by Darryl Davis | Jun 16, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
When you hit a bump in the road in your real estate career, you’ll know how to handle it and push through with these tips from coach Darryl Davis.
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
No need to sugarcoat, right? Real estate isn’t always sunshine, commission checks and champagne closings (but wouldn’t that be awesome?). It’s a rollercoaster. One minute you’re up. The next, you’re screaming into a pillow because a deal blew up at the eleventh hour. But here’s the good news: Every problem has a solution — if you’re prepared.
7 common problems
That’s what this article is about. Looking under the hood of seven common real estate problems and how to overcome them like a true professional (the kind who doesn’t lose sleep when things go sideways).
1. Unrealistic client expectations
The problem: Sellers think their home is worth a million bucks because they painted the cabinets and updated the flooring. Buyers think their dream home exists — complete with quartz countertops, a pool and walkability to Starbucks — for $200,000.
The fix: Set expectations from Day 1. Show data. Use comps. Walk through actual outcomes in today’s market. Real people, real houses, real scenarios. And, for the love of listings, learn to speak in analogies:
“Trying to sell an overpriced home is like walking into Starbucks and trying to sell a $5 coffee for $10. It doesn’t matter how good it smells or how many hearts and smiley faces you draw on the cup — people know the going rate for a coffee.”
When you can reframe the scenario and parallel it with something they already know to be true, they’ll get it. They might not like it, but it will bring them back into more realistic thinking.
2. Deals falling apart at the finish line
The problem: Inspections, financing hiccups, cold feet — oh my! Deals can fall apart in the blink of an eye during this crucial time, and for any number of reasons. It’s disappointing (maybe even crushing) for your clients who thought they had this in the bag.
The fix: Be proactive, and look for any potential hiccups early on. Vet buyers fast. Encourage pre-inspections for sellers. Over-communicate with all parties like you’re the conductor of a very fragile orchestra. And always, always have a Plan B. Even a Plan C. No surprises, just solutions.
3. Low inventory (AKA ‘the search for unicorns’)
The problem: Buyers want homes that aren’t on the market. Sellers are waiting for a variety of reasons – trying to time the market to their advantage, waiting for interest rates to change – whatever their reason, they aren’t ready to sell.
The fix: This is where you earn your stripes. Knock on doors. Mail letters. Work your expireds and FSBOs. Call your sphere and say, “Hey, I’ve got a family looking to buy in your neighborhood — know anyone thinking of selling?”
Don’t wait for the market to serve up listings — go out and create them.
4. Nervous buyers on the fence
The problem: Interest rates tick up, and suddenly buyers freeze like deer in headlights. They’re scared to move. Scared to breath. Worried that one wrong move will end their dreams of buying a home.
The fix: Don’t downplay their fear — educate it. Show them the power of long-term equity growth. Walk them through what waiting could cost. Show them the long-term effects that waiting might have. You can say:
“You don’t stop buying groceries when prices rise — you shop smarter. Real estate’s the same. The right time is when you’re ready, not when the headlines say so.”
5. Time management mayhem
The problem: You’re running around like a chicken without a CRM. Maybe your client list is an Excel spreadsheet. Maybe it’s on file cards. Heck, maybe your to-do list is written on a napkin. It’s time to face facts: You don’t have a strong system.
The fix: Structure is sexy. (OK, maybe just effective.) Time-block your prospecting. Use a CRM that doesn’t confuse you. Prioritize your dollar-productive activities. Remember: Consistency beats intensity. A focused 60 minutes a day trumps chaos every time.
6. Objection overload
The problem: Commission complaints. Buyer agency pushback. “We want to think about it.” Every listing appointment or buy conversation seems to be filled with Negative Nellies and excuses, and nobody wants to commit.
The fix: Objections aren’t rejections — they’re requests for clarity. Don’t get defensive — get confident. If someone questions your fee, try this: “Hiring me is like hiring a top attorney on contingency. I don’t get paid unless I win — for you.”
Boom — Professional. Relatable. Powerful.
7. Trust takes time
The problem: Clients are skeptical. You’re “just another agent” until you prove otherwise. How many times have you heard, “I get calls from 20 agents a week? What makes you different?” They’re tired and maybe even annoyed.
