Paul Hickman on Why Real Estate Investors Must Solve Problems Before Talking Price

What really happens behind the scenes when someone calls a real estate investor to sell their house fast? Paul Hickman joins the show to share how his path from college hockey coach to real estate investor ultimately led him to own multiple HomeVestors franchises across Des Moines, Omaha, and Madison. After 17 years coaching at the University of Wisconsin, Paul realized the cost of living was outpacing his income and began exploring real estate as a new path forward. That journey led him first into traditional real estate sales, where he quickly discovered he preferred working with investors rather than retail buyers and sellers. Eventually, he bought into the HomeVestors franchise model and built a business focused on helping homeowners solve complex situations that don’t always fit the traditional real estate process. Paul explains how many off-market deals stem from real-life challenges, from inherited properties to family transitions, job relocations, or homes filled with decades of belongings. Instead of focusing solely on price, his team approaches each situation as a problem to solve with integrity, transparency, and flexibility. He also breaks down the operational side of the business, including how franchise partners cooperate rather than compete, how his team evaluates renovation strategies, and why speed and clarity often make the biggest difference in a project’s profitability. 🧠 Paul Hickman’s Top 5 Takeaways: • Many off-market home sales are driven by personal challenges where convenience matters more than price • High-integrity investing starts with asking the right questions and understanding the seller’s real problem • Speed is critical in renovations, with a goal of listing properties within 30 days of closing • Strong contractor partnerships and clear communication drive successful rehab projects • Franchise collaboration allows HomeVestors investors to pool marketing dollars and share resources instead of competing 👤 About Paul Hickman: Paul Hickman is a real estate investor and HomeVestors franchise owner operating in Des Moines, Omaha, and Madison, Wisconsin. His business focuses on buying homes directly from homeowners and creating solutions for off-market sales. Before entering real estate, Paul spent 17 years as a hockey coach at the University of Wisconsin. His background in athletics shaped his team-focused approach to business, emphasizing collaboration, clear systems, and strong partnerships across contractors, agents, and investors. Contact Info: Website | https://www.homevestors.com Social Media | @thepaulhickman Phone | 608-516-5984 Email | [email protected] Learn More: https://www.littleguyloans.com/learnmore