This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Craig McClelland, Chief Strategy Officer at HomeStory and president of LOCAL Realty. 

Tracey and Craig talk about the importance of consumer-centric strategies and how industry giants like Zillow and Rocket are reshaping traditional brokerage models. Craig also talks about the role of technology and data in extending the real estate transaction timeline, and the emerging trend of niche and boutique brokerage models.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The importance of putting consumers first in real estate

How disruptors like Zillow and Rocket are changing the game

Strategies for small brokerages to thrive in a competitive market

The benefits and challenges of niche and boutique brokerage models

Related to this 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.

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On this week’s episode of RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down with Lennox Scott, the CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate. Lennox has been in the industry for almost 50 years, and John L Scott is a family brokerage with a rich 94-year history. 

Lennox talks about how AI is reshaping industries, the critical role of MLS consolidation, and maintaining personal relationships in a tech-driven world. He also discusses the challenges posed by institutional investors and strategies brokerages can adopt to stay relevant in an AI-enhanced future.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Team culture, continuous learning, and strategic meetings are important for brokerage relevance.

The benefits of a national MLS and AI in enhancing data infrastructure and efficiency.

The importance of full inventory access and the challenges of shadow MLSs.

How to work with AI tools to focus on trusted relationships and personal representation.

The impact of institutional investors on housing markets and potential legislative solutions.

Related to this 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.

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This week on RealTrending Tracey Velt talks with David Brooke, team leader at Brooke Team at eXp Realty. Tracey and David dive into the realities of leading a team in today’s market, including managing team exits and burnout to fostering a productive agent culture. 

David shares how an almost-pivot in his career and parenting lessons shaped his leadership style, and much more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

How he rebuilt after losing top agents

The three biggest misconceptions in real estate and how to overcome them

The leadership principles rooted in parenting that shaped his coaching style

Why consistent daily accountability beats luxury deals every time

The traits David looks for in agents destined for long-term success

Related to this 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.

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This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt talks with Jay Papasan, executive at Keller Williams Realty and co-author of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent.

Tracey and Jay talk about what it really takes for rookie agents to thrive in today’s market, from building a solid database to developing effective lead generation habits early on. Jay shares the inspiration behind his new and upcoming book The Rookie Real Estate Agent and offers some veteran advice on prospecting, compliance, and why foundational business habits matter more than flashy branding.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Most new agents fail because they miss the fundamentals.

A database of 250+ contacts is a tipping point for success.

Lead generation beats branding—especially in the early days.

AI tools can support—but not replace—agent action.

Open houses remain a top lead source for beginners.

New agents need structure, discipline, and a runway to succeed.

Related to this 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.

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This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Steve Murray, industry stalwart and senior advisor to RealTrends. Tracey and Steve had the opportunity to sit down in person at HousingWire’s The Gathering.

Steve dives into the real estate’s most pressing issues, including the distraction of AI, Clear Cooperation, and the alarming number of inactive agents. He talks about why developing talent should be every broker’s priority, why it’s time to rethink the outdated brokerage model, and gives an introduction to Fiji, a new M&A tool designed to bring transparency and innovation to real estate dealmaking.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

AI is a fascinating tool that can enhance brokerage efficiency.

Brokers need to focus on recruiting and developing talent.

The real estate market may remain stagnant for years.

Realtor associations face challenges with membership dynamics.

Innovative tools are emerging for M&A and valuation.

Brokers should consider a team-based model for profitability.

Market conditions require brokers to adapt and innovate.

Related to this 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s bonus episode of RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Ben Bacal, the founder of Revel Real Estate. 

Tracey and Ben talk about the future of real estate, from AI-enhanced client experiences to the rise of real estate auctions. Ben also shares the secrets behind modern brokerage leadership and how Revel is equipping agents with marketing tools, studio pods for content creation, and data-driven insights to compete in today’s market.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

A la carte brokerage services could redefine commission structures.

AI agents may become the industry’s next competitive edge.

Branding, video marketing, and social media are non-negotiables.

Real estate auctions are gaining traction, especially in luxury.

Leadership means understanding, supporting, and connecting.

Tomorrow’s agents will rely on tech-enabled, emotionally smart platforms.

Related to this 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on RealTrending, Tracey Velt sits down with Rory Golod, President of Growth and Communications at Compass, to discuss their lawsuit against Zillow and what Compass is doing to reshape the agent and consumer experience in real estate.

Rory unpacks the motivations behind the lawsuit and also shares Compass’s three-pronged marketing strategy. He also talks about how agent feedback drives tech development across platforms like Compass One and their other AI integrations.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Why Compass is taking a stand against Zillow’s marketing policies

How pre-marketing creates demand and higher sale prices

Compass’s agent-first tech development model

Why consumer value is the key to brokerage profitability

How AI is accelerating innovation and agent efficiency

The secret to high agent adoption of brokerage tools

Related to this 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Dermot Buffini, CEO of Buffini & Company. Tracey and Dermot got the opportunity to sit down in person to record an episode at HousingWire’s The Gathering.

Dermot breaks down the challenges in today’s real estate leadership  — from agent productivity to market shifts — and shares how to stay focused on what really matters. He also talks about “above the line” thinking to help leaders prioritize outcomes over distractions, and offers strategies for embracing technology and staying rooted in core values and customer service.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Related to this 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Hoby Hanna, CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services and Hanna Holdings.

Hoby discusses the company’s culture-first M&A strategy, innovative consumer programs like the buy-borrow bundle, and how AI and data are shaping real estate. He also shares why collaboration matters and outlines his goal to reach 20% share in 20 major markets.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Related to this 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Tami Pardee, founder of Pardee Properties in Venice, California.

Tami shares how she brought a production-style model from the entertainment industry into real estate and built a high-touch, high-performing boutique brokerage. She also talks about how she tripled sales during the wildfires, uses the tools from an AI collective to empower her agents, and helps homeless women through her Life Change Warriors program.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Tami transformed her entertainment production experience into a real estate model.

She created a task force to help clients during the wildfires.

AI is a crucial tool for staying competitive in real estate.

Life Change Warriors empowers homeless individuals through support and education.

Building a strong company culture enhances agent performance.

Related to this 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices