The Power in Taking the Risk with Michael Valdes

Michael Valdes joins The Massive Agent to discuss what drove him to leave Realogy for eXp, what he was able to accomplish while other companies were scrambling to adapt to pandemic lockdowns, and what advice he has for agents who know they can do more.
Two men flank a bold 'TAKE THE RISK!!' message on a dark patterned background.
Two men flank a bold 'TAKE THE RISK!!' message on a dark patterned background.
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If you're still treating AI like a search engine, this is for you. BAM BBQ is two and a half hours of real instruction on AI for real estate, from conversations to content to systems. It’s free, virtual, and loaded with plays you can run the same week. Save your spot →

On this episode of The Massive Agent Podcast, we’re talking with Michael Valdes. He’s the Chief Growth Officer at eXp Realty—formerly at Realogy, where he was responsible for helping the company expand into an additional 70 countries. 

Michael took a giant step when he walked away from Realogy and joined eXp to grow its global presence. And when he took it, the world opened up to him on the other side. 

We talk about the life-changing risk Michael took when he joined eXp, why he did it, what he was able to accomplish while other real estate companies were scrambling to adapt to pandemic lockdowns, and what advice he has for agents who know they can do more. 

My goal for this episode is to inspire you to get out of your comfort zone. Some of you out there are settling for good when you know that great is possible. You’re afraid of taking a risk. You’re afraid of taking that first step. I’ve been there, and I know how terrifying it can be. 

But I wouldn’t be much of a friend if I told you it’s fine to just play it safe and avoid risks. Nothing grows in the comfort zone. And you deserve so much better. 

I hope every one of you gets to the point where you can honestly say, right along with Michael, that being comfortable makes you uncomfortable. Because if you know you’re not growing, it’s time to shake things up. 

Listen to the podcast above or click on any of the timestamps below to watch:  

00:0010:06 Intro

10:55 What were you doing on a daily basis with Realogy?

14:52 What sets Glenn Sanford apart from other CEOs and founders of major RE companies? 

16:51 What was the most attractive thing about eXp and the model in general?

17:11 “For me, the most important thing is community within our industry.”

25:40 Common threads he’s seen among agents and leaders in other countries 

32:01 If you’re not growing, you need to challenge yourself.

35:00 There’s actually more risk in settling for good than in trying for something better.

Click here to watch the full video. 

This week’s Massive Agent Podcast is brought to you by Follow Up Boss. Click here to learn more.

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About the Author

Host of the Massive Agent Podcast and creator of the Massive Agent Society, Dustin considers himself a marketer who sells homes. He is a Top 3 Finalist for an Inman Innovator of the Year Award and an industry keynote speaker, appearing on stage at Gary Vaynerchuk’s Agent2021, Inman Connect, Sales Mastery, HousingWire, and more.

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