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Is social media ruining real estate work ethic? We dive into the old-school vs. new-school mindset with Casey Hampton and Austin Pantuso. Volume, sacrifice, and the truth behind success in real estate.

In this unfiltered episode of the Key Factors Podcast – Real Estate AF, Mark Jones sits down with real estate veterans Casey Hampton (25+ year mortgage leader, formerly with D.R. Horton and Meritage Homes) and Austin Pantuso (broker and President of United Realty Group) to break down the massive shift happening in real estate and lending post-2020.

🔥 What we cover:

- Are agents and LOs relying too much on social media and not enough on skills?
- Is lead generation dead or just lazy?
- Why “part-time” real estate careers don’t cut it in 2025
- How today’s buyers are stuck in 2021 mindsets
- Real talk on wealth gaps, financial literacy, and homeownership strategy
- The new rules of building trust and referrals in a digital-first world

Whether you're a new agent, a seasoned broker, or somewhere in between — this conversation cuts deep into the mindset, work ethic, and education gap that’s growing in the real estate space.

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🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
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#RealEstateAF #KeyFactorsPodcast #CaseyHampton #AustinPantuso #RealEstateTruth #LoanBot #MortgagePodcast #LenderLife #RealtorLife #OldSchoolVsNewSchool #LeadGeneration #WorkEthic #HomeAffordability #MillennialMoney #GenerationalWealth

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Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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In this powerhouse episode of Key Factors Podcast – Real Estate AF, host Mark Jones sits down with Tomas Martinez, founder of TM3 Impact and Luxury Home Magazine (San Antonio & Austin). Tomas shares his incredible story—from being cut from the C team in middle school basketball to building one of the most successful luxury real estate publications in Texas.

They unpack:

- How he and his wife bootstrapped a franchise with car loans
- Why paper is still powerful in a digital world
- How to break into luxury real estate (even if you have no experience)
- Why branding beats marketing, and the power of relentless consistency
- His evolution into coaching, training, and the Distinctive Agent Lab
- How faith, marriage, and mindset shaped his journey

Luxury Magazine San Antonio - https://www.luxuryhomemagazine.com/sanantonio/
Get in Touch with Tomas - https://www.tm3impact.com/

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#KeyFactorsPodcast #RealEstateAF #TM3Impact #LuxuryHomeMagazine #TomasMartinez #BrandingMatters #FaithDriven #EntrepreneurJourney #LoanBot

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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Join Mark Jones and hard money expert Jade Florez of Longhorn Investments as they dive deep into the world of real estate investing in today's dynamic market. Discover why mom-and-pop investors are thriving with hard money loans, even as traditional buyers hesitate. Jade breaks down the BRRRR method (Buy, Renovate, Refinance, Rent, Repeat), explaining how investors can acquire properties with minimal out-of-pocket cash and build long-term wealth. Learn about the critical 70% rule for flips, the shift from rentals to flips due to rising costs, and how speed and flexibility make hard money a powerful tool. They also expose common pitfalls like contractor mismanagement and discuss the true landscape of institutional vs. individual property ownership. Whether you're a seasoned investor or looking to start your portfolio, this episode offers invaluable insights into leveraging hard money, managing risks, and navigating market changes for profitable real estate ventures.

Get in Contact with Jade : https://www.longhorninvestments.com/loan-consultants/jade-florez

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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Buyer payments didn’t spiral because people forgot how to shop; they spiraled because the inputs changed overnight. We sit down with builder leader Tommy Fryer to talk candidly about what kept new construction moving when rates doubled—and why transparency beats shiny incentives every time. From the DR Horton headlines to the realities of “payment shock” letters, we lay out how improved taxes, real insurance quotes, and honest monthly numbers safeguard buyers and reputations.

Tommy walks us through the rollercoaster: 2019 optimism, 2020–2021 mania, and the 2023 slowdown that forced everyone to reset. The answer wasn’t gamesmanship. It was forward commitments—rate lock buckets that buy down payments without inflating prices or risking appraisals. That choice to take margin pain instead of hiding costs stabilized affordability, protected backlogs, and kept trades working. We also get into inventory discipline, smarter cycle times, and how to avoid a return to metered chaos that leaves buyers waiting months for a chance to sign.

If you’re an agent or lender, you’ll hear a playbook for true partnership: full 3 percent commissions, Agent Rocks lead sharing, CE, and even builder-provided listings—plus a clear path for outside lenders to serve clients with meaningful closing cost credits. For buyers, especially VA borrowers, we map out the “rent it, then rebuy” strategy that turns relocations into stepping stones and builds long-term wealth through lease offsets and entitlement reuse. The throughline is simple: align around the monthly payment, tell the truth early, and choose programs that help families stay in their homes.

