LISTEN: Get ready for valuable takeaways in this conversation with Top Bellevue Washington Agent, Hao Dang. He’s literally giving you the scripts. “This is how I start conversations with leads and turn them into clients. These are the texts I schedule to go out. This is how I close.” Hao shares his fascinating story, beginning with his motivation to get into the real estate industry - to buy his mom a house - and soon after grossing $180K in his first 6 months. Fast forward 22 years and Hao has introduced leverage into his world, his team closing $150 Million in volume last year. Talk about growth!

With the July pending home sales slump and latest inflation numbers, experts predict September rate decreases will be minimal. Meanwhile, John Sitzer launches an à la carte platform not too long after the $5B Sitzer | Burnett verdict in a move we did not see coming. Never a dull moment in this industry!

LISTEN: We are joined by Edgardo Quiroz with Keller Williams Yakima Valley in Yakima, Washington. He shares his journey from graduating college during the pandemic to becoming a successful real estate agent and entrepreneur. He discusses his challenges during the pandemic and how it allowed him to reevaluate his career path. Edgardo explains how he chose real estate to combine his interests in law, entrepreneurship, and marketing. He also shares his strategies for generating business through social media and building a strong sphere of influence. Additionally, Edgardo talks about his other venture, La Horchata, a Latino-flavored protein bar, and how his real estate experience has helped him launch and grow the business.

Keller Williams launches resource guide for agents to navigate NAR settlement. Also, Redfin’s latest layoff round hits brokerage services biz. And finally, Homie sues NAR and others, alleging boycott and conspiracy.

LISTEN: We are joined by Lindy Haaglund with Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound in Federal Way, Washington. She shares her journey from working three jobs to becoming a successful real estate agent and leader. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, building relationships, and having a strong work ethic. Lindy discusses the transition from sales to leadership and the opportunities it brings. She highlights the need for effective communication, coaching, and surrounding oneself with the right people. Lindy also talks about the importance of focusing on health, family, and designing a life by one's own terms. She encourages agents to embrace discomfort and continuous growth.

The latest housing starts data is mostly bad news. Also, Nykia Wright was named NAR’s permanent CEO. And finally, Americans are worried that climate events will negatively impact their retirement.

LISTEN: We’re joined by Alexis Halikas, Business Consultant and Real Estate Coach. She shares her journey from selling real estate to market center leader and becoming a coach. She emphasizes the importance of personal development and hiring a business coach to overcome limiting beliefs and achieve success. Alexis also discusses the shift in the real estate industry and the opportunities it presents for attracting agents. She highlights the need for agents to think like business owners and leverage their time effectively. Alexis is excited about launching a group coaching course and a marketing service to help brokerages attract more agents.

Court grants preliminary approval to HomeServices’ commission lawsuit settlement. Also, Offerpad confirms layoffs after ‘restructuring’ amid down market. And finally, Consumer watchdog advises buyers to pay agents '2% or less'

LISTEN: We are joined by Marti Pepper with the Redoubt Team at Keller Williams Alaska Group in Soldotna, Alaska. She shares her journey into real estate, starting from her upbringing in Northern California to her time in the Coast Guard and meeting her husband in Guam. She explains how she got into real estate after working various jobs and being inspired by agents she met. Marti discusses the importance of getting involved in the real estate community and building relationships with other agents. She also talks about the unique market dynamics of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska and the importance of understanding the local community as an agent. Marti shares her strategies for generating leads and managing her time, as well as her thoughts on the future of her career.

The financial markets are freaking out, that should be good for mortgages. Also, Buyer agent commissions down to 2.55% since the NAR settlement. And finally, Tappable home equity reached a new high of $11.5 trillion.

LISTEN: We are joined by Patricia O'Neil, with Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group of Wasilla in Wasilla, Alaska.. She shares her journey and approach to the business. She emphasizes the importance of providing exceptional customer service by going above and beyond by offering staging services, providing recommendations for home improvements, and ensuring that every listing is presented beautifully. Patricia's business is primarily referral-based, and she focuses on building strong relationships with her clients. Patricia's advice to new agents is to learn from someone who genuinely cares about people and to focus on providing value rather than solely chasing numbers.

Several US cities where starter homes cost $1M spiked since 2019. A second wave of commission lawsuit notices hit mailboxes. Finally, Home price index drops in June as inventory skyrockets.

LISTEN: We are joined by Jim Windmiller Jim Windmiller at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He shares his journey in real estate, from starting part-time to becoming a successful agent and eventually opening his brokerage. He emphasizes the significance of market share and the value of having a supportive team. Additionally, he discusses the importance of goal setting, leveraging his business, and the decision to join Keller Williams. Jim also discusses the challenges and opportunities of being an operating principal and building a team, and then his decision to step back by leveraging.

Keller Williams hits milestone: $2B in profits shared with agents. Also, 'Irrebuttable' sales claims trap brokerages in settlement limbo. Finally, HUD awards $325M in grants to rehab distressed housing.

LISTEN: We’re joined by Jason Abrams, Head of Industry and Learning at Keller Williams Realty International. He shares his journey in the real estate industry, from starting with no success to becoming a successful agent. From working in luxury to famous athletes, parlaying into a reality TV show. Hear how his passion to educate and coach agents, led him to KWRI. Jason also discusses the current challenges and opportunities in the real estate industry and offers advice on navigating uncertainty. He highlights the power of models and systems in achieving success and encourages personal growth and self-acceptance.

Foreclosures are expected to grow slowly to the end of 2024. Also, Court denies NAR’s request for rehearing in the DOJ investigation case. Finally, No HomeServices deal is yet, months after the settlement announcement.

LISTEN: We are joined by Anna Marie Dalbey with The Dalbey Team at Keller Williams Realty North Central Washington in Wenatchee, Washington. She shares her 35-year journey and insights into the industry. She discusses her transition from her real estate business in Southern California to Brewster, Washington, and the challenges she faced when starting over in a new geographical area. Anna Marie emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients through asking questions and understanding their motivations. She also talks about the differences between real estate in Washington and California, particularly in terms of property disclosures and market focus. Anna Marie shares her excitement for helping other agents grow and her plans for the future of her career.

In this special edition of Trending News, Bruce and Chase discuss the state of the industry for July 2024. They cover three key metrics the Fed and the government use to measure the economy's health: unemployment, GDP growth, and inflation.Link to the State of Industry slide deck

LISTEN: We are joined by Natalie Lemas Hernandez Owner/CEO and Realtor at Commercial Northwest Property Management with Keller Williams Realty Boise in Boise, Idaho. She shares her journey from initially not wanting to get into real estate business to building a thriving commercial property management company as well as an active property investor. She emphasizes the importance of real estate as a wealth-building opportunity and the need for expertise and knowledge in the industry. Natalie discusses overcoming the notion of property management not being profitable and the importance of proving your value to clients. She also shares her strategies for generating leads and finding investment opportunities in the market. Natalie discusses her podcast, Beyond Rich, and her upcoming mentorship program.

Pending home sales plummet to an all-time low in May. Also, the REcolorado board fired as shareholders revealed the new buyer. Finally, Redfin and Zillow were named in video privacy lawsuits.