Keeping It Real Podcast Chicago Realtors ® Interviews With Real Estate Brokers And Agents

In this episode Real Estate Video Coach Kim Rittberg talks about how to position yourself as the go to agent in your town. Kim talks about one of her 5C’s which is credibility. Kim describes how you should use credibility to position yourself in the market and most importantly how to use video to grow this credibility. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Sign up for Kim’s “5 Videos Every Real Estate Agent Must Make to Sell More Homes“. Want to bring in millions of dollars in new home sales like Kim's agents? Connect with her to grab a spot in her live coaching program before it fills. VIDEO BOOT CAMP: Live coaching for real estate agents. *Mention Keeping It Real for a special bonus private social media audit!* Follow Kim on Instagram. Subscribe to Kim on YouTube. Listen to Kim’s 5 minute mini-master classes on marketing every Friday on The Exit Interview with Kim Rittberg podcast. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Ben Bacal talks about his transition from filmmaking to real estate and how he started his career door-knocking in Venice Beach. Ben talks about the importance of authentic communication, consistent follow-up, and building long-term relationships with clients and other agents. Next, Ben discusses what’s it like working with high-profile clients, sharing insights into serving celebrity and high-net-worth clients. ben also discusses his approach to success, including focus, persistence, sharing opportunities, and leveraging technology like AI. Last. Ben discusses team building and mentorship describing how he supports other agents through his company, providing opportunities, coaching, and a collaborative environment. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Ben Bacal can be reached at ben@revelrealestate.com and (310) 922-9894. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io. 

Welcome to another episode of The Inner Game of Real Estate Success, with the high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter. What if your attachment to outcomes isn’t driving success—but silently sabotaging your growth, your health, and your relationships? In this episode, Paul explores how high-performing entrepreneurs and real estate professionals fall into the trap of tying their identity to results—and why it leads to stress, false urgency, scarcity-driven decisions, and burnout. You’ll learn how childhood wiring fuels this obsession, why results always lag behind execution, and how an attachment to outcomes keeps you stuck in volatility instead of growth. Listen in to discover the danger of managing your self-worth by the scoreboard, how to shift from results-orientation to process-orientation, and the mindset frameworks that allow you to detach from outcomes while staying fully committed to execution. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! 

Jarret Jarvis discusses marketing strategies in real estate and the importance of unique content creation. Jarret talks about virtual assistants and the benefits of delegating tasks. Next, Jarret discusses AI and Technology and how these tools can be used for content creation, generating listing descriptions and trained to match an agent's communication style. Jarret also discussed trends in the real estate market stressing the importance of of visual marketing. Last, Jarret talked about building professional networks and the importance of relationships beyond local markets. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Jarret Jarvis can be reached at 224-801-2160. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io. 

This is a presentation where D.J. Paris talks about effectively using AI tools like ChatGPT to solve business challenges. DJ provides strategies for crafting better AI prompts, discusses various real estate industry problems, and leads an interactive session where participants share their professional challenges. The presentation covers topics like prospecting, client communication, time management, and local marketing strategies, with practical advice on leveraging AI to improve business processes. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io. 

Jeremy Hurewitz discusses the connection between espionage and salesmanship and how they both involve understanding human motivation and psychology. Jeremy also talks about radical empathy and mirroring techniques and the importance of using subtle physical and verbal cues to make people feel comfortable. Next, Jeremy shares tips on elicitation techniques in sales in extracting information without direct questioning. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of building rapport and trust with clients. You can buy Jeremy's book "Sell Like A Spy: The Art of Persuasion from the World of Espionage" here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Jeremy Hurewitz can be reached here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io. 

Dan Rochon talks about communication and connection emphasizing the importance of connecting with clients on a deeper, emotional level. Next, Dan shares his transformation from struggling with addiction to becoming a successful real estate professional, highlighting the importance of personal growth. Dan also talks about the Self-Coaching Model explaining his framework for understanding how thoughts, feelings, actions, and results are interconnected, and how to break negative patterns. Last, Dan Introduces his upcoming book “Teach To Sell” which provides a step-by-step guide for real estate professionals to build belief, generate leads, scale their business, and develop leadership skills. You can pre-order Dan's "Teach To Sell" book here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Dan Rochon can be reached at info@greetingsvirginia.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Lauren Duke talks about building and scaling a real estate team, emphasizing the importance of understanding your business needs and personal goals. Next, Lauren discusses time and skills audit and the importance of honestly assessing how you spend time and using tracking mechanisms to improve performance. Lauren also talks about hiring and team culture. Lauren discusses business systems and operations, emphasizing 5 key business pillars and the importance of integrating these systems. Last, Lauren discusses coaching and professional development. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Lauren Duke can be reached here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to our new series, The Inner Game of Real Estate Success, with the high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter. Are you settling for "good enough?" What if “good enough” isn’t really enough—but the silent trap keeping you stuck in mediocrity? In this episode, Paul explores how settling for good enough shows up in your professional and personal life—and why it leaves you feeling restless, frustrated, and out of alignment. You’ll learn how this comfort zone disguises itself as success, why it robs you of growth, and how to recognize when you’ve mistaken a plateau for your peak. Listen in to learn the difference between being outstanding and staying outstanding, uncover the fears that fuel comfort over progress, and show you how to decide where “good enough” really is enough—and where it’s time to go all in. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Book a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call here. This episode is brought to you by Real Gee

