

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

Sep 30, 2024 • 25min
Settlement Strategy Playbook: Seller Conversations Moving Forward
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. In this last episode of this four-part series, we talk to Jessica Conrad, Realtor and GRI at JPAR San Antonio. Tracey and Jessica discuss how best to move forward with transparent seller conversations.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Proactively educate sellers about the new MLS rules and compensation agreements.
Emphasize transparency and honesty in seller conversations.
Show your value and highlight the benefits of working with a professional agent.
JPAR provides excellent communication and support through training sessions and open discussions.
Related to this episode:
Jessica Conrad | LinkedIn
Jessica Conrad | JPAR®
JPAR
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 23, 2024 • 35min
Steve Murray talks presidential candidates’ housing policies and M&A Trends
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Steve Murray, founder of RealTrends and a senior advisor for HousingWire.Steve and Tracey discuss the key points from the latest RealTrends GameChangers report on brokerage growth and compare the housing policies and their potential impacts of both the Harris and Trump campaigns. They also examine current activity in the M&A landscape, including valuation trends.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Leaders must always be personally involved in recruiting talent.
Most successful brokerages combine acquisitions with organic growth.
The M&A market is active at both the local and regional levels.
Valuations are based on EBITDA multiples and gross margins.
Housing policies from candidates can significantly impact secondary sectors of the housing market.
Housing sales are expected to improve in the next 12 months.
Related to this episode:
Steve Murray | 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 16, 2024 • 38min
Dan Duffy on the different brokerage growth levers to pull today
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Dan Duffy, the CEO of United Real Estate Holdings, and a 2024 RealTrends GameChanger. Under Dan’s leadership, United Real Estate Group has grown over 727% in transaction sides from 2019 to 2024.Dan and Tracey dive into United’s primary focus on organic growth and franchising opportunities, as well as their strategic approach to mergers and acquisitions. They also talk about the levers that United Real Estate is constantly pulling to assess and navigate market opportunities, particularly when it comes to growth opportunities through agent recruiting, mergers, acquisitions and franchising.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
United Real Estate Group has experienced significant growth through mergers and acquisitions, on top of organic growth.
The key to successful acquisitions is due diligence, and thorough cultural and operational assessments.
Opportunities for growth in the market include brokers and agents looking for a platform that offers more economic upside and support.
Related to this episode:
2024 GameChangers | HousingWire
Dan Duffy | LinkedIn
United 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.

Sep 9, 2024 • 42min
Golden Handoff Author Nick Krautter on Building an Agent or Team Exit Strategy
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Nick Krautter, author of The Golden Handoff and a real estate broker based in Portland, Oregon. Nick shares his expertise on the process of selling your book of business and planning a good exit strategy if you are ready to phase out of your business. Nick and Tracey talk about the potential challenges and pitfalls you can expect in the transition period and the most effective way to structure a potential deal to make sure that you are getting your value’s worth out of your database. He also talks about partial handoffs, where retiring agents can gradually step back from the business while maintaining involvement, and emphasizes the importance of selecting the right adopting agent to prepare for an eventual sale.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Finding the right adopting agent is crucial for a successful golden handoff.
Partial handoffs allow retiring agents to phase out of the business while still maintaining some involvement.
The structure of deals in golden handoffs is typically based on referral fees.
Retiring agents should keep their databases up to date to ensure a smooth transition and ensure they are not underestimating their value.
Related to this episode:
The Golden Handoff
Nick Krautter | 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 3, 2024 • 30min
Luis Carrion on lessons learned buying a 57-year old brokerage
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Luis Carrion, the CEO and Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, California Properties and a 2024 RealTrends GameChanger. In 2022, Luis acquired and took over the firm from the family of the late Bruce Malhern.He and Tracey talk about the growth and restructuring of the company under his leadership these past two years, and the importance behind building strong, personal relationships with agents. He outlines his ambitious growth plan for BHHS, which includes M&A opportunities, increasing agent productivity, and strategic recruiting. Luis also talks about the challenges that he faced during the transition, including the larger impact of COVID-19 on his business and the industry, as well as other valuable lessons he has learned along the way.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
The lessons learned during transition periods are crucial to organizational growth.
The pandemic years shined a light on the need for change and adaptability in real estate.
A well-rounded growth plan should include mergers and acquisitions, agent productivity, and recruiting.
Related to this episode:
Luis Carrion | LinkedIn
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, California Properties
2024 RealTrends GameChangers
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.

Aug 26, 2024 • 34min
Tech VP Stuart Sim on marketing strategies post-settlement
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Stuart Sim, the Vice President of Industry Development at Lofty. Stuart joins us to talk about the impact of the NAR settlement on agents’ business and marketing strategies. Now that the new regulations are in practice, what can real estate professionals do to market themselves effectively?Stuart believes in automating your business and differentiating yourself with new and existing technology in this evolving, post-NAR settlement market. He also discusses how you can use data analytics to better understand customer preferences and market trends, and how to engage meaningfully with past clients.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
There are a lot of new opportunities for real estate agents in the current market.
Utilizing technology platforms to their fullest potential can greatly enhance an agent's efficiency and effectiveness.
Data analytics can provide valuable insights into customer preferences and market trends, allowing agents to stay ahead of the competition.
Agents should proactively engage with past clients and identify opportunities for future transactions.
Related to this episode:
Stuart Sim | LinkedIn
Lofty
HousingWire | YouTube
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.

