I have one of stars of the OWN series "Ladies Who List: Atlanta," Real estate closing Attorney, Tiffani Hawes, answering callers questions about purchasing a home in today's market. She breaks down what to look for when closing on a new home as well as reveals beneficial financial planning tips to prepare for home buying.
Topics Covered
Home buying factors.
Purpose of closing attorney
Terms of the lender
Importance of HBCU's
More on Tiffany Hawes
Tiffani R. Hawes graduated from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in December 2013.Prior and during law school Mrs. Hawes worked as a real estate paralegal for more than eight years.During this time, Mrs. Hawes gained the knowledge and skills necessary to open The Hawes Law Firm, LLC, which specializes in real estate closings.Mrs. Hawes has dedicated her real estate closing practice to bringing a celebratory and fun closing experience for all parties apart of the closing transaction. Why have a boring closing when you can be educated and celebrated at the same time. A mother of two boysand one girl, Mrs. Hawes and her husband are both very active in their local community.When not serving clients, Mrs. Hawes enjoys screaming on the sideline at her children’s sport games.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
My next desk is Tiffany Halls. How are you doing, Tiffany?
How are you look at it all out? You know?
What do you do for a living? Tiffany? Because I
thought you're gonna be a studio with me. I thought so,
but they said, you know, you couldn't make it in
I'm not mad at you because you're my friend. You're
my friend. You're my friend. But tell us about the
(00:22):
what ye have right now with your career. Um, you
know I am at in Atlanta, yes, ma'am. Now when
you say that, because you know we've been to I've
interviewed you before, and you know my whole fear about
having a closing the attorney because I signed a bunch
(00:43):
of papers. I've been fortunate to buy a house in
my life and as a stack of papers, I know
nothing about what I'm signing, but I'm told to sign.
So can you help? I'm sure it's a lot. You're
laughing at me. You laughing at because you know this
is this is a look that you can people give
you all the time. So that's abot of trust I
have to have with an attorney like you. So tell
(01:06):
us exactly what are they may be doing the same
thing outside what are we signing? So it's not necessarily
a lot of trust that you have to have with
the attorney. It's just you knowing what you are agreeing
to as far as the terms of the actual loan.
And so, as a consumer or as a buyer, if
(01:28):
I'm purchasing a home, the number one thing that I'm
concerned about is can I afford to purchase this home?
Is the interest rate going to be sufficient enough for
me to be able to make my mortgage payments each month? Um?
And so those are the important factors as a homeowner,
UM that I'm gonna go over with you in detail, like, hey,
(01:49):
this is your note, and on your note, you know,
it says you're interest rate is three point five and
your principal and interest is this figure. But now on
top of that, we have to add in your escrow
for your taxes, your property taxes, and for your insurance.
And so although your principle and interest is this amount,
your monthly payment will be this amount once we include
(02:10):
those s prows. And so as a buyer, that's the
most important thing because you have to realize that when
a lender is um lending you money, you're not signing
anything in your favor. Everything is always going to be
in the bank's favor. So if we make a mistake,
you will correct it. Buyre um. If something goes on,
(02:30):
you will correct it. If you have done anything fraudulent,
we can't foreclose. If you don't pay, we can't fork close.
So all those terms are definitely going to be in
favor of the lender. So it's just important for you
to know what you're comfortable with, UH and what you
can afford. And once you figure that out, UM, the
truth is you're either signing the documents and getting the
(02:51):
loan or you're not. You can't negotiate anything. You know.
Just interesting because we're gonna talk about the show that
your star are, the unscripted series on Own Ladies Who
List Atlanta. But one of the reasons I invited you
on my show, the Live show on w C. Okay,
let's just talk about it, because sometimes you get lost
in reality and TVs. That's what she does for a living.
(03:12):
She play acting because I really wanted to because I
knew that wasn't the truth and I want to make
sure clarify that. But because you deliver our skill and
H and UH that am I wrong in this saying
that's that not many African American male or female participate
as closing attorneys. Um, there's a there's a handful of
(03:33):
us out here. I didn't say that there's not a lot.
There are definitely UM enough of us out here. And
and actually it's an area law where you're starting to
see more minorities UM entering this area of law. So back,
you know, five ten years ago, you didn't see as
(03:54):
many African American closing attorneys. But now like I'm literally
seeing that pop up every were around Atlanta, around this
metropolitan you know city here. UM. But we're still a minority.
We're still not um the main person that you see
at the closing table, UM, even in Atlanta, Tiffany. Uh.
(04:15):
You know, this interview is part of answering questions for
Rishawan and people call it because an experience of how
did you get started? Because you said you can go
to school for this, you know, like I went to college.
You know, I started out as a civil engineer, and
I went over the chemical engineer, and then I went
over to uh the math. Eventually got my degree in math,
(04:38):
and I minored out and UM and the sociology. Was
this what you wanted to do when you went to college.
