Rethink Real Estate

In this powerful episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Eddie Speed, Founder and President of NoteSchool, to unpack how real estate investors and agents alike can shift from being the landlord to being the bank. With over 45 years in the industry and more than 50,000 seller-financed notes purchased, Eddie reveals why this cycle is primed for note investing and how seller financing strategies can transform both portfolios and listings.Eddie explains how investors can earn between 9–12% without the headaches of tenants, toilets, and property management, and why seller financing often produces two to three times the net income of traditional rentals. He also addresses the trade-offs between capital appreciation and immediate cash flow, the realities of today’s tight lending environment, and why so many “penalty box buyers” are creating massive opportunities for creative financing.Whether you’re a seasoned investor looking to reposition your capital, a landlord tired of maintenance calls, or a real estate agent searching for new ways to win listings, this conversation breaks down how notes provide both safe returns and a powerful edge in a shifting market. Eddie also shares how NoteSchool trains agents and investors to identify safe notes, leverage capital, and scale without the stress of conventional rentals.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Introduction to Eddie Speed & NoteSchool[00:01:21] – Why be the bank instead of the landlord?[00:03:08] – Rental income vs. note income explained[00:05:55] – Market timing: cycles, risks, and opportunity[00:06:43] – How seller financing helps agents win listings[00:07:30] – Investing $250K: rental vs. note income comparison[00:09:16] – Finding notes: buy vs. create strategies[00:10:24] – Safe notes vs. risky notes: the blueprint[00:11:55] – From knowledge to confidence: why investors hesitate[00:12:38] – Property management headaches vs. passive notes[00:14:19] – Default risk and why cushion factors matter[00:15:32] – The buyer pool left behind by conventional lending[00:18:18] – Market outlook: rigid underwriting, liquidity gaps[00:20:40] – Opportunity sessions & real case studies with NoteSchool🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Eddie Speed & NoteSchool:https://eddiespeed.com/https://noteschool.com/https://www.facebook.com/thenoteschoolhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiespeed/https://www.facebook.com/thenoteauthorityhttps://www.instagram.com/thenoteauthority/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣ ⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣ ⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣ ⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for more industry insights, and don’t forget to like, follow, or comment with your thoughts on note investing vs. traditional rentals!

In this insightful episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Laura Phillips, Reverse Mortgage Specialist with MAC5 Mortgage Inc., to tackle one of the most misunderstood financial tools for seniors—reverse mortgages. With licenses across Colorado, Arizona, California, and Florida, Laura brings clarity to an industry that has long carried a reputation for confusion and skepticism.Together, Ben and Laura dive into the history of reverse mortgages, separating fact from myth, and explain how today’s product is far safer and more regulated than in decades past. From addressing legacy concerns for families to unpacking the real costs and fees, this conversation highlights how reverse mortgages can help seniors downsize, access equity, or simply create financial breathing room in retirement.You’ll hear real-world examples of how homeowners have used reverse-for-purchase loans to relocate and still preserve cash reserves, the truth about compounding interest and non-recourse protections, and how agents can use this knowledge to better guide their clients. Whether you’re an agent navigating conversations with older clients, or a family member trying to help parents plan smarter, this episode provides the clarity you’ve been waiting for.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Why revisit reverse mortgages? Community questions & concerns[00:02:34] – The early problems: predatory lending and “grandma on the street”[00:05:01] – Safeguards today: spousal protections, financial assessments & HUD regulation[00:07:25] – The big question: what if the property ends up underwater?[00:10:30] – Legacy vs. liquidity: balancing kids’ inheritance with parents’ comfort[00:13:01] – How much equity can you access? (40–70% explained)[00:16:42] – Adjustable rates, credit lines & why interest accrues differently[00:18:51] – Case study: downsizing with a reverse-for-purchase loan[00:23:25] – Why more seniors should explore this option before saying “never”🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Laura Phillips & MAC5 Mortgage Inc:https://www.youtube.com/@UCcKM36yrA62PorDUhQ1r7Gw https://lauraphillips.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurawphillips/https://www.facebook.com/colorado.mortgage.brokerhttps://www.instagram.com/laurawphillips/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣ ⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣ ⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣ ⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for more insights, and don’t forget to comment with your thoughts on whether reverse mortgages are a smart option in today’s market.

