RealTrending

HousingWire
  • 4.4 (15)
  • Business News
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. KCM President David Childers on the power of market expertise and HousingWire’s newest acquisition

    19h ago

    KCM President David Childers on the power of market expertise and HousingWire’s newest acquisition

    HousingWire’s acquisition of Keeping Current Matters (KCM) takes center stage in this episode as Tracey Velt sits down with KCM President David Childers to discuss what the deal means for agents, brokers and the future of real estate market intelligence. Childers shares the story behind KCM’s nearly 20-year mission of helping agents understand and communicate market trends, transforming complex housing data into practical, consumer-friendly insights that build confidence and trust. The conversation explores why local market knowledge matters more than ever in today’s highly fragmented housing environment. While national headlines often dominate consumer perceptions, Childers explains that real estate remains intensely local, with some markets seeing price growth while others experience price declines. By combining HousingWire’s research, Altos market analytics, RealTrends performance insights, and KCM’s communication tools, agents will have greater access to actionable data that helps them explain market realities to buyers and sellers. Childers also addresses some of the biggest misconceptions consumers have about today’s housing market, including expectations of a major home price correction. He explains why inventory shortages, homeowner equity positions, and locked-in low mortgage rates continue to support pricing in many markets, despite affordability challenges. The discussion highlights the growing need for agents to confidently explain changing market conditions, seller concessions, inventory trends, and shifting buyer expectations. The episode concludes with a look ahead at the future of HousingWire Solutions and how the combined strengths of KCM, Altos, RealTrends, and HousingWire can help agents become more informed local experts. Childers emphasizes that the agents who consistently communicate accurate market information—and understand both national and local trends—will be best positioned to win trust, attract clients, and grow their businesses. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: HousingWire’s acquisition of KCM expands access to market intelligence, data, and agent resources. Local market knowledge is more important than ever in today’s uneven housing market. Inventory remains the key metric driving home prices and market conditions. Many consumers still misunderstand why home prices have remained resilient. Agents who can clearly explain market trends build greater trust with clients. Seller concessions are becoming more common as buyers gain negotiating power. Consistent market communication helps agents stand out and win more business. The combined strengths of KCM, Altos, RealTrends, and HousingWire create new opportunities for agent growth and education. Related to this episode: David Childers' LinkedIn Keeping Current Matters 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.

    20 min
  2. Dan Rochon on Predictable Income in an Unpredictable Housing Market

    4d ago

    Dan Rochon on Predictable Income in an Unpredictable Housing Market

    On this episode of the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Dan Rochon, head coach of the Greetings Virginia Sales Network,  to break down his “Teach to Sell” philosophy and why relationship-driven sales matter more than ever in today’s unpredictable housing market. Rochon argues that agents win by proactively educating clients, building trust before problems arise, and consistently showing up through lead generation and follow-up. The conversation dives into the four pillars of business success — belief, lead generation, organization building, and leadership — with Rochon emphasizing that consistent prospecting is still the foundation of predictable income, regardless of market conditions. He explains why agents should lean into the lead sources that fit their personalities and strengths, whether that’s sphere marketing, expireds, open houses or online advertising. Rochon also shares how his team is using AI to improve speed-to-process, client communication, and follow-up without replacing the agent relationship. He warns that agents who ignore AI and emerging technology risk falling behind over the next few years, while those who embrace it can create more time for high-value client interactions. The episode also touches on private listings, industry disruption, and the mindset shifts agents need to survive market uncertainty. Rochon’s message throughout is simple: stop focusing on what you can’t control, commit to daily lead generation, and do the work consistently. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Trust and education are the foundation of modern real estate sales. Consistent lead generation still solves most business problems. Agents should choose lead sources that match their personality and strengths. AI should support relationships, not replace agents. Speed-to-process is becoming a major competitive advantage. Mindset and self-belief are often the biggest barriers to success. The agents who survive tough markets are the ones willing to do the work consistently. Related to this episode: Dan Rochon's LinkedIn Greetings Virginia 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.

    22 min
  3. AI, listing fragmentation and M&A: Real Brokerage’s Tamir Poleg’s Big Bet on Real Estate’s Future

    Jun 1

    AI, listing fragmentation and M&A: Real Brokerage’s Tamir Poleg’s Big Bet on Real Estate’s Future

    On this episode of the RealTrending podcast, Tamir Poleg, CEO of The Real Brokerage, sits down with Tracey Velt to unpack why Real’s acquisition of REMAX is less about market share and more about combining scale, brand power and technology under one umbrella. Poleg explains that Real saw an opportunity to bring its AI-driven platform and growth mindset to a legacy franchise brand that still carries enormous recognition with consumers and agents alike. The conversation digs into the cultural alignment between Real and REMAX, the growing debate around private listings and listing fragmentation, and why Poleg believes the industry may be nearing a “point of no return” when it comes to listing data fragmentation. While many brokerages are loudly taking sides, Real has intentionally stayed quiet, choosing instead to focus on what its agents and consumers actually want. Poleg also lays out his vision for AI in real estate — not as a replacement for agents, but as a productivity engine that creates “super agents.” He describes a future where specialized AI assistants handle contracts, marketing and administrative work behind the scenes, allowing agents to focus on the human side of the transaction.  Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that the future of real estate belongs to companies that can remove friction, improve transparency and create a smoother consumer experience without losing the trusted advisor relationship at the center of the business. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Real says the REMAX acquisition is about combining complementary strengths: brand recognition, scale, growth and technology. Poleg believes REMAX’s slowdown was tied partly to a tech and value proposition gap that Real can help solve. Real plans to keep both brands culturally distinct while sharing technology, education and referral opportunities. The company intentionally stayed quiet during the private listings debate because most of its agents said clients weren’t asking about it. Poleg warned the industry may be approaching irreversible MLS and listing fragmentation. He believes fragmented listing access could ultimately hurt consumers by making housing data less accurate and harder to find. Real sees AI as a friction-reduction tool, not a replacement for agents. Poleg described a future where agents use multiple specialized AI assistants for contracts, marketing and transaction management. Real’s approach is to weave AI naturally into workflows rather than forcing agents to learn entirely new systems. Poleg says the industry’s biggest challenge isn’t technology — it’s delivering a simpler, faster and more transparent homebuying experience. Related to this episode: Tamir Poleg's LinkedIn The Real Brokerage, Inc. REMAX 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.

    24 min
  4. Leo Pareja and James Dwiggins unpack the the fight for real estate’s future

    May 28

    Leo Pareja and James Dwiggins unpack the the fight for real estate’s future

    On this episode of RealTrending, host Tracey Velt sits down with Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty  and James Dwiggins, co-CEO of NextHome,  to unpack the growing wave of consolidation across the real estate industry and what it means for agents, consumers and the future of listing data. Pareja compares today’s real estate landscape to the airline industry’s consolidation era, arguing that fragmented industries eventually shrink into a handful of dominant players. But unlike acquisitions driven purely by “synergy” and cost-cutting, he says the eXp and NextHome alignment was built around philosophical fit, shared views on consumer transparency and a belief that agents still need open access to listing distribution. The conversation quickly turns to private listings and the growing debate around listing control. Dwiggins strongly criticizes private listing strategies, warning they could damage consumer trust, create more litigation and ultimately fracture the MLS system into a European-style marketplace where buyers and agents must search multiple disconnected platforms just to find inventory. Both leaders argue that broad listing exposure remains the best path for sellers and that restricting visibility benefits brokerages more than consumers. The trio also dives deep into AI and the future of home search. Pareja explains why eXp partnered with Google, HouseCanary and ComeHome, arguing that AI-powered search is fundamentally changing how consumers discover homes. Instead of filtering by bedrooms and bathrooms, future buyers may search conversationally — asking for homes near favorite restaurants, with specific lot orientations or lifestyle features. Both leaders believe the industry has moved too slowly to modernize search experiences and warn that MLS organizations risk becoming irrelevant if they can’t adapt quickly enough. Despite the heavy focus on technology, both executives end on a surprisingly human note. In a world increasingly driven by AI, they argue that relationships, trust and emotional intelligence will become even more valuable. Their message to brokers and agents is simple: stop obsessing over data wars and start focusing on people, communication and the value you bring to the transaction. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Consolidation in real estate is accelerating and leaders believe it’s only the beginning. Pareja and Dwiggins say private listings threaten transparency and consumer trust. Both executives warn MLS fragmentation could create a chaotic “European-style” market. AI-powered home search is expected to radically change how consumers find properties. The Google partnership is viewed as a way to expand listing exposure and future-proof search visibility. Both leaders believe real estate organizations have moved too slowly on innovation. They argue the real estate industry should prioritize consumers over data control. Human relationships and agent expertise may become even more important in an AI-driven future. Related to this episode: Leo Pareja's LinkedIn James Dwiggins LinkedIn eXp Realty NextHome 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.

    32 min
  5. Paul Boomsma: Why local leadership still wins in the brokerage consolidation race

    May 26

    Paul Boomsma: Why local leadership still wins in the brokerage consolidation race

    On this episode of the Real Trending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Paul Boomsma, CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE)  to unpack the biggest forces reshaping the real estate industry — from consolidation and private listings to AI and the changing expectations of agents. Boomsma describes today’s market as a moment of “hectic opportunity,” where mergers, acquisitions, AI innovation and economic uncertainty are all colliding at once. But amid the noise, he says strong leadership has never mattered more, especially for independent brokerages navigating uncertainty among agents and consumers alike. The conversation dives into why local brands still hold a major advantage in real estate, even as national consolidation accelerates. Boomsma argues consumers remain focused on trusted local professionals, not corporate ownership structures, creating opportunities for regional independents to differentiate through culture, leadership and community presence. Tracey and Paul also explore the future of brokerage models, generational changes among agents and the growing importance of collaboration-focused office environments. Boomsma explains why younger agents value teamwork, coaching and shared learning more than the traditional independent contractor model. The episode also tackles hot-button industry topics like private listings and AI adoption. While Boomsma believes private listings may be receiving more hype than necessary, he sees enormous potential for AI in agent coaching, role-playing and helping professionals sharpen their client conversations faster than ever before. Throughout the discussion, one theme stays consistent: the brokerages that thrive over the next few years will be the ones that lean into authentic local leadership, adapt to changing agent expectations and stay focused on consumer trust. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Real estate is still fundamentally local despite industry consolidation. Strong leadership matters more than ever during market uncertainty. Younger agents prefer collaboration, coaching and co-working environments. AI is becoming a powerful tool for agent training and productivity. Private listings may be overhyped compared to other industry shifts. Independent brokerages still have a strong competitive advantage through local trust and community presence. Related to this episode: Paul Boomsma's LinkedIn Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE)  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.

    27 min
  6. Ownli’s Blake O’Shaughnessy on unbundling real estate and the startup challenging traditional commissions

    May 18

    Ownli’s Blake O’Shaughnessy on unbundling real estate and the startup challenging traditional commissions

    In this episode of the Real Trending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Blake O’Shaughnessy, founder of Ownli, a platform aiming to rethink the traditional real estate transaction by removing agents entirely. Built around the idea that “search got modern, but pricing didn’t,” Ownli offers sellers a DIY platform where they can list homes, manage showings, negotiate offers and complete contracts without paying traditional percentage-based commissions. O’Shaughnessy argues that the post-NAR settlement environment has accelerated consumer skepticism around commission structures, especially as home prices continue climbing while fees remain tied to a percentage of the sale price. Ownli positions itself as a software-driven alternative, combining public listing data, pricing tools, contracts and third-party service providers into one platform. The conversation explores whether consumers are truly ready to handle transactions themselves, how Ownli plans to scale nationally, and where technology can — and can’t — replace traditional agents. While O’Shaughnessy acknowledges the emotional and relationship-driven aspects of real estate still matter, he believes the future of the industry is increasingly “unbundled,” with consumers choosing only the services they actually need instead of paying for full-service representation by default. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Ownli removes agents and replaces them with software-driven transaction tools. The platform charges flat fees instead of percentage-based commissions. O’Shaughnessy says consumers are questioning traditional commission structures. Ownli  launched nationally with access to more than 500,000 listings. The company believes the future of real estate is “unbundled.” Related to this episode: Blake O'Shaughnessy's LinkedIn Ownli 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.

