Rethink Real Estate

In this eye-opening episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Harcourts Hunter Mason’s Tony Self — affectionately known as “Tech Tony” — to explore how AI, specifically ChatGPT folders, can become your personal real estate coach. After using AI to analyze his health metrics, Tony realized the same logic could be applied to business planning and coaching in real estate.Ben and Tony dig into how real estate professionals can treat AI not just as a tool but as an employee — uploading sales history, goals, and market data to receive tailored coaching and accountability. This episode challenges the lazy approach many agents take toward tech and coaching, and offers a blueprint for using AI to replace traditional (and expensive) business mentors.You’ll also hear how Tony’s five-day fast led to some unexpected insights, the dangerous mindset of agents who “tried AI once,” and why most industry coaching might already be outdated. Whether you're curious about building an AI folder for your real estate business or just want to hear two pros debate the right way to scale a real estate career, this one’s for you.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - AI as a Coach? Tony’s Realization[00:01:05] - Fasting, Bread, and Biohacking with ChatGPT[00:03:18] - Attitudes Toward AI in the Real Estate Industry[00:04:05] - Why Most Agents Are Using AI Wrong[00:06:04] - Treating AI as an Employee, Not a Tool[00:08:10] - Standard Operating Procedures & Scaling[00:09:44] - Turning ChatGPT into a Health Consultant[00:12:17] - Smells Like Fat: Eccentric but Effective Use Cases[00:13:15] - Creating a Personalized Real Estate Coaching Folder[00:16:06] - The Flaws of Traditional Coaching Models[00:17:03] - Building an Emotion-Free, Stats-Driven Accountability Partner🔗 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/HarcourtsAuctionsSubscribe for more strategies, and don’t forget to like or follow wherever you listen. Let us know in the comments — would you trust an AI to be your real estate coach?

In this tactical episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady reunites with Harcourts Auctions' Director of Marketing, Chris Cochran, to break down a surprisingly effective shift in outreach strategy—leading with a text message before sending an email. Learn why this simple reversal is getting agents up to 20% more engagement and how to apply it directly in your real estate marketing.Chris shares recent campaign data where text-first messaging sparked conversations that emails alone couldn’t. They also explore how this strategy applies beyond auction marketing, from farming your neighborhood to promoting newly sold listings. Whether you're building a pipeline or just trying to cut through the noise, this episode delivers actionable insights on how to make your outreach feel more human—and get actual responses.You’ll also learn the tools that make this scalable, how to avoid spam traps, and how to structure messages that prompt replies (instead of being ignored). If your listings aren't turning into conversations, this episode is your fix.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Intro: Why This Follow-Up Method Matters[00:01:14] - The Rise of Text-First Prospecting[00:03:26] - What to Say in Your Initial Text Message[00:04:44] - Real Campaign Results: 15–20% Reply Rate[00:06:43] - Turning Listings into Value Conversations[00:07:36] - Why You Shouldn’t Use Just Your Phone[00:08:41] - Preventing Spam Flags & Getting Delivered[00:10:03] - Building Trust When Using a New Number[00:11:35] - Reverse Prospecting: The Right Order[00:13:16] - Final Takeaway: Text Is Where Attention Lives🔗 Related Resources Below:📱 SalesMessage (texting software we use): https://www.salesmessage.com🌐 Learn more about Harcourts Auctions: https://www.harcourtsauctions.com📩 Want our example text/email templates? DM us @harcourtsauctions🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctionshttps://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎧 Enjoyed this episode?✅ Like the video✅ Leave a comment✅ Subscribe for weekly strategies on auctions, listings, and growing your real estate business.

In this solo, practical episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady drills into one of the most impactful habits for listing agents right now: structured weekly meetings and reporting. As properties sit longer on the market, many agents are left asking, “What else can I do?” Ben lays out exactly what you should be doing — and how — to increase transparency, manage seller expectations, and move your listings toward sold.Ben shares the full framework for setting up weekly Zoom or in-person meetings that are guided by tangible reports, not gut feelings. From the data you should be collecting and how to present it, to what feedback actually matters (hint: it's price), you’ll walk away with a replicable structure for staying in control of the seller relationship and shifting the conversation away from emotion and back to market facts.If you’ve ever been ghosted by your own listing or avoided the tough pricing conversations, this episode gives you the script, tools, and confidence to take back control. Plus, Ben teases what’s coming in part two — the key follow-up questions agents aren’t asking.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Why This Topic Matters Right Now[00:01:09] - The Power of Scheduled Weekly Seller Meetings[00:02:44] - What Sellers Want (But Aren’t Getting)[00:04:09] - The Weekly Report: Structure, Tools & Examples[00:06:27] - Why Zoom Might Be Your Secret Weapon[00:08:19] - Data Hoarding: The Right Way to Track Inquiry[00:12:27] - Grouping Feedback, Not Just Comments[00:14:13] - What Price Feedback Actually Looks Like[00:18:17] - Visualizing Buyer Perception vs. Seller Expectation[00:20:49] - When (and How) to Push Back on Unreasonable Sellers🔗 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 and follow the show on your favorite platform. Drop a comment with your thoughts — we’d love to hear how you follow up with your leads!🎧 Enjoyed this episode?✅ Like the video✅ Leave a comment✅ Subscribe for weekly strategies on auctions, listings, and growing your real estate business.

In this inspiring episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Long Doan — a Vietnamese refugee turned powerhouse broker-owner of Realty Group, now 650+ agents strong across 12 offices. From surviving a refugee camp at 13 to building one of the most respected independents in the Midwest, Long’s story is one of grit, strategy, and relentless purpose.Ben and Long dig into the real growth engines behind Realty Group: how a "people-first" model scaled nationally, the reality of brokerage profitability in a changing market, and how the company just took a major leap by joining LPT Realty. They cover agent recruiting, commission models, vertical revenue streams, and what it takes to retain top-producing agents in today’s environment.If you’re a broker, team leader, or solo agent trying to future-proof your real estate business, Long’s transparent breakdown of structure, mindset, and mission will light a fire under your plans.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - From Refugee Camp to Real Estate: Long’s Origin Story[00:08:29] - Building Realty Group: People First, Profit Follows[00:17:11] - Recruiting the Right Agents (and Keeping Them)[00:25:03] - Broker Profitability & Vertical Revenue Explained[00:29:50] - Joining LPT Realty and Expanding Nationwide🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Long Doan and Realty Group - LPT:https://realtygroupmn.com/homehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCMeFrGflHGtZZo6NFDcuDQhttps://www.facebook.com/LongDoan2https://www.instagram.com/long_h_doan/https://www.linkedin.com/in/long-doan-4baa3725/🔗 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 the episode?✅ Drop a comment with your favorite takeaway✅ Hit like and subscribe✅ Share it with a fellow agent trying to scale their listingsLet’s help more agents rethink real estate, one strategy at a time.

Ben Brady breaks down the latest auction results and market shifts across the U.S. Discover how Harcourts Auctions navigated an evolving landscape in April, with standout wins like a $16M pre-auction sale in Rancho Mirage and a $6.7M record-breaking result in Fort Lauderdale — both in some of the toughest markets right now.Ben covers key insights into inventory trends, buyer behavior under $2M versus luxury price points, and why auction is proving to be a critical strategy for real estate agents battling high days on market. Learn why traditional price reductions often aren’t enough — and how the auction process is giving sellers and agents the clarity they need to move forward.If you want a front-row view of what’s happening nationally across Florida, California, Colorado, and beyond, plus how to use auctions as a strategic listing tool, this is your recap.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Harcourts Auctions April Summary: Listings, Wins, and Challenges[00:01:37] - Key Price Points Moving (and Stalling) in Today's Market[00:02:18] - $6.7M Fort Lauderdale Case Study: From 274 Days to Sold[00:03:39] - $16M Rancho Mirage Sale: Finding the Right Buyer Through Auction[00:06:06] - Why Waiting Isn’t a Strategy: Using Auction to Drive Answers🔗 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 and follow the show on your favorite platform. Drop a comment with your thoughts — we’d love to hear how you follow up with your leads!🎧 Enjoyed this episode?✅ Like the video✅ Leave a comment✅ Subscribe for weekly strategies on auctions, listings, and growing your real estate business.

