Real Tea

We’re excited to be in Portsmouth — and this is just the beginning.Colleen Barry and Jack Greaney share the thinking behind Gibson Sotheby's International Realty’s expansion into Portsmouth, New Hampshire, why it was the right next move, and what our broader advisor network means for our clients.

Feeling behind on video? Shannon Bullen and Lucas Crawford from Gibson Sotheby's International Realty's marketing team join Jeni Pardo de Zela to break down how realtors can make social media video marketing feel simpler, more strategic and far less intimidating.

Housing affordability remains a major challenge in Massachusetts—but not every approach works as intended.Dino Confalone, an advisor with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty and Chairman of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, joins Colleen to break down the proposed rent control measure and what it could mean for rental housing.Learn more about the proposal and its broader implications: bit.ly/rent-control-ballot

You’ve spent years building your business. Do you have a plan for what comes next?We're talking succession planning: how to protect what you’ve built, plan ahead, and set yourself up for a smooth next chapter.

What happens when a global real estate brand enters a new market?Danielle Konechne with Grand Sotheby's International Realty joins Aimee Rideout to break down how bringing Sothebys Realty to Sioux Falls changed her business. A reminder: luxury isn’t defined by price point, but by the experience behind it.

When headlines create confusion, data creates confidence.Lauren Muehlethaler, VP of affiliate services for @sothebysrealty, joins our CMO, Jeni Pardo de Zela, to break down the key trends from the brand's 2026 #LuxuryOutlook report — and how it helps our advisors be the market experts for their clients.

What if great leadership isn’t about fixing weaknesses, but unlocking what energizes people?Cristian David of @sir.socal joins us to talk strengths-based leadership: how leaning into strengths builds better leaders and stronger teams.

A major merger hit the headlines. We’re unpacking what it means for our agents and clients (spoiler: nothing changes).

The market may be leveling out, but expectations aren’t.Tune in as we unpack what we think 2026 has in store for the real estate market.

AI isn’t here to replace realtors—it’s here to help them work smarter.Matthew Ferrara joins us today to talk about how agents how agents can embrace tech without losing the human touch.

Supporting your clients doesn’t end where your market does.We're taking a closer look at Sothebys Realty’s mid-year #LuxuryOutlook Report. Whether your clients are buying locally or looking abroad, this report helps you speak their language!

There’s been a lot of noise around the NAR settlement. Let’s get clear on what’s actually changed!

What's it take to lead a global brand?We were thrilled to be joined by Tammy Fahmi, one of the key voices shaping the future of Sotheby’s International Realty.Tammy shares the lessons that have shaped her career—and what the most successful brokerages are doing right now to stay ahead.

For brokerage leaders thinking about the future, this one’s for you.In Part 2 of our conversation with Larry Rideout and Paul McGann, we get into real stories from recent acquisitions—what worked, what surprised owners most, and what they say months later. We also get honest about the emotional side of selling, plus: what excites us about the future, the kind of partners we’re looking for, and one piece of advice we hope every broker-owner hears.

How do you scale a company without losing what made it special in the first place?In Part 1 of this special two-part episode, we sit down with our founders, Larry Rideout and Paul McGann, to talk about the early days—what drew them to real estate, why they affiliated with Sothebys Realty, and the pivotal moves that shaped our early growth.

What do top agents do differently? A lot—and none of it's by accident.We’re unpacking what it really looks like to build a high-performing business. Whether you’re looking to grow, adapt, or lead, this one’s full of takeaways you can put into action right away!

Growth shouldn’t feel like a takeover. This episode is all about how we approach acquisitions—no hard sell, no ego, just thoughtful transitions and a deep respect for the legacy someone’s built.

We’re co-hosts now—but we’ve been on the same team all along. 🎙️Real estate leadership isn’t a solo sport. Tune in for a BTS look at how we divide and conquer, adapt and evolve, and create systems that actually serve people—because culture doesn’t just happen, it’s built.

If you’re looking to grow your referral pipeline and elevate your client experience, this one’s for you!I’m joined by Chuck Silverston to talk about how aligning with the right partners can transform your real estate career. Hear how Chuck has created a trusted network that adds value long after the deal is done.

Tune in as Colleen Barry and I take a look ahead at what might shape the market through 2025! We dive into the key factors that could have an impact—things like interest rates, shifts in government policy, inventory levels, and more. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.

Even in a seasonal business, consistent structure drives year-round success. In this episode, I chat with Tom Matthews about the daily habits, systems, and mindsets that fuel his team’s results!

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into launching a new development—or how to break into that space as an agent—this episode is for you. Alex Malagodi and Amelia Egan from our marketing team join me to discuss how we market new developments and the exclusive resources we offer our developers.

