Raising Real Estate Standards

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 S...

  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 bett...

  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, tax...

Are you ready to capitalize on the most profitable season in real estate? In this episode, Brian and Mark Mann break down why spring is the golden window for transactions and how unprepared agents often miss out on its full potential. Discover practical strategies to get your marketing, operations, and team aligned now - before the busy season leaves you scrambling and stressed. Standout Quote:   "Time for planning is done. We're out of the planning season... We're now in taking action and taking not just a little bit of action, but taking massive action because massive action begets massive results. And if you don't, you only have one person to look to for those excuses, and that's the person you stare at in the mirror every morning." What You Will Learn: Why spring historically delivers both higher transaction volume and better selling prices How to prepare your database and marketing to generate more qualified leads The importance of response time and autom...

In this powerful episode, we tackle the age-old question that surfaces during market slowdowns: "What should I do with my downtime?" Rather than letting anxiety about your next deal consume you, discover how to transform slower periods into powerful opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Learn why the most successful agents use this time to strengthen their sphere of influence, enhance their business systems, and develop habits that create sustainable success. Standout Quote:  "It isn't easy these days. When you close your garage door or your car door heading in to start the day and you're in a defensive mode right off the bat because the world is not there handing you stuff on a silver platter - It's actually trying to take your silver platter and throw it on the ground and hit you over the head with it. You've got to be able to have your mindset to deal with those challenges." What You Will Learn: How to effectively audit and reor...

  Is homeownership truly out of reach in today's market? Housing Consultants Group founder Sophia Crisp sits down for a conversation with Brian Mann and challenges this notion, revealing how her nonprofit organization is making the American Dream attainable through innovative down payment assistance and financial education. Drawing from her 30-year journey of real estate sales to industry leader and non-profit founder, Sophia shares practical insights on breaking down barriers to homeownership, especially for first-time buyers. Quote:  "A renter's net worth, if they rent their whole life, is $8,000. A homeowner's net worth is $300,000. That's across the board. That's the average." What You Will Learn: -The little-known strategy of layering multiple down payment assistance programs -Three key financial milestones that determine your path to homeownership -Why waiting for "better" interest rates could cost you more in the long run -How current real...