In this special episode of Welcome to the Top, we sit down with Kara Shrum from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) to discuss their vital mission of providing safety, healing, and justice for children and families affected by abuse.

Kara shares the impactful work CACCC does, from housing comprehensive services under one roof to empowering the community through education and advocacy. We also talk about how partnerships, like the 30-year collaboration with Collin County Area REALTORS® (CCAR), have amplified the Center’s ability to bring hope and healing to thousands of families.

Tune in to learn how you can support CACCC, and don’t miss the details about their upcoming gala on March 29—an event celebrating the power of partnerships and the resilience of our community.

In this compelling episode of Welcome to the Top, we sit down with Amy Hanson, President of the National Association of Residential Property Managers and Texas REALTORS® Director, to discuss a critical situation involving HOAs and property rights. Hanson shares insights from her over 20 years in property management, recounting how a proposed rental ban in a Texas subdivision threatened property owners, tenants and the local housing market.

Learn how quick action, advocacy, and collaboration prevented this measure from going into effect. Discover key lessons on the importance of staying informed about HOA regulations, reading documents thoroughly, and advocating for private property rights. Whether you're a property manager, a homeowner, or someone considering a property in an HOA, this episode is packed with essential advice.

In this week's episode, we sit down with Jason Craig, President of IRA Resources, Inc., to explore the world of self-directed IRAs. Jason breaks down everything you need to know, from the basics to the finer details that could reshape your financial future.

Here's what we cover:

• What is a self-directed IRA? Understand the concept and its unique flexibility.
• Who can have a self-directed IRA? Discover if you qualify and how to get started.
• How do you establish and utilize a self-directed IRA? Step-by-step guidance to set yourself up for success.
• What are the benefits of a self-directed IRA? Learn how this powerful tool can diversify investments and enhance financial growth.
• What are the tax implications of a self-directed IRA? Jason breaks down the tax advantages and considerations.
• Why are self-directed IRAs particularly beneficial for real estate agents? Uncover how these accounts align perfectly with real estate investments.
• How do they compare to traditional retirement accounts? Gain a clear understanding of the differences and why a self-directed IRA might be the right choice for you.

🎙️ Tune in now to elevate your financial knowledge!

Are you feeling stuck? Do you have big goals for 2025? If so, this is the episode for you.

Listen as top-producing agent, Co-Founder of VIVO Realty and Managing Broker Bernice Maez shares how her passion for education began and what courses can help you get ahead.

In honor of Veterans Day, we’re thrilled to welcome Mark Alexander, DFW Mortgage Business Development Officer for Navy Federal Credit Union, to a special episode of Welcome to the Top. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge on VA loans, and he's here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about how these loans can open doors to homeownership for veterans and their families.

Join us as Mark breaks down the essentials of VA loans, from how they differ from conventional loans to the unique benefits they offer veterans. Are VA loans harder to close? Can they be assumed by another buyer? And how might the NAR Settlement impact VA buyers? Mark also shares what real estate agents need to know to best serve their veteran clients, ensuring that those who served our country can smoothly transition into homeownership.

Whether you’re an agent, a veteran, or just someone interested in understanding how VA loans work, this episode is packed with insights. Tune in to learn how the VA loan program can help make homeownership a reality for our nation’s heroes.

Are you real-estate-curious? Planning a new career for your new year? Then this is the episode for you! Listen in as Linda Chase, Champions School DFW Regional Manager, covers the educational process, pass rates and requirements to unlock a career in real estate.

On this episode of Welcome to the Top, Chase Crenshaw and Ross Gillispie from Alliance Bank discuss what effects the NAR Settlement has had on the lending side of a real estate transaction.

Hint: The ball is always in your court.

Required practice changes have been implemented. Now what?

On this week's episode of Welcome to the Top Melissa Hailey, CCAR Instructor, Broker and TREC Broker/Lawyer Committee member discusses how to discuss NAR Settlement changes with your clients and the forms you should be using.