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ScratchThat

ScratchThat

By ScratchThat

ScratchThat, a podcast brought to you by the Austin Board of REALTORS® focused on peeling the layers back on the national trends in real estate.
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ScratchThat Episode 7: Back to School

ScratchThatMar 22, 2019

00:00
21:34
Episode 43: Reading Between the Headlines
Dec 12, 202215:03
Episode 42: Creating Meaningful Change
Oct 04, 202233:43
Episode 41: The Business of Belonging

Episode 41: The Business of Belonging

Pamela Benson Owens is the President and CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc and is acting Executive Director of Six Square. For nearly 25 years, Pam has helped organizations manage perceptions around complex and challenging issues with courage and strategic passion. At the Austin Board of REALTORS®, she is an instrumental partner in ensuring we maintain a thriving staff culture that champions belonging and inclusion, with bold vision and courageous leadership. Pam is also the host of the Rooted podcast, which you can find on Apple Podcasts.

Don't miss this unfiltered, real-talk conversation with Pam and Emily about the business of belonging, and all the ways that leaders and organizations often get it wrong, when they believe they're doing everything right

Watch this interview on YouTube. You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Feb 17, 202241:14
Episode 40: Delivering the Essentials

Episode 40: Delivering the Essentials

Meet Zachary Maurais, co-founder of Favor and now Sunroom Rentals. He solved our basic needs for grocery delivery and wings on a Friday with Favor. Now he’s focused on helping consumers navigate the leasing process while giving property managers and owners tools to market their properties more efficiently.

You can follow Zac on Instagram @zacadooo and stay up to date with Sunroom by following them on Instagram at @sunroom and online at sunroomrentals.com.

Watch this interview on YouTube.  You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Jul 12, 202118:20
Episode 39: Artificial Un-Intelligence

Episode 39: Artificial Un-Intelligence

Meredith Broussard is dispelling the myth that computers are intelligent, impartial players in decision making. A data journalist and associate professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University, research director at the NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology, and the author of Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World, Broussard is dedicated to helping people avoid AI in social decisions in order to break the chain of systemic bias she believes is baked into many software programs. Because many programs rely on historical data, which itself includes bias, she believes many programs - especially those used in social decisions - end up perpetuating inequity. And, some of these programs could get users into legal trouble. 

In this discussion, Meredith warns REALTORS® to avoid programs that could hold them legally liable and create bias in their decisions, what to look for when using artificial intelligence and the kind of questions you need to ask vendors before using their products.

You can follow Meredith on Twitter @merbroussard and check her work as well as stay updated on upcoming books at meredithbroussard.com.

Apr 27, 202129:14
Episode 38: A Haven for All

Episode 38: A Haven for All

It's been almost two years since New York Newsday conducted an investigation that found REALTORS® engaged in discriminatory talk and practices. This investigation rattled the industry and led to some serious discussions and changes. It also happened around the same time Bryan Greene, who had spent his career at HUD, joined the organization as NAR’s Director of Fair Housing Policy. He immediately took action, working on not only recognizing the agency’s past history of discrimination but addressing the biases that still exist.

In this conversation, Bryan discusses how REALTORS® can take ownership of their own bias through educational programs, such as NAR’s simulation Fairhaven, which challenges a player to achieve their goals while navigating discrimination—both overt and subtle—while still obtaining the objective. Bryan also talks about what’s on the legislative agenda regarding fair housing and the policies NAR is helping push with the current presidential administration.

Follow Bryan on LinkedIn here. And in the spirit of Fair Housing Month, play Fairhaven here and see how you “fare” when it comes to fair housing.

Apr 13, 202134:16
Episode 37: "Yes, and..." Conversations

Episode 37: "Yes, and..." Conversations

Michelle Mills Clement is healing wounds through her job. As CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, she hit the ground running when she proposed a resolution to formally apologize to the community for past discrimination against minorities, such as redlining policies. For Michelle, undoing history that did not promote Fair Housing in Chicago was personal. She was leading an organization that only decades ago wouldn’t have even let her become a member. Part of her mission now is to undo the damage of the past by redefining the culture of CAR through training and creating space to have uncomfortable conversations in an effort to bring more equity to housing access.

