RealTrending

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. Related to this episode: Rylie Schroeder | Compass Rylie Schroeder | LinkedIn Schroeder & Co Real Estate Dynamic and Driven: Meet the 2024 Class of 30 Under 30 | NAR HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Christine Hansen | LinkedIn Christine Hansen | CENTURY 21 Real Estate HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: The Don't Settle Group Travis Robertson | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Jason Mitchell Group Jason Mitchell Group | LinkedIn Jason Mitchell | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Howard Lorey | LinkedIn About Howard Lorey | Nourmand & Associates Nourmand & Associates HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Michelle Berman-Mikel | LinkedIn Michelle Berman-Mikel Instagram Can you have a “presence” on Instagram without being “present” | HousingWire Berman Media HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: James D'Amico | LinkedIn James D'Amico, III, CENTURY 21 Real Estate Agent in Everett, MA Century 21 REAL Trends Game Changer: Jim D'Amico, President of Century 21 Northeast in Massachusetts HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Gary Acosta | LinkedIn NAHREP Gary Acosta | NAHREP State of Hispanic Homeownership Report | NAHREP HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Sharran Srivatsaa | LinkedIn Sharran Srivatsaa | Instagram Sharran Srivatsaa Real HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Leo Pareja | LinkedIn eXp Realty Leo Pareja takes over as CEO of eXp Realty | HousingWire HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Jason Mitchell Group Jason Mitchell Real Estate - Real Trends The Real Estate Agent Pledge HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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 Related to this episode: Connect with Thad on LinkedIn Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Christie's International Real Estate @properties HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Jason on LinkedIn Coldwell Banker The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Michael on LinkedIn DeLeon Realty The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Alex on LinkedIn ERA Real Estate The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Craig on LinkedIn KW Maps Coaching Cyberbacker The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Jill on LinkedIn Red Key Realty St. Louis The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn NAR settles commission lawsuits for $418 million The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Josh on LinkedIn SERHANT. Serhant hires a familiar name as its first president The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Scott on LinkedIn RTC Consulting The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Recruiting Insight ThirdPool Recruiting The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Dave Liniger - RE/MAX Holdings RE/MAX The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Jerry on LinkedIn THA Mortgage The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Luxury Listing Specialist LUXE Group The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Gene on LinkedIn REcolorado The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Julie on LinkedIn Tim and Julie Harris Real Estate Coaching The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Steven on LinkedIn Worth Clack Realty The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Renee on LinkedIn Elite Real Estate Systems The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Mark on LinkedIn Keller Williams Mark Willis steps back into CEO role at Keller Williams The Gathering HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn MyStateMLS HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

In today's RealTrending, Anthony Lamacchia, CEO and founder of Lamacchia Realty and Crush it in Real Estate, passionately shares why the commission lawsuits are wrong and why the industry must start speaking out. Not one to shy away from confrontation, Lamacchia hits the issue head on with his real-life view of how the commission lawsuit outcomes will hurt buyers. Lamacchia also discusses his phone call with Michael Ketchmark, the plaintiffs' attorney in the Sitzer Burnett and Gibson cases. Related to this episode: Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn Lamacchia Realty Crush It In Real Estate RealTrends GameChangers HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

In the latest RealTrending episode, join Jim Tobin, the CEO and President of the National Association of Home Builders, as he unveils his comprehensive housing outlook for 2024. Discover the key factors currently influencing new home sales and construction, and learn about the organization's strategic efforts to enhance housing affordability. Tobin delves into the organization's top advocacy priorities, sheds light on the rapidly growing housing types, and unpacks emerging homebuyer trends. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of the housing market. Related to this episode: Connect with Jim on LinkedIn National Association of Home Builders NAHB: Jim Tobin HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

Today's RealTrending features Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate's President Ginger Wilcox. With her extensive leadership experience in mortgage, real estate technology and more, Wilcox brings a fresh perspective to real estate brokerage. Wilcox discusses the changes that may come to the industry, the opportunities born out of a challenging market and recent commission lawsuit verdicts as well as some of the technology trends sure to impact how real estate professionals manage their businesses. Related to this episode: Connect with Ginger on LinkedIn 2022 Woman of Influence: Ginger Wilcox Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

In today's RealTrending, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman explains his decision to disassociate from NAR, his surprise at the current Gibson lawsuit, and his commitment to his agents and consumers. In this open conversation, Kelman also shares his passion for the industry, how Redfin is moving forward, his ups and downs growing the company and more. Related to this episode: Connect with Glenn on LinkedIn Redfin HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

Today's RealTrending features Nora Aguirre, team leader of the Nora Aguirre Team of Century 21 Americana in Las Vegas. As incoming president of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, Aguirre knows this year will be like no other. As she and her team navigate the fallout of the recent commission lawsuits, she discusses how first-time homebuyers and minorities may be impacted by potential changes. She also talks about how she is preparing her team with education on buyer representation agreements and high-touch relationship building. Related to this episode: Connect with Nora on LinkedIn Century 21 - Nora Aguirre Team HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

On today's episode of RealTrending, we feature Michael Ward, the director of Teamerage for Keller Williams. Ward talks through the teamerage model, Keller Williams’ investment in developing and attracting high transaction volume teams, and why he thinks more brands should be leveraging the team model. Michael discusses different ways to overcome difficult market conditions, including reducing the use of aggregators and utilizing AI tools to boost lead generation. Related to this episode: Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Keller Williams HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Spears Group RealTrends + Tom Ferry 2023 The Thousand HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn RTC Consulting HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Bonneau on LinkedIn Bonneau Ansley HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Dina on LinkedIn Dina Goldentayer - Douglas Elliman Follow Dina on Instagram HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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.

