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 markets Ben’s team is avoiding altogether and why now is a make-or-break moment for listing agents.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – June Market Overview: Inventory, Auctions & Fed Impact[00:02:05] – Case Study: Why Some Properties Still Get 18+ Offers[00:04:11] – The Toughest Seller Profile in Today’s Market[00:06:24] – Market Deep Dive: Florida, Tennessee, Carolinas, and More[00:07:39] – Miami Condos & the Problem with High HOA Fees[00:09:20] – Austin & Arizona: Price Cuts and Buyer Hesitation[00:12:26] – Auctions, Alternatives & the Seller Standstill in 2025🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: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🎧 Like what you heard? Subscribe, leave a comment with your market take, and share this with an agent who needs a dose of reality.

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 look at growing a thriving real estate business in today’s market.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Introduction & Eric Forney’s Real Estate Journey[00:05:00] - Role as Director of Expansion at Keller Williams[00:12:00] - The Power of Analyzing Profit & Loss in Teams[00:18:30] - Building Profitable Teams: Cost of Sale vs Expenses[00:25:00] - What Makes Most Teams Unprofitable?[00:30:30] - Traditional Brokerage vs Cloud Brokerage Explained[00:37:00] - The Future of Brokerage Models & Industry Disruption[00:42:00] - Impact of Private Networks & Lead Aggregators[00:43:40] - Final Thoughts on Real Estate Team Success & Growth🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Eric Forney and Keller Williams:https://www.explore317.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericforney/https://www.facebook.com/eforney/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruptance/id1453590060https://www.youtube.com/@UCTz80Sf-vkaLV0aILIUVpxg https://kw.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/HarcourtsAuctionsSubscribe for more expert insights and real estate strategies. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts below!

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 athletic background shaped her resilience and why culture and coaching are the secret ingredients to her long-term success.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – Introducing Athena Brownson: Real Estate Journey & Lyme Disease Battle[00:05:00] – Denver Market Update: Inventory, Buyer Hesitation & Economic Challenges[00:13:00] – Overcoming Personal Adversity: How Health Challenges Shaped Her Business[00:20:00] – Building a Winning Team: Delegation, Systems & Culture[00:27:00] – Creative Strategies to Sell in a Slow Market[00:31:00] – The Power of Consistency: Mastering the Basics for Long-Term Success🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Athena Brownson:https://athenabrownsonrealtor.com/https://www.facebook.com/AthenaBrownsonRealtorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/athenabrownsonrealtor/https://www.instagram.com/athenabrownsonrealtor🔗 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/HarcourtsAuctionsDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found Athena’s story and strategies valuable. Your support helps us grow and bring more expert insights to agents navigating today’s real estate challenges.

In this cutting-edge episode of Rethink Real Estate, Ben Brady reconnects with Tony Self, Broker Associate at Harcourts Hunter Mason Realty, to dive deep into the latest AI and PropTech breakthroughs transforming the real estate industry. From Google's new AI video generation tool Gemini to ChatGPT’s game-changing capabilities for market report analysis and virtual staging, Tony breaks down the tech that every agent needs to understand — and leverage — to stay ahead of the competition.Discover how AI-powered tools can help you quickly analyze massive data sets, summarize complex feasibility studies, and even create faceless video content to boost your listings’ online presence. Tony and Ben also explore the limitations of predictive property valuations in today's unpredictable market and why expert local knowledge still reigns supreme. Whether you’re curious about the future of AI in real estate or looking for practical tips on incorporating these tools into your business, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a smarter, more efficient listing strategy.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Introduction & AI Landscape Update[00:04:00] - Google Gemini & AI Video Creation Breakthroughs[00:08:00] - Automating Real Estate Videos with CapCut & Video.io[00:10:00] - Virtual Staging with AI: Realistic or Risky?[00:14:00] - Using ChatGPT to Summarize Market Reports & Feasibility Studies[00:18:00] - The Reality of Predictive Analytics & Zillow’s Zestimate[00:22:00] - Why Local Expertise Still Beats Algorithms[00:25:00] - Practical AI Tools Agents Can Use Today🔗 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👍 Like, follow, and subscribe to stay ahead with real estate tech and marketing strategies that drive listings and sales. Drop your questions or AI experiences in the comments — let’s rethink real estate together!

In this episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady sits down with Adam Capes, Founder & CEO of GoForth Global, to explore the rapidly evolving world of fractional ownership and destination clubs. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey from destination clubs to co-ownership models that make luxury second homes more accessible and efficient. Together, they unpack how fractional ownership differs from timeshares and why it’s becoming a smart alternative for second home buyers.Ben and Adam dive into real client stories, including Ben’s own New York City experience, and reveal the hidden pains of traditional second home ownership — from maintenance headaches to underused properties. Adam explains how GoForth simplifies co-ownership, managing all the logistics while offering owners flexibility, equity growth, and access to a network of luxury homes worldwide.Real estate agents will gain valuable insights into how to monetize referrals in this space, earning significant commissions while offering clients innovative solutions that fit modern lifestyles. From investment potential in branded residences to helping clients achieve attainable luxury lifestyles, this episode is packed with actionable ideas for agents and buyers alike.If you’re curious about the future of second home ownership, or how to add a lucrative referral stream to your real estate business, this episode is a must-listen.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] - Introduction to GoForth Global and Fractional Ownership[00:03:00] - What sets fractional ownership apart from timeshares and destination clubs[00:10:00] - Real client insights: The pros and cons of traditional second homes[00:14:00] - How GoForth manages co-ownership logistics and calendar conflicts[00:18:00] - Monetizing fractional ownership referrals as a realtor[00:23:00] - Investment opportunities in branded residences and international markets[00:27:00] - Flexibility and lifestyle benefits for owners[00:28:30] - How to connect clients and start earning referral fees🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Adam Capes & GoForth:https://www.goforthglobal.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-capes-0515732/🔗 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 cutting-edge real estate insights, and don’t forget to like, follow, or subscribe on your favorite platform. Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments below!

