On this week’s episode of RealTrending, Tracey chats with Claire O'Connor, team leader of O'Connor Estates with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.After losing her home, her father-in-law’s home, and a house under construction to the devastating LA wildfires, Claire shares her journey of rebuilding amid disaster. She discusses the emotional toll, the resilience of the Palisades community, and the changing dynamics of the real estate market, especially the shift towards safer properties with better evacuation routes. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The trauma of displacement can bond communities together. Buyers are increasingly concerned about safety and evacuation routes. The Pacific Palisades will recover and remain a desirable place to live. Adapting to buyer preferences is crucial in a changing market. Innovative building materials and fire suppression systems are essential for future safety. Related to this episode: Wildfire Archives | HousingWire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Claire O'Connor | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of RealTrending, Tracey chats with Chris Trapani and Ryan Iwanaga, lifelong friends, co-founders, and partners of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno.While working with your best friend might be a recipe for disaster for some, Chris and Ryan have used their relationship and leadership to grow Sereno into the largest, locally-owned and  operated independent brokerage in Northern California. The three of them talk about the power of relationships, evolving market challenges, and where AI is headed in real estate.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Their childhood friendship has been the foundation for their business partnership. Local decision-making is crucial in the dynamic real estate market. Technology, especially AI, is rapidly evolving and needs to be embraced. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Self-awareness is key in managing professional relationships. Focusing on solutions rather than problems leads to better outcomes. The journey of independence is both a personal and professional evolution. Related to this episode: Christie's International Real Estate Sereno Christie's International Sereno makes a deal and returns to its roots | HousingWire Chris Trapani| LinkedIn Ryan Iwanaga | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey traveled to the Illinois REALTORS’ REengage Winter Conference to sit down with Illinois REALTORS CEO Jeff Baker and President Tommy Choi in person!The three discuss the current challenges in the housing market, including low inventory and rising interest rates. They also talk all about the value of being a real estate professional, being a part of an association, and what is necessary for the future of associations as far as serving their members’ needs.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Education and resources from associations are crucial for industry success. Leveraging technology and AI can enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Reputation is always built during challenging market conditions. Real estate agents must position themselves as trusted advisors. The future of real estate will be shaped by younger generations. Related to this episode: About | Illinois REALTORS® Tommy Choi | LinkedIn Jeffrey Baker| LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week features Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, a leading source for housing market data. He shares an intriguing 2025 forecast predicting a slight increase in home sales and prices, yet highlights persistent affordability challenges. Simonsen also discusses the pivotal role of immigrant labor in the construction industry and how tariffs might spike building costs. With a possible dip in mortgage rates on the horizon, the conversation reveals the complex dynamics shaping today’s housing market.

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Steve Murray, founder of RealTrends and a senior advisor to HousingWire.Steve joins us to discuss the current state of mergers and acquisitions in real estate, how market changes are impacting broker valuations, and the growing shift toward team-based brokerage models. He also shares his predictions for President Trump’s impact on the housing market in 2025 and breaks down the challenges posed by government regulations on housing affordability.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: .Most national companies have stepped back from significant acquisitions for the time being.  Local brokerage companies are now more active in M&A. Commission compression is a growing concern for brokers. Team-based models are proving to be more profitable than traditional brokerages. Government regulations significantly impact housing affordability. Related to this episode: Steve Murray | LinkedIn Real Estate News Analysis | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anthony Marguleas, Founder of Amalfi Estates, shares his heart-wrenching account of losing his Pacific Palisades home to the LA wildfires after over 30 years. He highlights the staggering loss within the community, with 60% of residents affected. Anthony addresses the complicated insurance landscape, rampant price gouging in temporary housing, and the essential role real estate agents play in aiding displaced families. Despite the challenges, he conveys a message of hope and resilience as the community begins to rebuild.

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Danielle Dowell, the leader of The DoWell Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago. With over 17 years in real estate, Danielle shares how she’s built a team of 15 agents and assistants at The Dowell Group by focusing on their individual strengths and passions.Danielle discusses her unique approach to team building, the latest real estate trends, and the growing significance of teams. She also talks about how her background in sports has influenced her leadership style and gives some advice for new agents entering today’s market.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Understanding your team’s structure and roles is crucial to collaborate effectively. Teams are becoming more essential in real estate. Dedicated mentorship is vital for a new agent’s growth. Flexibility in a dynamic team structure can enhance everyone's productivity. Always be ready and willing to adapt to industry and market changes. Related to this episode: Danielle Dowell | LinkedIn The Dowell Group HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Michael Valdes, the CEO of LPT International. The last time Tracey talked to Michael, he was holding executive roles at eXp before his tranistion to LPT in July 2024.Michael joins us today to dive into LPT's unique agent choice model and the critical role of training, vision, and branding when building a successful real estate business. He also talks about the influence of AI in places you least expect, and the importance of agents understanding their value.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: LPT has rapidly expanded from 22 to 48 states in five months. Branding plays a significant role in agent success and market positioning. Keep an eye out for consolidation and growth opportunities. Agents must articulate their value to clients to succeed in a competitive market. AI enhances efficiency and productivity in real estate tasks. Related to this episode: Michael Valdes departs eXp to join LPT Realty Michael Valdes | LinkedIn LPT realty HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the RealTrending podcast we are joined by Tiffani Marroquin, the Head of Growth and Innovation at JPAR Real Estate, to discuss her journey with AI and how it’s transforming the landscape in real estate.Tiffani shares her expertise on leveraging AI to streamline business operations and scaling through automation, offering specific examples that she’s implemented at JPAR. She also talks about the importance of viewing AI as a collaborative partner and tool, rather than a threat.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: AI represents the promise of technology to free up time. Scaling is about doing things smarter and more efficiently — not just doing more. Predictive analytics can help agents understand their clients better. AI can enhance recruiting and retention strategies. Hyperpersonalization is a recent key trend in AI development. AI should be seen as a collaborative partner, not a threat. Related to this episode: Tiffani Marroquin | LinkedIn JPAR Real Estate HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on RealTrending, we are bringing you a crossover episode with the Power House podcast. HousingWire President Diego Sanchez sat down with James Dwiggins, the CEO and co-founder of NextHome, a real estate franchise with 600 offices and 6,000 agents across the country.James has a lot of expertise and — and strong opinions — on real estate practices, including clear cooperation policies, dual agency, and MLS processes, and more. They also dive into what NAR is doing for the industry and NextHome’s plan for 2025.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: NextHome operates under a ‘humans over houses’ philosophy. 40% of growth comes from referrals and they don’t require franchisees to recruit aggressively. The NAR settlement is just the beginning of changes in real estate commissions. Many agents lack training on new compensation structures post-NAR settlement. Dual agency presents significant conflicts of interest. NAR plays a crucial role in advocating for real estate professionals. Clear cooperation policies benefit the marketplace and consumers. Related to this episode: Commission lawsuits: Latest news and insights | HousingWire NextHome joins the list of firms to settle the commission lawsuits | HousingWire James Dwiggins | LinkedIn NextHome HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices