SE01 E13 From House Hacking to Real Estate Investing Success | Scott Rubzin

SE01 E13 From House Hacking to Real Estate Investing Success | Scott Rubzin

How do you go from house hacking in college to building a full-time real estate investing business? In this episode of Carolina Closings, Scott Rubzin shares his journey from buying his first home in California during college to becoming a full-time real estate investor in the Greater Charlotte area. Scott breaks down how renting rooms to teammates sparked his interest in real estate, how a simple email landed him an opportunity to work with the stars of HGTV’s Flip or Flop, and the lessons he learned from years of investing experience. We also dive deep into the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), how Scott evaluates deals, common mistakes investors make, and what today’s Charlotte rental market looks like. From finding contractors and managing rehabs to handling squatters, rising insurance costs, and tenant retention, this episode is packed with real-world investing advice. If you're interested in real estate investing, rental properties, house hacking, or flipping homes, this episode is full of practical tips and honest insights from someone actively doing it every day. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Scott got started with house hacking in college The story behind working with Flip or Flop’s team What the BRRRR method actually means How to buy investment properties at the right price Biggest mistakes new real estate investors make How to evaluate fixer-uppers and avoid costly repairs The importance of contractor relationships and systems How Scott manages rental properties and tenants Why cash reserves are critical for investors Charlotte real estate investing trends and opportunities Scott also shares his advice for accidental landlords, why he always makes the offer on a property, and how patience and consistency play a huge role in long-term investing success. To connect with Scott – https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-rubzin-1a544671/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of Carolina Closings! Drew and the Carolina Closings Podcast team :) Connect with Drew: Website: www.TFCgroupMortgage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-ferguson-59639074/ About Drew Ferguson: Drew Ferguson is a Loan Officer (NMLS 1304174) at Movement Mortgage, serving clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina from his office in Cornelius, NC. #CarolinaClosings #NorthCarolinaRealEstate #MortgagePodcast #RealEstatePodcast #NCRealEstate #HomeLoans #CarolinaHomes #RealEstateInvesting #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MortgageAdvice #CorneliusNC #CharlotteRealEstate #MovementMortgage #RealEstateProfessionals Carolina Closings is a real estate and mortgage podcast featuring conversations with industry professionals, community leaders, and experts in the North Carolina market. Hosted by Drew Ferguson, Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage, each episode explores the stories, strategies, and insights that matter to homebuyers, real estate investors, and industry professionals across the Carolinas. Topics include home buying, mortgage lending, real estate investing, market trends, and success stories from the North Carolina real estate community.

SE01 E12 Charlotte Real Estate in 2026 Market Shifts Buyer Trends and Building Success Through Relationships | Lee Northcutt

In this episode of Carolina Closings, Lee Northcutt shares his journey from owning a music business in Charlotte to becoming a top-performing real estate agent with Keller Williams SouthPark. With over 150 families helped in just five years, Lee breaks down what it really takes to succeed in real estate through relationships, consistency, and adapting to changing markets. Lee also gives an in-depth look at the Charlotte real estate market heading into 2026, including why inventory is rising, how interest rates are impacting buyers and sellers, and why he believes opportunity still exists in every market. From pricing strategies and buyer psychology to networking, referrals, and navigating emotional real estate decisions, this episode is packed with valuable insights for agents, homeowners, investors, and anyone interested in the Charlotte housing market. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Lee transitioned from the music industry into real estate Why relationships and referrals are key to long-term success The biggest shifts happening in the Charlotte housing market How rising inventory is changing buyer and seller behavior Why interest rates are driving pent-up demand The importance of pricing homes correctly in today’s market How buyers can win even in uncertain conditions What neighborhoods around Charlotte are seeing the most growth The mindset needed to survive and thrive in real estate sales Why Lee believes there is never a “bad” real estate market Lee also shares his predictions for Charlotte real estate in 2026 and explains why balanced markets create better opportunities for both buyers and sellers. To connect with Lee Northcutt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-northcutt-04b574150/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of Carolina Closings! Drew and the Carolina Closings Podcast team :) Connect with Drew: Website: www.TFCgroupMortgage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-ferguson-59639074/ About Drew Ferguson: Drew Ferguson is a Loan Officer (NMLS 1304174) at Movement Mortgage, serving clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina from his office in Cornelius, NC. #CarolinaClosings #NorthCarolinaRealEstate #MortgagePodcast #RealEstatePodcast #NCRealEstate #HomeLoans #CarolinaHomes #RealEstateInvesting #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MortgageAdvice #CorneliusNC #CharlotteRealEstate #MovementMortgage #RealEstateProfessionals Carolina Closings is a real estate and mortgage podcast featuring conversations with industry professionals, community leaders, and experts in the North Carolina market. Hosted by Drew Ferguson, Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage, each episode explores the stories, strategies, and insights that matter to homebuyers, real estate investors, and industry professionals across the Carolinas. Topics include home buying, mortgage lending, real estate investing, market trends, and success stories from the North Carolina real estate community.

