The Pursuit of Progress Podcast

In Episode 26, Adam interviews a good friend and fellow Denver realtor - Steph Swartzlander. They talk about everything from Steph's move from California to Colorado 9 years ago to her athletic background with ice skating and now playing in a professional women's tackle arena football league. Steph is incredible with exceeding her clients' expectations and also over-delivering, by providing extra services like home staging. Steph provides a TON of value with her social media content. Make sure to follow her at: @stephswartzlander

Celebrating 25 Episodes! In this episode, Adam shares his personal story on building a personal brand and the importance of having one in 2024. Ben and Adam emphasize the need for authenticity, consistency, and continuous learning in building a successful personal brand. They highlight the power of storytelling and providing value to your audience. They also discuss the role of technology and the digital age in personal branding. Overall, they encourage listeners to take action, step out of their comfort zones, and start building their personal brands.

📢! In this episode, Ben shares invaluable parenting tips from his journey as a single father of two. 👨‍👧‍👦✨ 🔥 Topics Covered: 1️⃣ The importance of one-on-one time with each child. 2️⃣ Setting expectations and household standards. 3️⃣ Navigating the phases of the parent-child relationship. 4️⃣ Effective communication and teaching life skills like financial literacy. Don't miss this insightful and heartwarming episode! ❤️🎙️

In this special Q&A episode of "The Pursuit of Progress Podcast," Adam and Ben debut a new format where they tackle three insightful questions from our listeners. They share personal experiences and practical advice on how to avoid burnout as entrepreneurs and a single parent, finding clarity and purpose in your twenties, and making the brave transition from a steady paycheck to starting your own business. Learn how to set boundaries, define your values, and take calculated risks to achieve your goals. Tune in for an inspiring and informative session! Key Takeaways: Importance of saying no and setting boundaries to prevent burnout. Tips for finding clarity and purpose by defining your values and vision. Advice on taking calculated risks, finding mentorship, and making confident business decisions. The significance of surrounding yourself with inspiring and challenging individuals.

In this episode, Ben shares his real estate investment strategy of using home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to purchase properties with little to no money down. He explains how he used his HELOC to make a cash offer on a duplex in Oklahoma, and then refinanced the property to pay off the HELOC. Ben and Adam talk about and emphasize the importance of education, building a network, and finding good deals in order to be successful in real estate investing!

🎙️ This week, Ben and I dive into one of our favorites and share the timeless wisdom of Dale Carnegie's classic book "How to Win Friends and Influence People".📘 Nearly every successful person has drawn something valuable from this book, and now it's your turn! Join us as we review the 6 principles that can transform your life, whether in business, career, or even in personal relationships.The 6 Principles:🤝 Becoming genuinely interested in other people😊 The power of a smile👂 Being a good listener🗣️ Remembering that a person's name is, to that person, the sweetest sound in any language.🌟 Talking in terms of their interests💬 Making the other person feel important and doing so with sincerity👊 If you get any value from this episode, do us a solid and share the show with a friend! 🙏#Podcast #NewEpisode #HowToWinFriends #PersonalDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #adamsellsdenver #americanmoney101 #Denver #LegitAgents #armbrustprogym

In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss real estate, interest rates, inflation, and trends in home buyer behavior. They start by talking about the current mortgage rates, which have been steadily increasing over the past few years. They discuss the impact of inflation on interest rates and the value of the dollar. They emphasize the importance of saving and investing to combat the devaluing of the dollar. They also discuss the concept of a 50-year mortgage and its potential benefits and drawbacks. Finally, they talk about strategies for home buyers to navigate the current market, including seller concessions and temporary buy-downs. Takeaways Mortgage rates have been steadily increasing over the past few years, with current rates in the 7% range for a 30-year fixed mortgage. Inflation is causing the value of the dollar to decrease, making it important to save and invest to combat the devaluing of the dollar. A 50-year mortgage may not provide significant savings compared to a 30-year mortgage, and it may not be ideal for long-term financial planning. Buyers have more leverage in the current market and can negotiate seller concessions, such as temporary buy-downs, to make the deal more affordable. It's important to be financially disciplined, avoid excessive debt, and have a financial plan to build wealth and achieve financial goals.

🎙️ In this episode, Ben and I dive into the intricacies of the current Colorado real estate scene.We're tackling the tough stuff—like the hurdles faced by first-time home buyers and the absolute necessity of being prepared and knowledgeable before diving in. 📚From dealing with high inflation, home prices and interest rates to negotiationing creative offers, we're laying it all out on the table. 💡But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! 🛠️We're also shining a light on the brighter side of homeownership—like the long-term benefits of building equity and locking in a stable mortgage with fixed monthly payments. 🏠 Takeaways The Colorado real estate market is experiencing affordability challenges due to high home prices and interest rates. First-time home buyers are facing difficulties in finding affordable homes and are being more intentional about what they are willing to accept from sellers. Long-term homeownership is important for building wealth and stability, as home values tend to appreciate over time. Buyers should define their non-negotiables and goals before entering the market and be prepared and educated about the process. Being pre-approved and financially prepared can provide a better customer experience and increase the chances of getting an offer accepted.

