The Agent Brew

RLTYco
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS
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Hosted By Eric Zollinger, a podcast by agents, for agents. Each week we will bring you exciting interviews from agents across the country, offering their perspective and stories!

  1. The Problem With Real Estate’s Low Barrier to Entry | Jason Haber

    3D AGO

    The Problem With Real Estate’s Low Barrier to Entry | Jason Haber

    In this episode of Agent Brew Executive Sessions, we sit down with Jason Haber—President of NYRAC, co-founder of the American Real Estate Association (ARA), a member of REBNY’s Board of Governors, and a licensed NYC broker at Compass—for a candid conversation about the state of the industry and where it’s headed. Jason breaks down why professionalism in real estate has come under fire, how low standards and part-time participation shape public perception, and what ARA is building to push the industry forward—including higher licensing standards, better education, and a fresh approach to advocacy. We also get personal: Jason shares the deal he’s proudest of (the one he didn’t do), how he protects his time with real boundaries, and what he’s working on next—outside of real estate.

    24 min
  2. NYC Closing Mistakes That Kill Deals (and How to Prevent Them) | Bruce Cohen

    MAR 25

    NYC Closing Mistakes That Kill Deals (and How to Prevent Them) | Bruce Cohen

    What happens when you sit down with the attorney who handled your very first real estate deal — over 25 years ago?You get one of the most honest, warm, and wisdom-packed conversations host we've ever had on the show.Host Eric Zollinger had the privilege of welcoming Bruce Cohen of Cohen & Frankel to our Times Square studio — a true legend in NYC residential real estate law, and someone who has genuinely shaped how I think about this business.A few moments that stopped me in my tracks: "It's not brain surgery." Bruce's neurosurgeon friend once told him — "Bruce, brain surgery isn't brain surgery." The point? Whatever you do, if you care and you do it right, it's harder than it looks. And Bruce has cared deeply for nearly 30 years. His secret sauce? He doesn't hand things off. Ever. Vacations included. In a world where you often get passed to an associate, Bruce is still the one picking up the phone. Biggest advice for agents? Do your homework. Unforced errors — like not specifying what's included or excluded in a deal — are avoidable. And always do a walkthrough three weeks before closing. Always. On working as a team: Brokers, attorneys, and lenders succeeding together isn't a nice-to-have — it's how deals actually get done. Bruce has always modeled that.And his quote of the episode — courtesy of Yankees outfielder Mickey Rivers:"Makes no sense worrying about things you got no control over, because you got no control over them. And makes no sense worrying about things you do have control over, because you have control over them."Simple. True. Unforgettable.Beyond the business, Bruce spoke beautifully about family, loss, legacy, and why time is the one thing that isn't unlimited. It's a conversation I'll carry with me. Watch or listen to the full episode —Brought to you by RLTYco

    25 min
  3. Hilah Hadaway Williams: The “Disaster” Co-Op That Sold $100K Over Expectations + Broker Hustle Mindset

    MAR 17

    Hilah Hadaway Williams: The “Disaster” Co-Op That Sold $100K Over Expectations + Broker Hustle Mindset

    From the heart of Times Square, Agent Brew sits down with Hilah Hadaway Williams (Douglas Elliman, Brooklyn) — a lifelong real estate pro who grew up in a real estate family, moved to NYC in the 90s, and built a career around integrity, hustle, and fighting for the underdog. Hilah shares how she leverages social media (shoutout to her “Broker Hustle” videos), how AI is changing the day-to-day, and the story of a referral deal that looked impossible: a Brooklyn co-op in rough shape, a building still recovering from a fire, and sellers dealing with massive life changes — and how she still drove a bidding war and got them $100,000 more than they expected, changing their next chapter. In this episode: Growing up in a real estate family + coming to NYC in 1994 Why integrity and caring about every deal still wins Using Instagram as a real business engine (“Broker Hustle”) AI as a tool (and why listing copy is different now) The “disaster” co-op referral that became a bidding war Defining success day-by-day + getting momentum in tough seasons Subscribe for more real, tactical conversations with agents who’ve been in the trenches.

    16 min
  4. Michael Scarafile (Carolina One CEO): The Real Problem With Real Estate’s Low Barrier to Entry

    MAR 10

    Michael Scarafile (Carolina One CEO): The Real Problem With Real Estate’s Low Barrier to Entry

    In this Agent Brew: Executive Sessions, Eric Zollinger sits down with Michael Scarafile, President & CEO of Carolina One Real Estate (South Carolina’s largest brokerage), to break down what broker-owners and agents are really facing in today’s market. Michael shares how Carolina One drives agent engagement through in-person culture, the 90-day Launch Program that helped new agents perform 4.5x better than the average first-year agent, and the hard lessons from expansion, partnerships, and building a real “rainy day fund.” They also dig into why so many agents don’t run their business like a business—and what to do about it. Key topics: Agent engagement + why “agents run faster together” Training new agents like “basic training” (90-day Launch) Why low barrier to entry helps… and hurts Running teams like real businesses (LLCs, tax structure, cash flow) The mindset + relationship piece tech can’t replace New episodes every Tuesday.