In this empowering conversation with Emily, Michelle shares her philosophy of what has motivated her organization’s decisions, the impact those moves have had on the community, and how powerful the role of a REALTOR® really is. Learn how having empathetic “Yes, and…” conversations transformed CAR and added value to its membership, making Chicago a better city.

You can learn more about Michelle here, and by following her on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter at @Fly_AsAMother.

Watch this interview on YouTube. You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Mar 30, 202125:19
Episode 36: Your Miracle Morning
Mar 16, 202140:52
Episode 35: The Unbecoming Standard of Conduct

Episode 35: The Unbecoming Standard of Conduct

When NAR amended its Code of Ethics to directly address hate speech, it sparked a fury of complaints throughout the REALTOR® community, as some felt it would be used as a weapon against those with conservative political beliefs. One of its most outspoken critics is Rob Hahn (who we interviewed on this show back in 2019), Managing Partner of 7DS Associates and producer and writer of the blog and information site NotoriousROB. Hahn believes Canada came up with a better solution to tackling egregious behavior with its “conduct unbecoming” clause which casts a broad net as to what constitutes unbecoming behavior for an industry professional. 

In this episode, Emily sits down with Rob and Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association, to see if Canada is really effective in stopping egregious behavior by asking them what lessons we could learn from our neighbor up North. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and this conversation shows just how much tension there still is in a highly politicized environment, even when it comes to real estate. 

Check out Rob’s blog at notorious-rob.com and on Twitter at @robhahn and on LinkedIn. Follow Tim on Twitter at @timhudak. 

Wanna hear more? You can check out all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. You can also view this episode on YouTube! Subscribe today!

Mar 02, 202139:23
Episode 34: Code Switch

Episode 34: Code Switch

Matt Difanis, the 2020 Chair for the National Association of REALTORS®’ Professional Standards Committee, is helping change the landscape for people of color in the industry. As racial injustice made headlines across the country in 2020, Difanis helped lead the charge for NAR to amend its Code of Ethics, making hate speech a violation of the organization’s standards of ethics—not only in professional settings but in private arenas, as well. After a heated debate with multiple members weighing in on whether REALTORS® were living up to their obligation to help find housing for all, NAR voted to pass the Professional Standard Committee’s recommendations on November 13, 2020.

In this candid discussion, Matt shares some of his own experiences helping his friends of color combat racism, what this new policy means for REALTORS®, and his hopes for the future of real estate. Learn more about the policy and how it affects REALTORS®, you can visit NAR’s website section dedicated to the topic.

Feb 10, 202129:48
Episode 33: Leveling the Field

Episode 33: Leveling the Field

Sarah Thomas didn’t set out to change the face of football as the first female calling plays. Coming from an athletic background, she simply set out to succeed in her calling as an American football official with determination. As the first female official to ever work a major college football game, the first woman to officiate a bowl game, and the first to officiate in a Big Ten stadium, Sarah knows what it takes to open closed doors and make change without making enemies in a competitive environment. But it hasn’t been an easy ride and she’s had to commit to a lot of personal sacrifice to keep her career on track.

We invited Sarah to share her incredibly motivating story of breaking the glass ceiling time after time at ThinkUp. When last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she shared her story about making history in a male-dominated industry as keynote for our virtual 2020 Annual Meeting and participated in a live, virtual interview during our How to Hustle series. We were able to record this interview before she started the 101st season of the National Football League in September. Since then, she’s adding another feather to her cap when she becomes the first female to officiate The Big Game on February 7, 2021!

In this discussion, Sarah talks about what it takes to succeed despite the odds, how to take rejection and persevere, and how self-reflection and learning from mistakes can you help grow much faster than the determination to always be right. For anyone who has put all their energy into achieving their dreams, even if those dreams seem far-flung, Sarah’s insight offers a strategy and a mindset to get there.

Jan 26, 202122:28
Episode 32: A New Lease on Life

Episode 32: A New Lease on Life

Founder and President of Rental Beast Ishay Grinberg believes every agent should include rental services in their portfolio. It’s not only a wise networking opportunity with future buyers, but a chance to make extra money with much less effort than you would anticipate. After years of working as an agent with a boutique agency in New York City, Grinberg founded Rental Beast as an MLS-style resource for rental properties. By providing millions of listings, Grinberg’s goal is to make the rental property search and transaction as seamless as possible, with the ability to do everything virtual and from one platform.

In this episode, Grinberg discusses the effect of COVID-19 on rental properties, the tools REALTORS® need to get into the market, and why working in property management is worth the effort. Learn more about Rental Beast by following them on Twitter at @RentalBeast, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. You can also view this episode on YouTube.  Subscribe today!

Sep 04, 202016:44
Episode 31: Go Your Own Way

Episode 31: Go Your Own Way

Dee Dee Blizard loves to travel. As Broker at Global Real Estate Consulting and the Vice President of the International Real Estate Federation USA, Dee Dee’s combined her passion for traveling and networking, closing transactions around the world for residential and some commercial properties. Pre-COVID, her life consisted of boarding dozens of international flights. Now, she’s taking a different approach. In this episode, we talk to her about how her operations have changed to serve her clients, and how other REALTORS® can reach their global dreams.

Part of the strategy of launching an international real estate consulting business is networking with others who are doing the same thing. Check out FIABCI for more information on getting started.

Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play.

Aug 21, 202015:22
Episode 30: Perception is Reality

Episode 30: Perception is Reality

In this candid interview about prejudice, Afua Addo and Emily discuss what steps REALTORS® can take to help shape the future of housing. As Deputy Director of Programs and Training at Perception Institute, Afua is working to educate REALTORS® and members of NAR on housing inequity in the United States, as well as the role the housing industry plays in perpetuating the home ownership divide. Through videos and training workshops, Perception Institute is helping us learn how to recognize our own inherent biases, how to give ourselves grace as we re-educate ourselves on the history of housing, and how we can pave the way for a more equitable future—starting with our own network of friends.

Check out this video the Perception Institute recently made in partnership with NAR on overcoming barriers to fair housing. And, pick up a copy of Afua’s favorite book, Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do, by Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt.

This interview is available on YouTube here. Follow Afua on Twitter at @iamafua; and learn more about the Perception Institute by liking their Facebook page and following them on Twitter at @perceptioninst.

Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play.  Subscribe today!

Aug 07, 202031:15
Episode 29: Pitch Perfect

Episode 29: Pitch Perfect

As Executive Editor for Curbed—an online publication that’s a must-read for members of the housing industry and fans of architecture—Mercedes Kraus is always looking to feature unique and historically interesting homes for their avid readers. But, with so much competition and without a publicity team to spend the time reaching out, how does a REALTOR® get into publications like Curbed? In this lighthearted episode, Mercedes breaks down the dos and don'ts of getting media exposure, how to pitch to editors, and how to build important relationships with journalists without hiring a publicist.

Mercedes also discusses the design trends she’s seeing come out of shelter-in-place orders, her favorite place to turn to for architectural and design inspiration, and what she misses about living in Central Texas.

Jul 24, 202024:42
Episode 28: Human Behavior
Jul 10, 202018:45
Episode 27: Back to Business, But Not as Usual
Jun 26, 202047:25
Episode 26: Moving On Up or Moving On Out

Episode 26: Moving On Up or Moving On Out

Will COVID-19 change the way we decide to buy homes in the future? Emily and Ralph McLaughlin, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Analytics at Haus, ponder this question as they talk about the market’s recovery taking a “flying W” shape, whether the migration to urban centers will slow, and trends we can expect in the coming years.

Having cut his teeth at CoreLogic, Trulia, and as an Assistant Professor and City of San Jose Housing Commissioner, Ralph is a self-described housing nerd. Learn why he believes Haus will help revolutionize the way people buy homes; taking on partner investors through a private company instead of debt through a bank and getting more flexibility with payments in return.

You can follow Ralph on LinkedIn or on Twitter at @HousingRalph.

Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play.  Subscribe today!

Jun 12, 202026:04
Episode 25: Survey Says
May 29, 202017:19
Episode 24: Shop (Rates) 'Til You Drop

Episode 24: Shop (Rates) 'Til You Drop

Patrick Boyaggi isn’t a soothsayer, but he tends to look to the future and prepare for it. He is the co-founder and CEO of Own Up, a tech company that allows buyers to shop for lenders with the assistance of a free advisor, and when it comes to COVID-19 he has two potential outcomes for the housing industry: one that looks rosy and one that’s more dire. Either way, he believes professionals in the housing industry need to prepare for both and it starts with reading the signs.

