RealTrending HousingWire

Navigating the impending commission changes can feel confusing, frustrating, and downright impossible. However, it's not impossible.
Today on the RealTrending podcast, we spoke with Mark McLaughlin, the Chief Strategist of Compass. He originally joined Compass back in 2018 when the brokerage purchased his firm, Pacific Union for $80 million. He left the Company back in 2021 to pursue other ventures and then returned in June of 2023 as Chief Strategist.
In this episode, Tracey and Mark dive deep into how Compass is navigating the upcoming changes and what brokers and agents should be aware of as we move forward. Mark explains Compass's growth strategy, including the mixing of organic growth and M&A, and some of their other unique practices and upcoming developments.
These views and voice are of Mark A. McLaughlin and not necessarily Compass policy or opinion.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Agents need to be prepared for the upcoming August 17 deadline and the potential impact on their business practices.

Compass has a growth strategy focused on organic growth and M&A, and they are committed to providing a strong culture and fiscal discipline to support their agents.

Compass is developing a client dashboard that will provide clients with visibility into the home search and transaction process.

Agents should always be seeking opportunities to connect with and learn from others in the industry.


Related to this episode:

Mark McLaughlin | LinkedIn

Compass Real Estate

Mark McLaughlin returns to Compass | HousingWire

HousingWire | YouTube


Enjoy the episode!
The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Every week, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we sat down with Rylie Schroeder, an inspiring real estate professional and 2024 honoree of National Association of Realtors 30 Under 30. Rylie is the team lead of Schroeder & Co Real Estate of Compass, which practices out of Houston and Austin.
Rylie joins Tracey to discuss the importance of building and nurturing relationships and how she uses a successful 36-touch system for client connections. She also talks about lessons learned from a failed partnership and how both new and seasoned agents should be leveraging technology and social media.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Building relationships and nurturing the sphere of influence are key to success in real estate.

Joining a team can provide valuable support, training, and leads for new agents.

Using technology and staying up-to-date with industry changes are essential for remaining successful.

Focusing on branding, marketing, and providing a great client experience can set a team apart.

Expanding the team and making a positive impact in the industry are future goals for Rylie.


Related to this episode:

Rylie Schroeder | Compass

Rylie Schroeder | LinkedIn

Schroeder & Co Real Estate

Dynamic and Driven: Meet the 2024 Class of 30 Under 30 | NAR

HousingWire | YouTube


Enjoy the episode!
The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Every week, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of RealTrending, we are joined by Christine Hansen, the broker-owner of Century 21 Hansen Realty, which has been serving the South Florida area for over 38 years. She is also the 2025 first vice president of the National Association of Realtors.
Today’s episode discussion focuses on what we can gain from not only our successes but also from our failures. Christine talks about the hardships and bankruptcy that she went through during the Great Recession, and what those experiences taught her about running her brokerage today. They also talk about the upcoming goals for NAR and its leadership team for the next year and the opportunities she sees for Realtors in this market
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

The goals of the 2025 leadership team are to keep NAR at the forefront of advocacy efforts.

Realtors should showcase their value by communicating the challenges they overcome on behalf of buyers and sellers.

Self-care, positive mindset, and gratitude are essential for overcoming challenges and living a fulfilling life.

The future of real estate is in repurposing commercial spaces, and working towards affordability in home ownership.


Related to this episode:

Christine Hansen | LinkedIn

Christine Hansen | CENTURY 21 Real Estate

HousingWire | YouTube


Enjoy the episode!
The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Every week, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we welcome Travis Robertson to the show! Travis is a real estate coach and the CEO of The Don’t Settle Group, a sales and executive training and coaching company. 
Travis believes in the importance of treating real estate as a fully realized business, not just a practice or side hustle. He and Tracey talk about the need for agents to understand and communicate their value to clients and maintain a long term relationship with them outside of the business transaction. They also talk about marketing, strategies for staying ahead of trends, and how to navigate all of the impending policy and practice changes happening post-settlement,
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Treat real estate as a business and understand your value as an agent.

Set clear expectations with clients and communicate regularly to build strong relationships.

Stay informed about industry trends and adapt your strategies accordingly.

Utilize modern strategies such as advertising and lead acquisition for consistent and predictable income.


Related to this episode:


The Don't Settle Group 

Travis Robertson | LinkedIn

HousingWire | YouTube


Enjoy the episode!
The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Every week, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s sponsored episode, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jason Mitchell, the founder and CEO of JMG Real Estate, one of the top mega teams on the 2024 RealTrends Verified Rankings. JMG is a B2B brokerage that works diligently with big brands to drive worthwhile business into their company and give their agents high-quality referrals. 
Tracey and Jason talk about JMG’s strategy when building a network of referral partners and the careful consideration that they take when assessing not only the value that the agent brings to them but also the value that they bring to the agents. He also talks about policy changes, holding agents accountable for productivity goals, and managing relationships with large referral partners.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Providing value to agents and helping them build their book of business is crucial in the real estate industry.

Being consistent, proactive, and focused on providing value to clients leads to success.

Partnerships and relationships with organizations and decision-makers are key to generating referrals and growing a real estate business.

The real estate industry is evolving, and agents need to adapt by finding opportunities to work with teams or brokerages that can help them close more deals.

Being transactional and closing more deals leads to a larger client base and more opportunities for referrals.


Related to this episode:

Jason Mitchell Group

Jason Mitchell Group | LinkedIn

Jason Mitchell | LinkedIn

HousingWire | YouTube


Enjoy the episode!
The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Every week, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we welcome Howard Lorey to the show! Howard is the Executive Vice President and Brokerage Manager of Nourmand & Associates with 24 years of real estate experience. He and his team at the LA-based Nourmand & Associates closed over 380 transactions this past year with a total sales volume of over $693 million to date.  
Tracey and Howard discuss how he transitioned from being a professional musician to working under his father in real estate, and the interesting similarities he's found that have helped further his real estate career. They also talk about recruitment and training strategies, the future of agent compensation, and balancing pursuing consolidation and developing your existing assets.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

Transitioning from a career in music to real estate requires a similar approach to branding and business development.

Attracting talent involves identifying underutilized or underappreciated individuals and offering personalized business development support.

Real estate will see more consolidation, streamlined transaction mechanics, and a continued focus on the agent-client relationship.

Leadership in real estate involves continuous learning, perpetual growth, and a focus on developing and retaining talented agents.


Related to this episode:

Howard Lorey | LinkedIn

About Howard Lorey | Nourmand & Associates

Nourmand & Associates

HousingWire | YouTube


Enjoy the episode!
The RealTrending podcast features the brightest minds in real estate. Every week, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts share their success secrets, trends, and lessons learned navigating this ever-changing industry. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by Elissa Branch.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices