Change Agents spotlights leaders, innovators, and visionaries who are shaping the future of real estate. Each episode pairs an NAR executive with a respected industry professional for an open discussion about their career story, the issues influencing real estate today, and the opportunities ahead.
How Locals Experience New Orleans: Gerald Gruenig's Favorite Spots
NAR NXT is headed to New Orleans, and there's no better guide to the city than Louisiana native, content creator, and television personality Gerald Gruenig.
In this special episode of Change Agents, host Bennett Richardson leaves the studio and hits the streets of New Orleans to explore the neighborhoods, architecture, restaurants, and traditions that make the city unlike anywhere else in America. Gerald shares the places that shaped his life, from the apartment above his family's po'boy shop to iconic neighborhood restaurants, Mardi Gras float dens, historic streets, and locally loved eateries.
Along the way, you'll discover the history behind New Orleans po'boys, hear stories of growing up in Gentilly, learn why Mardi Gras is the cultural heartbeat of the city, and get recommendations for where to eat, explore, and experience authentic New Orleans during NAR NXT.
Whether you're attending NAR NXT or simply love stories about community, culture, and place, this episode offers a local's perspective on one of America's most unique cities.
NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson sits down with three standout founders from the REACH, NAR's tech growth accelerator program, to explore how technology is transforming the real estate industry from the inside out.
Guests & Topics Covered:
Russell Smith (President & COO, Earnnest): Modernizing earnest money deposits, securing payments against wire fraud, and what FedNow means for instant real estate transactions.
Divya Aathresh (Founder & CEO, MaxHome.ai): Leveraging generative AI to streamline brokerage document compliance and free up agents to focus on client relationships.
Max Fitzgerald (Founder & CEO, StackRap): Eliminating tech overload, monitoring software adoption, and building a unified hub for agents.
Tune in to learn key strategies for upgrading your tech stack and staying ahead in modern real estate operations.
16 Sept 2026
From Vulnerable to Vigilant: Transforming Real Estate Agent Safety with Vanessa Martin
Real estate agents are frequently placed in vulnerable, one-on-one situations with unfamiliar clients. In this episode of Change Agents, host Bennett Richardson (Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at NAR) welcomes Vanessa Martin, Co-Founder of Tether RE and military combat veteran.
Vanessa shares crucial insights on why situational awareness and layered defense are vital for every real estate professional. Learn how to conduct compliant client pre-screenings under Fair Housing and FCRA regulations, implement life-saving safety habits during private showings and open houses, and explore how associations and brokerages can lead the charge in making safety a year-round priority.
In this episode, we explore:
Overcoming common safety blind spots in real estate
Applying military after-action principles to daily showings
Real-world safety tools: SOS alerts, struggle detection, and 24/7 live dispatch
Responsible client screening vs. consumer privacy regulations
What the future holds for integrated real estate technology
Subscribe to NAR REALTOR® News Change Agents for more discussions with innovators shaping the future of real estate.
2 Sept 2026
Can AI Make Real Estate Safer? The Future of Agent Safety with Niall Phelan
Real estate agents face risks that many consumers never see, from meeting strangers at showings to navigating remote properties alone. In this episode of Change Agents, NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson sits down with Niall Phelan, founder of Agent Buddi, to discuss why agent safety deserves more attention across the industry and how AI could help agents stay protected while improving client service.
Niall shares the four moments when agents face the greatest risks, explains why safety and productivity don't have to compete with each other, and discusses how technology can help agents verify leads, document showings, stay focused on the road, and build stronger client relationships.
They also explore how AI-powered tools may help agents prepare more effectively, retain more clients, improve coaching, and create the kind of trust and personalization that today's consumers expect.
Whether you're a new real estate agent or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical insights on staying safe, serving clients better, and leveraging technology to build a more sustainable business.
19 Aug 2026
Real Estate Evolution and Legacy Leadership with J. Lennox Scott
Is your business built to withstand the next industry inflection point?
This week on Change Agents, we're joined by J. Lennox Scott, a visionary leader who has navigated decades of market cycles. As the head of a multi-generational firm, Lennox offers a unique perspective on staying relevant in an increasingly automated world.
