ScratchThat
By ScratchThat
ScratchThatDec 12, 2022
Episode 43: Reading Between the Headlines
With how much information is out there nowadays, it can be hard to keep up -- and even more difficult to separate fact from fiction. National Association of REALTORS® Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research Dr. Jessica Lautz joins Emily in this episode of the ScratchThat podcast to provide unique insight into the shifting markets we are seeing locally and nationally. So, listen in, scratch what you’ve heard, and start reading between the headlines.
🎙Visit https://www.ScratchPodcast.com for more information and listen in on all major podcasting platforms!
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JByfFJukpAg
NAR Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers: https://abor.me/3iQqK87
NAR Research: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics
Jessica Lautz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lautz/
Connect with ABoR on Socials:
IG https://www.instagram.com/ABoR_REALTORS
Facebook https://www.abor.com/austinboardofrealtors
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-board-of-realtors
Twitter https://www.facebook.com/AustinBoardofRealtors
TikTok *NEW* https://www.tiktok.com/@abor_realtors
Episode 42: Creating Meaningful Change
Kirk Watson is no stranger to politics. The former Mayor of Austin and Texas State Senator is throwing his hat in the ring once again, running to serve as Austin’s Mayor. In this episode of ScratchThat he joins Emily Chenevert to map out his plans to prioritize housing if he is elected Mayor of Austin again come November.
Visit ABoR's Voter Hub at ABoR.com/Vote for more resources, including the 2022 REALTOR® Voter Guide with endorsed candidates and information about local bond propositions.
Learn more about Kirk at KirkWatson.com/meet-kirk/
Watch this interview on YouTube. You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 41: The Business of Belonging
Pamela Benson Owens is the President and CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc and is acting Executive Director of Six Square. For nearly 25 years, Pam has helped organizations manage perceptions around complex and challenging issues with courage and strategic passion. At the Austin Board of REALTORS®, she is an instrumental partner in ensuring we maintain a thriving staff culture that champions belonging and inclusion, with bold vision and courageous leadership. Pam is also the host of the Rooted podcast, which you can find on Apple Podcasts.
Don't miss this unfiltered, real-talk conversation with Pam and Emily about the business of belonging, and all the ways that leaders and organizations often get it wrong, when they believe they're doing everything right
Watch this interview on YouTube. You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 40: Delivering the Essentials
Meet Zachary Maurais, co-founder of Favor and now Sunroom Rentals. He solved our basic needs for grocery delivery and wings on a Friday with Favor. Now he’s focused on helping consumers navigate the leasing process while giving property managers and owners tools to market their properties more efficiently.
You can follow Zac on Instagram @zacadooo and stay up to date with Sunroom by following them on Instagram at @sunroom and online at sunroomrentals.com.
Watch this interview on YouTube. You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 39: Artificial Un-Intelligence
Meredith Broussard is dispelling the myth that computers are intelligent, impartial players in decision making. A data journalist and associate professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University, research director at the NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology, and the author of Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World, Broussard is dedicated to helping people avoid AI in social decisions in order to break the chain of systemic bias she believes is baked into many software programs. Because many programs rely on historical data, which itself includes bias, she believes many programs - especially those used in social decisions - end up perpetuating inequity. And, some of these programs could get users into legal trouble.
In this discussion, Meredith warns REALTORS® to avoid programs that could hold them legally liable and create bias in their decisions, what to look for when using artificial intelligence and the kind of questions you need to ask vendors before using their products.
You can follow Meredith on Twitter @merbroussard and check her work as well as stay updated on upcoming books at meredithbroussard.com.
Episode 38: A Haven for All
It's been almost two years since New York Newsday conducted an investigation that found REALTORS® engaged in discriminatory talk and practices. This investigation rattled the industry and led to some serious discussions and changes. It also happened around the same time Bryan Greene, who had spent his career at HUD, joined the organization as NAR’s Director of Fair Housing Policy. He immediately took action, working on not only recognizing the agency’s past history of discrimination but addressing the biases that still exist.
