RealTrending

HomeServices’ CEO Chris Kelly on rewriting the brokerage playbook — from quiet operator to ecosystem powerhouse

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Chris Kelly breaks down how HomeServices is shifting from a behind-the-scenes holding company to a more active, value-driven parent organization — and why that evolution requires a louder voice in today’s rapidly changing brokerage landscape. He outlines a growth strategy that goes beyond traditional brokerage expansion, emphasizing a full-service ecosystem spanning mortgage, title, insurance and beyond.

Kelly also explores the industry’s bifurcation between national, ecosystem-driven firms and cloud-based models, while making the case that local leadership and culture remain the defining advantage in recruiting and retention. Throughout the conversation, he stresses that the future of real estate hinges on simplifying the transaction for consumers without weakening the agent-client relationship.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

HomeServices is evolving from a holding company into a parent company focused on delivering value to its operating businesses
Growth is driven by a mix of M&A, organic expansion and deeper investment across the real estate services ecosystem
The industry is splitting between national ecosystem players and virtual/cloud-based brokerages
Controlling more of the transaction — earlier in the consumer journey — is becoming a key competitive strategy
Strong local leadership remains critical, even as firms scale nationally
Diversified revenue streams (mortgage, title, insurance) are essential to maintaining profitability amid margin pressure
Private listings and distribution strategies are less about disruption and more about expanding consumer reach
The biggest risk to the industry is internal fragmentation that could weaken the agent-consumer relationship

Related to this episode:

The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Mastering Real Estate in a Complex Market: 10 Key Strategies

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this insightful interview, Debbie De Grote of Forward Coaching shares essential mindset shifts, strategies and tools for real estate agents to thrive in a complex and evolving market. Topics include becoming a market expert, leveraging AI, effective prospecting and adapting to new business models.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Mindset shifts for agents in a complex market
The importance of being a wise adviser and market expert
Leveraging AI tools for efficiency and personalization
Effective prospecting strategies in a changing environment
Adapting to new business models and private listings

Related to this episode:

Worth Clark broker Chris Day on mastering the 100% commission model recruiting

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Chris Day, managing broker of Worth Clark Realty in Orlando, shares insights on transitioning to a 100% commission model, effective recruitment and retention strategies, and how to succeed in the competitive Villages market. Discover how support, personal branding and innovative systems drive growth and success in real estate.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Transitioning to 100% commission model
Recruitment and retention strategies
Market insights for The Villages and Central Florida
Support systems and training for agents
Market challenges and opportunities in Florida

Related to this episode:

United CTO David Dickey on AI adoption and strategies for brokers and agents

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this insightful interview, David Dickey, CTO of United Real Estate, discusses the transformative role of AI in real estate. Topics include AI's practical applications for agents, misconceptions about AI, ROI measurement, data privacy, and strategies for adoption.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

AI's impact on real estate agents' productivity
Myths and misconceptions about AI in real estate
Measuring ROI of AI tools in real estate
Data privacy and security in AI applications
Strategies for AI adoption among brokers and agents

Related to this episode:

Keyes’ Bill Nash on how global networks and authenticity drive luxury property sales

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

Billy Nash, a luxury real estate expert with Keyes in South Florida and TV show host, shares insights on building relationships with high-net-worth individuals, global marketing strategies and adapting to industry changes. Discover how authenticity, networking and strategic use of technology can elevate your luxury real estate career.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Building relationships with high-net-worth individuals
Global marketing and exposure for luxury properties
Industry changes: private listings, auctions and legal shifts

Related to this episode:

LoKation’s Jonathan Lickstein on adapting proactively to industry changes, not reactively measures

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this insightful interview, Jonathan Lickstein, COO of LoKation Real Estate, shares his strategies for rapid growth, adapting to industry changes and maintaining a competitive edge as an independent broker. Discover how focusing on agent success, leveraging technology, and understanding market dynamics can transform your real estate business.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Growth drivers of Location Real Estate
Importance of agent-centric models
Impact of industry lawsuits and market shifts
Private listings and pricing strategies
Buyer representation agreements and client guidance
Industry consolidation and independence advantages
Technology's role in brokerage operations
Future trends in real estate brokerage

Related to this episode:

How and why Corey Hasting strategically shifted brokerages to Christie's International Real Estate

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Corey Hasting shares his strategic journey of transitioning from a billion-dollar brokerage to Christie's International Real Estate, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and future plans in the luxury real estate market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Brand transition and strategic growth
Technology and operational improvements
Market expansion into new regions
Agent recruitment and retention strategies
Industry consolidation and future outlook

Related to this episode:

Corey Hasting's LinkedIn
Christie's International Real Estate First Coast

FirstTeam’s Michele Harrington on opportunities for independent brokerages

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Michele Harrington, CEO of FirstTeam Real Estate, discusses the evolution of her brokerage, the challenges faced in the current market and the importance of an agent-centric approach. She emphasizes the need for technology and accountability in supporting agents, while also addressing the impact of legal pressures on regional brokers. Michele shares her insights on defining growth in the industry and expresses optimism for the future of real estate as a viable investment for building wealth.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Michele emphasizes the importance of being agent-centric in real estate.
The past few years have been challenging for many brokerages due to market downturns.
Legal pressures, such as class action lawsuits, significantly impact regional brokers.
Profitability should be prioritized over growth for sustainable success.
Creating value for agents is essential to attract and retain talent.
Technology should enhance agent productivity, but accountability and coaching are crucial.
Regional brokers have a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves in a consolidating market.
The real estate industry offers potential for generational wealth building.
Michele believes that the future of real estate is bright despite current challenges.
Flexibility and creativity are key for adapting to changing market conditions.

Related to this episode:

Michele Harrington's LinkedIn
FirstTeam Real Estate

Unlisted CEO Katie Hill on adapting to changing consumer needs

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Katie Hill, CEO of Unlisted, discusses the problem she is solving with her platform, which features homes that are not currently for sale. She explains the missed opportunities in the real estate market for homeowners who are considering selling but are not yet ready to list their properties. The conversation delves into the inefficiencies in the current transaction flow, the role of MLS and AI in the industry, and the importance of data management and accuracy. Katie emphasizes the need for real estate professionals to adapt to changing consumer needs and the evolving landscape of home buying.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Unlisted focuses on homes that are not for sale.
There is a significant market opportunity in the gray space of real estate.
The platform allows buyers to express interest in homes not currently listed, join a waitlist and be contacted when the property comes to market.
Real estate agents play a crucial role in facilitating transactions when homeowners are ready to sell.
AI is not a threat; not adopting it is a risk for agents.
Data management is essential for accurate property listings.
The real estate industry needs to focus on consumer needs.
Unlisted aims to serve homeowners throughout their journey, not just at the point of sale.
The future of real estate will involve changes in search and consumer engagement.

Related to this episode:

⁠Unlisted⁠
Katie Hill's ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Jim Remley on key trends and the future of brokerage

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Jim Remley, founder of eRealEstatecoach.com and RealTrends 500 brokerage owner, shares his extensive experience in the brokerage industry, discussing key trends and strategies for success. He emphasizes the importance of agent productivity over headcount, effective recruiting techniques and the necessity of retaining agents through continuous engagement. Jim also reflects on his own experiences, highlighting the significance of coaching and the need for brokers to simplify their operations while focusing on building relationships with agents.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

70% of agents in America didn't close a transaction last year.
Retention should be viewed as re-recruiting your own agents.
Building relationships is key to successful recruiting.
Brokers should treat their agents as part of their CRM.
Recruiting should be a daily activity for brokers.
Listening is an underrated leadership skill in real estate.
Brokers can operate with a smaller physical footprint than before.
Focus on recruiting experienced agents for growth.
Setting realistic recruiting goals is essential for success.

Related to this episode:

Jim Remley's Linkedin

James Becker on building a sphere-based business model and navigating the valley of despair

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

James Becker on building a sphere-based business model and navigating the valley of despair

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, host Tracey Velt speaks with James Becker, founder of Fusion, a company that helps real estate agents grow their businesses. Becker shares how he developed a program at his brokerage to provide comprehensive support to agents, allowing them to focus on their core business while he and his team handled the operational aspects.

He’s left the brokerage world and continued to hone his growth program. Becker discusses the concept of the 'valley of despair' that agents often face when starting new initiatives, highlighting the need for persistence and the willingness to learn from failures to achieve long-term success.

The conversation delves into the critical role of building relationships over chasing leads, advocating for a sphere-based business model. Becker stresses that agents should focus on nurturing their networks and developing genuine connections, which can lead to sustainable success.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

You have to put yourself out there and take risks.
The valley of despair is where many agents quit too soon.
Relationships are built over a long period of time and lost in an instant.
You must be the CEO of your own business.
If you want to be better, you must be held accountable.
Caring for your clients is the key to success.
Focus on nurturing relationships, not just chasing leads.
Every agent goes through a cycle of uninformed optimism to informed pessimism.
You have to measure your time and energy to see where it's going.
The number one fundamental is to become the agent you would hire yourself.

Related to this episode:

James Becker's LinkedIn

Wendy Forsythe on the evolution of teams and the new team model trends

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Wendy Forsythe, CMO of eXp Realty, discusses the evolution of real estate teams, the challenges of scaling and the importance of technology and profitability. She emphasizes the shift in mindset from traditional agent roles to team leaders acting as CEOs, focusing on holistic success and lifestyle balance. The conversation also highlights emerging trends and the future of team leadership in the real estate industry.

Here's what you'll learn:

Teams have evolved significantly over the years.
New agents joining teams are more likely to succeed.
Scaling teams requires understanding operational efficiencies.
Profit per person is a crucial metric for success.
Team leaders must balance support and profitability.
Automation and technology are essential for modern teams.
Emerging trends include content creation and remote operations.

Ginger Wilcox on design trends shaping real estate

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of RealTrending, Ginger Wilcox, the president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, discusses the latest design trends in real estate and their impact on homebuyer behavior. She emphasizes the importance of emotional connections to design, the shift toward functionality in home layouts and the influence of social media on buyer expectations. Wilcox also highlights regional variations in design preferences and offers strategies for agents to leverage these trends in their marketing efforts. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of real estate and the evolving needs of consumers.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Today's buyers are detail-oriented and expect strong design.
Emotional connections to homes influence buyer decisions.
Design trends are shifting towards functionality and wellness.
Social media impacts what buyers are looking for in homes.
Instagrammable features are becoming essential in marketing.
Regional preferences in design vary but core themes remain.
Agents should leverage design trends in their marketing strategies.
Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for agents.
Trends in home design are evolving rapidly due to technology.
Livability and functionality are key considerations for buyers.

How independent brokers can navigate consolidation

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this conversation for the RealTrending podcast, Donny Samson discusses the growth and strategies of his brokerage, emphasizing the importance of a unified company culture, intentional market expansion and the challenges of navigating the current brokerage economics. He highlights the impact of recent mergers in the industry and the need for adaptability in the face of changing market conditions. Samson also reflects on the future of brokerage models, the significance of education for realtors and the enduring value of in-person connections in a predominantly virtual world.

Related to this episode:

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

One family, one vision, one company is key to growth.
Intentional planning and training are crucial for success.
Market expansion should be cautious and well-planned.
Brokerage economics are challenging due to margin pressures.
Realtors are seeking value and support from their brokers.
Mergers in the industry create both challenges and opportunities.
Education is vital for success and retention.
The average age of first-time homebuyers is rising.
In-person connections are essential in real estate.

United’s Rick Haase on competition, mission and brokerage values

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Real Trending Podcast, Tracey Velt speaks with Rick Haase, President & COO of United Real Estate, about the current state of the real estate industry, focusing on the surge of lawsuits, particularly regarding private listing networks. They discuss the importance of having a clear mission for brokerages, the strategies for growth in a changing market, and the implications of the NAR settlement. Haase emphasizes the need for operational excellence and the financial wellness of agents as key components for success in the industry.

Here is a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The real estate industry is currently facing a surge in lawsuits, particularly related to private listing networks.
Private listing networks are not a new concept; they have existed in various forms for years.
A clear mission focused on the financial trajectory of agents is crucial for brokerage success.
Financial literacy and wellness programs can significantly impact agents’ financial health.
The market is fragmented, and competition will naturally evolve without external intervention.
Operational excellence and disciplined cost management are essential for thriving in the real estate market.
The NAR settlement has complex implications that may not lead to a complete overturn but will require adjustments.
Growth strategies should focus on organic recruitment and mergers with smaller brokerages.
Agents need to be mission-driven and integrity-focused to succeed in the current market.
The market will ultimately dictate the success of new business models and strategies.

To learn more about Homebot click here.

Christie’s International Real Estate president Gavin Swartzman on the evolving real estate landscape

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Gavin Swartzman discusses his role as president of Christie's International Real Estate and the evolving landscape of luxury real estate. He shares insights on market opportunities, the importance of branding and affiliate relationships, and the challenges of navigating change in the industry. Gavin emphasizes the need for empathy and authenticity in leadership, as well as the significance of providing valuable advice to clients. The conversation highlights the shifting definition of luxury and the importance of understanding client motivations in a changing market.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Gavin Swartzman emphasizes the importance of communication and connection among agents.
The luxury real estate market is seeing growth opportunities in South America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Branded developments are becoming a significant trend in luxury real estate.
Confidence in the market is crucial for high-end clients to make decisions.
The definition of luxury is evolving to include a broader experience.
Empathy is a key leadership quality in navigating change.
The onboarding experience is critical for retention and success in real estate
Authenticity is essential in building trust with clients.
High net worth individuals view real estate as part of their investment portfolio.
The real estate industry must adapt to technological advancements and changing client expectations.

To learn more about Homebot click here.

Related to this episode:

Christie's International Real Estate
Gavin Swartzman LinkedIn

The Importance of community involvement in title and real estate

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Real Trending Podcast, Dru Wischhover, CEO of Inspired Title, discusses the often-overlooked role of title companies in real estate transactions. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, fraud prevention and the critical nature of communication between real estate agents and title companies. Dru also addresses the rising threats of cybercrime, particularly with the advent of AI, and shares insights on the significance of title insurance in protecting property ownership. The conversation concludes with a lightning round of common myths and best practices in the industry.

Takeaways

Dru Wischhover emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the title industry.
Communication is key in preventing fraud during real estate transactions.
Real estate agents should build strong relationships with their title companies.
Title insurance is crucial for protecting property ownership.
AI has increased the risk of identity fraud in real estate.
The first hour after a fraud incident is critical for response.
Educating clients about the title process can prevent issues.
Many people underestimate the value of title insurance.
Real estate agents should be proactive in understanding title issues.
Timing is essential when dealing with wire fraud in transactions.

Related to this episode:
https://www.housingwire.com/title-escrow/

Inspired Title Group

ERA’s Alex Vidal on how agents can expand beyond local markets

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Real Trending Podcast, Alex Vidal discusses the key strategies for brokerage growth, emphasizing the importance of accountability in coaching, expanding value beyond local markets, and addressing affordability challenges in real estate. He highlights the need for real estate pros to adapt to market changes and maintain professionalism while facilitating family moves and exploring government roles in housing affordability. The conversation concludes with a lightning round of insights on common advice and habits for realtors.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

It takes guts to recruit, coach, and pull the trigger on M&A.
How accountability is crucial for brokers to push their agents.
Real estate is a hyper-local business, but agents should think globally.
What the major challenge is for buyers in the current market.
Professionalism and commitment are increasing in the industry post-settlement.
Realtors need to facilitate conversations about joint mortgages and family moves.
Government policies can impact housing affordability significantly.
Understanding consumer behavior is key to success.
What is is essential for buyers in today's market.

Related to this episode:

To learn more about Homebot, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.

Steve Murray on the current state of the real estate industry, legal challenges and referral fees

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, RTC Consulting Founder Steve Murray discusses the current state of the real estate industry, focusing on brokerage mergers and acquisitions, the impact of Zillow’s legal challenges, and strategies for brokers to prepare for the future. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes, understanding antitrust issues and leveraging technology like AI to enhance business models.

How the real estate landscape is evolving with significant changes in brokerage M&A activity.
How Zillow’s legal challenges reflect broader power struggles in the industry.
How brokers need to prepare for potential changes in referral fee structures.
AI technology is beginning to influence how consumers find homes.
The market share concerns that may impact future brokerage mergers and acquisitions.
Brokers should consider transparency in referral fees as a competitive advantage.
Understanding antitrust regulations is crucial for brokers navigating mergers.
Successful brokers are those who manage costs effectively and focus on fundamentals.

To learn more about Homebot, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Top real estate marketing pro Lauren Henss on how FirstTeam achieves 98% agent retention

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Lauren Henss, VP of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives at FirstTeam Real Estate, a RealTrends Verified top 30 brokerage in national sales volume. Tracey and Lauren dive into the realities of leading a complete digital transformation in under a year, including shifting from legacy to modern branding and creating agent-centric marketing that drives real results.

Lauren shares how consumer brand tactics from her work with Chanel, Nike, and Salesforce translated into real estate, the challenges of brokerage consolidation, and why treating agents as the heroes of your story changes everything.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How to shift from legacy brand messaging to future-focused value propositions
The "Behind the Agent" campaign that achieved 98% retention and 32% conversion increases
Why buying more leads without fixing conversion is the most overrated marketing tactic
The strategic middle lane approach that balances corporate scale with boutique agility
How AI and answer engine optimization are reshaping agent visibility and listing generation
The five critical elements brokerages need to survive consolidation

To learn more about Homebot, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Professional athlete and coach Dre Baldwin on how to manage the mental game of real estate

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Dre Baldwin, former professional basketball player turned business coach and author of "Work on Your Game." Tracey and Dre dive into the mental game of real estate, exploring how the discipline, resilience and systematic thinking from professional sports can transform an agent's performance in today's market.

Dre shares how mental toughness separates high performers from those who fall out during tough times, the power of detaching from outcomes while staying committed to process, and much more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Why mental toughness and resilience are the #1 skills missing in real estate today
How to create personalized daily routines that save mental energy for what matters most
The art of transmuting rejection and disappointment into productive energy
Why discipline beats motivation every time, and how to show up on your "third day"
How 85% of your communication happens before you even speak

To learn more about Homebot, click ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

The Agent Mistake Costing You Millions with Tom Ferry & Josh Altman

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Tom Ferry, founder of Tom Ferry International, and Josh Altman, celebrity real estate agent with The Altman Brothers Team at Douglas Elliman.

They dive into Tom and Josh’s new partnership, discussing the gap they saw in the market for affordable, high-quality training and how they're combining Tom's coaching expertise with Josh's proven sales strategies. They also talk about the importance of discipline, branding, and AI in today's market, plus the common mistakes that prevent agents from reaching their potential.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Tom and Josh identified the need for accessible, world-class training for agents
Why 6% of agents control 60% of listings and what separates top performers
The biggest mistakes agents make: insufficient follow-up for top performers and inadequate marketing for everyone else
Josh's approach to being a "24/7 agent" and building a brand that attracts global buyers
How AI is transforming marketing and why agents need to update their social media bios
The importance of content creation and being a "chameleon" in an ever-changing market
Why both experts believe AI-enabled agents will dominate the future of real estate

To learn more about Homebot, click ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠

NextHome Co-CEO Keith Robinson on seismic shifts in the real estate industry

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Keith Robinson, co-CEO of NextHome and author of the Substack "Crazy Uncle Keith." Tracey and Keith dive into the seismic shifts reshaping real estate, including the potential Compass-Anywhere merger, the ongoing fallout from the settlement lawsuit and the pro-agent group pushing for more transparency at NAR.

Keith shares his take on private listing networks, why the industry's most defensible position is "the human being," and how agents can capitalize on the current rate environment to boost their business.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Why the Compass-Anywhere merger could trigger an "arms race for listings"
How agents can actually make more money now, post-settlement, by creating better buyer offerings
The real impact of private listing networks on home buyers and sellers
Why Keith believes NAR is finally heading in the right direction under Nykia Wright
How rates below 6.5% for 60+ days signal a market shift agents can't afford to miss
The three traits every agent needs to develop by 2030, including a "healthy fear of AI"

To learn more about Homebot, click ⁠here.⁠

James Harris on the opportunities the current industry disruption affords

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0000

.This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with James Harris, principal at Beverly Hills-based boutique brokerage Carolwood Estates and former cast member of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing. Tracey and James dive into why disruption is actually a positive force, how AI is transforming the way agents work, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in today's changing market.

James shares his perspective on embracing change rather than fearing it, and discusses his current project to disrupt the industry with AI-driven tools designed specifically for real estate agents.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Why AI adoption is becoming table stakes for real estate success
How to become data-obsessed and master your local market
The importance of building systems and processes that save time
Why consistency beats perfection in content creation
How to get uncomfortable to achieve growth in your business

To learn more about Homebot, click here.

RealTrends Verified GameChanger Josh McGrath on transitioning from sales to brokerage leadership

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Josh McGrath, CEO and founder of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central and 2025 RealTrends Verified GameChanger.

Tracey and Josh dive into his journey from getting his real estate license at 18 to building a brokerage with over 90 agents across five offices in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. He also shares how his 2020 affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens during the pandemic led to exponential growth.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How he transitioned from sales to brokerage leadership in 2010
The strategic decision to affiliate with Better Homes and Gardens in 2020 and its impact
Why protecting company culture means saying no to top producers who don't fit
His approach to scaling internal systems while maintaining team cohesion
How AI and technology investments are reshaping client nurturing
Why he believes mergers and consolidations will continue to dominate the industry

Compass team leader Gretchen Coley on building a lifestyle brand

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Gretchen Coley, leader of The Coley Group at Compass in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tracey and Gretchen dive into how she scaled her team from $3 million to $214 million in just five years, the power of video storytelling in real estate and her innovative "Best of Raleigh" platform that transformed how she connects with her community.

Gretchen shares how her background in new home sales shaped her approach to educating agents, why she invested in two full-time videographers and how a pandemic pivot led to creating a lifestyle brand with over a million podcast listens.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How she grew from $3 million to $214 million in volume in five years
How the "Best of Raleigh" platform started during COVID and became a community phenomenon
The leadership lessons learned from rapid team growth and maintaining culture
Why luxury real estate is about lifestyle integration, not just price point
How AI integration and content optimization are shaping the future of real estate marketing

Austin’s Eric Bramlett on how his boutique brokerage has a 90% agent retention rate

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending Tracey Velt talks with Eric Bramlett, broker-owner of Bramlett Partners in Austin, Texas. Tracey and Eric dive into the strategies for maintaining a local identity while leveraging technology, the importance of agent retention in a competitive market, and how to stay focused amid speculative industry distractions.