We dive into:
The Modern Market Mindset: Adapting your value proposition to meet 2026 consumer expectations.
Relationship Mastery: Why high-touch service is more valuable now than ever.
Scaling with Purpose: Lessons in leadership from 40+ years at the helm of John L. Scott Real Estate.
Whether you are a brokerage leader or an individual agent, Lennox's insights provide a roadmap for thriving in the midst of change.
12 Aug 2026
You're the CEO: James Harris on Building a Real Estate Pipeline That Lasts
Closings are the result. Pipeline is the business.
Founder of Breezy | Harris & Partners, James Harris believes the most successful agents don't chase shortcuts. They focus on consistently building the relationships, opportunities, and prospecting systems that create future business. As Harris puts it, agents are the CEOs of their own businesses, and their success, now and in the future, depends on the pipeline they build today.
In this episode, Harris shares how he went from knowing nobody in the industry to building one of the most successful luxury real estate businesses in the country. He explains how door knocking, open houses, follow-up, and a relentless focus on lead generation helped him create a business that continued to grow year after year.
You'll hear his insights on prospecting, building a predictable stream of opportunities, developing long-term client and developer relationships, personal branding, and why many agents overcomplicate what it takes to succeed. Harris also reflects on the lessons he learned building a nationally recognized brand and how authenticity became one of his biggest competitive advantages.
Whether you're looking to generate more leads, strengthen your pipeline, or build a more sustainable real estate business, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can put to work immediately
5 Aug 2026
Leading Through Industry Transformation: A Conversation with Inman CEO Tom Bohn
What does the future of real estate leadership look like? In this episode of the Change Agents podcast, we're joined by Inman CEO Tom Bohn to explore the strategic shifts necessary for today's professional landscape. From fostering innovation within organizations to navigating industry-wide changes, Tom provides a deep dive into the mindset and actions required to thrive. Whether you're leading a large team or growing your own business, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the modern real estate era with one of the industry's most influential voices.
15 Jul 2026
Real Estate Lawsuits & AI Risks: Live Industry Q&A
The real estate landscape is navigating a pivotal period of transformation driven by evolving legal frameworks, technological integration, and macroeconomic shifts. This Change Agents briefing brings together general counsel, chief economists, CMCO, and association leaders to address the critical issues shaping the industry.
This episode provides authoritative updates on the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) legal landscapes, including a detailed analysis of the Sitzer/Burnett appeal and the strategic implications of the Corey buyer-side settlement.
What We Discuss: • The NAR Settlement Landscape: Crucial legal updates on the Burnett appeal and Corey buyer-side agreement. • AI & Fair Housing Compliance: The strict legal and data liability risks when using open-source models for property descriptions. • Unlocking the Market: How "portable mortgages" and inventory strategy are tackling the lock-in effect. • Macroeconomic Indicators: Analyzing interest rates, rising cash-buyer shares, and shifting Gen Z market behaviors.
8 Jul 2026
The Future of MLSs: Transparency, Cooperation, and Consumer Choice
As conversations around off-market listings, private networks, AI, and consumer choice continue to reshape residential real estate, what role will MLSs play in the future?
In this episode of Change Agents, NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson sits down with Shelly Specchio, CEO of the MIBOR REALTOR® Association and Broker Listing Cooperative, to discuss why listing exposure, transparency, and cooperation remain critical to efficient real estate markets. Together, they explore the risks of marketplace fragmentation, how buyer access can be impacted when inventory becomes harder to find, and why consumer education matters more than ever.
Shelly also shares how MLSs are adapting to changing seller needs through coming-soon listings, new marketplace tools, and emerging AI technologies designed to help agents work more efficiently and better serve clients. Looking ahead, she offers her vision for MLSs as trusted infrastructure that powers transparency, competition, and opportunity across the housing market
24 Jun 2026
From $0 to Industry Leader: Ryan Serhant on Going All In
What does it really take to succeed in real estate when the market turns against you?
In this episode of Change Agents, Bennett Richardson sits down with Ryan Serhant to break down the mindset, discipline, and strategy behind long-term success in real estate.
