Libsyn Directory

Rebuilding Hope: How the VA Supports Veterans After Disasters – A Conversation with John Bell

Release Date: 11/07/2024

The Private Village Solving Homelessness in Austin with Kent Redding

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Homelessness isn’t just about lacking a roof, it’s about losing connection, dignity, and community. In this episode, Kent Redding shares the powerful story of Community First Village, a privately funded neighborhood in Austin, TX, that’s redefining how we care for our neighbors on the margins. With tiny homes, job training, mental health services, and deep personal relationships, it’s a model rooted in love and built to last. Listen now to learn how you can be part of the solution! Key takeaways to listen for Why homelessness is more about the loss of community than the lack of...

Are You Measuring Square Footage Correctly? with Bill Whitaker and Hamp Thomas

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

What’s the real value of a home and who gets to decide? Joining us this episode are Bill Whitaker and Hamp Thomas for a deep dive into the surprisingly complex world of square footage, floor plans, and property valuation. From legal liabilities to LiDAR tech, this episode pulls back the curtain on how real estate professionals can either protect or endanger their clients. Key takeaways to listen for Why agents (not tax records) are responsible for square footage accuracy How LiDAR technology is changing the way homes are measured What “ANSI standards” mean for buyers, sellers,...

Why Small-Town America Gets Left Behind After Disasters

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Small towns don’t just recover slower after disaster—they’re often forgotten altogether. In this episode, Leigh Brown exposes the deep inequalities she’s witnessed firsthand in Western North Carolina’s long road to recovery. From government red tape to rising property taxes, this is a raw look at what happens when working-class communities are pushed to the margins. Key takeaways to listen for Why disaster relief often favors urban areas over rural ones The hidden financial toll of rebuilding for low-income, generational homeowners How property tax hikes after disaster can...

VA Home Loans in 2025: Myths, Facts, and Game-Changing Updates with John Bell III

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

VA loans are faster, smarter, and more competitive than ever, so why are real estate pros still missing the mark? John Bell III, head of the VA Home Loan Program, joins us to drop major updates, debunk industry myths, and explain why VA buyers are winning in today’s market. If you serve Veterans or want to dominate the real estate game in 2025, this episode is for you! Key takeaways to listen for Why 2025 is the strongest year yet for VA Home Loan volume How the VA’s digital platform is enabling agents to advocate for Veterans Ways the VA completes appraisals in under 7 business...

We’ve Rebranded! Say Hello to Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate just got a glow-up - welcome to Real Talk with Leigh Brown! From deals that go off the rails to lessons you didn’t see coming, Leigh brings you unfiltered conversations with pros who’ve been deep in the trenches. Same wild stories. Same hard-earned wisdom. Same bold personality. Just with a name that’s a little easier to say out loud. Subscribe now to keep hearing the stories real estate pros talk about behind closed doors. Connect with Leigh Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at , and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting ....

Real Estate Restart: Systems, Referrals & CRM That Actually Work with Bob Percesepe

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

He left without telling anyone and still came out on top. In this episode, Bob Percesepe shares the wild story behind his unexpected real estate reset and the systems that helped him rebuild from scratch. From tough calls to smart CRM plays, it’s equal parts strategy and survival. Press play if you're ready to restart, scale, or shake things up. Key takeaways to listen for How Bob rebuilt his real estate business from scratch in a new state The system behind listing 76 properties in one year Why your CRM must be clean, personal, and saleable How REALTOR® advocacy creates real local...

Why So Many New Agents Fail and What Can Be Done About It with Chris Giannos

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Most real estate agents don’t make it past their first five years, and Chris Giannos is on a mission to change that. In this episode, he reveals how his new platform is helping brokerages rethink recruiting, onboarding, and training to keep agents in the game. Plus, stay tuned for the wild story of how one careless comment during a showing torpedoed a $2 million deal. If you're tired of the old-school grind or looking to build a stronger team, this conversation is for you. Key takeaways to listen for What happens when one broker tries to manage 250 agents? The rookie mistake that...

Revolutionizing Real Estate Tours in the Digital Age with Brad Lewis

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Buckle up for a wild ride through real estate innovation! Join Brad Lewis, a tech-savvy REALTOR® who traded Lake Tahoe's peaks for Tennessee's farmland, as he reveals how a single frustrating property tour sparked the creation of LivePad - a game-changing technology that's about to revolutionize how real estate agents and clients navigate home searches. Get ready for a conversation that's part technology breakthrough, part lifestyle revolution, and 100% pure real estate excitement! Key takeaways to listen for How a frustrating property tour inspired a tech revolution in real estate...

Bob’s Investor's Toolkit: Focus, Delegation, and Market Insights

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

What happens when a former NHL hockey player trades his skates for real estate deals? Meet Bob Lachance, a pro-athlete turned real estate investor and entrepreneur. Hear his secrets on thriving in any market, plus the story of Bob's first-ever flip that kicked off his real estate career, complete with lessons learned the hard (and hilarious) way. Tune in for insights you won’t want to miss! Key takeaways to listen for How a former pro hockey player’s discipline turned into real estate success A forgotten strategy that might become your competitive advantage Can artificial...

Property Rights Under Siege: Andy Webb’s Fight for Local Real Estate

Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Get ready to unpack some wild real estate stories and political showdowns with former McDowell County Commissioner and longtime real estate professional Andy Webb. From dealing with aggressive Treasury agents to local water wars and property tax debates, this conversation dives deep into the gritty realities faced by property owners in Western North Carolina. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about community trust, government overreach, and why local knowledge trumps federal oversight every time. Key takeaways to listen for What happens when a Treasury agent demands local property?...

More Episodes

After Hurricane Helene, Veterans facing the unimaginable have a lifeline. Returning guest John Bell, Executive Director of the VA Home Loans Program, chat with us to reveal how the VA is stepping up with powerful relief options to help Veterans rebuild and recover. He also shares insights on skyrocketing insurance costs and the VA's new toolkit for real estate pros working with Veterans. Don’t miss this essential guide to the support available for Veterans and their families after a disaster!

Key takeaways to listen for

Exclusive VA programs designed to keep Veterans afloat after disasters like Hurricane Helene
Home affordability crisis and how the VA is tackling these challenges to protect veteran homeowners
Recent VA policy changes that make buying a home easier than ever for Veterans
The VA’s powerful new toolkit and why real estate agents need to know about it
Surprising stats on veteran homeowners that reveal their financial resilience and commitment to stable homeownership

Resources mentioned in this episode

Get answers to your questions and learn more about the VA-guaranteed home loan program here by going to https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/contact_rlc_info.asp.

In addition to what LGY offers, Veterans, survivors, family members, and caregivers affected by natural disasters can go to https://www.va.gov/resources/disaster-help/ or call the MyVA411 main information line (1-800-698-2411) to get assistance with other VA benefits and healthcare.

About John Bell III

John E. Bell III began serving as Executive Director of the Loan Guaranty Service on June 21, 2022. He is responsible for delivering VA Home Loan Benefits to his fellow Veterans. Mr. Bell has extensive mortgage industry experience, having served in leadership roles with nationwide lenders for over 20 years before starting his career with the VA in 2010.

Mr. Bell's top priorities are ensuring that VA home loan benefits are the product of choice for Veterans and that Loan Guaranty is the VA program of choice for his 900 talented staff.

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

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