This week, we have a very special conversation which explores the journey of reconciliation and forgiveness between Ben and his mother who recently passed away. Ben shares the challenges of his mother acting many years as a single parent, and how some of her actions led to resentment. However, through personal growth and intentional communication, they were able to reconcile their relationship. The passing of his mother was a shock, but it served as a wake-up call for Ben to honor her legacy by striving for personal excellence. The conversation concludes with a reminder to reach out and reconcile relationships with loved ones. Takeaways: The challenges of single parenting can be overwhelming, and it's important to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of parents. Reconciliation and forgiveness are possible even after years of resentment and distance. Honoring the legacy of loved ones can be achieved through personal growth and striving for excellence. It's never too late to reach out and make efforts to reconcile relationships with family members.

In this episode, Adam and Benjamin discuss the importance of personal growth and how it can transcend into every area of life. They share personal experiences and insights on how personal growth has positively impacted their lives. Emphasizing the need to be intentional and focused on a few key areas of improvement, rather than trying to tackle too much at once. They also discuss the importance of surrounding oneself with positive and like-minded individuals. They encourage listeners to be grateful for the opportunities they have and to view problems as opportunities for growth! Takeaways Personal growth is essential and can positively impact every area of life. Being intentional and focused on a few key areas of improvement is more effective than trying to tackle too much at once. Surrounding oneself with positive and like-minded individuals is important for personal growth. Personal growth leads to resilience and the ability to overcome challenges with a positive mindset. Gratitude and an abundance mindset are crucial for personal growth. Viewing problems as opportunities for growth can lead to greater success.

Summary: In this episode, Adam shares his harrowing experience hiking in Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. The park is known for its intense biodiversity and dangerous wildlife, including venomous snakes, poisonous spiders, jaguars, and bull sharks. Adam and his friend Nick faced numerous challenges on the hike, including navigating in the dark, losing the trail, and crossing rivers infested with bull sharks and caiman. Despite the dangers, they persevered and reached the ranger station. Adam reflects on the lessons learned from the experience and emphasizes the importance of responsible planning and judgment in outdoor adventures. Takeaways: Be responsible and plan carefully when embarking on outdoor adventures. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of your capabilities. Pain and challenges are temporary, and it's important to keep a level head and assess the situation. Reflecting on past experiences can provide wisdom and guide future decision-making. Appreciate the beauty and rawness of nature, but also respect its dangers and wildlife.

In this episode, Ben shares his experience participating in Diesel Day, a 24-hour fitness challenge. He describes the intense physical and mental challenges involved, including hiking with a 45-pound weight, performing various exercises for two-hour segments, and enduring the event without ANY breaks. Ben reflects on the personal growth and sense of accomplishment he gained from pushing his limits and overcoming obstacles. The conversation highlights the importance of having a compelling future, embracing challenges, and choosing the pain of discipline over the pain of regret. Takeaways: Pushing your physical and mental limits can lead to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. Having a compelling future and challenging yourself can provide motivation and purpose. Adversity and hardships can be viewed as opportunities for growth and development. Choosing the pain of discipline over the pain of regret can lead to long-term fulfillment and success.

In this episode, Ben interviews Adam about his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges he faced while opening and running a chain of 5 salons in Colorado. Adam shares his experience of making a pivot in his career and leaving his entrepreneurial business to focus on real estate. He talks about the challenges of starting and growing a brick and mortar business, including negotiating leases and dealing with competition. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Ben shares his personal journey of going through a divorce and how it became an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. He reflects on the challenges he faced, the impact on his children, and the importance of taking accountability for his actions. He also discusses the importance of understanding relationship needs and the value of seeking support from coaches and mentors. We wrap up with talking through how these events transformed his life by creating healthy habits, focusing on personal growth, and building a successful career. We conclude with the importance of viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth and learning. Takeaways Adversity can be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Taking accountability for one's actions is crucial in overcoming challenges. Understanding and fulfilling relationship needs is essential for a healthy partnership. Seeking support from coaches and mentors can provide valuable guidance during difficult times. Creating healthy habits and focusing on personal growth can lead to positive transformations. Viewing adversity as an opportunity rather than a failure can lead to a more fulfilling life.