So when I went to I went to Savannah State
University undergrad and I made a major that political science
and minored in English, and my goal was to go
to law school. Now at that time, I had no
idea about trans actional law. I had no idea about
(05:02):
real estate closing. Didn't even know when attorney was involved
when you purchased the house. It wasn't until um when
I graduated. I ended up getting pregnant with my oldest son,
and instead of going a law school, I went and
got my payer legal certificate and I applied to like
a whole bunch of law firms, and the law firm
that called me back was a real estate closing attorney's office.
(05:23):
I got my first job, and so that was the
first time that I was ever, you know, even aware
that there was law associated with purchasing homes. And that
was back in two thousand and six, two thousand seven.
And once I got into that arena and I started
learning the process and how everything went. Eventually, when I
(05:45):
went to law school, it's all I knew how to practice.
And so once I graduated a law school once at
the bar. I just immediately, um, you know, opened up
my own firm and started doing the residential real estate closing.
We'll be right back with more Money Making Conversations Masterclass
with three Sean McDonald. Now let's return to Money Making
Conversations Masterclass with Rashan McDonald. Now, okay, Now, opening your
(06:10):
own firm? Is that a Is that normal? I'm just
I'm just asking simple questions in my mind, you know,
because that means that you know, you have from there
the word firm. You know, they're all on TV now,
they all got commercials out there, and you know they
have billboards. It was strong on with the law and
you know Morgan and Morgan and you know they they
they they sponsored local news, which is shocking to me.
(06:32):
You know, how you can have a law firm sponsoring
local news. I don't get that, but they do it.
And so how do you compete with all that super
hype that's going on, all these millions of dollars as
being spent? How does your firm cut through all that clutter? Um? Well,
I never looked at it as a competition. Um. When
(06:58):
I opened my firm, it was simply because I knew
how to do everything. UM, and I paid three hundred
thousand dollars to go to law school. Why am I
going to apply to a law firm make seventy thousand
dollars if that um and then has to work, you know,
my ass off for everyone else. So the goal in
(07:21):
my mind was, No, I did all this work, I
know how to do this, so I'm gonna open up
my own firm. Now I knew how to do all
the real estate stuff, the practice, but when I didn't
know how to do which actually builds UM my business.
And I still at that time wasn't like, oh what
am I gonna do with all these big law firms? No,
(07:42):
I was like, more like, how am I gonna find
my way? What's gonna benefit me? And I found the
power of social media. UM. I have three children, so
it's very hard for me to do traditional networking UM
like going to different places, lunches, shake hands, getting out cards.
It was very um difficult for me to UM even
(08:08):
kind of like put myself out there being in front
of people like, hey, I just graduated law school. Here
my business cards. But then when I found out that
like my audience, the people that I want to do
business with with your real estate agents. They're all over
social media and of course they want everyone to know
that they're a real estate agent, so it's easy to
(08:29):
find them. And that became my niche and how I
got my business. Now I may not be the largest
law firm out here, but the business that I do
is enough for me. It's enough to employ um eleven people,
it's enough to you know, take care of my family.
And so for me, that's enough. There are people out
(08:52):
here with lofty goals of wanting to be you know,
the largest closing attorney, are not even closing attorney any firm. Um,
I just don't have those goals because you know a
lot of my goals are now to just you know,
pour into my children. Um. So it's just all about
you know, what you want, and I just really never
looked at anybody else to compare myself and what I'm
(09:16):
doing to what they're doing. Now, when you when you
look at first of all, when I when I hear
the way you talk, that means that you walk through
a lot of unknown situations with a lot of courage.
Because that stops a lot of people. A lot of
people want their dreams to be accomplished, but fear, the
not feeling comfortable, not not knowing, Hey is a paycheck
(09:37):
waiting on me? Is is that idea is gonna work?
Who's supporting me? How did you overcome the fear of
the unknown? Before we go to break? Well, the big
thing is you just mentioned is support. UM. So I
am married. I have a husband, UM, who is a
traditional husband in the sense that he pays all the bills.
(09:59):
So it wasn't a situation where I was, you know,
deciding whether I'm gonna pay my rent or open up
my law firm. You know, I didn't have to think
about something that some some people have to think about.
So the fear of paying bills and all that stuff
that was removed because the support that I had from
(10:20):
my husband. UM. Now with that support, of course, you
still have to have the focus and the mindset to
actually go out here and get business and and find
ways to be successful. But I honestly couldn't have any
of that without the support of of my family. That
is that was that was paramount and me opening up
(10:42):
my law firm. Now we got two calls for you
right now. Are you ready? Okay? Nikki from Atlanta? How
are you doing, Nikki Hi resonnighting great? We have Tiffany
on the call. What is your call today about? Hi, Tiffany,
I'm a real chest what I'm a real starry nights off,
but I'm a realtor and I'm just gonna give you
(11:02):
props because you know, we do look for closing attorneys
that return our calls and get the paperwork done on time,
that do it right, have no issues with titles, etcetera.
