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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: Chris Kelly's LinkedIn HomeServices 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.

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: Debbie De Grote's LinkedIn Forward Coaching Debbie's Script Book 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.

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: Chris Day's LinkedIn Worth Clark Realty The Villages 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.

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: David Dickey's LinkedIn United Real Estate 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.

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: Billy Nash's LinkedIn Passport Properties The Keyes Company 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.

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: Jonathan Lickstein's LinkedIn LoKation® Real Estate 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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: Donny Samson LinkedIn Samson Properties 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. 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.

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. 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.