Real Estate School with Tony Acosta

Are Zillow Agents Idiots? | Mike Harlin

Are Zillow agents actually bad… or just misunderstood? In this episode, Tony Acosta sits down with Mike Harlan to break down what’s really happening inside the Zillow ecosystem. From lead quality to conversion rates, agent skill gaps to systemic incentives—nothing is off limits. They tackle the real question: is the problem the agents, or the system they’re operating in? If you’ve ever: * Wondered why Zillow leads get a bad reputation * Questioned agent performance on online platforms * Tried (and struggled) to convert internet leads * Or considered buying Zillow leads yourself This episode gives you a no-BS look at what’s actually going on—and how to win if you choose to play the game. Key Topics: * Why Zillow agents get labeled “bad” * The truth about Zillow lead quality * Conversion vs. follow-up: where most agents fail * How top teams actually make Zillow profitable * The hidden incentives shaping agent behavior Connect with Tony Acosta: Real estate broker | Team leader | Agent coach Helping agents build real skills, not just chase leads Subscribe for more: Straight talk on real estate, business, and what actually works.

How to Represent Your Real Estate Clients at a Higher Level (w/ Travis Maddox)

What does it actually mean to represent a client — not just open doors and fill in blanks on PDFs? In this episode, Tony sits down with Travis Maddox from Edge Homes to break down the real skill gap in real estate: agents who don't know their contracts, can't explain deadlines, and have never heard of a Resolution of Due Diligence Addendum. They cover how to close the experience gap through intentional roleplay and live reps, why communication is the foundation of true representation, the contract pitfalls that get agents (and their clients) in serious trouble, and how to build trust with builder's agents without getting cut out of deals. Whether you're new to real estate or a seasoned agent looking to sharpen up, this one's packed with real talk.

Is Zillow Premier a Scam? The Honest Truth for Realtors

Is the Zillow Premier Agent program a legitimate growth engine or just an expensive "tax" on your commissions? In this episode of How To Be A Realtor, we pull back the curtain on the most debated lead source in real estate. We’re breaking down the math, the conversion realities, and the "hidden" shifts in the 2026 market that every agent needs to know before signing a contract.

How to Work With Real Estate Investors Without Getting Burned

Investors can be incredible repeat clients… or they can chew you up, waste your time, and leave you with nothing. In this episode, I’ll break down: * The 3 types of investors you’ll meet (and how to tell them apart fast). * Why most realtors lose money working with “fake” investors. * Scripts to qualify investors without sounding pushy. * How to structure deals, commissions, and expectations so you don’t get burned. * When to walk away—because not all “investors” are worth it. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to position yourself as an indispensable partner to real investors… and avoid becoming free labor for tire kickers.

Seller Finance Masterclass for Utah Agents: The Hidden Strategy Every Realtor Should Know

Most Utah agents have never closed a seller finance deal—and it's costing them (and their clients) big. In this special Seller Finance Masterclass, Tony Acosta breaks down everything you should’ve learned in real estate school but didn’t. You’ll learn: * What seller finance actually is—and why it’s not just for desperate sellers * The 3 biggest mistakes agents make when attempting these deals * How to spot seller-financeable properties in your MLS * The due-on-sale clause trap (and how to avoid it) * Why this is the most powerful tool for helping priced-out buyers and stagnant listings * Real deal structure examples and how they’re cash flowing today If you're a Utah agent trying to survive in a high-rate, low-inventory market—this episode is not optional. The next market shift will belong to the agents who understand creative finance.