And you must be doing something right. So I really
have calling into just pat you on the back and
say you must be doing a great job. And I'm
gonna look you up and see you know what's going on,
(11:25):
because we are always looking for a great, great closing attorney.
So I just really want to Colin and congratulate you well.
Thank you so much, Nicky. Sometimes this industry is crazy.
If you're a real estate agent then then you know.
So we're always trying to do, you know, the best
that we can to just make our way through the
(11:45):
craziness of a real estate transaction. So it's always good
um to get that pat on the back, um, just
to keep us going. You know, a real estate is brutal,
it is. I was gonna say it really is. And
because you're dealing with, you know, such a large purchase,
the um the buyers or sellers can do. You know,
(12:09):
it's just an emotional roller coaster drive. But you know,
if you have a good closing attorney that can keep
everybody staying at the table, you know, obviously you're doing
something right. So good job. Well, yes, so at our
closing table we have Margarita's and wine and so keep
(12:29):
you called that you called? Yes, well you know the
thing what she called in. Let me just roll back
here a little bit because obviously by Nikki's response, there
are certain there there's different type of closing attorneys. You
try to bring levity and calmness and celebration to your clothes, right,
(12:50):
and so now that's different. Now, what what makes you
What makes it good? I may have asked it, but
having her call in what makes a really good closing attorney? Um?
The what really makes a good closing attorney is just
the ability to relate to the party. Like said, real
(13:12):
estate is very emotional. The sellers are on high emotions.
Number one. They may be selling a home that they
have like emotional ties to their kids may have been
born there, they may have lived there for several years,
and so although they may be walking away with a check,
it's still a very anxious and emotional time for them
and for the buyers. You know, getting financing for a
(13:35):
home is not easy. You go through a lot of
ups and downs. The lenders take you through hell and
back just to get the money, you know, to buy
your home. So a lot of times, once you get
to the closing table, you're honestly exhausted. Now, you know,
I have to bring you from that point of exhaustion
to now realizing that this is a happy occasion for you.
(13:58):
Let's celebrate home owner ships. UM. Let's celebrate the ability
to purchase homes and sell them and create wealth for
our families. And that's really what separates me apart from
other attorneys, just my ability to relate to people on
all levels. You know, I close your standards. Buyer and
(14:18):
seller are closed. Celebrities are close athletes, um, And you
just got to come to people where they are. And
when people know that you can relate to them, it
just makes for an easier transaction. We'll be right back
with more money Making Conversations. Masterclass with Rashan McDonald now
let's return to Money Making Conversations Masterclass with Rashan McDonald.
(14:43):
You are articulate, you have three kids. Do you have
a husband who as your back your employee? Loving people?
You are very busy. I'm sure you do a lot
of speaking engagements. How do you have time to do
a television show on own that call that entitled Ladies
Who Listed Latin? How did that come about? Activity? Because
your schedule seems pretty robots. My stential is definitely busy,
(15:10):
but a lot of my schedule is surrounded with real estate. UM.
The show is a real estate show, and so this
is not you know, Real Housewives of Atlanta or um
any show like that where I would have to actually
change the trajectory of my life. This is about real estate,
(15:31):
and it's in my life. It's surrounded about real estate.
So it was an easy thing for me. There's not
basketball wives, you know, there's not all that over there,
you know, all over that. And we're not saying anything
negative about Real Housewives of Atlanta. What she's saying is
that she was invited to come on the show that
aligned yourself with her career. In her background what she
(15:52):
does real estate, So it wasn't like a fictionalized role
or character she had to play or scripted. Basically, they're
kind of like recording what you do for a living
correct correct exactly. The unincorporated a lot of my family
with as well, and so it was just something that
(16:12):
would aligned with my lifestyle. Now, with that being said,
are you enjoying being No? No, being uh a notice
on the streets being what is that and what is
that participation in the TV show done for your brand?
It's a little weird for me when I go into
public cases and people know who I am and they're like,
(16:35):
oh my god, there's a celebrity. They don't do that.
If they'll do the oh my god, dude, oh my god,
I'm just Tiffany, or they want to take pictures and
I'm like, no, I'm just I'm just Tippany. I'm nobody.
I'm nobody's special and you know, I'm just, you know,
just a regular person. Well, I'm gonna tell you this,
you're not a regular person because people want to call
(16:57):
and talk to you on my show. We got another call.
