This week on RealTrending Tracey interviews Kortney Wilson, an eXp real estate agent and HGTV personality. Kortney shares her journey from music to flipping houses, how HGTV impacted her career, and how she built a sustainable referral network with eXp Realty. She also discusses using AI and automation tools for personalized client follow-up and introduces her new show, Life is Messy, which is focused on helping people declutter their homes and lives.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Building a referral business has become a key focus for her real estate career. Automation and technology are essential for modern real estate practices. Understanding clients' communication styles enhances client relationships. Social media is crucial for real estate professionals to connect with buyers and sellers and market properties. Identifying personal strengths earlier could have accelerated her career growth. Related to this episode: Kortney Wilson | LinkedIn Kortney Wilson | HGTV 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

Today on RealTrending, Tracey interviews Ryan Schneider, the CEO of Anywhere Real Estate. This episode originally aired on our sister show, Power House, but this week we are bringing it to the feeds of our real estate audience.Tracey and Ryan talk about Anywhere’s refocus on luxury and what they think is going to happen to M&A as the market shifts this year. They also talk about AI’s relationship with operational efficiency and a surprisingly effective place to turn for mentorship — your agents. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Settling litigation early provided a competitive advantage for Anywhere. Investing in luxury markets has led to significant growth. M&A opportunities are expected to increase as the market shifts. Market predictions indicate a potential recovery in home sales over the next year. Mentorship from agents is important for leadership development. Proactively embracing change is crucial for success in the industry. Related to this episode: For Anywhere, the challenges of 2024 were blessings | HousingWire Anywhere 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 is joined by Michelle Billings, Coldwell Banker agent and the President of Ohio Realtors.Michelle has some great advice on how real estate professionals should be differentiating themselves in today’s market, from proactive education strategies to leveraging past client interactions. She also talks about affordability, current housing legislative efforts in Ohio, and how agents should be using their knowledge of market trends and dynamics to help in their business.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Michelle Billings has been in the industry for over 23 years. Affordability is a major concern in the current real estate market but education is the key for agent success. The role of real estate professionals is evolving due to increased consumer access to data. Understanding market nuances helps to advise clients effectively. Legislative efforts are underway to address things such as rising property taxes. Related to this episode: Ohio REALTORS Michelle Billings | 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

On this week’s episode of RealTrending, Tracey sits down with Eric Elfman, the CEO of MoxiWorks.Eric talks all about balancing the delicate relationship between leveraging AI tools and building and maintaining client relationships. He also talks about making these tools more accessible to agents.Eric also shares MoxiWorks’ plans to increase technology adoption and make real estate tools more accessible to agents, along with a sneak peek at the company's upcoming software launch this summer.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Technology alone won't solve real estate challenges, you still have to focus on relationships. AI is already integral to everyday real estate technology. Adoption of technology in real estate is still low in a larger sense. Choosing the right technology — not just the most popular — is crucial for brokers. Related to this episode: MoxiWorks Eric Elfman | 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

On this week’s episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Tracey talks to Lon Welsh, founder and managing broker of Your Castle Real Estate, the largest independent real estate brokerage in Colorado.Lon joins the show today to talk about where the market is headed and how they grew Your Castle to the size it is today, including his strategies on recruiting, retention and using AI tools to transform agent-client relationships.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Retention, recruiting, and scaling are key drivers for growth. Recruiting should be a dedicated full-time role. AI will significantly impact the real estate industry in the near future. Consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their real estate needs. Brokers must differentiate their services to meet diverse client expectations. Understanding market trends is crucial for strategic decision-making. Embracing technology is essential for staying competitive in real estate. Related to this episode: Lon Welsh | LinkedIn Your Castle Real Estate Your Castle AI Tools 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 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