Losing Sight of Who You Are: The Southwest Baggage Blunder Tuesday, my news feed blew up with the news: Southwest is no longer offering two free checked bags. As a loyal Southwest customer, this hit hard. That policy was one of my favorite things about flying with them. I travel for a living, and well… I’m not exactly a light packer. Partly, it’s a size thing—plus-size clothing simply takes up more space ..read more

Navigating Controversial Topics on Social Media: The Art of Discernment and Digital Dialogue In today’s hyper-connected world, social media has become the public square for discussion, debate, and, unfortunately, division. Controversial topics—especially politics, social issues, and cultural debates—can spark passionate conversations but can also lead to misinformation, emotional exhaustion, and damaged relationships. While some argue that engaging in these discussions is essential for progress, others find them to be draining and unproductive. The key to navigating these digital debates lies ..read more

Here’s the truth: I don’t consider myself a thought leader when it comes to DEI conversations. It’s not because I lack knowledge—I’ve spent years learning and engaging in these discussions. But I also recognize that many voices, particularly those from marginalized communities, have only recently been given the space to be heard. As a white woman who grew up in a low-income, diverse community, I believed my role was to create space for others rather than take up space myself ..read more

I’m James MacDonald with Agent Lead to Close, and I work with real estate agents every day who are struggling to connect with potential clients. One of the biggest frustrations I hear is, “Nobody wants to meet anymore. They just want to do everything online.” Sound familiar? I get it. It feels like everyone’s gone digital, and face-to-face meetings are a thing of the past. But I’m here to tell you that’s not entirely true ..read more

As real estate professionals, we’re always looking for ways to empower our clients and provide them with the best possible service. One area where clients often have questions – and where agents can really shine – is appliance knowledge. Think about it: how many times have you received a call about an appliance malfunction, a missing manual, or a warranty question? Too many to count, I’d wager. That’s why I’m so excited to share a game-changing tool with you today: CentrIQ ..read more

Are you tired of wasting precious time on repetitive tasks online? Do you wish there was a way to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity? Well, your wish has been granted! Let me introduce you to Magical Text Expander, a game-changing browser extension that will revolutionize the way you work on the internet. As real estate agents, we’re constantly juggling multiple tasks, from posting listings and responding to clients to managing our social media presence ..read more

Do you remember sitting cross-legged in front of the TV, singing along as Steve from Blue’s Clues asked us to help solve puzzles? With his handy-dandy notebook, he made everything feel so achievable and fun. Well, it turns out that approach works just as well for navigating the puzzles of life and business. Let’s channel some of that Blue’s Clues magic into a framework I call STEVE: Simplify, Thrive, Educate, Value, Elevate ..read more

Are you putting your safety first when meeting new clients? Real estate can be a risky business, especially when meeting strangers for showings. But what if you had a tool that could keep you safe by helping you screen potential clients before you meet them? As a real estate agent, your safety is paramount. That’s why I want to introduce you to Forewarn, a revolutionary app that can literally save your life and protect you from scams in real estate ..read more

Perseverance is the quiet hero of every success story. It doesn’t shout or demand attention; it simply shows up when life feels overwhelming, when doubt creeps in, and when confidence is shaken. For many of us, perseverance isn’t about taking giant leaps forward. It’s about steady, shaky steps, even when the path feels uncertain. Recently, my confidence wavered deeply. I was questioned in an area where I’m still finding my footing, and the sting of it hit harder than I expected ..read more

Are you ready to take your video content to the next level? If you’re like most real estate professionals, creating compelling, high-quality video can seem daunting. But what if I told you there’s an AI-powered tool that makes it easier than ever to produce stunning videos? Meet HeyGen, an innovative platform designed to simplify and supercharge your video production process. From language translation to personalized video creation, HeyGen offers everything you need to impress your audience and save countless hours of editing ..read more