@Denise and Stuart MacPherson left behind secure government careers to take a bold leap into real estate, determined to rebuild their lives after facing financial setbacks from divorce and stock market losses. Starting from scratch, they used registered funds as their secret weapon, managing their first property five hours away and eventually turning a simple side hustle into a financial powerhouse. Their strategy of leveraging registered funds has not only given them financial freedom but also allowed them to travel, support family, and contribute to causes they care about. Today, they share their hard-earned lessons and help others find similar success through smart investing and unconventional methods.

A couple of tips for you today: 1. Focus on building authentic relationships; trust is the foundation of raising capital. 2. Share your vision with confidence - investors buy into you likely more than the deal (although it also needs to make sense!😊).

In the world of real estate investing, building relationships is essential for success—especially when it comes to raising capital. The ability to connect with potential investors and build trust can make the difference in securing funding for your projects. At the heart of these relationships lies a skill often underestimated: 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠. But this isn't just casual chit-chat; it’s an art form that opens doors to meaningful connections, paving the way for stronger partnerships and successful capital-raising. Here’s a guide to the nine essential elements of small talk that can help real estate investors like you create rapport with potential investors. 1. 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙎𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚 A warm smile can be the perfect icebreaker. It signals friendliness and approachability, instantly putting others at ease. A genuine smile sets the stage for an open, positive conversation, encouraging others to engage with you comfortably. 2. 𝘼͟𝙨͟𝙠͟ ͟𝙊͟𝙥͟𝙚͟𝙣͟-͟𝙀͟𝙣͟𝙙͟𝙚͟𝙙͟ ͟𝙌͟𝙪͟𝙚͟𝙨͟𝙩͟𝙞͟𝙤͟𝙣͟𝙨͟ In small talk, the goal is to get people talking—and open-ended questions are the key. Instead of questions that lead to simple yes-or-no answers, try prompts like, “What inspired you to start investing?” or “What excites you most about real estate?” These questions invite more detailed responses and allow you to gain insights into the other person’s interests and motivations. 3. 𝙇͟𝙞͟𝙨͟𝙩͟𝙚͟𝙣͟ ͟𝘼͟𝙘͟𝙩͟𝙞͟𝙫͟𝙚͟𝙡͟𝙮͟ Active listening is crucial for building rapport. Show genuine interest in the other person’s responses by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and offering verbal cues like “I see” or “That’s fascinating.” This shows respect and attentiveness, and it encourages a deeper connection by making them feel heard and valued. 4. 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝘽𝙞𝙩 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 While small talk is about learning about the other person, it’s essential to balance the conversation. Share relevant experiences or insights to build common ground. For example, if they mention their interest in investment strategies, share a brief story about how you started your real estate journey. This balance fosters trust and makes the interaction feel more natural.

Did you know there are three types of listening that can shape your success as a real estate investor? Many investors think it’s just about learning market trends or analyzing deals, but listening skills are equally critical to navigating partnerships, understanding clients, and spotting opportunities. Here’s how these three listening types—Informal, Active, and Intuitive—can benefit your real estate investing journey. 1. 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝙂𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨 In real estate, Informal Listening is essential for gathering the facts and figures needed to make informed decisions. This is the kind of listening we use when we ask questions to clarify the basics, such as confirming property details with a seller or understanding a client’s goals. For example, you might ask a mortgage broker, “What’s the current rate for investment properties?” or inquire about property features with, “Is this property zoned for multifamily use?” While it sounds straightforward, this type of listening can be easily derailed if questions are misheard or answers lack clarity. In real estate, small misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes. That’s why, even in informal listening, it’s crucial to verify information and rephrase questions if needed to ensure accuracy. A simple “Just to confirm…” can save you from potential setbacks. 2. 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 Active Listening is critical when forming connections in real estate, whether with clients, investors, or business partners. It involves fully engaging in conversations, showing interest, and responding meaningfully. This type of listening goes beyond just hearing words; it includes non-verbal cues like nodding, maintaining eye contact, and using verbal affirmations like, “I understand” or “That makes sense.” For instance, when discussing investment goals with a potential partner, Active Listening helps you understand their motivations and concerns. By paraphrasing what they’ve said and asking clarifying questions, you demonstrate your commitment to aligning with their goals. This skill is crucial for investors because strong relationships, built on trust and understanding, often lead to lasting partnerships and collaborative projects.