If ready for another call? Sandra Sandro from Atlanta. How
you do Sandra, You're on the call with Tiffany halls,
the very humble who doesn't like getting not brought to
in public? Oh my god, it's Tiffany. Oh my god, Sandra,
what is your question for the humble? And you know, regular, regular,
(17:21):
regular regulatiffty can you guys hear me a little? But
I love the show she was on. I love her spirit.
She's beautiful, and God is gonna always continue to bless
her her family. But I had one quick question. I'm
kind of embarrassed about this question, but I'm gonna ask.
Is this I've always wretched I'm almost sixty years old.
(17:44):
Is the age factor a factor? Is first time home ownership?
Absolutely not. In fact, the benefit of actually purchasing a
home as you get older is that in some counties,
like when your large metro counties, they have senior exemptions
for taxes where you don't have to even pay the
(18:07):
school taxes on your tax bill. And that is um
the majority of the tax bill. So if your tax
bill is four thousand dollars and you get the senior exemption,
your tax bill may go down to five hundred dollars.
And so now instead of s growing um based on
a four thousand dollar tax bill, you're now s growing
(18:30):
based on a five hundred dollar tax bill, so your
payment is even lower. So there's tons of benefits for purchasing,
you know, a home. Even if you're not young, you
still have the ability to purchase something for your family. Yeah, okay,
because I had thought about homeownership and then felt like,
(18:52):
fel well, I'm too old of all the home. But anyway,
and I was thinking, well, maybe I can get something
and putting in my daughter's name, and would that be
a u something to consider because I know as time
go on then she could just have it or however
and just we both have our names on the deed.
Is that a possibility? So let me just change your
(19:14):
sons and sand get that home in your name. It's
called a will. You know, get a will, get a will,
live your life. Gusto. You know, that's one thing I
always getting on black people, African Americans about you are
a special person. First of all, age and not be
an excuse. Did anybody listen to me? Do not If
(19:34):
you're seven years old you want to buy a house,
buy and you're able to buy ninety years old. If
you look at the house while you rolling down the street,
and you're able to buy and go by, because that's
what life is about. A life is about adventure, guaranteed.
Come on, Tiffany, wrap it up, Timy, you you're the motivator.
Come on differently each other, tell them saying okay, something
(19:59):
else can tell think it happened to you at that
young age. Um, I'm totally in agreement. Don't ever let
age stop you from doing anything any day that you
wake up living in a day worth going after what
you want in life. You hear that sounds don't do,
don't hurt anyway. I like her from the show Chilled.
(20:22):
She don't like a lot of bes. I'm like her.
And when we got heard her on the radio, I'm like,
I gotta figure out how to call it that. I
have to figure this out. Well, I'm gonna teach some
some tea, some sund I'm gonna slow you down before
you say a word on my little show and they
get me taken off the You already said the word
that bs. We can't get with no farther than that. Okay,
(20:42):
now sound listen to me. Now you're special, okay, and
it's a blessing. You have a dog you can share
this opportunity with if you can get. You know, you
already got the closing attorney. She's the real deal. It's
Tiffany Halls. Okay, So go out there and find that home.
You know it might be a little tight right now
because home mortgages are inching up and they're doing that
(21:05):
to slow down home purchases. You know. That's what they
do when they inflation. They raised the interest rate. That's
how they bring prices down because everything is available. It's
kind of weird how they do. They make you spend
money so you can stop spending money. That's how inflation works.
The battle left, but it shouldn't stop you from going
out there, taking your time. It doesn't have to be
a big home, just a home that you love. But
(21:25):
one thing for sure, I'm gonna give you this advice.
Whatever home you want to buy, go by there in
the daytime, go by there at noon, go by there
at night, go by there on the weekends. Because your
neighbors what you can't pick at. Your neighbors want you
buy that home. That's who you got on the left
and the right and in front of your in behind you.
(21:46):
So take your time. It might be a cute little house,
but make sure who you living next to is somebody
that you want to be next to? Is that correctify?
Because you can not change your neighbors. Absolutely, Soandre, thank
you for calling in. We're about to wrap up this show,
and I appreciate you. Stay a fan of her? Okay
(22:07):
of hers? Okay, so yeah, I will. I can't wait
till the next show come on? When are they coming?
She's on the own network? Ladies who list Atlanta or Tiffany.
I'll tell you something. We were wrapping up the show here. Yeah,
blew up my phone. People calling in want to know
what's going on. It means that you bring something, some
great quality of life. And I want to appreciate you
(22:27):
for coming on my show and I hopefully come back,
but this time you're being studios. We have a lot
of fun. Yes, sounds good to me. Just connect with
me via m I and let's make that happen. Okay.
I appreciate you, and stay safe. Tell your husband high
for allowing me a few times in the afternoon, and
your children stay blessed. Alright, Tiffany, all right you too.
I'll talk to yourself. Oh definitely, definitely. And I wanted
(22:49):
to tell everybody who listened to Money Making Conversation Again.
