Rae Nomura went from appraisal burnout to building a CRE practice built on precision. She shares how her valuation background helps 1031 buyers spot red flags, find real upside in leases, and avoid the traps most mom-and-pop investors fall into. Rae also breaks down what makes the Pacific Northwest its own market, why your network is your biggest deal lever, and why the fastest career growth comes from leaving the wrong seat sooner.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3jWYrERRjdqYeSt6IBqzav?si=6QkzpbDASs2WIDwg2dcaCg
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAzajF6vKlU
Key Takeaways From The Episode
- Appraisal → Brokerage edge. Lease analysis and valuation skills help buyers see risk and upside others miss.
- 1031s reward early prep. Start evaluating options before listing—timelines kill deals more than pricing.
- Mom-and-pop investors need guidance. Most haven’t transacted in 5–10 years and don’t know today’s cap rates or market norms.
- Networks close deals. Property managers, insurers, accommodators, and tax pros make or break transactions.
- Don’t waste time in the wrong seat. The wrong office, wrong mentor, or wrong deal slows your entire career down.