Ryan shares how he got his start in 2008—the same day Lehman Brothers collapsed—and why those early struggles shaped everything that followed. From making less than $10,000 his first year to building a global brand, he explains why agents must go "all in," pick a clear direction, and commit for the long game.
This episode dives into:
Why real estate success comes years after the work
The power of building attention and personal brand
How to choose your "real estate AND" to stand out
Why consistency and daily decisions drive long-term income
What agents get wrong about patience, growth, and momentum
If you're serious about building a sustainable real estate business—not just surviving the next market cycle—this is your playbook.
17 Jun 2026
Brandon Holtz: REALTOR® by Day, Masters Golfer by… Also Day
RE/MAX agent Brandon Holtz from Bloomington, IL made history as one of the rare REALTORS® to qualify for the Masters — and now he's headed to the US Open. In this conversation with NAR's Bennett Richardson, Brandon gets candid about time management, client communication, and why staying present is the key to succeeding in both real estate and golf. A must-listen for agents who refuse to put their passions on hold.
10 Jun 2026
The Real Costs Agents Must Explain Before a Deal Falls Apart
Too many deals fall apart because agents wait too long to have the hard conversations. Christina Pappas, President of the Keyes Company — one of South Florida's largest independent brokerages with 4,000 agents across 50 offices — has a different approach: full cost transparency before clients ever make an offer.
In this episode of Change Agents, Christina walks through how Keyes trains agents to discuss HOA fees, insurance, and property taxes upfront, why they pull insurance quotes during showings, and how that full-service consultation model has been central to their 100 years in business.
She also gets candid about Miami's international buyer landscape, the Canadian market slowdown, domestic migration trends from the Northeast and California, and what the industry's shift toward buyer representation agreements means for agent value propositions.
If you work in a complex market with high carrying costs, this one's for you.
TAGS: Change Agents podcast, Christina Pappas, Keyes Company, Miami real estate, South Florida real estate, buyer consultation, HOA fees, real estate agent training, NAR podcast
27 May 2026
Realtor.com & the Battle Over Listings, Exposure and Transparency with Damian Eales
A new collaboration between Realtor.com and Zillow is changing how listings are shared—and raising bigger questions about where the industry is headed.
In this episode, NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson talks with Damien Eales, CEO of Realtor.com, about why two major portals are now collaborating and what it means for agents, brokers, and MLSs.
They break down the growing divide between open marketplaces and private listing networks—and why that choice directly impacts exposure, competition, and seller outcomes.
You'll hear:
Why listing visibility is becoming a competitive advantage
The real risk behind private listing networks
How pre-market listings should be used without limiting exposure
What Realtor.com Plus means for agent control and client relationships
Bottom line: More exposure leads to more buyers, more offers, and better outcomes—but only if agents lean into transparency instead of restricting access.
13 May 2026
Why NextHome Joined eXp—What the Deal Means for the Real Estate Industry with James Dwiggins
The acquisition of NextHome by EXP World Holdings marks a pivotal moment for the real estate industry.
In this episode of NAR Realtor News Change Agents, NAR CMCO Bennett Richardson talks with James Dwiggins, co‑founder and president of NextHome, about why the deal makes sense now and how it positions brokers for the future. Dwiggins explains how scale, capital, and smarter cost structures can unlock growth, innovation, and long‑term sustainability.
At the same time, he offers a clear‑eyed warning: the industry risks sliding back 40 years, becoming more fragmented and less transparent. He notes most real estate agents don't realize that the industry is "one policy decision away from catastrophe," and says that while the past few years have been turbulent, "the next 36 months may be some of the most interesting we'll ever see in this business."
A thoughtful look at where real estate is headed—what's promising, what's at stake, and how leaders are preparing for what comes next.
29 Apr 2026
What's Driving the 2026 Housing Market — Insights from Danielle Hale and Lawrence Yun
In this episode of Realtors News: Change Agents, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun sits down with Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com® | Homes for Sale, Apartments & Houses for Rent (http://realtor.com/) , for a candid, data‑driven conversation about the forces reshaping the 2026 real estate market in — and how agents can use those insights on the housing market and interest rates to better serve buyers and sellers.
