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Most real estate agents know AI exists but feel paralyzed by where to start. The technology isn't meant to replace your expertise - it amplifies it. When you understand how to prompt effectively and which tools solve real problems, AI transforms from an intimidating concept into a practical assistant that makes you faster, more efficient, and more effective in your business.

Featured Quote: "It doesn't replace your expertise. It basically amplifies it. The more detail you give it, the better quality of input you give it, the better quality of output you get out of it. It's gonna help you work faster and more efficiently and increase your quality of output as long as you're giving it good information."

What You Will Learn

• Understand the four major AI platforms and how every other AI tool uses them as the "engine under the hood" - helping you cut through the overwhelming number of options
• Master prompting techniques that get you 80-90% of the way to your desired output by adding structure, defining roles, and asking AI to clarify one question at a time
• Evaluate free versus paid plans to determine which investment level matches your usage needs without overspending on features you won't use
• Navigate context window limitations and use memory features between chats so you can continue complex work without losing progress or having to constantly summarize
• Apply AI to real estate workflows including listing descriptions, market research, translation services, appointment scheduling, and role-play practice through advanced voice mode
• Implement practical tools beyond ChatGPT like Granola for meeting transcription, WisprFlow for voice-to-text, and Perplexity for market research with proper source citations
• Protect sensitive information while using AI by understanding privacy considerations and maintaining appropriate boundaries with client and financial data

Main AI Platforms (LLMs)

• ChatGPT by OpenAI: https://chat.openai.com
• Claude by Anthropic: https://claude.ai
• Gemini by Google: https://gemini.google.com
• Grok by X: https://x.ai

AI-Powered Tools for Real Estate

• Canva (AI graphics & design): https://www.canva.com
• Granola (meeting transcription & notes): https://www.granola.so
• WisprFlow (voice-to-text): https://www.wisprflow.ai
• Grammarly (writing assistant): https://www.grammarly.com
• Perplexity (AI search engine): https://www.perplexity.ai

Special Offer Mentioned

• Perplexity Pro Free for One Year with PayPal account: https://www.perplexity.ai/join/p/paypal-subscription

Listen to the Podcast on these Platforms

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-real-estate-standards/id1574549987

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZKLmFIFvx1UjSwL4jOTVz

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards

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The Triad faces a critical housing shortage of 30,000 units by 2030, but infrastructure limitations and regulatory inconsistencies threaten to derail growth. Jon Hardister reveals how strategic advocacy and regional cooperation can transform these obstacles into opportunities for sustainable development.

Featured Quote: "Building touches everybody. Everyone needs and wants a place to live, a place to go shopping, a place to go to work...There's so many jobs tied into it...and it's important socially just for quality of life to make sure that we have a building industry that's successful."

What You Will Learn

• Why the Triad needs 30,000 new housing units by 2030 and what's standing in the way
• How inconsistent municipal regulations create hidden costs for local builders
• The $3 billion infrastructure challenge that could make or break regional growth
• Why water and sewer capacity matters more than zoning for future development
• Practical steps real estate professionals can take to influence policy decisions
• How North Carolina transformed from post-recession struggles to #1 state for business
• The bipartisan momentum behind solving the housing crisis

Jon's Contact Information:

Email: jhardister@trebic.org

Website: https://trebic.org/

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Listen to the Podcast on these Platforms

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-real-estate-standards/id1574549987

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZKLmFIFvx1UjSwL4jOTVz

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards

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This episode tackles a powerful truth: 99% of real estate agents know they should write personal handwritten notes, but only 1% actually do it consistently. Brian and Mark explore how this simple, almost trivial habit creates profound connections in our digital age, where genuine personal touch has become increasingly rare.

Featured Quote: "I'll tell you this. And as you age and you get older, just as you progress in different age groups, not necessarily getting older, it means something different... And let's just be honest, in today's world, the cost of sending a personal note is not insignificant. It takes, first of all, when I receive it, I know, A, they took the time and they were sitting down and they were writing something down. They took the time and they were thinking about me for a period of time. But then they took their resources and paid close to a dollar to send me this letter."

What You Will Learn:

• Why Brian Buffini built a multi-million dollar empire on personal handwritten notes
• The psychology behind why personal notes create deeper connections than digital communication
• How to implement a consistent note-writing system without it feeling forced or superficial
• Why the $1 cost and time investment of a note actually increases its perceived value
• Practical strategies for keeping stationery accessible to write notes in the moment
• The difference between obligatory thank-you notes and truly personal connections
• How to balance structure with authenticity in your note-writing practice

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Listen to the Podcast on these Platforms

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-real-estate-standards/id1574549987

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZKLmFIFvx1UjSwL4jOTVz

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards

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The real estate market has shifted from the chaos of 2021 to a more balanced environment, but many agents are struggling because they haven't adapted their approach to match current conditions. Success now requires strategic pricing, proper property preparation, and most importantly - setting clear expectations with clients to prevent deals from falling apart. This episode features real estate agent Carley Mann sharing how she's thriving by focusing on fundamentals rather than chasing trends.

Featured Quote: "If you've had 12 to 15 showings with no offers, something's wrong. Usually at that point, you should be able to get an offer within those amount of showings, especially now when people are really being a little bit more particular about which houses they go see."