The fix: Overdeliver. Every time. Share real testimonials. Offer references before they ask. Respond quickly. Show them you’re not just in it for the commission — you’re in it for them. Trust isn’t built in a day; it’s built in every interaction.
Be the problem-solver, not the panic button
Look — real estate problems aren’t going anywhere. But neither are you. The agents who thrive in this business aren’t the ones who avoid problems — they’re the ones who lean in, stay ready and show up with solutions. So, when the rollercoaster dips, don’t scream. Stand up, smile and say, “Let’s solve this.” Because that’s what real professionals do.
by Bernice Ross | Jun 16, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
Thinking about buying a second home to use as a short-term rental (STR) or adding a rentable unit to your primary residence? Dreaming of scaling into a full-blown business with multiple Airbnbs and Vrbos? While STRs are often hyped as a fast track to wealth, the reality is far more complicated than what you see on TikTok. If you’re serious about entering the STR market, here’s exactly what is required to succeed.
Make the shift from tourist to investor
Having a great location where you have a beachfront view or where you can ski directly to the lifts from your unit is great but avoid making the mistake of choosing a property based upon what you would rent. When you’re investing, the decision must be tied to a variety of other factors that are even more important than the location.
1. ALWAYS investigate the local regulations and restrictions governing the property BEFORE you begin your property search
Many popular cities such as Austin, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu and large parts of Florida, have severely restricted or banned short-term rentals. For example, Austin has very specific requirements governing how homeowners may use part or all of their primary residence as an STR. Other areas require all STR stays to be a minimum of 30 days.
Check the zoning and HOAs
Even in short-term-rental-friendly markets, neighborhood HOAs and condo associations often prohibit rentals under 30 days. If you’re looking at a condominium property, always check the property’s HOA’s CC&Rs to make sure short-term rentals are allowed.
Use data tools
Platforms like AirDNA, Rabbu, and Mashvisor let you compare occupancy rates, average daily rates (ADR), and seasonality for Airbnb and Vrbo listings side-by-side. By the way, don’t assume Airbnb is your best choice. Vrbo is strong in many vacation markets.
2. Airbnb vs. Vrbo: Which one is right for you?
Both platforms offer short-term rentals, but they often serve very different types of travelers. The question is what type of guests would you like to attract?
Airbnb
Airbnb appeals more to urban travelers, younger guests, digital nomads and quirky stays. Think: tiny homes, Airstreams and well-designed condos near downtown attractions.
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner)
Vrbo attracts families and larger groups looking for traditional vacation homes, often in beach towns, mountain resorts and suburban getaways.
Vrbo guests often stay longer and spend more
Their average booking value tends to be higher, but they also expect more space and amenities, including full kitchens, multiple bathrooms and kid-friendly features.
Cross-listing is smart
Most successful hosts list on both Airbnb and Vrbo (and sometimes Booking.com), using tools like Lodgify, Guesty for Hosts, or Hostaway to sync calendars, automate messages and avoid double bookings. Guesty claims that users who switch from Hostaway to their platform increase their revenue by 16.4 percent.
3. Buy a property that performs — not just one that looks good
Not every cute cottage is a winner. To succeed with short-term rentals, you need a property that guests love and that fits your management strategy.
Size matters
One-bedroom units often get higher occupancy, while three- to four-bedroom homes attract family groups on Vrbo and command higher nightly rates.
Outdoor amenities boost income
Fire pits, hot tubs, BBQs and fenced yards add value, but pet-friendly may add the most.
Themed properties stand out
A mountain retreat, midcentury modern hideaway or coastal beach bungalow can help you charge more and get booked faster.
Avoid big renovation projects
Unless you’re experienced with permits, design, code, supply chain issues, time delays due to slow responding city/county inspectors, unexpected costs can destroy your return.
4. Beware: Pitfalls that can turn your investment into a money pit
Short-term rental ownership isn’t just mortgage + dreams. There are layers of costs that can turn a profitable property into a money pit.
Furnishing and staging
In terms of your budget for furniture, decor, kitchenware, linens, cable, internet, etc., it’s smart to hold your budget between 10–15% of the property’s value.
