In Episode 15 of RE in Real Time, hosts Forrest and Lonnie sit down with Charis Moreno, Vice President at NextHome, to unpack what it really takes to build a real estate business that lasts—beyond transactions and into legacy. Charis shares her journey into the industry, the mindset shifts that power sustainable growth, and how a modern, tech-forward franchise model is redefining support for independent brokers and agents.

Together they dig into the systemic differences between reactive and proactive real estate businesses, the importance of succession planning (with a nod to The Gold Handoff), and why understanding and leveraging your database is critical to unlocking the true value of your book of business. They also explore how homeownership builds generational wealth—why equity matters, how the homeowner/renter gap persists, and what agents can do to educate and empower clients.

The conversation goes deeper into how NextHome blends technology, training, and community engagement to create an inbound, differentiated presence while still adapting locally. Charis addresses overcoming self-limiting beliefs, creating trust in shifting markets, and strategies for giving agents more earning power even when the economics (like splits) look unconventional on paper. The episode closes with a rallying call: be the change in your market, build public trust, and think multiple corners ahead.