Context with Mike DelPrete

Lukas Rose, CEO of Germany’s ProperBird, shares insights on the exclusive inventory game in Europe's real estate market. He discusses how competition thrives on unique listings while describing the U.S. market as an anomaly. Lukas touches on the challenge of slow tech adoption and the intriguing lead sources of real estate agents, which include unexpected allies like dogs and kids. He also delves into innovative monetization strategies, emphasizing the importance of user engagement and the emotional trust that shapes client-agent relationships.

Rory Golod is the President of Growth and Communications at Compass, overseeing agent recruitment and strategy. He shares insights from his ten-year journey, emphasizing the significance of engaging agents and focusing on operational essentials. Rory discusses how to innovate in a complex market while navigating criticism, viewing it as validation. He highlights the power of clear communication in executing strategies and the importance of building a strong company culture to empower agents and foster collaboration, even amid challenges.

Justin Messer, President and CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage and a leader in the mortgage industry, shares insights on his journey and the intricacies of mortgage origination. He discusses the significant impact of technology on loan processes and how quick pre-approvals enhance customer experience. Justin emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with real estate agents and navigating lead generation challenges. He also highlights the unique dynamics of operating within a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and why trust is paramount in the complex mortgage landscape.

Steve Sanders, a brand and marketing expert with a rich history at Zillow and Pacaso, shares invaluable insights on real estate branding. He dives into consumer research surrounding iBuyers, discussing the critical role of branding and differentiation. Listeners will learn what consumers truly seek from agents and how some iBuyers are getting it right. Sanders also analyzes Homes.com and CoStar's strategies, and highlights the unique branding approach for Pacaso, emphasizing emotional connections and clear messaging.

Damian Eales, CEO of realtor.com, shares insights into the complexities of the real estate market and the importance of focused strategy. He humorously discusses the flat white’s origins while emphasizing the need for customer-centric approaches. Eales stresses turning challenges into opportunities and the significance of partnering with competitors. He also highlights the importance of strong MLS relationships and the mantra "debate, decide, deliver" as keys to effective leadership in a competitive environment.

Joe Rath, a Redfin expert known for his insightful contributions to real estate technology, interviews Mike DelPrete for a deep dive into groundbreaking trends. They discuss the transformative impact of AI and how it reshapes transaction efficiency. The conversation reveals startling truths about property portals, their reliance on inventory over innovation, and the shocking decline in lead quality. They also tackle the perfect house myth and how brokerages can thrive amid market volatility by leveraging niche strengths. It's a must-listen for real estate enthusiasts!

Sean Soderstrom, CEO of Courted and former leader at Compass, dives into a variety of intriguing topics. He discusses how goat yoga and structured mornings boost his creativity. Soderstrom shares insights on using AI to predict real estate agent migration and the importance of personalizing recruitment strategies. He emphasizes the value of networking through events like the Real Estate Innovation Hub and explains how actionable data can enhance decision-making in brokerage firms. Listen for his take on balancing motivation and inspiration.

Tamir Poleg, co-founder and CEO of Real Brokerage, is a visionary in real estate tech, aiming to enhance agents' futures. He shares insights on starting workdays at 3 PM and the remarkable growth from 800 to 22,000 agents within four years. Tamir discusses the pitfalls of tech in real estate and how AI can replace 90% of agent tasks. He emphasizes the importance of understanding agents' needs and ensuring timely payments while maintaining essential human interactions in transactions. His leadership focuses on innovation and delivering true value.

Wendy Forsythe, CMO at eXp Realty, opens up about the stagnant pace of change in the real estate industry and the tech innovations that are finally making an impact. She emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and how agents can leverage new opportunities for growth. Wendy shares insights on overcoming challenges faced by mid-sized brokerages and the advantages larger firms have. With a focus on authenticity in leadership, she explores the role of transparency in communication and its importance for agent support during uncertain times.

Jeremy Wacksman, CEO of Zillow, and I talk about taking big swings, celebrating failure through learning, constructive feedback from customers, why clear cooperation is such a big deal, extending the Zillow brand, the changing value of a lead, solving the last mile problem, making less people cry, and what the CEO of Zillow actually does.