PowerVP is the latest innovation from Guaranteed Rate that is designed to make your life easier. This incredible LOS gives you the power to take your pipeline with you and stay in control of all your clients – no matter where they’re at in the process. The end-to-end experience means you have the freedom to be anywhere and do anything.

The second episode of The Owning Show, a video podcast for Owning about the adventures of homeownership.

Real estate isn’t easy — and no one knows that better than Stefanie Lavelle.From getting her start after 9/11 to surviving the 2008 crash and building one of Chicago’s most respected real estate careers, Stefanie’s story is a masterclass in grit, mindset, and staying power.In this episode of Sit Down With Sam, Sam Sharp sits down with Stefanie to talk about:

Sam sits down with veteran Chicago broker Jeff Proctor to break down what buyers, sellers, and even agents overlook in today’s market. Jeff explains why product knowledge matters more than curb appeal, how construction quality can make or break long-term value, the right way to evaluate price, and the red flags that should make any buyer walk away. They also explore working with developers, why reputation is everything in real estate, and how agents build careers that last decades instead of seasons. A practical, no-nonsense conversation packed with real insight for anyone involved in Chicago real estate.

Sam sits down with industry icon and national real estate educator Marki Lemons Ryhal for a high energy conversation about the skills agents need right now and the tools they can no longer ignore. Marki explains how AI is reshaping client expectations, why agents who learn to leverage it will outperform those who resist it, and how simple AI workflows can save hours a week while raising the quality of communication and marketing. She breaks down the behavior patterns of modern consumers, the systems top producers use to stay consistent, and why professionalism, transparency, and speed matter more than ever. Sam and Marki also talk through brand building in the Chicago market, common mistakes agents make with content, and the mindset required to build a long lasting business in a rapidly shifting industry. A fast moving, insight packed episode for any agent who wants to use AI, strategy, and disciplined execution to stay ahead.

Sam sits down with real estate investor and educator Kirby Atwell for a candid look at what actually works in today’s short term rental market. Kirby shares how he went from flipping seventy Chicago properties with little to show for it to building a high cashflow portfolio of multi-unit short term rentals, why most investors chase the wrong properties, and how budget friendly markets can outperform the Instagrammable hotspots everyone talks about. He breaks down the biggest mistakes new hosts make, how to analyze deals with real numbers instead of hype, and why autonomy, lifestyle, and clarity matter more than scale. They also dig into self-management versus hiring out, how to grow a systems based rental business without burning out, and what a sustainable investing path really looks like. A grounded, highly practical conversation for anyone serious about building long term wealth through real estate.

Sam sits down with Chicago powerhouse agent Gia Devenyi for a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to build a long lasting real estate career. Gia walks through starting in the business during the 2007 crash, learning REOs, rentals, and property management before most agents her age had written their first offer, and how losing everything in her twenties became the turning point that fueled her rebuild. She explains why following up matters more than flashy marketing, how a great CRM can resurrect your business, and why picking up the phone still outperforms every tech shortcut. They also get into team dynamics, winning multiple offers, what sellers actually value in competing bids, and how agents can stay relevant as the industry consolidates and evolves. A candid, high energy conversation packed with perspective, resilience, and practical advice for navigating today’s Chicago market.

Are you 62 or older and wondering how to unlock the equity in your home without selling or making monthly payments? In this episode we sit down with Gabrielle Gregoline to break down reverse mortgages—what they are, how they work, who qualifies, and common myths that stop people from exploring this powerful financial tool. Our expert guest explains how reverse mortgages allow seniors to tap into home equity to fund retirement, home upgrades, or even travel—all without giving up ownership. Whether you're retired or planning ahead, this guide will help you make smart, informed decisions about your biggest asset: your home.

In this episode of Sit Down with Sam, Tommy Choi, co-founder of Weinberg Choi Realty and national real estate leader, shares how he turned early struggles into a billion-dollar business through mindset, mentorship, and modern marketing.Tommy opens up about:Starting out during the 2008 housing crash and why not knowing any better became their secret advantageBuilding community through the Chicago Association of Realtors YPNLaunching Keller Williams One Chicago and transforming the brandHow mentorship, coaching, and gratitude fueled long-term successWhy content marketing is the ultimate leverage for agentsThe truth about staying relevant in real estate both online and offlineHis powerful philosophy: “Ready. Fire. Aim.”Whether you are a realtor, loan officer, or entrepreneur, this episode breaks down how top performers think differently and how to build a legacy brand in today’s market.

What’s it like to build a thriving real estate business with your sibling? In this episode of Sit Down With Sam, Sam Sharp sits down with Lauren and Kyle Shimmon of The Shimmon Group to unpack their very different paths into real estate — and how those differences became their biggest strength.

The real estate industry loves to keep things polished on the surface—but what really happens behind the scenes? In this episode of Sit Down With Sam Amber Kardosh joins us to reveal the dirty little secrets the industry doesn’t want you to know.From shady practices and behind-the-curtain politics to the realities that impact both agents and clients, nothing is off-limits in this conversation.If you’re in real estate, this episode will give you the raw, unfiltered truth you won’t hear anywhere else.

The real estate industry is under attack with lawsuits, mergers, and new business models reshaping everything. In this episode, I sit down with Grigory Pekarsky to unpack what’s really happening and what it means for agents, brokers, and the market’s future.