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Jupiter, Florida’s powerhouse listing agent, Erica Wolfe — also known as The Wolfe Pack. With 88% of her $73M in production coming from listings, Erica opens up about how her team has mastered digital farming, market domination, and building a listing-focused business fueled by data and intentional structure.Ben and Erica dig deep into everything from database management and qualifying leads, to setting high but realistic sales goals and leading a tight-knit, high-performance team. They also explore how to attract the right agents, how to structure splits with transparency, and the math agents overlook that’s costing them income.If you’re looking to scale your listings, build a strong team culture, and use digital ads and direct mail the way top agents do — this is the episode to watch.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Erica Wolfe on Goal Setting, Listings, and Team Structure[00:05:30] - The Power of Data Hoarding and Database Segmentation[00:11:56] - How Wolfe Pack Converts Leads and Qualifies Quickly[00:18:36] - Digital Ads, Mailer Strategy, and Market Presence[00:25:59] - Navigating Insurance & Florida Market Conditions in 2025🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Erica Wolfe and The Wolfe Team:https://wolfeofrealestate.com/https://www.facebook.com/WolfeOfRealEstatehttps://www.instagram.com/thewolfeteamre/https://www.instagram.com/wolfeofrealestate/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jupiterflrealtor/https://www.youtube.com/c/WolfeOfRealEstate/🔗 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 the episode?✅ Drop a comment with your favorite takeaway✅ Hit like and subscribe✅ Share it with a fellow agent trying to scale their listingsLet’s help more agents rethink real estate, one strategy at a time.

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady breaks down one of the most important (and ignored) tools in real estate: follow-up. Whether you're dealing with buyers, agents, or just general inquiries, your ability to follow up with intent can make or break your results — especially when working in a time-sensitive auction environment.Ben walks you through the actual follow-up system used by the Harcourts Auctions team, covering everything from initial inquiry to auction day. You’ll hear how to collect and organize buyer data, automate outreach via text and email, and trigger follow-ups that push people to take action — even when they’ve gone cold.This isn’t just for agents using auctions — if your current follow-up strategy relies on “they’ll call if they’re interested,” it’s time to rethink it. The right follow-up creates urgency, builds trust, and opens the door for long-term relationships. Learn how the top agents in the business are doing it.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - The biggest mistake agents make with follow-up[00:01:03] - What we do differently at Harcourts Auctions[00:04:16] - Data capture, automation, and organizing leads[00:07:20] - Building urgency through repeated communication[00:09:55] - The 10-day countdown to auction: our exact process🔗 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 and follow the show on your favorite platform. Drop a comment with your thoughts — we’d love to hear how you follow up with your leads!🎧 Enjoyed this episode?✅ Like the video✅ Leave a comment✅ Subscribe for weekly strategies on auctions, listings, and growing your real estate business.

In this powerhouse episode of 'Rethink Real Estate,' host Ben Brady sits down with Matthew Miale, Realtor and CEO of The Miale Team at Keller Williams — the #1 listing team in Connecticut. With over 400 transactions in the last 12 months and a philosophy rooted in relationships over cold leads, Matt pulls back the curtain on how his agents crush national production averages through one simple, consistent foundation: their sphere.Matt shares how every new team member must bring a 400-contact database, and how his team’s production remains 80–85% sphere-driven. He breaks down the systems behind their VIP client events, what “simplified success” really means, and why they view every handshake and contact as an asset. From mindset to database growth, Matt dives deep into how following up isn't about transactions — it’s about service and long-term relationship building.The conversation also explores current industry shifts — from buyer commission structures to private MLS platforms — and why Matt believes real estate’s future still belongs to the pros who shake hands, not chase headlines. If you’re ready to rethink how you build your business, this one’s a must-listen.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Introduction to Matthew Miale and his 400+ transaction model[00:02:55] - Simplifying systems to eliminate “sideline-to-sideline” activity[00:05:36] - Matt’s origin story and early focus on building relationships[00:08:33] - Why the team ditched the buyer/listing agent model[00:11:12] - The power of a 400-person sphere and the “inclusion” mindset[00:14:44] - Building real estate events that spark conversations[00:16:39] - Helping agents overcome fear of contacting their own network[00:18:16] - Why real estate is a service industry, not a sales job[00:22:57] - How to grow your database: open houses, conversations, and “The Yearbook Challenge”[00:28:46] - Will we ever see a year like 2022 again?[00:30:42] - “Sometimes a push is a win”: thriving in a down market[00:32:51] - Matt’s take on commission changes and why it’s “much ado about nothing”[00:36:02] - Private exclusives, MLS evolution, and what’s best for consumers🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Matthew Miale and The Miale Team at Keller Williams:https://themialeteam.com/https://www.facebook.com/MialeTeamhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmiale/https://www.instagram.com/themialeteamkw🔗 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 more insights, and don't forget to like, follow, or subscribe on your preferred platform. Leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below to engage with us and our guest!

