RealTrending

HousingWire
HousingWire
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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. 6h ago

    Unlocking Inventory and Supercharging Agents: Jason Aleem on Redfin’s Transformation

    On this episode of RealTrending, Jason Aleem, Redfin’s chief of real estate services, pulls back the curtain on what life looks like at Redfin one year after the Rocket Mortgage acquisition.  At the center of the strategy is Redfin Early Access, a premarket and coming-soon listings program designed to unlock reluctant sellers and put more homes in front of motivated buyers. Backed by survey data — 76% of sellers say they’d be more likely to list with greater certainty and 83% want to test the market first — Aleem argues that giving sellers more optionality could drive 6% to 12% more inventory into a starved marketplace, all while keeping transparency front and center on Redfin.com. Alim also walks through the three-way collaboration between Compass, Rocket and Redfin, framing it as a genuine win-win-win: Compass gains broader exposure and more leads for its agents; Rocket opens up new mortgage opportunities; and Redfin gets exclusive inventory and traffic growth.  Underneath the partnership is a simple but powerful idea — matching Rocket bankers with real estate agents to create real, long-term client relationships rather than one-off transactions. Early results, especially in key markets like Chicago, show that agents are embracing Early Access listings, and consumers are responding to the added visibility and choice. Inside Redfin’s own house, the company has quietly reinvented its agent model with Redfin Next. After years of being known for salaried agents, Redfin has shifted to a W-2 plus bonus/commission structure, giving agents more entrepreneurial upside while still preserving the support and systems of a major platform. Combined with Rocket’s scale and client-first culture, that change has helped Redfin retain top performers and attract new talent, with agents reporting strong satisfaction with Rocket’s level of service and the bigger stage the combined company provides. Finally, Aleem explores how AI and vertical integration are changing the playbook for real estate and mortgage. Redfin is leaning into AI not as a buzzword but as a productivity engine through its Agent Virtual Assistant (AVA), which helps agents craft client responses, surface database insights and refine comparative market analyses (CMAs), supporting an average of roughly 22 transactions per agent per year.  On the consumer side, AI and mortgage are being woven directly into the Redfin search experience with tools like conversational search, pre-approval flows and bundled savings programs like Rocket Preferred Pricing and Rocket & Redfin Super Savings. Looking ahead, Aleem envisions Redfin as a true homeownership platform — the digital front door to Rocket where consumers can search, buy, finance, manage equity and refinance in a single ecosystem. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Redfin Early Access gives buyers a view into premarket and coming-soon listings, aiming to unlock 6% to 12% more inventory. Seller data shows high demand for optionality, with 76% wanting more certainty and 83% interested in a “coming soon” test-the-market strategy. The Compass-Rocket-Redfin partnership is built around three pillars: mortgage, leads and inventory, with strong early traction in markets like Chicago. Redfin’s Redfin Next model has shifted agents from pure salaries to W-2 plus bonus/commission, boosting retention, attraction and entrepreneurial drive. AI-powered tools, including the Agent Virtual Assistant (AVA) and conversational search, are helping Redfin agents maintain industry-leading transaction volumes while delivering a more seamless, integrated experience across search, mortgage and homeownership. Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn Jason Aleem's LinkedIn Redfin 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.

    Unlocking Inventory and Supercharging Agents: Jason Aleem on Redfin’s Transformation

  2. Aug 10

    Compass President Neda Navab on what she learned from 11,000 Compass agents

    On this episode of RealTrending, host Tracey sits down with Neda Navab, president of Compass, at what she calls a major inflection point for the company and the industry. They dig into how Compass is navigating consolidation, AI and a choppy housing market while trying to stay relentlessly agent-first. Neda unpacks why she spent her first 100 days on the road doing 125 in‑person agent events, what she learned from those rooms, and how that feedback is shaping Compass’s strategy — from coaching programs to AI tools. Neda explains how Compass is trying to deliver the “best of big and boutique”: national scale, tech, and data on one side, with hyper-local support and a deeply personal, advisory-style experience on the other. She pushes back on some of the industry’s loudest critiques—especially around private listings—and reframes Compass’s “private exclusive” phase as a sophisticated focus group rather than a black box. From AI-fueled bidding wars in San Francisco to why top agents see themselves as CEOs, not just agents, this conversation is a playbook for what it takes to compete—and win—in a slower, more complex market. Neda closes with a lightning round on trends, skills, and the future brokerage model, including why she believes brokerages will look less like traditional offices and more like Apple Stores, built around advice, experience, and one-to-one service. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How Compass is repositioning at scale at a key post-acquisition inflection point while trying to deliver both national power and a boutique, high-touch feel. What 11,000 Compass agents told Neda in her first 100 days on the road, from fears about rates and AI to the nuances across Dallas, Denver, Lower Manhattan, and beyond. How top agents think and operate like CEOs, using process, metrics, and team management to win in slower, more complex markets. Why CRM discipline is becoming a non‑negotiable foundation for personalization and effective AI-powered outreach. How Compass’s three-phased marketing program works in reality and why Neda frames private exclusives as a focus group rather than a closed-off listing strategy. Why the trend “more visibility equals more value” is overhyped, and why a sharp, differentiated perspective on the “why” behind the data matters more. Why Neda believes the brokerage of the future will look less like a traditional office and more like an Apple Store, centered on advice, experience, and one-to-one service.