Subscribe for more real talk on mortgages, incentives, and market timing. Share this with a friend who’s considering new construction, and leave a review with your biggest question about buying in a high-rate market.

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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In this unfiltered and highly educational episode of the Key Factors Podcast – Real Estate AF, host Mark Jones is joined by San Antonio’s top real estate professionals: Moses Thatcher, Cesar Amezcua, and Josh Boggs.

This episode dives into hard truths about the current new home sales market — truths that many agents are too afraid to say out loud.

Topics covered:

• How builders use inflated pricing and temporary buydowns to trap buyers in negative equity
• The fiduciary failure of realtors who chase commissions and skip due diligence
• Why veteran agents are seeing a rise in pre-foreclosures and short sales
• How builder incentives mask the true cost of homeownership
• Why some new homes are built with lower-quality materials to protect profit margins
• The problem with TikTok agents: Are dancing videos replacing actual expertise?
• How improper pre-qualifications and unimproved tax rates are misleading buyers
• The upcoming risk of payment shock as 2-1 buydowns begin to expire

These industry experts hold nothing back, calling out what needs to be said — from poor leadership at brokerages, to shady builder practices, to agents who can't write a contract but know how to “go viral.”

Whether you’re a homebuyer, realtor, lender, or industry leader, this episode will challenge your perspective, sharpen your edge, and reinforce the value of true expertise in a crowded market.

💥 Must-watch moment: Josh Boggs drops stats on how many short sales he’s working right now—and why that number is about to explode.

🎧 Take notes — this is real talk with real consequences.

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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In this video, we discuss the importance of roof maintenance and how to protect your home from costly repairs. Our experts share valuable roofing insights and practical roofing tips to help homeowners avoid common mistakes. Plus, we dive into gutter maintenance and its crucial role in home improvement. 🏠✨

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Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

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Join host Mark Jones in this insightful episode of the Key Factors Podcast, where real estate experts Sandra Rangel and JJ Garina share their extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the San Antonio real estate market. This episode delves into the current market dynamics, personal growth strategies, and the evolving landscape of real estate. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this discussion offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you thrive in today's challenging environment.

Link to Google Doc with Q&A - Value Add Sheet
docs.google.com/document/d/1yan-cwffvpvixk...


Key Topics Discussed:
1. San Antonio Real Estate Market Trends:

• Current market conditions and neighborhood insights.
  
  
• The impact of affordability and buyer mindset on market dynamics.
  
  

2. New Construction vs. Pre-Owned Homes:

• Pros and cons of buying new construction versus pre-existing homes.
  
  
• Interest rate considerations and long-term investment strategies.
  
  

3. The Role of Social Media in Real Estate:

• The influence of TikTok and social media on new agents and market perception.
  
  
• Balancing personal branding with professional expertise.
  
  

4. Personal Development and Growth:

• The importance of mentorship, coaching, and continuous learning.
  
  
• Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and building a successful career.
  
  

5. Industry Challenges and Opportunities:

• The rise of part-time agents and its implications for the industry.
  
  
• The potential impact of major mergers and acquisitions on market dynamics.

Support the show

Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.

Send us a text

In this episode of Key Factors Podcast – Real Estate AF, we dive deep into the power of social media and digital media — how it’s programming society, shaping desires, fueling division, and even impacting real estate and finance.

From algorithms that amplify polarization to the normalization of behaviors online, we explore how the digital age is influencing not only our culture but also how buyers, sellers, and investors make decisions in today’s market.

👀 What you’ll learn:

How algorithms are shaping human thought and financial behavior

Why social media’s influence extends into housing markets and consumer confidence

The paradox of digital media: division vs. connection

What realtors, lenders, and investors need to know to navigate this new digital landscape

This isn’t just a conversation about technology — it’s about mankind, money, and the future of trust.

🔑 Join us as we peel back the curtain on the hidden power of media, and uncover what it really means for real estate and finance.

👉 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on real estate, finance, and the forces shaping our world.

#RealEstateAF #KeyFactorsPodcast #SocialMedia #Finance #RealEstate

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the profound impact of social media on our lives. Our hosts and guests delve into how algorithms shape our perceptions, the importance of self-reflection, and maintaining spiritual and moral values in a digital age. Discover practical tips for curating your social media experience and fostering positive interactions. Whether you're seeking personal growth or understanding the broader societal effects, this discussion offers valuable perspectives.

#SocialMedia, #PersonalGrowth, #Spirituality, #SelfReflection, #Algorithms, #DigitalAge, #Empathy, #Community, #Influence, #Mentorship, #PositiveMindset, #RespectfulConversations, #SocialMediaImpact, #Faith, #MoralValues, #OnlineInfluence, #DigitalWellbeing, #SocialMediaTips,

Support the show

Key Factors Podcast is Powered by LoanBot.com
Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437
If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.