The Den | Real Estate in the Four Corners: Buy, Sell, Invest

Why water is the silent threat to your home (and what to do about it) Think you’re safe from water damage just because you live in the dry Southwest? Think again. In this episode of The Den, Paul, Ben, Shannon, and Aspen break down how water continues to be one of the biggest threats to homes, through roof leaks, plumbing issues, flash floods, improper grading, and even swamp coolers. With stories...

Are you unknowingly risking your deal with owner finance? In this episode of The Den, hosts Ben Lyons, Aspen Grown, Shannon Martinez, and Paul Barry dive into the top mistakes people make with owner financing. With hundreds of millions in sales and decades of real estate experience, the team breaks down real scenarios that could cost buyers and sellers big. Whether you're looking to finance c...

Ever had a creepy feeling during a showing? You're not alone. This special Halloween edition of The Den, powered by the Lyons Group, dives into real-life horror stories from the world of real estate. Hosts Ben Lyons, Shannon Martinez, Paul Barry, and Aspen Groen share spine-chilling experiences that happened during open houses, client showings, and vacant home visits. Whether it's creepy...

Fall in the Four Corners is more than just cooler weather and changing leaves. In this episode of The Den, powered by the Lyons Group, the team dives into their favorite local traditions, festivals, and fall-time favorites. From green chili roasts and hot air balloons to mountain bike races and funnel cake stops in Silverton, this episode is packed with seasonal charm and community connection. Whe...

Should You Sell Your Home Without a Realtor? In this episode of The Den , powered by the Lyons Group, the team dives into the hot topic of For Sale By Owner (FSBO) real estate. Ben, Paul, Aspen, and Shannon break down the risks, rewards, and real-life outcomes of skipping a realtor in the selling process. With over $400 million in sales and nearly 2,000 transactions behind them, this crew brings t...

Why Real Estate Forms Are So Complicated In this episode of The Den from the Lyons Group, the team dives into the surprisingly complex world of real estate contracts and forms. With insights from Ben, Paul, Shannon, and Aspen, you’ll learn how these documents have evolved, why they matter, and what changes are coming. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about the backend of real e...

KEY TAKEAWAYS • Joe Aubert flew C-17s globally for the Air Force for over a decade • Farmington's affordability allowed Joe to buy homes for both his family and his mother • The new aviation program in the Four Corners is a huge opportunity for youth • Farmington’s close-knit community is a major reason Joe chooses to live there • Joe’s retirement flight featured a flyover of Farmington and p...

Fair Housing Law and Its Impact on Real Estate Fair housing has been a core principle of real estate for years, but what exactly does it mean for you as a buyer, seller, or real estate professional? In this episode of The Den, join us as we dive into the ins and outs of the Fair Housing Act with real estate experts Paul and Aspen, exploring how it impacts everything from short-term rentals to ever...

A Real Day in the Life of a Realtor Welcome to The Den, powered by The Lyons Group. In this candid episode, Ben "Easy Street" Lyons, Shannon Martin Martinez, Paul Barry, and Aspen Groen dive deep into what a real estate agent's day truly looks like. Forget what you've seen on HGTV. This is the raw, unfiltered reality of juggling clients, showings, family time, missed opportunit...

Connie Mack World Series: Small Town, Big Impact In this episode of The Den , the Lyons Group dives into the heart and history of the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico. With co-hosts Ben “The Big Bambino” Lyons, Shannon “The Boss” Martinez, and Paul “Hand Me the Rock” Barry, the conversation celebrates the tournament’s deep roots in the community, its impact on families, and the u...

In this episode of The Den, Ben and the Lyons Group dive deep into the realities of adversity and personal growth. Joined by co-hosts Paul, Shannon, and Aspen, the team shares raw and vulnerable stories of facing hardship, learning from pain, and finding clarity through challenge. From toxic workplaces to early parenthood and the lingering impact of military service, this conversation explores how...

KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Dogs can be an effective first line of defense, even small or non-aggressive ones • Security cameras offer peace of mind and real-time alerts • Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors must be functional and up to date • Radon is a silent danger and a major cause of lung cancer • Lighting and visibility around entry points reduce intruder risks • Cluttered homes can block escape routes...

From wedding photography to yoga studios to flipping houses and selling real estate, the team shares hard-earned wisdom on how to build a thriving business without losing yourself or your family in the process. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Entrepreneurship offers freedom but comes with relentless responsibility • Turning your hobby into a job can ruin your passion • Real estate agents are entrepreneurs with no...

From former drug labs and marijuana grow houses to mold, radon, and even haunted properties, this roundtable tackles the murky world of real estate disclosures. You'll hear stories about clandestine conditions, meth-laced bathtubs, untraceable mold damage, and whether you need to tell buyers if someone died on the property. This isn’t just about creepy houses. It’s a wake-up call for both buy...

From blind bidding in Scotland to 99-year land leases in China and cash-only builds in Mexico, this roundtable dives into the surprising real estate norms across the globe. You'll hear about laws that ban Sunday home sales, homes without kitchens, and foreign ownership restrictions that challenge everything we assume about buying property. This isn’t just a global tour of real estate practice...

Forget the national headlines. In this market update episode of The Den, the team breaks down what is really happening in San Juan County. From rising prices to shifting buyer power and surprising commission trends, you will hear exactly what you need to know to make smart real estate decisions in 2025. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, this episode gives you clear, local insights you...

🔍 Topics we cover: ✔ Matching communication style to your client ✔ The risks of texting big news like terminations ✔ When a call is better than a quick message ✔ How to handle awkward silences ✔ Why listening is the most powerful skill in real estate ✔ The art of delivering tough feedback without burning bridges Website: sjcbroker.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelyonsgroup4c Instagram: htt...

If you're considering buying rural property, don’t make a move without listening to this episode first. The team at The Den covers the essential things every buyer should know when venturing outside the city limits. From funny stories to hard-learned lessons, this conversation is packed with tips that could save you serious money and headaches down the road. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Why...

In this episode of The Den, powered by The Lyons Group, we pull back the curtain on the real estate profession and share what we truly love and hate about this industry. We kick things off with a few laughs as we introduce the full crew: Ben Lyons, Paul Barry, Shannon Martin, and Aspen Groen. Each of us shares the personal highs and lows that come with life in real estate. From the freedom to buil...

In this episode of The Den , powered by The Lyons Group, we dive deep into the transformative power of real estate and share inspiring success stories that highlight the life-changing impact of homeownership. We kick off the conversation by discussing the incredible journey of individuals who have transitioned from homelessness to becoming homeowners. One of our co-hosts, Aspen, shares a poignant...

In this episode of The Den , we dive into the impact of social media on the real estate market and how it can influence both selling and buying homes. With over half of people now getting their news from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, we discuss the necessity of having a social media presence in today's real estate landscape. I introduce my co-hosts from The Lyons Group, incl...

In this episode of The Den , we dive into the four essential stages of buying a property, breaking down the process to help potential homeowners navigate their journey more effectively. We start by discussing the importance of making a conscious decision to purchase a home, emphasizing that many people often jump into the process without fully understanding the implications. Our team, consisting o...

In this episode of The Den , we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Chris Reilly from Reilly Industrial, a company with deep roots in our community and a remarkable history of growth and innovation. Founded in 1970 by Chris's grandfather, the company has evolved from a small family operation into a significant player in the industrial sector, now employing nearly 500 people across multiple loca...

In this episode of The Den, we dive into the intriguing topic of the Sunbelt region of the United States, exploring why so many people are migrating to this area. Our discussion kicks off with a light-hearted banter about the appeal of living in states like New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Florida, particularly for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle and better weather. We highlight the signi...

In this episode of The Den, we dive into some HOT TAKES in the real estate world, exploring controversial opinions that challenge conventional wisdom. Our discussion kicks off with Aspen sharing her belief that not everyone should be a homeowner. We explore the idea that renting can be a valid choice for many, especially those who may not be financially prepared or simply prefer a lifestyle that d...