Episode Details

Suzanne Sharkey is back on Real Estate Connections, and this time she is taking us into the “quiet side” of real estate: creative finance.

In Episode 24, Suzanne talked about distressed homes, renovation, integrity, and turning overlooked properties into beautiful homes. In this follow-up conversation, Mary and Suzanne go deeper into how some real estate deals come together when traditional financing is not the right fit.

Suzanne explains what creative finance means, why traditional lending does not always work for every situation, and how hard money, private money, seller needs, and off-market opportunities can all become part of the conversation. She also makes it clear that while creative finance can sound exciting, it requires strong ethics, trusted professionals, transparency, and a deep respect for all parties involved.

Mary and Suzanne talk about hard money lenders, private money, using funds from an IRA, distressed properties, foreclosure pressure, buying with existing debt in place, helping sellers avoid worse outcomes, and why real estate investors need solid people around them.

One of Suzanne’s most important reminders is that the first step is not asking, “How can I benefit from this deal?” The first step is asking, “What does the seller need?”

This episode is a helpful conversation for anyone interested in real estate investing, distressed property, private lending, creative finance, off-market deals, family property challenges, or understanding what happens when a standard mortgage or traditional sale is not the answer.

Please note: this conversation is for education and discussion only. Creative finance, private lending, foreclosure situations, and investment decisions require qualified legal, financial, tax, and real estate guidance.

Guest Bio

Suzanne Sharkey is a fourth-generation real estate investor and developer who buys and renovates homes throughout the North Shore of Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. She specializes in untangling complex real estate situations, creatively buying distressed properties, and bringing neglected homes back to life with care and integrity.

Suzanne is the founder of Creative Elite and is passionate about making real estate more approachable by sharing her experiences openly and building a network of high-integrity professionals. Her work centers on creative problem-solving, ethical investing, thoughtful renovation, and helping people find real solutions when traditional real estate options do not fit.

Guest Links

Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/suzanneksharkey

Company:
 Creative Elite

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This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

Connect with Mary: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-foerster-realestate/

https://www.instagram.com/realestateconnectionspod/

Real estate is about more than buying and selling property. It is connected to how we live, build wealth, care for our families, navigate change, and plan for what comes next.

On Real Estate Connections, host Mary Foerster brings together trusted professionals, thoughtful conversations, and practical information to help you make more confident decisions about your home, finances, and future. Episodes explore home buying and selling, downsizing, aging in place, multigenerational living, real estate investing, renovations, caregiving, financial planning, and the personal transitions that often accompany a move.