Let Me Tell You a Quick Story

Annie Clougherty was the very first guest I ever had on a podcast. She's one of my closest friends, one of my most trusted referral partners for almost a decade, and she just did something that surprised the entire Orange County real estate world. 

She left Compass to become the first founding agent in California for SERHANT.

So of course I had to bring her back.

We sat down and got into all of it. How she got Ryan Serhant's attention with a cold email. Why she made the move when her business was already great. What she's actually seeing in the OC market right now, by price point. And the advice she's giving every buyer and every seller this year.

A few things you'll walk away with:
  • The exact subject line Annie used to get Ryan Serhant to reply, and what happened next.
  • A real, by-price-point read on the 2026 Orange County market (and why the rules are different at $1M, $3M, and $5M+).
  • Why a hoarder house in Costa Mesa listed at $995K closed at over a million.
  • Annie's three words for sellers in this market: clean, paint, price.
  • The line that stopped me in my tracks: "Information is power. I talk more clients out of deals than into them."
Find Annie Clougherty:
SERHANT California, Founding Agent, based in Orange County. She's on Instagram, Facebook, and her website. Search "Annie Clougherty" and you'll find her in all the places.

And if you need a mortgage advisor who actually picks up the phone, that's me. Reach out at truepointlending.com.
Thanks for listening. If you got something out of this one, share it with a friend who's thinking about buying or selling.

Creators and Guests

Host
Chris Chudacoff
Striving to help my clients understand the best mortgage option for them based on their needs, goals and financial success! I am passionate about eliminating the myths around the mortgage maze of confusion and guide my clients with a proactive approach.
Guest
Annie Clougherty
With $1 Billion in career volume in Orange County real estate and more than 100 five-star reviews, our results speak for themselves. Sellers and buyers across Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Corona del Mar, and the greater Coastal Orange County area trust us to deliver success with unmatched commitment to service. For sellers, our marketing strategy is built to maximize exposure and achieve the highest return. From targeted Google SEO campaigns and social ads, to professional video storytelling, we ensure your property connects with the right buyers locally, nationally, and internationally. For buyers, we bring the same level of strategy and dedication. With insider knowledge of Orange County’s coastal neighborhoods, access to exclusive off-market opportunities, and strong negotiation skills, we make sure you find not just a home, but the right home at the right value. Whether you are searching in Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, or anywhere along the coast, our team will guide you through every step. When you choose us, you are choosing a team with deep local roots, powerful connections, and a proven record of excellence in coastal Orange County real estate.

What is Let Me Tell You a Quick Story?

“Let Me Tell You a Quick Story” is a podcast where the host, Chris Chudacoff, shines the light on his friends, diving deep into their personal and professional lives. Each episode is a candid, funny and entertaining conversation that explores their journeys, challenges, and success-without distractions, side shows or commercials! Whether it’s career milestones, personal growth, authentic embarrassment or unexpected adventures, this podcast is all about celebrating the people in Chris’ live. With genuine curiosity and relaxed atmosphere, “Let Me Tell You a Quick Story” brings out the best stories from every day people, making each episode a unique and relatable experience.