

RealTrending
RealTrends
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2024 • 28min
Coldwell Banker Realty CEO Kamini Lane on leadership during a pivotal time
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Kamini Lane, CEO and President of Coldwell Banker Realty. Kamini, who has been in her role for almost two years, joins us to share her approach to leadership— clarity, transparency, and authenticity.She also talks about how important it is for agents to focus on fundamentals and learn how to effectively communicate their value propositions, spotlighting Coldwell Banker’s “Perfect Pitch” program. Tune in to learn more about leadership and growth strategies from Coldwell Banker Realty’s CEO Kamini Lane!Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
2024 was, and still is, a pivotal time for real estate.
Refocusing and grounding yourself on the fundamentals is essential.
Agents need to articulate their value proposition clearly.
Leadership should focus on clarity, transparency, and authenticity.
Coldwell Banker isn’t focused on agent count but on agent quality.
Anticipate industry and agent growth for 2025.
Related to this episode:
Kamini Rangappan Lane | LinkedIn
Coldwell Banker Realty | LinkedIn
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.

Nov 11, 2024 • 31min
Corcoran’s Stephanie Anton on defining your company culture
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Stephanie Anton, president of Corcoran Affiliates. Stephanie joins us today to talk about understanding what your value proposition is — and what it’s not.She also talks about adopting the servant leadership mindset when developing a strong company culture, how the marketing is still shifting four years out of the pandemic’s onset, and their plans for international growth.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Servant leadership boils down to truly getting in the trenches.
Understanding and anticipating complex consumer dynamics drives our growth strategy.
The pandemic shifted, and is still shifting, where people are moving and buying.
Agents will always be adaptable and creative in their approach.
Using AI in the right ways will help us access data and improve efficiency.
Consumers now expect technology and education in their home-buying process.
Related to this episode:
Stephanie Anton | LinkedIn
The Corcoran Group
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.

Nov 4, 2024 • 26min
Recruiting strategies from Orange County's largest independent brokerage
Today on the RealTrending podcast, we’re bringing you a special crossover episode with the Power House podcast! Last week, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sat down with Michele Harrington, the CEO of FirstTeam Real Estate out of Orange County, California. Michele started her career in the Marine Corps, but after being stationed in Orange County, she not only fell in love with the beauty of Southern California, but she also got bit by the entrepreneurial bug. Now, she leads California’s largest independent brokerage.Michele and Diego talk about what sets FirstTeam apart from other brokerages and the recruitment strategies that are helping them surpass their goal of $1 billion in recruited teams. They also talk about empowering women in leadership positions and their plans to expand outside of California, while maintaining their “fortress” inside the state.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Women hold only 26% of leadership positions in real estate, despite being a majority of agents.
Empowering women to pursue leadership roles is crucial for the growth of the industry.
Their recruitment strategies focus on training new agents and placing them in existing teams.
First Team is on track to surpass $1 billion in recruited teams this year.
The company aims for organic growth by expanding into adjacent markets.
Michelle's upcoming book emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in achieving success.
Related to this episode:
Michele Harrington | LinkedIn
FirstTeam Real Estate
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.

Oct 28, 2024 • 33min
Teamerage Leader Amy Stockberger on strategically building new revenue streams
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Amy Stockberger, broker-owner of Amy Stockberger Real Estate in Sioux City. Amy joins us today to discuss what she calls her teamerage’s “Lifetime Home Support Model” and all of its different impacts on client relationships. Amy shares how her strategic approach creates a long-term, supportive relationship with buyers and sellers — not just a one-time transaction. She also talks about diversifying revenue streams and what trends other agents should be looking at to grow in the current market.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
The Lifetime Home Support Model was created to provide ongoing value to clients.
Showing authenticity in client relationships is crucial for getting repeat business.
The serve, serve, serve, sell approach focuses on serving clients beyond transactions.
Building a dedicated vendor program helped grow her sphere of influence.
Thinking about an exit strategy is important for long-term business success.
Related to this episode:
Amy Stockberger Real Estate
Amy Stockberger | Instagram
Amy Stockberger | LinkedIn
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.

Oct 21, 2024 • 29min
Alexia Rodriguez shares stories of hope from Hurricanes Milton and Helene
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Alexia Rodriguez, CEO of KW Cares to discuss how their organization supports Keller Williams agents during times of crisis, and best practices for organizations interested in building their own hardship fund.In light of recent hurricanes impacting the East Coast, Alexia talks about how their agents are helping one another through KW Cares’ program and offers valuable advice for anyone interested in creating their own relief fund.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
KW Cares has provided over $63 million in grants to associates nationwide
The impact of hardship funds on agents who have lost everything from natural disaster or a catastrophic life event.
How emergency grants can significantly impact agents' lives in times of need.
Collaboration with other aid organizations is also important for relief efforts.
Related to this episode:
Alexia Rodriguez | LinkedIn
KW Cares
After the waters recede: LOs, agents grapple with Helene and Milton devastation | 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.

