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The real estate industry stands at a crossroads where technology and traditional practices collide. Matt Miller, founder of Fairtrade Real Estate, joins us to reveal how his company has carved a unique niche as a local iBuyer with actual boots on the ground – a critical distinction that has allowed them to succeed where tech giants like Zillow have stumbled.

Matt explains Fairtrade's powerful three-sided marketplace connecting agents, distressed property sellers, and real estate investors. Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, Fairtrade agents physically inspect properties, understand neighborhood dynamics, and comprehend local economic factors to make accurate offers that benefit everyone involved. This human-centered approach proves especially valuable as market conditions continue to flatten across the country.

As we explore the broader economic impact of distressed property investments, Matt highlights how these transactions create numerous jobs – from contractors to landscapers – while transforming previously uninhabitable homes into opportunities for families. For agents seeking to thrive in challenging markets, the message is clear: develop expertise in "higher-hanging fruit" by mastering specialized transaction types rather than competing for diminishing easy deals. Those who expand their problem-solving toolkits will find themselves equipped to provide value regardless of market conditions.

Whether you're an agent looking to better serve distressed property sellers, an investor seeking reliable inventory sources, or simply interested in understanding how local expertise continues to matter in an increasingly digital world, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of real estate. Ready to elevate your approach to challenging properties? Listen now and discover why real estate remains fundamentally "a people business that's very personal and very local."