Chris Prefontaine is the Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, a 4x best-selling author, podcast host, and 3-time Inc. 5000 honoree. Through his Wicked Smart® Community, he’s helped investors across North America close hundreds of real estate deals — all without using their cash or credit. After weathering 9/11, the 2008 crash, and COVID, Chris rebuilt a resilient business model built to thrive in any market. Today, his mission is to empower driven individuals to become confident, "Wicked Smart" investors — no matter where they’re starting from.
In this episode, Jason and Chris discuss:
- How Chris rebuilt his real estate business after the 2008 crash using “terms” deals
- What does it mean to buy real estate using creative financing strategies
- Three powerful methods: Owner Financing, Lease Purchase, and Subject-To deals
- Why market conditions don’t matter when you learn how to pivot with strategy
- Chris's “Three Paydays” system and how it creates consistent cash flow
Key Takeaways:
- Buying real estate “on terms” gives investors the ability to acquire properties without relying on traditional financing. No credit checks, large down payments, or bank approvals are required, making it a powerful strategy for anyone starting from scratch.
- Principal-only payments through owner financing offer a smart path to build equity fast. This approach increases monthly cash flow and minimizes interest expenses, especially valuable in today’s high-rate environment.
- Success in any market comes down to knowing where to focus and being able to pivot. When one lead source dries up, there's always another list or niche to explore—what matters is adaptability.
- A committed and aligned team can be the difference between staying stuck and scaling a business. Chris credits his company’s growth to surrounding himself with people who complement his strengths.
- Long-term commitment trumps quick wins. Choosing a niche you believe in and sticking with it—without distractions—for 3 to 7 years is what ultimately creates lasting success.
“Pick a niche, pick someone you can get behind, and then put the blinders on for three to seven years. That’s where the real breakthroughs happen—when you stop chasing shiny objects and stay committed.” - Chris Prefontaine
Grab Your Free Books from Chris: https://www.wickedsmartbooks.com/jason
Free Real Estate Masterclass by Chris: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass
Connect with Chris Prefontaine:
Website: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/
Connect with Steve and Jason:
LinkedIn: Jason or Steve
Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking
Email: grow@rewireinc.com
Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