Oct 14, 2024 • 38min
Paul Carlson on how his firm made a family succession plan work
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Paul Carlson, president of Five Star Real Estate. Paul joins us to share insights on growing his brokerage, succession planning, and how his father eased the leadership transition.Tracey and Paul dive into the lessons learned transitioning the company from father to son leadership, the importance of centralizing management during transition periods, building a unique brand experience for agents, and the strategies Five Star Real Estate has employed to expand into new markets while also maintaining their company cultureHere’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Centralizing management and support has been a key part of their growth strategy.
When transitioning, it’s important to be authentic instead of just trying to imitate whoever came before you.
Rebranding was a significant step in their goal of modernizing the company.
Five Star aims to create a culture where everyone can see themselves fitting in
Succession planning requires identifying real passion and drive for the industry, not just family ties.
Related to this episode:
Five Star Real Estate
Meet the Staff - Five Star Michigan
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.

Oct 7, 2024 • 34min
Debbie De Grote offers negotiation strategies amid new industry rules
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Debbie De Grote, founder of Forward Coaching, a leading real estate and business coaching company.Debbie and Tracey discuss the importance of informed negotiation skills in today's market and how agents can readily adapt to changing policies and regulations. They also explore the new challenges that agents face when working with buyers and sellers, and talk about how to avoid common mistakes when talking to clients. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
High-level negotiation and questioning skills are crucial for agents.
Agents need to be ready to adapt to new policies and procedures post-NAR settlement.
Avoid pulling clients into the drama of negotiations.
Negotiation should be a collaborative process, not an aggressive one.
Focus on understanding the nuances of your local market.
Related to this episode:
Forward Coaching
Debbie De Grote | LinkedIn
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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 31min
Settlement Strategy Playbook: Understanding Fiduciary Duties
Master Class: A Settlement Strategy PlaybookWelcome to the Settlement Strategy Playbook, brought to you by JPAR Real Estate, produced by HousingWire, and hosted on the RealTrending podcast with Tracey Velt. In this series, we’ll explore and discuss fiduciary responsibilities, the intent behind the settlement and the DOJ’s involvement, strategies for building an effective buyer consultation, and finally, crafting a transparent seller consultation. Executives, agents and brokers from JPAR will join us in every episode to share their expertise. The first episode of this four-part series features Tony Delgado, Vice President of Broker Support and designated broker for JPAR Real Estate. We focus our conversation on understanding fiduciary duties in today’s real estate world.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Understanding the difference between a customer and a client is crucial in determining the level of agent obligations.
Fiduciary duties include obedience, loyalty, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable care.
Agents should know their geographic area and be adaptable to new rules and regulations.
Related to this episode:
Tony Delgado | JPAR®
Tony Delgado | LinkedIn
JPAR
JPAR ® Franchising
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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 25min
Settlement Strategy Playbook: Understanding the Buyer Conversation
Master Class: A Settlement Strategy PlaybookWelcome back to the Settlement Strategy Playbook, brought to you by JPAR Real Estate and produced by HousingWire, and hosted on the RealTrending podcast with Tracey Velt. In this series, we’ll explore and discuss fiduciary responsibilities, the intent behind the settlement and the DOJ’s involvement, strategies for building an effective buyer consultation, and finally, crafting a transparent seller consultation. Executives, agents, and brokers from JPAR will join us in every episode to share their expertise. The third episode of this four-part series features Susan Boyer, broker-owner of JPAR Silverpath Real Estate. Tracey and Susan discuss understanding and building an effective buyer conversation.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Transparency is crucial in the buyer conversation, especially in light of the NAR settlement.
Agents should emphasize how they can save buyers money and navigate pitfalls.
The Total Agent Academy is a comprehensive training program designed to help agents establish a robust business foundation and foster continuous professional growth
Buyers are becoming more empowered and selective in choosing their representation, and agents must adapt.
Related to this episode:
Susan Boyer | JPAR®
Susan Boyer | LinkedIn
JPAR
JPAR ® Franchising
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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 26min
Settlement Strategy Playbook: The Intent Behind the NAR Settlement
Master Class: A Settlement Strategy PlaybookWelcome back to the Settlement Strategy Playbook, brought to you by JPAR Real Estate, produced by HousingWire, and hosted on the RealTrending podcast with Tracey Velt. In this series, we’ll explore and discuss fiduciary responsibilities, the intent behind the settlement and the DOJ’s involvement, strategies for building an effective buyer consultation, and finally, crafting a transparent seller consultation. Executives, agents, and brokers from JPAR will join us in every episode to share their expertise. The second episode of this four-part series features Laura O’Connor, president and COO of JPAR Affiliated Network. Tracey and Laura discuss the intent behind the NAR settlement and the DOJ’s involvement.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
The settlement change presents opportunities for agents to show their value to consumers.
Consumer education is crucial in helping both buyers and sellers understand the commission changes.
The DOJ intended to decouple commissions, and agents must be aware of this and educate their clients accordingly.
Related to this episode:
JPAR
Laura O'Connor | LinkedIn
Laura O'Connor | JPAR®
JPAR ® Franchising
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.


