RealTrending

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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahreynolds1/] * Brooke Team at eXp Realty [https://brooketeamre.com/home] * David Brooke | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-brooke] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDD_3y3LvU60vac7eki-6Q] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More info about HousingWire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://lnk.bio/housingwire] 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahreynolds1/] * Jay Papasan [https://www.jaypapasan.com/] * Jay Papasan  | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaypapasan/] * Jay Papasan | KWRI [https://kwri.kw.com/leadership/jay-papasan/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDD_3y3LvU60vac7eki-6Q] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More info about HousingWire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://lnk.bio/housingwire] 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahreynolds1/] * FIJI [https://www.fijiapp.com/] * Steve Murray - President - REAL Trends Consulting | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-murray/] * RealTrends' Steve Murray explores M&A changes and brokerage team models [https://www.housingwire.com/articles/realtrends-steve-murray-mergers-acquisitions-brokerage-team-models/] * ⁠The Gathering 2026⁠ [https://events.housingwire.com/the-gathering-2026] * ⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDD_3y3LvU60vac7eki-6Q] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More info about HousingWire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://lnk.bio/housingwire] 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 [https://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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahreynolds1/] * Revel Real Estate [https://benbacal.com/] * Ben Bacal | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbacal/] * ⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDD_3y3LvU60vac7eki-6Q] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More info about HousingWire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://lnk.bio/housingwire] 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 [https://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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahreynolds1/] * Rory Golod | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-golod-29b47413/] * Compass Real Estate [https://www.compass.com/] * Brooklee Han on the Compass lawsuit against Zillow | HousingWire [https://www.housingwire.com/podcast/brooklee-han-on-the-compass-lawsuit-against-zillow-over-private-listings/] * The juiciest details in Compass's lawsuit against Zillow | HousingWire [https://www.housingwire.com/articles/the-juiciest-details-in-compasss-lawsuit-against-zillow/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDD_3y3LvU60vac7eki-6Q] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More info about HousingWire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://lnk.bio/housingwire] 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 [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]