ScratchThat is now on YouTube! Watch the video interview here of Emily and Patrick chatting about how agents can help their customers find the best mortgages to fit their individual situations, what the impact of this global pandemic might be on housing, and how political moves made now could affect us in the future.

To find out more about Patrick and Own Up, visit the company’s blog,  Facebook page, Instagram, and follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrickboyaggi and LinkedIn.

Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play.  Subscribe today!

May 15, 202030:18
Episode 23: Brothers and Sisters
Mar 06, 202025:59
Episode 22: Tech: Friend or Foe?

Episode 22: Tech: Friend or Foe?

Is technology really the great equalizer in our business? In Episode 22 of ScratchThat, ABoR CEO Emily Chenevert talks with Jeff Turner about how tech can’t replace heart. As the President of RealSatisfied, former CEO and current Chief Strategy Officer of immoviewer, and the Entrepreneur in Residence with the National Association of Realtors' REACH and Second Century Ventures, Jeff is on the cutting edge when it comes to the intersection of real estate and technology. While he’s unapologetic about technology and its disruption of the real estate market, he believes that human ingenuity, real-life connectedness and culture will be the real differentiators in this rapidly changing industry.

No matter how you feel about disruption in the industry, listen up and think about how you can find your edge as a REALTOR® in today’s rapidly changing market.

Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play.  Subscribe today!

Feb 21, 202022:51
Episode 21: Culture Club

Episode 21: Culture Club

As President and CEO of Realogy Expansion Brands, which includes Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Sherry Chris has keen insight on what it takes to establish and support a healthy culture within a business. She’s currently doing that with multiple brands under her leadership. Whether you’re working solo or within a group, Sherry says staying true to your values, always offering superior service, and keeping a growth mindset will help create a culture that will help your business thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn best practices and personal insights from a marketing legend with more than 30 years of experience growing a brand that has continued success today.

To find out more about Sherry, check her out on Twitter and Instagram at @SherryChris, LinkedIn, or visit realogy.com.

Wanna hear more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play.  Subscribe today!

Feb 07, 202012:50
Episode 20: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Jan 24, 202029:56
Episode 19: Wake Up YPN

Episode 19: Wake Up YPN

Under the umbrella of the National Association of REALTORS®, the Young Professional’s Network  gives members of the industry a chance to build a strong community, access additional resources for their business, and help shape the future of the industry. YPN plays a vital role in promoting the values and needs of REALTORS® within local associations and at a national level. In this episode, ABoR CEO Emily Chenevert sits down with three YPN superstars: Tommy Choi, President of the Chicago Board of Realtors and immediate past Chair of the National Association of REALTORS®’ YPN Advisory Board; Piper Knoll, current Chair of the National YPN Advisory Board; and Matt Clements, President of Orange County REALTORS® Association and a member of the National YPN Advisory Board. In typical ScratchThat style, this group of game-changers have a candid discussion on why YPN is vital for shaping the future of the industry, how important the community is for those building their business, and what the future could look like as they diversify their leadership team and promote new ideas across the country.

To find out more about YPN, check them out on Twitter at @YPN and visit the national site at ypn.realtor. Follow Tommy Choi on Twitter at @tommychoi, Facebook Faceebook, and Instagram at @tommyjoochoi; Piper Knoll on LinkedIn; and Matt Clements on Twitter at @surferreealtor, Facebook, and Instagram at @surferreealtor.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Dec 03, 201927:10
Episode 18: Keep it Simple, Stupid (Revisited)

Episode 18: Keep it Simple, Stupid (Revisited)

In Episode 18, we revisit Episode 2 featuring Joe Rand, who will be a featured speaker at ThinkUp, Austin Board of REALTORS®'s new conference happening in April 2020. Rand is the leading innovator in real estate education and author of Disruptors, Discounters, and Doubters: A Guide for the Client-Oriented Future of the Real Estate Industry. At the heart of our discussion is a question for agents and brokers, "Have I done what I can to ensure the pain points of my clients are met before my own needs?" Those pain points, which Rand identifies and walks through, are key areas of disruption to make or break your value proposition. Listen in to understand how disruptors impact the real estate industry and how to find new opportunities to enhance your value.

Rand is the Managing Partner of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, one of the largest family-owned real estate brokerages in the country. Last year, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty participated in over $2.0 billion in real estate transactions, becoming one of the top 100 real estate companies in the country. Disrupters, Discounters, and Doubters is available on Amazon and Kindle. Learn more about Joe Rand here, follow him on Twitter at @josephrand, and on LinkedIn.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Nov 15, 201930:40
Episode 17: MLS Y2K
Nov 01, 201920:11
Episode 16: Southern Belle

Episode 16: Southern Belle

As CEO of RE/MAX Leigh Brown & Associates, bestselling author, and inspirational speaker, Leigh Brown is a force of nature who is determined to show fellow REALTORS® the power they have to make a difference. During this episode, Leah shares her knowledge of housing affordability and its impact on the average family. Determined to put policy in place to make home ownership more realistic for Americans, she threw her hat in the ring during North Carolina’s recent special election to represent North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. While she didn’t win, she came out of the fight with an even greater fire in her belly to demonstrate the impact REALTORS® can have at a local and national level.

With Leigh being a stalwart Republican focused on affordable housing and Emily being a lifelong Democrat hailing from a family of Dallas politicians, this might just be the most civilized and educational political discussion you’ve heard in years. In addition, Leigh shares her tools for being more authentic, creating deeper connections with potential clients, and staying competitive in a saturated career field.

For more of Leigh’s insights, you can check out her book “Outrageous Authenticity: You are Your Best Sales Weapon,” her podcast Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate with Leigh Brown, and follow her on Twitter at @LeighBrown.

Wanna learn more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Oct 18, 201929:06
Episode 15: The Doctor is In

Episode 15: The Doctor is In

The chronically homeless population are not the only ones who suffer from a lack of affordable housing. This episode examines a community of people who have to choose between rent and food; families who end up moving so frequently their children get sick, and the adults end up physically aging by 10 years, shortening their life span and increasing their risk of a medical emergency.

Dr. Megan Sandel, the Associate Director of the GROW clinic at Boston Medical Center, a Principal Investigator with Children’s Health Watch, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, says the lack of affordable housing is a public health issue, and it’s up to community leaders and society at large to treat it with the same seriousness as employment, healthcare and education.

With her deep level of expertise in both health and housing, Dr. Sandel breaks down what it means for a home to be healthy, the impact healthy homes can have on society, and how investing in affordable housing can help a company’s bottom line.

For more insight on health and housing, you can follow Dr. Sandel @megansandel on Twitter.

Wanna learn more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Oct 04, 201920:43
Episode 14: We Are Family

Episode 14: We Are Family

While the adage “location, location, location” still holds true for residential properties, design is playing an ever more important role as homes are becoming more efficient, compact and central to the action. In this episode, Emily chats with two employees at global design and architecture firm Gensler: Brooks Howell, Residential Leader and Principal, and Stephanie Wherry, Technical Designer. They share the important design elements and newest trends we’re seeing in the residential and commercial spaces.

From 3D printed homes to micro-units and communal living, there are certain design techniques that can add value to a property and to those living in it. It’s not about square footage; it’s about creating a space that brings people together and makes them feel happy. By understanding the importance of design, especially in smaller spaces, agents can better help their customers make the right moves to get the most value for their homes.

Follow Gensler on Twitter at @Gensler_design for more insight on design and space; and Brooks on LinkedIn and Stephanie on Instagram at @wherrystephanie.

Wanna learn more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Sep 06, 201922:41
Episode 13: Slide Slide Slippity-Slide
Jul 12, 201931:15
Episode 12: Started From the Bottom

Episode 12: Started From the Bottom

Spyglass Realty Owner Ryan Rodenbeck is an avid content marketing enthusiast who believes the best way to reach your audience and potential clients is through more honesty and less pictures of sold signs.. A self-educated guru, Ryan hosts a web series called Realty Hack, which provides “damn good advice for agents, brokers and real estate teams.” Contributing regularly to Inman, and boasting thousands of followers on Instagram, he has successfully built an online presence for his personal brand that has grown his business. 

Recognized by the Platinum Top 50 for his success, Ryan admits there were times he got cocky and he paid the price in his business. He now wants to share his insight into what makes a successful REALTOR®, how to embrace and learn from your mistakes, as well as how to be more authentic when building your personal brand. Pro tip: it’s not showing off all your sales, but rather showing off how hard you’re willing to work in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

You can get more advice and insight from Ryan on Instagram and Facebook at @realtyhack. 