In this conversation, Bryan discusses how REALTORS® can take ownership of their own bias through educational programs, such as NAR’s simulation Fairhaven, which challenges a player to achieve their goals while navigating discrimination—both overt and subtle—while still obtaining the objective. Bryan also talks about what’s on the legislative agenda regarding fair housing and the policies NAR is helping push with the current presidential administration.
Follow Bryan on LinkedIn here. And in the spirit of Fair Housing Month, play Fairhaven here and see how you “fare” when it comes to fair housing.
Episode 37: "Yes, and..." Conversations
Michelle Mills Clement is healing wounds through her job. As CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, she hit the ground running when she proposed a resolution to formally apologize to the community for past discrimination against minorities, such as redlining policies. For Michelle, undoing history that did not promote Fair Housing in Chicago was personal. She was leading an organization that only decades ago wouldn’t have even let her become a member. Part of her mission now is to undo the damage of the past by redefining the culture of CAR through training and creating space to have uncomfortable conversations in an effort to bring more equity to housing access.
In this empowering conversation with Emily, Michelle shares her philosophy of what has motivated her organization’s decisions, the impact those moves have had on the community, and how powerful the role of a REALTOR® really is. Learn how having empathetic “Yes, and…” conversations transformed CAR and added value to its membership, making Chicago a better city.
You can learn more about Michelle here, and by following her on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter at @Fly_AsAMother.
Watch this interview on YouTube. You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 36: Your Miracle Morning
Get out some pen and paper to learn productivity secrets from bestselling author and life coach Hal Elrod! In this special episode, he shares insights into building a morning routine that can set you up for success. Author of “The Morning Miracle” and “The Morning Miracle for Real Estate Agents,” Hal has helped countless people change their career success and their lives by helping them develop some simple habits. At a time where markets are booming, inventory is low and agents are working around the clock to serve their clients, Hal talks about how you can find balance and create the life you want to have. It just starts with six simple steps in the morning.
Interested in hearing more? Hal Elrod will be a featured speaker at ABoR’s ThinkUp LIVE on March 23, where he will specifically talk about how his tools can work for those in the real estate industry—both professionally and personally.
Learn more about Hal and The Miracle Morning through his website or by following Hal on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Plus, be sure to check his new documentary, The Miracle Morning Movie.
Watch this interview on YouTube. You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 35: The Unbecoming Standard of Conduct
When NAR amended its Code of Ethics to directly address hate speech, it sparked a fury of complaints throughout the REALTOR® community, as some felt it would be used as a weapon against those with conservative political beliefs. One of its most outspoken critics is Rob Hahn (who we interviewed on this show back in 2019), Managing Partner of 7DS Associates and producer and writer of the blog and information site NotoriousROB. Hahn believes Canada came up with a better solution to tackling egregious behavior with its “conduct unbecoming” clause which casts a broad net as to what constitutes unbecoming behavior for an industry professional.
In this episode, Emily sits down with Rob and Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association, to see if Canada is really effective in stopping egregious behavior by asking them what lessons we could learn from our neighbor up North. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and this conversation shows just how much tension there still is in a highly politicized environment, even when it comes to real estate.
Check out Rob’s blog at notorious-rob.com and on Twitter at @robhahn and on LinkedIn. Follow Tim on Twitter at @timhudak.
Wanna hear more? You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. You can also view this episode on YouTube! Subscribe today!
Episode 34: Code Switch
Matt Difanis, the 2020 Chair for the National Association of REALTORS®’ Professional Standards Committee, is helping change the landscape for people of color in the industry. As racial injustice made headlines across the country in 2020, Difanis helped lead the charge for NAR to amend its Code of Ethics, making hate speech a violation of the organization’s standards of ethics—not only in professional settings but in private arenas, as well. After a heated debate with multiple members weighing in on whether REALTORS® were living up to their obligation to help find housing for all, NAR voted to pass the Professional Standard Committee’s recommendations on November 13, 2020.
