Clever Authors
Clever Real Estate is the nation’s leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors. We do the research, gather the data, and write the content — so YOU can make smarter real estate decisions! Here, you can meet the team of writers, analysts and real estate experts who power our platform.
Andrew Whytock
Writer @ Clever Real Estate
Andrew Whytock is a Content Writer at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Prior to joining Clever, Andrew worked as a Writer and Editor at Betterteam.com and TheSMBGuide.com where he worked on articles and templates for entrepreneurs and human resources professionals. He also spent several years sharpening his professional writing chops by working on freelance projects with marketing agencies, economic development groups, and non-profits.
When he isn't writing for Clever, Andrew likes to get out and explore the magnificent coastline of Atlantic Canada, work on home improvement projects, and read stories to his son.
Andrew also serves as a volunteer on the Downtown Planning Advisory Committee for the Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
Education
BA Humanities - Cornerstone University
Ashley Sweren
Content Writer @ Clever Real Estate
Ashley Sweren is a content writer at Clever Real Estate, crafting articles to help customers navigate the home buying and selling processes.
Prior to Clever, Ashley leveraged 10+ years in tech PR to deliver compelling copy for clients as a freelance writer. With a concentration in finance and small business topics, she’s written web content for companies including LendingTree and Nav.
Ashley attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she graduated with a major in Communication and minors in Art History and Socio-cultural Linguistics.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys riding her Peloton bike and volunteering at her local community theater.
Bailey Peterson
Content PM @ Clever Real Estate
Bailey Peterson is Clever's resident expert on real estate costs, fees, and commissions. He's focused on harnessing the power of research and data to provide insights that lead to better outcomes for home buyers and sellers.
Prior to Clever, Bailey worked as a Senior Research Analyst for ValuePenguin and LendingTree, where he wrote expert advice about credit cards and auto insurance. Bailey has a wide range of experience researching real estate and personal finance topics, including interviewing state legislators about insurance policy.
Bailey’s writing and research have been featured on CNBC, NBC News, Houston Chronicle, and the National Transportation Safety Board.
When he isn’t writing about real estate, Bailey can be found prepping for the Boston Marathon, brewing award-winning beers, or tending to his iOS app BeerChef.
Education
- BA Mathematics, Minor in Computer Science - Occidental College
Ben Mizes
Co-Founder & CEO
Ben Mizes is the Co-Founder and CEO at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
In the past 4 years Clever has grown to facilitate over $1 Billion dollars in real estate transactions, and has helped homeowners save over $30 Million in real estate fees compared to the typical 6% fee.
Ben is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Missouri, as well as an active real estate investor with a portfolio of 22 apartments in St. Louis City and County. Ben focuses his investments on multifamily apartments that need renovations.
Ben graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation.
In his free time Ben enjoys writing about real estate, watching hockey, or going on adventures with his dog.
Education:
- Indiana University Kelley School of Business - Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation
Bill Gassett
Featured Author @ Clever Real Estate
Bill is a nationally recognized Real Estate leader who has been helping people move in and out of the Metrowest Massachusetts area for the past thirty-three plus years. He is also an accomplished writer who publishes content on many prestigious publications including The National Association of Realtors, RISMedia, Inman News, Today, ASHI and others.
Brentnie Daggett
Writer and Contributor
Brentnie is a writer and contributor for Rentec Direct, providers of management software and tenant screening services. Brentnie is always ready to share relevant industry news and tips for new and experienced landlords alike. To learn more about Brentnie and to discover more great tips for rental management visit www.rentecdirect.com.
Brian Davis
Featured Author @ Clever Real Estate
G. Brian Davis is a real estate investor and co-founder of SparkRental.com, which helps everyday people build rental income and reach financial independence. In addition to free courses and investing tools, they also provide free landlord software. Brian spends ten months of the year living abroad, loves good wine and bad jokes, and is easy to reach through SparkRental’s website or social media!
