Advertise on podcast: NAR REALTOR® News Change Agents

A background check can provide useful information before meeting a new client. But it shouldn't be mistaken for a complete safety plan. In this episode of Change Agents, NAR's Bennett Richardson talks with Blaise Coco, founder and CEO of Domi, about how technology is giving REALTORS® new ways to prepare for showings and get help when something doesn't feel right. Coco explains why safety technology should go beyond simply gathering information about a prospective client and become part of an agent's everyday routine.  They explore tools designed to help agents take action quickly, from tapping a check-in button that alerts designated emergency contacts to activating an alarm or SOS feature. Coco also discusses voice-activated assistance that can contact emergency contacts and provide location information when an agent needs help.  In this episode: • Why a background check is only one piece of a safety plan • How a simple tap can keep emergency contacts informed during a showing • Tools designed to help agents call for help quickly • How voice activation can provide another way to reach emergency contacts • Why safety technology needs to be ready before an agent walks into a showing • How REALTORS® can turn preparedness into a repeatable habit  Technology can provide more information. The real opportunity is using it to be ready when the unexpected happens.

AI is giving buyers and sellers access to more real estate information than ever. So how does the role of the real estate professional change when consumers can increasingly find data and insights on their own? In this episode of Change Agents, NAR Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Bennett Richardson talks with Sean Soderstrom, founder and CEO of Courted, about how artificial intelligence and data are reshaping real estate and what that means for real estate agents and brokerages.  They discuss: • How AI is changing consumer expectations • Why professional judgment becomes more important as consumers gain access to more information • How REALTORS® can use AI and data to provide more personalized insights • How market intelligence can help agents demonstrate their value to buyers and sellers • How brokerages can use data to improve agent recruiting and retention • Why relationships and trust remain at the center of the real estate business  Sean Soderstrom also explains why he doesn't see AI replacing the real estate agent. Instead, he sees technology as a way for agents to work more efficiently, scale their expertise and help consumers navigate increasingly complex decisions.

NAR NXT is headed to New Orleans, and there's no better guide to the city than Louisiana native, content creator, and television personality Gerald Gruenig. In this special episode of Change Agents, host Bennett Richardson leaves the studio and hits the streets of New Orleans to explore the neighborhoods, architecture, restaurants, and traditions that make the city unlike anywhere else in America. Gerald shares the places that shaped his life, from the apartment above his family's po'boy shop to iconic neighborhood restaurants, Mardi Gras float dens, historic streets, and locally loved eateries. Along the way, you'll discover the history behind New Orleans po'boys, hear stories of growing up in Gentilly, learn why Mardi Gras is the cultural heartbeat of the city, and get recommendations for where to eat, explore, and experience authentic New Orleans during NAR NXT. Whether you're attending NAR NXT or simply love stories about community, culture, and place, this episode offers a local's perspective on one of America's most unique cities.

NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson sits down with three standout founders from the REACH, NAR's tech growth accelerator program, to explore how technology is transforming the real estate industry from the inside out. Guests & Topics Covered: Russell Smith (President & COO, Earnnest): Modernizing earnest money deposits, securing payments against wire fraud, and what FedNow means for instant real estate transactions. Divya Aathresh (Founder & CEO, MaxHome.ai): Leveraging generative AI to streamline brokerage document compliance and free up agents to focus on client relationships. Max Fitzgerald (Founder & CEO, StackRap): Eliminating tech overload, monitoring software adoption, and building a unified hub for agents. Tune in to learn key strategies for upgrading your tech stack and staying ahead in modern real estate operations.

Real estate agents are frequently placed in vulnerable, one-on-one situations with unfamiliar clients. In this episode of Change Agents, host Bennett Richardson (Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at NAR) welcomes Vanessa Martin, Co-Founder of Tether RE and military combat veteran. Vanessa shares crucial insights on why situational awareness and layered defense are vital for every real estate professional. Learn how to conduct compliant client pre-screenings under Fair Housing and FCRA regulations, implement life-saving safety habits during private showings and open houses, and explore how associations and brokerages can lead the charge in making safety a year-round priority. In this episode, we explore: Overcoming common safety blind spots in real estate Applying military after-action principles to daily showings Real-world safety tools: SOS alerts, struggle detection, and 24/7 live dispatch Responsible client screening vs. consumer privacy regulations What the future holds for integrated real estate technology Subscribe to NAR REALTOR® News Change Agents for more discussions with innovators shaping the future of real estate.

Real estate agents face risks that many consumers never see, from meeting strangers at showings to navigating remote properties alone. In this episode of Change Agents, NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson sits down with Niall Phelan, founder of Agent Buddi, to discuss why agent safety deserves more attention across the industry and how AI could help agents stay protected while improving client service.  Niall shares the four moments when agents face the greatest risks, explains why safety and productivity don't have to compete with each other, and discusses how technology can help agents verify leads, document showings, stay focused on the road, and build stronger client relationships.  They also explore how AI-powered tools may help agents prepare more effectively, retain more clients, improve coaching, and create the kind of trust and personalization that today's consumers expect.  Whether you're a new real estate agent or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical insights on staying safe, serving clients better, and leveraging technology to build a more sustainable business.

Is your business built to withstand the next industry inflection point? This week on Change Agents, we're joined by J. Lennox Scott, a visionary leader who has navigated decades of market cycles. As the head of a multi-generational firm, Lennox offers a unique perspective on staying relevant in an increasingly automated world. We dive into: The Modern Market Mindset: Adapting your value proposition to meet 2026 consumer expectations. Relationship Mastery: Why high-touch service is more valuable now than ever. Scaling with Purpose: Lessons in leadership from 40+ years at the helm of John L. Scott Real Estate. Whether you are a brokerage leader or an individual agent, Lennox's insights provide a roadmap for thriving in the midst of change.

