SmartTouch Market Pulse

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera of SmartTouch® Interactive sits down with John Lee, CEO and Founder of Anewgo, to explore how AI is transforming the homebuilding and real estate marketing landscape.Discover how artificial intelligence is driving a shift from traditional SEO to AIO (AI Optimization), enabling smarter homebuyer engagement, dynamic website experiences, and powerful personalization. John shares Anewgo’s startup journey and insights on the tech trends every home builder, real estate developer, and marketer needs to know.What you'll learn:How homebuyers are using AI to search for new homesWhat AIO means for your digital strategyHow builders can use AI tools to sell more homes, fasterActionable digital marketing tactics that work in today’s AI-driven marketWhether you're in real estate development, new home marketing, or digital strategy, this episode delivers must-know insights to future-proof your sales and marketing.🎧 Tune in now to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of real estate tech.

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Robert Cowes, Founder of SmartTouch® Interactive and the key architect behind the award-winning NexGen CRM. With the recent release of the platform’s new user-interface and features, Robert shares the vision behind the redesign and how it’s transforming the way sales managers and agents work in today’s environment. Beyond the platform, Robert dives into his expertise on why many CRMs fail, what sales leaders should focus on to drive adoption, and the daily CRM habits that separate top-performing sales executives from the rest. He also shares his perspective on the future of CRM technology—from AI-driven insights to predictive analytics—and how NexGen is positioned to keep teams ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a sales manager looking to harness the power of data, or a sales professional wanting to turn more leads into closings, this episode is packed with actionable insights, takeaways and an exclusive look at the next generation of CRM technology.

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Aaron Crawford, founder of Pipsy — the AI-powered platform transforming land development and master-planned communities.Learn how Pipsy uses artificial intelligence to automate lot inventory, streamline operations, and deliver actionable insights for over 100 residential communities. Aaron shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, diving into how his tech expertise led to the creation of one of the most innovative PropTech solutions in the market.This episode is packed with strategic insights for real estate developers, new home builders, property investors, and industry marketers. Explore the future of real estate automation, smart development, evolving homebuyer behaviors, and AI’s role in modern homebuilding and land use planning.Whether you’re looking to scale your developments, enhance marketing ROI, or stay ahead of trends in PropTech and residential construction, this is your blueprint for innovation.Follow The Market Pulse for more insights on transforming your real estate strategy with cutting-edge tech.

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera dives into the future of real estate and architecture with Chris Krager, AIA—Founder of KRDB and Ma House. With deep experience across architecture, finance, and development, Chris unpacks how modular construction is transforming the way we design, build, and buy homes in today’s challenging economic environment.Tune in to learn how factors like rising construction costs, supply chain disruptions, and the remote work revolution are accelerating change in both residential and commercial real estate. Chris shares how prefab innovation, design efficiency, and buyer expectations are shaping the future of urban development and affordable housing.Perfect for real estate developers, home builders, architects, investors, and anyone passionate about modern design and construction technology.

 In this episode of The Market Pulse, “Blueprints & Banners: Crafting Winning Social Campaigns for Builders,” host Aaron Fichera dives deep into the art and science of paid social campaigns for home builders with special guest Pieter Stone, Social Media Manager at SmartTouch® Interactive. Discover the secrets behind successful paid social campaigns, from Facebook Ads to Instagram strategies that show you what it takes to turn likes into leads and impressions into impact.Pieter shares real-world insights on converting social media engagement into high-quality real estate leads, promoting builder events, and mastering KPIs that matter in the home building industry. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights you can use to elevate your next campaign.