Sandra called in on the show about age. We let
we allow that limit and limits us so much and
what we want to do in our lives. We get thirty,
we think we've not not in and we're not inspired
to do anything. Fardy, we start regretting our life. Fifty,
we're trying to run the retirement. There's no such thing
(23:10):
that there's nothing to run to look in the mirror, everybody,
You can be whatever you want to be, as long
as you want to put forth the effort to be
that person that you want to be. Um with Sean
McDonald host The Money Making convers his masterclass. See you
next week. I'll talk to you next week.
My next desk is Tiffany Halls. How are you doing, Tiffany?
How are you look at it all out? You know?
What do you do for a living? Tiffany? Because I
thought you're gonna be a studio with me. I thought so,
but they said, you know, you couldn't make it in
I'm not mad at you because you're my friend. You're
my friend. You're my friend. But tell us about the
(00:22):
what ye have right now with your career. Um, you
know I am at in Atlanta, yes, ma'am. Now when
you say that, because you know we've been to I've
interviewed you before, and you know my whole fear about
having a closing the attorney because I signed a bunch
(00:43):
of papers. I've been fortunate to buy a house in
my life and as a stack of papers, I know
nothing about what I'm signing, but I'm told to sign.
So can you help? I'm sure it's a lot. You're
laughing at me. You laughing at because you know this
is this is a look that you can people give
you all the time. So that's abot of trust I
have to have with an attorney like you. So tell
(01:06):
us exactly what are they may be doing the same
thing outside what are we signing? So it's not necessarily
a lot of trust that you have to have with
the attorney. It's just you knowing what you are agreeing
to as far as the terms of the actual loan.
And so, as a consumer or as a buyer, if
(01:28):
I'm purchasing a home, the number one thing that I'm
concerned about is can I afford to purchase this home?
Is the interest rate going to be sufficient enough for
me to be able to make my mortgage payments each month? Um?
And so those are the important factors as a homeowner,
UM that I'm gonna go over with you in detail, like, hey,
(01:49):
this is your note, and on your note, you know,
it says you're interest rate is three point five and
your principal and interest is this figure. But now on
top of that, we have to add in your escrow
for your taxes, your property taxes, and for your insurance.
And so although your principle and interest is this amount,
your monthly payment will be this amount once we include
(02:10):
those s prows. And so as a buyer, that's the
most important thing because you have to realize that when
a lender is um lending you money, you're not signing
anything in your favor. Everything is always going to be
in the bank's favor. So if we make a mistake,
you will correct it. Buyre um. If something goes on,
(02:30):
you will correct it. If you have done anything fraudulent,
we can't foreclose. If you don't pay, we can't fork close.
So all those terms are definitely going to be in
favor of the lender. So it's just important for you
to know what you're comfortable with, UH and what you
can afford. And once you figure that out, UM, the
truth is you're either signing the documents and getting the
(02:51):
loan or you're not. You can't negotiate anything. You know.
Just interesting because we're gonna talk about the show that
your star are, the unscripted series on Own Ladies Who
List Atlanta. But one of the reasons I invited you
on my show, the Live show on w C. Okay,
let's just talk about it, because sometimes you get lost
in reality and TVs. That's what she does for a living.
(03:12):
She play acting because I really wanted to because I
knew that wasn't the truth and I want to make
sure clarify that. But because you deliver our skill and
H and UH that am I wrong in this saying
that's that not many African American male or female participate
as closing attorneys. Um, there's a there's a handful of
(03:33):
us out here. I didn't say that there's not a lot.
There are definitely UM enough of us out here. And
and actually it's an area law where you're starting to
see more minorities UM entering this area of law. So back,
you know, five ten years ago, you didn't see as
(03:54):
many African American closing attorneys. But now like I'm literally
seeing that pop up every were around Atlanta, around this
metropolitan you know city here. UM. But we're still a minority.
We're still not um the main person that you see
at the closing table, UM, even in Atlanta, Tiffany. Uh.
(04:15):
You know, this interview is part of answering questions for
Rishawan and people call it because an experience of how
did you get started? Because you said you can go
to school for this, you know, like I went to college.
You know, I started out as a civil engineer, and
I went over the chemical engineer, and then I went
over to uh the math. Eventually got my degree in math,
(04:38):
and I minored out and UM and the sociology. Was
this what you wanted to do when you went to college.
So when I went to I went to Savannah State
University undergrad and I made a major that political science
and minored in English, and my goal was to go
to law school. Now at that time, I had no
idea about trans actional law. I had no idea about
(05:02):
real estate closing. Didn't even know when attorney was involved
when you purchased the house. It wasn't until um when
I graduated. I ended up getting pregnant with my oldest son,
and instead of going a law school, I went and
got my payer legal certificate and I applied to like
a whole bunch of law firms, and the law firm
that called me back was a real estate closing attorney's office.
