Rethink Real Estate

In this solo episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady flips the script on what it really means to be a modern real estate agent in 2025. Forget the old-school mindset of chasing transactions. Ben argues that your real job now? Data analyst. The most valuable currency in today’s market isn’t listings — it’s information. And most agents are missing the mark entirely.Ben dives into why names, phone numbers, emails, and detailed segmentation should be your primary KPI. He breaks down practical, no-fluff ways to gather more local data — from tweaking your open house strategy to cold prospecting with a fresh lens. This episode isn’t about fancy CRMs or complicated systems. It’s about rethinking the fundamentals: How much opportunity do you actually have in your database?Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned top producer, this is the reset button you didn’t know you needed. Ben shows how expanding your data inputs expands your income — and why volume is the byproduct of consistency, not luck.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Why Real Estate Agents Are Actually Data Analysts[00:01:06] – Your Database Is the New Commodity[00:02:16] – The Metric That Matters More Than GCI[00:03:03] – Open House Tactics That Actually Work[00:04:30] – Stop Giving Out Brochures (And Do This Instead)[00:05:48] – Reframing Cold Prospecting as Data Refinement[00:08:40] – The Real Reason You’re Not Doing More Deals🔗 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, follow, and subscribe to help us keep the podcast growing. If this episode helped reframe your thinking, share it with a colleague who needs a data-first mindset.#RethinkRealEstate #BenBrady #RealEstatePodcast #RealtorTips #HarcourtsAuctions #RealEstateMarketing #LeadGeneration #AgentMindset #DataDrivenAgent #ModernRealtor

In this powerhouse episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady is joined by Adam Hergenrother — founder of Adam Hergenrother Companies and one of the boldest voices in real estate leadership today. Adam pulls no punches on what it really takes to scale a real estate empire without losing yourself in the process. From managing nearly 1,000 agents to building multiple businesses under one roof, he shares why the inner game of leadership matters more than ever in 2025.Adam breaks down why hustle culture is broken, how stillness fuels better decision-making, and why your personal growth is directly tied to your business’s growth. He and Ben discuss everything from the neuroscience of leadership to tactical systems for letting go of control without sacrificing standards. Whether you're an individual agent, team leader, or CEO, this conversation will challenge how you lead, hire, scale — and show up.They also dive into the shifting real estate landscape, including the future of brokerage models, why most “top producer” metrics are misleading, and how to design a business that serves your life (not the other way around). It's one of the most honest, high-level conversations we've had on the podcast — and you’ll want to hit replay.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Adam’s Origin Story & Building a Multi-Business Ecosystem[00:03:14] – Why Stillness Is a Superpower in Leadership[00:08:30] – The Real Reason Most Agents Burn Out[00:11:42] – How to Scale Without Micromanaging[00:16:18] – Rethinking Brokerage Models in 2025[00:19:27] – Why “Top Producer” Metrics Are Often a Lie[00:24:45] – Building a Life-Centric Real Estate Business🔗 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 Hergenrother:https://adamhergenrother.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhergenrother/https://www.instagram.com/adamhergenrother/https://a.co/d/fRb4egy🔗 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, rate, and drop a comment if this episode made you rethink your leadership or business model. Share with someone building big — but doing it the hard way.

Tony Self, a real estate agent at Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty, discusses the shift from traditional marketing to AI-driven automation in real estate. He shares how he and Courtney cut costs by creating a personalized marketing system using tools like Hootsuite and Canva, combined with ChatGPT prompts. They dive into the importance of consistency across social media, balancing AI efficiency with human touch, and tailoring solutions for different audiences. If you're looking to streamline your real estate marketing, this conversation offers invaluable insights!

Most agents are casting wide nets and coming up empty. In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady sits down with Chris Cochran to break down how niche marketing is the difference between noise and results. They cover why being hyper-specific in your content and strategy doesn't limit you — it positions you as the local expert your future clients are already searching for.From real-life examples like waterfront specialists and military family experts to using AI tools like ChatGPT for demographic research, this conversation offers hands-on strategies that solo agents and teams can apply today. Chris reveals how creating niche content increases inbound leads, drives local authority, and boosts your SEO — without spending big on ads.The duo also explores what not to do: trying to be everything to everyone. Whether you’re in a big city or a rural town, they share how to tailor your approach without boxing yourself in. Plus, they share scripts for open house follow-ups, content frameworks for YouTube, and how to use expired listings as a niche strategy goldmine.🔗 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 marketing and listing strategies. Drop your questions in the comments — we read every single one.

In this solo episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, delivers his bold, no-nonsense forecast for the rest of 2025. With questions flooding in from agents, sellers, and investors alike—Ben breaks down exactly where he believes the market is heading… and what agents should brace themselves for. Spoiler: it’s not a soft landing.Ben doesn’t hold back as he explains why high-interest rates aren’t the only issue, how buyer psychology is shifting, and why “perfect or nothing” seems to be the new standard for purchases. He also shares an eye-opening case study of a fix-and-flip project that may have lost value despite improvements—proving again that timing, price point, and property appeal matter more than ever.Whether you're selling to luxury buyers, working with developers, or struggling with stagnant listings, this episode is your roadmap for survival—and potential growth—in a market that might not bounce back until late 2026. Tune in for a rare, raw market update that will challenge your assumptions and help you reset your expectations.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Ben’s 2025 market prediction (and why he’s okay being wrong)[00:01:23] – The #1 question agents keep asking[00:02:04] – A case study in buyer psychology and property appeal[00:05:11] – Why the $2M price point is stuck in no-man’s land[00:06:55] – Market outlook: interest rates, inventory, and inflation[00:08:27] – “Treading water” for the next 18 months—what that really means[00:10:06] – Your mindset = your opportunity to gain market share🔗 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 real estate strategies and market insights every week. Drop your takeaways in the comments—what’s your outlook for 2025?

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.