Wanna learn more? You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!

Jun 28, 201913:07
Episode 11: It's Not Easy Being Green

Episode 11: It's Not Easy Being Green

As the founder of Sustainable Real Estate Consulting Services and as an advisory board member for the NAR Green Resource Council, Craig Foley has seen first-hand how becoming more knowledgeable about sustainable real estate can help brokers and agents meet market demands, command higher prices for properties and contribute to a global trend toward more energy efficient and, eventually, net-zero efficient buildings. In this conversation with Emily, he talks about trends on the horizon and how you can better serve your customers, as well as changes you can make right now to understand the green home revolution. 

Craig is an Agent Partner at LAER Realty Partners. Learn more about Craig here, and get more advice and insight from him on Twitter at @EnergyGeekCraig.  You can check all of our ScratchThat episodes on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today! 

Jun 14, 201924:37
ScratchThat Episode 10: #BFF

ScratchThat Episode 10: #BFF

As the CEO of Redfin, Glenn Kelman is used to fighting battles in the industry he helped disrupt. Now he’s concentrating on bridging the disparity gap when it comes to race and real estate. In this candid conversation with Emily, he talks about Redfin’s role in helping minority real estate agents and homebuyers find more equal footing, and how Redfin agents can play a bigger role in helping associations challenge potentially unfair legal precedents. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!

You can get more advice and insight from Glenn on LinkedIn and on Twitter at @GlennKelman.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on Anchor, SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Castbox, and Google Play. Subscribe today! 

May 31, 201928:59
ScratchThat Episode 9: Strategery

ScratchThat Episode 9: Strategery

Clint Skutchan, Vice President of Association and MLS Consulting Division at T3 Sixty, believes the biggest step in strategic planning is asking the right questions. In this episode of ScratchThat, Emily talks to Clint about the kinds of questions you need to ask yourself to find your "why," whether you’re looking to strengthen your association or your own independent business.

Clint takes us through what strategic planning looks like, how far into the future one needs to plan, and the most important factors to keep in mind as you grow and adapt to industry changes.

Learn more about Clint here, and get more advice and insight from Clint on LinkedIn and Twitter at @clintskutchan.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Apr 18, 201925:53
ScratchThat Episode 8: Smooth Operator

ScratchThat Episode 8: Smooth Operator

Compass has been making waves since its inception in 2012. The company has been building a disruptive real estate platform that pairs top agents with cutting-edge technology, making the overall buying experience fast and seamless. On Episode 8, Emily chats with Bill Fowler, Compass’ Senior Director of Industry Relations. Bill smooths the edges on the dynamics of launching a modern brokerage model by ensuring MLS partners are prepared to support their unique needs, as well as serving as the face for both the agents and the tech staff. Listen to the two talk about everything from burning to bridges to beer (pro tip: go dark), and Compass’ secret sauce for recruiting rock star talent.

Learn more about Bill here, follow him on Twitter at @bill_fowler, Instagram at @bcliftong, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Apr 05, 201917:11
ScratchThat Episode 7: Back to School

ScratchThat Episode 7: Back to School

Working in an industry and a market that is constantly shifting, staying up to date on education is super important for agents and brokers. They’ve got to be best prepared to represent clients by being up to speed on the issues your issues happening right now. Enter AceableAgent, a TREC-certified mobile-first real estate course that helps agents get or renew their licenses on any device on their own schedule. Emily chats with Aceable and AceableAgent CEO Blake Garett on Episode 7 about how the company has been focused on providing up-to-date, engaging content through AceableAgent, which launched a year ago. Blake discusses how success comes with self-improvement, and how his product provides meaningful and valuable content (a “side of vegetables”) to people where they are so they can be better at their jobs.

