Playmakers with Andrew Flachner

In this episode of The Playmakers Podcast, RealScout’s Andrew Flachner sits down with eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja.Pareja shares how he went from losing everything in the 2008 recession to becoming a top producer at Keller Williams, and eventually, took the helm of eXp Realty—the fastest-growing brokerage in the world. Along the way, he explains how vibe-coding is going to transform the real estate industry, why he spoke up about NAR’s massive settlement, and how he’s sought out (and even paid) his real estate mentors.What you’ll hear in this episode:How Pareja went from losing 14 properties in 2008 to becoming a leader in the REO bizWhy he told eXp Realty Chairman Glenn Sanford he didn’t want the CEO role, and how he landed it anywayLessons from the mentors Pareja paid to teach him how to go from selling tens of homes, to hundredsWhy he decided to speak up about the NAR settlement, and how it’s transforming real estate for new agentsWhy vibe-coding is letting veteran agents create the tools they’ve wanted their entire careersHow he went from winning a Zillow Hackathon to creating a tech companyWhy he spends most of his time as CEO interfacing with agents, and most of his personal time with his familyIf you’re in real estate (or want to be) this conversation is chock full of insights you won’t want to miss.🔥 Subscribe to the podcast: • Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/459lPWc • Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45FKXE4** Connect with Andrew Flachner on Social **🔗 Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/aflachner/ 🔗 Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewflachner/00:00 Intro3:32 Pareja’s Start as a Teen Agent13:01 From Losing Everything to Becoming a Top Producer18:18 Finding (and Paying) Your Mentors22:11 How to Raise Funds and Leverage Talent24:50 Using a Hackathon to Build a Tech Company29:21 Becoming the CEO of eXp Realty37:20 Consequences of the NAR Settlement42:33 Dealing With Private Listings45:19 Prioritizing Facetime With Agents47:45 How Vibe Coding is Letting Agents Innovate51:47 Making Time for Family

Brad Inman, media entrepreneur and founder of Inman News, discusses his journey from a kitchen table startup to a powerhouse in real estate media. He shares insights on the transformative role of AI, emphasizing its potential to combat discrimination in home sales. The conversation dives into the future of real estate, the challenges faced by agents, and the necessity of embracing technology. Inman also highlights his new venture, Live Long Media, focused on promoting longevity and health, offering practical tips for a healthier life.

Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, has been at the forefront of blending technology with real estate for nearly two decades. In a dynamic conversation, he delves into the profound impact of AI on the industry, asserting it will enhance agents' roles rather than replace them. Kelman shares insights from Redfin's rocky beginnings and discusses the significance of transparency in housing. He also reveals the strategic benefits of Redfin's acquisition by Rocket Companies, envisioning a future of integrated services that prioritizes accessibility and efficiency.

Sue Yannaccone is the CEO and President of Anywhere Brands, overseeing iconic real estate brands such as Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Sotheby's International Realty, Corcoran, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and ERA. Under her leadership, Anywhere completed more real estate transactions than any other company last year. Andrew Flachner leads RealScout, a rapidly scaling real estate technology platform that powers agents, teams, and brokerages nationwide.In this episode of Playmakers, we explore how to navigate prolonged market challenges, the real impact of AI on real estate agents, and why now is Anywhere's moment to leverage its "superpower" of integrated services.🔥Subscribe to the podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/459lPWcSpotify: https://spoti.fi/45FKXE4We also dig into:– The impact of the NAR Settlement– Why "focus on your controllables" is more critical than ever– How AI will reshape agent workflows – Sue's principled approach to M&A– The listing access wars and what's really at stake

Joe Lonsdale is the co-founder of Palantir (the #1 top-performing stock in the S&P 500) and General Partner at 8VC, where he’s helped shape some of the most influential AI and infrastructure companies of the last two decades.In this episode of Playmakers, we explore what the rise of AI means for real estate agents, the future of knowledge work, and how autonomous systems—from flying taxis to AI-driven construction—could reshape housing itself.We also dig into:– What AI will automate vs. amplify in real estate– Why the “S-curve” matters more than exponential AI hype– What agents should be doing right now to pull aheadThis is a rare look inside the mind of someone shaping how AI, work, and power structures will evolve over the next decade.🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. (00:00) - Intro (02:24) - Chapter: The New Economic Era of AI (03:20) - Chapter: Flying Taxis, Autonomous Construction, Tunnels (06:08) - Chapter: AI Era vs. Industrial Revolution (07:30) - Chapter: When will AI reshape the services labor market? (09:20) - Chapter: Will AI progress be exponential or in S-curves? (11:08) - Chapter: Man-Machine Symbiosis (14:33) - Chapter: Will AI replace real estate agents? (15:52) - Chapter: How to prepare for the AI wave (17:49) - Chapter: Which industries are adopting AI best? (18:56) - Chapter: Joe’s opinion on the demand for jobs (20:04) - Chapter: The terrifying risks of AI (22:03) - Chapter: Joe’s hot takes (25:27) - Chapter: Final thoughts (26:11) - Outro

RealScout CEO Andrew Flachner sits down with Gary Keller, founder of Keller Williams Realty and one of the most influential thinkers in real estate/business. Gary opens up about what it really takes to succeed in today’s market—and why most agents still can’t clearly articulate their value. He also shares his prediction for when the buyer market returns and what private equity’s growing role means for brokerages like KW. We also dive into:– KW’s new partnership with Stone Point Capital– Gary’s immersive research and AI-assisted process– The four sources of lead gen that still matter most– Why fear—not lack of skill—is what really holds agents backWhether you’re an agent, team leader, or brokerage owner, this episode offers rare access to one of the sharpest minds in the business.🛎️ Subscribe for future episodes: @realscout🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

In this inaugural episode of the Playmakers Podcast, RealScout CEO Andrew Flachner sits down with Gino Blefari, former CEO of HomeServices of America and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, for an unfiltered, 45-minute conversation.Gino opens up about his decision to step down, what’s changed in real estate leadership, and why he believes it’s still a great market for agents—even if it’s “no longer fun” for many at the top.We also dive into:– The impact Warren Buffett had on Gino’s career– His take on the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP)– The habits and mindset that fueled his success– What comes next after decades in leadershipWhether you’re a team leader, brokerage exec, or agent navigating today’s challenges, this episode is packed with hard-earned insight and straight talk. Subscribe for future episodes

Playmakers: Inside the Minds—and Moves—of Real Estate’s Power Players is a new podcast featuring real conversations with the executives, entrepreneurs, and dealmakers shaping the future of real estate. No fluff. No self-promotion. Just sharp insights into the strategies and decisions driving the industry forward.Subscribe now to get inside access to the conversations shaping what’s next.