Stop Wineing About Real Estate

Ep. 74 - Business Planning Secrets Every Realtor Should Know: Part 1

Most real estate professionals skip one of the most important tools for long-term success — a solid business plan. In part one of this two-part episode of Stop Wineing About Real Estate, Emmanuel and Sarah sit down with Ben Schachter, Broker and President of The Signature Real Estate Companies, to break down why business planning is non-negotiable for serious agents. Ben shares how to write an effective plan, the biggest mistakes agents make, and why accountability, time blocking, and consistency are the true game-changers. From structuring your day to mastering time management, this episode offers practical steps to level up your business in the year ahead. Contact The Winos: Website: choicemortgage.com [https://www.choicemortgage.com/] Email: info@choicemortgage.com LinkedIn: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/choice-mortgage-group] Instagram: @choicemortgagegroup [https://www.instagram.com/choicemortgagegroup/?hl=en] YouTube: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyceJlgbxJi4XyokeMSV08Q] Facebook: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceMtgGrp] TikTok: Choice Mortgage Boca Raton [https://www.tiktok.com/@choicemortgagebocaraton] Phone Numbers: 561-395-6900, 888-216-6476

Ep. 73 - Ari and Danny Tokar: Inside Benchmark Mortgage’s Winning Approach

Emmanuel and Sarah welcome brothers Ari and Danny Tokar from Benchmark Mortgage for a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a thriving mortgage business built on trust, communication, and consistency. The Tokar brothers share how their hospitality roots shaped their people-first approach, why they still prefer to take most applications one-on-one, and how balancing sales energy with systems thinking keeps their clients happy and closings smooth. They dive into the realities of working with family, the lessons learned from early career struggles, and why transparency and structure matter more than ever in today’s lending landscape. You’ll also hear how they approach hiring and compensation, what separates top performers from the rest, and how “going back to basics” has been their secret to long-term growth. Whether you’re a realtor, a loan officer, or anyone curious about how to build a resilient, relationship-driven business, this episode is packed with insight and practical takeaways. Contact The Winos: Website: choicemortgage.com [https://www.choicemortgage.com/] Email: info@choicemortgage.com LinkedIn: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/choice-mortgage-group] Instagram: @choicemortgagegroup [https://www.instagram.com/choicemortgagegroup/?hl=en] YouTube: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyceJlgbxJi4XyokeMSV08Q] Facebook: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceMtgGrp] TikTok: Choice Mortgage Boca Raton [https://www.tiktok.com/@choicemortgagebocaraton] Phone Numbers: 561-395-6900, 888-216-6476

Ep. 72 - How’s the South Florida Market Really Doing with Luxury Agent Reina Carioti

Emmanuel and Sarah sit down with Compass luxury agent Reina Carioti for a clear and real world look at what buyers and sellers are asking most often: how’s the market? They unpack why the answer depends on your price segment, how scripts fall short, and what a smart, educated response sounds like when rates, Fed meetings, and quick “head fakes” move pricing. Reina breaks down essential condo due diligence after Surfside, from reading association minutes to understanding master insurance, SERS, milestone inspections, and the updated condo rider, so buyers avoid surprises and listing agents can market with full transparency. You’ll hear how top agents qualify clients around lifestyle and location, why buyer broker agreements protect everyone’s time, and what truly changes in the luxury space: not the steps, but the expectations. Reina shares her customer service mindset, speed-of-response habits, and the communication moves that turn challenges into long-term relationships. The hosts also touch on Boca Raton and Delray Beach market realities, luxury price points, and goal setting for a busier year ahead as rates ease. Contact The Winos: Website: choicemortgage.com [https://www.choicemortgage.com/] Email: info@choicemortgage.com LinkedIn: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/choice-mortgage-group] Instagram: @choicemortgagegroup [https://www.instagram.com/choicemortgagegroup/?hl=en] YouTube: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyceJlgbxJi4XyokeMSV08Q] Facebook: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceMtgGrp] TikTok: Choice Mortgage Boca Raton [https://www.tiktok.com/@choicemortgagebocaraton] Phone Numbers: 561-395-6900, 888-216-6476

Ep. 71 - From Cookies to Closings: A Sweet Return with Rachel Williams

We’re re-airing one of our favorite episodes featuring Rachel Williams—Compass agent, media personality, and former “Cookie Bandit.” Rachel takes us from her days as a cookie entrepreneur to her rise in the luxury Palm Beach real estate scene. With charm, humor, and sharp market insight, she shares how authenticity and storytelling shaped her brand. Pour a glass and enjoy this fan-favorite conversation that proves success is best served with a personal touch. Contact The Winos: Website: choicemortgage.com [https://www.choicemortgage.com/] Email: info@choicemortgage.com LinkedIn: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/choice-mortgage-group] Instagram: @choicemortgagegroup [https://www.instagram.com/choicemortgagegroup/?hl=en] YouTube: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyceJlgbxJi4XyokeMSV08Q] Facebook: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceMtgGrp] TikTok: Choice Mortgage Boca Raton [https://www.tiktok.com/@choicemortgagebocaraton] Phone Numbers: 561-395-6900, 888-216-6476

Ep. 70 - Andy Novak The Unicorn Slayer on Calm Closings Tuesday Calls and Smart Recruiting

Today we sit down with branch manager Andy Novak for his first ever podcast appearance. Andy shares how he started writing loans at 18 and why his calm steady presence wins trust from first time buyers and luxury clients alike. We dig into his Tuesday calls system for transparent updates and confident referral asks, the reputation mindset that keeps every file tight, and the follow up muscle that turns quiet leads into closings. Andy breaks down how to diversify beyond agent referrals by partnering with retail bankers and financial advisors, how to act as a true gatekeeper for clients, and what he looks for when recruiting loan officers who can structure deals but want help with networking. We also talk chameleon energy, process over personality, and the father daughter Heat game tradition that keeps him grounded. Pour a glass and learn how to build a branch and a book of business with calm communication and consistent action. Contact The Winos: Website: choicemortgage.com [https://www.choicemortgage.com/] Email: info@choicemortgage.com LinkedIn: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/choice-mortgage-group] Instagram: @choicemortgagegroup [https://www.instagram.com/choicemortgagegroup/?hl=en] YouTube: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyceJlgbxJi4XyokeMSV08Q] Facebook: Choice Mortgage Group [https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceMtgGrp] TikTok: Choice Mortgage Boca Raton [https://www.tiktok.com/@choicemortgagebocaraton] Phone Numbers: 561-395-6900, 888-216-6476