Rethink Real Estate

In this tactical episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady opens the first part of a new series on expired listings and how to leverage the non-distressed auction process as a point of difference in today’s slowing market. With inventory climbing and more properties failing to sell, expireds are once again one of the best lead sources for agents looking to generate new business.Ben shares the scripts, mindset, and strategies he’s using to help agents break through the noise. Instead of chasing sellers with the same tired pitch, he explains how to position auction as a fresh solution—and why a low-barrier Zoom call can be the fastest, most efficient way to secure more appointments.You’ll also learn how to view rejection as validation, the importance of clarifying data, and why leaving voicemails is not just about the seller—it’s about sharpening your own delivery. This is step one in a multi-part training that will also cover text messaging, video follow-ups, and advanced sequencing to convert more expireds into signed listings.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Why expired listings are back in play in today’s market[00:01:17] – Auction as a true point of difference for expired sellers[00:03:11] – Where new business comes from if your database is thin[00:04:16] – Why traditional expired scripts often fail without differentiation[00:05:19] – Combining calls with text and video for more cut-through[00:07:15] – Why “no” can still be a win: validating data through calls[00:10:12] – A sample script to book a low-barrier Zoom meeting[00:12:27] – Efficiency gains: Zoom vs. traditional listing appointments[00:13:28] – Preview of next episode: integrating texts and video🔗 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 actionable strategies, and don’t forget to like, follow, or drop your biggest expired-listing challenge in the comments—we’ll cover it in a future episode!

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Brenna Van Hoogenstyn, Co-Owner and Realtor at Harcourts Blue Water, to dive deep into the real story behind building a social media strategy in real estate that actually converts.Alongside her business partner and mom, Cathy Clark, Brenna has turned Harcourts Blue Water into one of the most engaging, consistent, and authentic voices in Newport Beach real estate. But it wasn’t always that way. From the early “ego-driven” posts to now producing value-first content that earns trust before the first phone call, Brenna takes us through the full content journey—wins, struggles, and everything in between.Expect candid insights into staying consistent when business gets busy, why the algorithm rewards authenticity, how they balance entertaining and educational content, and why sometimes the best-performing videos are the ones outside your comfort zone. Brenna also shares how they’re leveraging their powerful network of attorneys, fiduciaries, and financial planners to deliver content that reaches their ideal $2M–$3M client avatar—without chasing vanity metrics.This isn’t another fluffy “just post more” conversation. It’s a vulnerable, tactical breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and why doubling down on content is one of the smartest long-term plays a real estate team can make.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Introduction to Brenna Van Hoogenstyn & Harcourts Blue Water[00:01:08] – Why Social Media Wasn’t About ROI at First[00:07:00] – Staying Consistent Through Busy Seasons (and Algorithm Penalties)[00:12:19] – The Difference Between Ego Content vs Value Content[00:15:20] – Kathy’s Reluctance (and Why Those Videos Perform Best)[00:23:10] – The Power of Professional Networks in Content Creation[00:29:40] – How to Define Your Audience & Build Content Around Them[00:36:46] – Being Vulnerable & Authentic to Build Trust Faster[00:45:10] – Investing in Content vs Buying Leads: Where to Put Your Budget[00:52:16] – The Endgame: Building a Scalable Business With Content🔗 Connect with Brenna Van Hoogenstyn:https://www.facebook.com/KathyBrennaRealEstatehttps://www.instagram.com/kathy_brenna_realestate/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenna-vanhoogenstyn/Visit their Website for more insights on Southern California Real Estate: https://www.kathybrennagroup.com/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions:⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions⁠🎯 If this episode gave you new ideas for content, drop your biggest takeaway in the comments. And don’t forget—subscribe for more tactical real estate conversations like this.

Lauren Lucas, a real estate entrepreneur and AI strategist from the LKW Home Team at Keller Williams, details her impressive feat of increasing her GCI by over $400,000 after replacing three team members with AI. She shares practical insights on automating operations, marketing, and lead generation without needing a technical background. From creating custom GPTs in minutes to using CRM bots for lead scoring, Lauren offers a roadmap for agents to thrive in the industry while minimizing burnout. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of AI.

