In this episode of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, host Brandon Olson sits down with Dan Kallas and Erik Holm, co-owners of the Right Thing Team, to break down what they’re seeing on the front lines of the 2026 real estate market.

Dan and Erik share why they are extremely optimistic about 2026, how buyer demand is already accelerating, and why psychologically important interest rate levels are flipping the market switch faster than many expected.

The conversation then dives deep into how the Right Thing Team has grown rapidly during one of the toughest real estate markets in decades, why they focus on handing agents real appointments—not cold leads, and how they’ve built a culture that prioritizes agent income, sustainability, and long-term growth.

If you’re a real estate agent thinking about joining a team, a team leader scaling operations, or a lender watching agent productivity trends, this episode delivers real insight into what actually works right now.

Topics Covered

• 2026 real estate market outlook & buyer behavior
• Why rates in the 5% range change everything
• Scaling a real estate team during a down market
• Appointment-based lead delivery vs traditional lead gen
• Commission splits, agent economics & retention
• Team culture, leadership, and abundance mindset
• Why top agents are choosing teams in 2026
• How technology & AI support agent productivity

Guest Contact Information

Dan Kallas
📞 612-964-2151
📧 [email protected]

Erik Holm
📞 763-442-8700
📧 [email protected]

🎯 Interested in joining a fast-growing, appointment-driven real estate team? Reach out directly.

In Episode 90 of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, Brandon Olson welcomes Brad Martin of the Right Thing Team at Bridge Realty.

With 20 years of experience, Brad has seen every type of market — from the 2008 crash to today’s affordability-driven environment. In this episode, Brad and Brandon break down what first-time buyers need to know, why today’s market is different from past downturns, and how long-term wealth is still built through smart homeownership.

If you’re buying, selling, or simply trying to understand where the real estate market is headed, this is a must-listen episode grounded in experience, logic, and integrity.

Episode 89 of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast features Realtor Mallory Johnson with Engel & Völkers, who shares practical insights for first-time homebuyers:

• How Minnesota Housing down payment assistance works
• Other options like NeighborWorks and local programs
• Myths that hold buyers back (20% down, perfect credit)
• Negotiating seller-paid closing costs
• Creative programs and strategies to save money

Whether you’re 6 months or 6 days away from buying, this episode will help you prepare, save, and succeed.

Why wait until you save 20% down?

In this episode of Driven to Succeed, Brandon Olson sits down with Kama Johnson — a 27-year industry expert from Arch MI — to explain how mortgage insurance actually empowers buyers to keep more cash on hand, move faster, and invest smarter.

Topics include:
 ✅ The truth behind the 20% myth
 ✅ How to decide between upfront & monthly MI
 ✅ Arch MI’s innovative RateStar Buydown & Smart Split
 ✅ How MI protects lenders AND helps buyers

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6KVdUUaKjE4
 

#MortgageInsurance #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstatePodcast #ArchMI #SmartMoney

In this episode of The Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, host Brandon Olson sits down with Tracy Shalander, Realtor with Realty Group and LPT Realty, to break down one of the most powerful but underused strategies in today's real estate market: using seller-paid discount points to buy down the interest rate.

👉 What’s better for the buyer — a price reduction or a lower rate with a seller credit?
 We do the math using a real rate sheet and real-world numbers to compare savings over time.

Tracy brings her 25+ years of business experience and 10 years in real estate to the conversation, sharing tips on how agents can lead smarter conversations with buyers, build trust in uncertain markets, and use creative financing to help more deals come together.

🔑 Topics Covered:

• Should buyers wait for lower rates — or act now with smarter financing?
• How seller credits can buy down rates and reduce monthly payments
• Real numbers: $10,000 price cut vs. $10,000 toward points
• How to build relationships and stay referral-ready
• Tracy’s story from Florida to Minnesota, plus her life as a mom, dog lover, and card maker 🐾✂️

📍 Guest: Tracy Shalander
🏡 Realtor, Realty Group / LPT Realty
🌐 LinkedIn
📱 Facebook

🔗 Subscribe, like, and leave a review if you enjoy the show.

🎙️ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Buzzsprout

In this episode, Brandon Olson interviews Minnesota-based realtor Trib Balbhadr. Known for his passion, initiative, and relentless focus on relationship-building, Trib reveals how he guides first-time buyers through the real estate journey and earns lifelong trust. A must-listen for agents who want to deepen client loyalty and level up their game.

In this episode of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, Brandon sits down with Laura Sauer, a seasoned insurance agent from The Insurance Shop, to break down the insurance challenges hitting Minnesota homeowners in 2025.

🎯 Key topics include:

Why Minnesota premiums are skyrocketing due to hail storms and severe weather

The hidden risks of condo policies with high deductibles

Insurance red flags buyers and homeowners need to watch for

What to do (and what NOT to do) when filing a claim

How independent agents like Laura shop the market to save clients money

Whether you're a homeowner, homebuyer, real estate agent, or loan officer, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the changing insurance landscape.

📩 Contact Laura Sauer
📧 [email protected]
📞 612-289-3990
🌐 https://insuranceshopmn.com

👉 Subscribe for more real estate, mortgage, and financial insights from top industry pros.

🚨 REAL ESTATE AGENTS — Don’t Let Your Clients Slip Away! 🧠💼

In Episode 85 of The Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, Brandon Olson sits down with mortgage expert Steve Furlong to break down what every agent needs to know right now:

✅ How to protect your database from client poaching
✅ The secret to fanatical prospecting that actually brings in referrals
✅ Why automated loan systems can 4x your work without 4x the effort
✅ How to stay top-of-mind with past clients and future ones
✅ Why your data is your most valuable asset in 2025

Whether you're closing 5 deals or 50, this episode is packed with insights that will help you build a bulletproof business and a loyal client base for life. 💪

 💬 Let us know what strategy you're implementing first!

#RealEstateAgents #DrivenToSucceed #SteveFurlong #BrandonOlson #ReferralMarketing #ClientRetention #RealtorSuccess #FanaticalProspecting #AutomationForAgents #RealEstateGrowth #MortgagePartner #TopOfMindTools #PodcastForAgents

In this episode of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, host Brandon Olson sits down with Minnesota-based real estate professional Cortney Tschida to explore her remarkable journey into real estate—starting during the chaos of COVID, fueled by courage, client commitment, and an unmatched work ethic.

From reeling in big bass at fishing tournaments to going above and beyond for her clients—like cleaning, staging, and personally updating homes—Cortney proves that hustle, heart, and authenticity win every time.

You’ll learn:

• Why Cortney chose real estate during the pandemic
• Her passion for travel, the outdoors, and competitive bass fishing
• How she approaches each transaction with the mindset: "Do it right, or don’t do it at all"

📍 Based in Minnesota
 🎣 Bass tournament competitor
 🏡 Realtor who gets her hands dirty—for real

Don’t miss this inspiring episode that proves success isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about showing up with heart.

👉 Connect with Cortney Tschida:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cortney.tschida
Instagram: @cortneytschida
📧 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Hosted by Brandon Olson
📧 [email protected]
🌐 [Driven to Succeed Podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Buzzsprout & more]

Episode 82 – Featuring Jessica Lowe

In this inspiring episode of the Driven to Succeed Real Estate Podcast, Brandon Olson sits down with award-winning Minnesota Realtor, Jessica Lowe, to talk about her incredible transition from marketing into the world of real estate.

Jessica opens up about:

• Her early career in marketing and how it shaped her real estate approach
• What it was like to appear on HGTV’s House Hunters
• Why she believes real estate is one of the best ways to build wealth
• Her powerful tagline: "Sell High. Buy Lowe."
• The tools, mindset, and systems that helped her become a Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society award recipient and a Super Real Estate Agent in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

Whether you're just starting in real estate or looking to elevate your current game, Jessica brings down-to-earth advice with professional precision — and a touch of fun.

🎧 Tune in now and get ready to take notes!

📞 Contact Jessica Lowe:

📧 [email protected]
 📞 612-296-4576
 🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 Facebook
📸 Instagram: @jessicalowe_realestate

🔖 Hashtags:

#JessicaLowe #SellHighBuyLowe #HGTVRealtor #DrivenToSucceed #MinnesotaRealEstate #HouseHunters #RealEstatePodcast #ColdwellBanker #WomenInRealEstate #RealEstateSuccess #RealtorLife #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstateJourney #MarketingToRealEstate