How To Be A Realtor

Are Zillow agents actually bad… or just misunderstood?In this episode, Tony Acosta sits down with Mike Harlan to break down what’s really happening inside the Zillow ecosystem. From lead quality to conversion rates, agent skill gaps to systemic incentives—nothing is off limits.They tackle the real question: is the problem the agents, or the system they’re operating in?If you’ve ever:Wondered why Zillow leads get a bad reputationQuestioned agent performance on online platformsTried (and struggled) to convert internet leadsOr considered buying Zillow leads yourselfThis episode gives you a no-BS look at what’s actually going on—and how to win if you choose to play the game.Key Topics:Why Zillow agents get labeled “bad”The truth about Zillow lead qualityConversion vs. follow-up: where most agents failHow top teams actually make Zillow profitableThe hidden incentives shaping agent behaviorConnect with Tony Acosta:Real estate broker | Team leader | Agent coachHelping agents build real skills, not just chase leadsSubscribe for more:Straight talk on real estate, business, and what actually works.

What does it actually mean to represent a client — not just open doors and fill in blanks on PDFs? In this episode, Tony sits down with Travis Maddox from Edge Homes to break down the real skill gap in real estate: agents who don't know their contracts, can't explain deadlines, and have never heard of a Resolution of Due Diligence Addendum. They cover how to close the experience gap through intentional roleplay and live reps, why communication is the foundation of true representation, the contract pitfalls that get agents (and their clients) in serious trouble, and how to build trust with builder's agents without getting cut out of deals. Whether you're new to real estate or a seasoned agent looking to sharpen up, this one's packed with real talk.

Is the Zillow Premier Agent program a legitimate growth engine or just an expensive "tax" on your commissions?In this episode of How To Be A Realtor, we pull back the curtain on the most debated lead source in real estate. We’re breaking down the math, the conversion realities, and the "hidden" shifts in the 2026 market that every agent needs to know before signing a contract.

Investors can be incredible repeat clients… or they can chew you up, waste your time, and leave you with nothing. In this episode, I’ll break down:The 3 types of investors you’ll meet (and how to tell them apart fast).Why most realtors lose money working with “fake” investors.Scripts to qualify investors without sounding pushy.How to structure deals, commissions, and expectations so you don’t get burned.When to walk away—because not all “investors” are worth it.By the end, you’ll know exactly how to position yourself as an indispensable partner to real investors… and avoid becoming free labor for tire kickers.

Most Utah agents have never closed a seller finance deal—and it's costing them (and their clients) big. In this special Seller Finance Masterclass, Tony Acosta breaks down everything you should’ve learned in real estate school but didn’t.You’ll learn:What seller finance actually is—and why it’s not just for desperate sellersThe 3 biggest mistakes agents make when attempting these dealsHow to spot seller-financeable properties in your MLSThe due-on-sale clause trap (and how to avoid it)Why this is the most powerful tool for helping priced-out buyers and stagnant listingsReal deal structure examples and how they’re cash flowing todayIf you're a Utah agent trying to survive in a high-rate, low-inventory market—this episode is not optional. The next market shift will belong to the agents who understand creative finance.

In this episode of How to Be a Realtor, Tony Acosta exposes the uncomfortable truth behind the real estate coaching industry. Why do so many coaches overstep into life coaching, therapy, and fitness advice—and completely miss the mark on teaching actual real estate skills?Tony breaks down:The toxic myth that your personal life must be perfect before you can succeed in real estateWhy most coaches are unqualified to “fix” youHow bloated programs are designed to keep you paying, not progressingWhat real estate coaching should focus on: tactical, skill-based training that actually moves the needleIf you're tired of mindset fluff and want real strategies that help you win in real estate, this one’s for you.

Dive deep into why traditional real estate coaching fails and uncover a revolutionary approach to agent development. Tony Acosta exposes the industry's biggest myth: that fixing your weaknesses leads to success. Learn how doubling down on your natural skills and creating minimal supporting systems can dramatically boost your real estate performance.

