The real estate market is finding balance with inventory up 27% across regions and over one million listings nationally for the first time since 2019. Despite more inventory, we're still in a soft seller's market with approximately three months supply, though competition among sellers is increasing as listings outpace sales growth.

• Inventory up 27% with over one million listings nationally for the first time since 2019
• Months supply of inventory at approximately 3 months in most regions, 5-6 months in mountain areas
• Days on market stabilized around 50 days, returning to more normal pace
• Pricing is critical - properties priced right still sell quickly, but overpriced listings face multiple reductions
• Sales pace up about 9% across regions during Q2
• Median price appreciation averaging around 2% with average price appreciation around 4%
• First-time homebuyers now averaging 36 years old and representing only 24% of transactions
• Intergenerational wealth transfers provide opportunities for parents/grandparents to help with down payments
• New construction and resale markets moving in same direction with builders offering significant concessions
• Interest rate buy-downs are effective negotiation strategies for both new construction and resale properties

Price strategically, understand your hyper-local market conditions, and don't fall victim to misleading headlines. For parents and grandparents, consider helping the next generation with their homeownership journey now, rather than waiting to pass wealth later.

What truly drives success in real estate? It's not just market knowledge or sales techniques—it's finding your joy and purpose that creates the foundation for everything else.

Carissa Tucker, branch leader at Allen Tate Realtors, takes us on her remarkable journey from social media marketer to leadership, revealing the moment she discovered her true calling. "When I saw an agent running down the hallway after hitting her goal, I realized that's where my joy came from—changing her life, her family's lives, and all the people she helped," Carissa shares with genuine emotion.

The power of mentorship shines through as Carissa credits her mentor Becky Hanley for wisdom that transcended business advice. One guiding principle—"Keep it simple, stupid" (KISS)—has become her north star in approaching everything from negotiations to hiring decisions. This simplicity proves especially valuable in navigating today's noisy real estate landscape.

Beyond professional strategies, Carissa reveals how her family serves as her fundamental "why"—the reason she puts "two feet on the ground every day." This clarity of purpose creates a ripple effect, making professional goals and methods more apparent. When family comes first, everything else improves.

The conversation explores a brilliant blend of high-tech and high-touch approaches to real estate success. While embracing social media and AI tools, Carissa advocates for maintaining authentic connections through personalized communication. Her innovative strategy of writing handwritten notes based on social media insights perfectly bridges digital efficiency with genuine relationship building.

Whether you're a seasoned agent or new to the industry, this episode delivers actionable wisdom on finding your joy, leveraging mentorship, clarifying your purpose, and creating meaningful connections that stand the test of time. Tune in to discover how these foundational elements can help you build a resilient career regardless of market conditions.

What separates thriving real estate agents from those who struggle? Dawn Allred, an accomplished branch leader, reveals it's not about secret formulas or high-dollar investments—it's about consistency, relationships, and practical strategies that work in any market.

The conversation begins with Dawn outlining five foundational strategies for new agents who are building from the ground up. She emphasizes the critical importance of cultivating your sphere of influence by creating a comprehensive database of 100-200 connections and communicating your real estate services clearly. "Your first few deals as a brand new agent will most likely come from people you already know or people that they know," Dawn explains, highlighting the need for regular, meaningful contact through multiple channels.

Dawn introduces a revolutionary contact management approach called the "52/26 strategy" that ensures no relationship falls through the cracks. By systematically calling contacts organized by alphabet (two letters each week), agents connect with everyone in their database twice yearly. This methodical yet personal approach exemplifies her philosophy that success stems from genuine relationship building rather than transaction chasing.

For both new and experienced agents, Dawn stresses the necessity of establishing a personal brand that complements your brokerage's identity. From professional photography to consistent visual elements across all platforms, this branding creates recognition and connection. "People connect with people," she reminds listeners, encouraging agents to share authentic details about themselves that potential clients might relate to.

The conversation tackles the evolution of social media from optional marketing to essential business tool. Dawn provides practical guidance for agents who feel uncomfortable on camera, suggesting gradual steps toward creating video content that establishes market expertise. She emphasizes that authenticity resonates more than perfection, noting that unplanned, casual videos often generate the most engagement.

As the discussion shifts to experienced agents, Dawn outlines strategies for scaling businesses through deliberate investment, delegation, and systematization. She offers a straightforward monthly action plan including social media posts, newsletters, handwritten notes, and regular video content that creates predictable growth. This consistent, relationship-focused approach, she insists, will inevitably lead to business growth regardless of market conditions.

Ready to transform your real estate business? Listen now to discover how small, consistent actions can create remarkable results, and why Dawn believes that "if you're trying to help people, the dollar will typically come because you're doing it for the right reason."