Rethink Real Estate

Most agents are casting wide nets and coming up empty. In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady sits down with Chris Cochran to break down how niche marketing is the difference between noise and results. They cover why being hyper-specific in your content and strategy doesn't limit you — it positions you as the local expert your future clients are already searching for.From real-life examples like waterfront specialists and military family experts to using AI tools like ChatGPT for demographic research, this conversation offers hands-on strategies that solo agents and teams can apply today. Chris reveals how creating niche content increases inbound leads, drives local authority, and boosts your SEO — without spending big on ads.The duo also explores what not to do: trying to be everything to everyone. Whether you’re in a big city or a rural town, they share how to tailor your approach without boxing yourself in. Plus, they share scripts for open house follow-ups, content frameworks for YouTube, and h

In this solo episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, delivers his bold, no-nonsense forecast for the rest of 2025. With questions flooding in from agents, sellers, and investors alike—Ben breaks down exactly where he believes the market is heading… and what agents should brace themselves for. Spoiler: it’s not a soft landing.Ben doesn’t hold back as he explains why high-interest rates aren’t the only issue, how buyer psychology is shifting, and why “perfect or nothing” seems to be the new standard for purchases. He also shares an eye-opening case study of a fix-and-flip project that may have lost value despite improvements—proving again that timing, price point, and property appeal matter more than ever.Whether you're selling to luxury buyers, working with developers, or struggling with stagnant listings, this episode is your roadmap for survival—and potential growth—in a market that might not bounce back until late 2026. Tune in for a rare, raw market update that will challenge

In this episode of "Rethink Real Estate," host Ben Brady sits down solo with Ricky Carruth—a dynamic force in the real estate world and host of The Ricky Carruth Show. Ricky shares his unconventional path as a solo agent crushing it with 100+ sales a year and a staggering 90% profit margin, all without building a team. He dives into why “compressing time” is his secret weapon and challenges the industry’s obsession with team-building.Ben and Ricky dig into the current market landscape, tackling how agents can navigate rising days on market and seller expectations that don’t meet reality. They unpack why motivation is everything right now and how a shift in mindset can help both buyers and sellers find common ground in this “transition period.”The conversation also tackles industry shake-ups — from Compass’s controversial MLS moves to the complex power plays involving Zillow, EXP, and private listings. Ricky breaks down what these changes mean for agents and why adaptability is more crucial than ever

Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, breaks down exactly what's happening across the U.S. real estate market—and why agents need to wake up to the data. From high-stakes standoffs between buyers and sellers to massive price reductions in luxury markets, Ben pulls no punches in this brutally honest June 2025 wrap-up.Get an inside look at which markets are resilient (hello, Pacific Northwest), which ones are stalling out (Miami condos, we’re looking at you), and why even a perfect auction campaign isn’t always enough when sellers are clinging to yesterday’s prices. Ben also reveals which states are generating the most auctions, how interest rate speculation is impacting buyer confidence, and why the agents thriving today are the ones who’ve mastered tough conversations.Whether you're navigating price reductions, wondering if auctions work in your market, or trying to decode the national slowdown, this episode is packed with raw insights, tactical advice, and a clear-eyed look at what’s next. Plus—hear which ma

On this power-packed episode of "Rethink Real Estate," host Ben Brady sits down with Eric Forney, Director of Expansion for Keller Williams Realty International. Eric shares his impressive journey from closing 126 homes in his first year to building one of the largest real estate platforms in the country. Dive deep into what really drives team success—from analyzing P&Ls before processes to tackling the challenges of scaling multi-site teams.Eric breaks down the realities of running a profitable team business, reveals why focusing on net revenue over gross commission income is a game changer, and shares his unique perspective on traditional versus cloud brokerage models. They also explore the future of brokerage, the evolving industry landscape, and the real costs of “glamorized” big teams versus sustainable profit-focused businesses.Whether you're leading a team, thinking about expansion, or just curious about the inner workings of top real estate platforms, Eric's insights offer a fresh, no-nonsense loo