Brian Fink
Freelance Writer
Brian Fink is a Michigan-based freelance writer who’s sold four homes in the past decade using many of these tricks.
Clever Real Estate
Organization
Clever Real Estate is a platform that guides you through the process of interviewing real estate agents to find the right one for you.
Our service is completely free — and can save you thousands.
How it works:
Trusted Local Agents: we proactively recruit thousands of the top-performing real estate agents in local markets across the country (including most rural areas!)
Thousands in Savings: in order to join our platform, agents agree to work for our competitive commission model – we offer just 1% listing commission to sellers, and up to $10K back in cash rewards for buyers
Concierge Service: our Licensed Team of Real Estate Experts is dedicated to helping you find the right agent for your needs! We check in throughout the process to answer questions, make new agent introductions, and make sure you are having a seamless selling or buying experience.
Daniela Andreevska
Featured Author @ Clever Real Estate
Daniela Andreevska is Marketing Director at Mashvisor, a real estate analytics tool which helps real estate investors quickly find traditional and Airbnb investment properties. A research process that’s usually 3 months now can take 15 minutes. Mashvisor provides all the real estate information in easy-to-understand visualizations.
Dennis Shirshikov
Real Estate Agent Analyst
Dennis believes everyone should have a great real estate experience. That's why he's dedicated his efforts to finding the top agents in every city in America. His research skills, financial modeling education, real estate, writing, and teaching experience create a unique blend of skills suited for this task.
Doug Whiteman
Featured Author @ Clever Real Estate
Doug Whiteman is the editor-in-chief of MoneyWise.com. Previously, he was a senior editor with Bankrate.com, and before that he was a reporter and editor for The Associated Press and the consumer news editor for AP Radio. He has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and CNBC.com and has been interviewed on Fox Business, ABC Radio Network and the syndicated TV show "First Business."
Dr. Francesca Ortegren
Data Science & Research PM @ Clever Real Estate
Dr. Francesca Ortegren, PhD is the Data Science & Research Product Manager at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
A widely-cited expert on real estate, personal finance, and the economy, Dr. Ortegren began her career as a Professor and Researcher at the University of Southern Indiana, and later McKendree University, focused on research methods and statistics.
At Clever, Dr. Ortegren directs Clever’s Data Center, compiling original data and conducting studies that have been published on major publications including Yahoo Finance, CNBC, Business Insider, Forbes and more.
When she’s not researching the real estate industry, Francesca can be found outdoors hiking, biking, running, kayaking with her 2 cute dogs — or possibly pursuing another certification in research, software engineering, or data science.
Education
- BA Psychology - Texas Tech University
- MA Experimental Psychology - Texas Tech University
- PhD Cognitive & Experimental Psychology - Texas Tech University
- Web Development Certification - LaunchCode
- Data Science Certification - LaunchCode
Emily Kordys
Content Writer @ Clever Real Estate
Emily Kordys is a Content Writer at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Prior to joining Clever, Emily was a real estate writer who wrote about laws and regulations impacting the industry, education, and property management. She also previously worked as a journalist and producer at news stations throughout Southern California.
Emily attended California State University, Fullerton, where she graduated with a major in Communications and a minor in History.
When she isn't writing about real estate, Emily can be found savoring a cup of tea, reading a good book, listening to classic rock, or discovering new hiking spots.
Eylul Tekin
Featured Author @ Clever Real Estate
Eylul is a Summer Associate working in Clever Real Estate's research department. Eylul is a PhD candidate at Washington University in St. Louis' Memory Lab, studying cognitive psychology, human learning, and memory. Eylul applies her rigorous analytical skills to various real estate research projects at Clever using R and other coding languages. She gathers invaluable insights from large data sets, conducts surveys, and details her findings in succinct reports.