Eric also shares how tight hiring standards and a personal touch have led to a 90% retention rate, his approach to tech integration without overwhelming agents, and much more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Bramlett Partners maintains their local identity while competing with national firms
The hiring discipline that drives 90% agent retention vs. 65% market average
His single-dashboard tech approach that enhances rather than hinders productivity
Why focusing on retention beats aggressive recruiting every time
How to filter industry noise and stay focused on what moves the needle

Glennda Baker’s blueprint for building authentic connections through video

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with the “queen of real estate video” Glennda Baker, of Glennda Baker and Associates at Coldwell Banker Realty in Atlanta. Tracey and Glennda dive into how social media and video content have transformed her 33-year real estate career, from building authentic connections through video to attracting clients who have never even met her in person.

Glennda shares her journey from terrible YouTube videos in 2016 to becoming one of the most recognized voices in real estate, and how AI production tools have totally transformed her short form content game.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How consistency beats perfection when building your social media following
Why posting the "struggle" stories performs better than just success highlights
The client who went from TikTok follower to closing in just 53 days
How 67% of her business now comes from referrals and repeat clients influenced by her online presence
Why agents need to embrace AI and answer engine optimization to stay competitive
The three moves every agent should make to get started on TikTok and Instagram

The “Disney Tour Guide” approach to real estate with Harrison Team

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Sarah Wheeler, sitting in for Tracey Velt, talks with Heather and Zach Harrison of The Zach & Heather Harrison Team at Compass, the #20 large team nationally by volume and #4 team in New York state by volume, according to RealTrends Verified.

The Harrisons dive into their unique approach of offering lifestyle tours rather than just property showings, helping clients choose not just a home but an entire community in Westchester County, New York. They also talk about changes in their market since the NYC mayoral race started, how they’re utilizing AI tools and more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How they built their vision to "change the face of real estate" in Westchester County
How their interactive downsizing tours for empty nesters are solving inventory challenges
The impact of NYC's mayoral race on suburban real estate demand
How luxury amenities like golf simulators and indoor pools are reshaping buyer preferences
Why combining AI with human connection is the future of real estate

Steve Murray on the ramifications of the Compass acquisition of Anywhere

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Yesterday, it was announced that real estate giant Compass is acquiring another real estate giant: Anywhere Real Estate, which includes Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Corcoran, ERA Real Estate, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, and Sotheby’s International Realty.

Today, we’re bringing you a special bonus episode with Tracey and Steve Murray, senior advisor for HousingWire and the founder of RealTrends and RTC Consulting. Steve is an expert on all things mergers and acquisitions and provides us with some interesting insight into the industry implications and ramifications of such a landmark deal.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The strategic implications of the acquisition
How the deal might face antitrust scrutiny in major markets
The integration challenges, including agent retention and cultural alignment
Potential impacts on Zillow, NAR, and the broader brokerage landscape
Steve’s insights on the future of brokerage competition and consumer trust

Debunking AI myths with Jason Abrams

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down with Jason Abrams, the head of industry and learning at Keller Williams Realty International, to explore the transformative potential of AI in all aspects of real estate.

Jason shares insights from his AI playbook, debunking myths and offering practical advice on leveraging AI tools to stay ahead of the competition.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Why AI is a tool, not a threat, to real estate agents
The two biggest myths about AI and how they hold agents back
How to craft master prompts to personalize AI interactions
The role of AI in lead generation and productivity
Legal and ethical considerations for using AI responsibly

Coach Erin Bradley on building a life you don’t need a vacation from

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Erin Bradley, the host of the "Pursuing Freedom" podcast. Erin shares her journey from financial struggles to a flourishing real estate career.

Erin talks about how embracing the "Go Giver" philosophy helped her double her business and align her personal and professional life for true freedom. She also shares some practical tips for agents to overcome fear, delegate effectively, and infuse joy into their everyday work.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Erin transitioned from financial strain to a successful real estate career
The impact of the "Go Giver" philosophy on business growth
Strategies for building a life and business you don't need a vacation from
Overcoming fear and embracing authenticity in business
Daily habits and rituals that keep Erin grounded and inspired

Team leader Josh Anderson on the secret to successful lead generation

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Josh Anderson from the Anderson Group Real Estate Services of Keller Williams in Nashville, Tennessee.

Josh talks about his evolution from a solo agent to leading one of Nashville's top teams by focusing on consistent lead generation and how embracing the basics can skyrocket your business. He also discusses the game-changing impact of AI tools on personalizing client interactions and productivity.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Josh scaled his team from a solo agent to a top performer in Nashville
The importance of consistent lead generation and strong systems
How embracing the basics can skyrocket your business
The transformative impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on real estate

Coach Darryl Davis on today’s hottest real estate trending topics

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Darryl Davis, from Darryl Davis Real Estate Coaching about several hot topics in real estate, including HUD's English-only policy, the NAR settlement, Clear Cooperation, and much more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Why HUD's English-only policy is controversial
How agents can support non-English speaking clients
The importance of establishing your value as an agent before fee discussions
Why the CCP is problematic in today’s market
How to properly adapt to a shift to a buyer's market

Premiere Group’s CEO David Keener on the success of his member-owned model

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down with David Keener, the CEO of Premiere Group at Real Brokerage. Over the past 8 years, Premiere has expanded to over 27 states and almost 300 agents across the U.S.; they joined Real just eight months ago.

David talks about the innovative structure of the Premiere teamerage and the potential of ancillary services like mortgage and title. He also talks about using the firm’s status as a C corporation to maximize its shareholders and leveraging Real's API tools to enhance agent success.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Premiere Group’s member-owned model fosters high retention and collective success
The strategic transition to a C corporation and its impact on agent involvement
The role of technology and business intelligence in driving growth and efficiency
The benefits of dual licensing and ancillary services for increased agent income
Leadership principles that emphasize setting an example and fostering community

Realty Executives CEO Justin Bailey on the hurdles of expanding from 50 to 1,000 agents

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, we are bringing you a crossover episode with the Power House podcast, featuring a conversation with Justin Bailey, the CEO of Realty Executives Associates. A fourth-generation real estate professional, Justin reflects on how his background in the nonprofit sector influenced his leadership philosophy and why fostering strong relationships remains at the heart of his approach as REA continues to grow.

Justin recounts his path to becoming CEO, detailing the hurdles of expanding from 50 to 1,000 agents and the systems required to ensure steady, sustainable growth. He also offers his perspective on Clear Cooperation, the MLS’s importance, and why he believes NAR is at a pivotal moment under its new CEO, Nykia Wright.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Justin’s nonprofit experience shaped his leadership in real estate
The keys to scaling a brokerage without losing culture or connection
The importance of building a strong core leadership team in large organizations
How self-awareness and personal identity influence leadership success
Why Justin is confident in NAR’s future under Nykia Wright

simpliHŌM Founder Sean Miku on why his people-first approach allows for fast brokerage growth

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Sean Miku, the founder and CEO of simpliHŌM, a tech- and people-first brokerage that opened its doors in 2018.

Sean shares insights into simpliHŌM unique model, including an 85/15 commission split and free transaction management. He also discusses the current challenges and opportunities in real estate, as well as the company's future vision, which plans for a public offering by 2028.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How simpliHŌM’s people-first approach has driven its impressive growth
The unique compensation model and agent support offerings at Simply Home
The role of technology in streamlining real estate processes
The vision for simpliHŌM's future, including public offering plans and international expansion
The importance of cultural fit and targeted growth strategies in simpliHŌM's success

Craig McClelland on reshaping traditional brokerage models

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Craig McClelland, Chief Strategy Officer at HomeStory and president of LOCAL Realty.

Tracey and Craig talk about the importance of consumer-centric strategies and how industry giants like Zillow and Rocket are reshaping traditional brokerage models. Craig also talks about the role of technology and data in extending the real estate transaction timeline, and the emerging trend of niche and boutique brokerage models.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The importance of putting consumers first in real estate
How disruptors like Zillow and Rocket are changing the game
Strategies for small brokerages to thrive in a competitive market
The benefits and challenges of niche and boutique brokerage models

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Lennox Scott on how AI is reshaping the real estate industry

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down with Lennox Scott, the CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate. Lennox has been in the industry for almost 50 years, and John L Scott is a family brokerage with a rich 94-year history.

Lennox talks about how AI is reshaping industries, the critical role of MLS consolidation, and maintaining personal relationships in a tech-driven world. He also discusses the challenges posed by institutional investors and strategies brokerages can adopt to stay relevant in an AI-enhanced future.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Team culture, continuous learning, and strategic meetings are important for brokerage relevance.
The benefits of a national MLS and AI in enhancing data infrastructure and efficiency.
The importance of full inventory access and the challenges of shadow MLSs.
How to work with AI tools to focus on trusted relationships and personal representation.
The impact of institutional investors on housing markets and potential legislative solutions.

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eXp Team Leader David Brooke on managing team exits and burnout

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending Tracey Velt talks with David Brooke, team leader at Brooke Team at eXp Realty. Tracey and David dive into the realities of leading a team in today’s market, including managing team exits and burnout to fostering a productive agent culture.

David shares how an almost-pivot in his career and parenting lessons shaped his leadership style, and much more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How he rebuilt after losing top agents
The three biggest misconceptions in real estate and how to overcome them
The leadership principles rooted in parenting that shaped his coaching style
Why consistent daily accountability beats luxury deals every time
The traits David looks for in agents destined for long-term success

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KW’s Jay Papasan on success through business habits, not flashy marketing

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Jay Papasan, executive at Keller Williams Realty and co-author of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent.

Tracey and Jay talk about what it really takes for rookie agents to thrive in today’s market, from building a solid database to developing effective lead generation habits early on. Jay shares the inspiration behind his new and upcoming book The Rookie Real Estate Agent and offers some veteran advice on prospecting, compliance, and why foundational business habits matter more than flashy branding.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Most new agents fail because they miss the fundamentals.
A database of 250+ contacts is a tipping point for success.
Lead generation beats branding—especially in the early days.
AI tools can support—but not replace—agent action.
Open houses remain a top lead source for beginners.
New agents need structure, discipline, and a runway to succeed.

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Rethinking brokerage strategy with Steve Murray

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Steve Murray, industry stalwart and senior advisor to RealTrends. Tracey and Steve had the opportunity to sit down in person at HousingWire’s The Gathering.

Steve dives into the real estate’s most pressing issues, including the distraction of AI, Clear Cooperation, and the alarming number of inactive agents. He talks about why developing talent should be every broker’s priority, why it’s time to rethink the outdated brokerage model, and gives an introduction to Fiji, a new M&A tool designed to bring transparency and innovation to real estate dealmaking.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

AI is a fascinating tool that can enhance brokerage efficiency.
Brokers need to focus on recruiting and developing talent.
The real estate market may remain stagnant for years.
Realtor associations face challenges with membership dynamics.
Innovative tools are emerging for M&A and valuation.
Brokers should consider a team-based model for profitability.
Market conditions require brokers to adapt and innovate.

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Ben Bacal on enhancing the consumer experience

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s bonus episode of RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Ben Bacal, the founder of Revel Real Estate.

Tracey and Ben talk about the future of real estate, from AI-enhanced client experiences to the rise of real estate auctions. Ben also shares the secrets behind modern brokerage leadership and how Revel is equipping agents with marketing tools, studio pods for content creation, and data-driven insights to compete in today’s market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

A la carte brokerage services could redefine commission structures.
AI agents may become the industry’s next competitive edge.
Branding, video marketing, and social media are non-negotiables.
Real estate auctions are gaining traction, especially in luxury.
Leadership means understanding, supporting, and connecting.
Tomorrow’s agents will rely on tech-enabled, emotionally smart platforms.

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Rory Golod on why Compass is taking a stand against Zillow

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down with Rory Golod, President of Growth and Communications at Compass, to discuss their lawsuit against Zillow and what Compass is doing to reshape the agent and consumer experience in real estate.

Rory unpacks the motivations behind the lawsuit and also shares Compass’s three-pronged marketing strategy. He also talks about how agent feedback drives tech development across platforms like Compass One and their other AI integrations.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Why Compass is taking a stand against Zillow’s marketing policies
How pre-marketing creates demand and higher sale prices
Compass’s agent-first tech development model
Why consumer value is the key to brokerage profitability
How AI is accelerating innovation and agent efficiency
The secret to high agent adoption of brokerage tools

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Above the line leadership with Dermot Buffini

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Dermot Buffini, CEO of Buffini & Company. Tracey and Dermot got the opportunity to sit down in person to record an episode at HousingWire’s The Gathering.

Dermot breaks down the challenges in today’s real estate leadership — from agent productivity to market shifts — and shares how to stay focused on what really matters. He also talks about “above the line” thinking to help leaders prioritize outcomes over distractions, and offers strategies for embracing technology and staying rooted in core values and customer service.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Starting a business is easy, but making it work is hard.
Agent productivity is crucial for business success.
Good markets do not create good habits; preparation is key.
Embrace technology and AI as tools for growth.
Distractions can derail focus; stay mission-driven.
The harvest comes for those who endure the cold seasons.

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Hoby Hanna on his goal to reach 20% market share in 20 markets

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Hoby Hanna, CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services and Hanna Holdings.

Hoby discusses the company’s culture-first M&A strategy, innovative consumer programs like the buy-borrow bundle, and how AI and data are shaping real estate. He also shares why collaboration matters and outlines his goal to reach 20% share in 20 major markets.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Howard Hanna targets culturally aligned acquisitions to drive strategic growth and market expansion.
The company prioritizes profitability and strong cash flow over rapid, unsustainable growth.
Real estate agents remain central to every transaction, reinforcing the firm's agent-first philosophy.
Howard Hanna is a full-service housing ecosystem, offering mortgage, title, and insurance services.
Organizing data for AI integration is a core focus to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
Innovation, including consumer programs like the buy borrow bundle and money-back guarantee, sets the company apart.

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Tami Pardee on how her model has allowed her to excel

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Tami Pardee, founder of Pardee Properties in Venice, California.

Tami shares how she brought a production-style model from the entertainment industry into real estate and built a high-touch, high-performing boutique brokerage. She also talks about how she tripled sales during the wildfires, uses the tools from an AI collective to empower her agents, and helps homeless women through her Life Change Warriors program.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Tami transformed her entertainment production experience into a real estate model.
She created a task force to help clients during the wildfires.
AI is a crucial tool for staying competitive in real estate.
Life Change Warriors empowers homeless individuals through support and education.
Building a strong company culture enhances agent performance.

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The Powerhouse Partners on growing an agent network

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Alex Derenne and Alexis Hirsig, the masterminds behind The Powerhouse Partners, a group with The Real Brokerage that blends coaching and marketing in a real estate network that collaborates, rather than competes.

Alex and Alexis dive into how building authentic personal brands on social media has helped them connect with clients, and how AI tools, from content creation to scheduling, are boosting their productivity. With a mission to grow a supportive community of agents nationwide, Alex and Alexis also share their vision to expand Powerhouse Partners to all 50 states.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Collaboration, rather than competition, can create more growth in real estate.
Authentic branding attracts aligned, loyal clients.
Social media and marketing knowledge is a must-have tool for modern agents.
When used right, AI greatly boosts efficiency and sparks creative content ideas.
Know your ideal client avatar to properly tailor your marketing strategies.
The industry is always shifting toward consumer-first strategies.

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EmpowerHome’s Sarah Reynolds on mindset, market shifts and making real estate fun again

Tue, 27 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down to chat with Sarah Reynolds, the CEO of EmpowerHome with Keller Williams.

Sarah talks about the power of mindset amid market uncertainty, how to keep real estate fun, and why focusing on what’s controllable is key to agent success, no matter what market conditions are. She also talks about trends and new brokerage models coming onto the market and how they are — or aren’t — changing how Empower is doing business.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Focus on what you can control, not market conditions.
Making real estate fun again boosts individual and team morale.
Hiring with a growth mindset is key to innovation.
We’ll start to see new, emerging agents in response to market changes.
Client needs should always be the true north when driving industry policy changes.
Empower Home aims to serve 100 families a month.

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Rainy Hake Austin on thinking beyond the real estate transaction

Mon, 19 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Rainy Hake Austin, President of The Agency. The Agency ranked 13 by volume and is also the fourth largest private independent brokerage according to the 2025 RealTrends Verified Top Brokerage rankings. Over the past five years, The Agency has grown to almost 100 offices across the US.

Rainy dives into ethical leadership, the trend to move beyond the transaction, and how AI is reshaping operations by plugging them into staff efficiency tools. She also talks about mergers vs. organic growth and why articulating unique value is key in a competitive market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The agency has grown significantly, ranking 13th by volume.
A people-first approach is central to their growth strategy.
Maintaining a boutique feel is crucial as they scale.
Agents are trained to articulate their unique value effectively.
AI is used to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

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Coldwell Banker’s Jason Waugh on the shifting dynamics of consumer representation

Mon, 12 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, we are bringing you a special crossover episode of the Top of Mind podcast, hosted by Altos president Mike Simonsen. Mike chats with Jason Waugh, president of Coldwell Banker Affiliates, about how the real estate brokerage model is evolving and what that means for agents, buyers, and the future of the industry.

Jason shares insights from Coldwell Banker’s 100,000 agents, the shifting dynamics of consumer representation, and the lasting impact of the 2024 commission settlements. He also discusses luxury market trends, the critical role of buyer agreements, and why brick-and-mortar still matters in a hybrid world.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

What it’s like running an iconic real estate brand in 2025
The latest findings from CB’s Global Luxury Trends report
Notable demographic trends for luxury real estate buyers
How agent/homebuyer relationships are changing after the commission lawsuits
Which consumers continue to choose full-service/full-price real estate services
Which markets are noticing commission compression
Insights on today’s unique commercial real estate trends

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Real CEO Tamir Poleg is betting on AI efficiencies to continue swift growth

Mon, 05 May 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Tamir Poleg, CEO of The Real Brokerage, about how AI is rapidly changing the real estate game — if you don't build it, then someone else will.

Tamir shares how Real is using AI to streamline operations, from an assistant answering thousands of questions per day to developing automatic broker reviews. He also discusses scaling without compromising culture, the evolving agent-client dynamic, and why brokerages must refocus on consumers.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Real is both a technology and a real estate company.
AI enhances operational efficiency and client service.
A strong company culture attracts like-minded agents.
Leadership will always involve taking responsibility for failures.
Automation can replace many tasks traditionally done by agents.
AI will play a significant role in decision-making for real estate transactions.

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Windermere’s OB Jacobi on rethinking the role of the MLS

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with OB Jacobi, co-president of Windermere Real Estate. Founded in 1972 by OB’s father, John Jacobi, Windermere is still being led by the Jacobi family over 50 years later.

OB joins us today to talk about rethinking the role of the MLS in real estate and how NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy add-ons have impacted the industry as of late. He also has some really insightful thoughts on the strategic shifts that real estate leaders need to make in a post-settlement world, from making technology-led decisions to not underestimating local market influence.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Clear Cooperation has significant implications for market transparency.
Local market knowledge is crucial for effective real estate governance.
AI has the potential to revolutionize many day-to-day real estate operations.
Family businesses can provide unique advantages in leadership.
The role of MLS should be re-evaluated for better local governance.
There is room for both national and independent brokerages in the market.

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LPT’s Robert Palmer on agent choice and growth of the national single-entity brokerage

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down in person with Robert Palmer, founder and CEO of LPT Realty, at LPT’s studio in Orlando.

Robert talks about LPT’s journey from a simple marketing tool to a top brokerage in just a couple of years. He also discusses agent empowerment through dual brokerage models, LPT’s upcoming initiatives, and growth plans.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

LPT’s transition from a marketing tool to a brokerage was driven by a desire to support agents.
Self-funding allows for greater control and prioritization of agents' needs.
The brokerage model should empower local agents to make decisions about mortgage and title services.
Navigating industry challenges requires a commitment to agent choice and autonomy.
Understanding and balancing both business logic and technology for successful software development.
LPT’s growth strategies include expanding training programs and launching a luxury brand.

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Steve Murray’s take on private listings, KW, Redfin, and brokerage survival

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down with Steve Murray, senior advisor for HousingWire and the founder of RealTrends and RTC Consulting.

Steve joins us to unpack some of the recent dramatic shifts in real estate, including Stone Point’s strategic investment in Keller Williams and Rocket’s acquisition of Redfin. They also talk about Clear Cooperation Policy and the industry footprint of new, fast-growing brokerage models like LPT Realty and The Real Brokerage.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Rocket's acquisition of Redfin aims to leverage its brand and website traffic.
Private equity interest is returning to the real estate market.
New brokerage models are growing rapidly, often with lower costs.
The franchise model is evolving, with virtual brokerages gaining traction.
NAR's policies on delayed marketing are creating industry debates.
The market is shifting towards more inclusive practices.

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Bonus episode: Housing market check in with Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Housing market headlines are nonstop — tariffs, mortgage rates, jobs reports and general market chaos. But what does it all mean?

In this bonus episode of RealTrending, HousingWire is joined by experts Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer to make sense of it all. Originally part of a HousingWire exclusive virtual event, this candid conversation offers expert analysis of what’s happening and what might come next.

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Cindy Raney team leaders on building a productive team

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, Tracey interviews Cindy Raney and Jason Mudd, the husband-and-wife leaders of the Cindy Raney Team at Coldwell Banker in Westport, Connecticut.

Cindy and Jason talk about running a luxury team, including how they divide responsibilities and maintain a strong team culture. They also discuss their most effective marketing strategies, the impact of commission lawsuits on the luxury market, how to articulate a clear value proposition, and more!

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

They emphasize the importance of dividing responsibilities based on strengths.
Understanding the luxury market requires a focus on client education and client advisory services.
The emotional aspects of selling a home must be managed carefully.
Consistency in marketing is crucial for success in luxury real estate.
Building a strong team culture is essential for team growth.

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HGTV Realtor and eXp agent Kortney Wilson on building a referral business

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending Tracey interviews Kortney Wilson, an eXp real estate agent and HGTV personality. Kortney shares her journey from music to flipping houses, how HGTV impacted her career, and how she built a sustainable referral network with eXp Realty.

She also discusses using AI and automation tools for personalized client follow-up and introduces her new show, Life is Messy, which is focused on helping people declutter their homes and lives.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Building a referral business has become a key focus for her real estate career.
Automation and technology are essential for modern real estate practices.
Understanding clients' communication styles enhances client relationships.
Social media is crucial for real estate professionals to connect with buyers and sellers and market properties.
Identifying personal strengths earlier could have accelerated her career growth.

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Anywhere CEO Ryan Schneider on renewed M&A focus

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Today on RealTrending, Tracey interviews Ryan Schneider, the CEO of Anywhere Real Estate. This episode originally aired on our sister show, Power House, but this week we are bringing it to the feeds of our real estate audience.