    Compass President Neda Navab on what she learned from 11,000 Compass agents

  3. Aug 3

    Anthony Djon on his lead conversion machine lead mastery

    In this RealTrending episode, Tracey Velt sits down with Anthony Djon, founder and CEO of Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate in Michigan, to unpack how his team consistently converts internet leads at a staggering 7–9%, more than double the industry’s 2–3% average. Anthony walks us through how he started small with just a few Realtor.com zip codes, never intending to build a team, and how demand ultimately forced him to scale into one of Realtor.com’s largest clients and Zillow’s biggest Flex partner in Michigan. Anthony breaks down the accountability engine behind those numbers: his MaverickRE system, weekly conversion reviews, and a leadership structure built around high-performing team captains. He explains the daily checklist and prospecting routine that keeps agents focused on what actually moves the needle—three hours a day split between new prospecting and disciplined follow-up. He also shares how his team uses AI in text and personalization to deepen connections at scale without sacrificing authenticity. The conversation tackles some of the industry’s biggest myths, especially the idea that “internet leads are bad.” Anthony argues that the real problem isn’t the leads—it’s broken follow-up and weak training. He lays out his simple but relentless philosophy: hit each lead at least 17 times, track everything, and “rotate the name in your calendar until they buy or die.” Along the way, he offers candid insights on portals, data control, and industry consolidation, and why independents who move fast, measure everything, and build strong cultures can actually thrive in a world dominated by big brands. To close, Anthony dives into a lightning round on the one metric he watches daily (appointment set rate), how quickly he can tell if an agent will succeed with internet leads, and why he’ll bet on the disciplined follow-up machine over the “natural” salesperson every time. He calls AI a true game changer, warning that agents who ignore it will be like “riding horseback while everyone else is in spaceships.” Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How Anthony scaled from a solo agent with a few zip codes to Realtor.com’s largest client and Zillow’s biggest Flex partner in Michigan The weekly accountability system (MaverickRE) his team uses to obsess over conversion, not just leads The daily checklist and 3-hour calling structure that keeps agents focused on revenue-producing activities Why most agents blame “bad leads” when the real issue is a broken follow-up system Anthony’s “17 touches minimum” follow-up rule—and how he keeps it simple with a basic paper calendar How his team uses AI-powered texting and personalization to warm up leads and boost connection rates The truth about portals, dependence, and data control—and why even your sphere may be going there first How independent brokerages can outmaneuver larger brands with speed, culture, and adaptability The one metric Anthony watches every single day and why it predicts everything else What separates agents who crush internet leads from those who burn them—and how quickly he can tell who’s who Why AI is a must-have, not a shiny object, for any team serious about lead conversion Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn Anthony Djon's LinkedIn Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate MaverickRE 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.

    Anthony Djon on his lead conversion machine lead mastery

  4. Jul 27

    Bess Freedman and Michele Harrington: East Coast–West Coast independent on innovative collaboration

    In this episode, RealTrending host Tracey Velt sits down with two powerhouse independent brokerage leaders on opposite coasts: Michele Harrington, CEO of FirstTeam Real Estate in Southern California, and Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens in New York. Together, they unpack what it really means to be independent in an era of consolidation, margin pressure, and nonstop industry disruption. From culture and control to capital and technology, they share how independents can stay nimble, agent-centric, and deeply connected to the consumer. Michele and Bess pull back the curtain on their new East Coast–West Coast collaboration, a marketing- and relationship-driven partnership that stops short of a traditional acquisition model. Instead of rolling up into a single brand, they’re choosing to share ideas, marketing strategies, and referral opportunities while keeping their unique cultures fully intact. You’ll hear how their marketing teams are working in lockstep, what this means for listing exposure on both coasts, and why they believe “collaborative, not consolidated” is the model to watch. The conversation also dives into some of the most debated topics in brokerage today—private listing networks, Bed Bath & Beyond’s entry into real estate, and the long-tail impact of class action lawsuits and thin brokerage margins. Michele and Bess don’t hold back on where they see consumer risk, where private networks can actually serve sellers, and why they think the next decade will be the “age of the independents.” They share how agents’ expectations have shifted toward growth, coaching, and AI-powered tools—and why human connection, trust, and storytelling still matter more than ever in a tech-driven world. Finally, in a fast-paced lightning round, the two leaders offer sharp, one-word descriptors for the future of independents, pinpoint the biggest threats to their model, and call out what every brokerage CEO should be laser-focused on right now—from AI to consumer trust. If you’re leading a brokerage, building a team, or just trying to understand where this industry is headed, this episode delivers clear signals amid all the noise. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: What “independence” really means in 2026 Why Michele and Bess believe freedom, flexibility, and culture are their core strategic advantages How answering only to agents and consumers changes decision-making and speed of execution Inside the First Team–Brown Harris Stevens collaboration How an East Coast–West Coast partnership can expand listing exposure without an acquisition The role their marketing leaders play in aligning strategy across New York and California Why they view this as a model of sharing power rather than consolidating it The truth about private listings and consumer impact Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn Michele Harrington's LinkedIn Bess Freedman's LinkedIn FirstTeam Real Estate Brown Harris Stevens 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.

    Bess Freedman and Michele Harrington: East Coast–West Coast independent on innovative collaboration

  5. Jul 20

    Beyond ChatGPT: MAXA’s James Wong on what it means to become an AI-enhanced real estate business

    In this RealTrending episode, host Tracey sits down with James Wong, CEO and founder of MAXA Designs, to talk about what it really means to become an AI‑enhanced real estate business. While most of the industry is still stuck on basic use cases—asking ChatGPT to write an email or a social post—James pulls back the curtain on how top teams and brokerages are using AI to reengineer workflows, elevate their brand, and free up more time for what actually moves the needle: relationships and sales. James walks through a practical framework for running an AI audit across your business, similar to what a great coach would do. He explains how elite producers categorize every task—what gives them energy, what doesn’t, what can be eliminated, automated, or delegated—and then plug AI into that system. From benchmarking your marketing spend with tools like Claude to building repeatable, AI‑driven processes, James shows how agents can turn AI from a novelty into a true operations engine. The conversation also dives into advanced AI use cases many agents haven’t even considered. James explains how top teams are “teaching” AI by recording their own workflows, saving them as reusable skills, and letting tools like Claude CoWork and its Chrome extension execute tasks across their desktop, CRM, design platforms, and accounting systems. It’s the equivalent of hiring an assistant—at a fraction of the cost—and training it once to work exactly the way you do. Finally, James explores why esthetic intelligence—having great taste in design and brand—is becoming a major competitive advantage in an AI‑everywhere world. He breaks down how high-performing brokerages are scaling deeply customized campaigns for top producers, and why more marketing leaders are building their own personal brands to attract and retain top talent. Listeners come away with a playbook for standing out in a market where anyone can generate content, but very few can create a brand that actually resonates. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How top real estate and mortgage marketing leaders really see AI reshaping their work A simple AI audit framework to evaluate every workflow in your business Which tasks you should eliminate, automate, or delegate—and where AI fits in How to use tools like Claude to benchmark your marketing spend and strategy What it means to “save skills” in AI and have it replicate the way you work The difference between Claude CoWork on your desktop and the Claude Chrome extension—and what each can automate Why basic AI content isn’t enough and how to avoid “AI‑generated slop” in your marketing The three pillars of esthetic intelligence: being uniquely distinctive, human and relatable, and esthetically obsessed How leading brokerages are building custom, AI‑assisted campaigns for their top producers at scale Why more marketing leaders are building personal brands—and how that’s driving recruiting and retention Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn James Wong’s LinkedIn MAXA Designs Book a demo with MAXA Designs 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.

