#699: How Real Estate Leaders Are Winning 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, John Kitchens, Jay Kinder, and Albie Stasek dive into the shifting dynamics of today’s real estate landscape—from team growth and agent migration to California’s wildfire devastation and Zillow’s evolving influence. With no guest this week, the conversation gets real as the guys dissect the core trends impacting the industry right now.

They explore how pain, opportunity, and leadership are reshaping the way agents and teams make decisions. Plus, they tackle a major emerging trend: team mergers and mega team expansion. Is this the next wave or a cultural clash waiting to happen?

This is a must-listen for team leaders, broker-owners, and agents looking to future-proof their business in 2025 and beyond.

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Key Topics Covered

The Real State of Agent Movement

• Why top-producing agents and influential teams are migrating to eXp.

• What’s really motivating these moves: pain, opportunity, or timing?

• How the last two years of slowdown created a demand for more consistent systems.

Team Mergers and the Rise of Mega Teams

• Why teams are starting to merge—and whether this is smart growth or a culture crisis.

• Real-life lessons from failed mergers and what leaders need to know before joining forces.

• The importance of Patrick Lencioni’s The Motive and choosing outcome over ego.
  
  

Zillow Flex and the New Real Estate Game

• How top operators like Kyle Whissel are dominating markets through Flex.

• Why Flex is like the new REO playbook: low-margin leads, high-lifetime value.

• What most teams miss when they chase short-term profits over long-term positioning.

The California Wildfire Crisis

• A firsthand breakdown of how fires are reshaping real estate on the West Coast.

• Long-term implications for inventory, insurance, and population migration.

• Why rents and premiums are about to spike—and who might be heading to Texas or Florida.
  
  

Leadership Voids and the Agent Exodus

• Why agents are leaving legacy brands and mom-and-pop brokerages in droves.

• The silent killer: lack of leadership, vision, and meaningful direction.

• How today’s best leaders are creating followership by removing ego and casting vision.
  
  

Motivation, Vision & What Really Drives Production

• The truth about why agents plateau: financial comfort and a weak “why.”

• What Elon Musk’s obsession teaches us about drive, discipline, and mission.

• Why the pack moves at the pace of the leader—and how to lead by example.
  
  

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Resources Mentioned

• The Motive by Patrick Lencioni – Must-read before attempting a team merger

• Elon Musk Biography – Referenced for insights on obsession and vision

• Zillow Flex Model – Discussed as the modern equivalent of REO strategy

• Verne Harnish’s Top Book Lists – Recommends reading Elon multiple times

• CHSA/CHBA Systems – Mentioned as essential frameworks for consistent deals

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Access to leadership tools, agent training, and systems

• EXP Nasdaq Event – Company news update (happening July 21st)

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Final Takeaway

Leadership matters now more than ever. Whether you're merging a team, leading through market uncertainty, or just trying to find your edge—clarity, culture, and consistency will define your success.

If you’re ready to lead at a higher level, create a scalable business, and stop grinding without a strategy, now’s the time to plug into proven systems and surround yourself with leaders who’ve been there.

 

“When the gate of the mind is open, the better way is clear.” – Jay Kinder

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• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

 

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