S2 E7 | Sandy Cantu's Real Estate Evolution: From Executive Assistant to Probate Expert, Trust Strategies, Florida and Arizona Markets, and Sci-Fi Audiobook Teasers

Happy Hour Holidaze

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In this illuminating episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, we delve deep into the complex world of probate real estate with special guest Sandy Cantu, a powerhouse real estate investor with a unique focus on navigating the probate process. Hosted by brothers Sean and Manny Febre, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, real-world advice, and expert strategies on how to approach probate real estate, avoid common pitfalls, and uncover hidden opportunities in the market.
Sandy, a former executive assistant turned investor, takes us on a personal journey through her transition into real estate. She opens up about her early career in New York City, where she began flipping homes in the early 2000s, learning the ins and outs of real estate investment. However, like many others, Sandy faced the devastating crash of the housing market during the 2008 recession, losing nearly everything. Her resilience and ability to bounce back led her to specialize in probate real estate, where she now helps families manage inherited properties and avoid costly legal battles.
In this episode, Sandy breaks down the probate process for listeners, explaining what happens when an estate enters probate, how assets like homes and bank accounts can be tied up, and the crucial role that trusts play in avoiding probate altogether. As she points out, many families aren’t aware of the financial and emotional toll probate can take, often due to a lack of education about options like revocable and irrevocable trusts. Sean, Manny, and Sandy explore why so few people take advantage of these tools and the possible role attorneys might play in steering clients toward probate for financial gain.
Sandy’s expertise extends beyond just legal advice. She highlights the importance of building relationships in real estate, especially when dealing with probate properties where emotions often run high. With real-world examples, she shares her process of connecting families with vetted professionals, such as probate attorneys, contractors, and property managers, ensuring they get trustworthy advice and fair deals. She also offers a glimpse into her own investment strategies, from acquiring off-market properties to rehabilitating homes for resale, with a focus on ensuring that all parties—buyers, sellers, and investors—are satisfied with the outcome.
The conversation shifts into broader real estate trends, including the challenges faced by buyers and sellers in today’s competitive market. Sandy discusses the ongoing struggles with housing prices in Florida and Arizona, sharing strategies on how to find deals in an environment where homes can sit on the market for months without price drops. Her methods for cultivating leads, leveraging relationships, and identifying motivated sellers offer valuable takeaways for both seasoned investors and newcomers alike.
One particularly insightful segment of the episode dives into Section 8 housing and creative investment strategies. Sandy talks about the pros and cons of investing in Section 8 rentals, how government-backed tenants often provide reliable income, and the benefits of strategies like purchasing quadplexes. For young investors or first-time homebuyers, Sandy outlines how living in one unit while renting out the others can be a smart way to enter the real estate market with minimal down payments.
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts and Sandy take a thought-provoking turn, discussing the impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Milton and their implications for coastal real estate. With rising sea levels and more frequent hurricanes, many coastal homeowners face tough decisions about whether to rebuild or sell. Sandy provides her perspective on the future of coastal properties, the role of FEMA, and how inland real estate values may shift.

فصول

1. Navigating Probate Real Estate (00:00:00)

2. Real Estate Strategies and Markets (00:11:56)

3. Real Estate Trends and Challenges (00:20:31)

4. Real Estate Investment Insights and Strategies (00:27:37)

5. Coastal Real Estate Market Insights (00:34:40)

6. 9/11 Conspiracy Theories and Real Estate (00:43:23)