Ben Brady is joined once again by resident tech expert Tony Self to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how agents forecast future sellers and price properties with data-backed precision. Together, they break down the growing role of predictive analytics in real estate—from identifying the most likely sellers in your database to creating more accurate valuations using multiple sources of market data.Tony shares his current work using platforms like ChatGPT, DeepResearch, and CoStar to build valuation models and investment insights, especially for multifamily properties. He also unveils his experimentation with AI agents capable of completing real tasks inside your browser—think booking flights, uploading WordPress content, or even completing basic real estate forms. While the technology is still developing, the implications for the industry are massive.Tune in for a practical discussion on how agents can begin using AI today, why relying solely on web-scraped data can be dangerous, and what every agent should know about combining AI tools with real-world context. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, this conversation offers timely insights into what’s next for real estate professionals in an AI-driven world.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Introduction to Predictive Analytics in Real Estate[00:02:15] – Using AI to Identify Likely Sellers Before They Hit the Market[00:04:14] – The Power of Personal Data vs. Public Web Data[00:07:10] – Why AI Price Estimates Can Miss the Mark[00:10:27] – Real-World Use: Tony’s Multifamily Data Model with CoStar[00:14:56] – Feeding AI the Right Data: Step-by-Step Process[00:18:16] – Comparing $15K Market Reports vs. DIY AI Research[00:21:14] – A Look at GPT’s Agent Feature & Virtual Browser Capabilities[00:24:44] – Could AI Complete Real Estate Forms for You?[00:26:30] – How Agents Can Use AI as a Strategic Advantage Today🔗 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/HarcourtsAuctionsSubscribe for more insights, and don't forget to like, follow, or subscribe on your preferred platform. Leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below to engage with us and our guest!

Ben Brady is joined by Harcourts Auctions’ Director of Marketing, Chris Cochran, to break down the art of text message prospecting in today’s noisy digital landscape. With spam filters tightening and consumer skepticism rising, how can agents make SMS outreach both effective and authentic?Ben and Chris dive into their firsthand experiences building successful text strategies that have led to real listings, real conversations, and real conversions. From choosing the right platform and area codes, to writing messages that feel human, they share the tactics that have produced up to a 30% response rate—without ever dropping a link. Learn how personalization, smart timing, and a separate text line can completely change the game for real estate outreach.Tune in for a candid conversation on how to balance compliance, creativity, and consistency when texting buyers, sellers, and agents. This episode is packed with actionable advice for agents who want to cut through the noise and create meaningful conversations at scale.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Introduction: The Rising Role of SMS in Real Estate[00:02:32] - Why Texts Feel Spammy—And How to Fix That[00:04:40] - Name First, Link Never: Messaging that Gets Read[00:06:06] - Getting Buyers to Actually Respond[00:08:28] - The Power of Personal, Hyper-Local Messages[00:10:15] - From Text to Conversation: How to Transition Channels[00:14:14] - Should You Use Your Personal Number?[00:16:10] - Avoiding “Possible Spam” Flags on Your Phone[00:20:02] - When to Transfer the Conversation to Your Main Line[00:21:00] - Campaigns That Landed Listings[00:23:13] - Using Humor and Timing to Boost Replies[00:25:01] - The ROI of Text Messages vs. Paid Ads[00:26:16] - Why Open Rates Are Only Part of the Picture🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.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/HarcourtsAuctionsSubscribe for more insights, and don't forget to like, follow, or subscribe on your preferred platform. Leave your thoughts or questions in the comments below to engage with us!