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady unpacks a real conversation he had with sellers in Southern California—a situation that highlights one of the toughest questions agents must help clients answer: is their money better kept in a property or taken out and redirected elsewhere?Ben breaks down how inventory levels, buyer feedback, and the realities of property-specific challenges often mean that simply waiting for “better market conditions” isn’t the right move. Using a Huntington Beach studio apartment as a case study, he illustrates how buyers with the right budgets can still pass on a property—not because of price, but because of product.You’ll learn how to frame seller conversations around opportunity cost, the expense of holding property, and alternative investments—from upgrading to larger units, to exploring other markets, to even comparing real estate to the S&P 500. This practical session provides agents with the scripts and strategies to guide sellers through difficult truths while preserving trust and positioning for long-term business.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – The seller conversation that inspired this episode[00:01:06] – Why price reductions don’t always solve the problem[00:01:49] – What really happens if interest rates drop 1%[00:02:17] – Why 50% of listings are being pulled off-market prematurely[00:03:38] – The Huntington Beach studio: a case study in product vs. price[00:05:17] – Helping sellers see buyer budgets vs. perceived value[00:06:14] – Framing the decision: is this really a “wait 2 years” move?[00:07:39] – Alternatives: upgrading units, other states, or the S&P 500[00:09:18] – Identifying property problems vs. market-driven issues[00:10:36] – The hidden costs of “holding” property[00:11:37] – Why time won’t always fix the seller’s problem🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: https://www.harcourtsauctions.comConnect with Ben Brady and the Harcourts Auctions team:Facebook: www.facebook.com/BenbradyharcourtsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517Instagram: www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctionsFacebook: www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for more industry insights, and don’t forget to like, comment, or share your take on how YOU help sellers make these tough calls.

In this timely episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Mr. Tech himself—Tony Self, Broker Associate at Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty—to unpack the seismic shifts happening across real estate portals. With Rocket Mortgage acquiring Redfin, Zillow clashing with Compass, and Homes.com pouring billions into growth, the battle for consumer attention (and agent relevance) has never been louder.Tony brings a unique lens from his corporate background, having previously consulted for CoStar and other major players who once explored replacing real estate agents with technology. He shares why those efforts ultimately failed, how today’s platforms are repositioning themselves, and what agents must understand about syndication, lead flow, and platform control to stay competitive.From Redfin’s vertically integrated model with Rocket, to Compass’s private listing network, to Zillow’s war over MLS syndication rights, Ben and Tony break down the implications for everyday agents. They also discuss why Homes.com is attempting to replicate Australia’s seller-paid marketing culture, and why it may (or may not) work in the U.S. residential landscape.Whether you’re skeptical of portals or fully reliant on them for lead generation, this episode will give you clarity on the current battles, the hidden agendas, and the practical steps agents need to take to stay ahead in a marketplace being reshaped by tech, banks, and billion-dollar acquisitions.Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Why Portals Are Dominating the Headlines in Real Estate[00:01:23] – Rocket Mortgage Acquires Redfin: What It Really Means[00:04:20] – Can Banks Finally Break Into Real Estate?[00:06:26] – Zillow vs. Compass: The Syndication Feud Explained[00:10:06] – Homes.com’s Billion-Dollar Play & the “Australian Model”[00:13:25] – Why Agents Still Can’t Be Replaced by Technology[00:17:42] – The Future of Portals, Brokerages, and Agent Relevance🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Tony Self and Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty:https://selfregroup.com/https://www.facebook.com/selfregrouphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyself/https://huntermason.harcourtsna.com/https://tonyself.harcourtsna.com/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣ ⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣ ⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣ ⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for more real estate insights, and drop a comment with your thoughts: Are portals helping agents—or slowly replacing them?

Chris Cochran, Director of Marketing at Harcourts Auctions, brings his expertise to the table, breaking down the overlooked Four P's of Marketing: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. He explains why agents often misuse 'marketing' and the dangers of solely focusing on one aspect. Discover how subtle promotional tweaks can transform listings and why understanding perceived value is crucial. Chris shares real-world examples that highlight the impact of strategic pricing and the importance of a holistic marketing approach in today’s competitive landscape.