Tracey and Ryan talk about Anywhere’s refocus on luxury and what they think is going to happen to M&A as the market shifts this year. They also talk about AI’s relationship with operational efficiency and a surprisingly effective place to turn for mentorship — your agents.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Settling litigation early provided a competitive advantage for Anywhere.
Investing in luxury markets has led to significant growth.
M&A opportunities are expected to increase as the market shifts.
Market predictions indicate a potential recovery in home sales over the next year.
Mentorship from agents is important for leadership development.
Proactively embracing change is crucial for success in the industry.

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Coldwell Banker agent on how to differentiate in today’s market

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of RealTrending Tracey is joined by Michelle Billings, Coldwell Banker agent and the President of Ohio Realtors.

Michelle has some great advice on how real estate professionals should be differentiating themselves in today’s market, from proactive education strategies to leveraging past client interactions. She also talks about affordability, current housing legislative efforts in Ohio, and how agents should be using their knowledge of market trends and dynamics to help in their business.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Michelle Billings has been in the industry for over 23 years.
Affordability is a major concern in the current real estate market but education is the key for agent success.
The role of real estate professionals is evolving due to increased consumer access to data.
Understanding market nuances helps to advise clients effectively.
Legislative efforts are underway to address things such as rising property taxes.

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Tech CEO on the balance of tech and human touch

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of RealTrending, Tracey sits down with Eric Elfman, the CEO of MoxiWorks.

Eric talks all about balancing the delicate relationship between leveraging AI tools and building and maintaining client relationships. He also talks about making these tools more accessible to agents.

Eric also shares MoxiWorks’ plans to increase technology adoption and make real estate tools more accessible to agents, along with a sneak peek at the company's upcoming software launch this summer.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Technology alone won't solve real estate challenges, you still have to focus on relationships.
AI is already integral to everyday real estate technology.
Adoption of technology in real estate is still low in a larger sense.
Choosing the right technology — not just the most popular — is crucial for brokers.

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Your Castle’s Lon Welsh on the secret to agent retention

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Tracey talks to Lon Welsh, founder and managing broker of Your Castle Real Estate, the largest independent real estate brokerage in Colorado.

Lon joins the show today to talk about where the market is headed and how they grew Your Castle to the size it is today, including his strategies on recruiting, retention and using AI tools to transform agent-client relationships.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Retention, recruiting, and scaling are key drivers for growth.
Recruiting should be a dedicated full-time role.
AI will significantly impact the real estate industry in the near future.
Consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their real estate needs.
Brokers must differentiate their services to meet diverse client expectations.
Understanding market trends is crucial for strategic decision-making.
Embracing technology is essential for staying competitive in real estate.

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Claire O’Connor on rebuilding community after the LA Wildfires

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of RealTrending, Tracey chats with Claire O'Connor, team leader of O'Connor Estates with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

After losing her home, her father-in-law’s home, and a house under construction to the devastating LA wildfires, Claire shares her journey of rebuilding amid disaster. She discusses the emotional toll, the resilience of the Palisades community, and the changing dynamics of the real estate market, especially the shift towards safer properties with better evacuation routes.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The trauma of displacement can bond communities together.
Buyers are increasingly concerned about safety and evacuation routes.
The Pacific Palisades will recover and remain a desirable place to live.
Adapting to buyer preferences is crucial in a changing market.
Innovative building materials and fire suppression systems are essential for future safety.

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Christie’s Sereno leaders on building a solution-based business

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of RealTrending, Tracey chats with Chris Trapani and Ryan Iwanaga, lifelong friends, co-founders, and partners of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno.

While working with your best friend might be a recipe for disaster for some, Chris and Ryan have used their relationship and leadership to grow Sereno into the largest, locally-owned and operated independent brokerage in Northern California. The three of them talk about the power of relationships, evolving market challenges, and where AI is headed in real estate.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Their childhood friendship has been the foundation for their business partnership.
Local decision-making is crucial in the dynamic real estate market.
Technology, especially AI, is rapidly evolving and needs to be embraced.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Self-awareness is key in managing professional relationships.
Focusing on solutions rather than problems leads to better outcomes.
The journey of independence is both a personal and professional evolution.

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Illinois Realtors leaders on the future and value of associations

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey traveled to the Illinois REALTORS’ REengage Winter Conference to sit down with Illinois REALTORS CEO Jeff Baker and President Tommy Choi in person!

The three discuss the current challenges in the housing market, including low inventory and rising interest rates. They also talk all about the value of being a real estate professional, being a part of an association, and what is necessary for the future of associations as far as serving their members’ needs.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Education and resources from associations are crucial for industry success.
Leveraging technology and AI can enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Reputation is always built during challenging market conditions.
Real estate agents must position themselves as trusted advisors.
The future of real estate will be shaped by younger generations.

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Altos Founder Mike Simonsen on the latest housing market trends

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Mike Simonsen, founder of Altos, to discuss his 2025 housing forecast, including home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability.

He also talks about what changes he anticipates with the Trump administration, covers the role of immigration and labor in construction, and talks about how tariffs could affect market dynamics.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Home sales are forecasted to increase slightly to 4.2 million, and home prices to increase by 3.5%.
Affordability remains a critical challenge in the housing market.
The construction industry heavily relies on immigrant labor.
Tariffs could significantly increase building costs.
There is a potential for rates to dip under 6% if conditions align.

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Steve Murray on how teams and teamerages are the future of real estate

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Steve Murray, founder of RealTrends and a senior advisor to HousingWire.

Steve joins us to discuss the current state of mergers and acquisitions in real estate, how market changes are impacting broker valuations, and the growing shift toward team-based brokerage models. He also shares his predictions for President Trump’s impact on the housing market in 2025 and breaks down the challenges posed by government regulations on housing affordability.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

.Most national companies have stepped back from significant acquisitions for the time being.
Local brokerage companies are now more active in M&A.
Commission compression is a growing concern for brokers.
Team-based models are proving to be more profitable than traditional brokerages.
Government regulations significantly impact housing affordability.

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Amalfi Estates Founder’s journey of loss and hope amid the LA wildfires

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast we are bringing you an episode a bit earlier than normal to highlight a story of loss and hope during the wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

Tracey sat down with Anthony Marguleas, founder of Amalfi Estates out of Pacific Palisades. About 60% of residents in the Pacific Palisades area have lost their homes or their businesses, including Anthony’s own home of over 30 years.

He joins us today to give an emotional, first-hand account of the fires, how it’s impacting local residents and the complicated issues around insurance for those affected. He also shares what real estate agents can do to help their community and those who are displaced.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

A significant portion of the Pacific Palisades community has lost their homes.
Insurance challenges are exacerbated by limited coverage options for those affected.
Price gouging in the rental market is hurting those seeking temporary housing.
The rebuilding process will be complicated by permitting issues.
Real estate agents are playing a vital role in assisting families in finding new homes.

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Team Lead Danielle Dowell offers strategies for structuring a team

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Danielle Dowell, the leader of The DoWell Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago. With over 17 years in real estate, Danielle shares how she’s built a team of 15 agents and assistants at The Dowell Group by focusing on their individual strengths and passions.

Danielle discusses her unique approach to team building, the latest real estate trends, and the growing significance of teams. She also talks about how her background in sports has influenced her leadership style and gives some advice for new agents entering today’s market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Understanding your team’s structure and roles is crucial to collaborate effectively.
Teams are becoming more essential in real estate.
Dedicated mentorship is vital for a new agent’s growth.
Flexibility in a dynamic team structure can enhance everyone's productivity.
Always be ready and willing to adapt to industry and market changes.

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LPT’s Michael Valdes on his plan for exploding expansion

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Michael Valdes, the CEO of LPT International. The last time Tracey talked to Michael, he was holding executive roles at eXp before his tranistion to LPT in July 2024.

Michael joins us today to dive into LPT's unique agent choice model and the critical role of training, vision, and branding when building a successful real estate business. He also talks about the influence of AI in places you least expect, and the importance of agents understanding their value.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

LPT has rapidly expanded from 22 to 48 states in five months.
Branding plays a significant role in agent success and market positioning.
Keep an eye out for consolidation and growth opportunities.
Agents must articulate their value to clients to succeed in a competitive market.
AI enhances efficiency and productivity in real estate tasks.

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JPARs Growth and Innovation Director shares her ChatGPT playbook

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast we are joined by Tiffani Marroquin, the Head of Growth and Innovation at JPAR Real Estate, to discuss her journey with AI and how it’s transforming the landscape in real estate.

Tiffani shares her expertise on leveraging AI to streamline business operations and scaling through automation, offering specific examples that she’s implemented at JPAR. She also talks about the importance of viewing AI as a collaborative partner and tool, rather than a threat.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

AI represents the promise of technology to free up time.
Scaling is about doing things smarter and more efficiently — not just doing more.
Predictive analytics can help agents understand their clients better.
AI can enhance recruiting and retention strategies.
Hyperpersonalization is a recent key trend in AI development.
AI should be seen as a collaborative partner, not a threat.

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NextHome CEO James Dwiggins takes on real estate's biggest challenges

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on RealTrending, we are bringing you a crossover episode with the Power House podcast. HousingWire President Diego Sanchez sat down with James Dwiggins, the CEO and co-founder of NextHome, a real estate franchise with 600 offices and 6,000 agents across the country.

James has a lot of expertise and — and strong opinions — on real estate practices, including clear cooperation policies, dual agency, and MLS processes, and more. They also dive into what NAR is doing for the industry and NextHome’s plan for 2025.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

NextHome operates under a ‘humans over houses’ philosophy.
40% of growth comes from referrals and they don’t require franchisees to recruit aggressively.
The NAR settlement is just the beginning of changes in real estate commissions.
Many agents lack training on new compensation structures post-NAR settlement.
Dual agency presents significant conflicts of interest.
NAR plays a crucial role in advocating for real estate professionals.
Clear cooperation policies benefit the marketplace and consumers.

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Florida Broker Tim Weisheyer on embracing innovation and building future leaders

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Tim Weisheyer, the 2025 President of Florida Realtors and CEO of Dream Builders Realty in Central Florida. Starting in residential and then transitioning to commercial and development, Tim joins us today to talk about servant leadership, innovation, and the risk-taking entrepreneurs make to find success.

Tim talks about the evolving role of technology in real estate, and pursuing continuing education to stay competitive. He also outlines his 2025 plans as Florida Realtors' incoming president, including a state tour to engage brokers and develop future industry leaders.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Servant leadership is key to success in business.
Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial for long term success.
Technology should enhance, not replace, personal relationships.
Consumer and personal advocacy is an important aspect of being a realtor.
Engaging with brokers and developing leaders is a priority for Florida Realtors.
Homeownership remains a key component of the American dream.

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Dava Davin on the athlete mindset and how it translates to her business

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Dava Davin, CEO of Portside Real Estate Group, to talk about her journey from working in pharmaceuticals to leading a real estate brokerage with over 200 agents and $1 billion in 2024 sales. Portside focuses on agent growth, community impact, and how to foster a supportive company culture.

Dava highlights the importance of mindset, the value of buyer consultations, and their plan to expand into surrounding communities in New Hampshire. She also talks about their philanthropic work and Portside’s 1% Back to Maine Initiative, which has donated over $300,000 annually to local nonprofits.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The biggest challenge is balancing growth with maintaining company culture.
Buyer consultations are essential for establishing professionalism.
Key moments in leadership often come from recognizing the importance of relationships.
Leadership style is about empowering team members and recognizing their strengths.
Dava prioritizes community involvement and giving back through her brokerage.
The future of real estate includes more women in leadership roles.

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Danielle Wilkie talks about the transformative impact of conscious leadership

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Danielle Wilkie, co-founder of The Helm, a modern coaching platform designed to empower women in the real estate industry. From her experience at Compass and other tech and real estate companies, Danielle has a unique perspective on the evolving trends in real estate and the role of coaching in shaping its future.

Danielle also highlights the gender gap in real estate coaching, the transformative impact of conscious leadership, and how AI is going to reshape mentorship across all industries.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Women make up over two-thirds of real estate agents, but less than a third are recognized coaches.
Female coaches offer unique perspectives and experiences that resonate with women in the industry.
AI is rapidly changing the landscape of coaching and real estate.
The creator economy is emerging in real estate, with agents becoming coaches.
Conscious leadership is essential for personal and professional growth in real estate.
Women often face confidence gaps that hinder their coaching aspirations.

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Logan Mohtashami on the 2025 housing market and the Trump effect

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey talks to Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst for HousingWire and regular CNBC contributor. Logan joins us today to discuss his forecast for the housing market in 2025, including rates and the impact of potential tariffs under a Trump presidency.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Mortgage rates are expected to range between 5.75% to 7.25%.
The tariff situation may not lead to a full-blown trade war.
Trump's economic policies will focus on lowering rates and the dollar.
Real estate professionals should prepare for potential market shifts in 2025.
The housing market is showing signs of recovery with better-pending contracts and inventory data.
The potential for growth in 2025 is promising, given current trends.

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The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Every week, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Coldwell Banker Realty CEO Kamini Lane on leadership during a pivotal time

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Kamini Lane, CEO and President of Coldwell Banker Realty. Kamini, who has been in her role for almost two years, joins us to share her approach to leadership— clarity, transparency, and authenticity.

She also talks about how important it is for agents to focus on fundamentals and learn how to effectively communicate their value propositions, spotlighting Coldwell Banker’s “Perfect Pitch” program. Tune in to learn more about leadership and growth strategies from Coldwell Banker Realty’s CEO Kamini Lane!

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

2024 was, and still is, a pivotal time for real estate.
Refocusing and grounding yourself on the fundamentals is essential.
Agents need to articulate their value proposition clearly.
Leadership should focus on clarity, transparency, and authenticity.
Coldwell Banker isn’t focused on agent count but on agent quality.
Anticipate industry and agent growth for 2025.

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Corcoran’s Stephanie Anton on defining your company culture

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Stephanie Anton, president of Corcoran Affiliates. Stephanie joins us today to talk about understanding what your value proposition is — and what it’s not.

She also talks about adopting the servant leadership mindset when developing a strong company culture, how the marketing is still shifting four years out of the pandemic’s onset, and their plans for international growth.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Servant leadership boils down to truly getting in the trenches.
Understanding and anticipating complex consumer dynamics drives our growth strategy.
The pandemic shifted, and is still shifting, where people are moving and buying.
Agents will always be adaptable and creative in their approach.
Using AI in the right ways will help us access data and improve efficiency.
Consumers now expect technology and education in their home-buying process.

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Recruiting strategies from Orange County's largest independent brokerage

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today on the RealTrending podcast, we’re bringing you a special crossover episode with the Power House podcast!

Last week, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sat down with Michele Harrington, the CEO of FirstTeam Real Estate out of Orange County, California. Michele started her career in the Marine Corps, but after being stationed in Orange County, she not only fell in love with the beauty of Southern California, but she also got bit by the entrepreneurial bug. Now, she leads California’s largest independent brokerage.

Michele and Diego talk about what sets FirstTeam apart from other brokerages and the recruitment strategies that are helping them surpass their goal of $1 billion in recruited teams. They also talk about empowering women in leadership positions and their plans to expand outside of California, while maintaining their “fortress” inside the state.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Women hold only 26% of leadership positions in real estate, despite being a majority of agents.
Empowering women to pursue leadership roles is crucial for the growth of the industry.
Their recruitment strategies focus on training new agents and placing them in existing teams.
First Team is on track to surpass $1 billion in recruited teams this year.
The company aims for organic growth by expanding into adjacent markets.
Michelle's upcoming book emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in achieving success.

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Teamerage Leader Amy Stockberger on strategically building new revenue streams

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Amy Stockberger, broker-owner of Amy Stockberger Real Estate in Sioux City. Amy joins us today to discuss what she calls her teamerage’s “Lifetime Home Support Model” and all of its different impacts on client relationships.

Amy shares how her strategic approach creates a long-term, supportive relationship with buyers and sellers — not just a one-time transaction. She also talks about diversifying revenue streams and what trends other agents should be looking at to grow in the current market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The Lifetime Home Support Model was created to provide ongoing value to clients.
Showing authenticity in client relationships is crucial for getting repeat business.
The serve, serve, serve, sell approach focuses on serving clients beyond transactions.
Building a dedicated vendor program helped grow her sphere of influence.
Thinking about an exit strategy is important for long-term business success.

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Alexia Rodriguez shares stories of hope from Hurricanes Milton and Helene

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Alexia Rodriguez, CEO of KW Cares to discuss how their organization supports Keller Williams agents during times of crisis, and best practices for organizations interested in building their own hardship fund.

In light of recent hurricanes impacting the East Coast, Alexia talks about how their agents are helping one another through KW Cares’ program and offers valuable advice for anyone interested in creating their own relief fund.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

KW Cares has provided over $63 million in grants to associates nationwide
The impact of hardship funds on agents who have lost everything from natural disaster or a catastrophic life event.
How emergency grants can significantly impact agents' lives in times of need.
Collaboration with other aid organizations is also important for relief efforts.

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Paul Carlson on how his firm made a family succession plan work

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Paul Carlson, president of Five Star Real Estate. Paul joins us to share insights on growing his brokerage, succession planning, and how his father eased the leadership transition.

Tracey and Paul dive into the lessons learned transitioning the company from father to son leadership, the importance of centralizing management during transition periods, building a unique brand experience for agents, and the strategies Five Star Real Estate has employed to expand into new markets while also maintaining their company culture

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Centralizing management and support has been a key part of their growth strategy.
When transitioning, it’s important to be authentic instead of just trying to imitate whoever came before you.
Rebranding was a significant step in their goal of modernizing the company.
Five Star aims to create a culture where everyone can see themselves fitting in
Succession planning requires identifying real passion and drive for the industry, not just family ties.

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Debbie De Grote offers negotiation strategies amid new industry rules

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Debbie De Grote, founder of Forward Coaching, a leading real estate and business coaching company.

Debbie and Tracey discuss the importance of informed negotiation skills in today's market and how agents can readily adapt to changing policies and regulations. They also explore the new challenges that agents face when working with buyers and sellers, and talk about how to avoid common mistakes when talking to clients.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

High-level negotiation and questioning skills are crucial for agents.
Agents need to be ready to adapt to new policies and procedures post-NAR settlement.
Avoid pulling clients into the drama of negotiations.
Negotiation should be a collaborative process, not an aggressive one.
Focus on understanding the nuances of your local market.

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Settlement Strategy Playbook: The Intent Behind the NAR Settlement

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Master Class: A Settlement Strategy Playbook

Welcome back to the Settlement Strategy Playbook, brought to you by JPAR Real Estate, produced by HousingWire, and hosted on the RealTrending podcast with Tracey Velt.

In this series, we’ll explore and discuss fiduciary responsibilities, the intent behind the settlement and the DOJ’s involvement, strategies for building an effective buyer consultation, and finally, crafting a transparent seller consultation. Executives, agents, and brokers from JPAR will join us in every episode to share their expertise.

The second episode of this four-part series features Laura O’Connor, president and COO of JPAR Affiliated Network. Tracey and Laura discuss the intent behind the NAR settlement and the DOJ’s involvement.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The settlement change presents opportunities for agents to show their value to consumers.
Consumer education is crucial in helping both buyers and sellers understand the commission changes.
The DOJ intended to decouple commissions, and agents must be aware of this and educate their clients accordingly.

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Settlement Strategy Playbook: Understanding the Buyer Conversation

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Master Class: A Settlement Strategy Playbook

Welcome back to the Settlement Strategy Playbook, brought to you by JPAR Real Estate and produced by HousingWire, and hosted on the RealTrending podcast with Tracey Velt.

The third episode of this four-part series features Susan Boyer, broker-owner of JPAR Silverpath Real Estate. Tracey and Susan discuss understanding and building an effective buyer conversation.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Transparency is crucial in the buyer conversation, especially in light of the NAR settlement.
Agents should emphasize how they can save buyers money and navigate pitfalls.
The Total Agent Academy is a comprehensive training program designed to help agents establish a robust business foundation and foster continuous professional growth
Buyers are becoming more empowered and selective in choosing their representation, and agents must adapt.

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Settlement Strategy Playbook: Seller Conversations Moving Forward

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Master Class: A Settlement Strategy Playbook

Welcome back to the Settlement Strategy Playbook, brought to you by JPAR Real Estate and produced by HousingWire, and hosted on the RealTrending podcast with Tracey Velt.

In this last episode of this four-part series, we talk to Jessica Conrad, Realtor and GRI at JPAR San Antonio. Tracey and Jessica discuss how best to move forward with transparent seller conversations.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Proactively educate sellers about the new MLS rules and compensation agreements.
Emphasize transparency and honesty in seller conversations.
Show your value and highlight the benefits of working with a professional agent.
JPAR provides excellent communication and support through training sessions and open discussions.

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Settlement Strategy Playbook: Understanding Fiduciary Duties

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Master Class: A Settlement Strategy Playbook

Welcome to the Settlement Strategy Playbook, brought to you by JPAR Real Estate, produced by HousingWire, and hosted on the RealTrending podcast with Tracey Velt.

In this series, we’ll explore and discuss fiduciary responsibilities, the intent behind the settlement and the DOJ’s involvement, strategies for building an effective buyer consultation, and finally, crafting a transparent seller consultation. Executives, agents and brokers from JPAR will join us in every episode to share their expertise.

The first episode of this four-part series features Tony Delgado, Vice President of Broker Support and designated broker for JPAR Real Estate. We focus our conversation on understanding fiduciary duties in today’s real estate world.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Understanding the difference between a customer and a client is crucial in determining the level of agent obligations.
Fiduciary duties include obedience, loyalty, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable care.
Agents should know their geographic area and be adaptable to new rules and regulations.

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Steve Murray talks presidential candidates’ housing policies and M&A Trends

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Steve Murray, founder of RealTrends and a senior advisor for HousingWire.

Steve and Tracey discuss the key points from the latest RealTrends GameChangers report on brokerage growth and compare the housing policies and their potential impacts of both the Harris and Trump campaigns. They also examine current activity in the M&A landscape, including valuation trends.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Leaders must always be personally involved in recruiting talent.
Most successful brokerages combine acquisitions with organic growth.
The M&A market is active at both the local and regional levels.
Valuations are based on EBITDA multiples and gross margins.
Housing policies from candidates can significantly impact secondary sectors of the housing market.
Housing sales are expected to improve in the next 12 months.

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Dan Duffy on the different brokerage growth levers to pull today

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Dan Duffy, the CEO of United Real Estate Holdings, and a 2024 RealTrends GameChanger. Under Dan’s leadership, United Real Estate Group has grown over 727% in transaction sides from 2019 to 2024.

