forward One Real Estate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate https://forwardone.com/Timestamps00:00:01 - Meet Kevin DaSilva and His Path into Real Estate00:02:28 - Starting Small and Dominating a Local Farm00:05:37 - Modern Prospecting and the Door-Knocking Script00:10:11 - Ice Cream Open Houses That Generate Clients00:11:21 - Intentional Language, NLP, and Sales Psychology00:12:58 - The Body Language Behind Effective Door Knocking00:15:28 - Equity Reports as a Lead-Generation Pillar00:18:46 - The Equity Report Texting Script00:24:20 - Turning Equity Reports into Listings00:28:03 - The CRM and Technology Stack00:30:27 - HomeBot, Fellow, and Home Valuation Landing Pages00:39:17 - Preparing Accurate, Hyperlocal Equity Reports00:42:08 - Golden Questions That Reveal Seller Motivation00:44:41 - Why Automated Valuations Miss Critical Nuances00:48:07 - Micro Market Reports as a Low-Friction Touchpoint00:51:53 - Kevin's Accomplishments, Values, and Inspirations

Paul and Josh welcome a dear friend and dynamite realtor, Leslie Romenesko. Leslie shares her inspiring journey from a childhood spent in her father's appraisal office to becoming a top-producing real estate agent in Los Angeles. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with clients and fellow agents, and how treating others with kindness can lead to success in the industry. Leslie also discusses her unique approach to client interactions, focusing on understanding their needs and providing tailored solutions. With a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in real estate. #realestate #podcast #success #networking #inspiration #realestatepodcastConnect with Forward One PodcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorrisConnect with Leslie RomeneskoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslielahomes/Presented by Forward One Real Estate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate https://forwardone.com/Timestamps00:00:05 - Meet Leslie Romenesko00:00:54 - Why Realtor Relationships Matter00:05:00 - From Film School to Los Angeles Real Estate00:07:50 - The First Deal and Building a Business00:11:11 - Preparation, Persistence, and Believing in Yourself00:20:51 - Measuring Success and Setting Goals00:25:02 - A Quality-Over-Quantity Business Model00:26:04 - Building the Right Support Team00:31:43 - Building a Client Base From Zero00:42:01 - Turning Open Houses Into Opportunities00:42:55 - The Best CRM Is the One You Use00:46:36 - Authentic Follow-Up Without Rigid Scripts00:51:56 - Taking Action, Getting Feedback, and Adapting00:55:15 - A Client-Centered Listing Presentation00:58:19 - Listen More and Keep Meetings Short01:02:14 - Personal Values, Happiness, and Family01:03:32 - Courage, Community, and Let's Go

An enlightening conversation with Neyshia Go, a remarkable real estate leader who has built an impressive career from the ground up. Neyshia  shares her story of how she landed her first job in real estate, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to close over 200 real estate deals. Neyshia shares valuable insights on working with developers, understanding market trends, and creating a bespoke marketing strategy for each property.Connect with Forward One PodcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulmarkmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmarkmorris Connect with Neyshia GoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neyshiagohttps://neyshiago.com/Presented by Forward One Real Estate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate https://forwardone.com/ Timestamps00:00:01 - Introduction and Neyshia’s Path into Real Estate00:03:41 - Building a Business from Scratch00:06:56 - Why Development Became the Goal00:10:04 - Creating Lasting Value for Developers00:11:37 - How to Define and Underwrite a Developer's Buy Box00:15:07 - Back-of-the-Napkin Deal Analysis00:20:58 - Why Environment and Proximity Matter00:23:45 - Turning Proximity into Early Listings00:25:50 - Pairing New-Agent Hustle with Experience00:29:34 - Leaving a Long-Term Partnership00:30:30 - Choosing Sotheby's and Building a Boutique Team00:32:34 - Maintaining Standards Through Compensation and Training00:36:14 - Small-Team Production and Quality Over Quantity00:38:36 - Investing in Leverage and Valuing Your Time00:39:53 - Bespoke Marketing for Every Luxury Listing00:44:11 - Personal Reflections and Rapid-Fire Questions