In this candid discussion, Matt shares some of his own experiences helping his friends of color combat racism, what this new policy means for REALTORS®, and his hopes for the future of real estate. Learn more about the policy and how it affects REALTORS®, you can visit NAR’s website section dedicated to the topic.
Episode 33: Leveling the Field
Sarah Thomas didn’t set out to change the face of football as the first female calling plays. Coming from an athletic background, she simply set out to succeed in her calling as an American football official with determination. As the first female official to ever work a major college football game, the first woman to officiate a bowl game, and the first to officiate in a Big Ten stadium, Sarah knows what it takes to open closed doors and make change without making enemies in a competitive environment. But it hasn’t been an easy ride and she’s had to commit to a lot of personal sacrifice to keep her career on track.
We invited Sarah to share her incredibly motivating story of breaking the glass ceiling time after time at ThinkUp. When last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she shared her story about making history in a male-dominated industry as keynote for our virtual 2020 Annual Meeting and participated in a live, virtual interview during our How to Hustle series. We were able to record this interview before she started the 101st season of the National Football League in September. Since then, she’s adding another feather to her cap when she becomes the first female to officiate The Big Game on February 7, 2021!
In this discussion, Sarah talks about what it takes to succeed despite the odds, how to take rejection and persevere, and how self-reflection and learning from mistakes can you help grow much faster than the determination to always be right. For anyone who has put all their energy into achieving their dreams, even if those dreams seem far-flung, Sarah’s insight offers a strategy and a mindset to get there.
Episode 32: A New Lease on Life
Founder and President of Rental Beast Ishay Grinberg believes every agent should include rental services in their portfolio. It’s not only a wise networking opportunity with future buyers, but a chance to make extra money with much less effort than you would anticipate. After years of working as an agent with a boutique agency in New York City, Grinberg founded Rental Beast as an MLS-style resource for rental properties. By providing millions of listings, Grinberg’s goal is to make the rental property search and transaction as seamless as possible, with the ability to do everything virtual and from one platform.
In this episode, Grinberg discusses the effect of COVID-19 on rental properties, the tools REALTORS® need to get into the market, and why working in property management is worth the effort. Learn more about Rental Beast by following them on Twitter at @RentalBeast, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. You can also view this episode on YouTube. Subscribe today!
Episode 31: Go Your Own Way
Dee Dee Blizard loves to travel. As Broker at Global Real Estate Consulting and the Vice President of the International Real Estate Federation USA, Dee Dee’s combined her passion for traveling and networking, closing transactions around the world for residential and some commercial properties. Pre-COVID, her life consisted of boarding dozens of international flights. Now, she’s taking a different approach. In this episode, we talk to her about how her operations have changed to serve her clients, and how other REALTORS® can reach their global dreams.
Part of the strategy of launching an international real estate consulting business is networking with others who are doing the same thing. Check out FIABCI for more information on getting started.
Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play.
Episode 30: Perception is Reality
In this candid interview about prejudice, Afua Addo and Emily discuss what steps REALTORS® can take to help shape the future of housing. As Deputy Director of Programs and Training at Perception Institute, Afua is working to educate REALTORS® and members of NAR on housing inequity in the United States, as well as the role the housing industry plays in perpetuating the home ownership divide. Through videos and training workshops, Perception Institute is helping us learn how to recognize our own inherent biases, how to give ourselves grace as we re-educate ourselves on the history of housing, and how we can pave the way for a more equitable future—starting with our own network of friends.
Check out this video the Perception Institute recently made in partnership with NAR on overcoming barriers to fair housing. And, pick up a copy of Afua’s favorite book, Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do, by Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt.
This interview is available on YouTube here. Follow Afua on Twitter at @iamafua; and learn more about the Perception Institute by liking their Facebook page and following them on Twitter at @perceptioninst.
Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 29: Pitch Perfect
As Executive Editor for Curbed—an online publication that’s a must-read for members of the housing industry and fans of architecture—Mercedes Kraus is always looking to feature unique and historically interesting homes for their avid readers. But, with so much competition and without a publicity team to spend the time reaching out, how does a REALTOR® get into publications like Curbed? In this lighthearted episode, Mercedes breaks down the dos and don'ts of getting media exposure, how to pitch to editors, and how to build important relationships with journalists without hiring a publicist.
Mercedes also discusses the design trends she’s seeing come out of shelter-in-place orders, her favorite place to turn to for architectural and design inspiration, and what she misses about living in Central Texas.
Episode 28: Human Behavior
As the Chief Real Estate Officer of OJO Labs, Chris Heller is at the forefront of artificial intelligence and real estate. OJO helps connect people with answers to their real estate questions immediately, using a mixture of real human interaction and AI. During COVID-19, it’s been an especially useful tool as more consumers are using online resources to shop and search for a home. As home buying changes, OJO helps showcase the tools available to provide a really great experience that is more personalized and tailored to buyers.
In this episode, Emily and Chris talk about the changes happening in virtual real estate transactions, what COVID-19 could mean for future home sales, how pent up demand could affect the market—and how working remotely has changed people’s behaviors and relationships.
This interview is available on YouTube here. Follow Chris on LinkedIn and Twitter, and through his personal website.
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Episode 27: Back to Business, But Not as Usual
As CEO of the National Association of REALTORS®, it’s Bob Goldberg’s job to keep his finger on the pulse of tens of thousands of REALTORS across the country to ensure they’re getting the support and advocacy they need. From negotiating deals with companies to providing resources for members to advocating on Capitol Hill, Bob says NAR is there to help each member succeed and invest in the technology they need to stay current and competitive. Rather than separating NAR from its members, COVID-19 has brought associations and REALTORS® closer than ever by making it possible for thousands of members to participate in virtual conferences and meetings.
One major issue our industry is facing now is racial inequity due to historical laws have left many people out of the real estate market. In this frank discussion, Bob and Emily tackle issues of racism in the industry, how associations are working to change it, and how members can get involved as advocates and supporters.
This interview is available on YouTube here. Bob on Facebook, LinkedIn, and go to Nar.Realtor for more information about the association’s work.
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Episode 26: Moving On Up or Moving On Out
Will COVID-19 change the way we decide to buy homes in the future? Emily and Ralph McLaughlin, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Analytics at Haus, ponder this question as they talk about the market’s recovery taking a “flying W” shape, whether the migration to urban centers will slow, and trends we can expect in the coming years.
Having cut his teeth at CoreLogic, Trulia, and as an Assistant Professor and City of San Jose Housing Commissioner, Ralph is a self-described housing nerd. Learn why he believes Haus will help revolutionize the way people buy homes; taking on partner investors through a private company instead of debt through a bank and getting more flexibility with payments in return.
You can follow Ralph on LinkedIn or on Twitter at @HousingRalph.
Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 25: Survey Says
When it comes to why specific groups of people make decisions, Dr. Jessica Lautz has her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the real estate industry. As Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights at the National Association of REALTORS®, she studies demographic trends within the industry—which means she’s focused on how behaviors among buyers change in any given situation, including a global pandemic. In this episode, Emily and Jessica cover newsworthy topics, ranging from how COVID-19 is shifting buyers’ housing preferences (spoiler: pet adoption is a factor) to why the legalization of marijuana is changing the market. Learn what factors are impacting the housing industry today and how you can help clients get what they want.
Go here to learn more about Jessica’s findings, and follow her on Twitter at @jessicalautz and Instagram at @jessica.lautz. Follow @nar_research on Twitter for the latest trends and data in your industry, and check out NAR’s Right Tools, Right Now initiative Jessica touts in the episode.
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Episode 24: Shop (Rates) 'Til You Drop
Patrick Boyaggi isn’t a soothsayer, but he tends to look to the future and prepare for it. He is the co-founder and CEO of Own Up, a tech company that allows buyers to shop for lenders with the assistance of a free advisor, and when it comes to COVID-19 he has two potential outcomes for the housing industry: one that looks rosy and one that’s more dire. Either way, he believes professionals in the housing industry need to prepare for both and it starts with reading the signs.