(05:23):
I got my first job, and so that was the
first time that I was ever, you know, even aware
that there was law associated with purchasing homes. And that
was back in two thousand and six, two thousand seven.
And once I got into that arena and I started
learning the process and how everything went. Eventually, when I
(05:45):
went to law school, it's all I knew how to practice.
And so once I graduated a law school once at
the bar. I just immediately, um, you know, opened up
my own firm and started doing the residential real estate closing.
We'll be right back with more Money Making Conversations Masterclass
with three Sean McDonald. Now let's return to Money Making
Conversations Masterclass with Rashan McDonald. Now, okay, Now, opening your
(06:10):
own firm? Is that a Is that normal? I'm just
I'm just asking simple questions in my mind, you know,
because that means that you know, you have from there
the word firm. You know, they're all on TV now,
they all got commercials out there, and you know they
have billboards. It was strong on with the law and
you know Morgan and Morgan and you know they they
they they sponsored local news, which is shocking to me.
(06:32):
You know, how you can have a law firm sponsoring
local news. I don't get that, but they do it.
And so how do you compete with all that super
hype that's going on, all these millions of dollars as
being spent? How does your firm cut through all that clutter? Um? Well,
I never looked at it as a competition. Um. When
(06:58):
I opened my firm, it was simply because I knew
how to do everything. UM, and I paid three hundred
thousand dollars to go to law school. Why am I
going to apply to a law firm make seventy thousand
dollars if that um and then has to work, you know,
my ass off for everyone else. So the goal in
(07:21):
my mind was, No, I did all this work, I
know how to do this, so I'm gonna open up
my own firm. Now I knew how to do all
the real estate stuff, the practice, but when I didn't
know how to do which actually builds UM my business.
And I still at that time wasn't like, oh what
am I gonna do with all these big law firms? No,
(07:42):
I was like, more like, how am I gonna find
my way? What's gonna benefit me? And I found the
power of social media. UM. I have three children, so
it's very hard for me to do traditional networking UM
like going to different places, lunches, shake hands, getting out cards.
It was very um difficult for me to UM even
(08:08):
kind of like put myself out there being in front
of people like, hey, I just graduated law school. Here
my business cards. But then when I found out that
like my audience, the people that I want to do
business with with your real estate agents. They're all over
social media and of course they want everyone to know
that they're a real estate agent, so it's easy to
(08:29):
find them. And that became my niche and how I
got my business. Now I may not be the largest
law firm out here, but the business that I do
is enough for me. It's enough to employ um eleven people,
it's enough to you know, take care of my family.
And so for me, that's enough. There are people out
(08:52):
here with lofty goals of wanting to be you know,
the largest closing attorney, are not even closing attorney any firm. Um,
I just don't have those goals because you know a
lot of my goals are now to just you know,
pour into my children. Um. So it's just all about
you know, what you want, and I just really never
looked at anybody else to compare myself and what I'm
(09:16):
doing to what they're doing. Now, when you when you
look at first of all, when I when I hear
the way you talk, that means that you walk through
a lot of unknown situations with a lot of courage.
Because that stops a lot of people. A lot of
people want their dreams to be accomplished, but fear, the
not feeling comfortable, not not knowing, Hey is a paycheck
(09:37):
waiting on me? Is is that idea is gonna work?
Who's supporting me? How did you overcome the fear of
the unknown? Before we go to break? Well, the big
thing is you just mentioned is support. UM. So I
am married. I have a husband, UM, who is a
traditional husband in the sense that he pays all the bills.
(09:59):
So it wasn't a situation where I was, you know,
deciding whether I'm gonna pay my rent or open up
my law firm. You know, I didn't have to think
about something that some some people have to think about.
So the fear of paying bills and all that stuff
that was removed because the support that I had from
(10:20):
my husband. UM. Now with that support, of course, you
still have to have the focus and the mindset to
actually go out here and get business and and find
ways to be successful. But I honestly couldn't have any
of that without the support of of my family. That
is that was that was paramount and me opening up
(10:42):
my law firm. Now we got two calls for you
right now. Are you ready? Okay? Nikki from Atlanta? How
are you doing, Nikki Hi resonnighting great? We have Tiffany
on the call. What is your call today about? Hi, Tiffany,
I'm a real chest what I'm a real starry nights off,
but I'm a realtor and I'm just gonna give you
(11:02):
props because you know, we do look for closing attorneys
that return our calls and get the paperwork done on time,
that do it right, have no issues with titles, etcetera.
And you must be doing something right. So I really
have calling into just pat you on the back and
say you must be doing a great job. And I'm
gonna look you up and see you know what's going on,
(11:25):
because we are always looking for a great, great closing attorney.
So I just really want to Colin and congratulate you well.
