In this forward-looking episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, sits down once again with Tony Self, Broker Associate at Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty, to unpack one of the most disruptive moments in modern real estate. From the proposed Compass–Anywhere merger to Zillow’s partnership with OpenAI, Ben and Tony dive into how consolidation, regulation, and artificial intelligence are rewriting the industry’s playbook.They examine the potential consequences if Compass gains control of nearly two-thirds of U.S. real estate transactions, the growing backlash from agents and franchise brands, and what this could mean for competition and consumer choice. Tony brings his insider’s perspective from years in corporate real estate and tech, offering rare insight into how brokers, teams, and independent offices should prepare for what’s next.The conversation then pivots to AI’s rapid evolution — from OpenAI’s partnership with Zillow to Sora’s video generation and the new wave of real estate-focused agents and automations. Tony shares how he’s integrating AI into his business today, where he draws the ethical line on visual manipulation, and whether we’re heading toward a full-blown AI bubble reminiscent of the early 2000s tech crash.If you’re a real estate professional trying to make sense of the Compass–Zillow rivalry, OpenAI’s expanding footprint, or the future of automation in real estate, this episode connects every dot.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – The Compass–Anywhere Merger: Monopoly or Market Shift?[00:02:10] – What the DOJ and Regulators Might Do Next[00:04:30] – Century 21’s $2.6 Billion Problem and the Debt Factor[00:07:00] – Compass vs. Zillow: The Data War Nobody Wins[00:10:00] – Zillow’s OpenAI Partnership Explained[00:13:00] – How AI Could Redefine Home Search and Consumer Behavior[00:16:00] – What Agents Should Know About Licensing and AI Tools[00:18:30] – The Risk of Misrepresentation in AI Marketing[00:20:30] – Are We in an AI Bubble? Tony’s Tech Market Perspective[00:24:30] – When AI Becomes Native: The Next Real Estate Revolution🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Tony Self and Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty:https://selfregroup.com/https://www.facebook.com/selfregrouphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyself/https://huntermason.harcourtsna.com/https://tonyself.harcourtsna.com/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣ ⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣ ⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣ ⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions🎯 Subscribe for more industry insights — and drop a comment with your thoughts:Will AI make real estate smarter… or monopolized?

In this tactical and timely episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, reconnects with Chad Widtfeldt, seasoned Realtor and business owner at Harcourts Prime Properties, to uncover a smarter, faster way to win expired listings. Chad reveals how his team has been averaging 2–3 new listings per week by rethinking the traditional expired strategy — and how one small shift completely changed their conversion rates.The secret? Replacing in-person meetings with quick Zoom presentations that lower the barrier to entry, increase immediacy, and save hours of wasted drive time. Chad walks through the scripts, follow-up process, and real-world rhythm that has transformed his pipeline — from the initial cold call to signed listing agreements within 24 hours. Together, Ben and Chad break down why speed is the new advantage, how to qualify without overcommitting, and why auction-based differentiation gives agents a decisive edge.If you’ve ever felt the burnout of chasing dead-end appointments or wondered how to stand out in a crowded expired market, this episode offers the practical blueprint to build momentum and efficiency into every prospecting day.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Introduction: Why Chad’s Approach to Expired Listings Works[00:01:10] – The Return of Expired Listings and a Shift in Market Dynamics[00:03:00] – Why Most Agents Quit (and How Chad’s Team Thrives Instead)[00:05:10] – Differentiation Through Auctions and the Power of a Unique Pitch[00:06:40] – The Mental Strain of Appointments That Go Nowhere[00:08:20] – How Zoom Changed Prospecting Forever[00:10:00] – The Formula: Call, Zoom, In-Person — All Within 24 Hours[00:12:10] – How to Keep Appointments from Falling Apart[00:15:00] – Qualifying Sellers Without Killing Momentum[00:18:00] – Chad’s Exact Script for Booking Zoom Meetings[00:20:00] – Final Takeaways: Efficiency, Immediacy, and Differentiation🎥 For more incredible episodes, check out the Rethink Real Estate playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLynsSXgbRaMs-snZG6CHzX1Mxiyy9toMx🔗 Connect with Chad Widtfeldt and His Real Estate Team:⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegreengroupre/⁠https://www.greengroupre.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/chadandjustin🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions:⁠https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions💬 Subscribe for more actionable real estate insights — and drop a comment below with how you’re using Zoom or AI to convert more listings.

In this forward-thinking episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, is joined by Chris Cochran, Director of Marketing at Harcourts Auctions, to unpack Google Gemini’s latest AI release — the bizarrely named yet incredibly powerful “Nano Banana” update — and why it’s a game-changer for real estate marketing and content creation.From creating hyper-realistic agent headshots to instantly restaging homes, Nano Banana brings Photoshop-level image control to anyone who can type a simple prompt. Chris breaks down how agents can leverage Gemini’s new likeness recognition and inpainting tools to produce professional-grade flyers, team photos, and listing visuals without a designer. Meanwhile, Ben explores how these tools might reshape listing presentations, branding, and the creative arms race in real estate.Together, they dig into the competition heating up between Google, OpenAI, and Adobe — and how these tools are redefining what it means to market property. Whether you’re tech-curious or AI-skeptical, this episode will leave you rethinking how fast the real estate industry is evolving and how to stay one step ahead.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Welcome to Rethink Real Estate[00:00:36] – What on earth is Google’s “Nano Banana” update?[00:01:18] – The AI image revolution: realistic headshots and likeness accuracy[00:03:22] – Gemini vs. Photoshop: how Google is closing the gap[00:05:18] – Real estate flyers, prompts, and social media automation[00:06:11] – Can AI clean up old headshots and generate team photos?[00:07:01] – The power (and limits) of restaging interiors and exteriors[00:08:01] – Turning blank rooms into design-ready showpieces[00:10:02] – Elon Musk, Grok, and the broader AI ecosystem[00:11:30] – How agents can blend creativity with accountability[00:12:00] – Real-world real estate use cases for Gemini AI[00:15:39] – How AI helps agents visualize and communicate value[00:16:18] – Final thoughts: exploring Gemini’s full potential🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: https://www.harcourtsauctions.comConnect with Ben Brady and the Harcourts Auctions team:Facebook: www.facebook.com/BenbradyharcourtsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517Instagram: www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctionsFacebook: www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions📣 Subscribe for more episodes exploring how technology is reshaping real estate.Drop your thoughts below — could AI-generated marketing replace traditional design agencies?

In this unfiltered solo episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, breaks down one of the biggest industry shakeups in recent history: Compass’s acquisition of Anywhere Real Estate. With two giants now attempting to merge — both operating under massive debt and increasing scrutiny — Ben takes a deep dive into what this means for agents, franchise owners, and the future of brokerage models.Ben unpacks the complexities of the deal, questioning whether regulators will even allow it to pass given the DOJ’s ongoing antitrust lens over real estate commissions and collusion. Beyond the headlines, he explores the deeper issue—how the traditional brokerage model may be collapsing under its own weight. Drawing from his experience across multiple markets, he explains why local ownership, accountability, and culture might be the last remaining competitive advantage in a corporatized industry.This episode isn’t just commentary — it’s a candid look at the changing DNA of real estate, the mistakes of “too-big-to-fail” brokerages, and where opportunity lies for the next generation of local operators ready to rise in the vacuum left behind.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Ben’s first reaction to the Compass-Anywhere merger news[00:00:57] - Can the DOJ really allow this acquisition to go through?[00:01:45] - Monopoly concerns and why consolidation might backfire[00:02:53] - Two unprofitable companies merge… to fix profitability?[00:03:20] - The $2.6B debt question: where does the money go?[00:04:04] - What this merger means for mid-tier and boutique brokerages[00:05:34] - Local vs. corporate: why agents crave connection and support[00:06:00] - Real-world recruiting stories from Bend, Oregon[00:07:50] - How corporate “support tickets” are killing culture[00:09:59] - Institutionalization: when your broker becomes a tech rep[00:10:56] - The slow decline of the traditional brokerage model[00:11:58] - Lessons from the Yellow Pages: cutting costs vs. creating value[00:12:43] - Why local accountability will define real estate’s next era[00:13:26] - Final reflections: why small may actually win big🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: https://www.harcourtsauctions.comConnect with Ben Brady and the Harcourts Auctions team:Facebook: www.facebook.com/BenbradyharcourtsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517Instagram: www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctionsFacebook: www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions📣 Subscribe for more insight-driven episodes exploring the future of real estate. Like, follow, and drop your thoughts below — do you think the Compass x Anywhere deal helps or hurts the industry?

In this eye-opening episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Andrew “Dru” Wischhover, President of Inspired Title Group, Inc., to unpack one of the most overlooked yet mission-critical aspects of every real estate transaction: title insurance. While agents often dismiss title as an afterthought, Dru reveals why ignoring it until there’s a problem can cost deals, clients, and millions in claims.From breaking down the differences between attorney states and title states, to explaining exactly what title insurance does (and doesn’t) cover, this conversation delivers practical knowledge agents can apply immediately. Dru shares real-world horror stories, insider examples of liens and encumbrances gone wrong, and the surprising ways smaller boutique title companies can often provide more flexibility and protection than big-box operators.Looking forward, the two also discuss how AI, blockchain, and industry regulation are reshaping the future of title — and why the “human element” still matters more than ever. If you’ve ever glazed over the title section of a deal, this episode will change the way you think about protecting your clients and your business.⏱️Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Introduction & quick correction on Inspired Title’s nationwide reach[00:01:30] – Why agents don’t think about title until it’s too late[00:02:22] – Attorney states vs. title/escrow states explained[00:05:40] – Title insurance 101: what it actually covers[00:07:00] – Horror stories: liens, divorces, and claims gone wrong[00:12:48] – How the title industry shifted after 2008 & regulation changes[00:16:33] – Competing with “big-box” title companies & boutique advantages[00:17:50] – AI, blockchain, and the future of title insurance[00:20:53] – When something is (and isn’t) insurable[00:23:35] – Why smaller firms can be more client-centric than large underwriters🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Dru Wischhover and Inspired Title Group:https://www.inspired-title.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-closing-table/id1733674495https://www.facebook.com/InspiredTitleGroup/https://www.instagram.com/inspired_title_group/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dru-wischhover/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions:⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions⁠👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share so more agents can level up their business. And let us know in the comments: Have you ever had a deal derailed by a title issue?

In this solo episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady, CEO of Harcourts Auctions, unpacks one of the most important shifts facing our industry today: the largest generational wealth transfer in history. Over the next 10–20 years, an estimated $84–90 trillion will pass from baby boomers to Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z—with more than half of it tied directly to real estate assets.Ben explores what this shift means for agents, homeowners, and investors. From the downsizing and liquidation of inherited homes to the remodeling and repositioning of outdated properties, he breaks down both the risks and opportunities this tidal wave of wealth will create. He also raises the alarm on rising inventory levels, the role of institutional buyers, and why realtors must get smart about partnering with estate planners, fiduciaries, and financial advisors to stay ahead of the curve.If you want to understand how to position yourself for success as trillions in real estate changes hands, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – The $90 trillion wealth transfer explained[00:01:17] – Why boomers hold 70% of U.S. real estate[00:02:36] – Why most heirs sell their parents’ properties[00:03:40] – Impact of generational shifts on inventory levels[00:04:57] – The affordability debate: boomers vs younger buyers[00:05:29] – Opportunities in remodeling and renovations[00:06:14] – Institutional buyers and the risks they bring[00:07:31] – Why younger generations may reinvest in real estate[00:08:23] – The role of realtors in inheritance-related sales[00:09:35] – Strategic partnerships: estate planners, fiduciaries & advisors🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: https://www.harcourtsauctions.comConnect with Ben Brady and the Harcourts Auctions team:Facebook: www.facebook.com/BenbradyharcourtsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517Instagram: www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctionsFacebook: www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real estate insights, strategies, and forward-looking conversations that prepare you for where the market is headed.