What You Will Learn:

• Master expectation management to prevent deals from collapsing during negotiations and inspections
• Price strategically by analyzing comprehensive market data beyond just neighborhood comparables
• Prepare properties effectively to command premium pricing and faster sales in a selective market
• Build sustainable lead generation through database nurturing and referral relationships rather than social media dependency
• Navigate inspection negotiations by educating clients upfront about realistic repair expectations
• Adapt to buyer behavior changes and position listings to attract today's more selective purchasers
• Leverage relationship-based growth to build a recession-resistant business model

Carley Mann's Contact Information:

Phone: 336.337.5672
Email: carley@carleymann.com
Website: https://carleymann.remax.com/

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestanda

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Real estate agents experiencing fear and uncertainty in today's shifting market need perspective and practical strategies. Brian and Mark Mann address the reality that many agents who've only known the "easy money" era are now facing their first true market test - but this return to normalcy presents opportunities for those willing to adapt and persist.

Featured Quote: "Business came easy for a lot of people. Sometimes you're going to have to work for it. Sometimes you're going to have to get out there and do some things that you didn't want to do or that you don't want to do to make it work."

What You Will Learn:

• How inventory shifts from 1,400 to 4,700 homes signal opportunity, not crisis
• Why the current 45-47 day market time represents a healthy seller's market
• The critical difference between market perception and actual data
• How to navigate price adjustment conversations with confidence
• Why patience and relationship-building matter more than ever
• The economic factors (like 15,000 new jobs from JetZero) that signal growth ahead
• How to thrive when others retreat from "normal" market conditions

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestanda

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Most agents struggle with consistent lead generation, bouncing between expensive paid leads and sporadic networking efforts. Karmen Quakenbush faced the ultimate test - starting her real estate business twice, including once while going through a difficult divorce with no salary safety net. Her approach to combining authentic social media presence with strategic sphere nurturing proves that sustainable lead generation doesn't require massive budgets or perfect content - it requires genuine relationship building and professional consistency.

Featured Quote: "You have to talk to people. You have to get out there. The biggest thing, like I said, when I came and started over here, I went through my phone. I was taking a break from social media at the time because of life. And so I went through my contact list and anybody, didn't matter how long I hadn't spoken to them. I called them. I called. I didn't text. I gave them a phone call."

What You Will Learn:

- The Strategic Integration Approach - How to use social media as a complement to sphere nurturing rather than a replacement, creating multiple touchpoints that keep you top of mind

- Authentic Content Creation Without Perfect Strategy - Karmen's approach to documenting real estate activities, client stories, and personal moments that build trust and demonstrate expertise

- The Full-Time Commitment Reality - Why part-time real estate practice creates a disservice to clients and how complete professional focus transforms both service quality and business growth

- Practical Sphere Expansion Beyond Clients - How to identify and nurture business partners, local vendors, and community connections as referral sources

- Event-Based Relationship Building - Karmen's systematic approach to client events, including spring gatherings and fall Thanksgiving pie distributions that strengthen relationships

- The Power of Direct Communication - Why phone calls still outperform text messages and social media for meaningful business conversations

- Budget Allocation for Relationship Investment - How Karmen spends marketing dollars on people rather than leads, including sponsorships and appreciation gestures

- Consistency Through Automation - Strategic use of monthly postcards and automated systems while maintaining personal touch points

- The Vulnerability Factor - How sharing personal challenges and authentic moments creates deeper client connections and referral opportunities

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestanda

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This episode explores how professionals can leverage skills from previous careers to achieve real estate success. Former TV journalist Deborah Proehl-Moser shares her journey of transitioning to real estate after 16 years in broadcasting, revealing how her communication expertise, deadline management, and attention to detail became powerful assets in her new field. Deborah's story demonstrates how professionals from any background can identify and apply their transferable skills to build thriving real estate careers while delivering exceptional client experiences.

Featured Quote : "I think the most important thing to do is remember we are running a business. This isn't just a job. We take care of people and we get to be a part of their stories... it's just an honor and a privilege."

What You'll Learn

• How skills from a previous career can be identified and applied to excel in real estate
• Why empathetic listening creates stronger client relationships and better outcomes
• How a life-changing personal moment prompted Deborah's career transition
• The importance of balancing professional expertise with authentic care for clients
• Why North Carolina's growth requires innovative community development approaches
• How maintaining high ethical standards creates sustainable business success

The episode also tackles timely issues surrounding North Carolina's housing shortage and the need for visionary community development to accommodate the state's rapid population growth while preserving quality of life.

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestanda

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Are you building wealth or just closing deals? Tax Day often reveals a harsh reality for real estate agents: making money doesn't always mean keeping it. In this episode, Brian and Mark discuss how agents can move beyond the commission-to-commission cycle by implementing proper financial management systems, strategic entity structuring, and creating multiple revenue streams for long-term wealth. Learn why running your business as a true for-profit entity with clear boundaries between business and personal finances is essential for building lasting success.

Featured Quote: "Most real estate agents don't retire—they die. While that is true in a lot of cases, it doesn't have to be. If you set yourself up and put a plan in place, you too can retire from this wild world of real estate sales."

What You'll Learn

• Why most agents focus only on revenue instead of cash flow and profit
• The three essential accounts every agent needs to separate (business, personal, taxes)
• How to run your business as a for-profit entity with clear financial boundaries
• How proper business entity structures can save on self-employment taxes
• Why paying yourself a salary helps manage feast or famine cycles
• The benefits of Roth IRAs vs. traditional retirement accounts for agents
• Why investing in what you know best (real estate) creates lasting wealth
• How to build a referral network that generates passive income

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Listen to the Podcast on these Platforms

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-real-estate-standards/id1574549987

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZKLmFIFvx1UjSwL4jOTVz

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards