Rethink Real Estate

In this solo episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, unpacks one of the most important shifts facing our industry today: the largest generational wealth transfer in history. Over the next 10–20 years, an estimated $84–90 trillion will pass from baby boomers to Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z—with more than half of it tied directly to real estate assets.Ben explores what this shift means for agents, homeowners, and investors. From the downsizing and liquidation of inherited homes to the remodeling and repositioning of outdated properties, he breaks down both the risks and opportunities this tidal wave of wealth will create. He also raises the alarm on rising inventory levels, the role of institutional buyers, and why realtors must get smart about partnering with estate planners, fiduciaries, and financial advisors to stay ahead of the curve.If you want to understand how to position yourself for success as trillions in real estate changes hands, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – The $90 trillion wealth transfer explained[00:01:17] – Why boomers hold 70% of U.S. real estate[00:02:36] – Why most heirs sell their parents’ properties[00:03:40] – Impact of generational shifts on inventory levels[00:04:57] – The affordability debate: boomers vs younger buyers[00:05:29] – Opportunities in remodeling and renovations[00:06:14] – Institutional buyers and the risks they bring[00:07:31] – Why younger generations may reinvest in real estate[00:08:23] – The role of realtors in inheritance-related sales[00:09:35] – Strategic partnerships: estate planners, fiduciaries & advisors🔗 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👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real estate insights, strategies, and forward-looking conversations that prepare you for where the market is headed.

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down once again with powerhouse agent Rachael Ashley of Harcourts Prime Properties to tackle a critical (and often overlooked) step in growing a real estate business: hiring your first assistant.Rachael shares her unfiltered experience—from the false start with her first hire to finally finding the right fit—and why the real motivation for bringing on help wasn’t just about doing less, but about creating more capacity to do the right things.You’ll hear how she documented her processes, delegated non–income producing tasks, and empowered her assistant to run open houses, manage operations, and drive results. Even more, Rachael reveals the surprising mindset shift agents need when moving from “solo agent” to “business owner.”If you’ve been debating when (and how) to hire help, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, lessons learned, and honest insights you won’t want to miss.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Why Rachael decided it was time to hire an assistant[00:01:14] – The role of coaching in pushing her toward leverage[00:02:52] – Screening candidates: voicemail strategy that works[00:05:01] – The failed first hire and what she learned from it[00:07:16] – How she built her “hand-off” list of tasks[00:09:11] – Training challenges and the importance of patience[00:12:09] – Teaching assistants to run open houses correctly[00:14:38] – Using assistants to gather more powerful seller feedback[00:16:17] – What she’d do differently if hiring again[00:18:59] – Planning the next hire and building a real estate team🔗 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👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real estate strategies, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes conversations designed to help you build a listing-focused business that lasts.

In this financial reality-check episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Alan Franks, founder of The Mill Financial Partners and author of Empowered Money, to talk money, mistakes, and how real estate professionals can get serious about their future. Alan doesn’t hold back—calling out the traps many independent contractors fall into and laying out how to actually build wealth in an inconsistent commission-based world.They cover everything from the psychology of financial planning to tactical moves like using HELOCs, how to think about opportunity cost, why owning a home might not be the best investment, and how to position your portfolio across real estate, equities, and yes—even crypto. Alan also dives into tax strategy, the impact of bonus depreciation, and how agents can set retirement goals that are actually achievable (and not just based on dreams of “hitting a number”).Whether you're living deal-to-deal or looking to make smarter moves with growing income, this conversation will challenge the way you think about money, retirement, and real estate investing.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Why we brought a financial planner onto a real estate podcast[00:01:58] – Where most independent contractors fall short with finances[00:02:55] – Realtors: Are you actually using your tax benefits?[00:04:00] – How to reverse engineer your retirement plan[00:05:20] – What most agents get wrong about income, goals, and lifestyle[00:07:00] – Should you check your financial plan more often than your listings?[00:08:00] – S&P index funds, meme stocks, and crypto: where agents get distracted[00:10:50] – Is your home actually a good investment? A harsh look at equity[00:14:00] – How wealthy people use leverage and debt (smartly)[00:17:02] – Airbnb crash, hard money lending, and safer 2025 bets[00:22:10] – The 4% rule? Alan’s take on retirement income strategies[00:23:30] – Why “just dump it into dividend stocks” isn’t the full answer🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Alan Franks, CFP and The Mill Financial Partners:https://themillfp.com/https://empowered-money.com/https://www.facebook.com/themillfphttps://www.instagram.com/frankly_financial/https://www.amazon.com/EmPowered-Money-security-accumulate-fullest/dp/B0C9SG21KK🔗 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💬 Drop your biggest money mistake (or lesson) in the comments below. Let’s get real.

Chris Cochran, Director of Marketing at Harcourts Auctions, breaks down outdated real estate marketing tactics. He critiques the 'Put it on MLS, Put up a sign, Pray' mindset, highlighting why it fails in today's competitive market. Instead, he emphasizes a new framework: preparation, promotion, and pricing. With rising inventory, Cochran shares how top agents are redefining listings through strategic presentation and pricing to stand out. This insightful discussion provides actionable strategies for agents looking to enhance their approach and stay relevant.

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!