Rethink Real Estate

In this episode of "Rethink Real Estate," host Ben Brady sits down solo with Ricky Carruth—a dynamic force in the real estate world and host of The Ricky Carruth Show. Ricky shares his unconventional path as a solo agent crushing it with 100+ sales a year and a staggering 90% profit margin, all without building a team. He dives into why “compressing time” is his secret weapon and challenges the industry’s obsession with team-building.Ben and Ricky dig into the current market landscape, tackling how agents can navigate rising days on market and seller expectations that don’t meet reality. They unpack why motivation is everything right now and how a shift in mindset can help both buyers and sellers find common ground in this “transition period.”The conversation also tackles industry shake-ups — from Compass’s controversial MLS moves to the complex power plays involving Zillow, EXP, and private listings. Ricky breaks down what these changes mean for agents and why adaptability is more crucial than ever.Finally, Ricky shares his obsession with AI, revealing how cutting-edge tech is set to reshape real estate in the next few years — promising agents who embrace it will outsell and outpace the competition. Tune in for a forward-thinking look at the future of real estate and practical wisdom on thriving right now.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Meet Ricky Carruth: Solo Agent Success Story[00:05:00] - Why Building a Team Isn’t Always the Answer[00:10:00] - Market Reality Check: Rising Days on Market & Seller Mindsets[00:18:00] - Navigating Industry Disruption: Compass, Zillow & Private Listings[00:27:00] - The Future is AI: How Tech Will Transform Real Estate Sales[00:32:00] - Final Thoughts & Advice for Agents Ready to Thrive🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Ricky Carruth and The Ricky Carruth Show:https://www.youtube.com/@UCP0h0eOBAg4hj1LHR28T6wA https://rickycarruth.comhttps://instagram.com/rickycarruthhttps://facebook.com/zerotodiamond🔗 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/HarcourtsAuctionsSubscribe for insights and actionable strategies. Drop your thoughts or questions below — we love hearing from you!#RethinkRealEstate #RickyCarruth #RealEstatePodcast #SoloAgent #AIinRealEstate #BenBrady #CompassMLS #ZillowChanges #RealEstateTips

Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, breaks down exactly what's happening across the U.S. real estate market—and why agents need to wake up to the data. From high-stakes standoffs between buyers and sellers to massive price reductions in luxury markets, Ben pulls no punches in this brutally honest June 2025 wrap-up.Get an inside look at which markets are resilient (hello, Pacific Northwest), which ones are stalling out (Miami condos, we’re looking at you), and why even a perfect auction campaign isn’t always enough when sellers are clinging to yesterday’s prices. Ben also reveals which states are generating the most auctions, how interest rate speculation is impacting buyer confidence, and why the agents thriving today are the ones who’ve mastered tough conversations.Whether you're navigating price reductions, wondering if auctions work in your market, or trying to decode the national slowdown, this episode is packed with raw insights, tactical advice, and a clear-eyed look at what’s next. Plus—hear which markets Ben’s team is avoiding altogether and why now is a make-or-break moment for listing agents.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – June Market Overview: Inventory, Auctions & Fed Impact[00:02:05] – Case Study: Why Some Properties Still Get 18+ Offers[00:04:11] – The Toughest Seller Profile in Today’s Market[00:06:24] – Market Deep Dive: Florida, Tennessee, Carolinas, and More[00:07:39] – Miami Condos & the Problem with High HOA Fees[00:09:20] – Austin & Arizona: Price Cuts and Buyer Hesitation[00:12:26] – Auctions, Alternatives & the Seller Standstill in 2025🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: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🎧 Like what you heard? Subscribe, leave a comment with your market take, and share this with an agent who needs a dose of reality.

Eric Forney, Director of Expansion for Keller Williams Realty International, shares riveting insights from his monumental journey in real estate. He reveals the critical importance of analyzing profit and loss metrics for team success. The conversation dives into the differences between traditional and cloud brokerage models, discussing their impact on profitability. Eric also addresses the necessity of shifting focus from gross commission income to net revenue. His pragmatic approach highlights the future of brokerage while dissecting the real costs of large teams versus sustainable business practices.

