RealTrending

On this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, host Tracey Velt sits down with Felix Bravo,managing director, international for eXp Realty, to talk about growing up in real estate, building resilience through hard work, and helping scale one of the industry’s fastest-growing international brokerages. Bravo shares how watching his immigrant mother transition from lawyer to Realtor in Miami shaped his work ethic and perspective on the business. The conversation dives into his early grind in real estate, including old-school cold calling, learning to earn opportunities instead of waiting for them, and the mindset that helped him rise from solo agent to leading eXp’s international operations before turning 30. Bravo also explains how eXp’s cloud-based model is resonating globally, especially in markets without MLS systems, and how the company’s cross-border platform “LYVVE” is helping agents and consumers collaborate internationally with more transparency. The episode also explores leadership, international expansion, the future of global real estate collaboration, and why Bravo believes agents everywhere are looking for more independence and entrepreneurial freedom. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Felix Bravo credits his immigrant upbringing and his mother’s real estate journey for shaping his work ethic. Early success came from persistence, cold calling and embracing uncomfortable work. eXp’s international growth is fueled by its cloud-based, agent-first model. Many global markets still operate without MLS systems, creating challenges and opportunities. Bravo says leadership is less about personal achievement and more about helping others succeed. Related to this episode: Felix Bravo's LinkedIn eXp Realty LYVVE Want more from Tracey? Don't forget to subscribe to Real Estate Daily. 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.

In this insightful interview, Debbie De Grote of Forward Coaching shares essential mindset shifts, strategies and tools for real estate agents to thrive in a complex and evolving market. Topics include becoming a market expert, leveraging AI, effective prospecting and adapting to new business models. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Mindset shifts for agents in a complex market The importance of being a wise adviser and market expert Leveraging AI tools for efficiency and personalization Effective prospecting strategies in a changing environment Adapting to new business models and private listings Related to this episode: Debbie De Grote's LinkedIn Forward Coaching Debbie's Script Book 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.

In this insightful interview, David Dickey, CTO of United Real Estate, discusses the transformative role of AI in real estate. Topics include AI's practical applications for agents, misconceptions about AI, ROI measurement, data privacy, and strategies for adoption. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: AI's impact on real estate agents' productivity Myths and misconceptions about AI in real estate Measuring ROI of AI tools in real estate Data privacy and security in AI applications Strategies for AI adoption among brokers and agents Related to this episode: David Dickey's LinkedIn United Real Estate 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.

In this insightful interview, Jonathan Lickstein, COO of LoKation Real Estate, shares his strategies for rapid growth, adapting to industry changes and maintaining a competitive edge as an independent broker. Discover how focusing on agent success, leveraging technology, and understanding market dynamics can transform your real estate business. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Growth drivers of Location Real Estate Importance of agent-centric models Impact of industry lawsuits and market shifts Private listings and pricing strategies Buyer representation agreements and client guidance Industry consolidation and independence advantages Technology's role in brokerage operations Future trends in real estate brokerage Related to this episode: Jonathan Lickstein's LinkedIn LoKation® Real Estate 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.

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Michele Harrington, CEO of FirstTeam Real Estate, discusses the evolution of her brokerage, the challenges faced in the current market and the importance of an agent-centric approach. She emphasizes the need for technology and accountability in supporting agents, while also addressing the impact of legal pressures on regional brokers. Michele shares her insights on defining growth in the industry and expresses optimism for the future of real estate as a viable investment for building wealth. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Michele emphasizes the importance of being agent-centric in real estate. The past few years have been challenging for many brokerages due to market downturns. Legal pressures, such as class action lawsuits, significantly impact regional brokers. Profitability should be prioritized over growth for sustainable success. Creating value for agents is essential to attract and retain talent. Technology should enhance agent productivity, but accountability and coaching are crucial. Regional brokers have a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves in a consolidating market. The real estate industry offers potential for generational wealth building. Michele believes that the future of real estate is bright despite current challenges. Flexibility and creativity are key for adapting to changing market conditions. Related to this episode: Michele Harrington's LinkedIn FirstTeam Real Estate 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.

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Jim Remley, founder of eRealEstatecoach.com and RealTrends 500 brokerage owner, shares his extensive experience in the brokerage industry, discussing key trends and strategies for success. He emphasizes the importance of agent productivity over headcount, effective recruiting techniques and the necessity of retaining agents through continuous engagement. Jim also reflects on his own experiences, highlighting the significance of coaching and the need for brokers to simplify their operations while focusing on building relationships with agents. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 70% of agents in America didn't close a transaction last year. Retention should be viewed as re-recruiting your own agents. Building relationships is key to successful recruiting. Brokers should treat their agents as part of their CRM. Recruiting should be a daily activity for brokers. Listening is an underrated leadership skill in real estate. Brokers can operate with a smaller physical footprint than before. Focus on recruiting experienced agents for growth. Setting realistic recruiting goals is essential for success. Related to this episode: Jim Remley's Linkedin 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.

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Wendy Forsythe, CMO of eXp Realty, discusses the evolution of real estate teams, the challenges of scaling and the importance of technology and profitability. She emphasizes the shift in mindset from traditional agent roles to team leaders acting as CEOs, focusing on holistic success and lifestyle balance. The conversation also highlights emerging trends and the future of team leadership in the real estate industry. Here's what you'll learn: Teams have evolved significantly over the years. New agents joining teams are more likely to succeed. Scaling teams requires understanding operational efficiencies. Profit per person is a crucial metric for success. Team leaders must balance support and profitability. Automation and technology are essential for modern teams. Emerging trends include content creation and remote operations. 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.

In this conversation for the RealTrending podcast, Donny Samson discusses the growth and strategies of his brokerage, emphasizing the importance of a unified company culture, intentional market expansion and the challenges of navigating the current brokerage economics. He highlights the impact of recent mergers in the industry and the need for adaptability in the face of changing market conditions. Samson also reflects on the future of brokerage models, the significance of education for realtors and the enduring value of in-person connections in a predominantly virtual world. Related to this episode: Donny Samson LinkedIn Samson Properties Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: One family, one vision, one company is key to growth. Intentional planning and training are crucial for success. Market expansion should be cautious and well-planned. Brokerage economics are challenging due to margin pressures. Realtors are seeking value and support from their brokers. Mergers in the industry create both challenges and opportunities. Education is vital for success and retention. The average age of first-time homebuyers is rising. In-person connections are essential in real estate. 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.