RealTrending

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Tim Weisheyer, the 2025 President of Florida Realtors and CEO of Dream Builders Realty in Central Florida. Starting in residential and then transitioning to commercial and development, Tim joins us today to talk about servant leadership, innovation, and the risk-taking entrepreneurs make to find success. Tim talks about the evolving role of technology in real estate, and pursuing continuing education to stay competitive. He also outlines his 2025 plans as Florida Realtors' incoming president, including a state tour to engage brokers and develop future industry leaders.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Servant leadership is key to success in business. Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial for long term success. Technology should enhance, not replace, personal relationships. Consumer and personal advocacy is an important aspect of being a realtor. Engaging with brokers and developing leaders is a priority for Florida Realtors. Homeownership remains a key component of the American dream. Related to this episode: Dream Builders Realty Florida Realtors Tim Weisheyer 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.

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Dava Davin, CEO of Portside Real Estate Group, to talk about her journey from working in pharmaceuticals to leading a real estate brokerage with over 200 agents and $1 billion in 2024 sales. Portside focuses on agent growth, community impact, and how to foster a supportive company culture.Dava highlights the importance of mindset, the value of buyer consultations, and their plan to expand into surrounding communities in New Hampshire. She also talks about their philanthropic work and Portside’s 1% Back to Maine Initiative, which has donated over $300,000 annually to local nonprofits.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The biggest challenge is balancing growth with maintaining company culture. Buyer consultations are essential for establishing professionalism. Key moments in leadership often come from recognizing the importance of relationships. Leadership style is about empowering team members and recognizing their strengths. Dava prioritizes community involvement and giving back through her brokerage. The future of real estate includes more women in leadership roles. Related to this episode: Portside Real Estate Group Dava Davin | LinkedIn 1% Back to Maine | Portside Real Estate 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.

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Danielle Wilkie, co-founder of The Helm, a modern coaching platform designed to empower women in the real estate industry. From her experience at Compass and other tech and real estate companies, Danielle has a unique perspective on the evolving trends in real estate and the role of coaching in shaping its future.Danielle also highlights the gender gap in real estate coaching, the transformative impact of conscious leadership, and how AI is going to reshape mentorship across all industries.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Women make up over two-thirds of real estate agents, but less than a third are recognized coaches. Female coaches offer unique perspectives and experiences that resonate with women in the industry. AI is rapidly changing the landscape of coaching and real estate. The creator economy is emerging in real estate, with agents becoming coaches. Conscious leadership is essential for personal and professional growth in real estate. Women often face confidence gaps that hinder their coaching aspirations. Related to this episode: Real Estate News Analysis from HousingWire The Helm - Coaches The Helm Danielle Wilkie - The Helm | 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.

This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey talks to Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst for HousingWire and regular CNBC contributor. Logan joins us today to discuss his forecast for the housing market in 2025, including rates and the impact of potential tariffs under a Trump presidency.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Mortgage rates are expected to range between 5.75% to 7.25%. The tariff situation may not lead to a full-blown trade war. Trump's economic policies will focus on lowering rates and the dollar. Real estate professionals should prepare for potential market shifts in 2025. The housing market is showing signs of recovery with better-pending contracts and inventory data. The potential for growth in 2025 is promising, given current trends. Related to this episode: Logan Mohtashami | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube More info about HousingWire Enjoy the episode!The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Every week, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.