Aug 19, 2024 • 27min
Ryan Michaelis: Recruiting as the driving force for growth
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Ryan Michaelis, the Chief Growth Strategist at Worth Clark Realty. Ryan shares his journey in real estate and discusses Worth Clark Realty's growth plan and how its strategy has evolved over the past few years amid changing market times.Ryan explores Worth Clark's strategies for recruiting and retaining agents, the impact of the NAR settlement on buyers and sellers, and how their flat fee model has evolved over the years. He also talks about Worth Clark's approach to providing tailored support and resources to agents and shares some of the key leadership lessons he's learned along the wayHere’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
How Worth Clark Realty's growth plan is fueled by solid agent support and resources.
Recruiting and retaining agents may be challenging, but is often the driving force for growth.
The flat fee model now offers more support and appeals mainly to agents working on growing their businesses.
The NAR settlement may confuse buyers and sellers initially, but it improves consumer transparency.
Related to this episode:
Ryan Michaelis - Worth Clark Realty | LinkedIn
Worth Clark Realty
Worth Clark Realty | RealTrends Verified
HousingWire | YouTube
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.

Aug 12, 2024 • 31min
Ilan Bracha: Preparing your firm for the next real estate market cycle
This week on the RealTrending podcast, we sit down with Ilan Bracha, a seasoned real estate broker and investor. Now leading IB Global and The Bracha Team with Corcocan in New York City, Ilan shares his insights on navigating market shifts, the trends he’s seeing working with family offices and how he is preparing for the next business cycle of real estate..Ilan discusses his current strategies for matching buyers and sellers in New York, his investment funds focused on properties in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Hamptons, and the role of family offices as key investors. He also offers leadership lessons learned during the financial crisis, providing actionable advice on how to future-proof your business in today’s rapidly changing market.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Family offices are a key audience for investment funds, as they often seek to diversify their portfolios by including real estate assets.
Anticipating and preparing for market cycles is essential to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Key leadership lessons always involve attracting and inspiring the right talent, crafting a clear vision for the business, and staying prepared for market downturns.
Related to this episode:
The Bracha Team
Ilan Bracha | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
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.

Aug 5, 2024 • 49min
GameChanger Anthony Lamacchia on his strategic marketing and branding
Today, we are bringing you a special crossover episode with the Power House podcast and featuring a great conversation between HousingWire’s CEO Clayton Collins and someone many of you recognize: Anthony Lamacchia, the founder, CEO and broker of Lamacchia Companies.Anthony shares his career journey from working in his father’s landscaping business to building Lamacchia Realty. He talks about the importance of strategic marketing and branding, content creation, and learning when and when not to delegate tasks. He also discusses his M&A and recruitment strategy, opportunities for market expansion, and what’s up next for industry challenges like the commission lawsuit.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
The importance of marketing, branding, and consistent content creation for attracting clients and media attention.
Strategies for delegating responsibilities, hiring experienced professionals, and executing a successful M&A strategy for business growth and market expansion.
Effective marketing and recruiting techniques, such as the use of billboards and other advertising methods.
Insights into industry challenges like the commission lawsuit, changing market conditions, and how to prepare agents for success, along with Anthony’s optimistic outlook for the future of real estate.
Related to this episode:
Anthony Lamacchia | HousingWire
2024 RealTrends GameChangers saw tremendous growth over last five years
RealTrends Verified: Lamacchia Realty
Anywhere senior executive makes the move to Lamacchia Realty
Commission lawsuits: The actions to take right now from brokers who are doing it
Anthony Lamacchia: Entrepreneurial leadership pumping through his veins - HousingWire
HousingWire | YouTube
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.

Jul 29, 2024 • 36min
Broker Chandra Etienne on the power of industry involvement
This week on the RealTrending podcast, Tracey sits down with Chandra Etienne, the broker-owner of The Core Real Estate Advisors in Miami, Florida. She is also the elected secretary at Miami Realtors and serves as a Director for Florida Realtors and the National Association of REALTORS.Chandra has built her career and network on the belief in the power of being involved in not just your industry, but in your community. She talks about how engaging with your fellow agents, brokers, and larger industry and community leaders can provide invaluable experiences to elevate your own real estate business and connect with others. They also talk about how you can best be flexible and anticipate upcoming changes to real estate in a way that serves your business and clients in the long run.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
It’s important to be be flexible and open to change in the real estate industry
It might be time to have those tough conversations with sellers about offering concessions and compensation to buyer's brokers
Building authentic relationships with other Realtors is key to a success business
Get involved with the association's events and initiatives to cement yourself as an invaluable community resource
Related to this episode:
Chandra Etienne | LinkedIn
Chandra Etienne Instagram
The Core Real Estate Advisors
HousingWire | YouTube
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.


