Are you better off building your brand as a solo agent—or thriving within the structure of a team?

With the 2026 housing market warming up and new tech reshaping real estate, this episode breaks down the Solo vs Team Realtors debate once and for all.

Solo vs Team Realtors isn’t about picking sides—it’s about finding what fits your business and lifestyle best. Mike Mills talks with Lauren Kerschen, Realtor & Team Lead at ARC Realty DFW, about what agents really face in 2026: unpredictable markets, high expectations, and the pressure to perform.

Together they unpack commission splits, lead generation systems, and practical real estate automation tools that actually help. You’ll learn how to leverage AI research and content marketing to compete with larger teams while protecting your personal brand.

How can Texas Realtors use AI to attract listings, stay visible online, and thrive in a competitive DFW housing market?

This episode delivers straight, actionable answers without the industry fluff.

🧭 Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Momentum Matters More Than Motivation

Agents who stayed consistent through high-rate years are now positioned to lead the rebound. Steady lead generation systems build pipeline stability and local visibility — the foundation of 2026 success for Texas Realtors.

2️⃣ Teams Provide Structure, Not Limitation

Joining a real estate team creates accountability and proven marketing systems that boost productivity. Collaboration fuels consistency, mentorship, and results — critical advantages in competitive Texas markets like DFW.

3️⃣ Solo Agents Must Think Like CEOs

Running solo means managing every hat — marketing, budgeting, client service, and growth. The winning solo agent strategy is automation, delegation, and process discipline that ensures consistent production all year long.

4️⃣ Technology Levels the Playing Field

Modern AI tools for Realtors — from property research to staging — help solo agents and small teams compete with large brokerages. Integrating automation boosts efficiency, professionalism, and online discoverability.

5️⃣ Visibility Beats Perfection

Clients can’t hire who they can’t find. For Texas Realtors wondering how to grow without endless posting — focus on consistent, authentic visibility across social media and email to build authority and trust.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – The reality of going solo — freedom vs isolation

01:30 – Market update: rate cuts and Realtor opportunity

04:01 – Momentum through tough markets

07:19 – Mentorship vs team training

08:40 – Lessons from the solo journey

12:56 – The truth about commission splits

15:30 – Questions to ask before joining a team

20:11 – Google Ads, YouTube, and modern lead generation

27:04 – Delegation and burnout prevention

31:55 – Why online presence matters

42:54 – Building systems and daily habits

55:05 – Real-world uses for AI in real estate

1:02:44 – Team culture and community

1:06:24 – Final advice: momentum, consistency, and support

🔗 Resources

• ARC Realty DFW – Lauren’s brokerage and team hub for agents in the Dallas–Fort Worth area – https://www.dfwsfinestrealestate.com
• Tom Ferry Coaching – Real estate mindset, systems, and marketing guidance – https://www.tomferry.com
• Brian Buffini Podcast – Personal growth and relationship-based selling insights – https://www.buffiniandcompany.com/podcast
• Google Ads for Realtors – Paid lead generation and local targeting for listings – https://ads.google.com
• YouTube Ads for Realtors – Video marketing platform for lead capture and awareness – https://www.youtube.com/ads
• Perplexity AI – Deep property and market research for Realtors – https://www.perplexity.ai
• ChatGPT by OpenAI – Listing descriptions, client communication, and marketing copy – https://chat.openai.com
• HomeLight / OpCity / UpNest – Referral-based lead generation platforms – https://www.homelight.com | https://www.opcity.com | https://www.upnest.com
• The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi – Habit formation and productivity principles – https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/book
• Mike’s Linktree – Mortgage tools, rate updates, and Realtor resources – https://linktr.ee/mikemillsmortgage
• Podcast Website – Access all past episodes and show notes – https://www.thetexasrealestateandfinancepodcast.com

If you’re a Realtor ready to elevate your business in 2026, decide where you thrive best — solo or team.

🎧 Subscribe to The Texas Real Estate & Finance Podcast for more data-driven insights, market strategies, and tech tools that keep you ahead.

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