Dan and Tracey dive into United’s primary focus on organic growth and franchising opportunities, as well as their strategic approach to mergers and acquisitions. They also talk about the levers that United Real Estate is constantly pulling to assess and navigate market opportunities, particularly when it comes to growth opportunities through agent recruiting, mergers, acquisitions and franchising.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

United Real Estate Group has experienced significant growth through mergers and acquisitions, on top of organic growth.
The key to successful acquisitions is due diligence, and thorough cultural and operational assessments.
Opportunities for growth in the market include brokers and agents looking for a platform that offers more economic upside and support.

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Golden Handoff Author Nick Krautter on Building an Agent or Team Exit Strategy

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Nick Krautter, author of The Golden Handoff and a real estate broker based in Portland, Oregon. Nick shares his expertise on the process of selling your book of business and planning a good exit strategy if you are ready to phase out of your business.

Nick and Tracey talk about the potential challenges and pitfalls you can expect in the transition period and the most effective way to structure a potential deal to make sure that you are getting your value’s worth out of your database. He also talks about partial handoffs, where retiring agents can gradually step back from the business while maintaining involvement, and emphasizes the importance of selecting the right adopting agent to prepare for an eventual sale.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Finding the right adopting agent is crucial for a successful golden handoff.
Partial handoffs allow retiring agents to phase out of the business while still maintaining some involvement.
The structure of deals in golden handoffs is typically based on referral fees.
Retiring agents should keep their databases up to date to ensure a smooth transition and ensure they are not underestimating their value.

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Luis Carrion on lessons learned buying a 57-year old brokerage

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Luis Carrion, the CEO and Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, California Properties and a 2024 RealTrends GameChanger. In 2022, Luis acquired and took over the firm from the family of the late Bruce Malhern.

He and Tracey talk about the growth and restructuring of the company under his leadership these past two years, and the importance behind building strong, personal relationships with agents. He outlines his ambitious growth plan for BHHS, which includes M&A opportunities, increasing agent productivity, and strategic recruiting. Luis also talks about the challenges that he faced during the transition, including the larger impact of COVID-19 on his business and the industry, as well as other valuable lessons he has learned along the way.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The lessons learned during transition periods are crucial to organizational growth.
The pandemic years shined a light on the need for change and adaptability in real estate.
A well-rounded growth plan should include mergers and acquisitions, agent productivity, and recruiting.

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Tech VP Stuart Sim on marketing strategies post-settlement

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Stuart Sim, the Vice President of Industry Development at Lofty. Stuart joins us to talk about the impact of the NAR settlement on agents’ business and marketing strategies. Now that the new regulations are in practice, what can real estate professionals do to market themselves effectively?

Stuart believes in automating your business and differentiating yourself with new and existing technology in this evolving, post-NAR settlement market. He also discusses how you can use data analytics to better understand customer preferences and market trends, and how to engage meaningfully with past clients.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

There are a lot of new opportunities for real estate agents in the current market.
Utilizing technology platforms to their fullest potential can greatly enhance an agent's efficiency and effectiveness.
Data analytics can provide valuable insights into customer preferences and market trends, allowing agents to stay ahead of the competition.
Agents should proactively engage with past clients and identify opportunities for future transactions.

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Ryan Michaelis: Recruiting as the driving force for growth

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Ryan Michaelis, the Chief Growth Strategist at Worth Clark Realty. Ryan shares his journey in real estate and discusses Worth Clark Realty's growth plan and how its strategy has evolved over the past few years amid changing market times.

Ryan explores Worth Clark's strategies for recruiting and retaining agents, the impact of the NAR settlement on buyers and sellers, and how their flat fee model has evolved over the years. He also talks about Worth Clark's approach to providing tailored support and resources to agents and shares some of the key leadership lessons he's learned along the way

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How Worth Clark Realty's growth plan is fueled by solid agent support and resources.
Recruiting and retaining agents may be challenging, but is often the driving force for growth.
The flat fee model now offers more support and appeals mainly to agents working on growing their businesses.
The NAR settlement may confuse buyers and sellers initially, but it improves consumer transparency.

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Ilan Bracha: Preparing your firm for the next real estate market cycle

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, we sit down with Ilan Bracha, a seasoned real estate broker and investor. Now leading IB Global and The Bracha Team with Corcocan in New York City, Ilan shares his insights on navigating market shifts, the trends he’s seeing working with family offices and how he is preparing for the next business cycle of real estate..

Ilan discusses his current strategies for matching buyers and sellers in New York, his investment funds focused on properties in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Hamptons, and the role of family offices as key investors. He also offers leadership lessons learned during the financial crisis, providing actionable advice on how to future-proof your business in today’s rapidly changing market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Family offices are a key audience for investment funds, as they often seek to diversify their portfolios by including real estate assets.
Anticipating and preparing for market cycles is essential to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Key leadership lessons always involve attracting and inspiring the right talent, crafting a clear vision for the business, and staying prepared for market downturns.

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GameChanger Anthony Lamacchia on his strategic marketing and branding

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we are bringing you a special crossover episode with the Power House podcast and featuring a great conversation between HousingWire’s CEO Clayton Collins and someone many of you recognize: Anthony Lamacchia, the founder, CEO and broker of Lamacchia Companies.

Anthony shares his career journey from working in his father’s landscaping business to building Lamacchia Realty. He talks about the importance of strategic marketing and branding, content creation, and learning when and when not to delegate tasks. He also discusses his M&A and recruitment strategy, opportunities for market expansion, and what’s up next for industry challenges like the commission lawsuit.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The importance of marketing, branding, and consistent content creation for attracting clients and media attention.
Strategies for delegating responsibilities, hiring experienced professionals, and executing a successful M&A strategy for business growth and market expansion.
Effective marketing and recruiting techniques, such as the use of billboards and other advertising methods.
Insights into industry challenges like the commission lawsuit, changing market conditions, and how to prepare agents for success, along with Anthony’s optimistic outlook for the future of real estate.

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Broker Chandra Etienne on the power of industry involvement

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Chandra Etienne, the broker-owner of The Core Real Estate Advisors in Miami, Florida. She is also the elected secretary at Miami Realtors and serves as a Director for Florida Realtors and the National Association of REALTORS.

Chandra has built her career and network on the belief in the power of being involved in not just your industry, but in your community. She talks about how engaging with your fellow agents, brokers, and larger industry and community leaders can provide invaluable experiences to elevate your own real estate business and connect with others. They also talk about how you can best be flexible and anticipate upcoming changes to real estate in a way that serves your business and clients in the long run.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

It’s important to be be flexible and open to change in the real estate industry
It might be time to have those tough conversations with sellers about offering concessions and compensation to buyer's brokers
Building authentic relationships with other Realtors is key to a success business
Get involved with the association's events and initiatives to cement yourself as an invaluable community resource

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Compass’s Mark McLaughlin on the firm’s quest for market growth

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Navigating the impending commission changes can feel confusing, frustrating, and downright impossible. However, it's not impossible.

Today on the RealTrending podcast, we spoke with Mark McLaughlin, the Chief Strategist of Compass. He originally joined Compass back in 2018 when the brokerage purchased his firm, Pacific Union for $80 million. He left the Company back in 2021 to pursue other ventures and then returned in June of 2023 as Chief Strategist.

In this episode, Tracey and Mark dive deep into how Compass is navigating the upcoming changes and what brokers and agents should be aware of as we move forward. Mark explains Compass's growth strategy, including the mixing of organic growth and M&A, and some of their other unique practices and upcoming developments.

These views and voice are of Mark A. McLaughlin and not necessarily Compass policy or opinion.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Agents need to be prepared for the upcoming August 17 deadline and the potential impact on their business practices.
Compass has a growth strategy focused on organic growth and M&A, and they are committed to providing a strong culture and fiscal discipline to support their agents.
Compass is developing a client dashboard that will provide clients with visibility into the home search and transaction process.
Agents should always be seeking opportunities to connect with and learn from others in the industry.

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Team Leader Rylie Schroeder on her ‘36 touchpoints’ relationship system

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, we sat down with Rylie Schroeder, an inspiring real estate professional and 2024 honoree of National Association of Realtors 30 Under 30. Rylie is the team lead of Schroeder & Co Real Estate of Compass, which practices out of Houston and Austin.

Rylie joins Tracey to discuss the importance of building and nurturing relationships and how she uses a successful 36-touch system for client connections. She also talks about lessons learned from a failed partnership and how both new and seasoned agents should be leveraging technology and social media.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Building relationships and nurturing the sphere of influence are key to success in real estate.
Joining a team can provide valuable support, training, and leads for new agents.
Using technology and staying up-to-date with industry changes are essential for remaining successful.
Focusing on branding, marketing, and providing a great client experience can set a team apart.
Expanding the team and making a positive impact in the industry are future goals for Rylie.

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C21 Broker Christine Hansen on NAR moving forward

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of RealTrending, we are joined by Christine Hansen, the broker-owner of Century 21 Hansen Realty, which has been serving the South Florida area for over 38 years. She is also the 2025 first vice president of the National Association of Realtors.

Today’s episode discussion focuses on what we can gain from not only our successes but also from our failures. Christine talks about the hardships and bankruptcy that she went through during the Great Recession, and what those experiences taught her about running her brokerage today. They also talk about the upcoming goals for NAR and its leadership team for the next year and the opportunities she sees for Realtors in this market

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The goals of the 2025 leadership team are to keep NAR at the forefront of advocacy efforts.
Realtors should showcase their value by communicating the challenges they overcome on behalf of buyers and sellers.
Self-care, positive mindset, and gratitude are essential for overcoming challenges and living a fulfilling life.
The future of real estate is in repurposing commercial spaces, and working towards affordability in home ownership.

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Coach Travis Robertson on navigating the buyer consultation

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week, we welcome Travis Robertson to the show! Travis is a real estate coach and the CEO of The Don’t Settle Group, a sales and executive training and coaching company.

Travis believes in the importance of treating real estate as a fully realized business, not just a practice or side hustle. He and Tracey talk about the need for agents to understand and communicate their value to clients and maintain a long term relationship with them outside of the business transaction. They also talk about marketing, strategies for staying ahead of trends, and how to navigate all of the impending policy and practice changes happening post-settlement,

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Treat real estate as a business and understand your value as an agent.
Set clear expectations with clients and communicate regularly to build strong relationships.
Stay informed about industry trends and adapt your strategies accordingly.
Utilize modern strategies such as advertising and lead acquisition for consistent and predictable income.

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Jason Mitchell on the power of B2B referrals

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s sponsored episode, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jason Mitchell, the founder and CEO of JMG Real Estate, one of the top mega teams on the 2024 RealTrends Verified Rankings. JMG is a B2B brokerage that works diligently with big brands to drive worthwhile business into their company and give their agents high-quality referrals.

Tracey and Jason talk about JMG’s strategy when building a network of referral partners and the careful consideration that they take when assessing not only the value that the agent brings to them but also the value that they bring to the agents. He also talks about policy changes, holding agents accountable for productivity goals, and managing relationships with large referral partners.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Providing value to agents and helping them build their book of business is crucial in the real estate industry.
Being consistent, proactive, and focused on providing value to clients leads to success.
Partnerships and relationships with organizations and decision-makers are key to generating referrals and growing a real estate business.
The real estate industry is evolving, and agents need to adapt by finding opportunities to work with teams or brokerages that can help them close more deals.
Being transactional and closing more deals leads to a larger client base and more opportunities for referrals.

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Howard Lorey on real estate consolidation and talent development

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we welcome Howard Lorey to the show! Howard is the Executive Vice President and Brokerage Manager of Nourmand & Associates with 24 years of real estate experience. He and his team at the LA-based Nourmand & Associates closed over 380 transactions this past year with a total sales volume of over $693 million to date.

Tracey and Howard discuss how he transitioned from being a professional musician to working under his father in real estate, and the interesting similarities he's found that have helped further his real estate career. They also talk about recruitment and training strategies, the future of agent compensation, and balancing pursuing consolidation and developing your existing assets.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Transitioning from a career in music to real estate requires a similar approach to branding and business development.
Attracting talent involves identifying underutilized or underappreciated individuals and offering personalized business development support.
Real estate will see more consolidation, streamlined transaction mechanics, and a continued focus on the agent-client relationship.
Leadership in real estate involves continuous learning, perpetual growth, and a focus on developing and retaining talented agents.

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Michelle Berman-Mikel says ditch your old Instagram methods and do this instead

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week, we are bringing you a fantastic chat with Michelle Berman-Mikel, the owner and founder of Berman Media PD and the developer behind a program called Beyond the Method, which teaches real estate professionals how to use Instagram in a way that helps them grow their business.

She and Tracey do a deep dive into how to use and leverage Instagram and other social media to turn superficial follower engagement into a full-blown lead-generation tool. Michelle has what she calls the “Four Pillars of Engagement” and gives some great insight into how to make and stick with meaningful Instagram content that will help you stand out.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Instagram is a powerful platform for real estate marketing, but many agents don’t use it to its potential.
The four pillars of success on Instagram include value series, testimonials, listing day, and lifestyle content.
Outbound prospecting is about creating opportunities and building relationships within the community.
The 'black line approach' is a strategy for success, inspired by Michelle's swimming career, and emphasizes focus, discipline, and trust in the process.

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The value of continuing agent education with Century 21’ Jim D’Amico

Mon, 27 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, we have a fantastic chat with Jim D’Amico, the CEO and president of Century 21 North East. Jim is a 2020 RealTrends Gamechanger, touting an impressive transaction growth rate of 179% between 2014 and 2018.

Jim shares the one small change that he made early in his career that led to massive growth in his professional and personal life. Jim also discusses his specific approach to acquisitions, the inherent value of continuing education for agents, and much more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Acquisitions have played a key role in the company's growth strategy, with a focus on cultural fit and opportunities that align with their goals.
It’s important to say ahead of industry changes and adapting to market dynamics.
Agent education is a top priority, with a focus on providing training and resources to help agents navigate industry changes and better serve their clients.
Personal setbacks often come with lessons, including the importance of humility and personal growth.
The future holds organic growth, attracting top agents, and continuing to provide resources and support for their team.

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NAHREP Founder Gary Acosta on how the NAR settlement impacts Latinos

Mon, 20 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode, we speak with the co-founder & CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), Gary Acosta. Gary is a real estate and mortgage entrepreneur, public policy advocate, investor, and advisor, who has served on boards for several Fortune 500 companies including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and JP Morgan Chase.

Tracey and Gary’s conversation focuses on Gary’s career passion: the health of Hispanic and Latino homebuyers in today’s market. They discuss the impact of the NAR settlement on Hispanic agents and homebuyers and how broker cooperation benefits first-time homebuyers. They also talk about takeaways from NAHREP’s State of Hispanic Homeownership Report and the priorities that NAHREP is focusing on as they see more opportunities in the changing market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The NAR settlement and potential changes to broker cooperation could have a disproportionate impact on Latino real estate agents and first-time homebuyers.
The Latino community has shown resiliency and has rising income and education levels, making them an important demographic for the real estate industry.
The NAHREP Homeownership Report highlights the increasing homeownership rate among Hispanics and their mobility to affordable markets.
NAHREP's priorities include housing affordability, access to credit, and diversity in the industry.
Opportunities in the real estate market lie in the changing dynamics of the industry, such as remote work and advancements in technology.

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Real’s Sharran Srivatsaa on his three secrets to brokerage growth

Mon, 13 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Today we welcome Sharran Srivatsaa, the president of Real, to the RealTrending podcast! Sharran joined Real in 2022 and has personally overseen the onboarding of over 13,000 agents while Real has moved up to #6 from #11 by transaction sides in the 2024 RealTrends Verified brokerage rankings. He brings over two decades of business and entrepreneurial experience to today’s conversation from several companies across the real estate, finance and technology sectors.

In today’s conversation with Tracey, he talks about Real’s strategic growth plan on a granular level, including his personal commitment to showing up for his agents even in the most unexpected of places. He also talks about how they’re navigating industry-wide changes amid the commission lawsuits, and how brokers can best provide building blocks for their agents to build out their unique businesses.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Deploying goodwill and generosity is a powerful strategy for growth in the real estate industry.
Showing up in unexpected places and staying true to the business model can create a sense of belonging and warmth.
Training agents to navigate upcoming changes in the industry is crucial for success.
Providing results in advance and being entrepreneur-centric can attract and retain agents.
Brokers should provide agents with building blocks to build their unique businesses.

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New eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja lays out the company’s priorities

Mon, 06 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of RealTrending, we talk to the newly appointed CEO of eXp Realty, Leo Pareja. He has over two decades of real estate and entrepreneurial experience, and it was just announced last month that Leo was to move from his role as Chief Strategy Officer into the role of CEO, which was previously held by Glenn Sanford. Sanford moves to Chairman of eXp Holdings.

In today’s conversation, Leo shares eXp’s plan for future growth, how they are educating agents on the terms of the NAR settlement and how technology at the company is evolving. He and Tracey talk about the importance of proper agent support systems, the challenges happening during the transition of compensation models, and how eXp is embracing generative technology to aid in long-term growth.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

There is a need for real estate agents to treat buyers and sellers as valued clients and provide full support throughout transactions.
There is a paradigm shift in the real estate industry with compensation models and technology adoption, and the lack thereof.
Embrace technology to stay ahead of industry trends, specifically the use of AI and generative language models to enhance processes.
Collaboration among agents is more important than you realize, and there are real benefits of proximity to successful peers.

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Jason Mitchell on the need for transparency and change in real estate

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of RealTrending, we welcome Jason Mitchell, the founder and president of the Jason Mitchell Group. In 2023, JMG had over 8500 transaction sides and almost $4.2 billion in transaction volume according to RealTrends verified data.

Jason offers insight into the impact of the NAR settlement on the industry as well as the lack of transparency in the settlement agreement. JMG’s model focuses not only on buyer leads from lender referrals, but also a lot of veteran buyers, which he believes will be much more negatively impacted by changes in the commission model. He also talks about the Real Estate Agent Pledge, a commitment to educating clients about cooperative compensation and promoting transparency in the industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The NAR settlement will require buyer-broker agreements, which can create more loyalty between consumers and agents.
The lack of transparency in the settlement, particularly regarding cooperative compensation, is a concern.
Low-income buyers, such as veterans and those using down payment assistance programs, may struggle to afford out-of-pocket fees.
The Real Estate Agent Pledge aims to educate clients about cooperative compensation and promote transparency in the industry.

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Christie’s co-CEOs on what’s trending in the luxury market

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of RealTrending, we welcome two industry figureheads: Thad Wong and Mike Golden, the co-CEOs of Christie's International Real Estate and founders of @properties. Thad and Mike have been in business together for 27 years and are an extraordinary duo.

During the conversation, the two talk about their business arrangements and how they’ve managed to get along after almost three decades. They also talk about some insights gleaned from Christie’s recent luxury real estate report, including the rise of luxury markets in university towns, Gen-Z buying trends, and long-term strategies to adapt to an evolving market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

University towns are becoming hotspots for luxury real estate due to the presence of educated populations, vibrant culture, and better quality of life
Gen Z buyers prioritize eco-friendly features and low maintenance living, and Christie's is adapting its offerings and marketing to meet these preferences
Malta and Nicaragua are attractive emerging markets for luxury real estate investment due to factors like foreign ownership visa programs and affordability
Adapting to industry trends and staying ahead requires being nimble, taking risks, and focusing on the client's needs and preferences

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CB Affiliates Jason Waugh on how today’s leadership challenges work as opportunities

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

In today’s episode of RealTrending, we welcome Jason Waugh, the President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Affiliates, who, despite just recently starting in this position some eight months ago, brings to the table many years of brokerage experience at another brand.

Waugh talks a lot about the importance of empathy and understanding, specifically when it comes to the challenges of making tough decisions that may negatively impact people but are necessary for the long-term success of the organization. He also talks about their growth-driving strategies used to unify the franchise and company-owned sides as they work on becoming the premier provider of home ownership and commercial real estate services.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Empathy and understanding are crucial for leaders in the real estate industry to support brokers and sales professionals.
Making tough decisions that may negatively impact people is necessary for the success of the organization.
Collaboration between the franchise and company-owned sides of a real estate organization is essential for unity and success.
The future of real estate leadership will continue to prioritize relationships and human involvement.

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DeLeon Realty’s Mike Repka on the firm’s salaried agent model

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the RealTrending podcast, we welcome Michael Repka, the CEO and managing broker of DeLeon Realty, a Palo Alto-based brokerage with a unique business model of salaried agents.

In this conversation, Mike and Tracey talk about DeLeon’s brokerage model and its place in the market post-NAR commission lawsuit settlement, as well as scalability and sustainability of the salaried agent model. They also talk about what the future holds for buyer’s agents and what agents need to do to demonstrate their value to consumers.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

DeLeon Realty is structured differently from traditional brokerages, with all agents being salaried and the commission going to the buyer's side.
Value-added services, such as providing legal and contractor support, can set a brokerage apart and offer additional value to clients.
The recent NAR settlement may lead to the emergence of new business models and services.
Buyer's agents may need to demonstrate their value and offer unique services to justify their commission.
The future of buyer's agents may involve a shift towards a more a la carte approach and specialized services.

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ERA leader Alex Vidal on agent coaching strategies

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sat down with Alex Vidal, the president of ERA Real Estate. Today’s conversation is all about mindset, leadership, and challenging yourself with both personal and career goals. They discuss the power of positive thinking, and he shares his coaching strategies for helping agents develop a positive mindset and master their goals. He also discusses his vision for the future of ERA Real Estate and the real estate industry at large.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Mindset is a key factor in real estate success. Agents can work on their mindset just like they work on their physical fitness.
Practicing gratitude and positive affirmations can help agents maintain a positive mindset.
Grit is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving goals in real estate.
Leaders should focus on helping agents see the opportunities in the industry and develop deep, meaningful connections with clients.
ERA Real Estate aims to become a brand that agents and broker-owners are raving fans of, setting an example for the rest of the industry.

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KW Maps Coach Craig Goodliffe offers strategies for commission conversations

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the RealTrending podcast, we are joined by Craig Goodliffe, KW Maps coach and the founder and CEO of Cyberbacker, a company that provides administrative support and virtual assistant services to real estate firms.

Craig and Tracey talk about the misconceptions and misinformation plaguing consumer perceptions of commissions, the comission lawsuit and subsequent settlements, as well as strategies for agents to engage in transparent commission conversations with clients. He also discusses current opportunities that he sees in the market and industry and the significance of education and financing options.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Consumers and agents are confused about the settlement and how commissions are paid.
Agents should accurately explain the value of commissions and the services they provide to buyers.
Buyer agents should focus on understanding client needs and setting clear expectations. Listing agents should emphasize the benefits of higher commissions in attracting more buyers.
Agents should educate themselves on financing options and affordability to better serve their clients.

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Broker Jill Butler on talent development in the face of industry challenges

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the RealTrending podcast, we are joined by Jill Butler, founder of Red Key Realty Leaders, who discusses her business model, services offered, growth strategy, and the importance of culture and recruiting.

She emphasizes the importance of transparency and agent’s value add to clients, mastering talent development, and her excitement for the future of the real estate industry

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Transparency and communication are key in the real estate industry, both with clients and within the brokerage.
Building a strong culture and recruiting agents who align with the company's core values is crucial for success.
Adapting to market changes and challenges requires strong leadership and a focus on the company's vision.
Investing in talent development and providing excellent customer service can lead to growth and success in the industry.

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Industry Expert Steve Murray on the implications of NAR’s commission lawsuit settlement

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0000

We are dropping a breaking news episode in your feed today as Steve Murray of RTC Consulting joins us to discuss an important update in the class action commission lawsuits brought by home sellers across the nation.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has settled for $418 million and will make several policy changes, pending court approval. This proposed settlement has several implications for the real estate industry, including the removal of compensation offers from the MLS. Murray talks about the potential for more commission compression as well as the possibilities for new business models, additional brokerage services and the future of NAR and state associations.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The settlement in the class action commission case has several implications for the real estate industry, including changes to compensation offers.
The settlement opens up possibilities for new business models, with big brokers having an advantage.
The billions in savings for homebuyers is a myth. Murray explains why it will not lower home prices.
The settlement is seen as a significant development in the industry but it remains to be seen how it impacts the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) concerns over offers of broker compensation.

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Josh Team on SERHANT.’s high-risk, high-reward growth plan

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of RealTrending, Josh Team, President of SERHANT., joins us to share his journey and how his perspective has changed since he had a heart attack after leaving Keller Williams that left him near death. Three years after his heart attack, where he spent time being a dad and husband through recovery, he’s back in the industry.

He discusses the changing landscape of the real estate industry, the opportunities it presents, and how new market horizons fit into growth strategies for SERHANT., including personalized training and leveraging AI tools. Make no mistake, Team is ready to help Ryan Serhant rapidly expand the company nationally while taking big risks to do so.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Unexpected life events can lead to massive perspective changes and a reevaluation of priorities and goals.
The real estate industry is going through a changing of the guard, with new models and value being created.
Collaboration and data-driven decision-making are crucial for success in leadership.
Personalized training and leveraging AI can help agents focus on their strengths and provide more value to clients.

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Scott Wright on M&A and brokerage valuation trends

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the RealTrending podcast, we are joined by Scott Wright, a partner with RTC Consulting, the premier consulting firm for brokerage mergers and acquisitions, and business valuations for teams and brokerages. They've been collecting brokerage and team benchmarking data for the past 12 years.

Tracey and Scott cover the upcoming Dealmakers Conference and talk about the importance of benchmarking data on brokerage operations, including trends that they’re seeing in brokerage expenses, gross margin and how firms are valued. They also explore some of the innovative services brokers can adopt to enhance value and productivity, and talk about recent market dynamics and M&A trends.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Occupancy and personnel costs are the largest expenses for brokerages, and reducing these costs can significantly impact profitability.
Brokers can boost their value by adding creative services, increasing productivity, and focusing on scale.
Teams can have value beyond a referral fee by developing business systems and focusing on equity value.
Benchmarking data is crucial for understanding how a brokerage is performing relative to its peers.
Managing expenses is important, but recruiting and developing agents should be a priority for long-term success.

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Mark Johnson: The mistakes brokers are making with recruiting and retention

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of the RealTrending podcast, we are joined by Mark Johnson, the co-founder of Co-Recruit Systems and a business partner in Third Pool Recruiting Systems. He is an industry veteran and also was the former brand president and CEO of JPAR Real Estate company-owned stores, and under his leadership, they grew nearly five times.

In today’s episode, he discusses the stark difference between simply recruiting and attracting talent, emphasizing the importance of company culture in attracting and retaining worthwhile agents. Mark also discusses the use of artificial intelligence in recruiting and the importance of focusing on productivity in the current market. Plus, find out the newest twist on recruiting trends.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Recruiting is more about selling, while talent attraction is about branding and attracting agents to the brokerage's culture.
Culture is a key factor in attracting and retaining agents, and it is important to communicate the culture authentically to prospective agents.
Retention is a form of recruiting, and investing in existing agents can lead to increased productivity and referrals.
Events that allow agents to experience the brokerage's culture are effective in both talent attraction and retention.
The use of artificial intelligence and data analysis can help identify agents who are more likely to move or be successful.
Time management and prioritization are crucial for success in recruiting and talent attraction.
Getting closer to agents and providing value and support are essential for building strong relationships and retaining talent.

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RE/MAX Founder Dave Liniger on successes, failures and lessons learned

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of RealTrending, Dave Liniger, co-founder and chairman of the board of RE/MAX, joins us to discuss his longstanding real estate career, his new book 'The Perfect Ten' and shares insights on leadership and success in the real estate industry.

Liniger shares his most impactful leadership lessons and how his failures have informed his success. He shares personal stories and talks about the use of the 'Perfect 10' score in measuring brokerage satisfaction. Liniger stresses the importance of communication, determination, and leadership adaptability for achieving success. He also goes into the many changes in the real estate industry over the years and the challenges faced by agents of the future.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The 'Perfect 10' score measures customer satisfaction and loyalty in the real estate industry.
Effective communication and leadership are crucial for success in business.
Grit, determination, and resilience are key qualities for achieving success.
Successful leaders are adaptable, loyal to their team, and prioritize the success of the whole over individual achievements.

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One broker’s journey transitioning from a traditional to a transaction fee model

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode of RealTrending, Jerry Holden, founder of THA Brands, shares his journey of transitioning from a traditional brokerage model to a 100% commission transaction fee-based model. He discusses the challenges he faced in gaining recognition and credibility in the industry and how he overcame them. Jerry also highlights the importance of coaching and training in boosting agent productivity and shares his unique approach of paying agents to train. Jerry emphasizes the significance of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction in driving growth.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Transitioning to a new business model can be challenging but can lead to increased agent retention and growth.
Coaching and training programs can significantly improve agent productivity and success.
Paying agents to train and providing accountability measures can enhance training effectiveness.
Owning affiliated mortgage and title companies can provide additional income streams and improve customer experience.
Continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and hard work are key to success in the real estate industry.

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Michael LaFido on how to remove limiting beliefs and build your luxury real estate business

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Real Trending podcast, luxury property specialist Michael LaFido provides insights into the trends shaping the luxury market. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for the market and offers tips for finding hidden inventory. LaFido also gives a sneak preview of his upcoming book, 'Secrets of Top Luxury Agents,' and discusses the significance of personal branding. He shares his most impactful aha moments and highlights the opportunities for growth in the luxury real estate sector, including breaking into luxury as a new agent.

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REcolorado CEO Gene Millman on today’s MLS value proposition

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In this sponsored episode of the RealTrending Podcast, host Tracey Velt interviews Gene Millman, the President and CEO of REcolorado. They discuss the importance of partnerships and collaboration in the MLS industry, as well as the need to adapt to changes in the real estate industry.

What does the future hold for the MLS? Millman talks about where he is seeing innovation, how important data protection and security are and where opportunities lie. Millman shares impactful moments and pivots in his career, and concludes by discussing the future of REcolorado.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Partnerships and collaborations are essential in the MLS industry to provide a comprehensive and trusted real estate marketplace.
Adapting to changes in the industry, both legal and economic, is crucial for the success of MLSs and their subscribers.
The future of MLS lies in embracing innovation and technology, particularly in terms of data management and providing a seamless experience for subscribers.
Data protection and security are top priorities for MLSs, and they must ensure the responsible use and protection of subscriber data.
MLSs have opportunities to enhance their value proposition by focusing on the needs of their subscribers and providing choice in services.
Impactful moments and pivots in a career can lead to valuable insights and improvements in the MLS industry.

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Coach Julie Harris on creative ways to find inventory

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Real Trending podcast, Tracey Velt interviews Julie Harris, co-founder of Tim and Julie Harris Coaching. Harris has deep insights into what agents are struggling with right now (inventory!) and offers solid ways to find more listings.

She also explores trends in the industry, such as the value of expanding one's center of influence and emphasizes the importance of focusing on fewer, more meaningful goals and breaking them down into daily and weekly tasks. By whittling down weekly goals and consistently taking proactive actions, agents can make significant progress in their business. Julie shares pivotal moments in her career and offers three to-dos for agents to change their business.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

The lack of inventory is a major challenge for real estate agents, but being proactive and creative in finding inventory can lead to success.
Real estate commission lawsuits are causing uncertainty in the industry, but agents can navigate this by being more professional and transparent in their buyer representation.
The most successful agents are those who are proactive, stay educated, and focus on expanding their center of influence.
Pivotal moments in a real estate career can include making strategic pivots, such as targeting luxury markets or returning to basics that have proven to work in the past.
To change their business, agents should focus on generating new business daily, staying educated, and expanding their center of influence. Focus on fewer, more meaningful goals and break them down into daily and weekly tasks.
Consistently take proactive actions to make progress in your real estate business.
Invest in personal development and maintain a healthy lifestyle for overall success.
Whittling down weekly goals helps agents stay focused and avoid overwhelm.

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Transaction-fee brokerage leader on how they refocused recruiting

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Real Trending Podcast, Tracey Velt interviews Steven Barks, the president and COO of Worth Clark Realty, a transaction fee brokerage. When Barks joined the company, they had 5 licensed salespeople. Now, they have 1,200.

Barks talks about myths about transaction fee services and explains how a focus on recruiting the right agent has helped the brokerage break even in the difficult 2023 housing market. They also explore the use of AI in real estate and the opportunities for brokerage leaders in the industry. Steven shares his aha moment and the lessons he has learned in running a RealTrends 500 brokerage.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Worth Clark Realty offers a flexible, transaction fee business model that allows agents to vary their service offerings and charge their clients accordingly.
The use of AI in real estate is growing, but the adoption rate among agents is still relatively low. However, tools like AI writing assistants can help agents save time and improve their marketing efforts.
Brokerage leaders should focus on providing value to their agents and helping them understand the unique value they offer to clients. Building strong relationships and communication with agents is key to success.
The future of Worth Clark Realty involves expanding their market footprint, exploring alternative ways to represent clients, and continuing to provide value to their agents through tools and services.

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Renee Mueller on restructuring her brokerage, expanding core services

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Renee Mueller, President and Co-founder of Elite Real Estate Systems, and her leadership team made a huge leap over the past three years as they reorganized the company and expanded core services. The goal of the reorganization was to make the company more sticky and provide better investment opportunities for agents.

Now, the company fully owns all of its core services, has a structured ownership model for its C-suite and is working on an ESOP. Mueller highlights the challenges faced during the reorganization process and the importance of hiring the right people. She also discusses the impact of commission lawsuits on the real estate industry and how the company is preparing for changes. Find out her lessons learned during the process.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Hiring the right people and focusing on the agents' needs were key challenges during the reorganization process.
The company is preparing for changes in the real estate industry, including the impact of commission lawsuits.
The use of AI has helped the company save money and improve operational efficiency.
The future plans for Elite Real Estate Systems include expanding to more states and partnering with teams and brokerages.

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Keller Williams CEO Mark Willis on leading through challenging times

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In today’s RealTrending, we speak with Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams. After serving as CEO of Keller Williams through some high-growth years for the company, Willis stepped down in 2015. Now, he’s back in leadership in his second stint as CEO and is ready to lead the company through some challenging times.

Willis shares his leadership lessons learned, his love of helping others succeed, and the importance of building strong teams. Willis gets personal about his love for University of Texas Austin football and, on a more serious note, he opens up about personal experiences and the foundation he created in honor of his late wife.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

Keller Williams is designed to thrive during challenging economic periods.
The company focuses on training and consulting to support agents and help them grow their businesses.
Leadership is about serving others and making intentional decisions.
Keller Williams is dedicated to building strong teams and providing value to their agents.
Mark emphasizes the importance of personal growth and learning from failures.

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MyStateMLS leader Dawn Pfaff on the future of MLSs

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Believe it or not, there will be winners when it comes to the commission lawsuit outcomes. That's the crux of our conversation with Dawn Pfaff, president of MyStateMLS, a nationwide MLS that is not affiliated with any Realtor board. Pfaff shares her opinions on the value of the MLS (Realtor affiliated or not), what the future might look like and the mistakes many brokers and agents make when it comes to protecting their data.

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Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today's RealTrending, we feature Jonathan Spears, founder of Spears Group with Compass in Destin, Florida. His team is ranked No. 16 medium-sized teams by sales volume on the RealTrends + Tom Ferry 2023 The Thousand.

Spears chose a career in real estate at age 18 and went into it with a specific business plan. Part of that plan continues today in how he tracks key performance indicators. Rather than make it difficult, he simplifies the process with his agents. "I would love to say that our system is complex and proprietary, but it's not. I tell my team that there are only two KPIs to track in order to be successful and they're both related to relationships," he says.

Find out more about Spears's business practices, what those two KPIs are, and how he is moving his business forward in today's market.

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Real estate stalwart Steve Murray on the current class-action commission lawsuit

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today's special edition of RealTrending, we feature Steve Murray, partner with RTC Consulting and a senior advisor to HousingWire. Steve has served as an expert witness on numerous antitrust and other real estate cases over the years. He shares his analysis of the Sitzer Burnett class action commission case based on his years of experience in the industry. Not only that but he highlights the actions real estate brokerage leaders must take today to prepare no matter what the outcome.

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Top team leader Bonneau Ansley on how he is redefining real estate success

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today's RealTrending, we speak with Bonneau Ansley, team leader of Ansley Real Estate and a partner with Christie's International Real Estate in Atlanta. Ansley recognized early that school was not for him and figured out that his strengths lie in entrepreneurship. From his first business selling tee shirts his freshman year in college to his current position as a RealTrends + Tom Ferry The Thousand team leader, Ansley capitalized on these strengths to build a bustling real estate business. He outlined that success in his book, "Brokering Billions," and shares some of his secrets today.

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Luxury influencer Dina Goldentayer shares the path from rentals to luxury

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today's RealTrending, Douglas Elliman's Dina Goldentayer shares the strategies and lessons she's learned moving from rentals to becoming the No. 21 individual agent by sales volume in the RealTrends + Tom Ferry The Thousand.

Goldentayer is not afraid of hard work and saying no to opportunities that don't fit. More than that, she's built a huge Instagram audience by focusing on being authentic and informative. She shares her success strategies and offers a framework for building a luxury business.

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United Real Estate Gallery leaders talk about low-fee models and commission lawsuit prep

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today's RealTrending, United Real Estate Gallery CEO Ray Rivera and President Sonny Downey share their perspective on the commission lawsuits. Sonny is a past president of his local MLS and Ray is the incoming 2024 president, so they have a unique view of how things may shake out.

Ray and Sonny also discuss how low-fee brokerage models are able to scale so quickly and offer services to agents, and how traditional brokers have a misguided perspective of the model.

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HousingWire Annual is where the community from across the housing ecosystem comes together to share strategies, drive business, discover new technologies, discuss best practices, and meet industry leaders. Our agenda is power packed with content to propel your company to the next level and connect you with the industry playmakers. Click here to learn more!

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today's RealTrending, we speak with Grant Muller of Grant Muller Team of Compass.

Grant’s team is ranked No. 66 by transaction sides and No. 84 by sales volume in Colorado in the small team category of the 2023 RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals and Teams.

Grant talks about his strategy for finding success in any market and that is by building relationships. He discusses his ideas for conversation starters that go beyond, "Do you know anyone who wants to buy or sell a house?" He also offers tips on figuring out what activities are authentic to who you are, so you can stop the door knocking and focus on what feels good to you. Finding that and building your prospecting around it will truly change your business.

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Nick Bailey and Dan Duffy go head to head on brokerage tech

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today's RealTrending, RE/MAX CEO & President Nick Bailey and United Real Estate Holdings CEO Dan Duffy offer a peek into their decisions to buy, build or partner for their brokerage technology platform.

For Bailey, making the decision to let go of in-house tech to go outside made sense for the firm. Duffy, on the other hand, says that their firm is better for building a tech platform. Regardless, both do partner on some components.

Listen in as the two have a friendly point, counterpoint discussion on why they feel their strategic decisions help them run a more profitable brokerage. There are always multiple ways to go about running a brokerage firm, what's best for one might not be in the DNA of another.

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KW Mega Team Leader Laurie Reader talks lead gen strategies

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today's RealTrending, we speak with Laurie Finkelstein Reader, team leader of the Laurie Finkelstein Reader Team at Keller Williams in Florida. Her mega team has ranked No. 40 by transaction sides and No. 45 by sales volume in the Mega Team category of the 2023 RealTrends + Tom Ferry The Thousand agent and team rankings.

Laurie shares her lessons learned as her team evolved into a teamerage and her success strategies for lead generation. She also talks capture rates for her in-house title partnership and her plans to launch mortgage and expand her team into other markets.

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Douglas Elliman's Frances Katzen on learning how to lead

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today’s RealTrending podcast, we talk to Frances Katzen, an agent and team leader of The Katzen Team with Douglas Elliman in New York City. A former prima ballerina, Frances had to learn how to move from a natural-born salesperson to a leader when she started building her team. Perfectionism was expected in ballet and ingrained in her from an early age find out how she balances that mindset and found success when she started letting go.

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KW's Matt Brown shares secrets to organic brokerage growth

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending features Matt Brown, CEO of Keller Williams Elite Realty in Owensboro, Kentucky. Brown was named a 2023 RealTrends GameChanger due to his firm's 334% growth over the past five years by transaction side percentage.

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending features Mauricio Umansky, CEO of The Agency, and author of his new book, “The Dealmaker.” Umansky discusses his company’s strategic growth plan, how he’s overcome adversity to build his company and offers his view of current industry trends.

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RealTrends Agent and Team Rankings are now open! Submit here before April 14th to be featured in the industry's trusted rankings program.

Logan Mohtashami's insights on the U.S. dollar and the impact on housing

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In today's episode of RealTrending, Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst for HousingWire talks all things economy. He offers his insights on the potential fall of the U.S. dollar and the potential impact on housing. He also discusses HousingWire's weekly Housing Market Tracker, interest rates, the Fed's questionable actions and what he sees coming in the next three months. His economic update as it relates to housing is second to none and Logan's been featured on CNBC and NPR.

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RealTrends Agent and Team Rankings are now open! Submit here before April 14th to be featured in the industry's trusted rankings program.

Russ Cofano on artificial intelligence in real estate marketing

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending features Russ Cofano, CEO of Collabra Technology, a digital marketing technology and analytics firm. Russ has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in nearly all facets of the real estate industry, including brokerage, technology, MLS, associations and affiliated businesses.

We speak to Russ about trends in real estate marketing, the pros and cons of artificial intelligence like ChatGPT and specifics about how agents can succeed in today's uncertain market.

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RealTrends Agent and Team Rankings are now open! Submit here before April 14th to be featured in the industry's trusted rankings program.

Pacaso's Austin Allison on prop tech innovation

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending features Austin Allison, founder of Pacaso, a co-ownership model that allows people to own a second home at 1/8 of the cost. Austin shares his insights on prop-tech innovation surrounding financing, talks about what's next for Pacaso and shares where he sees the opportunity in today's market.

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RealTrends Agent and Team Rankings are now open! Submit here before April 14th to be featured in the industry's trusted rankings program.

Lennox Scott on how each generation of leaders innovates

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features J. Lennox Scott, president of John L. Scott Real Estate in Washington. Scott is the third generation of leaders of the company, and his daughter is in line to become the fourth generation. Scott talks about how each generation innovated and built on the success of the company. He offers his lessons learned in succession planning, the role of artificial intelligence in real estate and where he sees the most opportunity in today’s market.

The company is No. 17 by sales volume and No. 27 by transaction sides in the 2023 RealTrends 500 brokerage rankings and a member of the Billionaire’s Club.

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RealTrends Agent and Team Rankings are now open! Submit here before April 14th to be featured in the industry's trusted rankings program.

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin on his firm's next steps

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On today's RealTrending, Compass CEO and Founder Robert Reffkin talks next stops for his brokerage. The firm was recently listed No. 1 in sales volume for the second year in a row on the 2023 RealTrends 500 brokerage rankings.

While it's been a difficult year, Robert is busy reinforcing the culture of the firm through in-person visits and a back-to-the-office mentality. We talk to Robert about his business strategy moving forward, what's in store for his firm's technology platform and where he would consider opening franchise offices.

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RealTrends Agent and Team Rankings are now open! Submit here before April 14th to be featured in the industry's trusted rankings program.

Jose Medina on running a successful teamerage

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending features Jose Medina, team leader of Jose Medina & Associates of Keller Williams Legacy Group Realty. Medina was named a 2021 RealTrends GameChanger due to the firm's 435% growth in transaction side percentage between 2016 and 2020.

Now, in addition to running two brokerages, Medina leads a successful teamerage, powered by Impact. Impact is a solution for brokerage so they can have a teamerage division inside of their normal brokerage operations.

Medina shares his lessons learned running a teamerage, explains exactly what his business model looks like, and shares his lead generation secrets.

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RealTrends Agent and Team Rankings are now open! Submit here before April 14th to be featured in the industry's trusted rankings program.

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The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Real Estate One's Dan Elsea on flexibility in brokerage business model

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending podcast features Dan Elsea, president of Real Estate One, a RealTrends 500 brokerage. Elsea's company is in its fourth generation of family leaders. Elsea and his broker Stuart have led through many different housing markets and seen new competitors come into the business. The key to success, says Dan, is to be flexible in your business model and services that you offer.

Dan discusses how his company and business model have evolved over the years, how they are open to experimenting with agent compensation and consumer services and the flexibility he thinks is required to remain competitive in today's real estate world.

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RealTrends Agent and Team Rankings are now open! Submit here before April 14th to be featured in the industry's trusted rankings program.

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Real's Tamir Poleg on lessons learned scaling rapidly

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending features Tamir Poleg, CEO of The Real Brokerage. Poleg founded the brokerage in 2014 and went public in 2020. The firm is now up to 9,000 real estate agents and growing rapidly.

According to Poleg, in January 2023, they added 1,000 agents. But, with rapid growth comes challenges scaling company culture and systems to meet the needs to agents.

Poleg discusses his lessons learned, how he had to rebuild his technology platform in eight months and where he sees the most opportunity for brokers to gain market share in today's climate.