This podcast discusses the two most effective business models for real estate agents aiming for success in 2025. Acosta, drawing on over a decade of industry experience, argues that many agents fail because they treat their work as a job rather than a business, neglecting crucial aspects like expenses and reinvestment. He asserts that the only viable paths forward are the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) model, typically associated with flat-fee brokerages where agents handle all operational aspects, or the Done-For-You (DFY) model, exemplified by full-service teams that provide leads, resources, and continuous training. Aosta emphasizes that agents stuck between these two models, paying high splits without adequate support, are unlikely to thrive and must choose one path for sustainable growth

In this episode, we break down the recent audio excerpt that dives into Utah’s housing market trends. After years of relentless price growth, the tide is shifting. The speaker analyzes quarterly data to reveal a disconnect we haven’t seen in five years: more homes hitting the market, but fewer actually selling. This isn’t a doomsday scenario, but it’s a clear sign that we’re moving from a red-hot seller’s market to something more balanced. Sellers can’t keep playing the same pricing game—they need to get strategic if they want results. We also cover why this is still a macro-level look and how future data will confirm (or challenge) whether this shift sticks around

In this episode, Tom and Sophie take a deep dive into my speech on why communication is the most critical skill for real estate agents. As a former top-producing agent and now director of agent development, I argue that most agents are stuck in lead gen and marketing drills without ever learning how to communicate effectively—which ultimately kills their business. Tom and Sophie dissect my points about why communication isn’t just a piece of the puzzle—it is the puzzle. They also highlight my insights on visual and vocal image, and the need for relentless practice and role-play to get it right. Tune in to hear how to step up your game and become the agent clients trustFollow Tony on IG at https://www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.co/

Tonys participation in the Agent Insider Event held by The Perry Group in Pleasant Grove Utah.

If you’re new here, my name is Tony Acosta. I’m a real estate broker with over 13 years of experience, and I help lead the #1 team at Real Broker in the nation. I’m passionate about teaching, coaching, and helping real estate agents achieve extraordinary success in their careers. Beyond real estate, I’ve built multiple ventures, from organizing TEDx events to running my own media projects and coaching programs for agents nationwide. Whether you’re a brand-new agent or looking to scale your business to the next level, this channel is for you. How I got here… • 2012: Got my start as a showing agent and quickly worked my way up to principal broker. • 2017: Became a Principal Broker • 2019: Entered the Forbes Real Estate Council • 2020: Founded my own agency 1% Lists Wasatch Front and led it to consistent success in a competitive market. • 2020: Became a TEDx speaker, organizer, and coach, helping others share their stories with the world. • 2023: Joined The Perry Group, the #1 team at Real Broker on earth. • Today: Helping lead the first team in Utah history to sell 1000 homes in a calendar year.My mission is simple: to empower agents with real, actionable strategies that work. I make this content to share everything I’ve learned, attract agents who want to grow, and create a community of forward-thinking professionals. For everyone out there building their real estate career, just know this: Success doesn’t come without challenges. But the bigger the obstacles, the more rewarding the journey.Stay focused, stay driven, and remember—your potential is limitless as your work ethic.Let’s crush it together.TonyFULL DISCLOSURE: I create content to help agents succeed, and along the way, I aim to build relationships with those who want to work with me or join my team. If that’s you, hit subscribe and let’s grow together.

In this special AI-powered deep dive, we take a closer look at how role-playing and scripting can transform your real estate career. Using cutting-edge AI analysis, we break down the key insights from my original episode, offering enhanced takeaways, practical strategies, and expert-level refinements to help you master client conversations like never before🔹 Why role-playing is a must for realtors who want to close more deals🔹 The difference between memorizing scripts vs. internalizing them🔹 How to make role-playing feel natural and effective🔹 AI-enhanced techniques to improve your communication and objection handling🔹 The biggest mistakes realtors make when practicing scripts (and how to fix them)By leveraging AI-generated insights, this episode provides an even deeper, data-driven breakdown to help you elevate your skills and build unshakable confidence in every real estate conversation.📌 Subscribe for more AI-enhanced real estate insights!📲 Follow me on Instagram for daily coaching & content: @tonyacosta.re 🚀

Rehearsing scripts is one thing, but practicing them the right way through role-playing is what separates top-producing realtors from the rest. In this episode, we break down how to role-play real estate scripts effectively—so you sound natural, gain confidence, and handle any client objection with ease.You'll learn:✅ The biggest mistakes realtors make when role-playing (and how to avoid them)✅ How to make role-playing feel natural instead of robotic✅ The best ways to practice with a role-play partner or on your own✅ How to internalize scripts so you don’t sound scripted✅ Real-world examples of effective role-play sessionsIf you’ve been avoiding role-playing or feel awkward practicing scripts, this episode will change your mindset and give you a proven framework to get better, faster. Tune in and start closing more deals with confidence!🔔 Subscribe for more real estate tips & strategies! 🚀📲 Follow me on Instagram for more real estate insights: @tonyacosta.co

I am a nerd for customer service and hospitality. Whenever I go on a trip or a restaurant I am very aware of what makes good service. On this episode I talk about my recent experience on a Disney Cruise and what we can take from the cruising industry into our own businesses to elevate our product and customer service.Follow me on IG https://www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.co