Together, they unpack:
How listing data and consumer search behavior reveal where buyers are really headed
Why cross‑market demand and migration trends matter more than ever for referrals and lead generation
What agents should know about mortgage rates, the Federal Reserve, and buyer misconceptions
How baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z approach homeownership differently — and what that means for marketing and client strategy
Why telling a clear, relatable housing story is critical for building trust with today's consumers
15 Apr 2026
Reinvention Without Losing Momentum — Leadership Lessons with Tiffany Banks
Reinvention isn't about abandoning what works — it's about evolving with purpose.
In this episode of Change Agents, Tiffany Banks, CEO of Nevada REALTORS®, sits down with Jarrod Grasso, NAR's SVP of Industry Relations, to discuss leadership, adaptability, and what it takes to modernize organizations in today's real estate landscape.
Banks shares how leadership development, advocacy, and a growth mindset are helping Nevada REALTORS® stay future‑ready. She reflects on her transition from general counsel to CEO, how that shift shaped her leadership style, and why meaningful innovation must always be tied to member and consumer value.
This conversation offers thoughtful perspective for leaders and REALTORS® focused on staying relevant, building trust, and navigating reinvention without losing momentum
1 Apr 2026
Becoming Indispensable — How Service, Social, and Video Drive Growth with Daniel Heider
Being indispensable isn't about doing more — it's about doing the right things, consistently.
In this episode of Change Agents, Bennett Richardson, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at NAR, talks with Daniel Heider, EVP at TTR Sotheby's International Realty and founder of The Heider Company, about what separates top agents from the rest of the field.
Heider shares how a service‑first mindset, intentional preparation, and disciplined use of video and social media helped build one of the most followed real estate brands globally. The conversation explores what modern marketing really requires, how strong systems support elite performance, and why trust and consistency matter more than trends.
This episode is a practical look at how agents can sharpen their service, elevate their brand, and stay indispensable in a rapidly changing real estate industry.
Show Notes
R Street
This piece marked an early shift in how we approached our property videos, incorporating lighting and popular music in a way that felt new at the time and immediately captured attention.
Cecilia's Point
This was an opportunity to push further with our marketing initiatives given the scale and volume of the property. Through that campaign, we sourced a $12M offer directly from social, submitted prior to a tour, and ultimately closed within a week.
2025 Recap
Our year-end video captured the challenges of the market over the last few years and how our small team persereved to deliver record results. It is a testament to the mindset and commitment of the people who are part of HEIDER Real Estate.
International Women's Day
Our most recent piece, and one that speaks more to our brand rather than a specific property. It reflects where we're heading creatively in a forward-looking marketing approach.
18 Mar 2026
Private Listings, Trust, and Fair Housing — A Leadership Conversation with Bess Freedman
Integrity isn't a talking point — it's a leadership practice.
In this episode of Change Agents, NAR CEO Nykia Wright speaks with Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, about what it takes to lead responsibly in a changing real estate industry. Freedman shares her views on professionalism, fair housing, and why putting consumers first is essential to building long‑term trust.
The conversation also explores the role of private listings, the importance of transparency, and how leaders can navigate industry disruption without losing sight of their values. Freedman offers thoughtful perspective on what agents and brokers need to focus on to maintain credibility and confidence in today's market.
This episode is a candid discussion about leadership, ethics, and the principles that matter most when real estate is under scrutiny
4 Mar 2026
Real Estate Is Changing Fast — What Agents Need to Know with Leo Pareja
Real estate is changing — fast.
In this inaugural episode of Change Agents, NAR CEO Nykia Wright sits down with Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, for a candid conversation about how technology, AI, and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the real estate industry.
Pareja shares his perspective on industry consolidation, shifts in buyer and seller behavior, and the growing importance of transparency, culture, and adaptability in today's market. Together, they explore what these changes mean for agents on the ground — and how real estate professionals can stay competitive as the pace of change accelerates.
This episode offers timely insight for agents and brokers who want to understand what's driving industry transformation and what it takes to lead through change.
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Spotify
4.5 / 5
8 ratings
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