Rethink Real Estate

In this no-fluff episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Brett Jennings, CEO and Founder of Real Estate Experts, one of the most respected real estate teams in the Bay Area. From selling candy in grade school to working for Tony Robbins, Brett's entrepreneurial journey led him to build a top-producing team inside Side Real Estate—and a company that’s redefining what it means to deliver true value in the real estate industry.Brett shares how his time with Tony Robbins shaped his obsession with modeling high-performance agents, building intentional systems, and creating a business where coaching, culture, and client outcomes take priority. He opens up about the mistakes most agents make when building a team, the three critical systems that determine whether a team thrives or plateaus, and why environment—not ego—is the key to sustainable growth in real estate.Ben and Brett dive into what most brokers and agents get wrong about cost vs. value, why cheap splits can be a trap, and how to attrac

In this powerful episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Eddie Speed, Founder and President of NoteSchool, to unpack how real estate investors and agents alike can shift from being the landlord to being the bank. With over 45 years in the industry and more than 50,000 seller-financed notes purchased, Eddie reveals why this cycle is primed for note investing and how seller financing strategies can transform both portfolios and listings.Eddie explains how investors can earn between 9–12% without the headaches of tenants, toilets, and property management, and why seller financing often produces two to three times the net income of traditional rentals. He also addresses the trade-offs between capital appreciation and immediate cash flow, the realities of today’s tight lending environment, and why so many “penalty box buyers” are creating massive opportunities for creative financing.Whether you’re a seasoned investor looking to reposition your capital, a landlord tired of maintenance calls, o

In this insightful episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Laura Phillips, Reverse Mortgage Specialist with MAC5 Mortgage Inc., to tackle one of the most misunderstood financial tools for seniors—reverse mortgages. With licenses across Colorado, Arizona, California, and Florida, Laura brings clarity to an industry that has long carried a reputation for confusion and skepticism.Together, Ben and Laura dive into the history of reverse mortgages, separating fact from myth, and explain how today’s product is far safer and more regulated than in decades past. From addressing legacy concerns for families to unpacking the real costs and fees, this conversation highlights how reverse mortgages can help seniors downsize, access equity, or simply create financial breathing room in retirement.You’ll hear real-world examples of how homeowners have used reverse-for-purchase loans to relocate and still preserve cash reserves, the truth about compounding interest and non-recourse protections, and how a

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady unpacks a real conversation he had with sellers in Southern California—a situation that highlights one of the toughest questions agents must help clients answer: is their money better kept in a property or taken out and redirected elsewhere?Ben breaks down how inventory levels, buyer feedback, and the realities of property-specific challenges often mean that simply waiting for “better market conditions” isn’t the right move. Using a Huntington Beach studio apartment as a case study, he illustrates how buyers with the right budgets can still pass on a property—not because of price, but because of product.You’ll learn how to frame seller conversations around opportunity cost, the expense of holding property, and alternative investments—from upgrading to larger units, to exploring other markets, to even comparing real estate to the S&P 500. This practical session provides agents with the scripts and strategies to guide sellers through difficult truths wh

In this timely episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Mr. Tech himself—Tony Self, Broker Associate at Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty—to unpack the seismic shifts happening across real estate portals. With Rocket Mortgage acquiring Redfin, Zillow clashing with Compass, and Homes.com pouring billions into growth, the battle for consumer attention (and agent relevance) has never been louder.Tony brings a unique lens from his corporate background, having previously consulted for CoStar and other major players who once explored replacing real estate agents with technology. He shares why those efforts ultimately failed, how today’s platforms are repositioning themselves, and what agents must understand about syndication, lead flow, and platform control to stay competitive.From Redfin’s vertically integrated model with Rocket, to Compass’s private listing network, to Zillow’s war over MLS syndication rights, Ben and Tony break down the implications for everyday agents. They also discuss why Homes

In this candid episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady welcomes back Chris Cochran, Director of Marketing at Harcourts Auctions, to tackle one of the most overused—and misunderstood—words in the real estate industry: marketing. With a formal marketing degree and years of experience, Chris breaks down the Four P’s of Marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) and why most agents only focus on one—and often get it wrong.Ben and Chris dissect how agents misuse “marketing” as a catch-all term with clients, the dangerous assumptions that come from hiding behind it, and why understanding the Four P’s is essential to positioning any listing in today’s market. From the myth that “more exposure” solves everything, to the truth about MLS syndication, this episode will reframe how you present and execute your marketing strategy.You’ll hear real examples of properties that had the right price but the wrong product, the illusion of “different” listing portals, and how small tweaks in promotion can drastically cha

In this eye-opening episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Kevin Guttman, reverse mortgage specialist and author of The Swiss Army Knife of Retirement Cash Flow, to uncover how reverse mortgages can solve complex seller challenges in today’s market. Kevin shares why these often-misunderstood financial tools aren’t just for seniors looking to stay put—they can be strategic game-changers for real estate agents trying to unlock stalled listings.From sellers who want to move but can’t make the numbers work, to clients sitting on significant equity but unwilling to sell in a down market, Ben and Kevin break down how reverse mortgages can free up options without forcing a price drop. They share real-world scenarios where price reductions failed, explore how to identify a property problem versus a price problem, and give agents the language to introduce reverse mortgages into sensitive conversations.You’ll learn the mechanics of reverse mortgages, how they can fund a purchase, bridge the gap b

