Welcome to our series Better Your Business With Ben.

In this episode Ben Lalez explains why he calls Q4 “separation season” and why the agents willing to keep making calls, following up, working their database, and doing the uncomfortable things are the ones who will separate themselves from the competition. He breaks down how to analyze where your past business actually came from, identify the activities you can replicate, and use the next 90 days to plant the seeds for a stronger 2027.

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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.

Anna Kara discusses how agents can help buyers navigate mortgage rates above 7%. Anna explains why waiting for rates to drop could mean facing more competition and higher home prices, and how looking beyond the interest rate to the actual monthly payment can change the conversation. She also shares strategies for helping self-employed borrowers who have been turned down by traditional lenders, negotiating deals in today’s market, and building a personal brand through authentic, value-driven content. Her message to agents is simple: educate your clients, focus on what’s best for them, and build relationships that last beyond a single transaction.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

Anna Kara can be reached at (818) 747-8777 and anna@annakaraloans.com.

This episode is brought to you by RealGeeks and Courted.io.

Frances Katzen talks about how the discipline and resilience of a professional ballet career shaped the way she approaches business. Frances shares how she built the Katzen Report into a powerful marketing tool, established herself as a trusted voice in the media, and learned to stand out by having a real opinion rather than trying to please everyone. She also explains why she’s willing to tell clients “no” when she believes they can do better, and how honesty, consistency, and genuine relationships have helped her build a lasting luxury real estate business.

If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!

Frances Katzen can be reached at 212.350.8575 and fkatzen@elliman.com.

This episode is brought to you by RealGeeks and Courted.io.