Kicking off 2026 with a fun one. Suzanne and Paul are back with a quick market pulse, buyer energy, and rates talk — then they welcome Tammy & Branden from The Echo Group, who recently joined Innovate Realty. The conversation goes deep on traditional vs. investor real estate, how to build trust fast, and why understanding the math (and the client mindset) matters more than ever. Plus: legendary real estate stories you won’t forget.

In this episode, we cover:
• 2026 kickoff and the Echo Group intro
• Early-year market vibes: rates, buyer excitement, and open house traffic even in the rain
• National housing trends, builders slowing down, and what it means for infill in 2026
• How buyers/sellers get influenced by what they consume online (mindset matters)
• Why “if they love the house, they’ll find a way” — and how agents should read that
• Trust-building + question-based selling: getting to needs, stress points, and real motivations
• Why real estate today is “eHarmony”: photos first, expectations, and the open house advantage
• Tammy & Branden’s paths: REO/foreclosures, short sales, remodels, and scaling transactions
• The investor lane: why agents miss massive opportunity if they don’t understand investor math
• Hard conversations earlier in investor deals — and why discomfort creates growth
• Feeding your own pipeline: turning one investor deal into multiple transactions
• Iconic transaction stories: Ike & Tina Turner’s former home, massive turnout, and neighborhood history
• Real talk on “death on property” disclosures and how different buyers react
• Wrap-up: training resources, investor education, and why alignment/culture matters at Innovate

In this episode of Realty Talk, Suzanne Seini and Paul Hanson unpack the real dynamics between real estate agents and investors — where tension comes from, why it exists, and how collaboration actually leads to more closed deals.

From investor underwriting and ROI thinking to agent psychology, communication, and market expertise, this conversation breaks down what each side can learn from the other heading into 2026. Whether you’re an agent, investor, or industry professional, this episode offers practical insight on how to work smarter, move faster, and create long-term opportunity together.

• Why agents and investors often clash — and how to eliminate friction
• ROI vs. relationships: the core mindset difference
• How investors underwrite deals (ARV, construction costs, speed, margins)
• Why speed matters more than perfection in investor transactions
• What agents can learn from investor decision-making
• What investors can learn from agents about market knowledge & deal psychology
• How communication and presentation can win offers
• The risks of double-ending deals without proper representation
• Real examples of collaboration creating smoother, faster transactions
• Why understanding investors is a competitive advantage for agents in 2026

What does it really take to succeed as a real estate agent in 2026? In this episode of Realty Talk, Suzanne Seini (CEO & Founder of Innovate Realty) and Paul “Fix-It-All” Hanson break down how the market is shifting — and what agents must do to stay ahead.

In this episode, we cover:
• Market conditions, interest rates, and why micro-markets matter
• Buyer demand, inventory shortages, and pricing expectations
• Why today’s buyers and sellers are more informed than ever
• The shift from salesperson to trusted advisor
• How to build trust through transparency and expertise
• Speed, communication, and setting clear client expectations
• Branding, media, and social proof in modern real estate
• Gen Z buyers and changing consumer behavior
• Why culture, mentorship, and people matter more than splits
• How agents must evolve to win in 2026 and beyond

A must-listen for agents reflecting on their business, considering a move, or planning for the future