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Welcome to Raising Real Estate Standards...our goal with this page is increasing the overall awareness and increasing the standards that we a real estate agents operate.

There a been an influx of new agents into our market in the past 5-6 years. (Which by itself is not a bad thing) Unfortunately we have not seen a major increase in the number of leaders and mentors that are passionate about maintaining and increasing the standards in which we operate. We feel we are at a critical point in our industry and we want to do everything we can to protect and increase the public’s perception and understanding of the value a real estate agent brings.

This page is also dedicated to helping agents see themselves as a business owners and providing tools, tips and motivation to encourage development of themselves and their skills, which will in turn raise their standards and thus assisting in raising the standards in the real estate industry.

Season 4 - Episode 14: The Art of Transformation w/ Embellish Home Staging

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In this episode of   Raising Real Estate Standards , Carley Mann takes over hosting duties for the first time, kicking Mark and Brian out for an all-ladies special. She’s joined by Susanne Reeves and Meredith Parsons of Embellish Home Staging for an engaging conversation filled with professional insights, fun stories, and actionable advice. Susanne and Meredith share their journey of founding Embellish Home Staging, their unique approach to creating warm, aspirational spaces, and the importance of storytelling in staging homes. They reveal how their work helps buyers see past quirks like odd layouts and creates emotional connections that drive faster, higher offers. The trio dives into memorable client moments, such as staging mishaps and surprising reactions, emphasizing the transformative power of their craft. Listeners will gain practical tips on decluttering, effective staging techniques, and why details like paint, lighting, and professional photography can make or break a sale. T
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Season 4 - Episode 13: Current Markets, Mortgages & Making It Work w/ Bradford Thomas

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  In this episode of Raising Real Estate Standards we sit down with mortgage industry veteran Bradford Thomas of Fairway Mortgage to unpack the current lending landscape and share crucial insights for both real estate professionals and homebuyers. From decoding the recent market shifts to revealing lesser-known mortgage options, Bradford breaks down how jobs reports and federal rate decisions really impact mortgage rates (spoiler: it's not what you think). Learn why today's 'mini buyer's market' might actually be the perfect time to buy despite higher rates, and discover innovative loan solutions for self-employed and gig economy workers. Brad shares insider tips on streamlining the lending process and reveals why the relationship between agents and lenders is more crucial than ever. Whether you're a real estate professional or potential homebuyer, this episode delivers actionable insights you won't want to miss. Bradford's Contact Info: Website: https:/
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Season 4 - Episode 12: Skills For An Unbalanced Market

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In this episode of Raising Real Estate Standards, Brian and Mark dive into the challenges of the current real estate market, specifically focusing on the uncertainty caused by fluctuating mortgage rates, increasing inventory, and shifting consumer confidence. They shed light on how real estate agents can navigate this unbalanced market by setting proper expectations with clients. Key discussions include the importance of understanding market conditions, the rise of inventory without fully transitioning to a buyer’s market, and how agents can remain calm and confident in an unpredictable environment. The conversation also touches on strategies for managing client anxiety, especially when houses don't sell as quickly as they have in the past. Brian emphasizes the need for agents to educate clients on realistic timelines and market pricing, ensuring they don’t panic when results aren’t immediate. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of market knowledge, clear comm
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Season 4 - Episode 11: Changes

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  In this episode of Raising Real Estate Standards, hosts Mark and Brian dive into the seismic shifts rocking the real estate industry. They break down: Recent rule changes affecting how buyer's agents are compensated and how it's shaking up the industry The importance of adaptability and open communication in navigating these changes Current market trends, including rising inventory and the impact of interest rates Why now is a crucial time for agents to step up their game and position themselves for success The enduring value of real estate professionals in an age of algorithms and apps Whether you're a seasoned agent or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights on thriving in a rapidly evolving market. Tune in to learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and set yourself up for a stellar 2024! 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 Informatio
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Season 4 - Episode 10: Real Estate Wisdom w/ Lori Edwards

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In this episode of Raising Real Estate Standards we are excited to have guest Lori Edwards on the show, a former teacher turned real estate expert, who shares her journey from education to becoming a top broker-in-charge. Lori reveals how her teaching background and nonprofit fundraising experience uniquely equip her for the real estate market, emphasizing the importance of process management, lifelong learning, and effective communication. Lori discusses the vibrant and competitive Raleigh-Durham real estate market, offering valuable insights for both current and aspiring agents. She highlights the challenges and rewards of sphere-based marketing, the impact of current high-interest rates, and the upcoming changes in commission structures. Plus, she shares her favorite reads and tips for personal and professional growth. Lori's Book Suggestions Atomic Habits (James Clear) Exactly What to Say: For Real Estate Agents Slight Edge (Jeff Olsen) Lori's Contact Info: Website:  https:
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Season 4 - Episode 9: Embracing Technology In Your Business w/ Jeremy Collins

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  In this episode of "Raising Real Estate Standards," we are excited to have guest Jeremy Collins on the show, the visionary behind Level Up Consulting Group. As the founder, creative director, and coach, Jeremy brings a wealth of experience in elevating real estate businesses through innovative tech solutions. Key Highlights: Jeremy’s Journey : From a children's pastor to a media director, and now a leading consultant, Jeremy shares his inspiring path. Empowering Agents : Learn how Level Up Consulting supports over 2200 agents with cutting-edge marketing, social media strategies, live trainings and automation tools. Tech Tips : Discover practical steps for integrating technology into real estate without overwhelming your workflow. Real-Life Success : Hear success stories of agents who transformed their businesses with Jeremy's guidance. Tune in to hear Jeremy's expert advice on simplifying tech adoption, maximizing productivity, and staying ahead in the competiti
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Season 4 - Episode 8: Servant Leadership w/ Mary Beth Powell

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  In this episode of   Raising Real Estate Standards , Mark sits down with   Mary Beth Powell , a seasoned real estate professional with over 23 years in the industry. Currently serving as President-Elect of the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association, Mary Beth has a wealth of experience and insights to share. What We Discuss: Mary Beth’s Path to Real Estate : She began her career in pharmaceutical sales before making the switch to real estate. She discusses what drew her to the industry and the challenges she faced along the way. Community Work : Mary Beth is deeply involved in her community, contributing to local boards and fundraising for hospitals. Learn how she balances her professional and personal commitments. Lessons from Corporate Sales : She shares how skills from her corporate sales background helped her navigate the real estate world. Balancing Work and Life : Mary Beth provides practical tips on how she manages her time between her career, community service, and family.
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