Welcome to The Market Pulse — the ultimate podcast for real estate professionals, home builders, and developers looking to elevate new home sales strategies. In this powerful episode, “Revolutionizing Real Estate Sales: Ryan Taft’s Winning Strategies that Make an Impact,” host Aaron Fichera chats with Ryan Taft, founder of Impact Eighty-Eight. Ryan is a leading expert in new home sales performance and has worked with top builders across the U.S. to transform their real estate sales teams. He unpacks his unconventional philosophy of helping salespeople "stop being weird" and start connecting with today’s homebuyers. You’ll gain actionable insights into improving conversion rates, mastering homebuyer psychology, and adapting to the evolving landscape of real estate marketing. Whether you’re in residential development, selling master-planned communities, or leading a new home sales team, this episode is packed with high-impact strategies, proven techniques and modern tools for staying competitive in a dynamic market. Subscribe now and stay ahead with SmartTouch® Interactive’s expert-driven take on selling homes faster and smarter.

In this episode of The Market Pulse, brought to you by SmartTouch® Interactive, host Aaron Fichera welcomes SEO Specialist Eric Shattuck to break down one of the most pressing shifts in digital marketing today: how artificial intelligence is transforming search and redefining Google’s role in real estate discovery.We’re diving deep into the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, the evolution of content marketing, and why traditional SEO just won’t cut it anymore. If you're a home builder, developer, or real estate marketer, you’ll learn what these seismic changes mean for your lead generation, visibility, and overall digital strategy.👉 Learn how to adapt your marketing for AI-driven search👉 Understand the new role of Google in the homebuyer journey👉 Discover why SEO for real estate must evolve—nowWhether you're a seasoned real estate professional or just getting started, this episode delivers essential insights to help you stay ahead of the curve in digital marketing, SEO, and AI.Follow The Market Pulse for more expert conversations on smart real estate marketing strategies that sell more homes faster.

In this episode of The Market Pulse presented by SmartTouch® Interactive, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Ed Carey, Founder and CEO of Audience Town, the leading ad platform built specifically for the real estate and moving industry. Together, they dive into Ed’s journey founding Audience Town and how his company is helping homebuilders and developers unlock the power of customer-centric data to drive smarter marketing strategies and better buyer experiences. Discover how today’s housing market trends are reflected in real-time consumer data, what shifting buyer behaviors mean for your sales pipeline, and why understanding your customer before they ever walk through the door is more critical than ever. If you're in new home or real estate sales and want to stay ahead of the curve, this data-packed episode is one you don’t want to miss. 

In this special roundtable episode of The Market Pulse presented by SmartTouch® Interactive, host Aaron Fichera sits down with top Canadian industry leaders to explore the forces shaping Canada’s and U.S. housing market and the impact of tariffs in 2025. Joining the discussion are Lianne McOuat of McOuat Partnership, Andrew Brethour of PMA Brethour Realty Group, and Mike Parker, VP of Sales and Marketing at Georgian Communities.Together, they dive into the current state of the Canadian housing market, as well as the impact of interest rates and government policies on homebuyers. The panel also unpacks how U.S. tariffs and shifting Canadian-U.S. relations are affecting material costs, supply chains, and the broader housing industry. From market forecasts to builder innovations and open dialogue, this episode offers expert insights into what’s next for Canadian homebuyers, builders, and real estate professionals. Don’t miss this essential conversation on the trends and challenges shaping the future of Canadian and American real estate!

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Jennifer Cooper, Founder of Evolution Marketing, to explore the dynamic world of influencer and sponsorship marketing in the new home sales and master plan community sectors. With a deep dive into Evolution Marketing's unique approach, Jennifer reveals how these strategies are reshaping the way builders and developers connect with homebuyers through social media influencers and sponsorships. Discover the benefits of influencer partnerships, how to choose the right sponsorships, and when these techniques should be strategically implemented to drive success. Plus, get a sneak peek into upcoming events for 2025 and what the future holds for marketing in real estate. Whether you're a builder looking to stand out or a marketer eager to innovate, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your marketing game. Tune in to learn how to harness the power of influence for your new home sales! 

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Patrick Meagher, Co-Founder & CTO of Keyponents, a trailblazer in modular construction. Discover how Keyponents' innovative plug-and-play Modular MEP framing and finish components are transforming the construction industry by boosting efficiency and cutting costs. Patrick shares the story behind Keyponents, insights into the latest trends in modular construction, and his vision for the future of commercial and residential building. Don’t miss this engaging conversation about the technologies reshaping the way we build! 

In this special and final episode of The Market Pulse for 2024, host Aaron Fichera welcomes Lynne Williams, Executive Director of HomeAid Austin, and Kim McCorkle, the organization’s Development & Outreach Director, to discuss the critical issue of homelessness and how the construction and real estate industries can be a force for positive change. Lynne and Kim share the inspiring history of HomeAid Austin’s mission, the success stories behind their projects, and the innovative partnerships that have helped expand their reach. They’ll also shed light on current housing initiatives designed to provide safe, stable environments for Austin’s most vulnerable populations, and highlight upcoming events and community engagement opportunities. Builders, developers, and tradespeople won’t want to miss this chance to learn how they can get involved, lend their expertise, and help shape a better, more inclusive Austin. Join us for an insightful and actionable conversation on creating lasting solutions to homelessness through compassionate collaboration and industry leadership.

In this insightful episode of The Market Pulse host Aaron Fichera welcomes Mollie Carmichael, Principal at Zonda, for an in-depth discussion on the future of the real estate industry as we approach 2025. Mollie shares her inspiring journey into the real estate sector, detailing the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her career and led her to a leading role at Zonda.  Together, they delve into Zonda's perspective on the current housing market outlook, highlighting which regional markets are over-performing and underperforming, and uncovering the underlying factors driving these trends. Mollie offers valuable insights into the latest trends that builders and developers need to be aware of, including evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and critical economic factors like interest rates and inflation.  The conversation also explores the impact of the 2024 Presidential Election on the housing industry. They discuss how the election outcome and proposed policies by incoming President Donald Trump could shape home builders and developers’ strategies. Mollie provides strategic advice on how industry professionals can navigate the uncertainties of the political landscape in their 2025 planning.  Tune in to gain expert perspectives and practical advice to stay ahead in the ever-evolving real estate market. Whether you're a builder, developer, or simply interested in the housing industry's future, this episode is packed with information you won't want to miss. 

In this groundbreaking episode of The Market Pulse presented by SmartTouch® Interactive, host Aaron Fichera sits down with a distinguished panel of marketing and branding leaders to discuss the future of real estate marketing. Joining Aaron are Lianne McOuat Principal Partner of McOuat Partnership; Jennifer Cooper, Founder & Fractional CMO of Evolution Marketing; Genevieve Benson, Director of New Business at Milesbrand; and Robert Cowes, founder and CEO of SmartTouch® Interactive. Together, they dive into critical topics shaping the industry today, from regional marketing trends to the rise of new technologies like AI. Join them as they explore how digital and traditional marketing channels are evolving, the unique challenges of marketing new home sales, and how their respective agencies are adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. Whether you're a real estate professional or just curious about the future of marketing, this episode is packed with expert insights and innovative strategies that will give you a competitive edge.  

In the second part of this two-episode series, host Aaron Fichera continues his conversation with Gary J. Davis, President of First Advisors Inc., focusing on the intersection of real estate development and politics. Gary provides expert commentary on the current political landscape surrounding land development and housing in Texas, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for developers in the face of state regulations and policy shifts. The episode also delves into the rapid demographic changes in the Texas Triangle—Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston—and how this region's explosive growth is reshaping the future of real estate. Gary shares his insights on the housing demands, infrastructure needs, and potential for sustainable development as Texas continues to evolve. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of Texas real estate and the political factors shaping its development.

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera interviews Gary J. Davis, President of First Advisors Inc., for an in-depth discussion on one of the most critical issues facing Texas land developers: water rights. Gary shares his extensive knowledge and experience in navigating water management challenges while developing large-scale projects in the Texas Hill Country. The episode explores the importance of water sustainability in land development, including how developers assess water usage feasibility for projects like golf courses and mixed-use developments. Gary dives into the impact of water scarcity on future development, revealing key strategies for balancing growth with environmental responsibility. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or simply curious about land development in Texas, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of natural resources and real estate.