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RealTrends Brokerage Rankings submissions are now open! Submit before March 3rd to have your firm featured in the industry's trusted rankings program. https://www.realtrends.com/real-trends-500/

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Patrick MacQueen talks legal best practices for brokers and agents

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

On today's RealTrending podcast, host Tracey Velt, senior director of data and content for HWMedia, talks to Patrick MacQueen, a real estate attorney and founder of Medalist Legal in Arizona.

MacQueen discusses the top mistakes agents and brokers make with independent contractor agreements and franchise agreements. He'll go over best practices, what should be addressed in each contract, and the most overlooked areas that could mean legal complications down the road.

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Windermere's OB Jacobi talks brokerage tech shifts

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

In this edition of the RealTrending podcast, OB Jacobi, president of family-owned Windermere Real Estate in Seattle shares his thoughts on generational succession planning. The lessons he and his family learned from the second generation are being put into play as the third generation of Windermere family members enter the business.

Jacobi, who worked to create Moxi Works, before spinning it off into a separate company discusses brokerage technology collaboration, what the next iteration of innovation might look like, mistakes brokers make when building or implementing a tech platform and more.

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Cole Slate on authentic recruiting and attracting agents

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending features Cole Slate, broker-owner of Slate Real Estate in Jacksonville, Florida. Slate doesn't believe in recruiting. Instead, he believes in attracting the right agent for his culture.

"It's important that we and our agents are doing this for the right reasons," he said. What are those reasons? They all revolve around helping people in the community, whether it's through appreciation events for crossing guards, first responders and teachers, or helping buyers and sellers. Slate offers his best practices on community engagement and agent attraction.

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Zillow’s Chief Economist on how to talk to home buyers and sellers about the market

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Skylar Olsen, chief economist for Zillow. In this fast-paced podcast, Skylar shares her predictions for the housing market and offers dialogue that real estate agents can use when speaking to buyers and sellers.

Whether you’re working with buyers who are on the fence or sellers not sure how to time the market, Skylar has the info you need to move them along.

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Dan Amdur on iBuying for the senior demographic

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Dan Amdur, CEO of Moving Station, a company that specializes in senior relocation and offers a QuickBuy iBuying solution as a value-add.

Amdur discusses iBuying, the mistakes made in the past and how iBuying is best done in partnership with real estate agents. He also discusses trends in the senior market and how to better serve this demographic through concierge services.

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NAREB’s Lydia Pope on creating Black generational wealth through homeownership

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

In today’s RealTrending podcast, we speak with Lydia Pope, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers about how the organization is educating Black high school and college students on how to create generational wealth through homeownership.

We go over Black homeownership statistics, advocacy, proposed changes in loan level pricing and more in this informative and eye opening podcast.

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Altos Research’s Mike Simonsen talks 2023 housing market trends

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

In this week's edition of RealTrending we welcome Mike Simonsen, founder of Altos Research to offer a real-time look at the 2023 housing market. He uncovers potential trends and reveals the one thing that could turn the market around for the positive.

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The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Anthony Marguleas on lead generation tactics for agents and teams

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Anthony Marguleas, broker/owner of Amalfi Estates, a Side partner, in Pacific Palisades, California. Marguleas shares his success strategies from his 29 years of real estate experience. From creating inventory through a texting lead generation platform to setting door-knocking goals — in a luxury market! — Marguleas takes relationship building to the next level.

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RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Pinnacle Realty Advisors’ CEO on brokerage as a service business model

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Sam Sawyer, CEO of Pinnacle Realty Advisors. Working in both the real estate side as a founding agent with Compass in Dallas, and then with a FinTech mortgage start up, Sawyer had an idea to flip the traditional real estate model on its head.

Sawyer discusses the death of today’s traditional real estate model, how he views brokerage as a service and reinventing the brokerage relationship with the agent.

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This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Side’s Guy Gal on trends in the team business model

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Side Real Estate co-founder Guy Gal. Side is expanding quickly despite the market headwinds.

Gal discusses the future of teams, how team business models are changing, the trends he’s seeing with boutique models and what his company is doing to move the industry forward.

eXp Founder Glenn Sanford on new initiatives and agent success

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features eXp Holding Founder Glenn Sanford on how his brokerage is managing the downturn and the new wellness initiatives he recently rolled out through is SUCCESS magazine platform

Sanford gets personal about his own wellness journey and why it’s so important for real estate agents to have access to wellness advice and care to find balance in today’s burn-out heavy industry.

Coldwell Banker's Ryan Gorman on setting brokerage priorities

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Coldwell Banker's CEO Ryan Gorman on managing operating costs and setting brokerage priorities in an uncertain market. Plus, he discusses lessons learned through past brokerage shifts and offers strategies for determining what to keep and what goes.

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This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Analyst Logan Mohtashami’s 2023 housing market outlook

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features HousingWire Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami. Logan digs into the housing market data on pricing, days on market, inventory and demographics to give real estate professionals a real-time look at what’s happening today and how that will play out in the market in 2023.

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This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Dr. Lee Davenport on prospecting by personality

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Dr. Lee Davenport, a real estate coach and author specializing in helping real estate professionals grow and teaching others about fair housing.

Dr. Lee talks about the science behind personalities and how to tailor your real estate prospecting to your personality. For example, certain personalities are great at cold calling and door knocking, but for others, those activities are stressful. Spoiler alert: Not all real estate agents are outgoing extroverts! Dr. Lee helps you figure out your personality type and provides real-life examples of activities suited to you.

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This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Brokerage leaders, here’s where to focus to grab market share and thrive

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Scott Wright, partner with RTC Consulting and co-author of the RealTrends Brokerage Benchmark 10-year Report, which specializes in real estate brokerage valuations, mergers and acquisitions and consulting.

Wright reveals some new benchmarking data that can help brokers manage operating expenses in today’s market. Plus, he reveals the three business activities that will make the biggest difference for success in the coming year. Hint: Brokers should be looking for local opportunities and walkovers. Plus, he discusses how real estate brokerage deal terms and valuations are changing.

This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Leadership expert Robert Kennedy III on telling your story to build relationships

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Robert Kennedy III, leadership expert and founder of Kennetik Kommunications. He’ll be in Orlando next week to speak at the National Association of Realtors.

Real estate is all about relationships and it’s time to change your mindset from transaction to relational. Kennedy shares his tips for coming up with the dialogue to tell your story in a meaningful way and how to boost your listing presentation in this insightful podcast.

This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Florida real estate leader on preparing for tomorrow’s market

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Casey Bryan, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group with over 900 agents in Tampa, Florida and surrounding areas. Bryan was also named a RealTrends Emerging Leader, an award for leaders under the age of 45 who are making an impact in the real estate industry.

Bryan joined the company, founded by Dewey Mitchell and Allen Crumbley, and learned quite a few lessons transitioning into leadership with the pair.

She talks about that transition with RealTrends’ Editorial Director Tracey Velt, as well as how the brokerage is preparing for tomorrow’s market and how they are shifting their focus to new lines of revenue and agent training.

What’s really happening in today’s real estate market?

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Dave Childers, president of Keeping Current Matters. Childers talks to RealTrends’ Editorial Director Tracey Velt about today’s housing market.

The biggest question on many minds is what will happen with home prices over the next year? Will they lose value, are we about to see a crash in the real estate market? The bottom line is that the majority of experts are forecasting homes to appreciate in 2023, just at a much slower pace. The issue is some have called for depreciation, and they are getting the most attention.

Childers talks about what’s really happening in the market and how real estate professionals and leaders can use today’s market as a springboard to success.

This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Learn from the small broker who gets nearly 100% agent adoption of his in-house tech platform

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Sean Frank, founder and CEO of Mainframe Real Estate in Central Florida. Frank’s 78-agent boutique brokerage is small but mighty. That’s because he’s built an in-house transaction management platform that has about a 100% agent adoption rate.

“The great thing about our tech is that it's not optional [for agents] as it guides them through everything [from contract to marketing to close.] They use it to check out their yard signs and the transaction is managed through it, so adoption has never been an issue,” says Frank.

This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

Power buyer, iBuyer offer acceptance down but outlook is overall positive

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Stefan Peterson, co-founder and chief data offers of zavvie, a white label marketplace solution that connects broker-agents and their clients with verified buyers offering new ways to buy and sell homes.

Peterson goes over a recent study on the future of the modern marketplace, including iBuyers, power buyers, listings concierge and homeownership accelerators. While offer acceptance and accepted price is down, Peterson is positive there is a place in the market for iBuyers and power buyers.

This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

44-year real estate vet offers sage advice to handle mortgage rate conversations

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Alexis Bolin, broker-associate with The Bolin Team of Keller Williams Gulf Coast in Pensacola, Florida. In her 44 years in real estate, she's seen all kinds of markets, including 18% mortgage rates.

In her authentic and straight-forward manner, she provides dialogue that agents can use when working with buyers and sellers in today's market. Her sage advice will help real estate professionals navigate any situation with logic and humor.

This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

RealTrending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.

This Google-backed brokerage built a digital real estate assistant to drive business

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Bobby Bryant, CEO and co-founder of Doss, a real estate brokerage and technology company that offers a flex model and an artificial intelligence assistant. Doss is a Google Start Up company and recently received funding from Amazon, as well.

This episode is sponsored by Keeping Current Matters. Keeping Current Matters makes it easy to be the market expert so you can spend more time on what matters most: your clients. Check them out here.

EmpowerHome CEO on the lead pillars that drive her team's success

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Sarah Reynolds, CEO of EmpowerHome, a real estate industry solutions provider supporting Realtors, mega teams, and core services companies. Sarah talks about her unique business model and the lead pillars that drive her success.

Spencer Rascoff on real estate tech and threats to the traditional brokerage model

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Spencer Rascoff, founder of Pacaso, Hotwire and Zillow among other companies. Rascoff is also the CEO of 75 & Sunny, an investment company. Rascoff discusses the next wave of real estate technology as well as the challenges ahead for the traditional brokerage model.

The Agency's Rainy Hake Austin on brand consistency as they grow

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Rainy Hake Austin, president of The Agency. Rainy discusses how their boutique-feel brokerage is able to scale that model using brand consistency.

United Real Estate's Rick Haase on acquisitions and lessons learned building an in-house tech platform

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Rick Haase, president of United Real Estate. Rick discusses what they look for in a brokerage acquisition, the current real estate technology landscape and lessons learned building an in-house tech platform.

House Buyers of America CEO on the buy, renovate, sell business model

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending podcast features Nick Ron, CEO of House Buyers of America, which buys renovates and resells homes. Ron discusses the difference between his company and an iBuyer and how important it is to have a personal touch.

Milestones CEO says agents must move away from transactional mindset to a relational one

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features features Rivers Pearce, chief marketing officer, and Dustin Gray, founder and CEO of Milestones, a homeowner portal that just raised 10.3 million in Series A funding.

They discuss how real estate agents can move away from being transactional and move to being more intentional in building relationships.

Find fortune working with entry-level real estate investors

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Michael Scanlon and Jake Fugeman, team leaders for Axon Group, powered by eXp Realty and based in Chicago. After investing in real estate themselves, the duo decided to start a real estate practice working with investors.

While they've expanded their niche to all buyers and sellers, they still work heavily with smaller investors. Here's who they did it.

ShowingTime's Mike Lane talks data privacy and market trends

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Mike Lane, president of ShowingTime. Mike shares the latest on ShowingTime's evolving platform post-Zillow acquisition and offers some market trend on which real estate markets are still hot based on their data.

Homeward's Tim Heyl on real estate industry innovation

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Tim Heyl, founder of Homeward and of The Heyl Group of Keller Williams Realty in Austin. The Heyl Group is ranked number two large team by transaction sides and number five by sales volume in the 2022 RealTrends, The Thousand rankings.

Heyl discusses the new financing options for consumers, why teams aren't competition for brokers and the innovation in the real estate industry.

Pacaso's Marnie Blanco on co-ownership trends and success strategies

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Marnie Blanco, vice president of industry for Pacaso. Marnie shares how the company is tweaking its strategy, trends in co-ownership and what brokers and agents can do to compete in today's market.

ERA King leader does one thing every year to increase agent productivity

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Anna-Marie Ellison, managing partner of ERA King Real Estate in Alabama, and a RealTrends GameChanger. Anna-Marie talks about how she's investing in boosting agent productivity and the tactics she's using to do so.

Offerpad's Brian Bair on the future of iBuying

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Brian Bair, founder and CEO of Offerpad. Brian talks about the future of iBuying, if the company strategy may change due to the market shift and what they are doing to streamline the process.

Flat-fee, fast-growing firm leader on lessons learned from Great Recession

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Long Doan, CEO of Realty Group LLC in Minneapolis. Doan was named a 2022 RealTrends GameChanger for achieving 292% growth by transaction side percentage over the past five years.

Coming to the U.S. as a 13-year-old refugee during the Vietnam War, Doan had an aha moment. "The first night I was at the refugee camp, it hit me. I found a spot on the beach and I remember crying all night. I was a 13 year old boy, alone. I thought to myself, 'Wait a minute. Am I lucky, or am I unlucky?' The sun was coming up, and I remember telling myself that, 'Just put your big boy pants on and go to work,' because I decided that I was a victor, not a victim. I actually was lucky, not unlucky. And your mind is powerful. When you decide something, you are right."

Steve Murray analyzes the secrets to 10-year high growth brokerages

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 18:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends and a partner with RTC Consulting. Murray recently research more than 730 real estate firms to find out the leaders in growth over the past 10 years. The report, The Secrets of Top-Growth Firms, is available now.

Ex-NFL football player turned real estate broker on training and agent productivity

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 17:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Corey Hasting, broker/owner of Engel & Völkers in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. His firm was a top mover in the 2022 RealTrends Nation's Best rankings, doubling transaction sides to 1,488 between 2021 and 2022.

Hasting was a defensive starter for Ohio State University and the Cinncinatti Bengals before becoming the youngest brokerage owner in Engel & Völkers history at age 27. Hasting talks about running a brokerage and how his focus on training has resulted in increased agent productivity.

Aston Rose founders on sports, commitment and real estate expansion

Tue, 31 May 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Rod Watson and Rob Hite, both former professional basketball players and founders of the sports and entertainment real estate firm Aston Rose, powered by SIDE. They talk about how athletics prepared them for real estate, the expansion of their real estate firm and the systematic and highly focused way they go about serving customers.

Spokane brokers halt recruiting, get surprising results

Tue, 24 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending features 2022 RealTrends GameChangers, JW Webb, Founder, and CEO, and John Anderson, President, of Professional Realty Services International in Spokane, Washington. Their brokerage grew 217% over the past five years by transaction side percentage based on RealTrends 500 data.

JW and John talk about how they did the unthinkable — halted recruiting — last year to ensure the agents they already had were getting the service and tools they needed.

RE/MAX broker Traci Nicodemus on partnering with an independent mortgage broker

Mon, 23 May 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending is a United Wholesale Mortgage-sponsored episode discussing partnering with an independent mortgage broker. Traci Nicodemus, owner of RE/MAX Cross Country Advantage Legacy and Trinity in Texas discusses mortgage brokerage partnership dynamic, how it's working for her firm and the importance of partnering with someone who shares you values.

Flat-fee LoKation execs on competition for market share

Mon, 16 May 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Nathan Klutznick, CEO, and Jonathan Lickstein, Managing Broker for LoKation Real Estate in Pompano Beach, Florida. The executives talk how they believe the flat-fee model is the future, competition for market share and the importance of transparency and availability to retain agent.

The brokerage is ranked No. 47 by transaction sides, and No. 77 by sales volume in the 2022 RealTrends 500 ranking.

KW Go Network's Smokey Garrett on how to prepare for a market shift

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Smokey Garrett, operating partner for Keller Williams Go Network, ranked No. 11 by transaction size, and No. 15 by sales volume in the 2020 RealTrends 500 rankings. Smokey talks about the upcoming market change, what brokerage leaders can do to prepare and the actions he took during the Great Recession to help his network through industry challenges.

Rob Hahn on lawsuits, commissions and the future of the brokerage industry

Mon, 02 May 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Rob Hahn, better known as Notorious ROB. Rob is managing partner of 7DS Associates, which is a Las Vegas based real estate strategy and consulting firm. Hahn offers his straight-shooter take on commission lawsuits, the future of the industry and what real estate leaders should be doing today to prepare for possible industry changes.

Cairn's Rick Davidson on building a top-notch real estate services company

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Rick Davidson, CEO of Cairn Real Estate Holdings. Davidson's real estate services company acquired JPAR, has plans to acquire title and mortgage. Davidson talks how his business model works and plans for future growth.

Realty Executive's Justin Bailey on growing by making the 'big feel small'

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Justin Bailey, CEO of Realty Executives Associates in Knoxville, Tennessee. Bailey changed his internal messaging and made several key moves to scale his real estate brokerage growth. Find out how he strengthened his culture when he grew to 750 agents.

Lessons learned building a RealTrends The Thousand real estate team

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Khrista Jarvis, founder of the Khrista Jarvis team of Coldwell Banker Realty in California. Her team is ranked nationally as the No. 5 medium-sized team by volume in the 2021 RealTrends The Thousand. The 2022 rankings will be released this summer. Khrista's 11-person team is small but mighty. She discusses lessons learned building her team and offers advice for agents and team leaders on hiring, firing and growing a business.

Steve Murray on brokerage consolidation, RealTrends 500 rankings analysis

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends and Tracey Velt, editorial director of RealTrends talk about the future of independent brokerages and offer an analysis of the RealTrends 500 and Nation's Best rankings.

Bob Corcoran on the secrets of high-performing and high-value real estate teams

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0000

Today's RealTrending podcast features an exclusive interview with Bob Corcoran of Bob Corcoran & Associates in Florida. Bob's been coaching high performance real estate teams for over 30 years and has helped multiple team leaders sell their businesses. Bob discusses how real estate teams and independent agents can build viable exit strategies when they are ready to move on.

Corcoran's Gary Malin on hiring a successful recruiting team

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Gary Malin, chief operating officer with Corcoran Group in New York City. Gary leads Corcoran's senior sales executives and the recruiting and nurturing of top talent and builds alliances with key real estate entities and professionals. He shares key insights into successful brokerage recruiting and building a recruiting team.

Keller Williams Mega Team Leader Kristan Cole on scaling growth

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Kristan Cole, founder and CEO of the Kristan Cole Real Estate Network of Keller Williams Realty. Cole's team is ranked No. 27 mega teams by volume and No. 18 by transaction sides in 2021 The Thousand top agents and team nationwide. The 2022 rankings will be out this summer.

Cole talks about the challenges growing a multi-state expansion team, how she approaches her business and the impact Business Coach John Maxwell has had on her personal and professional growth.

Simplifying crypto, NFT and the blockchain's impact on real estate

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Adam Brown, vice president of business development for Propy.com. Brown removes the mystery and confusion surrounding crypto, NFTs and the blockchain and its potential impact on real estate.

Team leader Ryan O'Neill on what changed the game for his team's profitability

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 17:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Ryan O'Neill, team leader of the 170-agent mega team, the Minnesota Real Estate Team of RE/MAX Advantage Plus. Ryan's team is ranked No. 14 mega teams by transaction sides in 2021 The Thousand top agents and team nationwide.
Ryan talks about the steps he took to grow his team, what action made the biggest difference and how he's been able to scale the team for greater growth.

@Properties and the conundrum of brokerage growth

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -0000

In this special edition of RealTrending, Senior Real Estate Reporter Matthew Blake talks to @Properties Co-founder Mike Golden. Since speaking with RealTrending in September, @properties has bought international luxury brand Christie’s as it eyes more acquisitions and expanding its franchisee network with investment partner Quad-C. But the company is deliberate in its growth and is avoiding opportunities such as an initial public offering.

Golden also candidly discussed the challenges of COVID 19 for brokerage, and the future of a historic high-demand, low inventory real estate market.

Errol Samuelson says Zillow is fixing the 'boring, but impactful' issues in a transaction

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 20:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Errol Samuelson, Chief Industry Development Officer for Zillow Group. A longtime leader at Zillow, Errol is responsible for the company's real estate industry strategy and business-to-business product development. Errol talks to RealTrends about the demise of Zillow Offers, and how the firm plans to develop a "housing super app."

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CEO Christy Budnick on how to be both client- and agent-driven

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 19:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Christy Budnick, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Christy talks about the new direction of the franchises, how to be both client- and agent-driven and the addition of services to the brokerage.

Chris Bentley on overcoming brokerage growing pains

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Chris Bentley, founder, broker, and owner of Bentley Fine Properties in Texas. Bentley’s 14-agent office serves the Dallas area. He talks to RealTrends about how he’s overcoming growing pains while trying to increase his agent count to 40 agents in 2022.

One agent’s roadmap to $1 billion in sales

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 21:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Brett Jennings, team leader of Real Estate Experts, powered by SIDE real estate. Jennings will share the roadmap he used to reach the goal he set for his team 10 years ago. That roadmap includes the different stages of success, key hires and the tools necessary to push you through that stage to the next.

Lane Hornung talks about the evolution of the real estate industry

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Lane Hornung, CEO and founder of 8Z Real Estate and proptech company zavvie. The original “disruptor,” Hornung talks about the evolution of the real estate industry, the new disruptors and how real estate brokerages must continue to adapt to a new way of doing business.

Is the surge in Realtor members warping brokerage business models?

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 16:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends discussing Realtor Association membership and the correlation with agent productivity, real estate industry innovation and the dangers.

Ryan Serhant predicts death of iBuyers, agent of the future

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 16:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Ryan Serhant of SERHANT, a New York-based brokerage. Serhant founded his real estate brokerage in September 2020. He speaks frankly to RealTrends about his opinion of the iBuyer business model, his ideal real estate agent, the future of real estate teams and more.

Compass’ Robert Reffkin talks new focus on agent productivity

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Robert Reffkin, CEO of Compass. While not backing off recruiting, Reffkin talks about a new focus on agent productivity as well as the firm’s commitment to core services as a profitability center and value-add for agents and consumers.

Are you maxed out with priorities?

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends discussing brokerage priorities using Jim Collins’ “Good to Great” philosophy and business lessons learned.

Livian’s Adam Hergenrother on the race to become the “Amazon” of real estate

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Adam Hergenrother, CEO of Adam Hergenrother Companies and founder of Livian in partnership with Keller Williams Realty. Adam talks about the blurred lines between brokerages and teams, the race to become the “Amazon” of real estate and how lead generation is evolving.

