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FROM THE CALM AGENT DESK
CEO Sound Bites from San Diego
I didn’t make it to Inman Connect San Diego 2025, but the headlines were hard to miss. A record number of real estate CEOs took the stage, each leaving behind sharp one‑liners about where the industry is headed. From portal bragging rights to affordability warnings and cautious optimism about AI, their words painted a snapshot of what’s top of mind for leadership right now.
Here is what the CEOs are saying:
Damian Eales (Realtor.com)
Eales urged the industry to move beyond the Clear Cooperation debate and focus on real solutions for consumers, especially affordability. He defended open marketplaces, praised MLS transparency, and emphasized that increasing housing supply is the critical challenge where the industry can unite and make a local impact.
“Let’s turn off this conversation about Clear Cooperation… If this industry can get behind one issue, it’s housing supply.”
James Dwiggins (NextHome)
Dwiggins warned that the industry is distracted by lawsuits and portal drama while affordability and insurance crises worsen. He urged leaders to advocate for consumers and maintain long-term relationships beyond the transaction, as end-to-end ecosystems like Rocket’s threaten to capture repeat business.
“We have real issues… and the industry has got to start leading from the front.”
Andy Florance (CoStar / Homes.com)
Florance declared Homes.com the No. 1 residential portal, positioning it as the only “pro‑agent” platform and dismissing direct competition with Zillow and Realtor.com. He defended aggressive tactics, including copyright lawsuits and homeowner mailers, as necessary to protect agent value and reinforce Homes.com’s unique market approach.
“We’re not competing against either Realtor or Zillow… In essence, we are now No. 1 at that.”
Glenn Kelman (Redfin)
Kelman described Redfin’s $1.75 billion sale to Rocket as bittersweet but strategic, giving the company financial strength to compete with portal giants and focus on technology and consumer service. He emphasized long‑term commitment to improving real estate while embracing a more collaborative industry tone.
“It was hard for me to agree to sell the company, but Rocket believes in technology and service.”
Guy Gal (Side)
Gal argued that the industry’s real threat isn’t AI or commission lawsuits, but a system that profits from inexperienced, part‑time agents. He said this undermines consumer confidence and the profession itself, while top‑producing agents thrive by clearly demonstrating their value in a post‑lawsuit environment.
“The industry is conspiring to move transactions away from experienced hands into part‑time hands — for no other reason than it’s more profitable.”
Ryan Schneider (Anywhere Real Estate)
Schneider forecast a future of consolidation where fewer players deliver greater consumer value. He emphasized “practical AI,” avoiding hype like chatbots, and reaffirmed a customer‑first stance on listings. With $500 million raised for potential acquisitions, Schneider positioned Anywhere to scale technology and compete effectively against portals and traditional rivals.
“I’m a champion of practical progress. I’m not a champion of hot air.”
Kevin Sears (NAR President)
Sears expressed optimism about NAR’s progress after years of legal and leadership crises. He acknowledged a projected 150,000‑member decline and $30 million deficit but highlighted stronger advocacy, operational discipline, and a renewed focus on consumer‑first issues. Sears credited CEO Nykia Wright with “straightening the ship” and prioritizing sustainable success.
“What we’ve said we were going to do has the ship going in the right direction.”
AI PRODUCTIVITY
How to Make Scroll‑Stopping Clips in Minutes
There’s power in repurposing what you already have. Every long listing video hides a handful of moments that are perfect for social media: the stairwell that catches the morning light, the street view that sells the neighborhood. Turn those moments into quick, vertical clips, and your content starts working for you around the clock.
Here’s how to turn one listing video into a week of engaging short reels using Opus Clip:
1. Upload Your Listing Video
Sign into Opus Clip and upload your full home‑tour video, or paste the link if it’s already on YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive.
2. Let the AI Find the Moments
Opus Clip scans your video and identifies the segments most likely to catch attention—think feature reveals, curb‑appeal shots, and smooth transitions.
Each auto‑generated short comes with a virality score, which predicts its potential to perform well on social media.
Focus on clips with higher scores first for posting priority.
3. Select Your Winning Clips
Scroll through the AI‑generated options and pick the clips that best tell your property’s story. Use the virality score as a guide, but also trust your local market knowledge and eye for lifestyle moments.
4. Customize for Branding
Trim or extend clips to a tight 15–30 seconds.
Adjust captions, colors, and aspect ratio for Instagram Reels or TikTok.
Add a simple watermark or overlay with “Schedule a Tour” or “Link in Bio.”
5. Export, Post, and Track
Download your clips in vertical 9:16 format and share across Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts.
Pro users can auto‑schedule posts from the Opus dashboard.
Watch which clips earn the most engagement to refine your next batch.
Calm Agent Tip: Start with the high‑score clips first to boost early engagement, and keep experimenting with different types of shots. Over time, you’ll see a pattern of what truly grabs your audience.
AI PROMPT
Prompt for Opus Clip Reels
Act as an experienced social media specialist for viral videos in the real estate niche. Create captions for my reel that:
Hook viewers in the first line with curiosity or emotion related to home buying, selling, or real estate life.
Highlight the most valuable takeaway for clients or fellow agents in plain, clear language.
Use sentence case, short phrases, and simple language that’s easy to read fast.
Avoid hype, jargon, or “salesy” language.
Encourage engagement with a subtle question or prompt at the end (e.g., “Would you try this with your next listing?”).
Keep the caption under 120 words.
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