On this powerful episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady sits down with Athena Brownson, Principal and Broker Associate at Compass in Denver. Athena shares her inspiring journey battling Lyme disease while thriving in one of North America’s toughest real estate markets. Discover how she navigates Denver’s challenging landscape with creative strategies, relentless discipline, and a deep commitment to her clients.We dive into the current state of Denver’s market—why inventory is high, buyer hesitation is real, and what it takes to get properties sold in today’s environment. Athena opens up about the importance of building a strong team, mastering the fundamentals, and embracing adversity as a catalyst for growth. Whether you’re a new or seasoned agent, her story and insights will challenge you to rethink your approach and push through tough times with grit and grace.Tune in for practical tips on client education, market transparency, and sustaining success in a cyclical business. Plus, hear how Athena’s athletic background shaped her resilience and why culture and coaching are the secret ingredients to her long-term success.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Introducing Athena Brownson: Real Estate Journey & Lyme Disease Battle[00:05:00] – Denver Market Update: Inventory, Buyer Hesitation & Economic Challenges[00:13:00] – Overcoming Personal Adversity: How Health Challenges Shaped Her Business[00:20:00] – Building a Winning Team: Delegation, Systems & Culture[00:27:00] – Creative Strategies to Sell in a Slow Market[00:31:00] – The Power of Consistency: Mastering the Basics for Long-Term Success🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Athena Brownson:https://athenabrownsonrealtor.com/https://www.facebook.com/AthenaBrownsonRealtorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/athenabrownsonrealtor/https://www.instagram.com/athenabrownsonrealtor🔗 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/HarcourtsAuctionsDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found Athena’s story and strategies valuable. Your support helps us grow and bring more expert insights to agents navigating today’s real estate challenges.

Tony Self, a Broker Associate at Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty, specializes in AI and PropTech innovations. He discusses groundbreaking tools like Google's Gemini for video generation and how ChatGPT enhances market analysis. The conversation dives into virtual staging's risks and rewards while highlighting the need for human expertise in property valuations. With practical tips for leveraging AI in real estate marketing, Tony provides valuable insights on building smarter listing strategies in an ever-evolving market.

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Adam Capes, Founder & CEO of GoForth Global, to explore the rapidly evolving world of fractional ownership and destination clubs. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey from destination clubs to co-ownership models that make luxury second homes more accessible and efficient. Together, they unpack how fractional ownership differs from timeshares and why it’s becoming a smart alternative for second home buyers.Ben and Adam dive into real client stories, including Ben’s own New York City experience, and reveal the hidden pains of traditional second home ownership — from maintenance headaches to underused properties. Adam explains how GoForth simplifies co-ownership, managing all the logistics while offering owners flexibility, equity growth, and access to a network of luxury homes worldwide.Real estate agents will gain valuable insights into how to monetize referrals in this space, earning significant commissions while offering clients innovative solutions that fit modern lifestyles. From investment potential in branded residences to helping clients achieve attainable luxury lifestyles, this episode is packed with actionable ideas for agents and buyers alike.If you’re curious about the future of second home ownership, or how to add a lucrative referral stream to your real estate business, this episode is a must-listen.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Introduction to GoForth Global and Fractional Ownership[00:03:00] - What sets fractional ownership apart from timeshares and destination clubs[00:10:00] - Real client insights: The pros and cons of traditional second homes[00:14:00] - How GoForth manages co-ownership logistics and calendar conflicts[00:18:00] - Monetizing fractional ownership referrals as a realtor[00:23:00] - Investment opportunities in branded residences and international markets[00:27:00] - Flexibility and lifestyle benefits for owners[00:28:30] - How to connect clients and start earning referral fees🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Adam Capes & GoForth:https://www.goforthglobal.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-capes-0515732/🔗 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 cutting-edge real estate insights, and don’t forget to like, follow, or subscribe on your favorite platform. Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments below!