Closings are the result. Pipeline is the business. Founder of Breezy | Harris & Partners, James Harris believes the most successful agents don't chase shortcuts. They focus on consistently building the relationships, opportunities, and prospecting systems that create future business. As Harris puts it, agents are the CEOs of their own businesses, and their success, now and in the future, depends on the pipeline they build today.  In this episode, Harris shares how he went from knowing nobody in the industry to building one of the most successful luxury real estate businesses in the country. He explains how door knocking, open houses, follow-up, and a relentless focus on lead generation helped him create a business that continued to grow year after year.  You'll hear his insights on prospecting, building a predictable stream of opportunities, developing long-term client and developer relationships, personal branding, and why many agents overcomplicate what it takes to succeed. Harris also reflects on the lessons he learned building a nationally recognized brand and how authenticity became one of his biggest competitive advantages. Whether you're looking to generate more leads, strengthen your pipeline, or build a more sustainable real estate business, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put to work immediately

What does the future of real estate leadership look like? In this episode of the Change Agents podcast, we're joined by Inman CEO Tom Bohn to explore the strategic shifts necessary for today's professional landscape. From fostering innovation within organizations to navigating industry-wide changes, Tom provides a deep dive into the mindset and actions required to thrive. Whether you're leading a large team or growing your own business, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the modern real estate era with one of the industry's most influential voices.

The real estate landscape is navigating a pivotal period of transformation driven by evolving legal frameworks, technological integration, and macroeconomic shifts. This Change Agents briefing brings together general counsel, chief economists, CMCO, and association leaders to address the critical issues shaping the industry. This episode provides authoritative updates on the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) legal landscapes, including a detailed analysis of the Sitzer/Burnett appeal and the strategic implications of the Corey buyer-side settlement. What We Discuss: • The NAR Settlement Landscape: Crucial legal updates on the Burnett appeal and Corey buyer-side agreement. • AI & Fair Housing Compliance: The strict legal and data liability risks when using open-source models for property descriptions. • Unlocking the Market: How "portable mortgages" and inventory strategy are tackling the lock-in effect. • Macroeconomic Indicators: Analyzing interest rates, rising cash-buyer shares, and shifting Gen Z market behaviors.

As conversations around off-market listings, private networks, AI, and consumer choice continue to reshape residential real estate, what role will MLSs play in the future? In this episode of Change Agents, NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson sits down with Shelly Specchio, CEO of the MIBOR REALTOR® Association and Broker Listing Cooperative, to discuss why listing exposure, transparency, and cooperation remain critical to efficient real estate markets. Together, they explore the risks of marketplace fragmentation, how buyer access can be impacted when inventory becomes harder to find, and why consumer education matters more than ever.  Shelly also shares how MLSs are adapting to changing seller needs through coming-soon listings, new marketplace tools, and emerging AI technologies designed to help agents work more efficiently and better serve clients. Looking ahead, she offers her vision for MLSs as trusted infrastructure that powers transparency, competition, and opportunity across the housing market

What does it really take to succeed in real estate when the market turns against you? In this episode of Change Agents, Bennett Richardson sits down with Ryan Serhant to break down the mindset, discipline, and strategy behind long-term success in real estate. Ryan shares how he got his start in 2008—the same day Lehman Brothers collapsed—and why those early struggles shaped everything that followed. From making less than $10,000 his first year to building a global brand, he explains why agents must go "all in," pick a clear direction, and commit for the long game. This episode dives into: Why real estate success comes years after the work The power of building attention and personal brand How to choose your "real estate AND" to stand out Why consistency and daily decisions drive long-term income What agents get wrong about patience, growth, and momentum If you're serious about building a sustainable real estate business—not just surviving the next market cycle—this is your playbook.

RE/MAX agent Brandon Holtz from Bloomington, IL made history as one of the rare REALTORS® to qualify for the Masters — and now he's headed to the US Open. In this conversation with NAR's Bennett Richardson, Brandon gets candid about time management, client communication, and why staying present is the key to succeeding in both real estate and golf. A must-listen for agents who refuse to put their passions on hold.

Too many deals fall apart because agents wait too long to have the hard conversations. Christina Pappas, President of the Keyes Company — one of South Florida's largest independent brokerages with 4,000 agents across 50 offices — has a different approach: full cost transparency before clients ever make an offer. In this episode of Change Agents, Christina walks through how Keyes trains agents to discuss HOA fees, insurance, and property taxes upfront, why they pull insurance quotes during showings, and how that full-service consultation model has been central to their 100 years in business. She also gets candid about Miami's international buyer landscape, the Canadian market slowdown, domestic migration trends from the Northeast and California, and what the industry's shift toward buyer representation agreements means for agent value propositions. If you work in a complex market with high carrying costs, this one's for you. TAGS: Change Agents podcast, Christina Pappas, Keyes Company, Miami real estate, South Florida real estate, buyer consultation, HOA fees, real estate agent training, NAR podcast

A new collaboration between Realtor.com and Zillow is changing how listings are shared—and raising bigger questions about where the industry is headed. In this episode, NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson talks with Damien Eales, CEO of Realtor.com, about why two major portals are now collaborating and what it means for agents, brokers, and MLSs. They break down the growing divide between open marketplaces and private listing networks—and why that choice directly impacts exposure, competition, and seller outcomes. You'll hear: Why listing visibility is becoming a competitive advantage The real risk behind private listing networks How pre-market listings should be used without limiting exposure What Realtor.com Plus means for agent control and client relationships Bottom line: More exposure leads to more buyers, more offers, and better outcomes—but only if agents lean into transparency instead of restricting access.