Building more diversity and inclusion into your brokerage firm

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Tommie Wehrle, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ REALPRIDE Realogy Employees Relations Group, Coldwell Banker Realty instructor and a broker-associate at Coldwell Banker Realty in Milford, Connecticut. Wehrle, also a member of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, offers advice on how to build diversity and inclusion into your brokerage firm.

Part 2: Trends in real estate team valuations

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends and Tracey Velt, editorial director of RealTrends discussing the trends in real estate team valuations and the results of the 2021 RealTrends Team Profitability Study.

Crye-Leike’s Steve Brown on boosting core service capture rates

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Steve Brown, president of residential sales for Crye-Leike Real Estate and chairman of the board for The Realty Alliance, a network of North American real estate firms. Brown talks about boosting core service capture rates, industry trends and the new changes the National Association of Realtors is making to the MLS.

Comparing real estate team and brokerage profitability

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends and Tracey Velt, editorial director of RealTrends discussing the profitability of real estate teams compared to the profitability of real estate brokerages, based on the results of the 2021 RealTrends Team Profitability Study.

What to learn from China’s real estate debacle

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, talks about possible parallels between the China real estate crisis and possible implications of proposed government regulations, innovative financing services and people challenges.

Sherry Chris on what real estate brokers must do to combat margin compression

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Realogy Expansion Brands, which includes ERA Real Estate and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. She outlines what she thinks brokers can do to combat margin compression and how to market proof their businesses.

Recruiting productive agents gets harder as market segments

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, talks about the competition for productive agents, brokerage culture and offers and update on the market for mergers and valuations.

Evolution of real estate brokerage core services

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Chris Kelly, president and CEO of Ebby Halliday Companies, part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices of America in Texas and Christian Wallace, head of real estate for Better, based in New York. These leaders were featured on a panel at HousingWire Annual in Frisco, Texas, discussing the importance of core services in real estate brokerage today.

There’s a new brokerage model emerging

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, talks about a new brokerage model emerging, the DOJ and FTC investigations and the role of institutional investors and iBuyers.

Knock’s Sean Black talks about the transaction revolution

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Sean Black, CEO and founder of Knock.com, a company that offers cash-backed buying and consumer financing to offer consumers options when buying and selling a home. Black discusses his partnerships with brokers, their desire to help consumers and opines on the transaction revolution as the next phase of disruption in the real estate industry.

Fathom’s Josh Harley plans to dominate the national portal scene

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Josh Harley, founder, chairman and CEO of Fathom Holdings. Harley opens up about the company’s plans to go head-to-head with Zillow, “without saying their name,” company growth and how there’s room at the table for all real estate models.

Thad Wong, Mike Golden discuss @properties franchising growth

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Thad Wong and Mike Golden, co-founders of @properties. A powerhouse in the Chicagoland area, the brokerage firm is now expanding to go other areas. Wong and Golden discuss their franchising strategy, their technology platform and their strategic plan for the coming year.

Brokers: How to beat your competition

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, offers insight on the ever-increasing real estate brokerage competition and how to solidify your position.

RealTrending: Peerage’s real estate network accelerates growth

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Gavin Swartzman, president and CEO of Peerage Realty Partners. Swatzman talks about recent acquisitions, their business model and some out-of-the-box ancillary services. Peerage has been slowly acquiring brokerage firms in many high end and luxury markets to bring into their “real estate network.” Swartzman explains his value prop in this educational podcast.

RealTrending: CoreLogic’s Pete Carroll on housing shortage solutions

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an exclusive interview with Pete Carroll, CoreLogic’s Executive of Public Policy and Industry Relations. Carroll talks about the housing shortage, who it impacts most, issues plaguing today’s real estate industry, and some possible solutions.

RealTrending ep. 107: COVID-19, earnings, team study

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, explains the impact of a resurgence of COVID-19 on real estate, offers an analysis of recent earnings calls and talks about a new real estate team study launching soon.

RealTrending: Redfin’s Glenn Kelman on turning all buyers into cash buyers

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Glenn Kelman, president and CEO of Redfin. Kelman addresses those who question his business model, talks next steps for the company and where he sees opportunity for brokerage leaders in the next year.

RealTrending ep. 106: The impact of iBuyers, institutional investors, mom-and-pops

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, explains the impact of iBuyers, institutional investors and mom-and-pop investors on the real estate market. He also discusses some opportunities for serving the senior market and how to benchmark your company by reading earnings reports.

RealTrending: RE/MAX President Nick Bailey on leaning into the digital transformation

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Nick Bailey, president of RE/MAX LLC. Bailey talks about the company’s evolving growth strategies, how they hope to capitalize on machine learning and today’s digital transformation and shares some industry market trends.

RealTrending ep. 105: Shift in how investors value brokerage firms

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, shares his thoughts the shifting market, the only real key to real estate success and the shift in how investors are valuing brokerage firms.

Florida Realtors’ leaders on advocating for affordable housing

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending podcast features three, powerful real estate leaders. Margy Grant, CEO of Florida Realtors, Christina Pappas, president-elect of Florida Realtors and vice president of the Keyes Company, Miami, and Juana Watkins, Florida Realtors General Counsel. Florida Realtors is backing a move that will guarantee that money flowing into the state’s affordable housing trust funds will be used exclusively for affordable housing. It could serve as a model for other states.

RealTrending ep. 104: Expanding consumer choices impact real estate brokerage

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, shares his thoughts on the way artificial intelligence is impacting recruiting, how consumer choices are changing real estate brokerage competition and observations from brokerage leaders on the market.

RealTrending: Mortgage industry trends with Vince Parlove of United Wholesale Mortgage

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 20:00:00 -0000

With an emphasis on making the transaction easy, Vince Parlove, director of wholesale development for United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), talks about their findamortgagebroker.com service and offers some interesting insight into mortgage industry trends and the impact on the housing market.

RealTrending: Side's Guy Gal on why his company is worth $2.5 billion valuation

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Guy Gal, founder of Side Real Estate. Guy envisioned a white-label brand for top teams and agents that puts the branding squarely with the agent. Coming from the tech world, the backend platform was vital for their success. With two rounds of funding totaling more than $200 million and a $2.5 billion valuation, Side will enter some 15 markets in the next eight months.

RealTrending ep. 103: The CEO trap, housing shortage and the next big move in RE tech

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 18:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, shares his thoughts on how the CEO trap, today’s housing shortage and what brokerage leaders need to know about the next big move in real estate tech.

RealTrending: Global investment trends from Anthony Hitt, CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:00:00 -0000

While the pandemic slowed down global investment in U.S. real estate, it never totally stopped. And, says Anthony Hitt, CEO and president of Engel & Völkers Americas, despite the social unrest and contentious political scene in the U.S., it’s still a safe haven for global investors.

RealTrending ep. 102: It’s time to double down on your brokerage game

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0000

In this edition of RealTrending, Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends, shares his thoughts on how to compete in today’s competitive arena. He’ll share a book review and reveal some insights into why agent productivity is flat even though growth in the agent rankings is at all-time highs.

RealTrending: Dan Duffy divulges plans for core services and growth

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0000

United Real Estate jumped 134 spots to number 10 by transaction sides in the RealTrends 500. CEO Dan Duffy offers insight into their evolving business strategy, building profitable core services and more.

RealTrending Ep. 101: The best barometer of housing market health

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Are we getting into the danger zone of a market that is overheated? Steve Murray, senior advisor for RealTrends goes through the data and tells brokerage leaders what to watch for to determine housing market health and focus on staying on the right side of the market.

RealTrending: Gino Blefari talks changing strategy for HomeServices

Mon, 24 May 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, says that the company is leveraging its size to put top-notch marketing, technology and innovation services in place. The company is changing strategy to no longer be the quiet giant.

RealTrending Ep. 100: Changing M&A market and key takeaways post-pandemic

Mon, 17 May 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Real estate brokerage buyers are plentiful and they’ve all got different goals and objectives. That’s good news coming out of the pandemic. RealTrends Senior Advisor Steve Murray shares an M&A update as well as some lessons learned that can help brokerages moving forward.

RealTrending: Tom Ferry reveals top ways for brokers to increase per-agent productivity

Mon, 10 May 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Tom Ferry, founder of Ferry International, takes his years of coaching brokers and boils it down to the top things brokers need to do today to increase per-agent productivity, why he thinks some brokerages have rocket-ship growth and how to manage teams.

RealTrending Ep. 99: Predicting the market, $15,000 tax credit and aggressive, low-cost brokerage models

Mon, 03 May 2021 17:00:00 -0000

There’s a red, flashing light at the current level of sales. What can brokers do about it? Steve Murray goes through the data to predict the market, talks about the new $15,000 tax credit and analyzes the audience for the aggressive, low-cost brokerage model.

RealTrending: KW’s Marc King talks goals and leadership changes

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0000

In his first podcast since taking the role of Keller Williams Realty International president, Marc King answers the tough questions about KW’s leadership changes, where the company is going next and why he’s the right leader for today’s KW.

RealTrending Ep. 98: Market direction, litigation noise and lessons learned from the RealTrends 500

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Steve Murray takes a forward look at the market from 2022 to 2024, offers his input on the recent litigation noise and gives brokers some insight into this year’s rankings.

RealTrending: eXp’s Glenn Sanford reveals what’s next for the company

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Glenn Sanford, CEO of eXp World holdings, addresses his critics about his agent referral program, where he is taking the company next, and growth limiters for the brokerage.

RealTrending Ep. 97: Rex lawsuit, RT500 rankings insight and inflation

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:00:00 -0000

In Episode 97 of the RealTrending podcast, Steve Murray, senior advisor to HW Media, discusses the lawsuit Rex Real Estate filed again the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Zillow, insight into this year’s RealTrends 500 top brokerages and what’s going on with inflation.

RealTrending: Fiona Petrie Executive Vice President and Managing Director of US Operations for RE/MAX INTEGRA

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s REAL Trending features an interview with Fiona Petrie, Executive Vice President & Managing Director of U.S. Operations for RE/MAX Integra who talks about ways to combat Zoom fatigue with just a few small tweaks. It’s not always about dressing up and playing games. Plus, she shares her lessons learned from a recent conversion of an independent into the RE/MAX Integra family that was done completely virtual.

RealTrending: Donny Samson, CEO of Samson Properties How This Brokerage Grew 71% Organically in Two Years

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features an interview with Donny Samson, CEO of Samson Properties. The firm has over 4,000 agents in 30 offices, serving home buyers and sellers in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. According to RealTrends data, Donny's firm has grown from 7,200 sides in 2018 to 12,300 sides in 2020. That's a growth rate of a whopping 71% in just two years. His firm will undoubtedly be in the top one fourth of the Real Trends 500, launching this month. In this interview, Samson shares why agents join his firm, how he keeps them engaged, the services he offers and, most importantly, the secrets to the firm’s massive organic growth.

Episode 95: 2020 Earnings Report, Investor-owned homes and Inventory Issues

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0000

In Episode 95, Steve compares and contrasts the 2020 earnings for the publicly held national real estate companies, the impact of mortgage forbearance on single-family, investor-owned homes and analyzes the current inventory issue.

RealTrending: Harma Hartouni Using Data to Recruit and Retain Agents

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Today’s REAL Trending features an interview with Harma Hartouni, operating partner of Keller Williams Realty Encino-Sherman Oaks, Calif., and team leader of Harma Real Estate. In this interview, Hartouni discusses how his early adversity shaped his real estate career, how he spots opportunities in the market based on data, and what information he’s tracking to guide agents toward success.

RealTrending Episode 94: Brokerage Personnel Cost Trends, Biden's $15,000 Tax Credit and M&A vs. Organic Growth

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Today’s RealTrending features Steve Murray, senior advisor to REAL Trends and HW Media talking about trends in personnel costs among brokerage companies, the potential impact of President Biden's $15,000 tax credit for homebuyers, and growth through mergers and acquisitions versus organic growth.

Ryan Gorman, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Booker Pickett, broker of Coldwell Banker Pickett Fences Realty, Land O’ Lakes, Florida

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Today’s REAL Trending features an interview with Ryan Gorman, President and CEO, Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Booker Pickett, broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Pickett Fences in Land O’Lakes, Florida. In this interview, Gorman discusses the challenges and barriers for minority brokers and a new program aimed at giving them a hand up. Pickett recently signed up for the program. He’ll discuss the challenges he’s faced building his brokerage and his special focus on underserviced communities.

REAL Trending features the brightest minds in real estate. Twice a month, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Victoria Wickham.

REAL Trending Episode 93: The Impact of Mortgage Forbearance, Home Offices and Brokerage Segmentation

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0000

In Episode 93, Steve discusses:

Mortgage Forbearance Impacts

"These mortgages that are in forbearance, obviously simply are either going to get worked out or these homes are going to be put on the market and sold. As I said earlier, the good news for the housing market is any number, even a large number of those homes, those 2.7 million homes, where the mortgages are in forbearance."

Work From Home and Impacts on Office Space

"If we see tens of millions of office workers no longer going to an office routinely, there will be a similar downward spiral of the use of commercial office buildings of all kinds. Whether it's a 6,000 square foot building or a 600,000 square foot building, there will be tremendous downward pressure on the use of office space if these reports and research trends continue."

Brokerage and Agent Segmentation

"The market is now segmenting and agents are moving one direction or another and trying different models to find which one fits for them."

Linda O’Koniewski, CEO of Leading Edge Real Estate, An Innovative Program for Virtual Teams and Brokers

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Today’s REAL Trending features an interview with Linda O’Koniewski, CEO of Leading Edge Real Estate in Boston. In this interview, O’Koniewski discusses lessons learned after finding out her franchise pulled the plug, and they had to rebrand overnight. Five years later, the company is on solid footing, regaining some of the agents they lost (which wasn’t many!) and introducing new initiatives like the LEAP program, which offers a plug and play system for virtual teams and brokers.

REAL Trending Episode 92: Advice for Brokerage Leaders for 2021

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends, this is REAL Trending episode 92, we're analyzing some important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, senior advisor to Real Trends, and today we're discussing the focus for broker leaders in 2021 strength in valuations and beware the Black Swan. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them?

Tami Bonnell, CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 15:02:35 -0000

It's all about the people for Tami, so it's not surprising that she and her leadership team put together a corporate stimulus package for brokers and agents. Find out more about the stimulus package as well as how Tami effectively connects to brokers and agents via video in this week's podcast.

Ep. 91: 2021, Complacency and Culture, and The New REAL Trends and HW Media.

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 00:56:00 -0000

REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news. This is REAL Trending Episode 91. We're analyzing important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, senior advisor to REAL Trends. And today we are discussing 2021 the year ahead, complacency and culture, and the new REAL Trends and HW media. What does these trends mean, and how can brokers firms best deal with them?

Joseph Poduslo, Senior Vice President, TTR Sotheby's International Realty and Team Leader, The Poduslo Group, Washington, D.C.

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Launching a new program, called Poduslo Pivot, allowed Joseph to develop a complete marketing program with an innovative mix of video, email, and more. Find out about his Glimpse video program for listing videos and the marketing opportunities he sees for 2021.

Gary Acosta, co-founder and CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 00:56:00 -0000

NAHREP recently released a study called the Hispanic Wealth Report. Gary offers some amazing insight into how the pandemic may impact Latino wealth as well as opportunities for that demographic and a peak into how you can better serve the Hispanic community.

Ep. 90: What We Learned in 2020, The Advance of Real Estate Tech, and CoStar's Entry Into Residential Real Estate.

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 22:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending, episode 90. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, and today we're discussing what we learned in 2020, the advance of real estate tech, and CoStar's entry into residential real estate. What do these trends mean, and how can brokerage firms best deal with them?

Neal Collins, Latitude Regenerative Real Estate, brokered by eXp, Portland

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Collins took his passion for building a more sustainable, regenerative life and combined it with his real estate business. Now, he has agents seeking him out to join his team. Find out how he built his team around a common purpose and get strategies for marketing green homes.

REAL Trending Special Edition: Technology

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Tom George, president and managing partner of Constellation Real Estate Group

What's the future in tech mergers and acquisitions? Tom offers insight into what the real estate technology industry's future looks like in light of COVID-19. He'll talk about brokerage tech trends, M&A, and more in this edition of the REAL Trending podcast with Tracey Velt.

Ep. 89: Forecast for 2021, The Rising Presence of Discount Brokerage, and NAR is New Discrimination and Anti-harassment Policy

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 89. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends. And today we're discussing our forecast for 2021. The rising presence of discount brokerage and NAR is new discrimination and anti-harassment policy. First, a quick message.

Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser, CoreLogic

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:56:00 -0000

With access to a deep well of data, Shawn has his finger on the pulse of the real estate market, especially as it pertains to appraisals. Learn about some of the trends in the appraisal industry that may impact real estate professionals.

America's Best Shelton Wilder, Team Leader, Shelton Wilder Group, Compass Real Estate, Malibu California

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Rankings No. 376 by volume for small teams

As a natural in front of the camera, Shelton has parlayed that trait into her real estate brand in the form of video marketing. In this podcast, Shelton talks about her HGTV pilot and her video series called The Wilder Ways of Real Estate. She'll offer actionable tips for real estate professionals and broker who want to boost their video marketing.

REAL Trending Special Edition: Two Tales of Brokerage Growth

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Greg Sexton, COO, CENTURY 21, Jennette Philips Toderick, CEO, CENTURY 21 Union Realty Co, California & Tracy Hutton, CEO, CENTURY 21 Scheetz Real Estate, Indiana

There are multiple ways to grow. For Toderick, it was through a strategic acquisition, while Hutton focuses on recruiting. In this roundtable discussion, we talk about each strategy, lessons learned, and get insights into trends regarding brokerage growth and M&A.

Ep. 88: Migration of 2020, 3rd quarter Earnings, and Commission Compression

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 88. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. And today, we are discussing the great migration of 2020, 3rd quarter earnings from some publicly held companies, and commission compression and industry discussion about that. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them?

Josh Team, President, Keller Williams Realty, Texas

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Josh shares his views on the new holding company, the digital-first experience that the agent's driving, the importance of relationships, and how technology can help you build those relationships. Don't miss this thought-provoking, forward-thinking interview.

Tracy McLaughlin, Director of Luxury Estates for The Agency in Marin County, California.

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:56:00 -0000

The Thousand: Ranking No. 20 by Transaction Volume

With a keen eye for design and construction, Tracy parlayed that into a brand for her real estate business. In this podcast, she offers her strategies for building a brand and how to take a creative passion and build a business with that passion.

Ep. 87: Ignoring the Press, Planning for Election Outcomes, and Brokerage Profits and Returns.

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news and trends. This is REAL Trending episode 87. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today, we're going off the beaten path and we're going to talk about ignoring the press, planning for election outcomes and thought about brokerage profits and returns. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them?

Eric Stegemann, CEO of Tribus

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 00:56:00 -0000

With the Pandemic came faster technology innovation and more adoption. Stegemann talks about some of those trends and more in this informative discussion on real estate technology trends.

Ep. 86: Zillow, Compass Entry Into the Title and Settlement Business, and the Issue of Segmentation and Data Analysis

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends. This is REAL Trending episode 86. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAl Trends. Today, we're discussing developments at Zillow, secondly Compass and their entry into the title and settlement business, and the issue of segmentation and data analysis. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them? First, a quick message.

Sue Yannaccone, Executive Vice President for Coldwell Banker Realty

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 00:56:00 -0000

With a special focus on supporting female leaders, Sue launched a series called "What Moves Her." The wildly successful series encourages women in leadership and offers actionable advice. In this podcast, Sue talks about the self-imposed obstacles women place in front of themselves and offers advice on how to let go.

Ben Hess, co-founder Co-Recruit

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Specializing in helping brokers and team leaders build systems to recruit, Ben is on the cutting edge of trends in this COVID-19 recovery market. Find out his keys to successful recruiting and retention in this informative podcast

Ep: 85 Inventory Challenge, Sales Surge, and Crazy Valuations

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending Episode 85. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends. And today we're discussing the inventory challenge, the sources of the sales surge and crazy valuations. What are these trends mean? And how can brokers firms best deal with them? First, a quick message

Joe Rand, Chief Creative Officer for Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, Hudson Valley

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Executive Director, Broker Public Portal

After taking a hard look at brokerage finances when the pandemic hit, Joe and the leadership team found ways to cut without sacrificing agent or consumer services. Find out some of the permanent changes they made. Bonus: Joe talks to us about some goals of the Broker Public Portal.

Ep. 84: importance of Core Services, The Growth and Impact of Referral Organizations, and Housing Consumer Exuberance

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending, episode 84. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends, and today we're going to discuss the importance of core services, the growth and impact of referral organizations, and housing consumer exuberance. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best take advantage of them?

REAL Trending Special Edition: Leading Through Challenging Times: Mark Johnson, CEO, JP & Associates Realtors, Texas

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Using his background in business development with Tom Ferry Coaching, Johnson put a retention program in place that has been thriving no matter what the market holds.

Ep. 83: Political Party Platforms About Housing and Brokerage, Trends in Home Purchasing, and Preparing for Fall 2020

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate, this is REAL Trending, episode 83. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing the political party platforms about housing and brokerage, trends in home purchasing, and preparing for fall 2020. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them?

Adam Elias, owner of RE/MAX Celebrations in East Windsor, New Jersey

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:56:00 -0000

A real estate attorney and title insurance company owner, Elias decided to expand and purchase a RE/MAX franchise--in the middle of a pandemic. Find out how they managed a successful virtual transaction.

Jonathan Spears: Scenic Sotheby's International Realty, The Spears Group, Northwest Florida

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Ranked No. 87 Individual Agents by Volume

Making the REAL Trends + Tom Ferry The Thousand at the age of 24, Spears' hard work found him handling foreclosure sales. However, the luxury market was calling him and, in 2015, he joined Sotheby's and found his niche. Find out his tips and insight for moving from foreclosures to luxury.

Rob Roham, broker/owner of RealtyWeb.com

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Personal contact with his 22 agents has made all the difference in retaining those agents. Find out what Roham is doing to lead through this challenging market filled with shutdowns, reopenings and market uncertainty.

Ep. 82: 2nd Quarter Results, Findings From our Agent/Team Rankings, and Focus is the Key

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news, this is REAL Trending episode 82. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing second-quarter results for the large national companies, findings from our recent agent and team rankings, and a comment about, now more than ever, focus is the key. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them

Jim Fite, CEO of Century 21 Judge Fite Company in Dallas-Fort Worth

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Making the most of virtual recruiting, Fite and his team developed a series of virtual recruiting events to show value to potential agents as well as retain current agents. Listen in to find out more about these events.

Kyle Seyboth, The Seyboth Team Real Estate, CENTURY 21 Rhode Island and Massachusets

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Ranked No. 1 real estate agent by transaction size and No. 50 real estate agent by volume

Transitioning from an individual sales associate to a broker amid a pandemic is not for the faint of heart. Find out how Kyle made the transition, changed companies and is setting himself up for success as a selling broker.

