In this episode, we sit down with Brandi Snowden, the Director of Member and Consumer Survey Research at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Snowden sheds light on the fascinating world of real estate market research and survey creation. Have you ever read NAR's Homebuyer report and wondered how reliable the data is or how survey participants are selected? If so, this episode is for you!

Guiding clients on schools and the age of a neighborhood can quickly turn into steering if an agent is not careful. On this week's episode of Welcome to the Top,  Ericka Alvarez, Managing Broker at Coldwell Banker Rockwall, Past President of the Collin County Women’s Council of Realtors and Texas Realtors Director, discusses how agents can best serve their clients as they find a place to call home.

Listen as CCAR President Jamuna Thill,  President-Elect Jennifer Parker, Secretary/Treasurer Kyle Paris, and Immediate Past President Shana Acquisto discuss NAR's proposed settlement. Listeners will hear from CCAR Executive Committee members as they share their thoughts on how this will affect the real estate industry, key practice changes you should prepare for and a timeline for key milestones of the agreement. Do you wish you could sit at a table and hear what your colleagues think of the settlement? Then this episode is for you.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips from Kyle Paris, CCAR Secretary/Treasurer, on how to build and leverage professional relationships in the real estate industry. In this episode, Paris answers essential questions such as:1) How crucial is it for a real estate professional to cultivate a robust network?2) Is networking a skill that can be learned, or is it an innate talent?3) What are some proven strategies for successful professional networking?4 Which types of networking events are most conducive to meaningful connections?5)What approaches work best for initiating conversations and building connections at networking events?6) Tips for maintaining and nurturing professional relationships over time.

Today’s episode is for anyone who is considering buying an investment property but feels stuck. Our guest, Nancy Wallace-Laabs, Coach, Consultant and Short-Term Rental Educator, meets you where you are but refuses to leave you there! If locating and evaluating an investment property overwhelms you, this episode contains your guide.Does funding the purchase seem insurmountable? Listen to hear how to get it done.Our guest takes us beyond the basics, discussing how to scale your investment properties and even sharing her best deal. If you want to build legacy wealth, this episode is for you.

The Seller Disclosure Notice is a critical part of a residential transaction. Spend ten minutes with Bob Baker, Broker and Instructor, to hear how to respond to incomplete forms, who is exempt from completing the form, what sellers are required to disclose, what to do with new information, and more.

Homeowners' insurance policies are increasing, and everyone is feeling the burn! On this episode of Welcome to the Top, insurance expert Barney Schwartz discusses where and why insurance rates are increasing, if they will go back down, and strategies that can help homeowners get a lower rate.

In this episode, guests Chase Crenshaw and Mike Jumper delve into the latest developments in lending policies and potential changes in credit scoring, providing insights that every real estate agent and investor should know.

In the latest episode of Welcome to the Top, Broker and CCAR Instructor Barry Hardman dives deep into the often-overlooked world of MLS (Multiple Listing Service) violations. MLS plays a crucial role in the real estate industry, impacting both professionals and their clients. Barry sheds light on the importance of MLS and why it's a cornerstone for real estate success. Listen as we address the fundamental question: What is a violation, and how can agents identify if they've committed one? Hardman outlines some of the most common violations, providing practical insights that every real estate professional should be aware of. The discussion extends to the consequences of violating MLS rules and how they are determined and enforced. Tune in to Welcome to the Top and gain insights from Barry Hardman as he demystifies MLS violations, empowering real estate professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving market.

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Welcome to the Top," where we bring you the insights and expertise of top professionals in the real estate industry. In this episode, we ask special guest Stephen Etzel, a renowned Real Estate Instructor, to share how he integrates RPR into his daily practice.Etzel sheds light on what he believes is the most responsible way for agents to interact with and leverage AI, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in this rapidly evolving landscape. Get ready to learn some of the underutilized features of RPR that can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in the field.

In this powerful episode, Kara Shrum, Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) Corporate Relations Manager, shines a spotlight on the inspiring work of the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC), a beacon of hope for children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Listen as Kara uncovers the comprehensive services they offer to young survivors and their families, all under one roof. From forensic interviews to counseling and advocacy, each facet of their work is a crucial step toward breaking the cycle of abuse. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the vital work of the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County and how you can support their important work.

Dive into the complex realm of real estate appraisals as Welcome to the Top hosts Vaughn Kerkorian, Independent Appraiser at Kerkorian Appraisal. In this episode, learn about the emergence of desktop appraisals and the role of Private Data Collectors (PDCs). Explore the implications for both buyers and sellers and gain insights into the challenges and benefits associated with this evolving landscape. Discover what agents need to know to safeguard their clients and transactions in the ever-changing world of real estate appraisals.

Do you have a beef with the One to Four Family Residential Contract? Do you want to know more about the consideration that goes into making forms user-friendly and legally compliant?  Then you need to know about TREC’s Broker-Lawyer Committee, and appointee Melissa Hailey is here to share!

Listen as Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Senior Business Economist Laila Assanie discusses the National Economy's effect on our local real estate market.

This week, two phenomenal industry leaders and CCAR Past Presidents, Amoret Cain and Melissa Hailey, discuss what happened in their year as CCAR President. Can you guess what changes they made to ensure CCAR members had access to the tools, training, and technology needed to succeed?

On this episode of Welcome to the Top Real Estate Finance Coach, Tristan Sherrill discusses what lenders look for in a loan and how you can strategize now for your next home purchase.

This week we delve into the inspiring world of the Women's Council (WCR), also known as Women's Council of REALTORS®, with WCR 2023 Collin County President Shannon Vizcarra.  Join us as we explore the mission, initiatives, and success stories of this organization dedicated to advancing its members' standing in the communities they serve.

In this episode of "Welcome to the Top," we are honored to have Leslie Rouda Smith, the 2022 President of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), as our distinguished guest. Join us as we delve into Rouda Smith's remarkable journey of leadership and service, exploring the insights gained from her time at the helm of America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.As the 2022 NAR President, Rouda Smith's role demanded extraordinary commitment and dedication. We kick off the conversation with the burning question on everyone's mind: What is the time commitment required to be the President of NAR? Rouda Smith graciously sheds light on the demands of this prestigious volunteer position and how it impacted her personal and professional life.Discover what motivated Rouda Smith to take on such a challenging role and how her passion for the real estate industry propelled her to lead with a clear purpose. Volunteering can be a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. Listen to gain wisdom on how aspiring leaders can make the most out of their volunteer service, aligning their individual growth with the greater purpose of their position.

How much value does having a pool add? That can vary depending on how well-maintained the pool is! Join us as we attend poolside school with Lindsay Barker, Poolwerx Franchise Partner, and learn how to maintain a pool for your health and wealth! Did you know the health of a pool can go south in a manner of days? Dog owners, beware. It’s even fast for you.

This week's topic is too important to ignore. Join us on this Welcome to the Top episode as we dive into estate planning, life insurance, wills, and more with our guest, Will Ramsey.Will Ramsey sheds light on the importance of estate planning, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting the essential elements that go into crafting a comprehensive plan.Ever wondered about the difference between a will and an estate plan? Listen to today's episode and wonder no more.