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

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 This episode introduces memory reconsolidation and explains how hypnosis works to help you safely unlearn outdated beliefs and behaviors at the subconscious level.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.

In our January episode, Carrie McCormick discusses the evolving real estate landscape in 2026. Carrie explores the shift from speed to strategy, the power of storytelling in pricing, and why reputation and strong client relationships are more crucial than ever for real estate success. Carrie also discusses how leading agents are adapting to market changes and building lasting brands. Please follow Carrie on Instagram. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Carrie can be reached at carrie@atproperties.com or by phone at 312.961.4612. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Kristee Leonard shares her journey from helping her mother break into real estate to building a successful solo career. Kristee discusses the keys to her success: relentless work ethic, flexibility with clients, and a refusal to limit herself to a specific niche. She also discusses the importance of luxury branding and how social media—especially targeting other agents—has helped her generate valuable referrals. Last, Kristee talks about her challenges, future goals, and her belief in collaboration over competition within the real estate industry. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Kristee Leonard can be reached at Kristee@TheLeadersRealty.com and 512.695.5144 This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Marisa Kashino talks about her journey from journalist to novelist and her achievements, including “Best Offer Wins” and TV adaptations. Marisa discusses the differences between fiction and journalism, the importance of editors and coaches, and Marissa’s personal editing experiences. Next, Marisa unpacks the book’s themes of status, societal pressures, and female rage as experienced by both homebuyers and professional women. Marisa also talks about how social media and technology shape our perceptions of success and perfection, especially within real estate. Last, Marissa and DJ discuss industry practices like buyer “love letters” and share insights for both readers and real estate professionals. You can buy Marisa’s “Best Offer Wins” book here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Please follow Marisa on Instagram here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Tim Burrell shares the best and worst advice he’s received in real estate, emphasizing authenticity, empathy, and the value of working with the right clients. Tim discusses how cultivating rapport and trust can lead to more successful negotiations, and learn practical strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence to gain an edge in real estate deals. Tim also discusses collaborative negotiating and why trust and information-sharing are vital, and how empathy leads to better negotiation outcomes. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Tim Burrell can be reached at (919) 812-5111. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Connie Mahan shares her inspiring journey from restaurant management to becoming Realtor of the Year in Central Florida. Connie talks about the value of building authentic community relationships, and her hands-on approach to leading and motivating her team. Connie also emphasizes the importance of mindset, gratitude, and resilience in overcoming industry challenges. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Connie Mahan can be reached at (352) 569-0233. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Welcome to our monthly feature Unpopular Real Estate Opinions with Chris Linsell. In this episode, Chris discusses bold predictions about the possible transformation or decline of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) by 2026. The discussion delves into what value NAR, as well as state and local associations, truly provide to agents amidst shifting industry dynamics. Chris and D.J. propose a new vision for NAR focused on lobbying, national data initiatives, and raising standards for agent entry and ongoing training. Last, Chris and D.J. highlight the need for agents and organizations alike to adapt, level up skills, and provide unique value in an evolving market. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here. Please check Chris’ profile on LinkedIn. 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. When Everything Feels Like an Attack: How to Defuse Anger, Reactivity, and Taking Things Personally in Business In this episode, Paul unpacks why high-performing real estate entrepreneurs are so easily triggered by feedback, questions, and perceived criticism—and how those reactions quietly sabotage leadership, relationships, and results. Learn why your nervous system is wired to feel attacked, how unresolved doubt and identity gaps fuel anger and defensiveness, and how reframing triggers as teachers can help you respond with clarity, composure, and authority instead of reactivity. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here. Book a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Michael Thornton shares his transition from corporate America to leading a top real estate team. Michael discusses the importance of resilience, professionalism, and systematic client service in building a trusted brand and sustaining steady business growth. Next, Michael highlights how structured team collaboration enables work-life balance and growth opportunities for all team members. Michael also reveals how leveraging social media can boost visibility and attract clients in today’s competitive market. Last, Michael talks about the importance of meaningful client relationships, building a strong team, and adapting to new technologies in real estate. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Michael Thornton can be reached at (630) 532-9246 and michaelthorntonteam@gmail.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Jay Cannone talks about how he built his business in real estate. Jay discusses the evolution of his business from door-knocking and cold calling to the power of consistent marketing and authentic client relationships. Jay also discusses how family influence and personal challenges have shaped both his professional path and his outlook on life. Jay highlights his dedication to community involvement and the importance he places on giving back. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Jay Cannone can be reached at 203.209.2529 and jay@jaycannone.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this episode Real Estate Video Coach Kim Rittberg talks about what content we should be making as soon as the new year comes around and where to start with video in 2026. Kim discusses the importance of the “about me” video and talks about her ABC method explaining what it stands for. At the end Kim shares a great bonus tip. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer 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.

Bari Mill discusses her journey from collegiate athlete and educator to real estate success, highlighting the key advice and lessons that shaped her career. Bari emphasizes the importance of resilience, teamwork, and being coachable, drawing on her athletic background to explain how discipline and time management have anchored her business approach. Bari also shares her strategies for building a client base, including leveraging referrals and finding a professional niche. Last, Bari shares insights on mindset, motivation, and the importance of gratitude in both business and life. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Bari Mill can be reached at (847) 414-9944 and bari@dawnmckennagroup.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Karina Chavez shares her journey from working with her father to transforming motels into affordable housing in Albuquerque. Karina shares how her commitment to honesty, client care, and local involvement has built a thriving, referral-based business. Karina also offers practical advice for agents about adapting to change and building authentic relationships. Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Karina Chavez can be reached at (562) 244-5026 and karinachavez1@yahoo.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

In this episode D.J. Paris presents the tool he built to help agents write listing descriptions. DJ explains how he built this tool and what this tool does. We’d love the feedback on your experience using this tool. Check out this Listing Reviewer 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 reframes the end of the year as separation season—the moment high performers pull away from their competition and the past version of themselves. Discover why most people quietly take their foot off the gas, the hidden excuses that sabotage momentum, and how a small shift in discipline, intention, and vision right now can create the breakthrough that defines your next year. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here. Book a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call here. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Garrett Maroon talks about how he built a successful real estate career through persistence, referrals, and staying true to his chosen approach despite industry pressure. Garrett discusses the importance of authenticity in business emphasizing that being authentic attracts the right clients, supports better relationships, and leads to more fulfillment in work and life. Next, Garrett how incorporating his Christian faith into his work helped form meaningful connections and a unique brand identity. Garrett also talked about how forming and participating in supportive groups around shared interests or backgrounds is the key to professional growth and personal support. Last, Garrett talks about achieving work-life balance and redefining success. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Garrett Maroon can be reached at garrett@210collective.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Jill Preschel talks about her career journey and mentorship focusing on transition between roles, and emphasis on coaching, mentorship, and being coachable. Jill shares strategies and tips for real estate agents on building connections with developers, and showing expertise. Jill also discusses changing buyer expectations, emphasizing the importance of property fundamentals. Last, Jill talks about leveraging behavioral insights, simplifying data for clients, and employing AI in your business. If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube! Jill Preschel can be reached at (908) 415-5418 and jill@serhant.com. This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.