Stop Fighting the Appraiser: How to Build the Ultimate Appraisal Package

Stop Fighting the Appraiser: How to Build the Ultimate Appraisal Package

In this episode of the RETSY Podcast, Chris and Matt welcome Andrew Turley of Phoenix Valuations, the go-to appraiser for ultra-luxury real estate in Arizona. Andrew breaks down the exact science and nuance behind appraising high-end homes, starting with the critical importance of an appraiser's "geographical competence." He reveals a shocking statistic from his own research: 35% of homes in the county have inaccurate square footage on public records, and laser measuring can often uncover hundreds of uncounted square feet that add massive value to a seller's bottom line. Andrew also pulls back the curtain on how appraisers actually calculate the value of guest houses, finished basements, and premium lots, putting long-standing real estate myths to rest. Beyond the math, Andrew provides a masterclass on how agents can proactively advocate for their clients by building the perfect appraisal package—explaining why including multiple offers, pending sales, and chronologically priced upgrade lists is absolutely crucial. He warns against relying on automated AI valuation models (AVMs) or aggressive post-appraisal appeals, emphasizing that collaboration and upfront communication always yield the best results. The conversation rounds out with a highly bullish look at the Phoenix macro-economy, detailing the massive influx of high-net-worth migration and the record-breaking sales currently happening in the $12 million to $25 million tier. 00:00 – Welcome to the Podcast: Meet Appraiser Andrew Turley 02:03 - Elevating the Luxury Market and the Evolution of Phoenix Valuations 05:12 - Why Agents and Appraisers Must Work Together (And How RETSY Excels) 09:17 - Maximize Your Client's ROI: How a Great Appraiser Makes You More Money 14:15 - The Math on Basements and ADUs: Adding 95% Value to the Main Home 19:18 - The Power of Communication in Accurately Assigning Market Value 24:35 - What is Happening in Luxury Real Estate? Why the Valley Keeps Growing 32:14 - Investing in Phoenix's Culinary Scene and Elevating the Local Lifestyle 40:02 - The Million-Dollar Question: Is It Actually Worth It to Remodel a House? 44:02 - The Secret to Timeless Design: Why Natural Lighting is the Ultimate Key 51:54 - Breaking Records: What is Driving the Massive New Sales Numbers in Arizona? 56:25 - Innovating the Appraisal Process: Why Land Valuation is the Ultimate Difference Maker 1:01:47 - Valuing a $37 Million Off-Market Trophy Asset 1:02:48 - How to Connect with Andrew and the Team at Phoenix Valuations Check out his website www.phoenixvaluations.com [http://www.phoenixvaluations.com] Or call the office at 480-634-5980 Learn more about RETSY www.retsy.com [http://www.retsy.com] www.instagram.com/retsy [http://www.instagram.com/retsy] www.youtube.com/@retsy [http://www.youtube.com/@retsy]. Original music by @jacktwarner [https://www.instagram.com/jacktwarner]

The Client-First Approach: Radical Honesty and 5-Star Service with Sandra Gaare

In this episode of the RETSY Podcast, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY agent Sandra Gaare to discuss her incredible transition from the corporate world to luxury real estate. Sandy shares the story of her 35-year career at Ticketmaster, where she served as the Executive Vice President of Retail Partnerships for North America. When the live entertainment industry halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandy pivoted into her lifelong passion for real estate. She brought her elite corporate background with her, explaining how she performs a rigorous SWOT analysis on every listing to deeply understand her buyer demographic and negotiate effectively with C-level executives, doctors, and entrepreneurs. Sandy also breaks down the meticulous systems that set her business apart, including her non-negotiable staging process that transforms every listing into a model home before it hits the market. The trio dives into Sandy’s highly unique geographic farming strategy in the Desert Ridge community, where she skipped traditional mailers and instead became the official neighborhood expert by writing for community magazines and sponsoring local schools. Finally, Sandy shares a wild real estate horror story about a listing that severely flooded just three days before closing, proving why radical honesty and proactive problem-solving are an agent's most valuable assets. 00:00 – Welcome RETSY Agent Sandra Gaare 01:30 – 35 Years at Ticketmaster: Negotiating Contracts and Driving Half the Company's Sales 05:04 – The COVID Furlough That Sparked a Lifelong Passion for Real Estate 12:58 – Breaking into the Market: Sandy's Key to Success in the Luxury Space 17:10 – Coming Out of the Gate Strong and How the COVID Market Differs From Today 21:32 – Embracing Tech: How RETSY's Ad Tools Elevated Sandy's Business 35:30 – Data is Your Best Tool: Why You Need to Stop Listening to the News 38:15 – The Power of a Great Team and the Unmatched Support Culture at RETSY 45:04 – Advice for New Agents: Mastering Referrals and Building a Client Base 54:14 – The Time Machine Question: Trusting the Process and Taking the Leap Sooner 58:52 – Why Now is the Perfect Time to Buy (And How to Get Clients Off the Fence) 01:08:58 – How to Connect Connect with Sandra Check out Instagram @sandragaare [https://www.instagram.com/sandragaare/] Or her website sandragaare.com [http://sandragaare.com] Call or text her at 847-922-2620 Check out her featured listing linked here [https://sandragaare.com/properties/5709-n-harding-drive-paradise-valley-az-us-85253-20260505222833350899000000]. Learn more about RETSY www.retsy.com [http://www.retsy.com] www.instagram.com/retsy [http://www.instagram.com/retsy] www.youtube.com/@retsy [http://www.youtube.com/@retsy]. Original music by @jacktwarner [https://www.instagram.com/jacktwarner]

AI, Waymos, and Viral Reels: The Ultimate Content Playbook with Justin Godsey

In this episode of the RETSY Podcast, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY agent and founder of Godsey Creative, Justin Godsey. Starting as an agent who realized the industry desperately needed a cinematic upgrade from basic "photo slideshows," Justin built a powerhouse digital agency that helps real estate professionals and businesses craft highly engaging, viral content. He breaks down the exact strategies he uses to help agents overcome camera anxiety, including his golden rule of "embracing the cringe" and filming practice videos you never even intend to post. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence and digital labor. Justin and the hosts explore how top-producing agents use comedy as "top of funnel" content, while treating serious listing videos as the "commercials." From using AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT to instantly generate scripts and shot lists, to a futuristic discussion on Waymo driverless cars and Tesla robots, this episode is a masterclass in staying ahead of the technological curve and standing out in a saturated market. 00:00 – Welcome to the Podcast: Meet Justin Godsey from Godsey Creative 01:23 – The Origin Story: Transitioning from Real Estate Agent to Content Creator 04:00 – Breaking the Mold in Early Real Estate Video Marketing 07:45 – Current Content Trends and How to Find Your Unique Strategy 12:44 – Behind the Scenes: Real Estate Comedy and Viral Videos with Mike Dellina 22:22 – The 6-Month Rule: Why Consistency Beats Overnight Success 24:35 – Overcoming Camera Fear by Embracing the Cringe 37:55 – The Time Machine Question: Personal Growth and Looking to the Future 41:41 – AI's Exponential Growth: How to Use Tech Without Losing Your Human Voice 01:03:00 – How to Connect Connect with Justin Find him on IG at @GodseyCreative [https://www.instagram.com/godseycreative/] or @JustinGodsey [https://www.instagram.com/justingodsey/] Check out his website godseycreative.com [http://godseycreative.com] Email him at justin@godseycreative.com Learn more about RETSY www.retsy.com [http://www.retsy.com] www.instagram.com/retsy [http://www.instagram.com/retsy] www.youtube.com/@retsy [http://www.youtube.com/@retsy]. Original music by @jacktwarner [https://www.instagram.com/jacktwarner]

Stop Telling Sellers What They Want to Hear: The Straight-Shooter’s Guide to Real Estate

In this episode of the RETSY Podcast, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY "OG" and Morrison Team powerhouse, Steph Tarr. Steph shares her journey from growing up on the West side of Phoenix alongside Chris, to working as a medical marketing director, flipping her first house to pay off student loans, and eventually finding her true calling in real estate. Known for her fierce loyalty and straight-shooting honesty, Steph breaks down why telling sellers what they need to hear, rather than what they want to hear, is the ultimate key to a successful transaction and preventing "pre-planned resentments." The conversation dives into Steph’s meticulous, non-negotiable staging process, explaining why sellers must remove their "home" from the "house" to compete in the luxury market. Chris, Matt, and Steph also reminisce on the early days of leaving their previous brokerage to launch RETSY, winning a massive Fountain Hills listing with a Forbes Global Properties "Hail Mary," and building an unmatched company culture (complete with the infamous Ladies' Happy Hour). Stick around for some hilarious real estate horror stories involving exotic animals and expired licenses, plus the origin of the brokerage’s favorite "Matthew-isms." 00:00 – Welcome RETSY OG, Steph Tarr 02:20 – Joining the Morrison Team: Taking a Leap of Faith on a New Brokerage 04:48 – West Side Roots: Growing Up and Setting Big Goals 11:15 – Flipping Houses Before the Crash: What Brought Steph into Real Estate 22:29 – Building RETSY: Believing in the Tech, QR Codes, and the Brand 25:40 – Disrupting the Industry: The Authenticity of the RETSY Model 32:47 – The RETSY Culture: Ladies' Happy Hours and the "Trophy Boss" 36:27 – The "Hail Mary" Pitch: Winning the First Forbes Global Properties Listing 41:56 – Your Evolving Sphere: Navigating Life Changes and Building Trust 50:36 – Just Pick Up the Phone! (Why Are Agents Ignoring Calls?) 53:48 – Inside the Morrison Team: A Culture of Support and Collaboration 01:01:07 – The Best Support System: Relying on Matt and the Expert TCs 01:04:47 – Next-Level Marketing: How RETSY’s Internal Team Elevates Agents 01:08:49 – The Only Time Steph Said "No" — Protecting Her Team's Energy 01:11:10 – How to Connect Connect with Steph 480.612.3553 stephanie@retsy.com [stephanie@retsy.com] or stephanie@morrisonteam.com Learn more about RETSY www.retsy.com [http://www.retsy.com] www.instagram.com/retsy [http://www.instagram.com/retsy] www.youtube.com/@retsy [http://www.youtube.com/@retsy]. Original music by @jacktwarner [https://www.instagram.com/jacktwarner]

1-Year Anniversary Special: Fraud, Flamethrowers, and the Future of RETSY

It is official: The RETSY Podcast has hit the one-year mark with 52 episodes in the books! To celebrate, RETSY Partner Shawna Warner takes over the moderator seat to flip the script and interview Chris and Matt. The trio takes a trip down memory lane, swapping stories about their pre-real estate careers—from Matt busting ticket-scalping college professors as a fraud investigator for Discover Card, to Chris getting rejected by the President of Del Webb while fitting him for golf clubs. They also dive into the psychology of success, sharing the "extreme accountability" tactics Chris used to force top-producing agents to hit their goals. In the second half of the episode, Chris and Matt answer rapid-fire video questions submitted by RETSY agents. They break down the tactical math of geographic farming (and why you need a 6% turnover rate to win), role-play the ultimate luxury listing pitch, and reveal their biggest broker pet peeves. Finally, they open the vault to share the absolute worst real estate transactions they have ever experienced—including a Queen Creek septic nightmare and a wildly disastrous showing involving an ocelot, a flamethrower, and a barbecue grill you have to hear to believe. 00:00 - Welcome to the 1-Year Anniversary Episode 01:21 - Behind the Scenes: The Real Purpose of the RETSY Podcast 02:28 - Calling Out Agents: Who We Want in the "Hot Seat" Next 04:50 - Before Real Estate: Passion Jobs, Fraud Investigations, and Butcher Shops 14:32 - Q&A with Adam Hizme: How to Farm a Neighborhood Loaded with Established Agents 27:10 - Q&A with Jon Mark Estes: A Broker's Biggest Pet Peeve and Sloppy Paperwork 36:23 - Q&A with Jordan Wobig: The Absolute Worst Real Estate Transactions We've Ever Handled 44:07 - Q&A with Brad Fanelli: Turning a Hobby Into a Full-Time Career 45:57 - "Matthew-isms": The Origin of the Brokerage's Favorite Catchphrases 49:43 - Q&A with Jay Jordan: What We Would Do Differently if We Started RETSY Today 54:37 - Q&A with Sandra Gaare: Growing Up Morrison and Predicting Each Other's Futures 58:37 - The 10-Year Vision: Where Chris, Matt, and the RETSY Brand Are Headed 01:03:15 - Community Growth and Realization: How All the Pieces Fell Into Place 01:09:54 - How to Connect Connect with Shawna 602.743.7006 | shawna@retsy.com [shawna@retsy.com] Connect with Chris 602.456.0065 | chris@retsy.com [chris@retsy.com] Connect with Matthew matthew@retsy.com Learn more about RETSY www.retsy.com [http://www.retsy.com] www.instagram.com/retsy [http://www.instagram.com/retsy] www.youtube.com/@retsy [http://www.youtube.com/@retsy]. Original music by @jacktwarner [https://www.instagram.com/jacktwarner]