ScratchThat is now on YouTube! Watch the video interview here of Emily and Patrick chatting about how agents can help their customers find the best mortgages to fit their individual situations, what the impact of this global pandemic might be on housing, and how political moves made now could affect us in the future.
To find out more about Patrick and Own Up, visit the company’s blog, Facebook page, Instagram, and follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrickboyaggi and LinkedIn.
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Episode 23: Brothers and Sisters
Alan Graham changed the course of his life more than 20 years ago. When he was a real estate investor and developer, he experienced a transformation that called him to use his skills to help those less fortunate. That’s when he founded Mobile Loaves & Fishes and started fighting for the rights and needs of the chronically homeless. He has more recently put his developer expertise to work in creating Community First! Village, an innovative solution to what those experiencing homelessness need most. The village not just a place to live but a community to lean on. With 3D homes and national recognition, it is constantly evolving to help people create a new beginning in a place that is more relational than transactional. ABoR is proud to commit $1 Million to Community First! Village so Alan can continue to make our community stronger.
Alan believes being vulnerable is the key to creating impact and he shares with us his story, his motivations. and his insight into creating change at the grassroots level. To find out more about Alan ad Community First!, check out Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
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Episode 22: Tech: Friend or Foe?
Is technology really the great equalizer in our business? In Episode 22 of ScratchThat, ABoR CEO Emily Chenevert talks with Jeff Turner about how tech can’t replace heart. As the President of RealSatisfied, former CEO and current Chief Strategy Officer of immoviewer, and the Entrepreneur in Residence with the National Association of Realtors' REACH and Second Century Ventures, Jeff is on the cutting edge when it comes to the intersection of real estate and technology. While he’s unapologetic about technology and its disruption of the real estate market, he believes that human ingenuity, real-life connectedness and culture will be the real differentiators in this rapidly changing industry.
No matter how you feel about disruption in the industry, listen up and think about how you can find your edge as a REALTOR® in today’s rapidly changing market.
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Episode 21: Culture Club
As President and CEO of Realogy Expansion Brands, which includes Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Sherry Chris has keen insight on what it takes to establish and support a healthy culture within a business. She’s currently doing that with multiple brands under her leadership. Whether you’re working solo or within a group, Sherry says staying true to your values, always offering superior service, and keeping a growth mindset will help create a culture that will help your business thrive.
In this episode, you’ll learn best practices and personal insights from a marketing legend with more than 30 years of experience growing a brand that has continued success today.
To find out more about Sherry, check her out on Twitter and Instagram at @SherryChris, LinkedIn, or visit realogy.com.
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Episode 20: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Tim Heyl, Founder and CEO of Homeward, took the Austin real estate market by storm within years of starting his career at Keller Williams Realty. Voted Top Real Estate Agent by Austin Business Journal and having his team, The Heyl Group, ranked as the 25th most productive team in the Real Trends Thousand list, he attributes his success to knowing when to ask for help, taking the time to build close-knit teams, and spending an immense amount of time generating leads. He’s now looking to give real estate agents a leg up when competing with iBuyers through Homeward. Homeward is a startup that makes it possible for people to use their home value to make a cash offer on a house without having to put it on the market first, removing the burden of finding a transition home between sales. Unlike other tools, Homeward requires a real estate agent for the transaction, and Heyl believes this enables agents to offer their expertise while also offering clients the kind of tools the market now demands. In this episode, Tim explains how agents can power up their careers and stay competitive in a hot market.
To find out more about Tim and his company, follow Homeward on Facebook and Instagram.