In this quick-hitting solo episode, Ben Brady breaks down one of the most critical (and most overlooked) conversations agents should be having right at the beginning of every listing: the financial conversation.Too often, agents chase listings based on seller wants, not seller needs. But without a clear understanding of financial limitations, goals, or pressure points, you’re flying blind — and likely wasting your time. Ben walks through the simple phrasing he uses to uncover whether a seller can actually accept a realistic offer, plus how to use net sheets and ongoing check-ins to stay ahead of surprises.Whether it’s medical debt, hidden obligations, or emotional price anchors, this episode is all about protecting your time, setting expectations, and building the kind of trust that leads to real decisions — not false hope.For agents who value transparency, efficiency, and not getting strung along for six months, this one’s essential listening.🎯 Key Topics & Timestamps:[00:00] – The difference between wants vs. needs in pricing[01:06] – Can you evaluate motivation at the start? Sort of[01:46] – How the 24-hour meeting sets the tone[02:22] – The key question: not “would you take it?” but “could you take it?”[04:36] – Why knowing financial limitations early saves time[06:07] – Self-awareness as a listing agent is a superpower[07:10] – What sellers don’t tell you (and how to surface it early)🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: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 tactical sales and listing strategies. Drop your questions in the comments — we read every single one.

In this marketing-mic-drop episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady and returning guest Chris Cochran get real about the true definition of a lead—and why most agents are doing it completely wrong. Forget overpriced third-party “buyer inquiries.” If you’re not speaking directly to someone’s problem, you're just noise in the feed.Chris breaks down what actually makes someone a qualified lead, how lead magnets should work (but usually don’t), and the power of speaking to niche pain points instead of trying to “market to everyone.” You’ll learn why most agents aren’t building trust with their marketing, how to use gated content the right way, and the exact shift that will 2–3x your conversions.They also dig into tactics like persona-based guides, real client case studies, and the biggest mindset mistake agents make with online ads. Whether you’re buying leads, building a funnel, or just wondering why no one clicks your links—this one’s packed with the kind of clarity that can change your business today.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:00:00] – The Real Definition of a Lead (That Most Agents Miss)[00:01:11] – Why Opt-Ins Matter More Than “Buying Leads”[00:02:22] – Lead Magnets That Actually Work for Agents[00:04:03] – How to Use Gated Content Without Being Annoying[00:05:29] – Building Trust Through Free (But Valuable) Content[00:09:39] – The Power of Persona-Driven Marketing[00:13:05] – Speak to the Problem or Be Ignored🔗 Related Resources:For more info on Harcourts Auctions, our non-distressed auction platform, visit: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 tactical sales and listing strategies. Drop your questions in the comments — we read every single one.

In this no-filter episode of Rethink Real Estate, host Ben Brady is joined by Mark Perkins—Founder, CEO, and Principal Broker of Pivot Realty Group. After 17 years in the business and 200+ agents across six states, Mark reveals why he built a brokerage from the ground up—and why he refuses to let real estate become just another side hustle.Mark gets into the real numbers behind his 95/5 model, how he built a full-service operation with salaried staff, and why his brokerage is designed to serve serious, full-time agents—not part-timers. He shares why he moved away from traditional recruiting, his bold take on compensation splits, and the controversial reason he’s totally fine if 40% of agents leave the industry.This is a masterclass in real estate leadership, brokerage strategy, and staying true to your mission—even if it means doing things the hard way.Timestamps & Key Topics:[00:01:14] – How Pivot Realty Group Got Started[00:06:59] – Why Mark Doesn’t Want Part-Time Agents[00:10:17] – Building a Brokerage Around Agent & Consumer Experience[00:12:09] – Why He’d Still Build a Brokerage Today (Despite the Market)[00:17:03] – Pivot’s Unique 95/5 Commission Split Explained[00:21:00] – Market Trends in Ohio & The Midwest[00:26:09] – The Real Estate Industry Needs a Reality Check🔗 Related Resources Below:🌐 For more information on Harcourts Auctions our non-distressed auction platform feel free to visit https://www.harcourtsauctions.com🔗 Connect with Mark Perkins & Pivot Realty:https://www.pivotrealty.com/https://www.pivotcommercialgroup.com/about-ushttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-perkins-66154b9/https://www.facebook.com/PivotRealtyGrouphttps://www.youtube.com/@pivotrealtygroup4905🔗 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🎧 If this episode made you think twice about your brokerage—or your leadership—smash that like, leave a comment, and send it to someone who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe for more no-BS real estate conversations.