If you’re new here, my name is Tony Acosta. I’m a real estate broker with over 13 years of experience, and I help lead the #1 team at Real Broker in the nation. I’m passionate about teaching, coaching, and helping real estate agents achieve extraordinary success in their careers. Beyond real estate, I’ve built multiple ventures, from organizing TEDx events to running my own media projects and coaching programs for agents nationwide. Whether you're a brand-new agent or looking to scale your business to the next level, this channel is for you. How I got here… 2012: Got my start as a showing agent and quickly worked my way up to principal broker. 2017: Became a Principal Broker 2019: Entered the Forbes Real Estate Council 2020: Founded my own agency 1% Lists Wasatch Front and led it to consistent success in a competitive market. 2020: Became a TEDx speaker, organizer, and coach, helping others share their stories with the world. 2023: Joined The Perry Group, the #1 team at Real Broker on earth. Today: Helping lead the first team in Utah history to sell 1000 homes in a calendar year.My mission is simple: to empower agents with real, actionable strategies that work. I make this content to share everything I’ve learned, attract agents who want to grow, and create a community of forward-thinking professionals. For everyone out there building their real estate career, just know this: Success doesn’t come without challenges. But the bigger the obstacles, the more rewarding the journey. *Stay focused, stay driven, and remember—your potential is limitless as your work ethic.* Let’s crush it together. Tony FULL DISCLOSURE: I create content to help agents succeed, and along the way, I aim to build relationships with those who want to work with me or join my team. If that’s you, hit subscribe and let’s grow together.

When I learned to be versatile in my approach my business grew. When I learned to talk to people the way they want to be talked to my rapport grew. When I learned to tailor processes to specific client types I sold more homes.Follow Tony on IG https://www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.co/

In this episode of How to Be a Realtor, Tony Acosta breaks down the exact steps to building a $150,000-per-year real estate business. This solo deep dive is packed with actionable strategies for agents at any stage of their career.Tony covers everything from setting clear income goals and creating efficient lead generation systems to mastering time management and building a strong network. You'll also learn how to nurture client relationships, leverage your unique strengths, and stay consistent with your efforts to hit six figures and beyond.Whether you’re starting out or looking to scale your business, this episode provides a clear, proven blueprint for real estate success. Tune in to learn how to execute a plan that takes your career to the next level!

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect, plan, and set goals that will drive your real estate business to new heights. In this episode of How to Be a Realtor, we dive into actionable strategies for end-of-year goal setting. Learn how to reflect on your past performance, create SMART goals, break them into actionable steps, and stay accountable throughout the year. Whether you're a seasoned agent or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the tools to make next year your most successful yet!

In this episode, Tony Acosta breaks down the game-changing 10-10-40-40 concept that most realtors overlook when it comes to lead generation. While many agents focus on the 20% of clients who either want to work with them right away or never will, the true opportunity lies in the other 80%. Discover how 40% of leads are waiting for more time, and the other 40% just need the right information to say yes. Tony shares actionable strategies and insights to help realtors connect with this untapped group, turning more potential leads into clients. If you're looking to revolutionize your lead gen approach, this episode is a must-listen!

Juan Carlos Barreneche studied the works of the most successful real estate agents in the country and  was able to build a team that allowed him to scale out of production at just 26 years old. Since then he has consistently been making $500k+ a year from his real estate business working virtually from his home. JC’s achievements include being the youngest agent ever to grow his organization at a cloud based brokerage to 1,000+ agents, winning the 30 Under 30 award with NAR, and growing his coaching platform & community Goldbar, to 10,000+ agents worldwide. JC has been featured in major real estate publications including The Real Deal, Inman, & Housing Wire. He has also hosted events that have featured some of the biggest names in the industry including Ryan Serhant, Josh Altman, Tracy Tutor, Josh Flagg, Tal Alexander, Dina Goldentayer, & Aaron Kirman!Follow JC on IG https://www.instagram.com/juangoldbar/Follow Tony on IG https://www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.us/Check out the Goldbar training platform https://goldbarcoaching.com/

On this episode I talk about the proposed NAR settlement. I think most in the industry are getting this completely wrong! I talk about why I believe that and what my experience over the last 12 years has taught me.Check out our show sponsor STOMPwww.standoutmediapros.com

Check out our show sponsor and sign up for FREE! www.standoutmediapros.comFollow Tony on IG @ www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.usDive into the essentials of real estate lead generation with "Back to Basics: Mastering Lead Gen in Real Estate." In this episode, we strip down the complexities of modern marketing to focus on the timeless tactics that build successful careers. Hear from seasoned realtors who blend traditional strategies with digital tools to create a winning formula for attracting and nurturing leads.Learn the art of building relationships, providing unmatched value, and the significance of a consistent follow-up. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced agent, this episode offers actionable insights and practical advice to refresh your lead generation approach and enhance your client base.Tune in for a blend of expert wisdom, real-life success stories, and tips on adapting classic principles for today's digital world. Boost your lead gen efforts and set the foundation for lasting success in real estate.