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Episode 19: Wake Up YPN
Under the umbrella of the National Association of REALTORS®, the Young Professional’s Network gives members of the industry a chance to build a strong community, access additional resources for their business, and help shape the future of the industry. YPN plays a vital role in promoting the values and needs of REALTORS® within local associations and at a national level. In this episode, ABoR CEO Emily Chenevert sits down with three YPN superstars: Tommy Choi, President of the Chicago Board of Realtors and immediate past Chair of the National Association of REALTORS®’ YPN Advisory Board; Piper Knoll, current Chair of the National YPN Advisory Board; and Matt Clements, President of Orange County REALTORS® Association and a member of the National YPN Advisory Board. In typical ScratchThat style, this group of game-changers have a candid discussion on why YPN is vital for shaping the future of the industry, how important the community is for those building their business, and what the future could look like as they diversify their leadership team and promote new ideas across the country.
To find out more about YPN, check them out on Twitter at @YPN and visit the national site at ypn.realtor. Follow Tommy Choi on Twitter at @tommychoi, Facebook Faceebook, and Instagram at @tommyjoochoi; Piper Knoll on LinkedIn; and Matt Clements on Twitter at @surferreealtor, Facebook, and Instagram at @surferreealtor.
You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 18: Keep it Simple, Stupid (Revisited)
In Episode 18, we revisit Episode 2 featuring Joe Rand, who will be a featured speaker at ThinkUp, Austin Board of REALTORS®'s new conference happening in April 2020. Rand is the leading innovator in real estate education and author of Disruptors, Discounters, and Doubters: A Guide for the Client-Oriented Future of the Real Estate Industry. At the heart of our discussion is a question for agents and brokers, "Have I done what I can to ensure the pain points of my clients are met before my own needs?" Those pain points, which Rand identifies and walks through, are key areas of disruption to make or break your value proposition. Listen in to understand how disruptors impact the real estate industry and how to find new opportunities to enhance your value.
Rand is the Managing Partner of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, one of the largest family-owned real estate brokerages in the country. Last year, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty participated in over $2.0 billion in real estate transactions, becoming one of the top 100 real estate companies in the country. Disrupters, Discounters, and Doubters is available on Amazon and Kindle. Learn more about Joe Rand here, follow him on Twitter at @josephrand, and on LinkedIn.
You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 17: MLS Y2K
As the market changes and questions arise about the role the MLS plays in the new landscape, it’s becoming a Y2K moment for the MLS. On November 9, the National Association of Realtors will engage in a discussion with ABoR and associations around the country on the proposal of the “Clear Cooperation Policy,” which is meant to ensure that any MLS participating brokers who publicly market their listings also enter that activity into the MLS for cooperation purposes.
In this episode, Austin Board of REALTORS® CEO Emily Chenevert discusses whether this proposal is solving a problem, how ABoR plans to play a role in the discussion, and what you can do to be a part of the decision. She sits down with ABoR Chief Operating Officer Stan Martin and MLS Senior Brand Strategist Will Burnham to get to the heart of the issue and break down what it means for agents and their clients.
To learn more about the Clear Cooperation Proposal, check out this explanation on NAR’s website.
Wanna learn more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Wanna learn more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Episode 16: Southern Belle
As CEO of RE/MAX Leigh Brown & Associates, bestselling author, and inspirational speaker, Leigh Brown is a force of nature who is determined to show fellow REALTORS® the power they have to make a difference. During this episode, Leah shares her knowledge of housing affordability and its impact on the average family. Determined to put policy in place to make home ownership more realistic for Americans, she threw her hat in the ring during North Carolina’s recent special election to represent North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. While she didn’t win, she came out of the fight with an even greater fire in her belly to demonstrate the impact REALTORS® can have at a local and national level.
With Leigh being a stalwart Republican focused on affordable housing and Emily being a lifelong Democrat hailing from a family of Dallas politicians, this might just be the most civilized and educational political discussion you’ve heard in years. In addition, Leigh shares her tools for being more authentic, creating deeper connections with potential clients, and staying competitive in a saturated career field.
For more of Leigh’s insights, you can check out her book “Outrageous Authenticity: You are Your Best Sales Weapon,” her podcast Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate with Leigh Brown, and follow her on Twitter at @LeighBrown.