Owning on Cape Cod is a dream for many—but second-home demand, seasonal shifts, and local nuances make it market unlike any other.Jo-Ellen Erickson, Cape Cod Regional Director at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, joins me to discuss how consumer behavior has evolved since the pandemic and why working with a knowledgeable professional is key for anyone looking to buy or sell on the Cape!

Thrilled to be joined by Amy Mizner to talk about the luxury market in MetroWest!To serve as a trusted advisor to a luxury client (and any client for that matter), you have to know your market better than anyone else. Listen as Amy gives an inside look at how she delivers value, how the ways in which people use their homes have evolved, and the most popular amenities among high-end buyers.

What does it take to thrive in Boston’s competitive real estate market? According to Kelly Pieper, director of Gibson Sotheby's International Realty's Boston offices, it’s the right support. With experience at several top brokerages, Kelly shares why our culture sets agents up for success like no other. 💙 Plus, hear her take on where the Boston market is headed and why luxury sales are primed for a major comeback in 2025.

Investing in our communities. 🏡  I chatted with Michelle Pelletier about why Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is committed to keeping local, community-driven offices—while other firms are scaling back. With thoughtful renovations and enhancements, we’re creating spaces where agents can collaborate, connect, and seamlessly host client gatherings. 

What’s next for real estate on the North Shore? 📍 I sat down with Jack Greaney to discuss our North Shore team's biggest wins in 2024, the markets primed for growth, and how agents in this region can tap into the power of Sotheby's Realty to elevate their business. Plus, a look ahead at what buyers and sellers can expect in 2025.

As real estate professionals, we have a unique role: to guide buyers and sellers through a process that can seem daunting even during the best of times. Thank you Tim and Amy for sharing how you've built your network and how you lend your knowledge and experience to your clients to help streamline every step.LEARN MORE ABOUT TIMLEARN MORE ABOUT AMY

Larry Rideout joins me today on the pod to share his unique perspective on the market, reflect on Gibson Sotheby's International Realty's biggest wins in 2024, what’s in store for our firm’s support and tech platform, and where would consider expanding in 2025! LEARN MORE ABOUT LARRY

Kicked off 2025 by catching up with our #CMO Jeni Pardo de Zela! While the power of video is undeniable, many agents are still hesitant to dive in. Join us as we discuss the tools our brand provides for creating video content and how you can use video to build your personal brand this year. CHECK OUT THESE TOOLS: Google Vids Cap Cut ClipChamp SCRL LEARN MORE ABOUT JENI

Now is the time to start implementing your business plan for the new year! Daphna Fields, our VP of Brokerage Development, coaches hundreds of agents each year on staying focused, keeping consistent, and reaching their goals. So what separates the high-performing real estate professionals from every other agent? I sat down with Daphna last year to dive into the daily habits that every realtor needs in a challenging market. Her advice will help any agent looking to set themselves up for a productive 2025. LEARN MORE ABOUT DAPHNA

In today's episode, Annie Bauman and I dive into a topic that many of us can relate to—handling difficult conversations. We've all been there. Join us as we highlight some strategies on how to handle these situations gracefully and effectively. Let's equip ourselves with the tools to guide our clients through the noise and provide them with the clarity they need to make confident, informed decisions! LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNIE

Join me in chatting with Molly Campbell Palmer about the nuances of buying & selling at this time of year. Are there deals to be had? How do we prepare when we need to sell in order to buy? She has some great anecdotal insight and tips she employs for her own clients! LEARN MORE ABOUT MOLLY

#ChatGPT is one of the most powerful tools for realtors since smartphones or even the internet itself. But how can you best use it in your day-to-day real estate business? In this episode of #RealTea, Ryan J. Glass and I just scratch the surface on the power of ChatGPT and how he utilizes it to free up time to build relationships and grow his business. If you haven’t tried it yet, find it on the web, set up your free account, and be prepared to have your mind blown.  LEARN MORE ABOUT RYAN

After months of anticipation (and anticipatory rate cuts), the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in September by half a percentage point. That will have a slight impact on the housing market — but at what point will the mortgage market feel “normal” again? And what does the new normal look like? Austin Reed from CrossCountry Mortgage joins me to discuss the opportunities ahead for homeowners. And he sees a change on the horizon. 🏦🔑 LEARN MORE ABOUT AUSTIN

For six decades, our leadership team has been dedicated to supporting our agents and serving our clients better than any other real estate company possibly can. We don’t shrink away from addressing market and industry changes—we equip our agents with the resources they need to help their clients succeed in any market. Watch as Colleen Barry, Larry Rideout, and Paul McGann join me to reflect on the advantages we offer our agents, how we're protecting and empowering our clients, and why we're ready for anything the industry throws our way.

attn all Gibson Sotheby's International Realty agents: Marketing Mondays with Jeni Pardo de Zela are back next week! 👏🏼 Celebrating the return of our CMO's weekly office hours by looking back at our first shoot together. In a post-settlement market, real estate marketing requires a blend of high and low-tech solutions that help you make personal connections.  LEARN MORE ABOUT JENI