On this powerful episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady sits down with Athena Brownson, Principal and Broker Associate at Compass in Denver. Athena shares her inspiring journey battling Lyme disease while thriving in one of North America’s toughest real estate markets. Discover how she navigates Denver’s challenging landscape with creative strategies, relentless discipline, and a deep commitment to her clients.We dive into the current state of Denver’s market—why inventory is high, buyer hesitation is real, and what it takes to get properties sold in today’s environment. Athena opens up about the importance of building a strong team, mastering the fundamentals, and embracing adversity as a catalyst for growth. Whether you’re a new or seasoned agent, her story and insights will challenge you to rethink your approach and push through tough times with grit and grace.Tune in for practical tips on client education, market transparency, and sustaining success in a cyclical business. Plus, hear how Athena’s athle

In this cutting-edge episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady reconnects with Tony Self, Broker Associate at Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty, to dive deep into the latest AI and PropTech breakthroughs transforming the real estate industry. From Google's new AI video generation tool Gemini to ChatGPT’s game-changing capabilities for market report analysis and virtual staging, Tony breaks down the tech that every agent needs to understand — and leverage — to stay ahead of the competition.Discover how AI-powered tools can help you quickly analyze massive data sets, summarize complex feasibility studies, and even create faceless video content to boost your listings’ online presence. Tony and Ben also explore the limitations of predictive property valuations in today's unpredictable market and why expert local knowledge still reigns supreme. Whether you’re curious about the future of AI in real estate or looking for practical tips on incorporating these tools into your business, this episode is packed with insights

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Adam Capes, Founder & CEO of GoForth Global, to explore the rapidly evolving world of fractional ownership and destination clubs. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey from destination clubs to co-ownership models that make luxury second homes more accessible and efficient. Together, they unpack how fractional ownership differs from timeshares and why it’s becoming a smart alternative for second home buyers.Ben and Adam dive into real client stories, including Ben’s own New York City experience, and reveal the hidden pains of traditional second home ownership — from maintenance headaches to underused properties. Adam explains how GoForth simplifies co-ownership, managing all the logistics while offering owners flexibility, equity growth, and access to a network of luxury homes worldwide.Real estate agents will gain valuable insights into how to monetize referrals in this space, earning significant commissions while offering clients in

In this quick-hitting solo episode, Ben Brady breaks down one of the most critical (and most overlooked) conversations agents should be having right at the beginning of every listing: the financial conversation.Too often, agents chase listings based on seller wants, not seller needs. But without a clear understanding of financial limitations, goals, or pressure points, you’re flying blind — and likely wasting your time. Ben walks through the simple phrasing he uses to uncover whether a seller can actually accept a realistic offer, plus how to use net sheets and ongoing check-ins to stay ahead of surprises.Whether it’s medical debt, hidden obligations, or emotional price anchors, this episode is all about protecting your time, setting expectations, and building the kind of trust that leads to real decisions — not false hope.For agents who value transparency, efficiency, and not getting strung along for six months, this one’s essential listening.

In this marketing-mic-drop episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady and returning guest Chris Cochran get real about the true definition of a lead—and why most agents are doing it completely wrong. Forget overpriced third-party “buyer inquiries.” If you’re not speaking directly to someone’s problem, you're just noise in the feed.Chris breaks down what actually makes someone a qualified lead, how lead magnets should work (but usually don’t), and the power of speaking to niche pain points instead of trying to “market to everyone.” You’ll learn why most agents aren’t building trust with their marketing, how to use gated content the right way, and the exact shift that will 2–3x your conversions.They also dig into tactics like persona-based guides, real client case studies, and the biggest mindset mistake agents make with online ads. Whether you’re buying leads, building a funnel, or just wondering why no one clicks your links—this one’s packed with the kind of clarity that can change your business today.Tim

In this no-filter episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Mark Perkins—Founder, CEO, and Principal Broker of Pivot Realty Group. After 17 years in the business and 200+ agents across six states, Mark reveals why he built a brokerage from the ground up—and why he refuses to let real estate become just another side hustle.Mark gets into the real numbers behind his 95/5 model, how he built a full-service operation with salaried staff, and why his brokerage is designed to serve serious, full-time agents—not part-timers. He shares why he moved away from traditional recruiting, his bold take on compensation splits, and the controversial reason he’s totally fine if 40% of agents leave the industry.This is a masterclass in real estate leadership, brokerage strategy, and staying true to your mission—even if it means doing things the hard way.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:01:14] – How Pivot Realty Group Got Started[00:06:59] – Why Mark Doesn’t Want Part-Time Agents[00:10:17] – Building a Brokerage

In this power-packed episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Tina Caul, Founder & Chief Visionary of Caul Group Residential powered by eXp Realty. From closing 130 personal deals a year to stepping completely out of production, Tina shares how she built one of eXp’s top three teams nationwide—without being a slave to her phone or her calendar. With over 70 agents and a leadership structure that rivals most brokerages, she unpacks what it really means to scale a business with leverage.Tina gets candid about her breaking point, the mistakes she made building her first team, and the moment she realized that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about creating systems that outlast people. She explains the frameworks that saved her sanity, including EOS and Working Genius, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the math, mindset, and staffing it takes to build a profitable, high-volume machine in a market where agents are dropping like flies.Plus, hear why she intentionally

Ben Brady breaks down the major takeaways from May—and one theme stood out above all: acceptance. But not the kind that comes with signed offers. We're talking seller mindset, agent responsibility, and market-wide reality checks.Ben walks through what he's seeing across the U.S.—from Florida and Tennessee to Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. With more high-end listings sitting stagnant and sellers facing increasing evidence that the market has shifted, conversations are finally changing. The idea of “just waiting it out” is losing its power, and more agents are learning how to guide their clients toward realistic outcomes using clear market feedback and our auction process.This episode digs into the real psychology behind price reductions, seller denial, and agent hesitation—and why the best-performing agents right now are the ones willing to tell the hard truths. Whether you're managing seller expectations, navigating sluggish inventory, or qualifying listing opportunities, this is your reminder: clarity is leve

In this eye-opening episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by veteran coach, strategist, and former Buffini top 10 coach, Tanya Bugbee. With more than 30 real estate agents under her wing—and a client roster that includes Disney execs and roofing CEOs—Tanya brings a fresh, no-fluff approach to business coaching. From dealing with the mental warfare realtors face, to why most agents say they want growth but aren’t willing to own their actions, Tanya cuts straight to the core of what holds agents back.The episode dives deep into why traditional coaching models are becoming outdated, how personalization beats plug-and-play systems, and why most agents don’t need more scripts—they need more truth. Tanya shares stories from her own real estate journey, her time as a top-producing agent in multiple states, and how she diagnoses what’s really stopping her clients from growing. Whether you're closing 20 deals a year or stuck in analysis paralysis, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and

In this unique episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Cameron Hastings, Principal of Landtheory, to dive into a niche yet high-potential sector of commercial real estate—Unanchored Strip Centers. From the outside, they may look like ordinary smoke shop-laden retail strips, but Cameron unpacks why these assets are quickly becoming a favorite among forward-thinking investors.Cameron shares his path from high-rise architecture in New York to acquiring undervalued retail centers in Southern California and Dallas-Fort Worth. He breaks down why unanchored centers—those without big box tenants like Target or Costco—offer stronger leasing flexibility, faster turnover, and often higher cap rates than their anchored counterparts. Plus, Ben and Cameron discuss the future of retail, the role of e-commerce resistance, and how work-from-home trends are driving local strip mall traffic like never before.Whether you're a residential agent looking to level up your investment game or an investor exploring

