The Rise of the "Hybrid" Agent: Blending Traditional with Tech & Consumer for Maximum Impact
Release Date: 02/28/2025
Consumed
What separates a great real estate agent from everyone else? In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton sits down with consumers and experienced real estate professionals to explore the qualities that actually matter during a real estate transaction. The conversation moves beyond marketing, production numbers, and industry awards to focus on what consumers truly value: trust, expertise, communication, transparency, and advocacy. You'll hear firsthand perspectives on what creates a positive buying or selling experience, why consumers want both partnership and professional guidance, and how...
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Artificial intelligence is already changing how consumers search for homes, find agents, and make decisions—and most real estate agents still don’t understand how fast that shift is happening. In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton sits down with Matthew Tompkins and Sunny Lake Hahn to unpack what AI actually means for real estate agents, why traditional marketing advice is becoming obsolete, and how consumer behavior is changing faster than the industry is willing to admit. They break down why platforms like ChatGPT are replacing traditional search behavior, why Instagram and...
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The real estate industry doesn’t just have a marketing problem—it has a trust problem. In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton breaks down how the industry created a system where agents are constantly told to “show their value,” while consumers are left confused, skeptical, and overwhelmed. From coaching culture and social media trends to commission conversations and private listings, Lance explores why so much of modern real estate feels disconnected from what consumers actually want. You’ll hear honest discussions about the emotional side of the business, why...
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What do consumers actually think about real estate agents when they buy or sell a home? In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton sits down with real consumers for honest, unscripted conversations about their experiences working with agents and the answers are eye-opening. You’ll hear what buyers and sellers really care about, why Zillow and online portals dominate the search experience, how consumers evaluate trust, and what separates forgettable agents from truly valuable partners. The conversations also explore commission confusion, communication breakdowns, weak follow-up systems, and...
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What do real estate agents actually need to run a successful business and why does it feel like they’re not getting it? In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton sits down with three experienced agents from across the country to have an honest, unfiltered conversation about what’s missing in today’s real estate industry. From communication challenges and lack of meaningful support to misaligned brokerage values and the realities of running a solo business, this discussion pulls back the curtain on what agents are really dealing with day to day. The panel dives into the need for better...
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What if the biggest force shaping the real estate industry right now isn’t helping agents, but quietly taking control back from them? In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton pulls back the curtain on a controversial topic: the evolving role of brokerages in modern real estate. From the early days of physical offices and listing binders to today’s digital-first, agent-driven world, Lance breaks down how the power dynamic has shifted and why it may be shifting back again. He explores brokerage consolidation, commission structures, and the growing push toward privatized listings, all...
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What does the real estate process look like through the eyes of someone actively buying and selling right now? In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton sits down with Mike Weiner, a technology sales executive who is currently navigating both sides of the real estate transaction (selling his home while purchasing another). From commuting challenges and family life to navigating listings, portals, and agent relationships, Mike shares his unfiltered perspective as a consumer in today’s market. The conversation dives into how buyers actually search for homes, why portals like Zillow and...
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What does the real estate process actually feel like from the consumer side? In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton sits down with Clare Acosta, an educator, attorney, and recent single homeowner who relocated across the country, to unpack her unfiltered experience selling and buying in two very different markets. From interviewing multiple agents and negotiating commission structures to navigating low inventory, solar panel complications, financing hurdles, and cross-country stress, Clare shares what stood out, what surprised her, and what agents often overlook. The conversation dives...
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Public adjusters might be the most powerful resource your clients have never heard of. In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton sits down with Michael Bilt, CEO and Founder of Atlas Adjusting, to break down what a public adjuster actually is, and why every real estate agent should know one. Most homeowners assume their insurance company is fully on their side. But when disaster strikes (fire, flood, pipe break, water damage) the insurance company sends its own adjuster. And that adjuster works for them, not the homeowner. Michael explains how public adjusters advocate for policyholders,...
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Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing real estate agents, but it is changing how consumers find them. And for agents who haven’t structured their digital presence intentionally, that shift can be costly. In this episode of Consumed, Lance Pendleton explains how AI-driven search is reshaping visibility, credibility, and consumer trust in real estate. Rather than focusing on tools or trends, Lance breaks down the fundamentals agents need to understand to show up where today’s buyers and sellers are actually searching. You’ll hear why AI platforms reward agents who answer real...
info_outlineAre you ready to become a hybrid agent and revolutionize your real estate business? In this episode, we explore the power of blending traditional practices with technology to maximize impact in today's market.
Lance and Lucy discuss the challenges facing traditional agents and the opportunities presented by embracing technology. Emphasizing the importance of differentiation, consumer education, and utilizing technology to streamline processes and enhance client experiences.
This conversation also touches on the need for agents to actively explore and adopt new technologies to stay ahead of the curve and better serve their clients.
Discover how to become a hybrid agent and thrive in today's evolving real estate landscape.
Takeaways
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71% of licensed real estate agents sold zero homes last year.
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The techniques used by successful agents differ from those who are not producing.
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The real estate industry is likely to get cleaned up over time.
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Traditional agents often focus on reactive problem-solving rather than proactive business development.
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Technology can serve as a key differentiator in real estate.
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Agents need to educate themselves and their clients about new technologies.
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Curiosity and exploration of technology can change perspectives.
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Investing in technology today can yield benefits for future listings.
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Simplifying processes with technology can enhance agent productivity.
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Agents should view technology as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
To learn more about Matterport visit us: https://matterport.com/podcast
This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.