    19 min
  7. NAREB’s Ashley Thomas III on closing the homeownership gap

    May 11

    NAREB’s Ashley Thomas III on closing the homeownership gap

    On this episode of the RealTrending podcast, Ashley Thomas III, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), joined Tracey Velt to discuss the policies, barriers and opportunities shaping homeownership access across the country — especially within Black communities. Thomas framed the Black homeownership gap as more than a market issue, arguing that it was created through decades of intentional policy decisions, from the Homestead Act of 1862 to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) lending practices and the GI Bill. Because policy helped create the gap, he said, policy must also play a major role in closing it. Throughout the conversation, Thomas emphasized that access remains the industry’s biggest challenge. Even with more inventory or lower prices, many qualified buyers still struggle to navigate outdated credit models, lending standards, and qualification requirements that don’t reflect how consumers earn and manage money today. The discussion also highlighted NAREB’s policy initiatives, including its Community Property Fairness Initiative, which focuses on FHA rules in certain states that require nonborrowing spouses’ debt to be counted during qualification. Thomas argued these rules create unnecessary barriers for housing affordability. Velt and Thomas also discussed the industry’s broader responsibility in shaping consumer confidence. Thomas encouraged agents and brokers to avoid fueling negative market narratives, arguing that real estate professionals help shape buyer behavior through their mindset and messaging. The conversation closed with a look at NAREB’s eight-city homeownership bus tour, which combines education, housing counseling, legal support and community outreach in cities where affordability remains within reach. For Thomas, the goal is simple: to move the conversation beyond whether it’s a good time to buy and focus instead on whether it’s the right time for individual families to begin building generational wealth through homeownership. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Policy helped create the homeownership gap — and can help close it. Access to credit remains a major barrier. Outdated lending models are limiting buyers. NAREB is pushing for FHA policy changes. The bus tour focuses on education and homeownership access. Agents help shape buyer confidence. Related to this episode: Ashley Thomas III's LinkedIn National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) NAREB Affordable Homeownership Bus Tour 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.

    22 min
  8. Jim D’Amico: Why Brands by Integra is betting big on the Compass-Anywhere Deal

    May 4

    Jim D’Amico: Why Brands by Integra is betting big on the Compass-Anywhere Deal

    LIVE from HousingWire’s Gathering, Tracey Velt sits down with Jim D’Amico, CEO of Brands by Integra, to talk about brokerage growth, industry consolidation and why he’s optimistic about the Compass acquisition of Anywhere. D’Amico built his company from two agents in Massachusetts into a multi-brand operation with roughly 2,000 agents across 18 states. Today, Brands by Integra includes multiple real estate franchises, mortgage, insurance, asset management and property management companies — all operating under one umbrella. The conversation centers on the industry’s accelerating consolidation, particularly Compass’ acquisition of Anywhere. D’Amico says the deal injected new energy into a brokerage landscape he felt had grown stagnant, and he believes Compass CEO Robert Reffkin brings a growth-focused mindset that could unlock the scale and lead-generation potential many franchise brands have never fully leveraged. He also addresses one of the industry’s most debated topics: Compass’ private listing network. In D’Amico’s view, the strategy has been widely misunderstood. Rather than limiting access, he believes the approach is meant to give agents and sellers more control over marketing timelines while restoring some of the value agents once held when listing information wasn’t instantly public. Beyond mergers, D’Amico sees the future of brokerage tied to scale, technology and ecosystem expansion. While he believes mortgage and brokerage can work together, he notes the operational complexity of running both businesses. What excites him most is how real estate companies are increasingly acquiring technology — a move he believes will define the next phase of industry competition. Despite rapid consolidation across the sector, D’Amico says the brokerage landscape will always support multiple models — from national platforms to local boutique firms. For his company, the focus now is simple: build density in existing markets, keep expanding through strategic acquisitions and continue growing nationally while maintaining a family-run culture. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Brands by Integra has about 2,000 agents in 18 states. The company plans continued expansion and acquisitions. The Compass–Anywhere deal brings new energy to brokerage. Robert Reffkin’s private listing strategy is widely misunderstood. Private listings may give sellers more marketing flexibility. Industry consolidation is accelerating. Brokerage scale is increasingly important. Technology is becoming a major competitive advantage. Mortgage and brokerage can work together with separate operations. Multiple brokerage models will continue to coexist. Related to this episode: Jim D’Amico’s LinkedIn Brands by Integra 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.

    24 min
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4.4
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Channel
    HousingWire
  • Creator
    RealTrends
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    387
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 HW Media, LLC
  • Show Website
    RealTrending

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