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Episode 15: The Doctor is In
The chronically homeless population are not the only ones who suffer from a lack of affordable housing. This episode examines a community of people who have to choose between rent and food; families who end up moving so frequently their children get sick, and the adults end up physically aging by 10 years, shortening their life span and increasing their risk of a medical emergency.
Dr. Megan Sandel, the Associate Director of the GROW clinic at Boston Medical Center, a Principal Investigator with Children’s Health Watch, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, says the lack of affordable housing is a public health issue, and it’s up to community leaders and society at large to treat it with the same seriousness as employment, healthcare and education.
With her deep level of expertise in both health and housing, Dr. Sandel breaks down what it means for a home to be healthy, the impact healthy homes can have on society, and how investing in affordable housing can help a company’s bottom line.
For more insight on health and housing, you can follow Dr. Sandel @megansandel on Twitter.
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Episode 14: We Are Family
While the adage “location, location, location” still holds true for residential properties, design is playing an ever more important role as homes are becoming more efficient, compact and central to the action. In this episode, Emily chats with two employees at global design and architecture firm Gensler: Brooks Howell, Residential Leader and Principal, and Stephanie Wherry, Technical Designer. They share the important design elements and newest trends we’re seeing in the residential and commercial spaces.
From 3D printed homes to micro-units and communal living, there are certain design techniques that can add value to a property and to those living in it. It’s not about square footage; it’s about creating a space that brings people together and makes them feel happy. By understanding the importance of design, especially in smaller spaces, agents can better help their customers make the right moves to get the most value for their homes.
Follow Gensler on Twitter at @Gensler_design for more insight on design and space; and Brooks on LinkedIn and Stephanie on Instagram at @wherrystephanie.
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Episode 13: Slide Slide Slippity-Slide
Marki Lemons-Ryhal is a force of nature who has taken social media by storm. As an instructor, keynote speaker, and author, she has helped thousands of REALTORS® learn the true skills of using social media to generate leads and business. You don’t need to be a natural at using these tools to make them work for you. All it takes is commitment, scheduling and a non-sales approach to make social media help grow your business.
If you feel like you’re shooting in the dark when it comes to using social media for your business, this episode is for you. A natural teacher who speaks frankly and from the heart, Marki demystifies social engagement so that you feel empowered to make it a powerful tool in your business. She breaks down the numbers on the number of leads you need to make the income you want, how to schedule your social media activity so it’s serving your business, and the kind of valuable content you should share to attract potential clients.
Naturally, you can find Marki on all major social media channels at @markilemons, listen to her podcast here, and you can get more insight from her at MarkiLemmons.com. PLUS, Marki shared her daily Social Media Strategy Checklist and a 7 Day Social Media Guide for Sustainable Growth.
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Episode 12: Started From the Bottom
Spyglass Realty Owner Ryan Rodenbeck is an avid content marketing enthusiast who believes the best way to reach your audience and potential clients is through more honesty and less pictures of sold signs.. A self-educated guru, Ryan hosts a web series called Realty Hack, which provides “damn good advice for agents, brokers and real estate teams.” Contributing regularly to Inman, and boasting thousands of followers on Instagram, he has successfully built an online presence for his personal brand that has grown his business.
Recognized by the Platinum Top 50 for his success, Ryan admits there were times he got cocky and he paid the price in his business. He now wants to share his insight into what makes a successful REALTOR®, how to embrace and learn from your mistakes, as well as how to be more authentic when building your personal brand. Pro tip: it’s not showing off all your sales, but rather showing off how hard you’re willing to work in an increasingly competitive landscape.
You can get more advice and insight from Ryan on Instagram and Facebook at @realtyhack.
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Episode 11: It's Not Easy Being Green
As the founder of Sustainable Real Estate Consulting Services and as an advisory board member for the NAR Green Resource Council, Craig Foley has seen first-hand how becoming more knowledgeable about sustainable real estate can help brokers and agents meet market demands, command higher prices for properties and contribute to a global trend toward more energy efficient and, eventually, net-zero efficient buildings. In this conversation with Emily, he talks about trends on the horizon and how you can better serve your customers, as well as changes you can make right now to understand the green home revolution.