REAL Trending Recruiting Special Edition: Ryan Carter, president of 8z Real Estate in Denver

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Relying on organic growth, Carter and the leadership team at 8z Real Estate didn't have an organized recruiting program. The pandemic changed all that. Find out how they built a recruiting and retention plan and implemented it despite a challenging market.

REAL Trending Episode 81: Black Homeownership Rates, the COVID-19 Market & Insights From Our Top Rankings Real Estate Professionals

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news, this is REAL Trending, episode 81. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends, today we're discussing recent housing market news, information about top agent preferences and merger and acquisition activity. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them?

Ryan Gorman, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Gorman says he's learned one big lesson during his time in leadership: provide clarity and communicate continually. This has especially been vital during the pandemic when the Realogy headquarters building has been closed for business. Find out what Gorman and the leadership team are doing to serve network agents and brokers through a challenging market.

Kris Lindahl, founder and CEO of The Kris Lindahl Team

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 13:59:10 -0000

The Thousand: No. 16 team-owned brokerage by volume and No. 12 by transaction sites

Find out the details of Lindahl's real estate scholarship program which will net him 75 new sales associates in August 2020.

Brian Donnellan, president and CEO, Bright MLS

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Mid-Atlantic United States: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia

Sheryl Chinowth, CEO and Co-Founder, Chinowth & Cohen Realtors, Oklahoma

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Starting the brand as a small, luxury firm, Chinowth said that the plan was never to grow as large as they are today. But, the relationships they built with agents working the luxury market propelled them into growth mode. Find out more about the process and her lessons learned in this podcast.

Ep. 80: The Future of Brokerage, The Future Profile of Great Agents and Teams, and The Importance of Core Services

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news, this is REAL Trending episode 80. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today, we're going to take a little trip to the future and discuss the future of brokerage, the future profile of great agents and teams, and the importance of core services. What do these trends mean now and how can brokers firms best deal with them in the future? So let's talk first about the future of brokerage. I want to be straight and get to the point with anyone tuning in many

Nick Ron, CEO of House Buyers of America

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

With a hybrid iBuyer-ish model, House Buyers of America has continued to buy homes throughout the Pandemic. Find out where Ron is seeing opportunity in the market and how he's making this model work when others chose to shut down buying homes early on.

Ashley Bowers, President, HomeSmart International 86% Growth from 2014-2018

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

With a growth plan to be in all 50 states and to double their agent count by the end of 2023, HomeSmart and its leadership team led by Bowers is strategically moving toward success. Find out about their growth plan in this podcast.

Lacey Conway, CEO, Latter & Blum Companies, Louisiana

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

With a focus on staying debt-free and looking for ways to beef up ancillary services, Conway stays growth-minded. The company ranked No. 30 by transaction sides in this year's REAL Trends 500 Top Brokerages. Find out more about Conway's growth strategies in this podcast.

REAL Trending Special Edition: Recruiting Nick Bailey, Chief Customer Officer, RE/MAX International

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Since joining RE/MAX last September, Bailey revamped the company's recruiting strategy, culminating in a new campaign that was recently launched. REAL Trends editor in chief Tracey Velt talks to Bailey about recruiting trends and tells us the biggest mistakes brokers make when it comes to finding and recruiting good agents

Tom Hosack President & CEO - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty/Northwood Realty Services

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, talked about how almost every asset he owned he overpaid for, but, with time, because the asset was high quality, it worked out. Hearing that Hosack and his team changed their strategy about how they looked at real estate deals and recruiting and became much more aggressive than before. Find out how that impacted his company positively.

Ep. 79: Housing Recovery, Where to Focus Now, Agent Rankings.

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news and trends, this is REAL Trending episode 79. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends and today we're discussing this housing recovery, where to focus now and lessons from the agent rankings, what these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them.

Casey McLeod, Managing Broker of California, Side Real Estate

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 21:09:09 -0000

Because of its extensive use of technology, McLeod says that Side agents were able to navigate the Pandemic with little impact on their businesses. Find out how McLeod and his leadership team implemented new protocols and programs to serve agents in a new normal market.

John Meessman, CEO and Chief Agent Happiness Officer, Real Living Key Realty, Michigan

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:56:00 -0000

An AHA moment with a stressed-out agent led to a clarity of focus on serving their most important customer—the agent. From there, Meessman and his leadership team built the organization around that premise. Find out how.

Sam Khorramian, co-founder and CEO, and Oliver Graf, co-founder and president of Big Block Realty in San Diego

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Ranked No. 145 by transaction sides and No. 95 by volume, REAL Trends 500

After starting several businesses together, Sam and Oliver realized that the path to success was defining Big Block Realty as a service-first company. They redefined their value proposition and the rest fell into place. Find out about their path to success.

Leading Through Challenging Times: Tommy Brigham and Beau Bevis, co-founders, ARC Realty, Alabama

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Focusing on agents first allowed Brigham and Bevis to retain quality agents while dealing with stay-at-home orders. Now that their market is opening up, it's paid huge dividends in business volume. Find out more about their retention and recruiting strategy in this podcast.

Michelle and Jay Macklin, co-owners of Platinum Living Realty in Arizona

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

128.2% growth between 2014 and 2018

Deciding to stop running a team and, instead, become managing brokers, the Macklin's turned their focus to recruiting. That set them on the course to the success they have today. Learn more about their strategy in this podcast.

Ep. 78: Housing Recovery, New Mobility Patterns, and Competition

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Today we're going to talk about the housing recovery, new mobility patterns and competition for agents. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them?

Jessica Averbuch, CEO and owner of Zeitlin Sotheby's International Realty, Tennessee

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 17:27:00 -0000

When COVID-19 hit, Averbuch scheduled one-on-one calls with all of her agents. Now that the market is reopening, that strategy has paid off. Find out more about how she is leading her team through unprecedented times.

Scott Lauri, broker-owner of ERA Central Realty Group in New Jersey

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

136.4% Growth between 2014-2018

Taking a leap of faith with some strategic acquisitions helped Lauri build his brokerage. That acquisition coupled with a strong training program helped Lauri and his team grow. Find out his lessons learned in this informative podcast.

Budge Huskey, CEO of Premier Sotheby's International Realty in Florida

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Ranked No. 92 by transaction sides and No. 28 by transaction volume, REAL Trends 500

Growing up in the business, Budge felt that real estate was in his blood. After a stint at NRT corporate, he decided to jump back into brokerage. His creed of "People; Not Stuff' helped him develop a personalized approach to his brokerage that shows in his current success. Find out more about his lessons learned in this podcast.

Dionna Hall, CEO of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors in Southeast Florida

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Knowing they needed to act quickly to help its Realtor members adjust to Florida's stay-at-home orders, the Association developed a host of virtual tools for their members. Find out more about how Dionna Hall and the leadership team brought value to members during a challenging time.

Jim D'Amico, President of Century 21 Northeast in Massachusetts

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

179.4% growth between 2014 and 2018

With about 17 small mergers and acquisitions in 2016 and an aggressive recruiting program, D'Amico grew his firm to the 850 agents he has today. Find out what lessons he learned by growing so quickly and his strategies for successfully integrating new offices into his culture.

Ep. 77:Market Recovery, What We've Learned, and What's Ahead.

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news. This is REAL Trending episode 77. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing the market recovery. Secondly, what we've learned, and lastly, what's ahead. What do these trends mean? And how can brokerage firms and agents best deal with them

Michael Nourmand, president, Nourmand & Associates Realtors, Beverly Hills

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

As the market in California starts to open, civil unrest over the George Floyd murder ramps up. For Nourmand, taking care of his agents is a top priority. Find out what he's doing to ensure agents are able to transact business in the market.

Bill Bullock, president, CEO and co-owner of Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty in the San Francisco Bay Area

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

189.9% growth between 2014-2018

Taking a strategic approach to growth during the 2008-09 recession set up the future success of Bullock's firm. Find out what actions he took and how he's managing growth today.

Caleb Hayes, owner of Keller Williams Green Bay, Keller Williams Appleton, and Keller Williams Eau Claire in Wisconsin

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:56:00 -0000

No. 213 by Transaction Sides REAL Trends 500

With an early passion for investing in real estate, it was inevitable that Hayes would move into brokerage. In this podcast, he talks about his lessons learned and how a passion for your profession is the cornerstone of success

REAL Trending Special Edition: Leading Through a Challenging Market

Fri, 29 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Lori Oller and Amy Whitmarsh, sisters and co-owners, RE/MAX Results, Oklahoma

As their market reopens, Oller and Whitmarsh found that they made the right decision to avoid any cuts to agent services last March when COVID-19 first hit their market. Find out what those changes were, the new protocols they put in place, and more.

Todd Conklin, broker of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties in Montana, Colorado, and Idaho

Wed, 27 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

207% Growth Between 2014-2018

When Conklin started in leadership, he didn't think he was the right person for the job. He was wrong. He proved his worth by the amount of work he put into personal development, ultimately finding out his why. Find out Conklin's why and how he and his leadership team continually grew their business a good amount each year.

Ep. 76: Housing Market from Forbearance, Top Agent Network Litigation Against Realtor MLSs, Summary of the First-Quarter Results

Tue, 26 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news, this is REAL Trending episode 76. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing the impact on the housing market from forbearance, the Top Agent Network litigation against realtor MLSs, and a summary of the first-quarter results from what I'll call the big six. What do these trends mean and how can brokers firms best deal with them?

Amy Saylor and Dennis Degnan, co-founders, Key Realty, Ohio and Michigan

Fri, 22 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

By offering an expanded online learning platform, the leaders at Key Realty are ready to take on the new market. While their sales have been down, particularly in Michigan where real estate was not deemed essential, these leaders explain why their business model helped them retain agents and minimize losse

Daryl Rogers, president and co-owner and Matt Cord, CEO and co-owner

Wed, 20 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Better Homes and Gardens Reliance, California

Growth Between 2014-2018: 279%

With a focus on acquisitions and growing their geographic footprint, these brokers expanded their business and learned some valuable lessons along the way. Find out how they kept their culture strong

REAL Trends 500: Karen Burks, co-owner of Virtual Properties Realty in Georgia.

Tue, 19 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Ranked No. 48 by transaction sides in the 2020 REAL Trends 500

Opening her company in her 50s, Burks was ready to tackle growing her brokerage. As an owner, she found that being prepared for success is the only way she could operate successfully. Find out her lessons learned and tips for success in this podcast.

Nancy Fennell, CEO and Broker/Owner, Dickson Realty, Nevada and California, CEO and Broker/Owner, Dickson Realty, Nevada and California

Fri, 15 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Find out how Fennell and her leadership team considered the safety of their agents first while developing a plan for business during the Pandemic.

Robert Lyszczarz, President and co-owner of RE/MAX Select Group in New Jersey

Wed, 13 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

During the recession of 2008-09, Lyszczarz was forced to re-invent himself in order to survive and thrive. Find out how those actions and others led to his achievement of 347% growth between 2014 and 2018.

Ep. 75: Consumer Anxiety, the Market Recovery, and What Have we Learned.

Tue, 12 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news, this is REAL Trending, episode 75. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends, and today we're discussing consumer anxiety, the market recovery, and what have we learned. What do these trends mean, and how can brokerage firms best deal with them? Fresh out from The Harris Poll, who has been tracking consumers for dozens of years, a report came out earlier this week that highlights some of the biggest challenges we'll have in having an economic recovery. It's not just about whether governments will allow stores and restaurants and theaters to reopen, or schools to reopen. It's, will consumers, families feel safe going back into restaurants and movie theaters and retail stores?

Hoby Hanna, president of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Virginia, Michigan, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland

Fri, 08 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

With different rules governing each of the states his company serves, Hanna was challenged to develop plans that adhered to the different government orders. Find out how he handled a multi-state operation and the actions he is taking to ensure agents are being taken care of and staying engaged.

REAL Trends 500 Podcast: Lane Hornung, founder and CEO, 8Z Real Estate, Colorado

Wed, 06 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Figuring out the puzzle of communicating with and serving virtual agents is vital to growth. Find out how Sunshine uses collaboration and culture to recruit and retain agents and how it relates to the growth the company had over the past few years.

REAL Trends Game Changer: Jen Arsenault, Keller Williams Realty Elite, Oklahoma City

Mon, 04 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

With a whopping 700+% growth between 2014 and 2018, Keller Williams Realty Elite and it's leader Jen Arsenault are changing the game in real estate. Find out how they did it and what they plan for the future.

Lacey Conway, CEO, Latter and Blum Real Estate, New Orleans

Fri, 01 May 2020 00:56:00 -0000

Lacey Conway ditched the 30- and 60-day plans to develop weekly plans to mitigate the damage of the coronavirus on their firm. Find out what other steps she took to keep the company running smoothly and keep her agents engaged

Ep. 74: Importance of Focus, Technology and Growth, and the Coming Recovery.

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 11:05:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news and trends, this is REAL Trending Episode 74. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing the importance of focus, technology and growth, and the coming recovery.

Mike Miedler, CEO, CENTURY 21 Real Estate

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 21:13:00 -0000

Communication and transparency are two of the most important things Miedler wants to offer its franchise brokers. From online masterminds to Facebook Workplace and video messages, tools like these are key to Mielder staying in constant contact. Find out what else he's doing to mitigate the losses from the coronavirus.

James O'Bryon, CEO, RE/MAX Gold, California

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 16:52:00 -0000

Coming in at No. 22 by closed transaction sides on the 2020 REAL Trends 500 top brokerages, RE/MAX Gold has grown considerably. Hear from CEO James O'Bryon about how he built a leadership team of believers and how his avoidance of fads and misdirects keeps his company strong.

Candace Adams, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService, New England, New York and Westchester Properties

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 01:07:00 -0000

Located in one of the harder-hit areas of the U.S., Adams and her leadership team took a deep dive into their marketing budget, halted all sponsorships and started a weekly communication plan with staff, agents and leadership. Find out what other steps she took to minimize losses due to the coronavirus.

Ep. 73:Getting Close to Your People, Preserving cash, and How to Bet on the Future.

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:07:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news and trends. This is REAL Trending episode 73. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today, we're discussing getting close to your people, preserving cash, but a new topic, how to bet on the future. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them?

REAL Trending Podcast Special Edition: Leading Through A Challenging Market - Lennox Scott

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 13:07:00 -0000

REAL Trends 500 Podcast: Eden Sunshine, CEO, Realty Executives, Phoenix, Ariz. No. 85 by Transaction Sides

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:08:00 -0000

REAL Trending Podcast Special Edition: Leading Through A Challenging Market - Jack Fry

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 14:08:00 -0000

Within 48 hours of notice that coronavirus was going to impact real estate in Pennsylvania (and all over the U.S.), Jack Fry, broker-owner of RE/MAX of Reading, rebuilt his entire budget for the year. Find out what other actions he took to minimize loss during this pandemic.

Ep. 72: Coronavirus, Present and Future.

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news. This is REAL Trending episode 72 we're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of real trends and today we're discussing the future. Once we get past this, we're going to focus today on the statement once made by Rahm Emanuel, then chief of staff to President Obama back in '09 when he said never, "Let a good crisis pass you by." What he meant was what can we do because of the crisis that we might otherwise not be able to do, so let's cover three things that could be potential impacts to our industry as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, which we're all dealing with right now in the present, but we will be there in the future. I'm betting on it. For all of those listening to this, what are the implications of a crisis like this and what does the future look like differently than the past.

Ep: 71: The Motivation, A Review of Top Performing Brokerage Companies, and a Preview of the REAL Trends 500,

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news. This is REAL Trending, episode 71. We're analyzing some important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing a new book by Patrick Lencioni called The Motivation. We'll look at a review of top-performing brokerage companies, and a preview of the REAL Trends 500, and what does it mean for our industry.

Ep. 70: Coronavirus, Year-end Earnings Reports, and Commentary on Data Tech and Data

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news and trends, this is REAL Trending episode 70. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies and their agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing the 9/11 event, Coronavirus, year-end earnings reports and commentary on data tech and data.

Ep. 69: Regulators Running Wild, Congress Threatens the Independent Contractor Status, and what Redfin's 2019 Results Tell Us

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 14:08:00 -0000

I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends and today we're discussing regulators running wild. Congress threatens the independent contractor status and what Redfin's 2019 results tell us about the direction of the brokerage industry. What do these trends mean and how can brokerage firms best deal with them? But first, a quick message about an upcoming event

Ep. 68: Gross Margins, Brokerage Performance, and The Cost of Being Distracted

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry trends and news, this is REAL Trending episode 68. We're analyzing the most important trends affecting brokerage companies, teams, and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends, and today we're discussing gross margins, brokerage performance and the cost of being distracted. What do these trends mean, and how can brokerage firms best deal with them? Gross margins, the money that a brokerage company has left after outside referral sources, agents and co-brokes have been paid, declined to a seven-year low as of calendar '19 year-end results. REAL Trends develops this data from the 100 plus valuations we do a year, plus another 50 to 60 firms who submit financials to us for other reasons. So broad spectrum of different kinds of brokerage companies from a flat fee to cap company dollar, to graduated commission plan and 100% commission plan brokerage companies.

Ep. 67: 2020 Housing Upside, What's Going on With Moving Frequency and How the 2021 Elections May Impact the Economy

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 67. We're breaking down the trends and news of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing 2020 upside surprises for the housing market, Americans not moving as much and last, preparing for 2021

Ep. 66: The Trend Towards the Unbundled Brokerage, a Supreme Court's Decision and it's Impact on Housing and a Message of Gratitude

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending, episode 66. We're breaking down the events of the week, and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends. Today, we're going to discuss the trend towards unbundled brokerage, and what it means for incumbents, an interesting Supreme court case, and its impact on housing, and notes about gratitude for a great 2019, and a hope for a better year for all in 2020.

Ep. 65: Relationships in the Brokerage Tech Era, Artificial Intelligence Trends and 2020 Industry Predictions

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 65. We're breaking down the trends of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends, today we're going to discuss relationships in an era of technology, artificial intelligence moving front and center in the brokerage business, and some predictions for 2020.

Ep. 64: Housing Market in 2020, What is Really Ailing the Brokerage Industry, and the Gathering of Eagles 2020

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending, episode 64. We're breaking down trends and news of the week, and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today, we're discussing the housing market in 2020, what is really ailing the brokerage industry, and the Gathering of Eagles 2020. What does this all mean? First, a quick message about an upcoming event

Ep. 63: Realogy Cartus Deal, Leaders, Third-quarter Earnings Reports

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending, Episode 63. We're breaking down recent trends and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of Real Trends and today we're discussing what does the Realogy Cartus deal mean for the industry and for you? The challenge is when leaders are dismissive, arrogant, or distracted, answering the question, where are your energies invested? And third, some takeaways from third-quarter earnings reports from the publicly held and one privately owned brokerage companies, national organizations.

Ep. 62: Importance of Hard Evidence, Issues of Coming Soon and Pocket Listings, and Inventory Challenges

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending, Episode 62. We're breaking down the trends of the week, and showing how they impact brokers and agents, I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing the importance of hard evidence, the whole issue of coming soon and pocket listings, and inventory challenges appear to be multiplying. First a quick message about an upcoming event.

Ep. 61: New Data on Home Ownership, The Tech Treadmill, and The Demise of the World as we Know it

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 61. I can't believe we've done 61 of these already. We're breaking down the trends of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today, we're discussing new data on home ownership, the tech treadmill, and the demise of the world as we know it. First, a quick message about an upcoming event.

Ep. 60: iBuyer Trend, Merger and Acquisition Activity, Housing Markets Go from Here?

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news this is REAL Trending, episode 60. We're breaking down the trends of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of Real Trends and today we're discussing the expansion of the iBuyer trend, merger and acquisition activity picking up strongly, and where do housing markets go from here? But first a message about an upcoming event

Ep. 59: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Whole Slew of New Startups, Helping People get into Homeownership

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 59. We're breaking down trends and news of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're going to talk about changes coming for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, a whole slew of new startups, helping people get into homeownership and valuations of agent and team practices and brokerage companies. But first a message about an upcoming event

Ep. 58: Business Fundamentals and Valuations Find out the two key things brokers should be doing to stay profitable (and what not to do!)

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 58. We're breaking down the trends of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, President of REAL Trends. Today, we're discussing ignoring the noise. Secondly, valuation trends, and third, sales up, pending down.

Ep. 57: Living with Ibuyers, You Cant Keep it Secret Any More, 3 Priorities

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending, episode 57. We're breaking down trends of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of Real Trends. Today we're talking about living with iBuyers; the information age, you can't keep it secret anymore; and what are your three priorities?

Ep. 56: It's Earnings Season

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 14:08:00 -0000

Earnings are in for firms such as Realogy, RE/MAX, Compass and Redfin, and the reports aren't pretty. Steve Murray offers details into what's going on with these companies and offers some brokerage growth strategies.

Ep. 55: Housing Markets, More Capital for Compass, Where is Tech Taking Us.

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 55. We're breaking down the trends of the week and showing how they impact brokerage and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing important factors in the housing markets, more capital for Compass, and where is tech taking us.

Ep. 54: Disappearance of Foreign Home Buyers, Realogy versus Compass, and July 20, 1969

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 14:08:00 -0000

Why is foreign investment in U.S. real estate falling? Steve Murray talks facts about foreign investment in U.S. real estate, offers an analysis of the Realogy/Compass litigation and reminds brokerage leaders that no matter how tough things may be, they have to push forward.

Ep. 53: America's Best, Millennials Moving to the Suburbs, and Changes in the Housing Mortgage Market.

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending, episode 53. We're breaking down trends of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today, we're going to talk about America's Best, millennials moving to the suburbs, and changes in the housing mortgage market.

Ep. 52: Class-Action Lawsuits, Real Estate Investors are hiring Uber Drivers to Find Properties, and Some Changes to Compass

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:08:00 -0000

From REAL Trends, the trusted source for real estate industry news, this is REAL Trending episode 52. We're breaking down the trends and events of the week and showing how they impact brokers and agents. I'm Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. Today we're discussing the class-action lawsuits and the amended complaint, how some real estate flippers and investors are hiring Uber drivers to find properties that may be available, and last, some changes at the top of Compass. So let's jump right in. Most people in the industry have heard that some leading plaintiff law firms around the country joining forces, and have come up with a few purchasers of homes to file a class-action lawsuit, basically claiming that realtors’system of unlimited cooperation and compensation violates antitrust law and that there's a conspiracy to hide information from the public. We've commented on this once before