Licensing, taxes and inspections
These requirements can vary based on the city, the state, subdivision or even a specific condominium building. For example, some cities require short-term rental permits, business licenses, hotel taxes and annual safety inspections. Penalties for noncompliance can be steep.
Caveat: Your homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t cover short-term rentals
Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover STRs. Resources for STR insurance include the following companies:
- Proper: Offers comprehensive short-term rental insurance, including property damage, liability and lost income.
- Safely: Known for its flexible “pay as you go” model and short-term rental coverage.
- CBIZ: Provides tailored insurance solutions for short-term rental businesses.
- American Family Insurance: Offers short-term rental coverage as an add-on to existing home insurance.
- Allstate: Offers HostAdvantage home-sharing insurance with a discount.
- Nationwide: Offers comprehensive protection for landlords with short-term and vacation rental property.
Vrbo’s damage protection is separate
Unlike Airbnb’s AirCover (which has limits), Vrbo allows hosts to set damage deposits or require guests to purchase protection, providing you with control but also increased paperwork.
5. How will you manage your short-term rental?
There are three options when it comes to managing your short-term rental: handle it all yourself, hire a property manager or use a hybrid model.
Do-it-yourself
As mentioned above, use tools such as Lodgify, Guesty for Hosts, or Hostaway to sync calendars, automate messages and avoid double bookings. Other useful tools include:
- Hospitable for automated guest messaging and channel management
- PriceLabs for dynamic pricing and revenue management
- Turno Automated cleaning scheduling for short-term rentals worldwide.
Hire a local property manager
Expect to pay 20 percent to 30 percent of gross rental income. This is ideal if you don’t live near the property or are seeking true passive income. Thorough vetting of your property manager is an absolute must.
Hybrid approach
Handle bookings and messaging yourself but outsource the cleaning and maintenance. This reduces costs while keeping you involved in guest experience and reviews.
6. Marketing your short-term rental: Good images mean more bookings
Your photos will make or break the number of bookings you receive. Here are some important guidelines to follow.
Hire a professional photographer
High-resolution, professionally shot images are one of the best investments you can make. Properties with great photos often see up to 40 percent more bookings.
Stage your STR like a boutique hotel
Cozy throws, coffee setups and books on the nightstand evoke a lifestyle, not just a short-term stay.
Highlight key amenities
Pools, views, fire pits, bunk rooms and spacious kitchens should be front and center. Also, if you’re property is “pet friendly,” make sure that is featured as well. If there’s a local dog park or hike and bike trail nearby, be sure to show that as well.
Photograph all the spaces in your STR
Include outdoor areas, entrances, workspace setups and bathrooms — guests want to see everything.
7. Provide your guests with the little touches that make a big difference in your reviews
The guidelines below are essential to getting great reviews and booking repeat business.
Be in constant communication with your guests
Respond quickly when your guests reach out to you or risk receiving a poor review. Both Airbnb and Vrbo reward responsive hosts with better visibility.
Cleanliness is king
A missed crumb or unwashed dish can tank your reviews. Systematize cleanings and quality control.
Overdeliver
Provide a basket of local snacks, a handwritten welcome note, games for kids or a guide to local restaurants. These little touches make a big impact on guest satisfaction and future bookings.
8. Additional resources
Letting strangers into your short-term rental, particularly if it’s also your second home, isn’t risk-free. Here are additional steps to take that can reduce the chance of damage or complaints.
Guest vetting
Consider minimum stay requirements, ID verification or even hosting only guests with prior positive reviews.
Smart locks and cameras
Use code-based entry, doorbell cams (at the front door only).
Have strict house rules
Spell them out in the listing as well as clearly posting them on-site. Include quiet hours, guest limits, and rules for smoking, pets and events.
Insurance and deposits
Airbnb’s AirCover provides up to $3,000 in damage protection, but it’s still recommended that you carry commercial STR insurance. Vrbo allows hosts to require damage deposits or renter protection directly from guests.
Other issues to consider include booking your short-term rental, security, noise monitoring, protecting your property and guest vetting.
- Hostfully provides direct booking websites as well as digital guidebooks for assistance.