Jamie Ayers
Content PM @ Clever Real Estate
Jamie Ayers is a Content Product Manager at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
At Clever, Jamie’s research focuses on the process of finding a real estate agent or broker — in particular, evaluating agent matching services and discount brokerages to help people make more informed choices (and save) when buying or selling a home.
Prior to Clever, Jamie managed digital publications for leading businesses in a range of industries, including real estate technology, commercial development, insurance, financial services, building and construction, and more.
Jamie’s writing, research, and expert advice have been featured across a wide range of publications, including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and BiggerPockets.
When he isn’t doing research and writing about real estate services, Jamie can be found training for his next marathon, hanging with his dog Gracie, or recording “music” in his home studio.
Education
- BA Music Composition & Technology - Skidmore College
Jasmine Mainguy-Seers
Specialized Moving Concierge
Jasmine is a specialized moving concierge at MovingWaldo, a moving app allowing you to organize your move, save time and money and access all the resources necessary for a smooth move.
Joseph Hogue
Featured Author @ Clever Real Estate
Joseph Hogue is a real estate investor and online entrepreneur. Born and raised in Iowa, he worked in corporate finance and real estate before starting a career in investment analysis. He has appeared on Bloomberg and CNBC and led a team of equity analysts for a venture capital research firm. He holds a master’s degree in business and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Josiah Wilmoth
Content Writer
Josiah Wilmoth is a Content Writer at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Prior to Clever, Josiah served as U.S. editor for CCN.com, where he helped spearhead coverage of both traditional financial markets and cryptocurrency news. He previously worked as a high school humanities teacher.
Josiah's writing and research have been featured on Yahoo Finance, ZeroHedge, Private Internet Access, and Investing.com, along with various other digital publications.
When he isn't writing about real estate, Josiah can be found tending to his budding homestead, reading classic literature, or slowly grinding away at his Master of Computer and Information Technology degree at the University of Pennsylvania.
Education
- BA History - Regent University
Katherine Peach
Content PM @ Clever Real Estate
Katherine Peach is a Content Product Manager at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Prior to Clever, Katherine served as Managing Editor for Investor Junkie, where she helped investors of all levels learn the best ways to grow and maintain their wealth. Aside from stocks and alternative investments, she has also written extensively about antiques, art, travel, music, folklore, and lifestyle.
Katherine’s work has appeared on TheStreet.com, Antique Week, Money Done Right, the New England Antiques Journal, AmericanStyle, and many other online and in-print publications.
When not writing about the real estate industry, Katherine can be found collecting and selling vinyl records and cassette tapes, walking in the woods, making music, or crocheting.
Education
- BA Classical and Ancient Studies - University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Kristen Herhold
PR Editor
Kristen Herhold is the PR Editor at Clever Real Estate.
Kristen Klempert
Lead Research Specialist @ Clever Real Estate
Kristen Klempert is the Lead Research Specialist at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
At Clever, Kristen and the rest of the Research Department work to create an in-depth library of real estate data and information to enrich Clever's content and customer experience.
Prior to Clever, Kristen was a Content Creator and Social Media Specialist. She worked with clients on a variety of topics, including HR tech, education, and entrepreneurial leadership.
When she isn’t doing research or writing about real estate, Kristen enjoys reading, binge watching, and getting into staring contests with her dog River.
Education
- BA Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology, Minor in Writing, Magna Cum Laude - Washington University in St. Louis
Luke Babich
Co-Founder & COO @ Clever Real Estate
Luke Babich is the Co-Founder and COO at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Clever’s Concierge Team and proprietary Agent Matching Platform (AMP) have helped tens of thousands of home sellers and buyers get matched with top performing real estate agents at lower, pre-negotiated rates. To date, Clever customers have saved over $20M in real estate fees.
Luke is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Missouri, and an active real estate investor since the age of 22, with a portfolio of 22 apartments in St. Louis City and County. Luke graduated with Honors in Political Science from Stanford University.
