RealTrending

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with OB Jacobi, co-president of Windermere Real Estate. Founded in 1972 by OB’s father, John Jacobi, Windermere is still being led by the Jacobi family over 50 years later.OB joins us today to talk about rethinking the role of the MLS in real estate and how NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy add-ons have impacted the industry as of late. He also has some really insightful thoughts on the strategic shifts that real estate leaders need to make in a post-settlement world, from making technology-led decisions to not underestimating local market influence. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Clear Cooperation has significant implications for market transparency. Local market knowledge is crucial for effective real estate governance. AI has the potential to revolutionize many day-to-day real estate operations. Family businesses can provide unique advantages in leadership. The role of MLS should be re-evaluated for better local governance. There is room for both national and independent brokerages in the market. Related to this episode: OB Jacobi | LinkedIn Windermere 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, Tracey Velt sits down in person with Robert Palmer, founder and CEO of LPT Realty, at LPT’s studio in Orlando.Robert talks about LPT’s journey from a simple marketing tool to a top brokerage in just a couple of years. He also discusses agent empowerment through dual brokerage models, LPT’s upcoming initiatives, and growth plans.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: LPT’s transition from a marketing tool to a brokerage was driven by a desire to support agents. Self-funding allows for greater control and prioritization of agents' needs. The brokerage model should empower local agents to make decisions about mortgage and title services. Navigating industry challenges requires a commitment to agent choice and autonomy. Understanding and balancing both business logic and technology for successful software development. LPT’s growth strategies include expanding training programs and launching a luxury brand. Related to this episode: LPT Realty | RealTrends Verified LPT Realty's Robert Palmer is building a 'brokerage for life’ | HousingWire 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 RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down with Steve Murray, senior advisor for HousingWire and the founder of RealTrends and RTC Consulting.Steve joins us to unpack some of the recent dramatic shifts in real estate, including Stone Point’s strategic investment in Keller Williams and Rocket’s acquisition of Redfin. They also talk about Clear Cooperation Policy and the industry footprint of new, fast-growing brokerage models like LPT Realty and The Real Brokerage.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Rocket's acquisition of Redfin aims to leverage its brand and website traffic. Private equity interest is returning to the real estate market. New brokerage models are growing rapidly, often with lower costs. The franchise model is evolving, with virtual brokerages gaining traction. NAR's policies on delayed marketing are creating industry debates. The market is shifting towards more inclusive practices. Related to this episode: Changes are underway as MLSs implement NAR’s new CCP policy | HousingWire Keller Williams receives big investment from Stone Point Capital | HousingWire The Real Brokerage is banking on 'pure tech innovation’ | HousingWire Rocket Companies announces deal to acquire Redfin for $1.75 billion | 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

Housing market headlines are nonstop — tariffs, mortgage rates, jobs reports and general market chaos. But what does it all mean? In this bonus episode of RealTrending, HousingWire is joined by experts Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer to make sense of it all. Originally part of a HousingWire exclusive virtual event, this candid conversation offers expert analysis of what’s happening and what might come next. Related to this episode: Compare Current Mortgage Rates | HousingWire Housing Market News and Commentary | 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

This week on RealTrending, Tracey interviews Cindy Raney and Jason Mudd, the husband-and-wife leaders of the Cindy Raney Team at Coldwell Banker in Westport, Connecticut. Cindy and Jason talk about running a luxury team, including how they divide responsibilities and maintain a strong team culture. They also discuss their most effective marketing strategies, the impact of commission lawsuits on the luxury market, how to articulate a clear value proposition, and more!Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: They emphasize the importance of dividing responsibilities based on strengths. Understanding the luxury market requires a focus on client education and client advisory services. The emotional aspects of selling a home must be managed carefully. Consistency in marketing is crucial for success in luxury real estate. Building a strong team culture is essential for team growth. Related to this episode: Cindy Raney Cindy Raney & Team | Instagram Cindy Raney & Team | Coldwell Banker 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 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