Amid a drastic market slowdown, brokers are finding ways to increase agent support and keep talent from leaving for other opportunities. Listen to three brokers explain their agent retention strategies.

Many real estate agents who are frustrated with their business amid a stalled housing market may be thinking it’s time for a change. They might be tempted to seek greener pastures at another brokerage where they think their growth will be better supported. During times of instability, brokers are wise to invest in greater training, mentorship, technology and other tools aimed at providing agents an advantage in their market. When agents can see and feel the value of working at your company, they’re more likely to stay and deepen their loyalty to your brand.

Drive With NAR live podcast at 2023 NAR NXT
From left: “Drive With NAR” host Marki Lemons Ryhal leads a discussion with brokers Valerie Belardo, Tiffany Curry and Nova Tower at NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience, in Anaheim, Calif.

Recorded at NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience, in Anaheim, Calif., host Marki Lemons Ryhal invites three brokers onstage in front of a live audience to discuss what their doing to strengthen agent retention and keep talent from giving up in difficult moments and walking out the door. Their strategies include making sales meetings a can’t-miss event, boosting education and training programs and underscoring a close-knit company culture.

Meet the guests:

Valerie Belardo

Valerie Belardo has been a licensed real estate professional since 1987 and became the broker-owner of RE/MAX at Home in 2012. She was named the 2018 REALTOR® of the Year in New Jersey and served as the president of the NEXUS Association of REALTORS® in 2022. Belardo holds a spectrum of NAR designations and has received numerous awards, including the RE/MAX Platinum Club, the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Team and the RE/MAX Titan. She is an active member of the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Committee.

Tiffany Curry

Tiffany Curry is the broker-owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Tiffany Curry & Co., REALTORS®, in Houston. She specializes in global and luxury real estate and has led her team to over $200 million in sales. Curry is the first African American sole owner of a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise in the world. She is also the first wholly woman-owned franchise in Houston. Opening her brokerage just two months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Curry lead her firm to the 27 months straight in the black.

Nova Tower

Nova Tower is a broker and partner at Waypoint Brokers Collective in Portland, Maine. She describes herself as a business leader on a mission to advance sustainability in real estate, which benefits the health, comfort and financial wellbeing of homeowners; improves community resilience to climate change; and supports growth in the broader economy. This year, Nova led Waypoint to become the first agency in Maine to be fully GREEN-designated, allowing Waypoint to provide enhanced services to buyers and sellers interested in home performance.


Podcast Transcript:


About the Host

Marki Lemons Rhyal

Marki Lemons Ryhal, host of The REALTOR® to REALTOR® Series, is a managing broker, bestselling author and national speaker with more than 30 years of marketing experience. She aims to change the industry conversation through the podcast to benefit you and your clients. You'll hear Lemons Ryhal mix it up with real estate professionals across the country, discussing the methods they’re using to address market challenges, improve sales or save time and money. Plus, hear anecdotes about extraordinary experiences they’ve had in the field.

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