Brian Sacks in Ricks Room

The New Real Estate Opportunity

In this episode of Rick’s Room, Rick Grant reconnects with longtime friend and industry veteran Brian Sacks for a candid conversation about reinvention, mindset, and uncovering opportunities in challenging times.

With more than 40 years in the mortgage industry and two decades as a nationally recognized coach, Brian has seen multiple market cycles and helped thousands of top producers adapt and thrive. Now based in Florida, he shares how he turned a difficult real estate market into an opening to launch Your Dependable Partner, a senior move management company designed to help families transition loved ones into assisted living while also creating new real estate opportunities.

Brian introduces his concept of the “Always Paid Agent,” explains how asking better questions leads to better business, and highlights parallels between real estate and mortgage lending—such as working with divorce attorneys on must-refinance cases. .

Show Highlights:

Rick Grant (Host):
Hi and welcome back to Rick’s Room. I’m Rick Grant, and this is the show where we pretend we’re at the end of a busy conference—when we finally get to sit down with someone we’ve been chasing all day. Today, I’m joined by my good friend Brian Sacks.

You may have seen Brian on TV talking about the real estate market on the East Coast or in Florida. You may know him through his other ventures. He’s a moving target and always reinventing himself. Brian, thanks for being here.

Brian Sacks (Guest):
Rick, thank you. We’ve been friends for decades, and I’m honored to be here.

Rick:
I first knew you in real estate and mortgage finance, but you’ve worn many hats since then. How do you keep your identity when you’re always shifting roles?

Brian:
Some people might call it “marketing multiple personality disorder.” But the truth is, I’ve been in mortgages for 40 years and coaching for 20, working with thousands of top originators. The key is simple: if you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. And in today’s tough real estate and mortgage economy, standing still isn’t an option.

My wife is a career coach, and she’s busier than ever because so many people are reinventing themselves. Success really comes down to mindset—how you see yourself determines your outcome.

Rick:
So how did you apply that when you moved to Florida?

Brian:
I kept my mortgage business but also became a real estate agent. But Florida’s market right now? It’s in trouble. Too much inventory, sagging prices, overbuilding. You could say, “My timing was terrible.” Or you could ask, “How do I make money in this market?”

The answer came when I realized Florida is full of retirees moving into assisted living. These are motivated sellers who must sell their homes to fund care. That’s when I launched Your Dependable Partner, a senior move management company.

We coordinate downsizing, donation, shipping, even auctions. And because I’m also a realtor, I can handle the home sale. The beauty is, I get paid as a move manager whether I sell the house or not. That’s why I call it being the Always Paid Agent.

Rick:
That’s brilliant. And it’s real value—the families need someone to coordinate everything.

Brian:
Exactly. Their kids are often out of state. Without help, it becomes overwhelming. And many of these homes—whether pristine or in need of updating—also represent off-market opportunities.

Rick:
You’ve done this in other industries too. What’s the mindset behind it?

Brian:
It’s about asking different questions. Instead of “When will rates go down?” or “When will the market pick up?” I ask, “Who must act right now?”

For example, in lending—divorce cases. A spouse is legally required to refinance within a set timeframe. They’re not rate-sensitive. They’re referred by attorneys who trust me. That’s a steady stream of business if you position yourself correctly.

Rick:
So it’s about curiosity, reframing, and action.

Brian:
Yes. There are two kinds of people. One analyzes the water endlessly before dipping a toe. The other jumps in and prays there’s water. I’m the latter. Not always healthy, but it’s worked for me.

Rick:
And it clearly has. Brian, this has been fantastic. Where can people reach you?

Brian:
Email me at AlwaysPaidAgent@gmail.com or visit YourDependablePartner.com.

Rick:
Thanks, Brian. I can’t wait to have you back in 90 days when you’ve invented your next great idea.