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. Related to this episode: Connect with Ray on LinkedIn Connect with Sonny on LinkedIn United Real Estate Gallery HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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! 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.

On today's RealTrending, ShowingTime+ President Mike Lane offers insight into how showings have been impacted by the low inventory and high-interest rate market. He'll also talk about how agents can win listings, how Zillow has been impacted by the commission class-action lawsuits, and how they are using AI to build better photography products. Related to this episode: Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Michael Lane - ShowingTime HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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! 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.

In today's RealTrending, we speak with Damian Eales, CEO of Move, operator of Realtor.com. Not happy with Realtor.com's position as No. 2, Damian outlines the strategic moves the company will take to leverage the News Corp audience and launch new products to help agents get listings. We also delve into the lessons he learned in his career and how his understanding of company culture has shifted over the years. Related to this episode: Connect with Damian on LinkedIn Damian Eales - Realtor.com HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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! 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.

In today's episode of RealTrending, we speak with Tom Wilkins, broker-owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins Associates in Pennsylvania. Wilkins was the first BHGRE affiliate. Find out from Wilkins, who has more than two decades worth of practical knowledge, how he found success in property management and relocation, along with residential real estate. Wilkins's company manages 5,000 doors in the Poconos. He'll discuss lessons learned, explain how he structured his business and how he found success. Related to this episode: Connect with Tom on LinkedIn Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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! 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.

In today's RealTrending Pritesh Damani, CTO for The Real Brokerage, shares how his team developed Leo, an AI assistant for teams and brokers. More than that, he discusses potential uses for brokerage leaders in streamlining business and recruiting. Two and a half years ago, The Real Brokerage made the strategic move to automate many of their processes. With the subsequent emergence of generative AI technologies and access to their proprietary data, the brokerage saw an opportunity to elevate their services. Damani discusses how other brokerages can harness the power of AI with different applications such as training. Related to this episode: The Real Brokerage Connect with Pritesh on LinkedIn HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode! 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! 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.

aboutToday's RealTrending features Michael Maher, CEO of ReferCo and author of "7 Levels of Communication." Maher emphasizes the importance of creating "talk abouts" or memorable experiences. He did that in his own real estate business by hosting housewarming parties and three client appreciation events annually, tailored to what their clients enjoyed, like sports or bowling. The key was to provide entertainment that clients loved and then step back, letting them enjoy. The ultimate goal of these events and strategies was fun prospecting. While attendees enjoyed themselves, they were also reminded of the speaker's real estate services. The speaker encouraged referrals, emphasizing that it benefits everyone involved.Maher goes into his event method, how even introvert real estate agents can enjoy events and how to build a referral business. Related to this episode: Michael Maher ReferCo HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode!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! 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.

In the latest episode of The RealTrending Podcast, we talk with Mike Miedler, CEO of CENTURY 21, who delves deep into his insights on the real estate industry. Mike passionately speaks about the unique attributes of the real estate sector and emphasizes its people-driven nature. He believes that while technology and trends may evolve, the essence of the industry will always revolve around personal connections and the significant emotional and financial weight of a home transaction. Despite the challenges of fluctuating markets, Mike sees downturns as opportunities for growth, particularly for brokers who are proactive and adaptive. He highlighted the current trend of mergers and acquisitions, suggesting that it's an avenue for brokers to consolidate and strengthen their market position. Mike's insights reflect a deep understanding of the real estate landscape and the importance of adaptability, focus, and maintaining a people-centric approach. Related to this episode: Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Century 21 - Mike Miedler Century 21 HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode!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! 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.

Today's RealTrending features Kurt Carlton, co-founder and president of New Western, a marketplace for real estate investors. Carlton talks about how he's working with real estate agents, his take on the affordability issue and the trend of the "Great Renovation." Related to this episode: Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn New Western HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode!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! 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.

On today's RealTrending, we speak with Chris Lim, president and Natalie Hamrick, vice president of Christie's International Real Estate about how they build their core values on a level of service and not a price point. The two discuss lessons learned as they grow the brand, how to build your message to attract agents to your firm and where they find inspiration. PS: There may be a little pickleball strategy discussion, as well! Related to this episode: Christie's Real Estate Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode!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! 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.

Today's RealTrending features Rich Hopen, broker-associate of Compass and co-founder of REAL-E in New Jersey and Susan Vanech, broker-associate of Compass and founder of Compass Coastal in Connecticut. Hopen is a self-taught expert in all things ChatGPT and artificial intelligence and built an AI-powered listing chatbot. Vaneck used that chatbot to market a multi-million dollar property.Today, they discuss the power of AI in real estate marketing, what the future holds, how they are embracing AI in their businesses and what trends they are seeing. Hopen is the editor of the e-newsletter: The AI Daily Brief where he discusses the latest trends in AI and how to apply them Related to this episode: Connect with Rich on LinkedIn Connect with Susan on LinkedIn HousingWire’s YouTube Channel Enjoy the episode!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! 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.