- Minut is a great service that not only monitors the noise in your STR like NoiseAware does, but also detects “crowd events,” temperature and cigarette smoke as well.
Short-term rental buyer checklist:
Before you buy, ask yourself:
- Are short-term rentals legal in this location?
- Is this a high-demand market for Airbnb and Vrbo?
- Have I identified how the cleanings, emergencies and other communication will be handled?
- Have I budgeted for furniture, insurance, taxes and software?
- What makes my listing more attractive than others nearby?
- Would I want to stay here?
If you answered all these questions, “Yes,” you’re ready to take the next step and launch your STR business.
by Rachael Hite | Jun 15, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
One of the things I most admire about the real estate industry is how many hard-working dads are not only coaching their real estate teams to success, but then they roll out of the parking lot and head to the ballfield to help out their kids and the kids in their community as well.
The spirit of community is alive and well in the real estate industry. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate and recognize the Dads doing the most and appreciate the laughter and love they bring to their offices, homes, and communities.
What Dads really want this year
Here are three things that Dads really want this Father’s Day weekend.
1. They want room to step away from stereotypes without the fear of social criticism
I cannot tell you how many men I have spoken to recently who feel like being a man, a father, a business professional, a son and a friend is extremely challenging right now. They think that no matter what path they choose, they feel like someone is ready to argue with them and tell them they are wrong.
They feel conflicted and frustrated that, even if they exhibit good behaviors and habits, it’s overshadowed by the bad that lesser men inflict on society every day.
Don’t just praise men for doing the bare minimum; praise them when they are doing the hard work of managing their emotions without anger, managing the office with attention to detail and consideration for others, and above all, give them space to be soft and kind without derogatory comments.
Masculinity is under the microscope, and it’s been turned into a political weapon that does not favor men or women. It fosters power, oppression and closed-mindedness.
Men are encouraged and praised for choosing violent hobbies and interests, but not commended for sharing equal labor in the home and when raising children. Men are often praised for titles, financial gains and awards, but they are not often commended for compassion, kindness and adopting non-violent practices as part of child rearing and interacting with society.
Men deserve to eliminate the phrase: “Just wait until your father gets home,” and replace it with the phrase “Your Dad will want to talk to you and spend time with you when you get home because your relationship is important to him.”
2. Dads deserve a chance to break away from ‘tradition’ and build new legacies
There was a powerful scene in one of my favorite new shows, The Last of Us, where a young Joel sits with his father at the kitchen table and has a beer with him as they discuss a serious family issue. The father, in a rare show of emotional openness, explains that despite his parental failings, he knows he is doing better for his sons than his father did for him.
Look, friends, therapy is cool, and I think everyone should try it at least once because we all carry issues that need to be resolved. Having a space to talk about these issues should not be seen as weakness. Men shouldn’t be seen as a “lesser man” because they admit they need help or that they went through some trauma. It’s about taking action so you don’t pass it on to your wife, kids, friends or coworkers.
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Dads need support. We all need support. Life is incredibly challenging, and we shouldn’t be afraid to discuss it. Currently, men outnumber women in suicide rates, and the risk increases if they have had personal trauma or are veterans.
Break away from traditional expectations of what you think a father should be, and become the Dad you want to be. Dads need room to do it their way and build a better future, instead of just masking their problems.
3. Dads need to think about fitness and health, without having pressure to become a bodybuilder
Trying to make time for the gym is rough, and as a woman, going into the gym can sometimes be very intimidating. However, I actually feel worse for the men in there, putting on some strange caveman show for each other. Who has the biggest arms, can press the most weight, can run the fastest, can jump around and yell the loudest?
It doesn’t make for a calm and peaceful experience, and if you are mentally worn out or overweight, it’s hard to immediately jump into that mindset and not feel like it’s a punishment. I’m all for encouraging fitness, providing help and maintaining accountability with friends, but most of the time, what I see is men pushing themselves too far for the sake of showing off to random people around them.
Dads need to know that they can be healthy without being “sexy,” it’s OK to have a “dad bod,” and they can go to the gym and play sports without blowing out knees, shoulders and whatever else joints they haphazardly ruin while trying to keep up with the show.
