Pat Lopez kicked off the Real Estate Show anniversary episode by bringing back his very first guest: Ed Rogers, broker/owner of Honest Real Estate (licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware). The vibe is equal parts real talk + practical strategy—especially for agents who want to grow the right way, and consumers trying to make sense of today’s market.

If you want the full conversation, you can watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/o_AQY8ZkaP8?si=CzthMzikntPvmqaO

3 Key Questions This Episode Answers

1) What should agents prioritize when choosing a brokerage?

Ed’s answer is basically: mentorship + communication win every time.

His point: commission structure matters eventually, but if you’re new (or leveling up), you need a place where you can get real answers fast—so you can serve clients confidently. A brokerage should help you handle the “I don’t know what I’m doing yet” phase with systems, accessibility, and hands-on support.

Ed even drops a line that’s painfully true: “A hundred percent of zero is zero.” If you’re not closing deals yet, the split doesn’t matter nearly as much as learning how to generate business, write strong offers, price listings correctly, and navigate transactions without panicking.

Takeaway for agents: Ask:

• Who answers my questions same day?

• Is there a structured mentorship program?

• How will I set goals and track progress?

2) How should agents use social media without being “salesy”?

Ed is all-in on social—because it’s not just marketing, it’s trust-building through relatability.

His rule: don’t be 100% business or 100% personal. Mix both so people see you as a real human. Funny enough, Ed says his settlement posts get the least engagement, but his “life stuff” (weather, family, local moments) sparks comments and DMs—which then naturally turns into real estate conversations later.

He’s not forcing “BUY A HOUSE” every day. He’s creating familiarity. And in real estate, familiarity becomes trust, and trust becomes business.

Quick content ideas based on Ed’s approach:

• Local weather/opinion posts (simple, high engagement)

• Behind-the-scenes: “what I did today as a broker”

• Transparent lessons: wins + mistakes

• Community posts: schools, restaurants, events

3) What’s the real outlook for the 2026 housing market?

They zoom in on a pattern buyers are finally starting to understand:

• When rates dip, prices often rise (more buyers jump back in)

• Buyers who waited are now saying: “I wish I bought last year when the home was cheaper.”

• Sellers with ultra-low rates (3–3.5%) still hesitate, but some are coming around as equity grows and life changes force moves.

Ed’s big theme: real estate is local. National stats don’t always reflect what’s happening in the Northeast. In many PA/NJ pockets, demand stays strong, inventory remains tight, and pricing can keep climbing—even if other regions cool off.

Practical takeaway for buyers:
If you’re buying in a market where prices are still rising, waiting for “the perfect rate” can cost you more than the rate savings helps.

Bonus: Commission changes + why it’s getting messy

Ed and Pat also touch on the post-lawsuit reality: buyer agent compensation is being negotiated more directly, and in some cases, buyers may pay the difference if the seller isn’t covering the full amount the buyer’s agent contract requires.

Ed’s simple operational preference: keep it clean—put compensation terms clearly into the contract to reduce confusion and “he said/she said” issues later.

Must Attend Real Estate Event :Philadelphia Real Estate Symposium (Feb 26)

Join us Thursday, Feb 26 (9AM–1PM) at Penns Landing Caterers for the 3rd Annual Philadelphia Real Estate Symposium. Tickets are $10 and benefit The Bethesda Project.

✅ Register for Feb 26: https://philadelphiarealestatesymposium2026.eventbrite.com

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