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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, taxes)
• How to run your business as a for-profit entity with clear financial boundaries
• How proper business entity structures can save on self-employment taxes
• Why paying yourself a salary helps manage feast or famine cycles
• The benefits of Roth IRAs vs. traditional retirement accounts for agents
• Why investing in what you know best (real estate) creates lasting wealth
• How to build a referral network that generates passive income

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Listen to the Podcast on these Platforms

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-real-estate-standards/id1574549987

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZKLmFIFvx1UjSwL4jOTVz

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards

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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 automation during high-volume periods
• Practical ways to leverage professionals in your network without overwhelming popular vendors
• Pricing strategies to generate multiple offers and reduce transaction stress

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestanda

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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 reorganize your database to maximize your sphere of influence
• Why 70-80% of your business comes from your sphere and how to nurture these relationships
• Practical strategies for maintaining 36 meaningful client touchpoints per year
• The importance of morning routines and personal development in professional success
• How to create sustainable business systems that work in any market condition
• Ways to evaluate ROI on your marketing expenses and optimize your budget
• The power of authentic community involvement and giving back
• Strategies for building mental resilience and maintaining motivation

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestanda

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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 estate market conditions actually create opportunities for new buyers

-The crucial shift from thinking about "affordable" to "attainable" housing

-Practical steps to start building generational wealth through property ownership

-How to access resources and support systems for first-time homebuyers

-Real strategies that work even in today's challenging market

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestanda

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In this season 5 opener, Mark and Brian kick off 2025 by tackling one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of real estate success: strategic business planning.

What You'll Learn:

• Why traditional "working in" vs. "working on" your business makes all the difference
• How to set SMART goals that align with your personal "Why"
• Practical strategies for creating realistic revenue targets and budgeting
• Time management secrets for balancing daily operations with long-term growth
• The critical importance of tracking KPIs and maintaining accountability
• Why flexibility and market adaptability are essential for 2025

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Website: https://www.raisingrealestatestandards.com
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards

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In this essential year-end episode, we've distilled the most powerful insights from 2024's top conversations here on Raising Real Estate Standards. From Wayne Frederick's blueprint for digital dominance to Mary Beth Powell's wisdom on servant leadership, this episode is packed with game-changing strategies that work in any market condition. We explore how top professionals are elevating their approach through systematic business practices, ethical excellence, and genuine client service.

Whether you're focused on building a stronger business, implementing new technologies, or developing leadership skills, this episode delivers actionable tactics that have generated real results. If you only listen to one episode from 2024, make it this one.

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards

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In this episode of Raising Real Estate Standards, Carley Mann takes over hosting duties for the first time, kicking Mark and Brian out for an all-ladies special. She’s joined by Susanne Reeves and Meredith Parsons of Embellish Home Staging for an engaging conversation filled with professional insights, fun stories, and actionable advice.

Susanne and Meredith share their journey of founding Embellish Home Staging, their unique approach to creating warm, aspirational spaces, and the importance of storytelling in staging homes. They reveal how their work helps buyers see past quirks like odd layouts and creates emotional connections that drive faster, higher offers. The trio dives into memorable client moments, such as staging mishaps and surprising reactions, emphasizing the transformative power of their craft.

Listeners will gain practical tips on decluttering, effective staging techniques, and why details like paint, lighting, and professional photography can make or break a sale. The episode balances humor, inspiration, and real estate expertise, making it a must-listen for agents, sellers, and home staging enthusiasts alike.

Guest Contact Information:

Embellish Home Staging
Susanne Reeves and Meredith Parsons
Phone: 336.202.7070
Email: embellishgso@gmail.com

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

Social Media and Contact Information

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards

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In this episode of Raising Real Estate Standards we sit down with mortgage industry veteran Bradford Thomas of Fairway Mortgage to unpack the current lending landscape and share crucial insights for both real estate professionals and homebuyers. From decoding the recent market shifts to revealing lesser-known mortgage options, Bradford breaks down how jobs reports and federal rate decisions really impact mortgage rates (spoiler: it's not what you think).

Learn why today's 'mini buyer's market' might actually be the perfect time to buy despite higher rates, and discover innovative loan solutions for self-employed and gig economy workers. Brad shares insider tips on streamlining the lending process and reveals why the relationship between agents and lenders is more crucial than ever. Whether you're a real estate professional or potential homebuyer, this episode delivers actionable insights you won't want to miss.

Bradford's Contact Info:
Website: https://www.bradfordthomasloans.com
Email: bradfordt@fairwaymc.com
Phone: (336) 714-1564

The opinions on this podcast are Mark and Brian’s and not in any way a reflection of RE/MAX or anyone else in the industry.

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Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/raisingrealestatestandards