Thank you so much, Nicky. Sometimes this industry is crazy.
If you're a real estate agent then then you know.
So we're always trying to do, you know, the best
that we can to just make our way through the
(11:45):
craziness of a real estate transaction. So it's always good
um to get that pat on the back, um, just
to keep us going. You know, a real estate is brutal,
it is. I was gonna say it really is. And
because you're dealing with, you know, such a large purchase,
the um the buyers or sellers can do. You know,
(12:09):
it's just an emotional roller coaster drive. But you know,
if you have a good closing attorney that can keep
everybody staying at the table, you know, obviously you're doing
something right. So good job. Well, yes, so at our
closing table we have Margarita's and wine and so keep
(12:29):
you called that you called? Yes, well you know the
thing what she called in. Let me just roll back
here a little bit because obviously by Nikki's response, there
are certain there there's different type of closing attorneys. You
try to bring levity and calmness and celebration to your clothes, right,
(12:50):
and so now that's different. Now, what what makes you
What makes it good? I may have asked it, but
having her call in what makes a really good closing attorney? Um?
The what really makes a good closing attorney is just
the ability to relate to the party. Like said, real
(13:12):
estate is very emotional. The sellers are on high emotions.
Number one. They may be selling a home that they
have like emotional ties to their kids may have been
born there, they may have lived there for several years,
and so although they may be walking away with a check,
it's still a very anxious and emotional time for them
and for the buyers. You know, getting financing for a
(13:35):
home is not easy. You go through a lot of
ups and downs. The lenders take you through hell and
back just to get the money, you know, to buy
your home. So a lot of times, once you get
to the closing table, you're honestly exhausted. Now, you know,
I have to bring you from that point of exhaustion
to now realizing that this is a happy occasion for you.
(13:58):
Let's celebrate home owner ships. UM. Let's celebrate the ability
to purchase homes and sell them and create wealth for
our families. And that's really what separates me apart from
other attorneys, just my ability to relate to people on
all levels. You know, I close your standards. Buyer and
(14:18):
seller are closed. Celebrities are close athletes, um, And you
just got to come to people where they are. And
when people know that you can relate to them, it
just makes for an easier transaction. We'll be right back
with more money Making Conversations. Masterclass with Rashan McDonald now
let's return to Money Making Conversations Masterclass with Rashan McDonald.
(14:43):
You are articulate, you have three kids. Do you have
a husband who as your back your employee? Loving people?
You are very busy. I'm sure you do a lot
of speaking engagements. How do you have time to do
a television show on own that call that entitled Ladies
Who Listed Latin? How did that come about? Activity? Because
your schedule seems pretty robots. My stential is definitely busy,
(15:10):
but a lot of my schedule is surrounded with real estate. UM.
The show is a real estate show, and so this
is not you know, Real Housewives of Atlanta or um
any show like that where I would have to actually
change the trajectory of my life. This is about real estate,
(15:31):
and it's in my life. It's surrounded about real estate.
So it was an easy thing for me. There's not
basketball wives, you know, there's not all that over there,
you know, all over that. And we're not saying anything
negative about Real Housewives of Atlanta. What she's saying is
that she was invited to come on the show that
aligned yourself with her career. In her background what she
(15:52):
does real estate, So it wasn't like a fictionalized role
or character she had to play or scripted. Basically, they're
kind of like recording what you do for a living
correct correct exactly. The unincorporated a lot of my family
with as well, and so it was just something that
(16:12):
would aligned with my lifestyle. Now, with that being said,
are you enjoying being No? No, being uh a notice
on the streets being what is that and what is
that participation in the TV show done for your brand?
It's a little weird for me when I go into
public cases and people know who I am and they're like,
(16:35):
oh my god, there's a celebrity. They don't do that.
If they'll do the oh my god, dude, oh my god,
I'm just Tiffany, or they want to take pictures and
I'm like, no, I'm just I'm just Tippany. I'm nobody.
I'm nobody's special and you know, I'm just, you know,
just a regular person. Well, I'm gonna tell you this,
you're not a regular person because people want to call
(16:57):
and talk to you on my show. We got another call.
If ready for another call? Sandra Sandro from Atlanta. How
you do Sandra, You're on the call with Tiffany halls,
the very humble who doesn't like getting not brought to
in public? Oh my god, it's Tiffany. Oh my god, Sandra,
what is your question for the humble? And you know, regular, regular,
(17:21):
regular regulatiffty can you guys hear me a little? But
I love the show she was on. I love her spirit.
She's beautiful, and God is gonna always continue to bless
her her family. But I had one quick question. I'm
kind of embarrassed about this question, but I'm gonna ask.
Is this I've always wretched I'm almost sixty years old.
(17:44):
Is the age factor a factor? Is first time home ownership?
