The Real Estate Heavyweights

”Dive deep into the world of real estate with the Real Estate Heavyweights: Tavis Westbrook and Ashton Hines. Tavis, with his vast experience flipping over 200 homes, has stories that could fill a library, while Ashton, having flipped 4 homes, is just starting his collection. Together, they bring the perfect blend of expertise and fresh energy. Join them as they explore the nooks and crannies of the DFW real estate scene. Ever wondered what the deal is with that quirky house on the corner? Or why everyone’s raving about that new development downtown? Tavis and Ashton have got the scoop! And while Tavis might occasionally remind Ashton about the ’good old days’ of real estate, Ashton’s there to bring a new perspective and a few laughs. But it’s not all house talk! Ever thought about the vibrant lifestyle and eclectic stories that the DFW area holds? From tales of BBQ mishaps to the secret life of DFW’s parks after dark, they’re here to share it all. Living in DFW isn’t just about owning a home; it’s about being part of a vibrant community. Our hosts aren’t shy about sharing their love for the region and why DFW is the place to live and invest. The podcast doesn’t stop at tales from two. They bring in the big guns too! Listen in as they interview influential figures in the real estate world. From architects shaping the DFW skyline to brokers closing million-dollar deals, get ready for some eye-opening conversations. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and if you’re not careful, you might just get inspired to start flipping houses yourself! Whether you’re a seasoned real estate pro, someone curious about the DFW lifestyle, or just here for the banter, there’s something for everyone. It’s real estate chat with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of insights, and a whole lot of heart. Tune in to keep up with the latest in DFW and to hear from two guys who might occasionally disagree on what color to paint a living room, but always agree that DFW is the place to be
Episodes
Episodes



Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Tavis and Ashton dive deep in to the Dallas Fort Worth world of real estate and talk about wholesaling, Anthony's entry in to demo, a Texas Real Estate Ponze Scheme. Bigger Pockets podcast shaking up. Anyone looking for a Bigger Pockets alternative? We're right here!



Saturday Aug 03, 2024
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
Join us (Ashton Hines and Tavis Westbrook) as we cover various topics including DFW MLS statistics, flipping houses, construction projects, and market updates. The conversation covers various topics related to the real estate market, including the impact of the NAR settlement, the increase in housing supply, and the changes in buyer's agent compensation. We discuss the challenges and confusion surrounding the new rules and how it will affect agents and buyers. They also emphasize the importance of value and expertise in the real estate industry.
KeywordsMLS statistics, flipping houses, construction projects, market updates, real estate market, NAR settlement, housing supply, buyer's agent compensation, challenges, confusion, value, expertise
Takeaways
DFW MLS statistics can vary depending on the source and filters used
Flipping houses in Dallas requires collaboration and problem-solving
Being involved in construction projects allows for better decision-making and problem-solving
Market inventory is increasing, which may impact buying trends The NAR settlement and changes in buyer's agent compensation are expected to impact the real estate market.
There has been an increase in housing supply, leading to a shift towards a buyer's market.
Agents need to have difficult conversations with buyers and sellers regarding compensation and fees.
Buyers and sellers should understand the value and expertise that agents bring to the transaction.
Open houses may become more important in attracting buyers and showcasing value.
Titles
Understanding Dallas kMLS Statistics and Variations
The Challenges and Rewards of Flipping Houses Recognizing the Value and Expertise of Real Estate Agents
Navigating Difficult Conversations about Compensation and Fees
Sound Bites
"The guy, whoever does the thing after the huddle, he does, he showed some statistics and it's just so different. And it's on the same MLS."
"Yeah, well, but in general, Aaron, really good dude. He's, you know, kind of a long-term relationship. I think he'll be in the game a while. He knows what he's doing. He's really easy to work with."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. So it's it's cool. We're we're cruising. I mean, right now it's it's very important at this stage, even even as good as our plans are, even as much as we did renderings."
"The whole NAR settlement will impact things a little bit just from a speed of money thing."
"We're at overall MLS, we're at 4.7 month supply, which is a huge jump."
"The only way to know for sure if your sewers failed is hydrostatic test."
Chapters
00:00Understanding MLS Statistics and Variations
04:58The Challenges and Rewards of Flipping Houses
10:42Navigating Construction Projects and Decision-Making
17:28Market Update: Increasing Inventory and Its Impact
19:23The Impact of the NAR Settlement and Changes in Buyer's Agent Compensation
32:07Texas Ranking and Consumer Affairs Report
45:07The Value and Expertise of Real Estate Agents
49:19Conclusion and Looking Ahead



Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Summary
The conversation begins with a discussion about fitness routines and the importance of accountability. They then transition to talking about Tavis' need for additional paint crews due to increased demand. Ashton shares his experience with finding accountability in the past. They also discuss their teenage children and their work experiences. The conversation then shifts to a market update, focusing on the number of houses for sale and the percentage of homes that fell out or were canceled. They also discuss the average percentage of the original sales price and how it has fluctuated over time. In this conversation, Tavis and Ashton discuss the intricacies of FHA financing and the role of appraisers in the home buying process. They also touch on the topic of Section 8 housing and the challenges and benefits it presents. The conversation then shifts to the news, with discussions about Shaquille O'Neal selling his house in Carrollton, the expansion of fast food chains like Raising Cane's and Taco Bell, and the concept of a Taco Bell-themed retirement community.
Keywordsfitness routine, accountability, paint crews, work experiences, market update, houses for sale, canceled contracts, original sales price, FHA financing, appraisers, home buying process, Section 8 housing, Shaquille O'Neal, Raising Cane's, Taco Bell, retirement community
Takeaways
Having accountability can be beneficial in maintaining a fitness routine or achieving other goals.
Finding reliable and skilled tradespeople can be a challenge, but building relationships with them can lead to successful projects.
The number of houses for sale is approaching a 10-year high, indicating a potential shift towards a buyer's market.
A significant percentage of homes are being canceled or falling out of contracts, suggesting some uncertainty in the market.
The average percentage of the original sales price has fluctuated, but homes can still sell over asking price. Appraisers play a crucial role in FHA financing, as they assess the condition of the home and ensure it meets safety and functionality standards.
Section 8 housing can be a beneficial investment for landlords, as the government provides a premium rental rate and regular payments.
Shaquille O'Neal is selling his house in Carrollton and moving to Rowlett, showcasing the fluidity of the real estate market.
Fast food chains like Raising Cane's and Taco Bell are expanding globally and exploring unique concepts, such as a Taco Bell-themed retirement community.
Titles
Teenage Work Experiences
Accountability and Fitness Routines Exploring Section 8 Housing
The Expansion of Fast Food Chains
Sound Bites
"I'm proud of you for being in that routine."
"I gotta get some other help. I gotta get, you know, somebody else."
"He doesn't have two crews, you know, he's got him."
"That's the big trick."
"If they see something that they feel is not up to par"
"The vegetation, smoke detectors, and the cedar pergola"
Chapters
00:00Accountability and Fitness Routines
03:38Managing Paint Crews and Finding Accountability
07:03Teenage Work Experiences
17:00Market Update: Number of Houses for Sale
19:21Market Update: Canceled Contracts and Price Cuts
23:17Market Update: Average Percentage of Original Sales Price
32:34Exploring Section 8 Housing
36:01Shaquille O'Neal's Real Estate Moves
40:15The Expansion of Fast Food Chains



Saturday Jul 20, 2024
EP 64: Joe Biden's Rent Policy, Horrible Dallas Wholesalers, DFW Market Update
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
SummaryIn this conversation, Ashton and Tavis discuss their recent real estate projects and the challenges they have encountered. Tavis shares updates on his ongoing projects, including a renovation in Garland and a property in The Colony that he decided to keep as a rental. They also discuss the importance of knowing timetables and coordinating different contractors for a smooth renovation process. Ashton talks about his plans to get back into flipping houses and shares a unique title issue he encountered with one of his listings. They conclude with a market update, noting a decrease in closed transactions and an increase in inventory. The conversation covers various topics including the real estate market, the reopening of Alamo Drafthouse theaters, the potential closure of Garibaldi Bazaar, and Joe Biden's proposed rent increase cap. The discussion highlights the current state of the real estate market, the challenges faced by buyers and sellers, and the impact of online platforms like Zillow. The reopening of Alamo Drafthouse theaters is seen as a positive development, while the potential closure of Garibaldi Bazaar raises concerns about the loss of a cultural hub. The conversation also delves into the pros and cons of Biden's proposed rent increase cap, with arguments for and against the regulation.
Keywordsreal estate, renovation, rental property, flipping houses, contractors, title issue, market update, real estate market, Alamo Drafthouse, Garibaldi Bazaar, Joe Biden, rent increase cap
Takeaways
Coordinating different contractors and knowing timetables is crucial for a smooth renovation process.
Having a clear investment thesis and criteria can help in making decisions about whether to keep a property as a rental or flip it.
The real estate market is experiencing a decrease in closed transactions and an increase in inventory.
Title issues can arise in real estate transactions, and it's important to work with experienced professionals to navigate them. The real estate market is experiencing a shift, with sellers paying for closing costs and properties staying on the market for longer periods.
Online platforms like Zillow have made it easier for buyers to search for properties, but there is still value in physically visiting a property to get a better feel for it.
The reopening of Alamo Drafthouse theaters is a positive development, preserving a unique movie theater experience.
The potential closure of Garibaldi Bazaar raises concerns about the loss of a cultural hub in the community.
Joe Biden's proposed rent increase cap for landlords with 50 or more units has sparked debate, with arguments for and against the regulation.
Titles
Getting Back into Flipping Houses
The Decision to Keep a Property as a Rental The Changing Real Estate Market
Debating Joe Biden's Rent Increase Cap
Sound Bites
"Well good afternoon, good late afternoon, Tavis. How are"
"I am stressed today."
"You know, flooring, for instance, had to be scheduled two weeks prior. so the floor is going in Monday, Tuesday."
"To me, it almost already feels like a buyer's market because sellers are paying for closing."
"Back in the day, you didn't have that. And the challenge used to be like, I only want to show you five properties at a time because that's all you're going to be able to retain in a day."
"Sony has reopened all of them. They made everybody whole. They kind of made up back pay."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Catching Up
05:17The Decision to Keep a Property as a Rental
07:30Getting Back into Flipping Houses
15:37Dealing with Title Issues in Real Estate Transactions
19:07Market Update: Decrease in Closed Transactions and Increase in Inventory
24:25The Changing Real Estate Market
30:30The Reopening of Alamo Drafthouse Theaters
33:20The Potential Closure of Garibaldi Bazaar
36:00Debating Joe Biden's Rent Increase Cap
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealEstateHeavyweights



Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Sorry about the delay this week, family funeral trip took over!
The conversation revolves around Tavis Westbrook's busy schedule and multiple projects, including a design project for Aaron. They discuss the progress of the project, the challenges of managing multiple projects, and the importance of managing funds effectively. They also touch on the real estate market, with Ashton sharing updates on a listing and discussing the housing market in the South. The conversation concludes with Tavis discussing another property listing and the benefits of staging. In this conversation, Tavis and Ashton discuss various topics related to real estate, including the cost of listing a property, the importance of getting a professional opinion on foundation issues, the popularity of lakeside properties in Texas, the impact of amenities on short-term rental prices, and the controversy surrounding public transportation taxes in peripheral counties. They also mention their recent interview with real estate professional Ben Baker and encourage listeners to check out their previous interviews.
Keywordsbusy schedule, multiple projects, design project, progress, managing funds, real estate market, listing, housing market, staging, real estate, listing expenses, foundation issues, lakeside properties, short-term rentals, amenities, public transportation taxes
Takeaways
Managing multiple projects requires effective time management and financial planning.
The real estate market in the South is experiencing high inventory, but predictions of a crash may be exaggerated.
Staging can significantly enhance the appeal of a property and attract potential buyers. Listing a property can be expensive, with costs such as professional photography adding up.
Getting a professional opinion on foundation issues is important to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Lakeside properties in Texas, such as those near Lake Lewisville, can be highly valued.
Amenities like pools, hot tubs, and washers and dryers can significantly impact the rental prices of short-term rentals.
Using certain language in property listings, known as virtue signaling, may actually lower rental prices.
Public transportation taxes can be a contentious issue, especially in peripheral counties.
Titles
The Power of Staging: Enhancing Property Appeal
Juggling Multiple Projects: Time Management and Financial Planning The Popularity of Lakeside Properties in Texas
The Impact of Amenities on Short-Term Rental Prices
Chapters
00:00Juggling Multiple Projects
03:08The Real Estate Market in the South
08:05Managing Funds and Financial Planning
10:21Listing and Showings
14:58Predictions of a Housing Crash
18:24The Potential of Barn Dominiums
22:00The Power of Staging
27:16The Popularity of Lakeside Properties in Texas
36:41The Impact of Amenities on Short-Term Rental Prices
43:11The Controversy Surrounding Public Transportation Taxes



Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Interview w/ War Correspondent Mike Tharp
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Mike Tharp is a Plano resident, a military veteran, and a career reporter and war correspondent who has worked for many publications such as US News and World Report and AARP Magazine. He reported from 6 war zones in his career as well as the Seol Olympics.



Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
EP 62: Interview w/ Ben Baker - 35 Year Real Estate Agent Top Producer in DFW
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024
Tuesday Jul 09, 2024



Friday Jul 05, 2024
EP 61: Tavis is a tub guy? $3 Billion in Residential Sales, Buyers Market!
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Friday Jul 05, 2024
In this conversation, Tavis and Ashton discuss various topics related to real estate flipping and the current market conditions. They talk about Tavis' ongoing flip project on Castle Rock and the renovations he's making, including adding a tub in the master bath. They also discuss the importance of understanding the market and properly comping properties.
Ashton shares his experience with selling a house in a neighborhood where the builder is still selling new builds and the challenges that come with it. They also touch on the Dallas real estate market and the increase in inventory and decrease in closed sales. In this conversation, Tavis and Ashton discuss changes in the real estate industry, including the optional buyer's commission and the affordability of homes in McKinney, Texas.
They also mention the passing of Ellen Terry, a pioneer in the Dallas real estate world, and the development of a lacrosse complex in Addison. They briefly touch on tax lien investing and mention their upcoming interview with Ben Baker.
Keywordsreal estate, flipping, market conditions, renovations, comping properties, builder competition, Dallas market, real estate industry, buyer's commission, affordability, McKinney, Ellen Terry, lacrosse complex, Addison, tax lien investing, interview, Ben Baker
Takeaways
Properly comping properties is crucial in real estate investing
Understanding market conditions and trends is important for successful flipping
Adding desirable amenities like a tub can increase the value of a property
Selling aftermarket houses in a neighborhood with builder competition can be challenging
The Dallas real estate market is experiencing an increase in inventory and a decrease in closed sales The real estate industry is undergoing changes, such as the optional buyer's commission and the affordability of homes in certain areas.
Ellen Terry, a pioneer in the Dallas real estate world, passed away at the age of 85.
A lacrosse complex is being developed in Addison, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport in the area.
Tax lien investing is an interesting investment strategy that involves buying tax debt and potentially acquiring properties.
The hosts mention their upcoming interview with Ben Baker.
Titles
The Importance of Properly Comping Properties
Adding Desirable Amenities to Increase Property Value Remembering Ellen Terry
Exploring Tax Lien Investing
Sound Bites
"You're bucking the trend of taking out tubs and you're actually bringing in tubs"
"There's actually some news that came up on one of the forums I was checking out"
"If you can't value houses, you might as well just go do something else"
"They're going to change the infrastructure of actually the MLS itself here soon."
"Commissions have gone up a little bit... a lot of your three percenters are coming down to two and a half."
"There will be a feeling out period, and at some point, the market will correct itself."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Technical Difficulties
01:34Discussion about Ashton's Flip Project in Castle Rock
07:29Market Update: Increase in Inventory and Decrease in Closed Sales in Dallas
14:15Consideration of Selling Sweetwater and Finding an Agent
21:02Changes in the Real Estate Industry
30:01McKinney: The Most Affordable Town
31:29The Rise of Lacrosse in Addison
39:14The Dallas White House
40:50Exploring Tax Lien Investing
43:26Upcoming Interview with Ben Baker
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealEstateHeavyweights/videos
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