In this episode, Adam and Benjamin discuss the benefits of working out beyond physical appearance. They highlight the importance of setting an example for family members and the positive impact it can have on their habits. They also emphasize the role of confidence and consistency in personal and professional success. They discuss the concept of how to BE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE and how it leads to personal growth. They also explore the mental health benefits of exercise and the importance of maintaining consistency on weekends. The episode concludes with a discussion on the power of saying no and prioritizing tasks to achieve success. Takeaways Setting an example for family members can positively influence their habits. Consistency and confidence are key to personal and professional success. Being comfortable being uncomfortable leads to personal growth. Exercise has significant mental health benefits. Maintaining consistency on weekends is important for overall productivity. Learning to say no and prioritize tasks is crucial for success.

In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss the importance of exercise and how it can improve both physical and mental well-being. They emphasize the value of having an accountability partner and building momentum through consistent workouts. The hosts share their morning and evening routines, highlighting the positive impact these habits have on their overall productivity. They also discuss the benefits of working out in a gym community and the importance of setting measurable goals. The episode concludes with a reminder to focus on progress rather than perfection. Takeaways: Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body. Having an accountability partner can significantly increase motivation and consistency. Establishing a morning and evening routine can set a positive tone for the day and improve overall productivity. Working out in a gym community can provide inspiration and motivation. Setting measurable goals and tracking progress is crucial for maintaining motivation and seeing results.

In this episode, Adam and Ben wrap up their 2 part series on Credit! They share the remaining three factors that affect credit scores: age and diversity of accounts, utilization of revolving accounts, and account balances. They emphasize the importance of managing credit responsibly and using credit cards in a way that benefits your score. They also discuss strategies for building credit for children and the impact of cashless transactions on society. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights and actionable steps for improving credit scores and achieving financial success. Takeaways: Managing credit responsibly is crucial for building a strong credit score. Age and diversity of accounts, utilization of revolving accounts, and account balances are key factors in credit scores. Parents can help their children build credit by opening bank accounts and adding them as authorized users on their credit cards. Using credit cards responsibly and keeping balances low can positively impact credit scores. Understanding the impact of cashless transactions and the changing currency landscape is important for financial literacy.

In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss the importance of credit and how it affects various aspects of personal finance. They dive into the six factors that make up a credit score and provide tips on how to improve each one. The first three factors covered in this episode are credit inquiries, available credit, and payment history. They debunk common misconceptions about credit inquiries and emphasize the importance of managing available credit wisely. They also highlight the significant impact of payment history on credit scores and provide insights on how to maintain a positive payment history. Follow us on social media! Adam Lang: @adamsellsdenver Ben Adams: @americanmoney101

Summary: In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss the rising student loan debt and its impact on individuals. They highlight the increasing cost of education compared to income wages and the need for students to carefully consider the cost versus benefit of a degree. The conversation also explores alternatives to traditional college, such as online education and mentorship programs. The hosts emphasize the importance of teaching life skills and personal finance in schools and at home. They discuss the changing employment qualifications and the need for financial education. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of consistency in career and financial planning. Takeaways: Consider the cost versus benefit of a college degree and explore alternative education options. Teach life skills and personal finance in schools and at home to prepare students for financial success. Be aware of the impact of student loan debt on future financial goals and consider the long-term consequences. Stay informed about changing employment qualifications and the evolving job market. Emphasize the importance of consistency in career and financial planning for long-term success. Be intentional with your decisions and avoid spinning wheels without progress. Success is a lifelong journey of self-improvement and education. Behind every success story, there is hard work and struggle that often goes unnoticed. View adversity as opportunities for growth and personal development. Remove stigmas and value all careers, recognizing the potential for success in any field. Challenge your comfort zones and embrace personal growth. Strive to become the best version of yourself and contribute positively to your community. Build a community of growth and support to engage in important conversations and share experiences.

Summary: Adam and Ben discuss their weekend plans and Adam's recent experience attending a 3 day real estate conference in Las Vegas called Wealth-Con. They share takeaways from the speaker lineup, including the importance of taking action, embracing failure, not overcomplicating things, teamwork, getting laser-focused on your why, and valuing time. They also mention inspiring stories from the speakers and the energy at the event. The conversation focused on real estate and the insights gained from attending a real estate conference. The speakers discussed various influencers in the industry, including Kris Krohn, Ryan Pineda, Will Grimes, Thach, and Tim Tebow. They highlighted the importance of taking action, consistency, and finding passion in one's work. Takeaways: Take action and be consistent in pursuing your goals. Find passion in your work and be open to learning from others. Consider the buy and hold strategy for long-term wealth building in real estate. Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Attend events to gain motivation, knowledge, and network with like-minded individuals.