Craig is an Agent Partner at LAER Realty Partners. Learn more about Craig here, and get more advice and insight from him on Twitter at @EnergyGeekCraig. You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
ScratchThat Episode 10: #BFF
As the CEO of Redfin, Glenn Kelman is used to fighting battles in the industry he helped disrupt. Now he’s concentrating on bridging the disparity gap when it comes to race and real estate. In this candid conversation with Emily, he talks about Redfin’s role in helping minority real estate agents and homebuyers find more equal footing, and how Redfin agents can play a bigger role in helping associations challenge potentially unfair legal precedents. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!
You can get more advice and insight from Glenn on LinkedIn and on Twitter at @GlennKelman.
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ScratchThat Episode 9: Strategery
Clint takes us through what strategic planning looks like, how far into the future one needs to plan, and the most important factors to keep in mind as you grow and adapt to industry changes.
Learn more about Clint here, and get more advice and insight from Clint on LinkedIn and Twitter at @clintskutchan.
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ScratchThat Episode 8: Smooth Operator
Learn more about Bill here, follow him on Twitter at @bill_fowler, Instagram at @bcliftong, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
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ScratchThat Episode 7: Back to School
Follow Blake on Twitter at @aceable, Instagram at @bcliftong, Linkedin, and Facebook.
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ScratchThat Episode 6: Get Real
ScratchThat Episode 5: NAR Up in MLS Business
Sam currently serves as the 2019 NAR President's Liaison for MLS and Data Management, VP of Government Affairs for Washington REALTORS® , and Past President of Seattle King County REALTORS® .
Follow Sam on Twitter at @SEATTLEHOMEoCOM and on LinkedIn.
You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
ScratchThat Episode 1: Housing Supply Crisis or Concern?
In this inaugural episode, ABoR CEO Emily Chenevert hosts guest Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®. He and Emily discuss how the housing shortage impacts the Austin community in the short and long term. Listen to discover the severity of the housing shortage crisis, potential threats it poses to U.S. economic stability, and approaches agents can take in explaining it to clients.
You can listen to this episode and previous ones on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
ScratchThat Episode 2: Keep it Simple Stupid
At the heart of our discussion is a question for agents and brokers, "Have I done what I can to ensure the pain points of my clients are met before my own needs?" Those pain points, which Rand identifies and walks through, are key areas of disruption to make or break your value proposition. Listen in to understand how disruptors impact the real estate industry and how to find new opportunities to enhance your value.
Rand is the Managing Partner of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, one of the largest family-owned real estate brokerages in the country. Last year, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty participated in over $2.0 billion in real estate transactions, becoming one of the top 100 real estate companies in the country. Disrupters, Discounters, and Doubters is available on Amazon and Kindle. Learn more about Joe Rand here, follow him on Twitter at @josephrand, and on LinkedIn.
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ScratchThat Episode 3: Data and Then Some
Data rules everything around you, and Miller discusses the importance of clean MLS data, data standards that work across multiple markets, and how that data is moved.
Our ability to harness large amounts of data readily that’s customized to need is increasing everyday, and the near future will see smarter applications around the MLS. Listen in to better understand how those new capabilities of can best serve you.
Learn more about Miller here, follow him on Twitter at @jackmiller, and on LinkedIn.
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ScratchThat Episode 4: Church and State
Through a range of analogies, including church, the Navy SEALs, and dating, he and Emily discuss how associations can evolve by recommitting themselves and members to core values. Emily also discusses the Austin Board of REALTORS®’ Be a Member campaign, meant to build active member engagement, and create mutual expectations and accountability.
Follow Hahn on Twitter at @robhahn and on LinkedIn. Hahn also writes the well-known blog, Notorious R.O.B., where he opines on topics in real estate, technology, marketing, and strategy. We encourage you to read The Church of REALTOR Faces a Fundamental Question.
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