In this eye-opening episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Kevin Guttman, reverse mortgage specialist and author of The Swiss Army Knife of Retirement Cash Flow, to uncover how reverse mortgages can solve complex seller challenges in today’s market. Kevin shares why these often-misunderstood financial tools aren’t just for seniors looking to stay put—they can be strategic game-changers for real estate agents trying to unlock stalled listings.From sellers who want to move but can’t make the numbers work, to clients sitting on significant equity but unwilling to sell in a down market, Ben and Kevin break down how reverse mortgages can free up options without forcing a price drop. They share real-world scenarios where price reductions failed, explore how to identify a property problem versus a price problem, and give agents the language to introduce reverse mortgages into sensitive conversations.You’ll learn the mechanics of reverse mortgages, how they can fund a purchase, bridge the gap between transactions, or simply buy a seller more time until market conditions improve. Whether you’re an agent in a high-end market or navigating longer days-on-market, this episode will give you fresh, actionable strategies to keep deals moving—and relationships intact.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Welcome & how reverse mortgages fit into today’s market[00:00:57] – Why price isn’t always the problem (and when it’s the property)[00:02:10] – Kevin’s background & journey into reverse mortgage lending[00:03:31] – Case studies where price cuts failed but a reverse mortgage worked[00:04:43] – Explaining reverse mortgages to sellers without scaring them off[00:05:34] – When to use reverse mortgages for purchases vs. staying put[00:06:21] – Turning “stuck” listings into long-term client opportunities🔗 Related Resources Below:📚 Get Kevin Guttman’s book The Swiss Army Knife of Retirement Cash Flow: https://a.co/d/03eR1CK🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit:https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Kevin Guttman:https://jumboreversemortgage.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinguttman/facebook.com/ReverseMortgageKevinG/ReverseMortgageRevolution.com🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣ ⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣ ⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣ ⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for more industry insights, and drop a comment if you’ve ever handled a listing where a reverse mortgage could have been the solution.

Ben Brady tackles one of the most frustrating challenges agents face: when a listing doesn’t move—even after significant price drops. Ben shares personal case studies across different markets, from luxury condos in Nashville to multimillion-dollar homes in Silicon Valley, revealing how price often isn’t the root of the issue.Instead, Ben walks you through how to dissect the true problem—whether it's property-specific drawbacks, excess inventory, or buyer psychology—and how to navigate that conversation with your sellers in a tactful but honest way. Learn how to frame expectations, evaluate market competition, and position your listing for future success, even if the timing isn’t right today.This episode offers scripts, mindset shifts, and strategy around seller communication that will help you protect your time, maintain relationships, and increase your long-term conversion. It's real talk for real agents in today’s tougher market.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – When price drops aren’t enough to generate offers[00:01:16] – Why price isn’t always the solution in tough markets[00:02:33] – Case study: San Francisco Bay Area luxury listing with no traction[00:03:31] – Identifying property-specific deterrents like location and layout[00:04:01] – How inventory volume changes buyer behavior[00:04:43] – The challenge of delivering honest feedback to sellers[00:05:34] – Setting realistic expectations based on timing and competition[00:06:21] – Leveraging hard truths to spark meaningful seller conversations[00:07:03] – Knowing when to walk away—or put a listing on the “future shelf”🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: https://www.harcourtsauctions.comConnect with Ben Brady and the Harcourts Auctions team:Facebook: www.facebook.com/BenbradyharcourtsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517Instagram: www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctionsFacebook: www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions📩 Subscribe to this channel and drop your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear what tactics you use when price no longer motivates buyers!

