Brad Harper is a Broker at Century 21 North Homes Realty, where he serves military families, first responders, and veterans. With nearly 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, he consistently ranks among the top 3% of realtors globally for sales. Brad is recognized as a top relocation specialist and has received awards such as the President’s Award and the Pinnacle Quality Customer Service Award.

Real estate is a practical wealth-building strategy; yet, many professionals are stuck with underperforming rentals or feel unsure of where to begin. Rising interest rates, market uncertainty, and a lack of guidance often stop would-be investors before they start. How can you optimize your real estate assets to build long-term wealth?

According to top-producing real estate agent Brad Harper, strategic investments like short-term vacation rentals and second homes can become long-term wealth generators. Investors can employ cost segregation methods to improve tax outcomes for Airbnb properties and other vacation rentals. To create a steady flow of deals, Brad emphasizes proactively following up with leads, building a strong social media presence, and building relationships with referral partners like attorneys, property managers, and lenders.

In the latest episode of Work Hard, Play Harder, Jake Hanes sits down with Brad Harper, a Broker at Century 21 North Homes Realty, to discuss building long-term wealth through real estate. Brad shares his Airbnb investment strategy, how he builds his portfolio through disciplined work habits, and how military personnel can leverage VA loans.

Antonieta Putnam is a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Broker at Coldwell Banker, where she represents clients across various residential properties. She is also a Client Liaison at The Magnolia Group, where she focuses on hard money and commercial and investment lending.

Navigating the real estate space — especially during major life transitions like inheritance, investment upgrades, or home buying — can feel overwhelming. From understanding title insurance to managing tax liability during sales, buyers and sellers often find themselves in unfamiliar territory. How can individuals protect their financial interests and ensure a smooth transaction in such a regulated and detail-heavy industry?

With over two decades of experience in title, escrow, and residential sales, Antonieta Putnam recommends purchasing title insurance to safeguard against ownership disputes and hidden liabilities. Buyers and sellers should also obtain expert counsel, such as real estate attorneys or experienced agents when handling inheritance properties, quitclaim deeds, or complex tax scenarios like 1031 exchanges. By staying informed on state-specific excise taxes, regulatory changes, and under-the-radar risks like FIRPTA, buyers and sellers can protect their investments.

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Harder, Jake Hanes speaks with Antonieta Putnam, Licensed Real Estate Agent and Broker at Coldwell Banker, about how she protects clients during complex transactions. Antonieta talks about her integrity-driven approach, why property owners may need to purchase title or mortgage insurance, and how foreign seller tax impacts buyers in US real estate.

Jeffrey Putnam is a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at The Magnolia Group, a division of the mortgage brokerage firm NEXA Mortgage. In his role, he specializes in investor and short-term lending. Before joining NEXA Mortgage, Jeffrey held positions at Finance of America Mortgage LLC and PNC Mortgage.

Flipping homes and investing in real estate can be lucrative yet unpredictable. From financing to hidden repair costs and unreliable contractors, one wrong move can turn projected profits into painful losses. How can real estate investors avoid costly mistakes and fund their projects with confidence?

Short-term lending and real estate finance expert Jeffrey Putnam leverages smart investing techniques to minimize risks and maximize ROI on flips and construction projects. Hard money loans are ideal for real estate investors who need fast access to capital without the hurdles of traditional financing. Conversely, bridge financing allows investors to transition between properties seamlessly. With DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) lending, self-employed borrowers can qualify for loans based on rental income rather than tax returns. In addition to these strategies, Jeffrey recommends thoroughly vetting contractors, accurately estimating rehab costs, and planning for contingencies like unexpected repairs or delays.

Tune in to the next episode of Work Hard, Play Harder as Jake Hanes sits down with Jeffrey Putnam, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at The Magnolia Group, a division of the mortgage brokerage firm NEXA Mortgage, to discuss smart financing strategies for real estate investors. Jeffrey discusses market trends, first-time buyer programs, and the lessons he learned from high-stakes flips.