Keeping It Real Podcast • Secrets Of Top 1% REALTORS ® • Interviews With Real Estate Brokers & Agents

Debbie De Grote shares how she went from closing her first deal at 18 to coaching top agents across North America. Debbie and DJ dig into why custom coaching beats cookie‑cutter programs, how to view coaching as a business investment (even if you can’t afford it yet). They also break down how the NAR settlement changed buyer conversations around commissions and why prepared agents are actually winning more now. Last, Debbie shares a simple self‑diagnostic exercise to help you identify where you’re stuck and what to do next. Debbie offers her Negotiations Course for free for Keeping It Real Podcast listeners here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Debbie De Grote can be reached here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this episode Real Estate Video Coach Kim Rittberg talks about how not to be “cringey” on camera. Kim explains that the better we are on camera the more people will build that connection/trust with us through social media. Next Kim discusses how to own who you are in a more comfortable way? Last, Kim walks you though her PATCH method and explains it. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Get on camera with Kim’s Real Estate Video Kickstart – training program and on-camera challenge. Sign up for Kim’s “5 Videos Every Real Estate Agent Must Make to Sell More Homes“. Follow Kim on Instagram. Subscribe to Kim on YouTube. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this announcement episode D.J. Paris talks about his live event called “You’re Doing A.I. 100% Wrong” on Tuesday, April 7th at 12:00PM CST. In this webinar D.J. will show you how to compete with veterans using new tools available now. These methods will be handing back to you 19 hours per week all the while helping you maintain relationships. D.J. will also share 5 strategies on leveraging A.I. tools to bring your business to the next level. Enroll to “You’re Doing AI 100% Wrong” for free using the promo code REAL here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to The Inner Game of Real Estate Success with high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter. In this episode, Paul breaks down the hidden cost of a lack of structure – and how letting emotions drive your day quietly drains energy, fragments focus, and holds real estate professionals back from consistent execution, confident decisions, and peak performance. You’ll learn why inconsistency isn’t a discipline problem, but a structural one rooted in emotional decision-making. Paul also explains how anxiety, fear, and overwhelm hijack your attention, increase cognitive load, and pull you toward short-term relief – creating a dangerous gap between the results you want and the actions you actually take. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Schedule a high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching session with Paul here. Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to another episode of YouTube Lab with Sarah Maslowski. In this episode, Sarah breaks down a real YouTube lead that turned into a closed deal. You’ll hear exactly which video the client watched, how they reached out, and what the first conversation looked like. Sarah also walks you through how the lead was handled step-by-step, from initial contact to closing, and highlight the key moments that made the difference. Additionally, Sarah covers the common mistakes agents make with YouTube leads and how to avoid losing opportunities that are already in your inbox. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Sarah Maslowski can be reached at hello@keypointhomesgroup.com and +1(470) 577-6472. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Mark Gordon shares how he entered the business at the worst possible time, in 2008, after serving on the Vail Town Council and even negotiating a $300M development while working a $15/hour ski job. Mark explains why he left Sotheby’s to run a focused boutique brokerage, and how deep community involvement fuels his business in a small resort market. The conversation also dives into how Mark uses AI as a tool, not a threat, to create better CMAs and searches, and why his work with NAR, CAR, and local associations is critical to protecting homeowners, property rights, and the future of the industry. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Mark Gordon can be reached at (970) 331-5821 and markgordonvail@gmail.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Darwin Stephens shares how he transitioned from a secure Fortune 10 leadership role in corporate America into full-time luxury real estate after the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his original business plans. He discusses building the federally trademarked Selling Dallas brand and establishing authority in the Dallas luxury market through extensive media exposure and a consultative approach tailored to high-net-worth and C-suite clients. Darwin also explains how technology like Metaology’s hyper-real visualization tools is transforming real estate development by allowing investors and developers to experience projects before they’re built. As a triple-licensed professional and CEO/broker of the Raddr Group, he focuses on helping clients maximize their real estate portfolios. He also previews his upcoming podcast exploring the evolving idea of the American Dream and new paths to wealth, retirement, and housing in today’s economy. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Darwin Stephens can be reached at (469) 756-3221 and closewithdarwin@gmail.com This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to our monthly feature Learn With A Lender with Austin Clarence. In this episode, Austin discusses what the recent drop in 30‑year fixed rates below 6% really means for buyers. Austin describes how to use the new FHA loan limit as a pricing strategy, and why non-QM and DSCR loans are game-changers for self‑employed buyers and investors. Last, Austin also shares his concept of “ghost buyers”, people who could qualify but don’t realize it, and gives agents practical ways to turn this hidden group into closed deals. Subscribe to Austin’s newsletter by sending an email to aclarence@nexalending.com. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Austin Clarence can be reached at +1 650-906-2376 and aclarence@nexalending.com This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Eirik Gislason dives into why negotiation is the most underdeveloped, yet crucial, skill for real estate agents, and how to move from listing “features” to clearly communicating real value to clients. Eric shares how to tailor your value proposition to different decision-maker types, navigate tough conversations like price reductions, and guide sellers through multiple-offer situations without losing trust. He also explains his coaching philosophy at Archway Partners, focused on building agent confidence, clarity, and long-term, integrity-based success in a rapidly changing, AI-influenced market. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Eirik Gislason can be reached at 917-558-3992 and egislason@bhsusa.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to The Inner Game of Real Estate Success with high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter. In this episode of The Inner Game of Real Estate Success, Paul breaks down the hidden cost of indecision – and how hesitation quietly drains confidence, overwhelms the mind, and holds real estate professionals back from making bold moves, closing deals, and operating at their highest level. You’ll learn why indecision isn’t just a lack of clarity, but a psychological pattern rooted in fear, uncertainty, and a breakdown in self-trust. Paul explains how unresolved decisions increase cognitive load, invite doubt, and create a dangerous gap between the results you say you want and the actions you take. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Schedule a high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching session with Paul here. Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Jason Caspert, Director of Sales at Courted, explains the “Moneyball” approach to recruiting and retaining real estate agents. D.J. and Jason break down how Courted’s AI-powered platform mines MLS data to show brokers and team leaders exactly who to call, when to call, and what to say – including predicting which agents are most likely to move. They also share practical, real-world tactics for using data to personalize outreach, celebrate agents’ wins, and strengthen retention, not just chase new recruits. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this episode D.J. talks to our in-house mindset coach, the high-performance hypnotherapist Paul Salter to unpack why most agents don’t have a systems problem but they have a mindset problem. Paul describes how fear, anxiety, and old stories stop us from doing simple, high-impact actions like going to the gym, making prospecting calls, or reconnecting with past clients, even when we know exactly what to do. Paul shares practical tools for shifting from unconscious reaction to conscious response using mindfulness, daily rituals, and identity-level work, along with real client examples of agents who rebuilt their relationship with success to earn more while feeling better. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Schedule a high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching session with Paul here. Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here. Check out Paul’s “The Scratch Golfer’s Mindset Podcast” here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to the first episode of YouTube Lab with Sarah Maslowski. In this episode, Sarah discusses why YouTube works when nothing else seems to. Sarah also talks about what type of YouTube videos agents should make to bring leads and to make sure these videos appear in AI engines. Sarah also talks about the importance of consistency with YouTube videos and the equipment agents would need to start. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Sarah Maslowski can be reached at hello@keypointhomesgroup.com and +1(470) 577-6472. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this episode Real Estate Video Coach Kim Rittberg talks about how to make your videos more appealing for the public. Kim discusses the importance of clarity in your videos and also stresses the importance of the hook. Last, Kim talks about her Video Bootcamp and what she teaches there this February. Please enroll to Kim’s Video Bootcamp here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Sign up for Kim’s “5 Videos Every Real Estate Agent Must Make to Sell More Homes“. Follow Kim on Instagram. Subscribe to Kim on YouTube. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to our series Better Your Business With Ben. In this episode Ben Lalez breaks down the real difference between average agents and top producers. Ben shares concrete examples of what an 8am–8pm, opportunity-focused schedule actually looks like, plus how to turn everyday conversations into business instead of missed chances. Ben and DJ also reveal a major marketing gap – most sellers want personalized social media videos, but very few agents provide them – creating a huge edge for those willing to execute. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Ben Lalez can be reached at 312.789.4054 and ben.lalez@compass.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Andrea Gordon talks about her unconventional career transition from theater director and playwright to real estate. Andrea discusses how creative skills and deep listening translate into powerful client relationships and early success. Andrea breaks down how to identify your “best fit” client and how to build trust. Andrea also reveals her evolved marketing machine, from cohesive branding and media to community philanthropy, and how decades of hyper-local experience allow her to accurately predict sales prices in multiple-offer situations. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Andrea Gordon can be reached at 510-421-6818 and andrea@andreagordon.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Amanda Pendleton, the Zillow house trends expert, unpacks fresh data on today’s buyers and sellers. Amanda discusses the growing importance, and fragility, of buyer loyalty, why repeat clients often don’t return to their original agent, and the re‑engagement strategies top producers use to stay top of mind for 10–15 years between moves. Next, Amanda talks about how online research and AI are changing how consumers find agents, what a powerful digital presence and brand should look like in 2026. Amanda also emphasizes that GenZ is a bigger force in the market than most agents realize. Last, Amanda explores what today’s sellers really want and how data-driven agents can use Zillow’s insights to win more listings and build long-term loyalty. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to The Inner Game of Real Estate Success with high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter. In this episode of The Inner Game of Real Estate Success, Paul breaks down how past experiences create beliefs and behaviors designed to protect you in the moment—but often end up holding you back as you try to reach the next level. You’ll learn why these patterns form, how they quietly shape confidence, decision-making, and communication under pressure, and why more information or strategy won’t resolve them. This episode introduces memory reconsolidation and explains how hypnosis works to help you safely unlearn outdated beliefs and behaviors at the subconscious level. Paul clarifies what hypnosis is not, what it actually is, the science behind it, and how he uses it with high-performing real estate agents to release protective patterns that once served them—but now limit growth, leadership, and next-level performance. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Schedule a high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching session with Paul here. Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this episode Real Estate Video Coach Kim Rittberg talks about what the first page of your social media handles should look like what little tweaks you should make. Kim gives tips on how to write you bio and ultimately what content you should be making. Please enroll to Kim’s “The Client Conversion Framework 5 Insider Secrets to Attract Clients through Social Media” free webinar here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Please enroll for Kim’s Real Estate Video Kickstart and 10-Day Video Challenge here. Sign up for Kim’s “5 Videos Every Real Estate Agent Must Make to Sell More Homes“. Follow Kim on Instagram. Subscribe to Kim on YouTube. Listen to Kim’s 5 minute mini-master classes on marketing every Friday on The Exit Interview with Kim Rittberg podcast. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

We are thrilled to announce our newest monthly segment The YouTube Lab with Sarah Maslowski. The YouTube Lab will be a monthly segment hosted by Sarah Maslowski, a real estate agent who has closed over $150 million in sales from YouTube without any paid ads. Each episode will focus on teaching agents how to be successful with YouTube—what to post, how to structure their videos, how to attract the right leads, and how to convert those leads into clients. You’ll also hear interviews with agents who are actively using YouTube to grow their business, with honest breakdowns of what’s working and what’s not. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Sarah Maslowski can be reached at hello@keypointhomesgroup.com and +1(470) 577-6472. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.