In this eye-opening episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Chris Prefontaine, Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach, to unpack the strategies behind creative deal structures that work in any market. Chris shares how his team and community across 80+ markets are using owner financing, lease purchase, and subject-to transactions to close deals—often without needing massive capital or perfect credit.Chris breaks down exactly how each structure works, the pitfalls to avoid, and why these methods are becoming essential knowledge for real estate agents in a shifting market. From building new income streams without bank loans, to converting listings that would otherwise expire, this episode reveals how agents can position themselves as problem-solvers and generate revenue beyond traditional commissions.You’ll also hear how the Smart Real Estate Coach community partners directly in deals—coaching members through transactions from start to finish—and why the average time to first deal is just 157 days. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn more of the opportunities that cross your desk into actual income (even the ones that don’t fit the MLS mold), this conversation will flip the switch.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Introduction to Chris Prefontaine & Smart Real Estate Coach[00:02:08] – The mixed sentiment across 80+ U.S. real estate markets[00:04:20] – Defining “creative real estate” and why Chris shifted to it after 2008[00:06:22] – The three core structures: owner financing, lease purchase, subject-to[00:07:16] – Why principal-only payments can be a recession hedge[00:08:29] – How lease purchase deals lock in control without taking title[00:09:11] – Subject-to explained (and the truth about the due-on-sale clause)[00:12:29] – How Smart Real Estate Coach trains and partners on deals[00:15:21] – Opportunities in a longer-days-on-market environment[00:16:22] – How to start creative deal-making with zero experience[00:18:15] – Structuring community membership for hands-on deal guidance[00:20:34] – Monetizing creative real estate: timelines and income potential[00:22:21] – Case study: government employee to six figures in 24 months[00:23:32] – Chris’s 2025 focus: reducing time to first deal for members🔗 Related Resources Below:📚 Get Chris’s free book: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/rethink📺 Watch Smart Real Estate Coach deal structures on YouTube:  @wickedsmartinc 🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Chris Prefontaine & Smart Real Estate Coach:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/https://smartrealestatecoach.com/https://www.instagram.com/chrisprefontaine_/https://www.facebook.com/CHRISPRE/https://www.youtube.com/user/smartrealestatecoach🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣ ⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣ ⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣ ⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for more industry insights, and don’t forget to like, follow, or comment with your thoughts on creative deal-making in real estate!

July's real estate market shows a pivotal shift in agent and seller attitudes. Insights from analyzing over 120,000 listings reveal evolving dynamics and the new importance of clarity. From Florida to Menlo Park, case studies illustrate the tough realities and successes in today's market. A focus on 'help' rather than hype is emerging as agents adapt to stalled listings and frustrated clients. Learn about innovative auction strategies and how understanding seller expectations can pave the way for better results.

Ben Brady sits down with Tyler Davis, founder of Met Group Real Estate in Phoenix, Arizona. At just 24 years old, Tyler shares his unconventional journey—from moving away from everything familiar at age 18 to diving headfirst into the Phoenix market and building a $10 million business in one of the most challenging real estate landscapes in the U.S.Tyler gives a candid look at navigating a market ranked #2 in price reductions nationwide, adapting to shifting buyer demographics, and balancing the nuances between luxury estates and starter homes. He dives deep into his client-first mindset, referral-based growth, and why he’s cautious about rapidly expanding his team. Plus, Tyler shares his vision beyond real estate and why he sees himself moving on from the industry within five years.Whether you’re new to the game or looking for fresh perspective on resilience and adaptation, Tyler’s story offers practical insights and inspiration for building a listing-focused business in today’s market.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Tyler’s Journey: Starting Real Estate at 19 & Moving to Phoenix[00:01:47] – Market Reality: Navigating Phoenix’s Price Reduction Surge[00:05:18] – Shifting Seller Conversations & Building Trust[00:08:05] – Marketing That Moves Properties in Any Market Condition[00:10:11] – Defining His Niche: $750K–$2M Bread & Butter[00:13:01] – Early Entrepreneurship & Lessons from Failure[00:16:53] – Building & Managing a Small, Organic Team[00:21:09] – Pricing Sellers & Managing Motivation[00:22:14] – Year-End Goals & $10M Production Outlook[00:23:22] – Looking Ahead: Tyler’s Five-Year Plan Beyond Real Estate🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Tyler Davis and Met Group Real Estate:https://metgroupre.com/https://www.instagram.com/tylerdavisrealty/https://www.youtube.com/@UCPQDahV3cozncL2l1N60RsA https://www.instagram.com/metgroupre/https://www.instagram.com/luxecarsandcoffee/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣ ⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣ ⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣ ⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎧 Like, follow, and subscribe to support Rethink Real Estate and catch more insider real estate strategies from leaders like Tyler and Ben.