Lab Coat Agents Podcast

Local Expertise in an AI-Driven Market with Andrew Flachner Ep 310

In this episode of the Lab Coat Agents podcast, Tristan Ahumada and Nick Baldwin interview Andrew Flachner, co-founder of RealScout, on how AI is changing the way consumers search, evaluate, and transact on homes—and what that means for agent workflows. They discuss the rise of micro-level housing data and AI-driven search tools that let people run complex questions through natural language, making discovery faster and more personalized. Andrew explains that while automation can improve speed and clarity, real estate remains a high-stakes, emotional decision where the human layer—context, judgment, and guidance—still matters most. The episode also highlights a major partnership with Opendoor, including a “cash now, more later” product aimed at giving homeowners more flexibility and potential upside. The takeaway: agents who embrace AI as a partner—not a threat—can strengthen local expertise, improve client experience, and stay competitive as the market shifts. Connect with Andrew Flachner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewflachner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewflachner/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aflachner/ [https://www.facebook.com/aflachner/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aflachner/ [https://www.instagram.com/aflachner/]

The Quiet Luxury Approach to Real Estate Marketing with Trent & Karissa Zimmer EP 309

In this episode of the Lab Coat Agents podcast, Nick Baldwin and Tristan Ahumada sit down with Trent and Karissa Zimmer to unpack the modern shifts shaping real estate—from industry consolidation to the rise of leverage, lifestyle design, and AI-driven efficiency. The conversation opens with a look at major acquisitions, including eXp’s purchase of NextHome, and what it signals about brokerages moving toward diversified models and franchise-style options—not just chasing agent count. Trent and Karissa then share how they stay highly profitable as solo operators by investing in personal-life support (like hiring help for household tasks) to protect their time, energy, and focus. They also explain their relationship-first approach to marketing—leaning into discreet professionalism and private client groups instead of loud, performative social media. The episode wraps with a practical discussion on how AI can automate admin work to create more “white space” for strategic thinking, deeper client relationships, and the kind of human connection that still drives referrals and repeat business. Connect with Trent & Karissa Zimmer: Website: https://www.zoldrealestate.com/ [https://www.zoldrealestate.com/] Facebooks:  ZOLD: https://www.facebook.com/ZoldRealEstate [https://www.facebook.com/ZoldRealEstate] Karissa Zimmer: https://www.facebook.com/karissa.zimmer.0813 [https://www.facebook.com/karissa.zimmer.0813?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDo2OTQ3MDE4ODYwMDMwMTFfNjAyMjM2ODc1Mzk0NzI2] Trent Zimmer https://www.facebook.com/trentdzimmer [https://www.facebook.com/trentdzimmer?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDo2OTQ3MDE4ODYwMDMwMTFfNzQ4Mzk4NDY3MDM0MDYw]

How to Use ChatGPT to Manage High-Intent Leads with Janki Patel Ep 308

In this episode of the Lab Coat Agents podcast, Tristan Ahumada and Nick Baldwin are joined by top-producing team leader Janki Patel to break down how she’s built a leveraged, service-first business—using systems, data, and smart tech to convert high-intent online leads. The episode opens with a discussion on the Real Brokerage acquisition of ReMax, including what it signals about tech-forward brokerages integrating traditional operations and an aging agent demographic. From there, Janki shares how she uses ChatGPT and Lofty CRM to manage multi-million dollar leads coming from Meta advertising, while keeping follow-up fast, consistent, and personalized. Janki explains why her approach is built for analytical clients—especially Silicon Valley engineers—and how she tailors communication to match both logical decision-making and emotional drivers. You’ll hear how she uses virtual assistants for live transfers, Zoom consultations to build trust quickly, and a persona-based framework to turn online prospects into long-term clients and referrals. Connect with Janki Patel: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jankihpatel [https://www.facebook.com/jankihpatel]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jankihpatel/ [https://www.instagram.com/jankihpatel/]  Websites: https://www.jankipatelteam.com/ [https://www.jankipatelteam.com/]  https://www.learnwithjanki.com [https://www.learnwithjanki.com/]

AI Engine Optimization and the Future of Lead Generation with Michael Perna Ep 307

In this episode of the Lab Coat Agents podcast, Tristan Ahumada and Nick Baldwin interview Michael Perna, a top-producing team leader who’s been navigating real estate since 2001, on what’s changing fastest right now—and what agents must do to stay visible. The conversation focuses on the rise of AI-driven search and AEO (AI Engine Optimization) and how it’s reshaping lead generation. Perna explains why most agents are essentially invisible to these new discovery systems, and how AI recommendations can deliver higher-trust, higher-conversion leads that outperform traditional lead sources. Michael shares his own evolution—from door-knocking and cold-calling to building a modern “moat” through hyper-local content, social media omnipresence, and consistent authority-building. The takeaway is clear: agents can’t rely on buying leads forever. To win in the next cycle, they need to produce high-quality video and written content, pair it with automated follow-up, and use authentic storytelling to stay relevant and scale. Connect with Michael Perna: Join Michael: https://getrecommendedbyai.paperform.co/ [https://getrecommendedbyai.paperform.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepernateam/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepernateam/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.perna.35/ [https://www.facebook.com/michael.perna.35/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepernateam/ [https://www.instagram.com/thepernateam/]

Personal Development Is the Real Growth Engine with Stacie States Ep 306

In this episode of the Lab Coat Agents podcast, Nick Baldwin and Tristan Ahumada reflect on the real intersection of life and business—starting with a personal story about stepping into unexpected caregiving during a family health crisis, and how moments like that force you to rethink priorities, support systems, and stability. From there, the conversation turns to how AI is reshaping client communication, including the strategy of building custom GPTs that give clients vetted, reliable information—so they aren’t relying on generic, unverified AI answers. The focus isn’t “more tech,” but smarter tech that protects trust. Stacie States shares why speed of implementation matters, but why the business still comes down to relationships and personal development. The episode also highlights the role of administrative leverage and long-term wealth creation—building a real estate business that supports you through seasons of life, not just the next transaction. Connect with Stacie States: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staciestates/ [https://www.facebook.com/staciestates/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staciestates/ [https://www.instagram.com/staciestates/]