In this tactical episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady picks up where we left off in our last practical session — diving deep into the questions that actually matter in weekly client meetings. While the last episode unpacked the format of weekly updates and reports, this one is about the substance: how to ask better questions that lead to clearer price feedback, sharper seller education, and more realistic expectations.Ben breaks down word-for-word the kinds of follow-up calls and price feedback conversations agents need to master — whether speaking to buyers, sellers, or other agents. You’ll learn how to handle vague responses like “it’s priced right” and how to push the dialogue just enough to get real, usable information. Because when a buyer won’t write an offer, that tells you just as much as when they do.Whether it’s uncovering if someone would still say no at $1.3M or showing how weekly price conversations are your insurance policy against missed expectations, this episode is about asking the uncom

In this firecracker episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by the one and only Kyle Seyboth, Broker Associate of The Seyboth Team at Century 21, and a true force of nature in the real estate industry. With more than 500+ deals closed annually, all personally handled, Kyle shares how he built a high-efficiency real estate business without adding a single agent to his team. Instead, he operates with a support system that powers his solo agent model—no fluff, no fluff, just a focused, scalable system.Kyle doesn’t hold back, diving into what it really takes to build a business at scale: bulletproof time management, aggressive lead generation, and a chip on his shoulder the size of Rhode Island. From part-time agent with a 9-to-5 job to being named the #1 Realtor in the U.S. by Real Trends, Kyle breaks down the structure behind his success, how he leverages his support staff, and why your business might not actually be as sellable as you think.The conversation covers team structure vs. solo scale

In this eye-opening episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Harcourts Hunter Mason’s Tony Self — affectionately known as “Tech Tony” — to explore how AI, specifically ChatGPT folders, can become your personal real estate coach. After using AI to analyze his health metrics, Tony realized the same logic could be applied to business planning and coaching in real estate.Ben and Tony dig into how real estate professionals can treat AI not just as a tool but as an employee — uploading sales history, goals, and market data to receive tailored coaching and accountability. This episode challenges the lazy approach many agents take toward tech and coaching, and offers a blueprint for using AI to replace traditional (and expensive) business mentors.You’ll also hear how Tony’s five-day fast led to some unexpected insights, the dangerous mindset of agents who “tried AI once,” and why most industry coaching might already be outdated. Whether you're curious about building an AI folder for your real estat

In this tactical episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady reunites with Harcourts Auctions' Director of Marketing, Chris Cochran, to break down a surprisingly effective shift in outreach strategy—leading with a text message before sending an email. Learn why this simple reversal is getting agents up to 20% more engagement and how to apply it directly in your real estate marketing.Chris shares recent campaign data where text-first messaging sparked conversations that emails alone couldn’t. They also explore how this strategy applies beyond auction marketing, from farming your neighborhood to promoting newly sold listings. Whether you're building a pipeline or just trying to cut through the noise, this episode delivers actionable insights on how to make your outreach feel more human—and get actual responses.You’ll also learn the tools that make this scalable, how to avoid spam traps, and how to structure messages that prompt replies (instead of being ignored). If your listings aren't turning into conversa

In this solo, practical episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady drills into one of the most impactful habits for listing agents right now: structured weekly meetings and reporting. As properties sit longer on the market, many agents are left asking, “What else can I do?” Ben lays out exactly what you should be doing — and how — to increase transparency, manage seller expectations, and move your listings toward sold.Ben shares the full framework for setting up weekly Zoom or in-person meetings that are guided by tangible reports, not gut feelings. From the data you should be collecting and how to present it, to what feedback actually matters (hint: it's price), you’ll walk away with a replicable structure for staying in control of the seller relationship and shifting the conversation away from emotion and back to market facts.If you’ve ever been ghosted by your own listing or avoided the tough pricing conversations, this episode gives you the script, tools, and confidence to take back control. Plus, Ben