Dads, please go on a family walk, and eat something healthy once in a while, so you don’t develop heart issues, diabetes and mobility issues. Dads need to be OK with self-care, so they can be here longer for us and be stronger for us in the long run.
Grateful for Dad jokes
I’m so grateful for the great dads I know, especially those who excel at telling terrible dad jokes and giving hugs. A dad who knows how to bring laughter into sad situations, who gives good hugs, who can be a best friend when you need to work on a serious project and who is the best listener when you need help.
Those are the Dads we need more of in today’s challenging world. Dads need room to show love and to be soft as well as firm. Happy Father’s Day to all the special men and Dads in the real estate industry who are raising the bar and making a difference.
Cheers to those who support them, and may we raise a new generation of Dads who are part of the solution as they bring more compassion and kindness into this world.
Rachael Hite is a seasoned housing counselor and thought leader in the real estate industry. Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
by Jessi Healey | Jun 15, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
The platforms are evolving fast, but the real estate playbook remains simple: Show up often, tell better stories and leverage tools that help the right clients find you.
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the power of the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
Each week on Trending, digital marketer Jessi Healey dives into what’s buzzing in social media and why it matters for real estate professionals. From viral trends to platform changes, she’ll break it all down so you know what’s worth your time — and what’s not.
The gap between organic content and paid performance is shrinking fast because platforms are increasingly rewarding the same thing in both: Content that holds attention. Instagram’s Trial Reels aren’t just a growth tool; they’re training users to post more frequently.
TikTok’s ad upgrades aren’t just about targeting — they’re about surfacing brands that behave like creators. Even LinkedIn’s new video ad formats reflect this shift, blending content styles that feel less like ads and more like native engagement.
For real estate professionals, this signals a growing advantage for those who prioritize substance over polish. You don’t need to master every feature — you need to consistently create moments that resonate with your audience’s intent, whether that’s exploring a listing, researching the market or simply building trust over time.
TikTok blends nostalgia, confidence and big ad updates
TikTok’s trending content this week is all about emotional hooks and high-energy edits. The #NoughtiesNostalgia trend taps into 2000s pop culture, while the “Holy (Freaking) Airball” audio gives creators a chance to flex their wins and prove doubters wrong. Tracks like Party 4 U by Charli XCX and Shake It to the Max by Moliy are driving upbeat edits across home tours, lifestyle posts and celebrations.
For real estate professionals, these trends offer quick ways to stay relatable:
- Use nostalgia to highlight neighborhood history or retro home features.
- Pair “Holy (Freaking) Airball” with bidding war wins or client success stories.
- Layer trending tracks over listing tours or market updates for fast, polished content.
On the business side, TikTok dropped major updates at its 2025 “TikTok World” event:
- Market Scope for analyzing audience intent
- Brand Consideration Ads for targeting high-intent users based on in-app behavior
- Search Center for easier ad placement in search results
- TikTok One for better creator insights
- New AI tools like Smart+ and Symphony for automated creative and campaign setup
- Easier UGC-to-ad conversion
And yes — TikTok’s political limbo continues. President Trump confirmed he’s still hoping for a deal, but says he’s open to granting another extension if needed.
For real estate pros, this is a reminder to keep your TikTok content flexible — and stay tuned. The platform continues to evolve both culturally and structurally, offering growing ways to convert viewers into clients.
Instagram levels up discovery, trial tools and audience reach
Instagram is rolling out multiple updates aimed at helping creators — and eventually businesses — reach more non-followers.
- Search engine visibility: Instagram posts may soon start appearing in search engine results, expanding organic discoverability beyond the app.
- Trial Reels boost: Instagram reports that 80 percent of creators who used Trial Reels saw increased reach from non-followers. (Daily limit: 20 Trial Reels per user.)
- Recaps and Celebrations: In-app features highlighting insights, milestones and growth stats.
For real estate professionals, Instagram’s updates signal a stronger push toward visibility for newer accounts and more creative experimentation. Trial Reels, in particular, could help listings or market insights land in front of untapped audiences.
LinkedIn pushes short-form video and creative flexibility
LinkedIn is quietly building out its video ecosystem with:
- First Impression Ads: Full-screen, vertical video ads placed at the top of user feeds, perfect for single-day campaigns.
- Adobe Express integration: Creators and marketers can now pull Adobe designs directly into LinkedIn’s Campaign Manager.
- Video best practices: New recommendations include optimizing for mobile, adding captions, reducing background noise, and experimenting with outside-the-box value content.
For real estate professionals, LinkedIn’s ad tools may offer new ways to target both professional audiences and recruiting prospects, especially with polished, mobile-friendly videos that deliver helpful insights.
Meta ad strategies stay rooted in creative fundamentals
Meta has shared new insights based on analysis of 1 million-plus creatives, reinforcing that strong fundamentals still outperform gimmicks:
- 9:16 vertical video
- Emotional storytelling
- Clear human presence (on-camera, not stock)
- Audio with captions or text overlays
Meta claims that using this combination can lower Cost Per Action (CPA) by 16 percent and increase conversion rates by 29 percent.
For real estate professionals, this means you don’t need the trendiest content — you need clear, human-centered stories that speak directly to buyers and sellers.
Threads links get a quiet boost
Meta’s Adam Mosseri confirmed that links are now performing better on Threads, thanks to ranking updates. For real estate pros using Threads, that means posting helpful links to your site, search tools or lead magnets may have more organic reach than before, making Threads a growing place to build warm audiences while the ad platform develops.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
- TikTok’s nostalgia-fueled trends pair with major ad tool upgrades, including Market Scope and AI-powered campaign automation.
- Instagram may soon show posts in search results, Trial Reels are boosting reach, and new features like Recaps, Celebrations roll out.
- LinkedIn adds vertical video ads, Adobe integrations, and video best practices focused on mobile, audio and clear value.
- Meta ad data shows that vertical video with emotional storytelling, humans on-camera and text overlays drives stronger conversion.
- Threads improves link ranking — giving organic posts with links more reach and discoverability.
The algorithms may change weekly, but the strategy stays steady: Simplify your message, show up consistently and use each platform’s evolving tools to meet your audience where they are. Whether you’re running ads or simply refining your organic content, focus on clarity over complexity because attention favors content that connects fast.
Jessi Healey is a freelance writer and social media manager specializing in real estate. Find her on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, or Bluesky.
by Christian Ashley Harris | Jun 15, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
As we celebrate Father’s Day, Ashley Harris recognizes her father, her husband and the dads who lead with presence — in every form that takes.
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
I never set out to become a Realtor.
As a third-generation Realtor, you’d think it was inevitable — but in college, I had other plans.
I was earning my marketing degree and fully intended to climb the corporate ladder as a chief marketing officer (CMO) for a Fortune 500 company — not to market myself as a real estate advisor and mentor. But life has a way of surprising you.
One summer, between my sophomore and junior year of college, my dad gave me a nudge I didn’t see coming: “You’re going to get your real estate license.”
At the time, it felt like a temporary side project. I thought, “Well, I’ll need to buy a house one day anyway. Might as well learn how.”
That decision changed the entire trajectory of my life.
Real estate has become far more than a career for me — it’s been the vehicle through which I’ve built a life, a business, lifelong friendships, and most importantly, a family I’m grateful for every single day.
And for that initial push from my dad, I will always be thankful. Because through this journey, I also met my partner in every sense of the word — in life, in business and in parenthood — my husband, Christian.
A real-life Super Dad
Christian leads with a quiet strength and steady heart.
He’s the dad (and bonus dad!) who shows up fully — whether it’s teaching the boys how to shave, helping them iron their uniforms, pretending to understand what’s going on with their latest “sportsball” teams, or navigating the beautiful chaos of raising three boys full time. And that same patience, humor and heart he brings to fatherhood shines through in how he leads our team, cares for our agents and organizations, and serves our clients. It’s who he is — through and through.
Earlier this year, I watched him proudly march down Constitution Avenue alongside our son Asher in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. It was a moment of honor and pride for our family — one I’ll never forget.
At home, he’s also become a true Disney Dad — fully embracing our love of the parks (popcorn bucket and all). He’s mastered teen lingo with “rizz” (sometimes a little too well), and at dinner, you can count on at least three to four dad jokes — met with groans, laughter and a whole lot of eye rolls from the boys.
But beneath it all is a man who models the values I admire most: faith, integrity, love and leadership.
In a business that often pulls us in a thousand directions, Christian keeps what matters most — our faith and our family — at the center of it all. And I’m endlessly grateful for the example he sets for our boys and for those we lead.
To all the dads who show up
As we celebrate Father’s Day, I want to recognize the dads who lead with presence — in every form that takes.
- The biological dads who balance contracts and coaching schedules.
- The bonus dads who pour love and guidance into their families.
- The mentors who serve as father figures for their teams.
- The single dads who navigate each day with courage and heart.
- The dads of furry family members whose homes are filled with unconditional love.
- And every man who shows up, leads with kindness and models integrity for those around him.
In real estate, we often talk about building a legacy. But in truth, the greatest legacies are built in the quiet, consistent moments — in the way we love, lead and serve those entrusted to us.
To Christian, to my dad, and to all the super dads out there: Thank you. You are shaping lives in ways that extend far beyond any business success.
Happy Father’s Day.
by Devon Broderick | Jun 14, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
My friends, it has been a while since last I wrote to you. Much has changed in the world of dad jokes, yet joyfully things remain largely the same.
Except in my home.
You see, it’s 2025, and my only child moved out this year. It’s honestly a strange sensation because I have been a mostly solo dad for 23 straight years to my son, who has lived with me the whole time. Times change.
When he moved out, an odd melancholy anticipation came over me—melancholy for his absence, but anticipation because I’m excited for his life and my life as it will take shape in that same absence.
And so what do I do with myself now? That’s the question, right? No.
The real question is: “Who do I tell all my dad jokes to now?”
Do I tell my wife? No. Here’s what happens when I do that: Yesterday, she told me her brother is planning a mountain backpacking trip and was going to take some altitude sickness pills. So I said, “Oh man, I hear that medication gets you really high.”
She just looked at me deadpan and said, “Dad jokes.” This is a no-go.
Do I tell the dogs? They never laugh. Door-to-door salespeople? Might make them finally think twice about unsolicited soliciting. Strangers at the store? They tend to look at me weird.
Shall I then shout these zingers at the walls — the cold, grey, echoey walls of my home — hoping in futility to hear just a single creak of the settling house that I could pretend was the tiniest groan in response …?
Who — I ask you — who will be the pun-fortunate recipient of my burgeoning stockpile of unfunny humor?
Hello, Inman Readers. Here is your list of the 15 lamest dad jokes of 2025:
1. Two sheep walk into a — baaaa.
2. What do real estate agents have to be thankful for? Lots. (Get it??)
3. My teacher asked me to name two structures that contain water … I was like, “Well, dam!”
4. Why was the real estate agent in counseling? He just couldn’t get closure.
5. Don’t ever fish with a DJ. They’re always dropping the bass.
6. Siri kept calling me “Shirley” all day yesterday and I was getting very annoyed. But I finally realized I had left my phone in Airplane! mode.
7. Did you hear about the last remaining unit in the apartment building? It was last but not leased.
8. I should start doing lunges to stay in shape. That would be a big step forward.
9. What does a house wear? Address.
10. Did you hear about the guy who got hit in the head with a pop can? He was lucky it was a soft drink.
11. What do you call a pirate who designs houses? An ARRRchitect!
12. I just landed a position at a company that makes foam rubber. So far, it seems like a pretty cushy job.
13. Do you want to hear a joke about a roof? It’s on the house.
14. I only know 25 letters of the alphabet, and I don’t know Y.
15. Q: How many real estate agents does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: None! The lightbulb is in excellent working order and composed of a beautiful retro teardrop illuminator, offering original glass and metal features and located very centrally in the middle of the room. Local amenities abound, and the property is serviced by a newly refurbished power cord connecting it to the ceiling. Nearby is a tasteful power switch to enable the purchaser to switch it on and off. Leasehold with a share of power supply, lovingly improved wattage by the current owners. Would suit a professional couple or family looking for more light.
Sources courtesy InboundREM, The Pioneer Woman, Delish and Reddit.
Connect with Devon Broderick on LinkedIn.