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with top-producing agent Rachael Ashley of Harcourts Prime Properties to unpack how she’s evolved her business over nine years—and why she’s doubling down on expired listings and non-distressed auctions in today’s market.Rachael shares how she built early momentum calling expired listings, then shifted focus to circle prospecting and database building to create a strong referral-based business. But as the market shifted, she returned to expired outreach with renewed focus—using the auction platform as a key point of difference. That pivot led to 27 deals and over $700k GCI last year alone.In this candid conversation, Rachael walks us through her daily prospecting routine, mindset breakthroughs, roleplay and accountability strategies, and how she now combines auction, coaching, and repeat/referral systems to keep listings and income consistent—even when market conditions are anything but.You’ll also hear how she prequalifies expired leads before ever walking in the door, and why she believes success lies in being direct, adaptable, and always in service to the client—no matter how the listing came in.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Rachael Ashley returns: Evolution from last year’s episode[00:01:54] – Building with expireds, then shifting to referrals and database[00:02:14] – Why she stopped calling expireds—and what brought her back[00:05:10] – Prospecting schedule: 8–11am daily, five days/week[00:06:18] – Skillset and mindset: how she handles expired sellers[00:07:15] – Managing disappointment: when listings don’t sell[00:10:26] – Her secret weapon: a high-accountability cold calling group[00:12:15] – Roleplay every day: sharpening scripts and objection handling[00:17:05] – Full listing process: prequal, listing delivery, and conversion[00:22:00] – How expireds generate momentum, even when listings don’t sell[00:26:50] – The future: combining expireds with a growing database strategy🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Rachael Ashley & Harcourts Prime Properties:https://www.harcourtsprime.com/agents/Rachael-Ashleyhttps://www.instagram.com/rachaelashleyrealestatehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-ashleyhttps://www.facebook.com/RahaelAshleyHarcourtsPrimeProperties/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions:⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions⁠🎯 Subscribe for more top agent insights, prospecting strategy, and auction innovation—and don’t forget to like, follow, or share this episode with someone building their real estate career.

In this no-fluff episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Brett Jennings, CEO and Founder of Real Estate Experts, one of the most respected real estate teams in the Bay Area. From selling candy in grade school to working for Tony Robbins, Brett's entrepreneurial journey led him to build a top-producing team inside Side Real Estate—and a company that’s redefining what it means to deliver true value in the real estate industry.Brett shares how his time with Tony Robbins shaped his obsession with modeling high-performance agents, building intentional systems, and creating a business where coaching, culture, and client outcomes take priority. He opens up about the mistakes most agents make when building a team, the three critical systems that determine whether a team thrives or plateaus, and why environment—not ego—is the key to sustainable growth in real estate.Ben and Brett dive into what most brokers and agents get wrong about cost vs. value, why cheap splits can be a trap, and how to attract top producers without forming an entourage. Brett also discusses his early adoption of Side, why he left Keller Williams, and how Real Estate Experts is shifting the real estate industry from transactional to transformational.Whether you're a solo agent, a team leader, or thinking about your exit strategy, this episode is packed with mindset shifts, tactical advice, and real talk about what it takes to grow a purposeful, scalable real estate business.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Brett’s Journey: From Tony Robbins to Real Estate[00:03:40] – The Power of Modeling & Building a Values-Based Team[00:08:50] – From Short Sales to Scaling with Systems That Last[00:13:45] – Why Environment Beats Willpower Every Time[00:18:00] – The Problem with Discount Brokerages & Ego in Real Estate[00:25:10] – Becoming a Brokerage Partner: Side, KW, EXP & More[00:30:00] – Brett’s Vision to Shift Real Estate From Transactional to Relational🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Brett Jennings with Real Estate Experts:https://therealexperts.com/https://www.instagram.com/realestateexpertsca/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettjennings/🔗 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 behind-the-scenes insights from top producers and team leaders across the industry. If this episode challenged your thinking, share it with someone building a real estate business the right way.

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.