In this essential episode of the "How to Be a Realtor" podcast, we dive deep into the art and science of showing properties listed by other agents. Tailored for realtors who are committed to providing their buyer clients with an unparalleled property showing experience, this episode is packed with strategies, insights, and real-world advice to enhance your effectiveness as a buyer's agent.What You'll Learn: Preparing Your Buyers: Set the stage for success by preparing your buyers for the showing process, from understanding their needs to managing their expectations. Collaborating with Listing Agents: Discover the keys to building productive relationships with listing agents to ensure smooth and respectful showings. Maximizing the Showing Experience: Learn how to guide your buyers through showings in a way that highlights the property's potential and aligns with their desires. Addressing Questions and Concerns: Gain expertise in handling common queries and concerns during showings, and learn how to navigate the conversation towards positive outcomes. Navigating Multiple Listings and Offers: Get strategies for managing the complexities of showing multiple listings and crafting compelling offers that stand out. Case Studies and Success Stories: Be inspired by real-life success stories that showcase the impact of excellent showing strategies on finding buyers their dream homes.Whether you're a seasoned realtor or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the tools and knowledge to make every property showing a step closer to a successful transaction. Join us as we unlock the secrets to mastering the art of showing other agents' listings, fostering positive interactions, and ultimately, helping your clients find their perfect home.Tune in now to elevate your realtor skills and transform the way you show properties to your buyer clients. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your real estate network!Check out our show sponsor STOMP at www.standoutmediapros.comFollow Tony on IG www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.us

Dive into the tactical planning necessary for real estate success in 2024 with this episode of How To Be A Realtor. We focus on analyzing 2023's lessons, setting strategic goals for the new year, and discussing actionable growth strategies. Highlights include creating SMART goals, optimizing digital marketing, boosting productivity, and preparing for market shifts. This episode is packed with practical advice to help real estate agents close out the year strong and lay a solid foundation for a prosperous 2024.Key Takeaways: Analyzing 2023's market trends and personal achievements. Setting effective goals for financial and professional growth. Implementing actionable strategies for business expansion. Tips for improving operational efficiency and adapting to market changes.Equip yourself with the insights and tools needed for a thriving real estate career in the coming year.Check out our sponsor www.standoutmediapros.comFollow Tony on IG www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.us

We've all heard about these lawsuits going around. Some think it's a real problem others think it's nothing but a money grab. Regardless of your opinion the fact is that many in our society simply do not see any value in the real estate agent of today. If you don't believe me go read the comments on these articles about the lawsuits.So in light of that we have 2 options. Quit, or adapt. On this episode we talk about 3 things you must do if you want to be among the few that will thrive in this pessimistic market.Check out out show sponsor www.standoutmediapros.comFollow Tony on social media @ www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.us

Explore how to harness social platforms to create a strong online presence and reach potential clients. Follow Tony on IG @www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.usCheck out the Goldbar Real Estate System @ https://bit.ly/GoldbarAgentSystem

Get a crash course in essential legal knowledge to navigate contracts, disclosures, and paperwork.Follow Tony on IG @ www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.usCheck out the Goldbar Real Estate system @ https://bit.ly/GoldbarAgentSystem

Unlock Unique Opportunities: Dive into unconventional lead generation strategies in the real estate realm with "Prospecting Goldmines." Discover innovative ways to connect with potential clients beyond the ordinary, expanding your reach and impact. From leveraging local events to mastering niche social media groups, this episode unveils untapped methods for a thriving real estate business. Tune in to explore uncharted avenues and transform your approach to client acquisition.Follow Tony on IG @ www.instagram.com/tonyacostaPlug into the BEST real estate client acquisition system in the world!https://bit.ly/GoldbarAgentSystem

Uncover strategies for new agents to make a splash in the competitive world of real estate. Follow Tony on IG @ www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.us For the best real estate training on earth visit www.goldbartraining.com

Uncover strategies for new agents to make a splash in the competitive world of real estate. Follow Tony on IG www.instagram.com/tonyacosta.us