In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Scott Rosenberg of CrossCountry Mortgage, a mortgage professional with 35 years of experience navigating every type of market cycle.

Scott breaks down today's mortgage landscape with clarity and candor from why Fed rate cuts don t always translate to lower mortgage rates, to the real differences between pre-approvals and commitment letters, rate locks, VA loans, first-time buyer programs, and jumbo financing.

He also shares practical advice for agents on strengthening offers, reducing deal risk, and educating buyers for smoother closings. The conversation goes beyond numbers, touching on ethics, long-term financial responsibility, market misconceptions, and the importance of doing right by clients even when it means saying no. If you re a real estate agent, buyer, or industry professional looking for real-world mortgage insight without the noise, this episode delivers real advice you can use.

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• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Sandra Caruso, Regional Manager of the Mount Sinai and Wading River offices for Coldwell Banker American Homes.

Sandra shares what it really takes to lead 100+ agents across two distinct markets, how her experience as an agent shapes her leadership style, and why understanding people, not just transactions, is the foundation of long-term success.

The conversation also goes inside the brand new Mount Sinai office, built from the ground up, including how modern spaces and in-house studios are helping agents elevate their marketing and better serve their clients.

From fiduciary responsibility and negotiation nuance to community involvement, mentorship, and giving back, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at leadership in today’s real estate landscape.

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Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, host Michael Litzner sits down with Lyndsey Gallagher, Chief Financial Officer of Coldwell Banker American Homes, to talk about what it’s really like leading in a family-run company that’s been growing strong for nearly four decades.

Lyndsey shares how she went from answering phones in the office as a teenager to managing the financial operations that power more than 1,000 agents and 100 employees. She talks about building faster, smarter systems that help agents get paid in hours, not weeks, her legendary “Croatia yacht” story, and how compassion, culture, and community remain at the heart of the Gallagher legacy.

You’ll hear about:

• How family values still guide a modern, fast-moving brokerage
• The systems and mindset behind same-day commission payouts
• Balancing business, leadership, and life
• The ongoing impact of the Heart of American Homes Foundation
• And, of course, the “Drop the Mike” moment you don’t want to miss

👉 Like and subscribe for more inspiring conversations from leaders who work hard, play hard, and give back.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
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• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

Meet Richie Krug Jr. & Taleen Krug, the husband-and-wife powerhouse behind the RTK Realty Group at Coldwell Banker American Homes (East Meadow). In this episode, Mike digs into the exact habits and systems that fuel their growth: color-coded shared calendars, rigorous CRM discipline, clear “ops vs. outreach” roles, and a content-first social strategy that actually converts.

We also get personal—raising kids, phone-free dinners, pickleball, and how community service (Trunk-or-Treat, food drives, cleanups) became part of their family DNA. If you’re stuck between “individual agent” and “building a team,” or you’re trying to balance work and life without dropping the ball, this one’s for you.

What you’ll learn

• The “calendar or it doesn’t exist” operating system for busy teams
• When to expand services (property management!) and when to refer out
• Social media that works: daily posting, video/reels, and human content mix
• AI as a team member: content, emails, and time saved—without copy/paste traps
• Community service as brand, culture, and the next-gen lesson

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

Top agent John Gandolfo joins host Mike Litzner to unpack the routines, product knowledge, and client care that power more than a thousand home sales. He shares the disciplined pipeline that turns leads into listings, contracts, closings—and lifelong referrals—plus the “bedside manner” that keeps transactions calm and informed. You’ll hear waterfront specifics (bulkheads, floating docks, ramps, tides), flood insurance realities, and why equal treatment at every price point matters. John also explains his luxury-grade marketing playbook—professional photography, floor plans, and twilight shoots—for every listing, not just high-end.

You’ll learn: a daily/weekly pipeline cadence; win-win negotiation principles while honoring fiduciary duty; how to sell benefits (not just rooms); navigating insurance and replacement-cost spikes; and setting one premier standard for all homes.
Subscribe for practical, no-fluff conversations that help you serve at a higher level.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

Thinking about getting your real estate license or curious about what it really takes to succeed in the industry?

In the Season 2 finale of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, we sit down with Michael Aharoni, Branch Manager of the Coldwell Banker American Homes Farmingdale office and certified instructor for the Real Estate School of New York State (RESNYS). With a unique blend of in-the-field expertise and classroom insight, Michael breaks down the process of getting licensed, pursuing designations, and building a lasting career in real estate.

https://resnys.com/

From education to execution, this episode is packed with guidance for aspiring agents and veterans alike. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, Michael shows you the way.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with Vinnie DiOrio, Branch Manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, to shed light on the modern mortgage process. From his early career with the New York Islanders to building a client-first approach in lending, Vinnie shares his insights on:

• How the mortgage industry has evolved
• Appraisal waivers and competitive offer strategies
• The importance of face-to-face consultations
• Common pitfalls buyers face—and how to avoid them
• Why service, education, and relationships matter more than rates

Plus, hear about his passion for family time, his famous dog Coco, and the causes close to his heart, including support for children with special needs and the Heart of American Homes Foundation.

Stay tuned to the end for the Drop the Mic question: a wild closing story you don’t want to miss.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/