    44 min
  5. Steven Cohen: “Stop Asking WHY—Ask HOW” + The Wildest Townhouse Deal I Ever Did

    MAR 3

    Steven Cohen: “Stop Asking WHY—Ask HOW” + The Wildest Townhouse Deal I Ever Did

    In this episode of Agent Brew, Eric Zeilinger sits down with longtime friend and NYC real estate powerhouse Steven Cohen, head of the Steven Cohen Team at The Corcoran Group. Steven breaks down what it really takes to grow a team, why consistent content actually sells homes, and the mindset shifts that helped him level up; especially one simple change: stop asking “why” and start asking “how.” Plus, the behind-the-scenes story of a record-setting townhouse deal that required negotiating with nine separate owners to make it happen. In this episode: Building a modern team + tracking growth “down to the penny” How Instagram content turns into real sales The “WHY vs HOW” mindset shift Defining success beyond business Advice to young agents: don’t shrink back—ask for the business Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders. New episodes every Tuesday.

    34 min
  6. Inside Luxury Real Estate PR: Stephen Larkin on Brand, Press Wins & Keeping Agents in the Spotlight

    FEB 24

    Inside Luxury Real Estate PR: Stephen Larkin on Brand, Press Wins & Keeping Agents in the Spotlight

    In the latest episode of Agent Brew Executive Sessions, host Eric Zollinger sits down with Stephen Larkin, Chief Communications Officer at Douglas Elliman, to go behind the curtain on the PR and communications engine that helps luxury agents win listings, build brands, and stay top-of-mind in a crowded market. From Stephen’s journalism roots to the strategies that land meaningful press (and avoid pointless pitches), this conversation is a masterclass in storytelling, data-backed media strategy, and why—at the end of the day—people still matter most. Listen as Stephen and Eric unpack: What a luxury brokerage communications leader actually does (internal + external comms, crisis, social, IR, agent support) Douglas Elliman’s differentiator right now: a “pure play” luxury focus + following the client across key markets The biggest challenge agents face today—and how strong PR helps agents stand out How Stephen approaches press like a newsroom: real ideas, real data, real substance What a “win” looks like in PR (and the stories that became viral cultural moments) Giving back at scale: the Ride for Love / God’s Love We Deliver partnership and why community leadership matters Career advice worth stealing: “Be teachable,” stay curious, and let younger voices help you see what’s next Stephen’s perspective is a reminder that PR isn’t fluff—it’s strategy, relationships, and story discipline. If you’re an agent, team leader, or operator trying to grow in luxury real estate, this episode will sharpen how you think about brand, press, and what actually moves the needle.

    29 min
  7. Navigating Real Estate Success: Insights from Lisa R. Simonsen on Agent Brew Podcast

    FEB 17

    Navigating Real Estate Success: Insights from Lisa R. Simonsen on Agent Brew Podcast

    In the dynamic world of real estate, finding a partner who truly understands your needs can make all the difference. In the latest episode of Agent Brew, Eric Zollinger sits down with industry leader Lisa R. Simonsen, a top-ranking associate broker at Brown Harris Stevens with over $2 billion in sales with a team licensed in New York, California, and Florida. Their conversation reveals valuable insights into the mindset, technology, and personal experiences that shape success in real estate today.Listen as Lisa discusses: **The Power of Listening** **Embracing Opportunities** **Reflecting on Wins and Losses** **Innovative Technology** **Defining Success** Lisa R. Simonsen’s journey in real estate serves as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships, a positive mindset, and the effective use of technology. Her insights remind us that success is not just about numbers—it’s about the connections we build and the value we create for others. Key takeaways from this episode include the significance of listening to clients, the potential in challenges, and the role of innovation in sustaining a thriving career.#realestate #pressure #success

    21 min
  8. How Top Agents Stay Resilient When the Market Turns

    FEB 10

    How Top Agents Stay Resilient When the Market Turns

    Growth, Innovation, and the Art of the Pivot. What does it take to scale a real estate powerhouse in the world’s most competitive market? In this episode of Agent Brew Executive Sessions, host Eric Zollinger sits down with Michael Rossi, Executive President of Howard Hanna NYC. From his early days in hedge funds to navigating the 2008 financial crisis by launching Elegran Real Estate, Michael shares a masterclass in resilience and strategic growth. Whether you’re an agent looking to humanize your brand or a leader navigating the "AI disruption," this conversation is packed with actionable insights on building a legacy that lasts.In This Episode:The Big Leap: How Michael transitioned from the world of finance to real estate leadership. The Power of Partnership: Inside the strategic merger between Elegant Real Estate and the Howard Hanna family legacy. Future-Proofing Your Business: Navigating industry lawsuits, legislative shifts, and the rise of "Agentic AI." The Human Element: Why relationship-building will always outperform a simple transaction. 💡 Pro Tip: Stay tuned until the end! Michael gives us a teaser about a future episode featuring Digital Twin AI interviews—you won’t want to miss this experiment in innovation. Love the show? Subscribe for more executive sessions and high-level real estate strategy. It’s a great day for real estate! 🏠✨

    27 min
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About

Hosted By Eric Zollinger, a podcast by agents, for agents. Each week we will bring you exciting interviews from agents across the country, offering their perspective and stories!

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  • Creator
    RLTYco
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RLTYco
  • Show Website
    The Agent Brew