Real Estate Superstars Today!

What do MUD taxes really pay for, what are brokers looking for in the next generation of real estate agents, and how can you get your foot in the door in today’s market? Join host Rita Santamaria and Superstar Guest Stephanie Peters as they break down the questions every agent should be asking. From understanding water and MUD districts to turning open houses into career-building opportunities, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you understand the business and take your next step toward success in real estate!

What happens when Real Estate, Entrepreneurship, and Artificial Intelligence come together?

Rita Santamaria sits down with Rome Gregorio, Founder & CEO of Popby Realty®, Co-Founder & CEO of Grego-Tech, the company behind VIZO™, and Champions Instructor to explore the evolving role of AI and technology in Real Estate.

Rome brings experience spanning brokerage leadership, M&A, commercial real estate, and technology development to a timely conversation covering effective ChatGPT prompting, AI hallucinations, data privacy, AI-powered advertising, and the challenges (and opportunities) emerging as technology becomes a bigger part of the Real Estate Industry.

On this episode of Real Estate Superstars Today, Rita Santamaria sits down with Sam Sharif of RE/MAX Elite Properties to talk about why meaningful networking is one of the most powerful tools for success, not just in real estate, but in any industry.

Sam shares his path from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and why building a successful real estate business requires more than transactions. They discuss developing an abundance mindset, becoming a relational rather than transactional agent, fully committing to your business, and creating opportunities by getting out, meeting people, and building genuine connections.

For new agents, Sam also shares practical advice on choosing the right brokerage, mastering the 1–4 contract, and building the foundation for a successful career.

Whether you're brand new to real estate or looking for new ways to grow your business, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes your next opportunity starts with simply putting yourself in the room.

How do top agents stand out, create more value, and grow their business?

Rita sits down with James and Elvia Williams of Your Time Home Inspections to uncover how strong partnerships, better client experiences, and a commitment to serving others can make all the difference.

James and Elvia share what agents need to know about the inspection process, building relationships with inspectors, and the strategies that helped them grow their business. They also discuss working with your spouse and the value of business coaching.

What if you never had to wonder who you should meet next?

In this episode of Real Estate Superstars Today, Rita sits down with Ron Sasson, CEO of Skyler Network, to discuss how AI is changing the way professionals build relationships and uncover business opportunities.

Ron shares how intelligent networking can help identify meaningful introductions, strengthen communities, and connect the right people at the right time. Whether you're growing a real estate business, leading an organization, or simply looking to expand your professional circle, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on making every connection count.

If you're ready to network with purpose instead of chance, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Real Estate Superstars Today, Dave Santamaria sits down with appraisal expert Debby Watson Lawson for a candid conversation about growth, independence, mentorship, and what the modern appraisal business actually looks like.

From her unique path into the industry to the realities of working within the AMC model, Debby shares honest insight for anyone curious about appraisal, expanding from the real estate side of the business, or building a long-term career with room to grow.

Whether you're a real estate professional exploring your next move or simply curious about the appraisal side of the industry, this episode delivers practical insight from someone who’s lived it.

In this episode of Real Estate Superstars Today, Rita sits down with Stephan Swanson of Maverick Real Estate Group sponsored by eXp Realty® to talk about entrepreneurship, the importance of marketing yourself and finding a mentor, and valuing personal connection over social media.

n this episode of Real Estate Superstars, Rita Santamaria sits down with Chance Brown Broker/Owner of CB&A, Realtors in Houston, TX to talk about what it really takes to grow a brokerage through training and leadership.

Chance shares how earning designations helped shape his career, why following through on the goal of starting a brokerage matters, and what new brokers should look for when hiring their first agents. He also discusses the value of committing to open houses as a growth strategy and how to think strategically about advertising budgets when getting started.

Whether you’re dreaming of opening your own brokerage or simply looking for ways to level up, this episode delivers real-world insight and practical advice from someone who’s done it successfully. Watch now and learn how training can be the foundation for long-term growth.

Rita Santamaria interviews Leslie Lerner, Broker of Leslie Lerner Properties, to discuss operating a flat-fee brokerage, rebates, and rebating the commission, the importance of interviewing your potential broker, and her favorite tools to use including her own contract-understanding platform!

Rita Santamaria interviews Chris Kelso, producing regional manager at Rate, to discuss why agents should get to know their loan officers, quarter points and BIPS, finding independent contractors, marketing yourself within your sphere of influence, mastering the mundane, and how “money will follow if you have a passion for what you do.”

Rita Santamaria interviews Ben Deal, Realtor at EXP Realty LLC and Creator of Investor Agent Gameplan, to discuss his expertise on working with investors, building The Gameplan, the benefits of wholesaling, networking, and defining community teams.

Rita Santamaria interviews Jerry Mooty, Christie's International Real Estate, CEO | Principal | Broker | Attorney, to discuss the importance of CRMs, how 85% of your business comes from your sphere of influence, and tips on going into management and becoming a leader.

Rita Santamaria interviews Tim Sojka, Co-Founder and CEO of See Tim Sell Property Group - Keller Williams Premier Realty, on wrapping vehicles with your brand, the importance of realizing what you are good at (and what you are not good at), and cultivating joy in the business. Tim says, “If you’re worried about making money you don’t make any. If you worry about making other people money and worry about your client—you’ll make a lot of money.”

Rita Santamaria interviews Edie Leon on opening your own business, combating two different types of fear, knowing your value, and how creating opportunity increases motivation.

Rita Santamaria interviews Matt Brown on new trends for lenders, disruptors and changes in mortgages, the importance of time blocking, and tips on getting out of your comfort zone from day one.

Rita Santamaria interviews Lisa Benoit on monthly marketing tips, hosting, managing yourself, focusing on the whys of real estate, and being comfortable with fear.

Rita Santamaria interviews Ty Counts about his experience being born into a real estate family, leaving the world of accounting for the “family business”, and his invaluable insight into apartment locating today!

Rita Santamaria interviews Michelle Marek about marketing yourself, goal setting, and some unique ways to keep up with clients.

Rita Santamaria interviews Jason Vitorino, a retail investment sales star and a leader in commercial real estate. Tune it to get tips on how to grow a commercial business in real estate from the ground floor up!

In the second episode of our series Becoming an Appraiser, David Santamaria interviews the talented and knowledgeable Mike Brubaker about different types of property valuations, the market, and how being an appraiser is really about problem solving.