SE01 E11 Homeowners Insurance Every Buyer & Homeowner Needs to Know | Brayden Hawkins

In this episode of Carolina Closings, Drew Ferguson sits down with Brayden Hawkins of North Carolina Farm Bureau to break down everything homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate investors need to know about insurance in today’s market. From understanding homeowners insurance policies to navigating roof claims, coastal coverage, liability protection, and umbrella policies, Brayden shares practical insights from helping over 450 families across North Carolina. The conversation also dives into how insurance companies assess risk, why replacement cost matters more than market value, what homeowners should know before filing claims, and how life changes like renovations, investment properties, and growing families should impact your coverage decisions. If you’re buying a home, investing in real estate, or simply reviewing your current insurance policy, this episode is packed with valuable information that can help protect your home, finances, and future. In this episode, you’ll learn: How homeowners insurance actually works What is and isn’t covered in a standard policy Roof claims, inspections, and common homeowner mistakes Why coastal North Carolina insurance is different How replacement cost differs from home value The importance of life insurance for homeowners What umbrella policies cover and who needs one Insurance tips for investment properties and vacation homes How bundling home and auto insurance can save money What to expect during the claims process Brayden also shares real stories from the insurance world, advice for homeowners navigating renovations and policy reviews, and why staying proactive with your coverage matters more than most people realize. To connect with Brayden Hawkins: Brayden.Hawkins@NCFBINS.com We hope you enjoyed this episode of Carolina Closings! Drew and the Carolina Closings Podcast team :) Connect with Drew: Website: www.TFCgroupMortgage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-ferguson-59639074/ About Drew Ferguson: Drew Ferguson is a Loan Officer (NMLS 1304174) at Movement Mortgage, serving clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina from his office in Cornelius, NC. #CarolinaClosings #NorthCarolinaRealEstate #MortgagePodcast #RealEstatePodcast #NCRealEstate #HomeLoans #CarolinaHomes #RealEstateInvesting #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MortgageAdvice #CorneliusNC #CharlotteRealEstate #MovementMortgage #RealEstateProfessionals Carolina Closings is a real estate and mortgage podcast featuring conversations with industry professionals, community leaders, and experts in the North Carolina market. Hosted by Drew Ferguson, Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage, each episode explores the stories, strategies, and insights that matter to homebuyers, real estate investors, and industry professionals across the Carolinas. Topics include home buying, mortgage lending, real estate investing, market trends, and success stories from the North Carolina real estate community.