    Beyond ChatGPT: MAXA’s James Wong on what it means to become an AI-enhanced real estate business

  6. Jul 13

    Thad Wong on portal wars, a national MLS, AI and real estate’s existential moment

    On this episode of RealTrending, Tracey Velt sit down with Thad Wong, founder and co-CEO of @properties Christie's International Real Estate, but under the Compass International Holdings umbrella, for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on the portal wars, national MLS, AI, brokerage scale and the future of data in real estate. Thad lays out why he believes a broker-agnostic national MLS is the industry's biggest missed opportunity—and how selling realtor.com derailed that vision. He pulls no punches on Zillow’s strategy to replace the MLS, arguing that its free access to broker data and lack of fiduciary duty pose the largest existential threat he's seen in nearly 30 years. We also dive into the Compass–@properties–Christie’s integration, how they’re blending tech stacks to create what Thad calls one of the strongest agent platforms in the country, and why agent adoption of technology is the make-or-break factor for brokerage margins. Finally, Thad explains how AI will amplify—not replace—high-EQ agents, enabling personalized service at scale and deeply tailored client communication instead of generic, one-size-fits-all marketing. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Why a broker‑agnostic national MLS could transform transparency, scale, and consumer experience in U.S. real estate. How Zillow’s strategy may position it to replace the MLS and control key parts of the transaction. How portal economics work—and why free data for portals but high fixed costs for brokerages squeeze margins. What Compass, @properties, and Christie’s are doing to build a unified tech platform that agents actually adopt. How AI can power hyper‑personalized client communication, and why high‑EQ agents will win in an AI-driven world. Related to this episode: Tracey Velt's LinkedIn Thad Wong's LinkedIn @properties Christie's International 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.

    Thad Wong on portal wars, a national MLS, AI and real estate’s existential moment

  7. Jul 6

    Craig McClelland on how the data war and consolidation are reshaping the real estate industry

    On this episode of the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Craig McClelland, a partner in McClelland & Hahn Consulting,  for a wide-ranging conversation about the forces reshaping residential real estate. Beyond the latest merger and acquisition headlines, Craig explains why the industry's biggest shift is happening behind the scenes, as brokerages become part of larger ecosystems driven by mortgage, technology, data and other high-margin businesses. He shares why independent brokerages need to rethink growth, specialization and profitability to remain competitive in an evolving market. The discussion also tackles one of real estate's most polarizing topics — private listings. Tracey and Craig examine the balance between seller choice, brokerage control and consumer access while exploring the changing roles of MLSs, portals and listing data. They also discuss how artificial intelligence and Google's growing role in property search could influence the homebuying experience without fundamentally changing the agent's role. To close the episode, Craig offers his predictions for where the industry is headed over the next five years, including why transaction data may become real estate's most valuable asset and why unexpected players like insurance companies could make deeper moves into the residential space. It's an insightful look at the trends, technology, and business strategies that will shape the next chapter of real estate. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Why mergers are really about data, margins, and customer acquisition—not brokerage brands. How mid-sized brokerages can survive by specializing instead of competing on agent count. Why transaction data may become the industry's most valuable long-term asset. The future of private listings, MLSs, portals, and AI-powered home search. Which unexpected industries could become the next major players in residential real estate. Related to this episode: Craig McClelland's LinkedIn 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.

    Craig McClelland on how the data war and consolidation are reshaping the real estate industry

  8. Jun 29

    Rainy Hake Austin on Culture Over Scale: How The Agency Is Growing Without Losing Its Identity

    On this episode of the RealTrending podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Rainy Hake Austin, president of The Agency, to talk about scaling a luxury brokerage without losing the culture that made it successful in the first place. Austin explains how The Agency has expanded from roughly 30 offices to more than 160 across 15 countries while staying intentional about hiring leaders who align with the company’s collaborative, creative and people-first mindset. Austin shares why culture isn’t something that can be delegated to HR or reduced to perks and office games. Instead, she says culture is reflected in every hiring decision, leadership interaction and client experience. She discusses how the brokerage balances boutique luxury branding with global scale, why authenticity matters more than appealing to everyone, and how the company uses AI and technology to enhance — not replace — human relationships. The conversation also explores the broader wave of industry consolidation, the risks of brokerages becoming too corporate or transactional, and why Austin believes the firms that will thrive over the next year are the ones that stay focused on their core strengths while adapting intelligently to market shifts and technology. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Culture has to evolve as companies grow — not stay frozen in time. The Agency prioritizes culture fit over production numbers when hiring leaders. Luxury real estate success still comes down to relationships and client experience. AI should create more time for human connection, not replace it. Brokerages that know their identity and core strengths will stand out during industry consolidation. Related to this episode: Rainy Hake Austin's LinkedIn The Agency 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.

    Rainy Hake Austin on Culture Over Scale: How The Agency Is Growing Without Losing Its Identity
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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
    397
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 HW Media, LLC
  • Show Website
    RealTrending

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