Luke’s writing, research and commentary have been featured widely online in publications like BiggerPockets, Inman, RealTrends, LA Times, and more. Luke has also been profiled in St. Louis Magazine and the Beijing Youth Daily.
Outside of Clever, Luke can be found reading and practicing his Chinese.
Education
- BA with Honors, Political Science - Stanford University
Madison Smith
Featured Author @ Clever Real Estate
Madison Smith is a personal and home finance expert at BestCompany.com that has been featured in Forbes, Finder, and more. She works to help others make positive financial strides in their lives by providing expert insight on anything from credit card debt to home-buying tips.
Follow her on Twitter @maddie_mingus for weekly doses of thought provoking financial content and a chance to connect — don’t be shy!
Michael Warford
Writer @ Clever Real Estate
Michael Warford is a Content Writer at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Prior to joining Clever, Michael worked as a freelance writer for a variety of digital and print publications, including Homes & Land Magazine Edmonton and Yellow Pages Canada. He was also the Assistant Manager of Content Production at Higher Education Marketing in Montreal, where he developed content for leading colleges and universities.
He studied English at Concordia University in Montreal where he received a B.A. and M.A.
When not writing, Michael enjoys reading, drawing, traveling, and exploring Montreal's neighborhoods and cafes.
Michael Yessis
Content Writer @ Clever Real Estate
Michael Yessis is a Content Writer at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Prior to Clever, Michael covered real estate as the editor of Work+Money. He also previously worked as an editor at Aol and USA Today.
Michael attended UCLA, where he graduated with a major in English.
When he isn't writing about real estate, Mike can be found hiking, biking, and listing to a lot of podcasts.
Michelle Delgado
Writer @ Clever Real Estate
Michelle Delgado is a Content Writer at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Prior to Clever, Michelle was a self-employed journalist and consultant to software and media clients including Atlantic Media, Knowable Magazine, and CNN's Courageous Studio.
Michelle's writing about graphic novels, internet subcultures, DIY communities, and DC's small business scene has appeared in The Atlantic, Vox, Smithsonian, Washington City Paper, and numerous other local and national outlets.
When she isn't writing about real estate, Michelle can be found reading sci-fi, collecting vinyl records, and lovingly tending her Stardew Valley farm.
Education
- BA English and American Studies — University of Virginia
Sam Radbil
Featured Author @ Clever Real Estate
Sam Radbil is the content manager and a contributing author at ABODO. Sam previously worked as a content and media specialist at an Austin, Texas software startup. He has a Bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University and a Master's degree in strategic communication from American University in Washington, D.C.
ABODO's research and writing has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Washington Post, HousingWire and other real estate and national publications.
Thomas O'Shaughnessy
Head of Growth @ Clever Real Estate
Tommy O’Shaughnessy is the Head of Growth at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
An expert in home buying and real estate finance, Tommy graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri’s Columbia Journalism School and started his career in real estate education at Veteran’s United, a major VA mortgage lender.
At Clever, Tommy leads a team of Editors and Research Analysts. Tommy’s writing and research have been featured in a host of publications including the LA Times, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider and Forbes.
When he’s not reading and writing about real estate, Tommy is probably finishing up the renovations around his own house, or playing a match on the St. Louis handball courts.
Education
- BA Journalism, Magna Cum Laude - University of Missouri, Columbia Journalism School
Trevor Wallis
Writer @ Clever Real Estate
Trevor Wallis is a Content Writer at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors.
Prior to joining Clever, Trevor was a freelance writer who wrote about personal finance, insurance, and e-commerce, among other topics. He also worked as a marketing strategist for industrial and manufacturing companies at Gorilla 76.
Trevor's writing has appeared on Bankrate, The Simple Dollar, NextAdvisor, TechInsurance, A Better Lemonade Stand, and many other online publications.
When not writing about real estate, Trevor can be found savoring a cup of coffee, binge-watching 90s sitcoms, and chasing his toddler around his house.
Education
BA Biblical Studies — Maranatha Baptist University