Follow Blake on Twitter at @aceable, Instagram at @bcliftong, Linkedin, and Facebook.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Mar 22, 201921:34
ScratchThat Episode 6: Get Real

ScratchThat Episode 6: Get Real

Social media communicates your expertise to clients through a variety of tools and platforms. The question is, are you using them effectively to stand out? On ScratchThat Episode 6, Emily talks with Tracy Weir about MLSs, real estate associations, and top tier brokers. Tracy is the Managing Partner & Founder at August Partners, a strategic consulting firm built for technology companies, MLSs, real estate associations, and top-tier brokers; and is the former Chief Marketing & Sales Officer for Inman News. The two discuss applicable approaches brands can use to build their online community, ranging from listening to and knowing your audience to blending what we share from our professional and personal lives on social media. Learn more about Tracy here, follow her on Twitter at @Augustpartners, on Instagram at @tracyweir, and on LinkedIn and Facebook.  You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Mar 07, 201920:02
ScratchThat Episode 5: NAR Up in MLS Business

ScratchThat Episode 5: NAR Up in MLS Business

On ScratchThat Episode 5, Emily speaks with Sam DeBord, Managing Broker and VP of Strategic Growth for Coldwell Banker Danforth in Seattle. The two discuss 2019 MLS policy priorities regarding accessibility and broker communication. Sam also makes the case for the National Association of REALTORS®' (NAR) place and function in the business of creating MLS policy.

Sam currently serves as the 2019 NAR President's Liaison for MLS and Data Management, VP of Government Affairs for Washington REALTORS® , and Past President of Seattle King County REALTORS® .

Follow Sam on Twitter at @SEATTLEHOMEoCOM and on LinkedIn.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Feb 23, 201913:45
ScratchThat Episode 1: Housing Supply Crisis or Concern?

ScratchThat Episode 1: Housing Supply Crisis or Concern?

Welcome to ScratchThat, the official podcast for the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR).

In this inaugural episode, ABoR CEO Emily Chenevert hosts guest Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®. He and Emily discuss how the housing shortage impacts the Austin community in the short and long term. Listen to discover the severity of the housing shortage crisis, potential threats it poses to U.S. economic stability, and approaches agents can take in explaining it to clients.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Feb 10, 201923:01
ScratchThat Episode 2: Keep it Simple Stupid

ScratchThat Episode 2: Keep it Simple Stupid

Episode 2 features guest Joe Rand, a leading innovator in real estate education and author of Disruptors, Discounters, and Doubters: A Guide for the Client-Oriented Future of the Real Estate Industry.

At the heart of our discussion is a question for agents and brokers, "Have I done what I can to ensure the pain points of my clients are met before my own needs?" Those pain points, which Rand identifies and walks through, are key areas of disruption to make or break your value proposition. Listen in to understand how disruptors impact the real estate industry and how to find new opportunities to enhance your value.

Rand is the Managing Partner of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, one of the largest family-owned real estate brokerages in the country. Last year, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty participated in over $2.0 billion in real estate transactions, becoming one of the top 100 real estate companies in the country. Disrupters, Discounters, and Doubters is available on Amazon and Kindle. Learn more about Joe Rand here, follow him on Twitter at @josephrand, and on LinkedIn.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Feb 09, 201930:08
ScratchThat Episode 3: Data and Then Some

ScratchThat Episode 3: Data and Then Some

Today’s ScratchThat podcast features Jack Miller, President and CTO of California-based T3 Sixty, a leading real estate and management firm.

Data rules everything around you, and Miller discusses the importance of clean MLS data, data standards that work across multiple markets, and how that data is moved.

Our ability to harness large amounts of data readily that’s customized to need is increasing everyday, and the near future will see smarter applications around the MLS. Listen in to better understand how those new capabilities of can best serve you.

Learn more about Miller here, follow him on Twitter at @jackmiller, and on LinkedIn.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Feb 09, 201912:53
ScratchThat Episode 4: Church and State

ScratchThat Episode 4: Church and State

On Episode 4, Emily speaks with Rob Hahn, Managing Partner of 7DS Associates, a real estate focused marketing, technology, and strategy consultancy. Hahn says the traditional REALTOR® association model is a stalled concept, one focused on business rather than community.

Through a range of analogies, including church, the Navy SEALs, and dating, he and Emily discuss how associations can evolve by recommitting themselves and members to core values. Emily also discusses the Austin Board of REALTORS®’ Be a Member campaign, meant to build active member engagement, and create mutual expectations and accountability.

Follow Hahn on Twitter at @robhahn and on LinkedIn. Hahn also writes the well-known blog, Notorious R.O.B., where he opines on topics in real estate, technology, marketing, and strategy. We encourage you to read The Church of REALTOR Faces a Fundamental Question.

You can listen to this episode and previous ones on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. Subscribe today!
Feb 09, 201923:34