Join us for 3 days of high-level networking, deal-making strategies, and unforgettable experiences on the slopes: https://easybuttonrealestate.com/wintersummit (Use promotion code: WNTR1000 to get $1,000 off)

Join the #1 real estate community for agents and investors: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1

Want to SCALE your real estate business to $100k/month? Go here: https://easybuttonrealestate.com/

Summary:
January always feels strange in real estate — and this year is no different.

In this episode, we break down why the phones go quiet early in the year, how slow markets actually behave, and why panic is usually the wrong move. We talk interest rates, buyer sentiment, lean business models, and what experienced investors do to stay profitable while everyone else overthinks the slowdown.

If you’re feeling stuck or second-guessing the market, this episode is your reminder: nothing’s broken — it’s just January.

Connect with Cole Ruud-Johnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleruudjohnson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coleruudjohnson

Join us for 3 days of high-level networking, deal-making strategies, and unforgettable experiences on the slopes: https://easybuttonrealestate.com/wintersummit (Use promotion code: WNTR1000 to get $1,000 off)

Join the #1 real estate community for agents and investors: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1

Want to SCALE your real estate business to $100k/month? Go here: https://easybuttonrealestate.com/

Summary:
In this episode, I break down how to make more money in real estate in 2026 without increasing chaos.

We cover how to think in terms of return on brain damage, why chasing volume and vanity metrics kills profit, and how to structure a simple, focused operation that pays you more with fewer deals. I walk through what to focus on right now: singular focus, treating real estate like a sales and marketing business, using real data to make bets, and scaling profit—not headaches.

If you want higher take-home income with less stress, this episode is your playbook for 2026.

Connect with Cole Ruud-Johnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleruudjohnson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coleruudjohnson

Join us for 3 days of high-level networking, deal-making strategies, and unforgettable experiences on the slopes: https://easybuttonrealestate.com/wintersummit

Join the #1 real estate community for agents and investors: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1

Want to SCALE your real estate business to $100k/month? Go here: https://easybuttonrealestate.com/

Summary:
In this episode, we break down how we’re actually preparing for 2026, not just predicting what the market might do.

We talk through what we’re seeing on the ground—from interest rates and buyer behavior to development headaches, permits, and why this market is testing operators more than ever. We share why we don’t believe 2026 looks anything like 2008, what signals we’re watching, and where we think opportunity will open up for people who stay disciplined.

Most importantly, we focus on the things you can control heading into the next year: your lead flow, sales process, team, pricing, and mindset. The market may stay flat or choppy, but we explain why prepared investors and operators are still getting deals done—and how you can position yourself to do the same.

Connect with Cole Ruud-Johnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleruudjohnson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coleruudjohnson