Absolutely not. In fact, the benefit of actually purchasing a
home as you get older is that in some counties,
like when your large metro counties, they have senior exemptions
for taxes where you don't have to even pay the
(18:07):
school taxes on your tax bill. And that is um
the majority of the tax bill. So if your tax
bill is four thousand dollars and you get the senior exemption,
your tax bill may go down to five hundred dollars.
And so now instead of s growing um based on
a four thousand dollar tax bill, you're now s growing
(18:30):
based on a five hundred dollar tax bill, so your
payment is even lower. So there's tons of benefits for purchasing,
you know, a home. Even if you're not young, you
still have the ability to purchase something for your family. Yeah, okay,
because I had thought about homeownership and then felt like,
(18:52):
fel well, I'm too old of all the home. But anyway,
and I was thinking, well, maybe I can get something
and putting in my daughter's name, and would that be
a u something to consider because I know as time
go on then she could just have it or however
and just we both have our names on the deed.
Is that a possibility? So let me just change your
(19:14):
sons and sand get that home in your name. It's
called a will. You know, get a will, get a will,
live your life. Gusto. You know, that's one thing I
always getting on black people, African Americans about you are
a special person. First of all, age and not be
an excuse. Did anybody listen to me? Do not If
(19:34):
you're seven years old you want to buy a house,
buy and you're able to buy ninety years old. If
you look at the house while you rolling down the street,
and you're able to buy and go by, because that's
what life is about. A life is about adventure, guaranteed.
Come on, Tiffany, wrap it up, Timy, you you're the motivator.
Come on differently each other, tell them saying okay, something
(19:59):
else can tell think it happened to you at that
young age. Um, I'm totally in agreement. Don't ever let
age stop you from doing anything any day that you
wake up living in a day worth going after what
you want in life. You hear that sounds don't do,
don't hurt anyway. I like her from the show Chilled.
(20:22):
She don't like a lot of bes. I'm like her.
And when we got heard her on the radio, I'm like,
I gotta figure out how to call it that. I
have to figure this out. Well, I'm gonna teach some
some tea, some sund I'm gonna slow you down before
you say a word on my little show and they
get me taken off the You already said the word
that bs. We can't get with no farther than that. Okay,
(20:42):
now sound listen to me. Now you're special, okay, and
it's a blessing. You have a dog you can share
this opportunity with if you can get. You know, you
already got the closing attorney. She's the real deal. It's
Tiffany Halls. Okay, So go out there and find that home.
You know it might be a little tight right now
because home mortgages are inching up and they're doing that
(21:05):
to slow down home purchases. You know. That's what they
do when they inflation. They raised the interest rate. That's
how they bring prices down because everything is available. It's
kind of weird how they do. They make you spend
money so you can stop spending money. That's how inflation works.
The battle left, but it shouldn't stop you from going
out there, taking your time. It doesn't have to be
a big home, just a home that you love. But
(21:25):
one thing for sure, I'm gonna give you this advice.
Whatever home you want to buy, go by there in
the daytime, go by there at noon, go by there
at night, go by there on the weekends. Because your
neighbors what you can't pick at. Your neighbors want you
buy that home. That's who you got on the left
and the right and in front of your in behind you.
(21:46):
So take your time. It might be a cute little house,
but make sure who you living next to is somebody
that you want to be next to? Is that correctify?
Because you can not change your neighbors. Absolutely, Soandre, thank
you for calling in. We're about to wrap up this show,
and I appreciate you. Stay a fan of her? Okay
(22:07):
of hers? Okay, so yeah, I will. I can't wait
till the next show come on? When are they coming?
She's on the own network? Ladies who list Atlanta or Tiffany.
I'll tell you something. We were wrapping up the show here. Yeah,
blew up my phone. People calling in want to know
what's going on. It means that you bring something, some
great quality of life. And I want to appreciate you
(22:27):
for coming on my show and I hopefully come back,
but this time you're being studios. We have a lot
of fun. Yes, sounds good to me. Just connect with
me via m I and let's make that happen. Okay.
I appreciate you, and stay safe. Tell your husband high
for allowing me a few times in the afternoon, and
your children stay blessed. Alright, Tiffany, all right you too.
I'll talk to yourself. Oh definitely, definitely. And I wanted
(22:49):
to tell everybody who listened to Money Making Conversation Again.
Sandra called in on the show about age. We let
we allow that limit and limits us so much and
what we want to do in our lives. We get thirty,
we think we've not not in and we're not inspired
to do anything. Fardy, we start regretting our life. Fifty,
we're trying to run the retirement. There's no such thing
(23:10):
that there's nothing to run to look in the mirror, everybody,
You can be whatever you want to be, as long
as you want to put forth the effort to be
that person that you want to be. Um with Sean
McDonald host The Money Making convers his masterclass. See you
next week. I'll talk to you next week.
Host
Rushion McDonald
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