'The Deed: Chicago's Sean Conlon Talks Women in Real Estate and What's Next for Him Ahead of the Season Finale

• The Deed: Chicago with Sean Conlon returned for another season this year, showing the real estate expert helping those in need of help while taking on major projects.

• Sean is an Irish immigrant who came to America with just $500 in his pocket, determined to become someone big.

• The now-TV star got into real estate, became one of the top-sellers in the country, and the rest is history.

Sean Conlon is no newbie when it comes to real estate. The 51-year-old entrepreneur came to America from Ireland with only a few hundred dollars to his name, and was eager to make something of himself. After starting a career in the real estate business, he soon became one of the top-sellers in the country, and decided to use that knowledge to help others. In CNBC's The Deed: Chicago, the businessman advises house flippers as they take on projects that have them in other their heads, investing his own money and time to help out. The second season concludes tonight.

Floor8 spoke with Sean exclusively about the lessons learned this time around, and what's next for him in his career. The season two finale of The Deed: Chicago airs tonight, April 8, at 10 p.m. EST on CNBC.

Floor8: This season has certainly taught viewers many important lessons about real estate. What would you say surprised you the most in Season 2? 

Sean: What surprised me the most shouldn't really be a surprise—the determination of the female investors this season. Each had an incredible story and work ethic that exceeded my expectations. I continue to be surprised that there aren't more women in the flipping business. It could be because their exquisitely good taste is prohibitive. 

Floor8: Why do you think people are so attracted to getting into real estate?

Sean: Real estate can be incredibly lucrative and it’s a great investment with a tangible effort. I love being a part of The Deed: Chicago because it really shows the hands-on approach needed, but also shows the wonderful success stories that most people can only really achieve in real estate.

Floor8: When starting a new project, what would you say are the smartest areas to spend money on, and where can you be a bit more frugal?

Sean: I usually advise [that] it is most important to do the front of the house and landscaping, because curb appeal goes straight to the theory that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. And kitchens and bathrooms tend to be very important as well.

Floor8: You recently did a Q&A on Instagram where you discussed the effects of COVID-19 on real estate, which people found super helpful based on the comments. While we’re all stuck inside, do you have any books or perhaps other shows to recommend for real estate agents and/or house flippers to study up on until their regular work resumes?

Sean: Totally biased opinion, but The Deed: Chicago of course! We worked very hard on Season 2 and unlike a lot of other shows out there, I have a quarter century of experience doing this on all levels. 

Floor8: What can you tease about the season finale? What lesson should we look out for?

Sean: In the season finale, you will see the classic Houdini general contractor. And in this crazy world we live in, sometimes it’s nice to be compassionate. You’ll see Latitia is a model of integrity—a truly amazing person that I really enjoyed working with.

Floor8: What’s next for you in your career now that Season 2 has wrapped?

Sean: My primary career is always with my company, Conlon & Co. Real Estate Merchant Bank. In that capacity, I work with Renovo Financial to help clients navigate everything from home flip loans to the current SBA CARES Act. I also use my world class network to connect people across the globe, even in these trying times. Eventually, I would really love to write a book.