In this quick-hitting solo episode, Ben Brady breaks down one of the most critical (and most overlooked) conversations agents should be having right at the beginning of every listing: the financial conversation.Too often, agents chase listings based on seller wants, not seller needs. But without a clear understanding of financial limitations, goals, or pressure points, you’re flying blind — and likely wasting your time. Ben walks through the simple phrasing he uses to uncover whether a seller can actually accept a realistic offer, plus how to use net sheets and ongoing check-ins to stay ahead of surprises.Whether it’s medical debt, hidden obligations, or emotional price anchors, this episode is all about protecting your time, setting expectations, and building the kind of trust that leads to real decisions — not false hope.For agents who value transparency, efficiency, and not getting strung along for six months, this one’s essential listening.🎯 Key Topics & Timestamps:[00:00] – The difference between wants vs. needs in pricing[01:06] – Can you evaluate motivation at the start? Sort of[01:46] – How the 24-hour meeting sets the tone[02:22] – The key question: not “would you take it?” but “could you take it?”[04:36] – Why knowing financial limitations early saves time[06:07] – Self-awareness as a listing agent is a superpower[07:10] – What sellers don’t tell you (and how to surface it early)🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: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 tactical sales and listing strategies. Drop your questions in the comments — we read every single one.

In this marketing-mic-drop episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady and returning guest Chris Cochran get real about the true definition of a lead—and why most agents are doing it completely wrong. Forget overpriced third-party “buyer inquiries.” If you’re not speaking directly to someone’s problem, you're just noise in the feed.Chris breaks down what actually makes someone a qualified lead, how lead magnets should work (but usually don’t), and the power of speaking to niche pain points instead of trying to “market to everyone.” You’ll learn why most agents aren’t building trust with their marketing, how to use gated content the right way, and the exact shift that will 2–3x your conversions.They also dig into tactics like persona-based guides, real client case studies, and the biggest mindset mistake agents make with online ads. Whether you’re buying leads, building a funnel, or just wondering why no one clicks your links—this one’s packed with the kind of clarity that can change your business today.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – The Real Definition of a Lead (That Most Agents Miss)[00:01:11] – Why Opt-Ins Matter More Than “Buying Leads”[00:02:22] – Lead Magnets That Actually Work for Agents[00:04:03] – How to Use Gated Content Without Being Annoying[00:05:29] – Building Trust Through Free (But Valuable) Content[00:09:39] – The Power of Persona-Driven Marketing[00:13:05] – Speak to the Problem or Be Ignored🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: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 tactical sales and listing strategies. Drop your questions in the comments — we read every single one.

In this no-filter episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Mark Perkins—Founder, CEO, and Principal Broker of Pivot Realty Group. After 17 years in the business and 200+ agents across six states, Mark reveals why he built a brokerage from the ground up—and why he refuses to let real estate become just another side hustle.Mark gets into the real numbers behind his 95/5 model, how he built a full-service operation with salaried staff, and why his brokerage is designed to serve serious, full-time agents—not part-timers. He shares why he moved away from traditional recruiting, his bold take on compensation splits, and the controversial reason he’s totally fine if 40% of agents leave the industry.This is a masterclass in real estate leadership, brokerage strategy, and staying true to your mission—even if it means doing things the hard way.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:01:14] – How Pivot Realty Group Got Started[00:06:59] – Why Mark Doesn’t Want Part-Time Agents[00:10:17] – Building a Brokerage Around Agent & Consumer Experience[00:12:09] – Why He’d Still Build a Brokerage Today (Despite the Market)[00:17:03] – Pivot’s Unique 95/5 Commission Split Explained[00:21:00] – Market Trends in Ohio & The Midwest[00:26:09] – The Real Estate Industry Needs a Reality Check🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Mark Perkins & Pivot Realty:https://www.pivotrealty.com/https://www.pivotcommercialgroup.com/about-ushttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-perkins-66154b9/https://www.facebook.com/PivotRealtyGrouphttps://www.youtube.com/@pivotrealtygroup4905🔗 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🎧 If this episode made you think twice about your brokerage—or your leadership—smash that like, leave a comment, and send it to someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe for more no-BS real estate conversations.

Tina Caul, Founder & Chief Visionary of Caul Group Residential, built one of eXp Realty’s top teams without being a slave to her calendar. She discusses her shift from closing 130 deals a year to focusing on systems that outlast people. Tina reveals her breaking point in leadership and the frameworks, like EOS and Working Genius, that saved her sanity. She shares her insights on agent profitability, the myth of real estate freedom, and why she intentionally shrunk her team, making this a must-listen for aspiring and established team leaders.