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Anita Erickson, the founder and CEO of The Market Place ATX, to dive into the power of word-of-mouth marketing and its impact on business growth. Anita shares her journey into entrepreneurship, the mission behind The Market Place ATX, and offers valuable insights into how businesses can harness the power of referrals to attract loyal customers. From creating exceptional customer experiences to leveraging strategic referral systems, Anita provides actionable tips for any business looking to optimize word-of-mouth marketing and build a strong, organic reputation. Tune in to discover how you can turn your customers into your greatest advocates and grow your business through authentic, word-of-mouth connections. About Our Guest Anita Erickson, Founder & Owner of The Marketplace ATX Anita is an entrepreneur, consultant, speaker and writer with a passion for creating meaningful connections and supporting friends, colleagues and customers in excelling at what they love. She is a committed advocate for small business owners and the design/build industry.  Anita is committed to developing a Design District in Austin, kickstarted by her current venture, The Marketplace, a collaborative trade showroom.

In this insightful episode of The Market Pulse presented by SmartTouch Interactive, host Aaron Fichera teams up with Tanner Ross, VP of Marketing Services, to explore the powerful concepts of geofencing and competitor conquesting within the real estate industry. The discussion begins with a breakdown of the IDFA ecosystem, explaining how device IDs, ad exchanges, and creative strategies come together to form the foundation of modern digital marketing.  Tanner and Aaron then dive into the practical applications of these concepts, covering a range of mediums and strategies such as geofencing competitor model homes, acquiring IDFA lists, and implementing SmartTouch Conquesting. They also tackle the common challenges of competitor conquesting, offering solutions for refining audience size and selecting the most effective advertising platforms.  Whether you're a seasoned marketer or new to digital marketing, this episode provides actionable advice on getting started with geofencing and competitor conquesting to gain a competitive edge in the real estate market.   Don't miss this chance to learn from the experts and elevate your marketing strategy! 

In this insightful episode of The Market Pulse presented by SmartTouch® Interactive, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Justin Freeman, a seasoned advisor for home builders at CMG Financial, based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With a wealth of experience in the mortgage industry, Justin offers deep insight into the critical relationship between loan officers, private banking, and builder partners, revealing the strategies and products that drive successful collaborations.  Throughout the episode, Justin shares his expert perspective on the current trends shaping the Florida and U.S. housing market, offering valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that builders face and how Builder Buy Downs are leveling the playing field for home builders of all sizes. He also discusses the innovative builder incentives and products offered by CMG Financial, explaining how these tools help builders accelerate sales and grow their business.  As the conversation unfolds, Justin touches on the impact of technology on the mortgage industry and forecasts the future of the housing market. Whether you're a builder, real estate professional, or simply interested in the latest market trends, this episode is packed with actionable insights that you won't want to miss.  Tune in to discover how CMG Financials is empowering builders and shaping the future of homebuilding in Florida and beyond.

In this engaging episode of "The Market Pulse," host Aaron Fichera sits down with Drew Hanish, the visionary Founder and CEO of Pravo Construction. As a leading commercial general contractor in Austin, Texas, Pravo Construction has carved a niche in historical preservation and reuse projects, bringing new life to the city's architectural heritage and complimenting new residential growth in surrounding areas.  Join us as Drew shares the inspiring story behind Pravo Construction, detailing its unique approach and standout projects that highlight the company’s expertise. Delve into the current trends shaping Austin's commercial and residential real estate market, the Live Work Play trend within construction and discover how builders are navigating the challenges and opportunities in today’s economic climate and real estate prices.   Explore the growing trend of historical preservation and reuse, understanding the intricate balance of maintaining historical integrity while meeting modern needs. This episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, showcasing how innovative construction practices are revitalizing communities and preserving history for future generations. Don't miss this captivating conversation on "The Market Pulse."