In our most recent episode of "Real Estate Unscripted," host Marjorie Adam shares insights with Co-Owner of ALCOVA Mortgage, NMLS ID#40508 Bobby Nicely regarding the current state of real estate and lending as they look ahead to 2025. The conversation highlights the dual challenges and opportunities present within the market, shaped by fluctuating interest rates, inventory dynamics, and evolving consumer behaviors.

The discussion opens with reflections on the past year, which was marked by a challenging economy, high inflation, and ongoing market adjustments. Despite this, Nicely points to signs of recovery, particularly noting that favorable interest rates, when they dipped into the low sixes, spurred buyer demand. He asserts, “When rates get down close to that 6% number… the market is healthy,” indicating that consumer interest remains despite broader economic uncertainty.

One of the key strategies emphasized for 2025 is proactive engagement with clients. Nicely suggests that lenders should focus on “mortgage checkups” and outreach to past clients, highlighting opportunities to assist with restructuring debt or refinancing needs. Adam echoes this sentiment, advocating for realtors to assess their business sources and client interactions to further foster relationships.

The conversation also underscores the significance of adapting to the contemporary digital landscape. Nicely urges professionals to enhance their social media presence, asserting that being active online is imperative for maintaining client relationships and standing out amidst competition. “Just get out there and be yourself,” he encourages.

In conclusion, as the real estate and lending industries continue to face challenges, the emphasis on connection, proactive communication, and adaptability in strategies will be crucial. By analyzing their past successes and failures and implementing new practices, both lenders and realtors can position themselves for a resilient and prosperous 2025.

In the most recent episode of "Real Estate Unscripted," host Marjorie Adam engages in a dynamic conversation with Loren LaVassaur, a senior loan officer with Summit Funding, about the current state of the real estate market and effective goal-setting strategies as the year comes to a close. The backdrop for this discussion is an increasingly challenging market, characterized by fluctuating interest rates and a decrease in inventory, which has led to a significant number of professionals exiting the industry.

Key themes emerge as LaVassaur reflects on her journey through the business. Notably, she points out the mindset shift from a place of scarcity to one of abundance. This transformation allowed her to take proactive steps toward achieving her goals, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions to build strong relationships with clients. She cites the mantra "unapologetic," which encapsulates her commitment to not compromising on her standards or services amidst an uncertain economic landscape.

Significant quotes from LaVassaur, such as “the last 60 days are crucial,” and her assertion that “success leaves clues,” underline the pressing need for realtors and lenders to maintain momentum as the year ends and strategize for the upcoming year. The discussion also encourages colleagues to engage in honest self-reflection about their performance and to track essential metrics like unit closings and sources of leads.

As we consider the relevance of these insights, they resonate profoundly within the current real estate environment marked by volatility. The principles of accountability, proactive planning, and collaborative learning highlighted in this conversation serve as essential tools for professionals navigating the complexities of today's market. The episode ultimately calls for an empowered mindset and collective growth among industry players to thrive in the year ahead.

In this episode of "Real Estate Unscripted," host Marjorie Adam welcomed Kyle Draper, a video marketing therapist and author of the "Rethink Everything" series, to discuss the significance of utilizing video in real estate marketing. Draper emphasized the pervasive fear that holds many professionals back from engaging with video, likening it to looking into a "scary mirror" that reveals vulnerabilities. This fear stems from deeper emotional issues related to self-perception and the anxiety of judgment, aspects that are all too real in today’s digital landscape.

Draper outlined a practical approach for overcoming these fears, emphasizing practice before posting. He suggested a 30-day challenge where individuals send video responses to a partner, thus building confidence without the pressure of public view. He stressed the importance of identifying target audience segments and crafting content that answers frequently asked questions—pointing out that many in the industry tend to focus on superficial metrics like follower counts instead of meaningful engagement.

One significant quote from Draper was, “If you’re awesome in real life but look like you suck on the internet, you suck in real life.” This underscores the necessity for professionals to maintain an effective online presence that reflects their expertise.

The dialogue also highlighted the disconnect within social media usage in the real estate community. Draper pointed out that many realtors default to a repetitive posting cycle—like showcasing a new listing—without adding value, thereby diluting their brand imagery.

As we move into an increasingly digital world, the lessons from this discussion resonate profoundly. The ability to connect authentically through video content is not just a marketing strategy; it is crucial for professionals looking to build sustainable, trust-based relationships in their industries. As the real estate market evolves, embracing these new communication tools may become vital to professional success.