Keeping It Real Podcast • Secrets Of Top 1% REALTORS ® • Interviews With Real Estate Brokers & Agents

Welcome to our series Better Your Business With Ben. In this episode Ben Lalez explains why he calls Q4 “separation season” and why the agents willing to keep making calls, following up, working their database, and doing the uncomfortable things are the ones who will separate themselves from the competition. He breaks down how to analyze where your past business actually came from, identify the activities you can replicate, and use the next 90 days to plant the seeds for a stronger 2027. Please follow Ben on Instagram and TikTok. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Ben Lalez can be reached at 312.789.4054 and [email protected]. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Brenton Miebach talks about how he built a $10M+ business in his first year in two different markets where he knew virtually no one. Brenton breaks down how he used paid leads, relentless responsiveness, and deep market research to build a network from scratch and why the real value of an internet lead is the referral business that can come from it. He also shares how he built AI-powered systems that automate everything from marketing and website content to detailed showing packets, and how he used AI-generated videos about Cape Coral’s history to grow his Facebook following from 150 to more than 3,000. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Brenton Miebach can be reached at (239) 990-7738 and [email protected]. This episode is brought to you by RealGeeks and Courted.io.

Alex Maldonado reveals a strategy many first-time buyers (and even agents) overlook: using seller and lender credits to help cover closing costs. Alex explains how he helps buyers who have saved for a down payment but are still short on the cash needed to close, and how he structures offers so those credits don’t automatically make them less competitive. He also breaks down how he generates leads through targeted marketing, SEO, bilingual content, and AI, and why becoming a better salesperson may be more valuable than simply making more calls. Alex is offering a free marketing audit to a limited number of agents here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Alex Maldonado can be reached at (323) 688-4710. This episode is brought to you by RealGeeks and Courted.io.

Frances Katzen talks about how the discipline and resilience of a professional ballet career shaped the way she approaches business. Frances shares how she built the Katzen Report into a powerful marketing tool, established herself as a trusted voice in the media, and learned to stand out by having a real opinion rather than trying to please everyone. She also explains why she’s willing to tell clients “no” when she believes they can do better, and how honesty, consistency, and genuine relationships have helped her build a lasting luxury real estate business. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Frances Katzen can be reached at 212.350.8575 and [email protected]. This episode is brought to you by RealGeeks and Courted.io.

David has built a successful real estate business almost entirely through relationships and referrals. But with years of professional commitments, volunteer work, and personal goals competing for his attention, he knows he needs to get more focused if he wants to reach the next level. In this episode of Breakthrough with Michael, David uncovers what’s really holding him back: avoidance, inconsistent follow-up, and the tendency to take on too much. The conversation explores why the right strategy isn’t always the one that works for everyone and how understanding yourself can be the key to building a more scalable business. No quick fixes. Just an honest coaching conversation about letting go of what no longer serves you, focusing on what matters, and finding the approach that allows you to do your best work. Ready to break through what’s holding you back? Apply now for your chance to be coached live on the show. Spots are limited to just one agent per month, so don’t wait – apply today. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Sign up for a personal breakthrough session with Michael Opyd here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Vija Williams explains why AI isn’t replacing great real estate agents but it’s redefining their role. Vija shares how today’s consumers research home values, cash offers, and market data long before speaking with an agent, making it more important than ever for agents to become trusted advisors and problem solvers. Vija also breaks down how cash offer leads and iBuyer partnerships can create a powerful new seller lead source while helping agents win more listings. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Vija Williams can be reached at [email protected]. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Kelsey Caputo 30 under 30 honoree – class of 2026 breaks down how AI is transforming real estate without replacing great agents. Next, Kelsey explains why niche, local expertise still beats generic AI valuations especially around boating access, seawalls, zoning, and short-term rental rules in a complex second-home market. Kelsey also shares how she uses AI to prep for appointments, anticipate objections, build ideal buyer profiles, and target ultra high net worth clients more precisely. Last, Kelsey dives into trust-based luxury relationships, lifestyle-matching for second homes, and the power of saying “I don’t know, I’ll find out” in a high-stakes market. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Kelsey Caputo can be reached at [email protected] and (305) 363-9998. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to our series Better Your Business With Ben. In this episode Ben Lalez dives into why most real estate agents are losing deals not to the market, but to silence, those three-day gaps where clients hear nothing. DJ and Ben break down a simple, daily follow-up rhythm that keeps buyers and sellers feeling supported from first contact through years after closing, turning databases into real volume. They also explore how AI is changing real estate, where it genuinely helps (speed, efficiency, systems) versus where it falls short (emotional intelligence, trust, accountability). Please follow Ben on Instagram and TikTok. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Ben Lalez can be reached at 312.789.4054 and [email protected]. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.