Ben Brady tackles one of the most frustrating challenges agents face: when a listing doesn’t move—even after significant price drops. Ben shares personal case studies across different markets, from luxury condos in Nashville to multimillion-dollar homes in Silicon Valley, revealing how price often isn’t the root of the issue.Instead, Ben walks you through how to dissect the true problem—whether it's property-specific drawbacks, excess inventory, or buyer psychology—and how to navigate that conversation with your sellers in a tactful but honest way. Learn how to frame expectations, evaluate market competition, and position your listing for future success, even if the timing isn’t right today.This episode offers scripts, mindset shifts, and strategy around seller communication that will help you protect your time, maintain relationships, and increase your long-term conversion. It's real talk for real agents in today’s tougher market.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – When price drops aren’t enough to gene

In this eye-opening episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Chris Prefontaine, Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach, to unpack the strategies behind creative deal structures that work in any market. Chris shares how his team and community across 80+ markets are using owner financing, lease purchase, and subject-to transactions to close deals—often without needing massive capital or perfect credit.Chris breaks down exactly how each structure works, the pitfalls to avoid, and why these methods are becoming essential knowledge for real estate agents in a shifting market. From building new income streams without bank loans, to converting listings that would otherwise expire, this episode reveals how agents can position themselves as problem-solvers and generate revenue beyond traditional commissions.You’ll also hear how the Smart Real Estate Coach community partners directly in deals—coaching members through transactions from start to finish—and why the average time to first deal

In this special solo episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady unpacks the seismic shifts he’s seen across North America’s real estate landscape in July. After reviewing over 120,000 listings last quarter, Ben reflects on a key turning point: a major sentiment shift among agents and sellers, signaling a broader acceptance of the market for what it is—not what people wish it was.From Florida to Boulder to Menlo Park, Ben shares hard-hitting case studies that highlight both the wins and the honest reality of today’s seller expectations. He breaks down how agents are getting clarity (not just contracts), why “help” is Harcourts Auctions’ new rally cry, and the surprising trend of listings coming off the market entirely—because the process delivered the truth sellers needed.Whether you’re seeing stalled listings, frustrated clients, or just trying to understand how to build trust and results in this market, Ben’s breakdown will leave you with insight, inspiration, and a no-BS roadmap for what’s working—and what i

Ben Brady sits down with Tyler Davis, founder of Met Group Real Estate in Phoenix, Arizona. At just 24 years old, Tyler shares his unconventional journey—from moving away from everything familiar at age 18 to diving headfirst into the Phoenix market and building a $10 million business in one of the most challenging real estate landscapes in the U.S.Tyler gives a candid look at navigating a market ranked #2 in price reductions nationwide, adapting to shifting buyer demographics, and balancing the nuances between luxury estates and starter homes. He dives deep into his client-first mindset, referral-based growth, and why he’s cautious about rapidly expanding his team. Plus, Tyler shares his vision beyond real estate and why he sees himself moving on from the industry within five years.Whether you’re new to the game or looking for fresh perspective on resilience and adaptation, Tyler’s story offers practical insights and inspiration for building a listing-focused business in today’s market.⏱️ Timestamps & Ke

In this solo episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady flips the script on what it really means to be a modern real estate agent in 2025. Forget the old-school mindset of chasing transactions. Ben argues that your real job now? Data analyst. The most valuable currency in today’s market isn’t listings — it’s information. And most agents are missing the mark entirely.Ben dives into why names, phone numbers, emails, and detailed segmentation should be your primary KPI. He breaks down practical, no-fluff ways to gather more local data — from tweaking your open house strategy to cold prospecting with a fresh lens. This episode isn’t about fancy CRMs or complicated systems. It’s about rethinking the fundamentals: How much opportunity do you actually have in your database?Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned top producer, this is the reset button you didn’t know you needed. Ben shows how expanding your data inputs expands your income — and why volume is the byproduct of consistency, not luck.⏱️ Timestamps &

In this powerhouse episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady is joined by Adam Hergenrother — founder of Adam Hergenrother Companies and one of the boldest voices in real estate leadership today. Adam pulls no punches on what it really takes to scale a real estate empire without losing yourself in the process. From managing nearly 1,000 agents to building multiple businesses under one roof, he shares why the inner game of leadership matters more than ever in 2025.Adam breaks down why hustle culture is broken, how stillness fuels better decision-making, and why your personal growth is directly tied to your business’s growth. He and Ben discuss everything from the neuroscience of leadership to tactical systems for letting go of control without sacrificing standards. Whether you're an individual agent, team leader, or CEO, this conversation will challenge how you lead, hire, scale — and show up.They also dive into the shifting real estate landscape, including the future of brokerage models, why most “top produce

Mr. Tony Self is back on "Rethink Real Estate," diving into the transition from costly traditional marketing services to an automated AI-driven marketing process. Tony shares how he and Courtney cut expensive monthly fees by building their own customized system using AI tools and smart plug-ins — helping agents create efficient, scalable social media and marketing workflows. From replicating the basics of popular platforms like Fusion to using Hootsuite and Canva combined with ChatGPT prompts, Tony breaks down practical steps to automate listing posts, social content, and email campaigns without losing the “human in the middle” touch.Ben and Tony discuss the importance of consistent marketing, managing multiple social channels, and how leveraging AI requires thoughtful filters and personalization to maintain authenticity and compliance. They also explore how to create project folders for different social platforms and the power of tailoring content to specific audiences — from evergreen market info to real-ti

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