RealTrending

In this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Tracey Velt sits down with Gerry Liguori, co-founder of Premier Estate Properties, to discuss how the independent luxury brokerage has remained competitive for more than 30 years in an increasingly consolidated real estate industry. Liguori explains why the company built its business around ultra-luxury specialization, personalized client service and a commitment to remaining independent rather than joining a larger franchise. With eight offices spanning South Florida's luxury markets, approximately 60 agents and more than $2 billion in anticipated sales this year, Premier has built its competitive advantage around agility, targeted marketing and agent support rather than sheer scale. Liguori shares how technology and AI are transforming brokerage operations, why tracking marketing ROI is essential, and how he believes broad listing exposure ultimately serves sellers better than restrictive private listing strategies. He also discusses the shifting dynamics of South Florida's luxury market, the importance of specialization over trying to serve everyone, and why maintaining relationships with past clients remains one of the most overlooked opportunities for long-term brokerage growth. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Specialization beats scale when brokerages carve out a clear niche. Independence gives brokerages the agility to adapt quickly to market shifts. Agent support and infrastructure can outweigh higher commission splits. AI and technology are essential to marketing, lead generation and measurable ROI. Maximum listing exposure generally serves sellers better than private listing restrictions. Luxury clients value personalized service and tailored experiences. Past client relationships are one of the strongest opportunities for repeat business. Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn Gerry Liguori's LinkedIn Premier Estate Properties Want more from Tracey? Don’t forget to subscribe to Real Estate Daily. The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

Tracey speaks with Justin Landon, CEO of MetroTex Association of Realtors about how the MLS can stay relevant as real estate changes. Landon emphasizes the importance of preserving an open, cooperative marketplace. He says the 2024 Sitzer-Burnett settlement changed incentives in the traditional MLS model. To encourage cooperation, he suggests rewarding brokers who contribute high-quality listing data. They discuss how Open Real Estate could reshape the MLS, along with the need for nimble governance and valuable services. Landon sees irrelevance as the MLS’s biggest threat. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Reward quality listing data to encourage participation. Open Real Estate may reshape the MLS’s role. Modernize governance to keep pace with change. Focus on valuable services, not just software. Irrelevance is the MLS’s biggest threat. Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn Justin Landon's LinkedIn MetroTex Association of Realtors Open Real Estate Want more from Tracey? Don’t forget to subscribe to Real Estate Daily. The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

On RealTrending, Tracey talks with DeAnn Golden, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, about how agents can plan for a changing market. Golden’s message is simple: build a durable business around relationships, strong service, and tools that give agents more time with people. She also shares how full-service brokerages, thoughtful AI use and succession planning can help agents and teams thrive. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Strong agents act as trusted client advisers. Measure brokerage value by what agents gain, not just the split. Use AI to create more time for human connection. Build a plan around relationships and repeat client touchpoints. Prepare teams for succession before a transition is needed. Answer the phone—and follow up. Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn DeAnn Golden's LinkedIn Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Want more from Tracey? Don’t forget to subscribe to Real Estate Daily. The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

When the market gets uncertain, strong agents and brokers don’t chase quick fixes—they get back to the fundamentals. On this episode of the RealTrending Podcast, Tracey talks with performance and leadership coach James Short about how real estate leaders can guide their teams through a downturn with clear communication, consistent processes and a steady vision.  James shares practical advice on building relationships, asking better questions, keeping agents accountable without micromanaging and helping people feel connected to the business. The takeaway: know your numbers, lead by example and stay true to your values. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: In a changing market, focus on consistent fundamentals and process rather than fixating on outcomes. Personal conversations—by phone, face to face, or at the door—help agents build trust and guide clients. Better communication starts with slowing down, listening, and asking questions that engage the other person. Leaders can strengthen accountability by helping team members set their own goals, activity plans, and consequences. Retention grows when people feel appreciated, understand the vision, and see how their individual plans fit into it. In uncertain times, leaders should know their numbers, communicate a clear plan, and lead by example. Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn James Short's LinkedIn GoalsTribe Want more from Tracey? Don’t forget to subscribe to Real Estate Daily. The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

The housing market may feel stalled, but Smokey Garrett, founder and operating principal of the GO Network at Keller Williams, says it’s still moving — just under a different set of rules. After years of ultra-low mortgage rates and fast-paced sales, buyers are hesitating over affordability and sellers are adjusting their expectations. Demand hasn’t disappeared as people are still searching and making major life moves. The agents finding success are slowing down, helping clients understand their options and replacing uncertainty with clear guidance. For brokerages, growth is about more than recruiting agents. Garrett’s team looks at market share, profitability, adoption of agent tools, and especially how many individual agents are actually productive. He sees scale as a local advantage, not simply a matter of having agents spread across the country. As consumer expectations evolve, he argues, agents need to offer value beyond the transaction and become trusted “home advisers.” Garrett also sees AI as a way to make the business more efficient — but not a substitute for relationships. It can help agents work smarter and give brokerages faster access to insights and support, while the human connection remains essential. And as MLSs reconsider their role, he says brokers and agents should have a stronger voice in how the industry’s data is managed and monetized. The larger challenge, in his view, is to adapt together and make sure the industry’s value is clear to consumers. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Buyers and sellers are navigating uncertainty, but underlying housing demand remains active. Agents can stand out by slowing down, explaining the options and helping clients make confident decisions. Strong brokerages track market share, profitability, tool adoption and agent-level productivity — not just headcount. Local market presence matters more than broad scale without meaningful influence in a community. Agents who use AI to improve efficiency while protecting client relationships may be better positioned to succeed. Garrett believes brokers and agents should help shape how MLS data is stewarded, shared and monetized. Recruiting and retention reinforce each other when productive agents are succeeding and attracting like-minded talent. Related to this episode: Tracey Velt’s LinkedIn Smokey Garrett's LinkedIn GO Network Want more from Tracey? Don’t forget to subscribe to Real Estate Daily. The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.