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down once again with powerhouse agent Rachael Ashley of Harcourts Prime Properties to tackle a critical (and often overlooked) step in growing a real estate business: hiring your first assistant.Rachael shares her unfiltered experience—from the false start with her first hire to finally finding the right fit—and why the real motivation for bringing on help wasn’t just about doing less, but about creating more capacity to do the right things.You’ll hear how she documented her processes, delegated non–income producing tasks, and empowered her assistant to run open houses, manage operations, and drive results. Even more, Rachael reveals the surprising mindset shift agents need when moving from “solo agent” to “business owner.”If you’ve been debating when (and how) to hire help, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, lessons learned, and honest insights you won’t want to miss.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Why Rachael decided it was time to hire an assistant[00:01:14] – The role of coaching in pushing her toward leverage[00:02:52] – Screening candidates: voicemail strategy that works[00:05:01] – The failed first hire and what she learned from it[00:07:16] – How she built her “hand-off” list of tasks[00:09:11] – Training challenges and the importance of patience[00:12:09] – Teaching assistants to run open houses correctly[00:14:38] – Using assistants to gather more powerful seller feedback[00:16:17] – What she’d do differently if hiring again[00:18:59] – Planning the next hire and building a real estate team🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Rachael Ashley & Harcourts Prime Properties:https://www.harcourtsprime.com/agents/Rachael-Ashleyhttps://www.instagram.com/rachaelashleyrealestatehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-ashleyhttps://www.facebook.com/RahaelAshleyHarcourtsPrimeProperties/🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions:⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁠⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions⁠👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real estate strategies, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes conversations designed to help you build a listing-focused business that lasts.

In this financial reality-check episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Alan Franks, founder of The Mill Financial Partners and author of Empowered Money, to talk money, mistakes, and how real estate professionals can get serious about their future. Alan doesn’t hold back—calling out the traps many independent contractors fall into and laying out how to actually build wealth in an inconsistent commission-based world.They cover everything from the psychology of financial planning to tactical moves like using HELOCs, how to think about opportunity cost, why owning a home might not be the best investment, and how to position your portfolio across real estate, equities, and yes—even crypto. Alan also dives into tax strategy, the impact of bonus depreciation, and how agents can set retirement goals that are actually achievable (and not just based on dreams of “hitting a number”).Whether you're living deal-to-deal or looking to make smarter moves with growing income, this conversation will challenge the way you think about money, retirement, and real estate investing.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics[00:00:00] – Why we brought a financial planner onto a real estate podcast[00:01:58] – Where most independent contractors fall short with finances[00:02:55] – Realtors: Are you actually using your tax benefits?[00:04:00] – How to reverse engineer your retirement plan[00:05:20] – What most agents get wrong about income, goals, and lifestyle[00:07:00] – Should you check your financial plan more often than your listings?[00:08:00] – S&P index funds, meme stocks, and crypto: where agents get distracted[00:10:50] – Is your home actually a good investment? A harsh look at equity[00:14:00] – How wealthy people use leverage and debt (smartly)[00:17:02] – Airbnb crash, hard money lending, and safer 2025 bets[00:22:10] – The 4% rule? Alan’s take on retirement income strategies[00:23:30] – Why “just dump it into dividend stocks” isn’t the full answer🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Alan Franks, CFP and The Mill Financial Partners:https://themillfp.com/https://empowered-money.com/https://www.facebook.com/themillfphttps://www.instagram.com/frankly_financial/https://www.amazon.com/EmPowered-Money-security-accumulate-fullest/dp/B0C9SG21KK🔗 Connect with Ben Brady and Harcourts Auctions: ⁣https://www.facebook.com/Benbradyharcourts⁣https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brady-0b223517⁣⁣https://www.instagram.com/harcourtsauctions⁣https://www.facebook.com/HarcourtsAuctions💬 Drop your biggest money mistake (or lesson) in the comments below. Let’s get real.