SE01 E10 Why North Carolina’s Triad Real Estate Market Is Booming | Amy Cromer

How do you build a thriving real estate business while balancing leadership, family, and long-term growth? In this episode of Carolina Closings, Amy Cromer shares her incredible journey from first getting her real estate license in 1998 to stepping away for the corporate world and eventually returning to real estate full-time in 2015. Today, Amy leads a successful 12-person team at Hillcrest Realty Group in the North Carolina Triad and has helped hundreds of families buy and sell homes across the region. Amy opens up about how she unexpectedly became a team leader, the lessons she learned building a strong culture-focused business, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is the key to long-term success in real estate. We also dive deep into the North Carolina Triad real estate market including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point discussing current buyer and seller trends, pricing strategies, inventory shifts, and why the Triad could be one of the fastest-growing areas in North Carolina over the next decade. If you're a real estate agent, investor, homebuyer, or seller, this episode is packed with practical advice and real market insight. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Amy built and scaled her real estate team Why leadership and culture matter in real estate The biggest buyer & seller trends in the Triad market How pricing strategies have changed in today’s market Why the Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point area is growing fast The impact of remote work on North Carolina real estate How to guide buyers emotionally, not just financially The importance of strong referral partners in real estate transactions Amy also shares her outlook on the future growth of the Triad area and why more buyers are moving outside of Charlotte and Raleigh for affordability, space, and quality of life. To connect with Amy: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-cromer-b2bb09126/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of Carolina Closings! Drew and the Carolina Closings Podcast team :) Connect with Drew: Website: www.TFCgroupMortgage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-ferguson-59639074/ About Drew Ferguson: Drew Ferguson is a Loan Officer (NMLS 1304174) at Movement Mortgage, serving clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina from his office in Cornelius, NC. #CarolinaClosings #NorthCarolinaRealEstate #MortgagePodcast #RealEstatePodcast #NCRealEstate #HomeLoans #CarolinaHomes #RealEstateInvesting #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MortgageAdvice #CorneliusNC #CharlotteRealEstate #MovementMortgage #RealEstateProfessionals Carolina Closings is a real estate and mortgage podcast featuring conversations with industry professionals, community leaders, and experts in the North Carolina market. Hosted by Drew Ferguson, Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage, each episode explores the stories, strategies, and insights that matter to homebuyers, real estate investors, and industry professionals across the Carolinas. Topics include home buying, mortgage lending, real estate investing, market trends, and success stories from the North Carolina real estate community.

SE01 E09 How This Agent Built a Top Real Estate Business from Scratch | Kristen Hall

How do you build a successful real estate career in a brand new city with no network, no team, and starting from scratch? In this episode of Carolina Closings, Kristen Hall shares her journey from working in hospitality to becoming a top-performing real estate agent in Charlotte, North Carolina. From leveraging relationships as a new mom to mastering social media marketing and working with top mentors, Kristen breaks down exactly what it takes to grow in today’s competitive market. We also dive into the latest Charlotte real estate trends for 2026 what buyers and sellers need to know, pricing strategies that actually work, and how interest rates are shaping demand right now. If you're a real estate agent, investor, or planning to buy or sell a home, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use immediately. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to start and grow a real estate business from zero The power of networking and relationship-building Social media strategies that attract real clients Current buyer & seller trends in Charlotte Smart pricing strategies to sell homes faster How to balance business, family, and growth Kristen also shares her take on why 2026 could be a huge year for real estate and how to position yourself ahead of the curve. To connect with Kristen - https://www.instagram.com/heritageave_kristen/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of Carolina Closings! Drew and the Carolina Closings Podcast team :) Connect with Drew: Website: www.TFCgroupMortgage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-ferguson-59639074/ About Drew Ferguson: Drew Ferguson is a Loan Officer (NMLS 1304174) at Movement Mortgage, serving clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina from his office in Cornelius, NC. #CarolinaClosings #NorthCarolinaRealEstate #MortgagePodcast #RealEstatePodcast #NCRealEstate #HomeLoans #CarolinaHomes #RealEstateInvesting #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MortgageAdvice #CorneliusNC #CharlotteRealEstate #MovementMortgage #RealEstateProfessionals Carolina Closings is a real estate and mortgage podcast featuring conversations with industry professionals, community leaders, and experts in the North Carolina market. Hosted by Drew Ferguson, Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage, each episode explores the stories, strategies, and insights that matter to homebuyers, real estate investors, and industry professionals across the Carolinas. Topics include home buying, mortgage lending, real estate investing, market trends, and success stories from the North Carolina real estate community.