Your client is selling their home, and they want to know exactly how the numbers break down. How much will they pay in fees? How much will they walk away with? The answer to that is a net sheet—helping your seller understand the costs and profits line by line before closing! Watch as Colleen Barry and I explore what a seller can expect from a net sheet, why they're important as we adopt new industry practices, and how a Gibson Sotheby's International Realty agent can help you navigate the process. LEARN MORE ABOUT COLLEEN

Andrew Flachner is a Forbes 30 under 30 recipient, one of the top 100 most influential real estate leaders according to Inman News, and the genius behind RealScout—a game-changing company putting realtors at the heart of the digital experience. What we dive into in this episode: The threats facing the industry and the hedges against them How agents should be nurturing their client relationships Strategies for realtors who can’t increase their marketing budgets but want to generate more business Why the real estate industry must step up to educate consumers And much more... LEARN MORE ABOUT REALSCOUT

How do you want to be known in your community? What problem do you solve? Those answers are synonymous with your personal brand—what you offer that no one else does. Jeni Pardo de Zela, Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, joins me today to give us the complete playbook on how to create a personal brand! LEARN MORE ABOUT JENI

Real estate has always been about cooperation. Now more than ever, that is critical as we move through the most recent changes in the industry. In light of that, Anthony and I joined each other to discuss what the fall market may look like. Tune in to this week’s episode for our fall forecast — rates, inventory, NAR changes, the election... we have some tips on how to continue to thrive — together. Thank you for joining me, Anthony! LEARN MORE ABOUT ANTHONY

No matter what, every business owner should have a basic knowledge of their company value and mergers and acquisitions — especially in today's environment. The opportunity to be a buyer or a seller can happen to anyone and it's so critical to have that baseline knowledge going into those conversations. I'm so excited that our friend George Slusser launched a course for this very purpose. George has decades of experience and brokerage acquisitions under his belt. Listen as he walks us through his new online course which covers every aspect of the M&A process — now available for you to learn at your own pace. LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGE

Picture this: A consumer is considering a move, but they haven’t given much thought to who to select as their agent. Their logical next step is a Google search. It happens all the time, right? That’s why you need to optimize your Google Business Profile so those no-cost leads go to YOU. Thank you Joanne Taranto for your advice on how to optimize your profile in a way that builds trust and closes more deals! LEARN MORE ABOUT JOANNELEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOM & JOANNE TEAM

Leveraging technology to run your business efficiently has never been easier thanks to tools like RealScout and people like Sarah Palazzo, Director of Resource Engagement at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty. Listen as we dive headfirst into the world of real estate tech and how it presents opportunities for realtors to to set themselves apart from the rest. LEARN MORE ABOUT SARAH

Welcome Back DAPHNA! So excited to officially have our beloved Daphna Fields back from her medical leave. We are throwing it back today to one of my favorite episodes with Daphna discussing 10 successful habits of a real estate agent. Stay tuned for more episodes with Daphna in the following weeks and months. LEARN MORE ABOUT DAPHNA

Despite the craziness of the rental market in 2023—constant talk of rent control, broker fees, limited inventory—our rentals department surpassed $4 million in gross revenue, exceeding the previous year. Van French, Director of Rentals at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, joins me on the podcast today to discuss best practices for your rental or investment property search and what you can do to give yourself an edge. LEARN MORE ABOUT VAN

Marketing and paid advertising are the traditional tools we reach for when promoting a new listing or sale. But the possibilities presented by public relations — for the right property with the right story — are often the differentiator. This week, Becca Logue, our director of public relations, joins me on the pod to share how she helps our agents secure news coverage to generate interest in to sell the exceptional homes that we represent. LEARN MORE ABOUT BECCA

Calling all SIR agents! Aimee Rideout is back to talk all things GNE!If you're heading to Nashville this September for Sotheby's International Realty's Global Networking Event, you'll want to tune in & grab our GNE pre-plan guide. REGISTER FOR GNE LEARN MORE ABOUT AIMEE

When a property is marketed through Sotheby's International Realty, it immediately begins a journey to local and global exposure. Loved chatting with Alex Malagodi, Director of Marketing at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, about targeting the biggest pool of qualified buyers and achieving results your clients couldn't have achieved without you. 🌐  LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MARKETING

Given the changes happening in the industry, agents are placing more importance than ever on choosing the right brokerage, making it the perfect time to revisit this conversation with⁠ Daphna Fields, VP of Brokerage Development at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty. As a realtor, you can’t control mortgage rates, inventory, or the paperwork. But what you can control is how you do business: how you listen, communicate, strategize, negotiate, and build meaningful client relationships. All the things clients value in an agent are the things agents value in a brokerage, and when your brokerage is in line with your values, you create peace of mind for your clients, strengthening loyalty and trust. LEARN MORE ABOUT DAPHNA