Welcome to another episode of Learn With A Lender with Christian Bachelder! In this episode Christian current mortgage rates and fed rate predictions. Christian also shares real estate investment strategies focusing on tax benefits of real estate investing. Next, Christian discusses builder and development market trends and challenges in new home construction and sales. Last, Christian discusses short-term rental market and opportunities in vacation destination properties. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Christian Bachelder can be reached at Christian@theonebrokerage.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to our monthly feature Unpopular Real Estate Opinions with Chris Linsell. In this episode, Chris discusses Luxury Presence's new AI Marketing Specialists and the importance of being visible in AI search results. Chris talks about current real estate market conditions and also discusses pricing strategies for real estate agents and how to use AI tools to improve CMA accuracy. Next, Chris emphasizes the importance of agents providing personalized market insights and creative solutions for buyers and sellers. Last, Chris and DJ explored emerging trends like mortgage point buy-downs, new construction incentives, and strategies for buyers and sellers in the current market. Please check Chris’ profile on LinkedIn. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Sarah Maslowski talks about her journey into real estate and her transition from from teaching to becoming a successful real estate agent in the Atlanta metro area. Sara describes how she uses YouTube to create valuable content for people moving to the Atlanta area, generating leads and building trust. Next, Sarah discusses the importance of creating evergreen, informative videos that answer potential clients' questions about relocating to a new area. Sarah also shares strategies for creating consistent, authentic video content without getting caught up in perfect production quality. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Sarah Maslowski can be reached at hello@keypointhomesgroup.com and +1(470) 577-6472. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this episode Lou Adler talks about current state of New York Real Estate Market. Lou talks about building and scaling a brokerage and how Real New York grew from a small team to 150 agents by providing unique opportunities and support. Next, Lou talks about the importance of putting relationships first and building long-term connections with developers, landlords, and tenants. Lou also discusses the potential impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and how real estate professionals can leverage them. Last, Lou shares strategies for recruiting, supporting, and developing agents. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Lou Adler can be reached at (718) 877-5979 and  Louis@realnyproperties.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this episode Real Estate Video Coach Kim Rittberg talks about what can you do to be in the position yourself for speaking opportunities. Kim shares steps on how to achieve this focusing on the importance of content creation on achieving the position of the thought leader and the importance of being prepared before the event. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Sign up for Kim’s “5 Videos Every Real Estate Agent Must Make to Sell More Homes“. Check out Kim Rittberg’s REAL ESTATE VIDEO KICKSTART. Follow Kim on Instagram. Subscribe to Kim on YouTube. Listen to Kim’s 5 minute mini-master classes on marketing every Friday on The Exit Interview with Kim Rittberg podcast. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to our series Better Your Business With Ben. In this episode Ben Lalez and David Fields the Sales Director with Ben Lalez Team discuss AI's potential future in real estate and how AI tools could potentially handle entire real estate transactions, from property searches to negotiations and contract drafting. Ben and David talk about how agents can remain relevant by embracing AI and focusing on relationship-building, emotional support, and trust. Next, they also explore ways agents can use AI for various tasks but also the challenges and limitations of AI. Last, Ben and David share their advice on how real estate professionals can start using AI tools, with an emphasis on being early adopters and continuously learning to stay competitive in the market. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Ben Lalez can be reached at 312.789.4054 and ben.lalez@compass.com and David Fields can be reached at 224.436.5861 and david.fields@compass.com. This episode is brought

Ryan Bruen talks about current real estate market challenges focusing on motivation challenges for potential buyers and sellers. Ryan discusses smart home technology and how technology can make homes more efficient. Next, Ryan talks about client relationship management and the importance of maintaining personal connections with past clients. Last, Ryan discusses business preparation and systems including building automated systems and processes. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Ryan Bruen can be reached at (973) 294-8887 and ryan@bruenrealestate.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dan Ihara talks about how he focuses on helping seniors navigate housing transitions, including understanding retirement. Dan discusses strategies for helping families transfer real estate wealth, minimize capital gains tax, and prevent family disputes over inheritance. Dan also talks about 1031 Exchanges to defer taxes and reposition real estate assets, particularly for older property owners. Next, Dan emphasizes a consultative approach that goes beyond traditional real estate transactions, focusing on understanding client needs and providing comprehensive financial guidance. Last, Dan talks about Education and Continuing Learning and the classes he teaches. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Dan Ihara can be reached at dani@iharateam.com and 808.291.9733. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to our new series, The Inner Game of Real Estate Success, with the high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter. What if the frustration, inconsistency, and self-sabotage you’re experiencing in business aren’t random—but the result of outdated subconscious programs running the show? In this episode, Paul breaks down what destructive mindset programs are, why they form, and how they silently shape your results. You’ll learn how these hidden patterns fuel fear, doubt, and sabotage—and why your mind clings to them, even when they no longer serve you. Paul also shares a personal story about how fear and anxiety around money kept him stuck - for years -  and how hypnosis helped him dismantle those beliefs. We’ll separate myth from science and explore how hypnosis works to rewire your subconscious, unlock better performance, and create real, lasting change. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Book a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call here.

In our July episode, Carrie McCormick talks about the importance of staying local. Carrie also emphasizes the importance of building national and international network when building your business. Last Carrie explains how to talk to sellers who don’t want to lose their mortgage rates. Please follow Carrie on Instagram. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Carrie can be reached at carrie@atproperties.com or by phone at 312.961.4612. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to another episode of Learn With A Lender with Christian Bachelder! In this episode Christian discusses strategies for homeowners with low Interest rates, discussing options like using a HELOC, converting a property to a rental, or selling and renting temporarily. Next Christian discusses real estate investment strategies. Christian also discusses bonus depreciation and tax benefits, explaining how investors, especially high-income earners, can use bonus depreciation to reduce tax liability. Last, Christian talks about primary residence vs. investment properties, discussing the pros and cons of owning a primary residence versus investing in rental properties. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!  Christian Bachelder can be reached at Christian@theonebrokerage.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.