Summary: In this episode, the hosts interview Jordan Adams, a successful real estate investor and business owner. Jordan shares his journey in real estate, starting with his first investment property and building a portfolio of rental properties. He emphasizes the importance of having a vision and freedom of time in building wealth. Jordan also discusses the sacrifices he made and the mindset required for success. He shares his experiences with adversity and problem-solving, as well as his expansion into other business ventures. Takeaways: Having a clear vision and freedom of time are crucial in building wealth through real estate. Sacrifices and living intentionally are necessary to achieve financial goals. Adversity and challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. Expanding into other business ventures can provide additional income streams and opportunities for wealth creation. Implementing systems and delegating tasks is crucial for scaling a business. Real estate investing offers scalability and growth potential. Investing in affordable markets can be a viable option for beginners. Taking action and learning through experience are key to success in real estate.

Summary: In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss various topics related to homeownership and mortgages. They reflect on the importance of living with intention and purpose, and the need to be present in all aspects of life. They also delve into Dave Ramsey's philosophy on mortgages, including the debate between 15-year and 30-year fixed mortgages, the 20% down payment rule, and private mortgage insurance (PMI). The hosts emphasize the importance of considering individual financial circumstances and options when making decisions about homeownership. They also touch on creative financing options and the concept of forced appreciation in real estate. The episode concludes with a discussion on staying motivated and finding accountability partners, including the role of family in supporting healthy habits. Takeaways: Living with intention and purpose is essential for a fulfilling life. When it comes to mortgages, it's important to consider individual financial circumstances and options. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is not as bad as it may seem, and there are various ways to handle it. Buying a home with less than 20% down can be a viable option, especially for first-time homebuyers. Real estate offers numerous opportunities for wealth creation, including forced appreciation and creative financing options. Finding accountability partners, such as family members, can help in achieving personal and financial goals. Challenging weather can be an opportunity to build self-confidence. Difficult experiences often provide valuable lessons. Practical tips and insights can help navigate the mortgage process. Engaging with the audience and seeking feedback is important for future episodes. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and New Year's Reflections 02:25 Living with Intention and Purpose 04:32 Dave Ramsey's Philosophy on Mortgages 09:43 Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and Down Payments 14:37 The Opportunity Cost of Money 20:41 Buying a Home with Less than 20% Down 25:01 The Power of Homeownership and Building Equity 28:05 Steps for Aspiring Homebuyers 36:38 Creative Financing Options and Forced Appreciation 42:10 New Year's Plans and Staying Motivated 43:08 Running Streaks and Accountability Partners 46:38 Building Self-Confidence through Challenging Weather 47:25 Lessons Learned from Difficult Experiences 48:04 Practical Tips and Mortgage Insights 48:31 Parting Words and Goals for 2024 49:10 Engaging with the Audience and Request for Feedback

In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss the concept of 'Separation Season,' which refers to the opportunity to continue growing and achieving goals while others are taking a break during the holiday season. They emphasize the importance of staying engaged and maintaining routines and priorities, even during the holidays. They also discuss the significance of accountability partners and the power of small daily tasks in achieving long-term goals. The episode concludes with a reminder to live with gratitude and abundance. Takeaways: Separation Season is an opportunity to continue growing and achieving goals while others are taking a break during the holiday season. Staying engaged and maintaining routines and priorities is crucial during Separation Season. Accountability partners can provide support and help in achieving goals. Small daily tasks are the key to achieving long-term goals.

In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss the importance of setting goals and the challenges people face in achieving them. They explore the concept of New Year's resolutions and the common pitfalls associated with them. The conversation delves into the idea of setting achievable goals versus setting big, audacious goals that push individuals to think outside their comfort zones. The hosts also introduce the concept of SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They share their personal strategies for tracking and monitoring goals and emphasize the importance of consistency and progress over perfection.

In this conversation, Adam and Benjamin discuss the current rates for mortgages and the possibility of rate drops in 2024. They also explore the challenges in the housing market and the impact of an election year on rates. Benjamin provides insights into financing options for non-new build homes, including temporary and permanent buy downs. They also delve into the importance of credit scores and offer tips on improving credit. The conversation concludes with a discussion on considerations for new construction homes and the value of having a real estate professional. Overall, the conversation provides valuable information for individuals looking to navigate the housing market and make informed financial decisions. Takeaways: The Fed has been hinting at the possibility of rate drops in 2024, which could benefit the housing market. Temporary buy downs can provide lower interest rates for the first few years of a mortgage, offering affordability for buyers. Improving credit score is crucial for obtaining favorable financing terms and increasing purchasing power. Having a real estate professional can help navigate the complexities of new construction homes and ensure the buyer's best interests are represented.